IT’S FINAL!

The wife of incumbent Gov Victor Agbayani is bidding to succeed him, it was confirmed by two Urduja House officials.

First to break the news was provincial administrator Virgilio Solis who told newsmen Wednesday afternoon that the Agbayani family reached a decision to field Jamie, a physician, in the gubernatorial fight after a long tedious consultation process with the family and their leaders.

Jamie, who will run under the administration Lakas-CMD party, is set to face Vice-Governor Oscar B. Lambino, who has earlier announced his candidacy, and second district Congressman Amado T. Espino.

Another perceived aspirant, retired national police chief Arturo Lomibao, now administrator of the National Irrigation Administration, a week back said in Manila he was running for governor but has since lain low till presstime.

Lambino, who is provincial co-chairman of the administration party, may jump to the opposition in case he would not get his party’s nomination as standard bearer or may form or join a so-called third force.
“Maganda yan … gusto kong mangyari yan,” he told a radio
interview when asked about a possible formation of a third force to carry his candidady.

The governor, who is Lakas co-chair, is expected to fight for the nomination of his wife as the standard bearer. But Lambino was not fazed by such possibility. “Tingnan natin, hanggat di ko makita yong certificate of nomination ng partido di sila pasisiguro,” he noted.

Provincial information Officer Ruel Camba told a separate radio interview that the arbitration committee of the party headed by House Speaker Jose de Venecia was expected to settle the issue soon.

Espino, on the other hand, was set to run under Kampi, another party supporting the administration.

Jamie’s candidacy settled the question whether the governor who is in his last term would run for either congressman or senator. Camba said the family decided to field only one member in the coming May elections so as not to divide attention, resources, and energy.

It will be recalled that two members of the family paid the price for running in the last elections apart from Victor – Luis as congressman in the first district, and Victoria for mayor in Sual- as their brother Victor was seeking his third term as governor.

At least four names are being floated to be Jamie’s running mate – Board Members Dionision Villar, Angel Baniqued, Marlyn Primicias Aggabas, and Eskimo Estrella. (DOS)