MARCH 25, 2022 marked the official start of the campaign period for local candidates: congressmen, governors, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, mayors and councilors. While they may have done campaigning before the official period started, this is the date where they are allowed by the Commission on Elections to perform acts not otherwise prohibited by the Omnibus Election Code.

In Mabalacat City, the incumbent City Mayor Crisostomo C. Garbo seems to have the edge over his perennial rival, the come backing Marino "Boking" Morales.

Mayor Cris is exploiting the privilege of the maxim-equity of the incumbent to the max and uses (rightfully) the resources of the city which he leads.

Now with an annual budget of over a billion pesos, Mayor Cris can dispense favors to all the city sectors: senior, youth, women, academe and the marginalized.

He has the resources of this progressive city at his disposal and he can marshall these on plans, projects and activities not otherwise running counter to the COA rules and regulations and the Comelec issuances.

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His councilor slate is composed of reelectionists led by Engr. Rox Pena, Marcos "Jun" Castro, Timmy Llanos Dee, Noel Castro, Liza Pineda, Marjorie Morales Sambo, Jerry Magsino and the rest.

Boking's slate, on the other hand, is composed of Eddie Sotto, Jun Vergara de Leon, his son Ike, Jerry Basilio, Jeng Yumul, Engr. Mel Yutuc and other aspirants.

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In Angeles City, incumbent mayor Carmelo "Pogi" Lazatin will win by a landslide as he encounters weak opposition. Ditto with Mayor Romy F. Pecson of Magalang who has accomplished more for his town.

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Mabalacat City's 27 barangays will be active in supporting the two mayoralty aspirants. It is understandable that Mayor Cris whose photos appear in several residences along MacArthur Highway, commands support from most of the barangays, he being the incumbent city mayor.

Boking, meanwhile, aims to solidify support from barangay chairmen and personnel who stand loyal to his comeback run for the mayoralty post. Abangan...