Pinedas will win

THE entry of Dennis Pineda in the vice gubernatorial race in Pampanga province has inadvertently brought forth the issue of political dynasty, something that the Pineda family abhors because as the young Pineda said, he is after public service and not for the privilege appended to it.

Easily even without a political party to support them, the Pinedas will win any election in Pampanga given the wide reach of public service they had extended to the poor residents of Pampanga. For example, while former Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio was seemingly out of reach, the Pinedas seek and provide for the sick and poor individuals. So, we could just imagine the clamor of Pampaguenos to reelect Governor Lilia Pineda.

Will there be a system of check and balance at the Provincial Government? If ever, Dennis will only preside over the Sangguniang Bayan which is represented by the Board Members. Nothing will be compromised at the expense of the people.

I do not personally know Dennis and it was my first time to attend the Kambilan speakers’ bureau press conference. So I am an outsider looking in at the political landscape that emerges in the province. From all indications, the Pinedas are in for the long haul.

And what about the so-called political dynasty? The issue does not hold water because every old politician in the country have had sons and daughters now in public service. I do not have to enumerate them.

Besides, there is no law that prohibits the entry of any family into public service as long as they are qualified to seek public office.

“I am offering my service to the people, not for privilege,” according to Dennis. “If there is a guideline limiting political dynasty, then I will not run.”

Dennis did not ask to run for the vice gubernatorial post – the political leaders and residents of Pampanga clamored for it. When the majority of populace had been asking for it, any good leader will have to bow to clamor just like to rice plant bowing to the embrace of the Earth.
“All powers emanate from the people. Bottom line is service. Let the people decide,” said Floridablanca Mayor Ed Guerrero.

“This is the right time to help the Pinedas. We saw how she helped our constituents in the past three years,” according to Apalit Mayor Jun Tetangco.

Unlike any other candidates, the Pinedas are not dependent on national leaders for political support because they can hold the line. Said Kambilan spokesman Rosve Henson: “We are not dependent on national candidates but we are willing to help. We leave that to the better judgment of our political leaders. We can give them the forum and the audience.”

My fearless forecast? The Pinedas will win.