LINGAYEN -- Pangasinan Governor Amado Espino Jr. on Tuesday declared that Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats and Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi) remain to be strong in the province.

Espino, Kampi provincial chair, said Pangasinan is basically dominated by Lakas and Kampi leaders and that of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC).

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“There will be alliances in the province. I am the candidate for governor of Lakas-Kampi. Congressman Mark Cojuangco has announced that ‘I am NPCs candidate.’ There is the local political party Biskeg na Pangasinan founded and chaired by my kumpare (friend) Undersecretary Antonio Villar Jr.,” he said.

In a meeting Tuesday at the Capitol Resort Hotel here, Espino asked the more than 20 mayors present to wait until November 19 before making any decision.

There will be a Lakas-Kampi national convention to be attended by national officials, all governors, congressmen and chapter presidents all over the country of the Mayors’ league, vice mayors’ league, councilors league and the Liga ng mga Barangay.

“As Lakas-Kampi provincial chairman, I could not make decisions yet. We can only do that after the meeting. But we will resolve all these things in due time,” he assured.

As to his running mate for vice governor, he said this will also be known after the meeting.

Those who have expressed early on their intention to run for vice governor are outgoing Mapandan Mayor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim Jr., veteran Board Member Alfonso Bince Jr., and former sixth district congressman and vice governor Ranjit Ramos-Shahani.

Former vice governor Oscar Lambino (who is eyeing the vice gubernatorial seat), together with second district Congressman Victor Agbayani (who will run for governor) has taken their oath with the Liberal Party.

Meanwhile, the Biskeg na Pangasinan has strengthened its membership coming from the different political parties.

After getting its accreditation from the Commission on Elections, it fielded about 286 candidates for different local positions in the province in the 2007 elections.