Pangasinan board defends execs named in drug matrix

By Liezle BasaInigo

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan  –  The Sangguniang Panlalawigan convened a special session here Aug. 26 and passed Provincial Resolution Nos. 114, 115 and 116 – 2016 to express full faith, trust and confidence in the integrity and competence of   Rep. Amado Espino, Jr., Board Member Raul Sison and former Provincial Administrator Raffy Baraan who were named in illegal drugs matrix made public by President Duterte last week.

The SP members cited Rep. Espino’s sterling performance in his three terms as provincial governor and his non-involvement in illegal drugs.

         Espino, the SP members added, launched a relentless war against illegal drugs and authored Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 when he was elected to the House of Representatives more than a decade ago.

 The SP puts on record that the august body has been a witness to the political career of BM Sison who has not been tainted with any controversy.

Meanwhile, Pangasinan residents also deplored reports that the province is a major source of illegal drugs.

In Urbiztondo, Board Member Raul Sison, a resident of this municipality denied issuing statement that former Gov. and now Congressman of 5th district Amado EspinoJr is the richest politician in Northern Luzon.

A press statement issued by Sison whose name appeared in a drug matrix denied having ties to the illegal drugs trade.

He said he has a clean conscience as he was raised by parents to be God-fearing.

Sison vehemently denied reports that he described Rep. Espino Jr. as the richest politician in Northern Luzon.

He said he had high respect for Rep. Espino as a good governor of Pangasinan.

“This may be an effort to destroy our good relationship,” said Sison.

Sison assured to cooperate with concerned agencies and will clear his name as soon as soon as he arrives from the US.