AS A Kapampangan, I feel the deep pain and betrayal that Justice Antonio Carpio has eloquently laid bare in his commentary. His words strike at the heart of our nation’s wounds—a betrayal not just of our laws but of the dreams and dignity of every Filipino. It is a betrayal that we, as Kapampangans, cannot and must not ignore.
The Kapampangan spirit is one of resilience, pride, and unity. Throughout our history, we have risen in times of adversity, shouldering the weight of challenges with courage and determination. Today, I appeal to all Kapampangans: let us summon that spirit once again and take a stand against the treachery that threatens the future of our children, our health, and our nation.
A Betrayal of Our Children’s Future
The decision of Congress to slash billions from the education budget is an assault on the hopes and aspirations of every Filipino family. For us Kapampangans, who value education as the key to a better life, this is a betrayal of our deepest values.
Think of the young Kapampangan students—bright, eager, and full of dreams—who may never realize their potential because of this gross negligence. As Kapampangans, we must fight to ensure that classrooms are built, teachers are supported, and opportunities for learning are available to every child in our communities. To allow this betrayal to go unchallenged is to abandon the next generation to mediocrity and despair.
Health: A Sacred Responsibility
The zero funding for PhilHealth in 2025 is not just a failure of governance; it is a direct attack on the most vulnerable among us. How many Kapampangan families will suffer because they cannot afford medical care? How many of our loved ones will be lost to preventable illnesses?
Kapampangans are known for their compassion and solidarity. In the face of this betrayal, we must stand together to demand that health care be prioritized, not gutted. Our people deserve a healthcare system that serves them, not one that abandons them in their time of need.
Rejecting Election Bribes Disguised as Aid
The so-called Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) is a shameless ploy to exploit the struggles of our people for political gain. As Kapampangans, let us not be fooled. We know the difference between genuine public service and cynical manipulation. Every peso diverted to this program is stolen from classrooms, hospitals, and infrastructure that our communities desperately need. We must reject this farce and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. We cannot allow our dignity to be bought with scraps while our essential services crumble.
Our Kapampangan Voice Must Rise
Justice Carpio reminds us that silence in the face of evil is complicity. Kapampangans, we are not a silent people. We are a proud, vocal, and passionate community that values justice and fairness. Let us channel that energy now to demand accountability from our leaders. We cannot allow our future to be dictated by betrayal and neglect. Let us unite as Kapampangans and as Filipinos to defend the principles of justice, equality, and good governance.
A Call to All Kapampangans
This is not just a national fight; it is a Kapampangan fight. It is a fight for our students, our families, and our communities. If we remain silent, we risk losing everything we hold dear. But if we rise—if we act together—we can protect the future of our people and honor the legacy of those who came before us.
To all Kapampangans: I appeal to your sense of pride, your sense of justice, and your love for our homeland. Let us join hands and stand firm against the forces that seek to betray us. Let our voices rise like the mighty rivers of our province, unstoppable and united, as we demand accountability and change. “Capampangan cu, pagmaragul cu.” Let us live these words and show the nation what it means to fight for what is right. The time to act is now. Let us not betray our future.
