NOT even the pandemic can stop them. They no longer have the competitive edge unlike when they were the incumbent, but they’re coming back. Former Mabalacat Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales is set to oppose incumbent Mayor Cris Garbo. Former Porac Mayor Condralito De La Cruz vs incumbent Mayor Jaime “Jing” Capil. Former San Simon Mayor Leonora Wong vs. incumbent Mayor Abundio Punzalan. Former Macabebe Mayor Annette F. Balgan vs her brother incumbent Mayor Bobong Flores. Former Sto. Tomas Mayor John Sambo vs incumbent Mayor Gloria “Ninang” Ronquillo. Former Magalang Mayor Malou Paras Lacson vs. Mayor Romulo Pecson.Former Sasmuan Mayor Lina Bagasina vs Victor Velasco. (Victor is older brother of incumbent Mayor Nardo who finished his mandated third and final term). The above are the protagonists in the 2022 mayoral elections. Sounds interesting. There are glimpses below behind their rivalries.
Morales served for more than twenty years and was unseated because the court ruled his ineligibility and Garbo was declared winner. Garbo ran for re-election and clinched it, while Morales ran for vice mayor in that election and was beaten by newcomer Geld Aquino. Garbo got a high mark from the constituents because of his superb handling in the pandemic response. The mayoral contest in Porac became so interesting with the comebacking De La Cruz. Supposedly it was Councilor Maynard Lapid opposing Capil but he withdrew. The young Lapid’s winnability became under question. Before him his older brother former Governor Mark made a run in the town’s mayoral elections and resulted in a very disappointing distant third place.
Punzalan will have his hands full because Wong never left the municipio. She is the present vice mayor of the town and assumed the mayorship in acting capacity as Punzalan was meted with suspensions. Punzalan represents the working class and is quite popular as most of the barangay leaders sans for two are behind his re-election. Wong is one politician not to sneeze about. She has unlimited resources that can turn the tide in her favor.
The Floreses are at it again this time. They have ruled local politics in Macabebe since their patriarch Domingo became a mayor in the fifties. Annette is staging a comeback against his Coyang Bobong. Younger sister is known for her enterprising abilities which made her a multi-millionaire. Bobong is well loved and respected in the town. Again a collision course in Sto.Tomas with John Sambo backed by Congressman Rimpy Bondoc facing Ninang Ronquillo second time. Ninang has former mayors like Lito Naguit and Lucas Arceo behind her.
One of the more interesting mayoral races will be between comebacking Malou Lacson versus incumbent Mayor Romy Pecson. I heard her brother-in-law Norman Lacson that their preparations in the coming hustings is like a boxer’s outing against someone who snatched the championship belt. It is a rematch worth watching since Pecson only won by 27 votes in 2019. Lina Bagasina already served three terms as mayor of Sasmuan. She became a board member and a party list representative. She took some years of leave in politics to concentrate on her logistics business. It is no surprise that she heeded once again the beck and call of public service. On the other hand, Victor Velasco will rely heavily on the support of the brother. (Note to readers: Since until November substitution is allowed, whatever changes should happen, it must not reflect on the integrity of this column).
Those former mayors who elected to retire, hang their political gloves are maybe tired of the hustings or felt that they have paid their dues, so to speak and left certain legacies, are now outside the fence and with keen interest are watching from the sidelines in May 2022. They are also interesting personalities that should be written about.