“IT IS a free country and everyone has the right to seek public office.”
Thus said Vice-Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda when sought for reaction to the entry of Bacolor Mayor Jose Mari “Jomar” Hizon in the gubernatorial race.
Hizon filed his certificate of candidacy late afternoon Tuesday, October 16.
At the sidelines of Team I Love San Fernando’s filing of certificates of candidacy Wednesday, October 17 – the last day for filing of COCs – Pineda told Sun.Star Pampanga that he welcomed and respected the decision of Hizon to exercise his right to seek the province’s top post.
“We were expecting that he will run for governor. There have been rumors about it since 2016 and we know that they were decided. For me, I don’t see any problem with that because we are in a democratic country,” he said.
Pineda added that it will be up to the Kapampangan voters to install into office the person whom they think is more deserving to lead them.
“We are only aspirants here. It will be our fellow Kapampangan voters’ decision if they want us, together with Governor Nanay (Pineda), to continue serving them in the provincial government,” Pineda said.
Asked on what he thinks is his advantage over his rival, Pineda cited his track record and the achievements of the provincial government under the leadership of his mother, Governor Lilia Pineda.
Meanwhile, Pineda assured the public that he and his ticket will not engage in mudslinging or any form of dirty politics rather will only present his platform to the people during the campaign season.
He stressed that his priority aim is to sustain and further boost the programs implemented by the Pineda administration which are enjoyed by most Kapampangans, especially the needy and marginalized sector.
One of his priorities will be the establishment of complete chemotherapy and dialysis centers to accommodate more indigent patients.
“As of now, Nanay (Governor Pineda) is still unopposed. I believe it because her programs are enjoyed by the people so I do not see any reason to change or remove some, but only needs strengthening to be able to reach more Kapampangans, particularly programs on health and education,” he said.