Ex-board member leads ‘Delta for Vice Gov Movement’

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Former senior board member Engr. Ferdinand Labung of the third district confirmed over the weekend the formation of the “Delta for Vice Governor Movement.”

Engr. Labung, who has temporarily shelved his political plans and is now concentrating on his construction business, said he is the proponent of the said movement and is the district campaign manager of former Pampanga Mayors League (PML) President and three term Lubao Mayor Dennis G. Pineda, who is popularly known as “Delta.”

Delta is the only son of businessman Rodolfo Pineda and Governor Lilia Pineda.

"Marami ang tumawag at nagtatanong sa akin noong pinalabas ko ang mga streamers saying ‘Kailangan Taya Pu i DELTA P. keti Pampanga,’ di lamang sa mga ka-distrito ko kundi sa ibang kalapit na bayan at ang sabi ko sa kanila si DELTA P. ay walang iba kundi si Dennis Pineda," Labung said.

He said he is urging various sectors to join the Delta for Vice Governor Movement, saying the former PML president has the experience, leadership and heart of a good leader.

"Experience-wise and track records will show that Delta is the best choice for the vice gubernatorial position. His expertise and long years of public service is needed by the Provincial Board. I have no doubt that he will be a good, if not the best, Presiding Officer of the Provincial Board, if elected by our kabalens," Labung said.

Engr. Labung added that several groups from the private and public sectors have already signified their intention to support the movement.

He said his "political friends" have also pledged to join the movement and campaign for Delta in the upcoming May 2013 elections.

"This early, marami na sa mga kaibigan natin sa multi-sectoral groups, business sector at mga political allies ang nag-commit ng suporta kay pareng Dennis (Pineda). Palagay ko naman ay hindi niya tatalikuran ang hiling ng ating mga kabalen na siya ay muling pumagitna sa larangan ng pagseserbisyo at tulungan ang kanyang minamahal na ina na siyang Gobernador ng ating probinsya," Labung said.

Last year, Labung was reportedly being convinced to run for either Congressman in the 3rd District or Vice Governor, but opted to "give way.”

"Hindi ko naman sinasara ang pinto natin sa pulitika, pero hindi pa siguro ngayon ang panahon para tayo ay magbalik sa public service, subalit tutulong na lang tayo sa ating mga kaibigan sa darating na election," he said.

In an earlier interview with Pineda, he said he is very grateful for the overwhelming show of support from his friends and fellow Kapampangans, saying it is still too early for politics.

"Masyado pang maaga kung tayo ay mamumulitika, ang concern ko muna ngayon ay tulungan ang ating mga cabalens na nasalanta ng nakaraan habagat, kung saan sumama tayo sa pag rescue sa mga nag evacuate dulot ng baha. Darating din ang oras sa pulitika, pero ngayon ay panawagan ko ay magtulong tulong tayo para sa rehabilitasyon ng atin probisya na siya namang prioridad ng aking mahal na ina at Gobernadora (Lilia Pineda)," Pineda said.

Other would-be vice gubernatorial candidates reportedly eyeing the said position are Ang Galing Pinoy (AGP) Representative Juan Miguel Arroyo, three-term Mexico Mayor Teddy Tumang, three-term Arayat Mayor Luis "Chito" Espino and Maynard Lapid, youngest son of Senator Lito Lapid and brother of former governor and now Tieza general manager Mark Lapid.

As of press time, Arroyo reportedly shelved his plans to run for vice governor, while Tumang will be running for board member in the third district. Espino and Lapid have yet to issue official statements on their political plans. (Chris Navarro)