LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – As the outgoing governor Amado T. Espino Jr. delivered his ninth and last State of the Province Address (SOPA) in the Provincial Capitol Grounds last February 10, gubernatorial aspirant Mark Cojuangco shared his opinion in three words – “still the same.”
In an ambush interview, Cojuangco told the media that his observations on the report was the same with the previous governor’s reports. “Nadinig ko na sa dalawa pang naunang ang halos paulit-ulit na niyang sinasabi… nandito ako dahil gusto kong malaman ang katayuan ng ating probinsya,” Cojuangco added explaining the grounds of his claim.
He also said that the governor’s SOPA gives him the opportunity to know what the current government lacks which must be fulfilled by the next administration. “Marami din siyang (Espino) nagawa… ngunit inamin din niyang hindi naman niya nagawa lahat ng kailangang gawin,” Cojuangco stressed.
Cojuangco assured everybody to provide new programs as well as continuing the projects that the current administration will leave unfinished. However, the former solon explained that there are other projects that needed to be changed. He told that he eyes for infrastructure projects as he criticizes the construction of roads with substandard measurement. “Umutang ang probinsya ng napakalaki ngunit hindi naman tayo nagkakaroon ng bagong kalsada,” he pointed out.
On the other hand, Espino challenged the next governor to complete the unfinished projects of his administration such as the economic zone, seaport in Sual and the Lingayen airport.
The 2016 elections in Pangasinan will feature a hot contested gubernatorial seat as the former 5th district Congressman faces Amado “Pogi” Espino which is the son of the incumbent governor.
By Herald Express News Team
