WE IN Pampanga are also quite interested about Tarlac politics. And in the same manner, the Tarlaquenos also wanted to be abreast with what’s going on in the political landscape here. Here are some Tarlac political stories I gathered when a very young, well-educated and good mannered politician by name of Christian Yap came visiting one Friday in the Bale Balita forum sponsored by working reporters of Capampangan Media Inc., a.k.a. CAMI. Many of us were impressed by the thirty something mayor of Victoria because of his vast knowledge in local governance. He was asked regarding his legislative agenda and everyone nodded their heads signifying satisfaction. He will face in the congressional race a certain Faustino Galang who already made a run in 2016 and failed. Yap to many political observers is a sure winner.
In the first congressional district, Jaime Cojuangco, the son of the late Congressman Charlie Cojuangco, is dominating his rival Joseph Ramac, a retired policeman. Cojuangco is polling almost 90 percent of the votes based on recent survey. In the third district, the three cornered congressional derby is led by Noel Rivera also known as Kap Bong and followed by Concepcion Mayor Andy Lacson and Bamban Mayor John Feliciano. Rivera is supported by Governor Susan, Yap, Congressman Victor Yap, Congressman Noel Villanueva and Capas Mayor Reynaldo Catacutan.
Kap Bong is the new rising political star in Tarlac. He is the chairman of the town’s Association of Barangay Captains (ABC). He held this position completing the mandated three terms and returned again and head once more of the ABC after an interregnum. His generosity and desire to help others knows no boundaries. He dig his own pocket to help deserving constituents particularly during the pandemic. He also helped people coming from other town. They are the basic reasons why he was able to endear himself to the constituents of the three towns of the third district.
Governor Yap will breeze through in this May 9 elections like Tarlac City Mayor Christie Angeles because they are running by their lonesome. In the vice gubernatorial race incumbent Vice Mayor Carlito “Casada” David is leading former Vice Governor Marcelino Aganon. David is very much ahead in the polls according to surveys. Meanwhile, the Tarlaquenos are in full support on the candidacy of their favorite son, former Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro who is running for senator under the UniTeam. Teodoro is the son of the late Gilberto Teodoro and Merceditas Cojuangco, younger sister of the late Boss Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco.
To recall, Boss Danding called the shots in many political contests in Tarlac. He was the power behind the Nationalist Party Coalition (NPC). The Cojuangcos remain to be a political force particularly in the first congressional district. Former Congressman Jose “Peping” Cojuangco, brother of the late President Cory seemingly is enjoying his retirement from active politics. He was once a potent one man political force not only in Tarlac province but in many provinces as well particularly during the administration of Tita Cory.