2 lawmakers back Danding son’s bid for P’sinan top post

MANILA, Philippines - Two lawmakers have pledged their support for the gubernatorial candidacy of former fifth district congressman Mark Cojuangco, a son of businessman Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Jr., in the 2016 elections.

Sixth district Rep. Marlyn Primicias-Agabas and Abono party-list Rep. Conrado Estrella III hosted a consultative meeting with Cojuangco.

Several town mayors from the sixth district attended the event.

Estrella said they believe Cojuangco could bring progress to their province.

“We feel that with Mark Cojuangco, more investors will be coming to Pangasinan considering his business network and connections. These investors will be creating jobs and livelihood opportunities for our people,” he said.

Estrella said incumbent Gov. Amado Espino is on his third and last term of office.

 “During the past three elections, we supported him and we have no regrets for doing so. We still love him despite of his decision to bolt the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), which gave him shelter during his gubernatorial fights,” he said.

The younger Cojuangco is provincial chairman of NPC, the political party his father founded.

The Cojuangcos own a cement plant and other business interests in the sixth district, now represented by Mark’s wife, Kimi.

Espino is reportedly fielding his son against Cojuangco.

For his part, Agabas said, “I have known Mark as a fair and sincere person. This is the opportune time for him to be near the people in order that they will know his good attributes.”

The mayors who attended the meeting were Heidee Chua of Asingan, Tyrone Agabas (Tayug), Susan Pagador-Casareno (Rosales), Rodrigo Rafael (Natividad), Philipp Peralta (Balungao), Teodoro Ramos (Sta. Maria), Jericho Perez (San Manuel), Clark Tiu (San Quintin), Rebecca Saldivar (San Nicolas) and Elfred Tumbocon (Umingan).

Estrella said 34 of the 47 chairmen-members of the Association of Barangay Councils have also expressed support for Cojuangco’s gubernatorial bid.

Cojuangco said he was a “bit intimidated” and “humbled” by the endorsement of his former House colleagues and local officials in the province.