DAGUPAN CITY – The political stage is set for a significant rematch in Pangasinan as incumbent Governor Ramon Guico III faces former governor Amado Espino III in the upcoming gubernatorial elections. This contest marks another chapter in their ongoing rivalry within the province.
According to Philippines News Agency, Amado Espino III, who aims to recapture the governorship, officially entered the race by filing his certificate of candidacy last Saturday. Espino has chosen former Dasol Mayor Noel Nacar as his running mate. During a media interview at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) provincial office, Espino expressed his commitment to reviving the level of public service associated with his family’s name, reflecting on his father’s legacy over the past 15 years. “This is a fight for our province mates who want to feel anew the Espino service they experienced in the past,” he stated.
Prior to filing, Espino and his team visited the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Manaoag, seeking blessings and praying for the welfare of the province and its people. “We wanted our province mates to feel that the leader they voted for serves them well and right, and that our province be spared from any calamities, and unity for the good of the next generation,” Espino shared about his prayer intentions.
On the other side, Governor Ramon Guico III, who had filed his candidacy on October 2 alongside incumbent Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino, outlined the ongoing and future initiatives of his administration. In a statement, he highlighted the development projects like the Pangasinan Link Expressway in collaboration with San Miguel Holdings Corp., emphasizing the continuity and improvement of these programs.
Ericson Oganiza, Comelec-Pangasinan provincial election supervisor, noted that the election offices would remain open over the weekend to accommodate all candidates wishing to file their COCs. The local electoral environment is bustling as aspirants for other positions such as councilor, vice mayor, and mayor have also submitted their candidacies.
Among the notable filings was that of former Mangaldan Mayor Marilyn Lambino, who is seeking reelection under the Lakas CMD party. Lambino’s campaign continues the political engagement of her family in the region, following the public service career of her husband, former secretary Raul Lambino.