Believe it or not barangay elections will be in October 30 yet, but campaigning among candidates has been in full gear since June this year. It is so evident with all those tarpaulins with the smiling faces of candidates. (Nakakasuka o nakakatuwa na Ilang kandidato nangangako na akala mo parang kandidatong parang gobernador o congressman). Running for public office even on barangay level became too expensive now. The Commission on Elections issued warnings vs excessive spending. Nobody believes the poll commission in this regard. Inutile,to say the least. The expenses of every candidate in the many past elections were all incorrectly reported.(Lokohan lang naman talaga sa totoong nagastos.)
In the meanwhile, hustings for the local elections of 2025 also unofficially started. (May gapangan na). The rumblings are louder in the third and first congressional districts. It is widely known now that provincial board member Micah Gonzales, daughter of Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio'Dong' Gonzales will face the popular Mexico Mayor Teddy Tumang. Some people connect why Tumang is facing an inquiry in the House of Representatives but we don't have a proof to that. People are only making surmises. DS Dong Gonzales is reportedly interested in the mayorship of Mexico and his son Brenz may run in tandem with San Fernando City Mayor Vilma Caluag. Another son will run for councilor in Bacolor. (BTW. When Tumang was interviewed by reporters confirmed that Ombudsman cleared him in several criminal and administrative cases 14 years ago, a perpetual disqualification from office was issued.Tumang said he will ask the Ombudsman to reverse the decision and will seek reprieve from the courts).
In the first district, there are raw reports and mostly gathered from the grapevine. It seems it is given that the Lazatins, Mayor Pogi and Congressman Jonjon will trade place. On the other side,there are reports on former Philippine National Police General Oscar Albayalde throwing his hat in the political arena. It isn't sure yet if will vie for congress or the mayorship of Angeles City. Another retired police officer, Jorge Bustos is also reportedly eyeing the mayorship. Both of them I presume took already residences in the city, just like when then Senator Lito Lapid who's from the nearby Porac town challenged then incumbent Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan. Everything is still fluid, there will be more to expect.
In the meanwhile, let's focus first on the barangay elections and there are interesting matches. Example is in the oversized barangay Dau in Mabalacat City. Former Mayor Marino 'Boking' Morales is fighting to rev his career as he faces opponents who are not pushovers. In Barangay Cutcut, former Pampanga Vice Governor Bong Nepomuceno will face former City Councilor Thelma Indiongco . Mayor Vilma Caluag's hubby Melchor is marked sure win in Barangay Dolores in the City of San Fernando.