MABALACAT CITY—A landslide victory is expected for the tandem of Geld Aquino and Jun Castro, along with their Bagong Henerasyon team, as reports indicate a possible 12-0 sweep in the upcoming elections, according to philanthropist Tatay Bong Pineda.
Pineda compared the current political landscape to the 2023 elections when his support helped Mayor Crisostomo Garbo’s team secure all positions. “It may happen again because Team Geld and Jun Castro are credible, competent, and have no corruption issues,” he said.
Mayor Garbo, now facing multiple cases before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Ombudsman, is under pressure. He is accused of corrupt practices related to a controversial P3-billion Landbank loan for the construction of a new city hall, a case filed by Councilor Jun Castro.
During the filing of candidacies, Pineda openly criticized Garbo, calling him “a thief and a fraud” and urging voters to reject his re-election bid. The remarks fueled speculation about shifting political alliances in Mabalacat.
A recent survey conducted in January showed Aquino and Castro leading by almost 15%, a significant advantage over Garbo’s team. The survey also indicated strong public support for a fresh political direction.
Local voters, including Alvin Cruz from Barangay Mabiga, are voicing their desire for change. “Kailangan po natin mga bagong lider iyong po mga dati wala naman ginawa baka itong mga bago ay makakapag bigay sila ng tamang serbisyo na walang korapsyon”.
With the elections nearing, the Bagong Henerasyon team appears to have the momentum, posing a serious challenge to Garbo’s administration. A clean sweep in Mabalacat City could reshape its political landscape for years to come.