Dennis Pineda

TWO years ago, the name “Delta” was floated as a probable mayoralty aspirant in the City of San Fernando.

Most residents from outlying villages of the city welcomed the idea but not too warmly. Civic and business circles expressed grave concern if not outright rejection of Delta’s future candidacy in the capital city.

Delta’s trial balloon for the mayoralty of CSF had been shot down. The chief reason was that he was not a native son. His aspiration was soon forgotten without gaining public currency for obvious reasons.

It is not so this time. Dennis Pineda, the Governor’s son and a three-term Lubao mayor, is rumored to be the running mate of his mother in 2013. The news has become viral and no one has spoken against the idea.

The fact that Gov. Lilia Pineda has been keeping quiet about her son’s possible role as candidate for vice governor is a confirmation in reverse. Rep. Mikey Arroyo who first announced his intent for vice governor has recanted and will give way to Dennis.

If silence is golden, Nanay Baby’s quiet stance on the issue is message enough. The signal is loud and clear.

Delta’s future candidacy is now certain. After testing the waters, after a reasonable discourse, and market surveys done, the product “Delta” is about to be launched.

I heard no audible opposition to Delta’s new role. There seems to be no public objection to his desire to serve as the Governor’s No. 2 man at the Capitol.

Critics of the Governor may raise the inevitable issue of “political dynasty.”

Dynasties, as we know, are established and maintained by force, intimidation, and tyranny.

Pampangos have never experienced nor had been subjected by Nanay Baby to force. Has she intimidated the people in the course of her governance? Can it be said that the province is under a tyrannical rule?

I believe it is the duty of every mother to prepare a son or a daughter to a higher calling, and in the case of the Pinedas, to see their offspring pursue the mother’s legacy in public service.

Nanay Baby is not getting any younger. Her vast undertakings and devotion to work have not slowed her down. But time has a way of tempering the physique or punishing even stronger limbs.

It is the feeling among her family that she needs Dennis at her side for two reasons. He will be her sole successor in the Capitol. In the short term, the Vice Governor can do half of the mother’s work while she carries on what she does best -- personal exposure and daily service to the people.

Why should the cabalen vote Dennis for vice governor?

Delta will get the votes because of her mother’s place in the hearts of the people.

Her genuine and profound love for the underprivileged is legend. Next to poverty, the biggest concern of the people here is health problems. To that Gov. Pineda has consecrated herself, day after day. Reports of her personal caring of the sick are prevalent in Pampanga barrios. She spends for and sends the difficult medical cases to expensive hospitals in Metro Manila.

Newsmen confirmed how she does the work of the DSWD, implements the DoH’s health programs, and spends her own resources to supplement PCSO financial assistance to the sick.

Where in the Philippines would you find the provincial Capitol functioning as a DSWD, DoH, and PCSO combined? This is a rare type of dynasty as can be.

Dennis’s aborted plan for mayorship is a blessing in disguise. His future role as vice governor is a political accident waiting to happen.

All that is needed for Dennis henceforth is to fulfill his filial obligation. To be an obedient, hardworking, and loving son. Her mother’s eloquent silence is the clarion call to his cause.