Orbos to run for Pangasinan governor - report

Eyeing a comeback, former Pangasinan governor Oscar Orbos is joining the gubernatorial race in Pangasinan, Sun-Star Pangasinan (www.sunstar.com.ph) reported Sunday. The Sun-Star report cited sources indicating Orbos will file his candidacy at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) provincial office on March 27 as an independent candidate. Expected to accompany him are former defense secretary Renato de Villa and other friends and supporters from Manila. Orbos, who served as Pangasinan congressman in the early 90's, also served as executive secretary and transportation secretary during the Aquino administration. He also hosted a debate program on television. His entry will make the gubernatorial race a four-cornered fight among Rep. Amado Espino Jr, vice governor Oscar Lambino and Dr Jamie Eloise Agbayani. Former Pangasinan governor Rafael Colet, father-in-law of Orbos’ younger brother Tim, said “in a four-cornered race or even a one-on-one fight, Orbos has the edge in terms of name recall and proven track record in good governance." Orbos hails from Bani town at the first district of Pangasinan. He served as governor of the province from 1995 to 1998. In 1998, Orbos did not seek reelection, saying one term was enough for him and that he can still help his province-mates in other ways. Among the groups that urged Orbos to make a comeback is the Pangasinan Advocacy for Democratic and Electoral Reforms (Pader), which is composed of businessmen, young professionals, students, farmers and members of the clergy, and other religious sectors. Los Angeles-based Mel Castelo and Randy Oriel said in a press statement that they are fully supporting the objectives of Pader. Oriel, on the other hand, said they will campaign for Orbos to their friends and relatives in Pangasinan.-GMANews.TV