Author: The Radioman

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN – Gov. Victor Agbayani has finally broken his silence on the inclusion of his name in the administration’s senatorial slate in the May elections.

In a news release, Agbayani said he is honored to be included in the slate “as this may represent acknowledgment of all the work we have done in Pangasinan.”

“[But] this needs careful study. For one, I will need to consult our leaders in the province to determine how or in what capacity they would wish me to continue to serve,” Agbayani, who is on his last term, said.

Last Sunday, Speaker Jose De Venecia, told local media practitioners in Manaoag, Pangasinan that Agbayani was among those who have been recommended by administration coalition leaders in the senatorial line up, which included Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, also a Panagsinense.

De Venecia said Agbayani and Duque are “credible names, young people.”

Agbayani had earlier been reported that he would be running unopposed in the province’s second district, in exchange for his support to the gubernatorial bid of Rep. Amado Espino, who still has one term in the district.

But Agbayani said the reports are “baseless and untrue,” adding that he has not endorsed yet any congressman or any candidate for governor.

Agbayani also said that he has begun a process of consultation with grassroots leaders to get a consensus on what course of action he would take.

DAGUPAN CITY – Two congressmen, a vice governor, a former police general; and the doctor-wife of the governor may slug it out in a free-for-all gubernatorial race in Pangasinan this May.

Pangasinan’s second district Rep. Amado Espino Jr. had told newsmen here he has been aiming for the gubernatorial seat, which will be vacated by Gov. Victor Agbayani, who is now on his last term.

“It’s still an option and I’ve been preparing for it,” Espino, who is now on his second term, said.

Sixth district Rep. Conrado Estrella III, despite reports he had decided to seek reelection for his last term in his district, has not “completely dropped out of the race yet.”

“He is still considering running for governor,” an Estrella supporter, who requested anonymity, said.

Vice Gov. Oscar Lambino, for his part, said any vice governor “would like to become governor someday.”

“So, since it’s already my last term, and the governor is also in his last term, my direction is towards the governorship,” Lambino, provincial chair of the administration Lakas Party, told the Inquirer.

Former police director general (now National Irrigation Administration chief) Arturo Lomibao said that his gubernatorial bid is still on.

“Tuloy ang laban (The fight is still on),” Lomibao said in a text message.

On the candidacy of Agbayani’s wife, Jamie Eloise, a doctor, the provincial information office in Lingayen said in a news release Wednesday that there is a “growing clamor for the governor to field his wife to ensure the continuity of the governor’s development programs.”

Local newspaper columnist and political analyst Gonzalo Duque said that to win the gubernatorial race, a candidate must be able to get the blessings of the administration.

“If you are with the administration, you will certainly win because this is a local fight where machinery is very important,” Duque told the Inquirer.

All of the possible candidates, however, have been aligned with the administration. Espino is a member of the Kabalikat ng Mamamayang Pilipino (KAMPI), a political party identified with resident Arroyo.

Estrella ran under the opposition Nationalist People’s Coalition, but he has been perceived to be supportive of Mrs. Arroyo.
Agbayani, likewise, is aligned with the administration as Lakas co-chair.

With this possible gubernatorial race scenario, Duque said Pangasinan may be declared a free zone.

DAGUPAN CITY — The first of five overpasses in the city is now rising and will soon be operational by mid February.

District Engineer Rodolfo Dion of the Pangasinan II Engineering District which covers the second and fourth congressional districts of the province said the overpass being constructed in front of the Dagupan City National High School along Tapuac road is about to be finished.

Next in line is another overpass to be constructed in front of the Philippine National Bank and the City Hall in A.B. Fernandez Avenue, the downtown area Three more are to be constructed in the areas of Nepo Mall in Arellano street, the old Pantranco terminal along MH Del Pilar and in front of the West Central School – St. John Cathedral along Burgos street, all particularly busy pedestrian areas.

Read full story in Philippine Information Agency website

DAGUPAN CITY – Former Tour champion Romeo Bonzo died today after a speeding van sideswiped his motorcycle in Sual, Pangasinan.

PO1 Joel Ramirez, intelligence and warrant officer of the Sual police station, said Bonzo, 48, was riding on his motorcycle when he stopped to talk to somebody in a van parked by the roadside.

It was then, police said, that a speeding van attempted to overtake the two vehicles. But because a truck was on the opposite lane, the van driver, identified as Moises Moyano of Barangay Bolosan, this city, swerved to the right, hitting Bonzo.

Bonzo sustained head injuries. He died on arrival at the Trauma Center here.

Moyano immediately surrendered to the police.

Former Tour champion Jess Garcia said he was stunned upon hearing Bonzo’s death.

Garcia said he was with Bonzo last Sunday during the staging of the Domalandan Cycling Classic in Lingayen, which Garcia organized and where Bonzo served as lead marshal.

“He is a big loss to Pangasinan cycling. He has been helping me in all my races in the province,” Garcia said.

Aside from assisting in the race, Garcia said Bonzo was also in Lingayen to support his only son, Mark Julius, who placed 10th during the race. Mark Julius is also a member of the Philippine National Youth Team.

Bonzo, an Army sergeant then, was shot to fame in 1983 when, as a rookie, he won that year’s Marlboro Tour. He was also declared 1983 Rookie of the Year.

In 1985, he quit the Marlboro Tour despite wearing the yellow jersey after he was penalized by tour officials for slapping his teammate in the nape.

His older brother, Modesto, was also 1976 Tour of Luzon champion.

Bonzo retired from the Army five years ago and joined the municipal government of Sual as Bantay Dagat volunteer.

He is survived by his wife, Clarita, and his five children.