Tapang’s fierce political team

Porac politics is heating up, and with the 2025 elections fast approaching, one name is emerging as a serious contender for the mayoralty: Mike Tapang. With an impressive coalition of influential political figures backing his candidacy, Tapang may have the right combination of support to finally wrest the mayoral seat away from embattled incumbent Mayor Jing Capil.

But let’s break it down—this isn’t just any ordinary political campaign. Tapang’s candidacy is being bolstered by a force of political heavyweights, most notably the patriarch of the Pineda clan, businessman Rodolfo “Bong” Pineda. In a move that has set tongues wagging, Pineda has openly endorsed Tapang and has been hitting the campaign trail with him, making sure his presence is felt across Porac.

This isn’t just a handshake deal; Pineda’s public appearances at political rallies and caucuses prove his stake on Tapang’s bid for the mayoralty. At a recent barangay visit in Sta. Cruz, Pineda promised that if Tapang wins, Porac will see plenty of benefits—and that’s a big selling point for local voters.

But here’s the kicker: Pineda isn’t just a supporter; he’s also one of Tapang’s most vocal critics of Mayor Capil. In fact, Pineda’s campaign has even extended to wooing barangay officials away from Capil’s side. His influence could turn the tide in Tapang’s favor, especially in the tight-knit communities that often determine local elections.

As if that weren’t enough, Tapang has also secured the backing of the powerful David family, a fixture in Porac politics for decades. Former vice mayor Dexter David, son of former mayor Roy David, is running as one of Tapang’s councilor bets.

What’s interesting here is the history between Dexter and Tapang. The two men used to be political rivals, but this time around, they’re teaming up to take on a common foe—Jing Capil. It’s an alliance that will surely resonate with voters who remember the old political rivalries. If the Davids are on Tapang’s side, it shows that even former adversaries can set aside their differences for a shared goal.

Not to be outdone, the Lapid family, led by reelectionist Senator Manuel “Lito” Lapid, is also throwing its weight behind Tapang. Maynard Lapid, the senator’s son, is one of Tapang’s councilor candidates. The Lapids have long been a force to be reckoned with in Porac politics, and their endorsement is likely to sway many who still remember their long-standing influence in the region.

Former Mayor Condralito dela Cruz is also running for councilor and his regular appearances at Tapang’s rallies and private meetings signal that he, too, is in Tapang’s corner.

The question now is: Can Tapang maintain this momentum? With such a powerful coalition behind him, he’s certainly positioned for a strong run, but politics can be unpredictable. Capil, despite her suspension, still has loyal supporters, and Tapang’s success will ultimately depend on how well he can sustain the momentum and unify these various forces under his banner.

Can he keep this political juggernaut on track? The coming months will reveal if Tapang’s coalition is strong enough to deliver a knockout blow to Capil’s reelection bid, but one thing’s for sure: the battle for the mayorship of Porac has never been this intense.