LINGAYEN -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) welcomed any complaints from parties or candidates who are not satisfied with the election results and are free to file protest after the formal proclamation of winning candidates.
This was the reaction of the Comelec here following a press conference called by the officials of the Abante Ilocano Pangasinan (API) Party-list whose founder is former Pangasinan governor and Representative Amado Espino Jr.
On Tuesday, Espino Jr. called for a press conference to declare that they do not agree with the outcome of the election.
“We do not agree on the result of the election,” said Espino, citing election results in the 2nd district for congressman and results for the gubernatorial race.
Based on the initial count of votes cast, Fifth District Representative Ramon Guico III l was leading by more than 160,000 votes over incumbent Governor Amado “Pogi” Espino III, who was gunning for third term.
Espino Jr also cited they do not conform with the election results in 2nd district, where his son Jumel Espino lost to former Fifth District Rep. Mark Cojuangco, who transferred his residence to the capital town of Lingayen a year before the election.
Pangasinan has about 2.1 million registered voters.
“Malungkot kami at hindi naman akalain na maging sa aming bailiwick ay nawala ang malaking boto “ Espino told in a press conference Tuesday at Narcisco Ramos Sport Complex, Lingayen.
“Hindi po kami naniniwala na iyong dalawang bata matatalo po iyan, si Pogi po madaling araw gumigising nag aayuda po iyan at talagang nagpupunta sa barangay gayundin si Jumel, ngayon natalo sila sa barangay na pinupuntahan nila habang ang kalaban ay hindi nakakapunta sa barangay,” said Espino Jr.
The elder Espino claimed that his son ‘Pogi’ is a multi-awarded and hard-working governor whose ‘lakbay aral’ was well-appreciated by different provinces.
Espino said there was evidence that could prove there was indeed cheating during the election.
“Iyong nagboto ang supporters tapos iba ang lumabas, at dokumentado ito,” said the elder Espino.
Meanwhile, lawyer Nelson Valdez Gayo, secretary general of API Party, shared their statement in the aftermath of the 2022 election.
We Abante Pangasinan Ilocano Party said: “Equipt with courage and democratic principles, strengthened by our supporters, we stand here today for you to hear our voice, we are committed to you, our dear Pangasinenses, because you are worthy of our concern and public service.”
It added: “We will accept defeat provided this is done within the atmosphere of fair play, clean and honest elections but my friends the facts and figures of glaring massive cheating are very obvious.”
Gayo claimed there were several supporters who are now ready to submit their sworn statements for the documentation of alleged massive cheating.