THE election fever in the town of Magalang has spiked into higher heat after the two political groups together with their line-up of municipal councilors have filed their respective Certificate of Candidacy (COC) in the coming 2022 local election. Signaling the take-off to an interesting showdown between the two protagonists the incumbent Mayor Romy F. Pecson and former Mayor Malu P. Lacson.
The latter remains as the serious contender for mayor to redeem her loss seat by a diminutive margin of 27 votes in the last 2016 local elections. She is reportedly relying largely on her remarkable accomplishment that of developing the usual ugly and rugged place into a beautiful and awesome town plaza where Magalenos young and old can now spent their leisure time strolling, jogging and walking in the morning and night. It is also a nice and comfortable venue for social, religious, educational and political gatherings. Certainly, the people of Magalang welcome this development with joy and appreciation.
And now here is a crying question from the keen observers that needs to be answered.
What has the incumbent local chief executive done during his last and present administration? His cohorts and drumbeaters have come out with an answer apparently in defense of their master. They stressed that Mayor Pecson has done a lot in the field of infrastructure, public and private buildings, have been built, roads and thoroughfares were cemented, businesses have grown up tremendously. Peace and order has improved so that residents can now stroll without fear of being molested by criminal elements.
“To see is to believe" as the saying goes. This is a phrase which I repeatedly mentioned in my contribution to the opinion section of SunStar Pampanga. In the final analysis however, it is the people themselves who will have their sound discretion and judgment who among the candidates vying for the contested positions are deserving of the people’s mandate. As a former three termer Mayor concerned about the future of our beloved town and specially the future of the new generation.
May I humbly appeal to the electorates to choose a leader who is competent, God-Fearing and a truly a public servant. One whose vision is clearly for good governance and not just concerned for his personal and selfish interest. Vote wisely and intelligently so that our votes won’t be wasted. Let us bear in mind a wrong choice for a leader to lead our beloved town will be a big drawback to our progress and development and a continuing bothersome to one’s conscience.
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In another development few days ago, Vice President Leni Robredo visited the town of Magalang. With her a large number of volunteers and members of her office staff. The purpose of her visit I understand was to gather a firsthand information as to the effect of pandemic crisis to the people of Magalang. Having known the situation, she decided to bring with her with large number of supporters mostly volunteers to vaccinate those who have not been vaccinated yet.
I had the opportunity to meet her and shared a short exchange of notes. I was highly impressed with her simplicity, honesty and humility. And I saw in her the picture of a strong leader full of hope and determination to lead our country to progress and development.
On this note, I invite all God Fearing and peace loving Filipinos to unite behind the candidacy of VP Leni for President to end the miseries and sufferings being felt by most of our countrymen, especially the underprivileged.