SUSPENDED San Simon Mayor Abundio "JP" Punsalan, Jr. of San Simon town, Pampanga filed his certificate of candidacy on Friday morning, October 8, 2021, to formalize his reelection bid.
Punsalan said his reelection will allow the continuity of the programs and projects he initiated during his first term.
This includes the realization of his promise to construct a public hospital that will provide affordable healthcare to Simonians.
"Itutuloy natin ang serbisyong totoo na siyang adbokasiya natin simula pa nung unang laban natin para sa bayan ng San Simon," he said.
Punsalan also vowed to return the isolation center to its intended building in Barangay Sto. Niño, and the seat of government in Barangay San Agustin.
It could be remembered that Acting Mayor Leonora Wong, upon her assumption in July 2021, has transferred the isolation to the old police station in Barangay San Agustin, and all national and local government offices in Barangay Sto. Niño.
"Ibabalik natin sa kung saan nararapat ang mga opisina ng gobyerno alinsunod sa kung saan sila itinalaga ng DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government)," Punsalan said.
Vice-mayoralty bet incumbent Councilor Romanoel "Dading" Santos, for his part, reiterated that his election will ensure the fair and orderly Sangguniang Bayan.
"Maliban sa pagsuporta sa mga programa ni Mayor JP, siniguro ko rin ang respeto sa mga kapwa ko SB members sakaling mahalal bilang vice mayor ng San Simon," he said.
Santos, who was ranked second in the race for councilors during the 2019 election, also assured that all his health and social programs such as free regular laboratory tests and other medical examinations will be sustained.
Meanwhile, eight aspiring councilors, namely, Randell Bondoc, Jerry Quaimbao, Rod Bravo, Eddie Manalang, Jun Briones, Ruby Simbulan, Pacita Campanilla and Mirasol Galang are also running under the slate of Punsalan and Santos.
Punsalan said their candidacy is backed by 12 out of the 14 barangay chairmen here, as well as leaders of different religious groups.