MABALACAT CITY — “We give credit to whom credit is due. His leadership laid the groundwork for the opportunities Mabalacat enjoys today.”
Thus, declared Mayor Atty. Gerald Guttrie Aquino in giving recognition to former long-time Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales at the 13th cityhood anniversary celebration held at Tabnuan Cultural Hall in Barangay Poblacion on July 21.
Morales was honored as the “Father of Cityhood” for his key role in the passage of RA 10164 converting the municipality of Mabalacat into a component city of the Province of Pampanga in 2012.
Even as he thanked the city government for the recognition, Morales took a sidewipe at his successor, former Mayor Crisostomo Garbo.
“Iniwan ko ang ating siyudad na financially stable noong 2017,” said Morales. “Ngayon, pag-alis ni dating Mayor Garbo, bankarote ang siyudad at maraming utang.”
Morales claimed that the city had over ₱700 million in funds and a ₱100 million surplus when he stepped down in 2017 after the Commission on Elections unseated him for violation of the three-term rule in favor of Garbo who was second placer in the city mayoralty contest of 2016.
Morales, who served as mayor for 22 years, said he had always envisioned a prosperous Mabalacat. “Almost 30 years ago, when I first served, I had a mission that Mabalacat will become a city,” he said. “That mission was fulfilled—and the city was financially sound when I left.”
Morales also thanks the late former Pampanga 1st District Rep. Carmelo “Tarzan” Lazatin, Sen. Lito Lapid and then-senator now President Bongbong Marcos Jr. for helping Mabalacat to become city. Punto News Team/Mabalacat City News
