PORAC, Pampanga — The roar of some 20,000 supporters reverberated across a field in Barangay Manibaug here on April 5, signaling what has been deemed as a “giant leap to victory” of Team Tapang-Lusung in the upcoming May polls.
Mayoral candidate Mike Tapang and runningmate Vincent Lusung led the charge, supported by their full slate of councilor candidates. Businessman-philanthropist Rodolfo “Tatay Bong” Pineda lent not only his strong presence but his stronger voice to the campaign sortie.
“I will oppose any mayor in Pampanga who is corrupt and incompetent. The people deserve leaders who serve with integrity, not exploit their positions,” Pineda declared, to the crowd’s thunderous applause.
Specific to Porac, Pineda cited the case of suspended Mayor Jaime “Jing” Capil who, on April 4, was found by the Ombudsman guilty of gross neglect of duty for allowing the unregulated operations of Lucky South 99, a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) linked to criminal activities.
The Ombudsman imposed on Capil the penalty of dismissal from the service, including the accessory penalties of cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits and perpetual disqualification for reemployment to government service.
“Do not allow the same old politics to resurface under a different name or figure,” enthused Pineda. “The people of Porac deserve leaders who will bring progress, not return to the ways of the past.”
As the campaign heats up, Team Tapang-Lusung’s momentum was noted to have “progressed tremendously.” In a clear demonstration of their local support, 19 out of 29 barangay chairmen in Porac have already pledged allegiance to the Tapang-Lusung coalition. More barangay leaders are expected to join as the May 12 elections approach, solidifying the team’s position as the dominant political force in Porac.
Also present at the rally were Acting Mayor Myla Clarete and the full council slate: Atty. Tet Buan, Bong Buan, Rito Buan, Max Bungque, Dexter David, Papa Duds David, Maynard Lapid, and Alfer Nacu.
In his address, Tapang declared, “We are ready to lead. Porac is growing, and it’s time for a government that can keep up with that growth. We will deliver results, not empty promises. Our guiding principle underpins all our action plans, ‘Ing pera ning balen para kareng memalen.’” Punto Political Team/Contributed photos
