WILL Kapampangans watch a discontinuity of almost no corruption in governance in the provincial government when the “Nanay” (mother) will leave the capitol in June 30 next year?
Under the watch and care of Pampanga Governor Lilia “Nanay Baby” Pineda, there are no forgotten poor in the province. She is regarded as the Mother Theresa by many admirers. Nanay takes care of the sick and the poor. She is really a nanay to all. Her constituency wants to see a continuation of good governance. If only other political leaders of other provinces will show the same concern like nanay, this country will be a better place to live-in, said Board Member Jun Canlas.
Many are asking, what’s next for Governor Pineda after capitol? Is she running for vice governor? Is she returning to her hometown of Lubao, or take a garden leave and just be a doting grandma to her apos? When asked, she is not telling. And just few days ago she was with the very influential presidential daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte and allied the Kambilan party to Hugpong ng Pagbabago of the latter. Almost all politicians in Pampanga were in tow. Mayors, board members, etc.
There are talks that Fourth District Congressman Rimpy Bondoc may run for governor. No confirmation. There are also whispers that it will be Bacolor Mayor Jomar Hizon who will be in the gubernatorial race. Nothing definite yet, except that Vice Governor Dennis Pineda is running to succeed her mother. Vice Governor Delta will get the support of Kambilan and Hugpong.
In any case Nanay Baby decides to run in tandem with the son, Senior Board Member Ferdinand Labung whose eyes has been moist for so long to become vice governor he will according to him step aside. Labung has two more options and that’s to try his luck against incumbent Third District Congressman Aurelio Gonzales, Jr. Or just to play safe, run for reelection.
Meanwhile, Fernandinos are trying to make a comparison on the style of governance between the incumbent Edwin Santiago and ex-Mayor Oca Rodriguez. Many who are not pleased with Santiago’s style of governance are calling on Rodriguez to do battle with Santiago in the city’s mayoral race. At this point in time, Rodriguez according to his supporters is not telling. Santiago may have the upper hand since he’s the incumbent and an unlimited campaign funds according to my sources.
A self-proclaimed analyst said “If Rodriguez will stage a comeback, it’s lot safer to run for mayor which is least expensive than running for congress where the area and population of voters are three times bigger than that of the City of San Fernando.” We don’t have to wait much longer now since the month of October is fast approaching. We will know by that time who are active and who are retiring.
Vice Mayor Christian Halili is a material. He has the potential. He is chip off the old block. Like his father, the well-loved Mayor Fred Halili, Christian is living up to his name. He is a good man, hardworking, visionary. Having said that, can he win against now sitting Mayor Cris Garbo? Too many questions among Mabalacat voters. Will he not be sliding to give way to deposed Mayor Marino Morales? Does he have enough funds to sustain a decent campaign?
Tidbits: Sto. Tomas Mayor John Sambo will face a strong opposition from the Ronquillo-Naguit tandem... Former Mayor Digos Canlas will breeze through in making a comeback in San Simon. He will be supported by her friend, the incumbent Mayor Leonora Wong who will “graduate” after finishing her last term... Brother against brother in Sta. Rita town. Incumbent Mayor Dagi Salalila will face his brother Arthur Salalila.