MABALACAT CITY, Pampanga – The political career of Mabalacat Mayor Crisostomo “Cris” Garbo is nearing its end, according to Pampanga kingmaker Rodolfo “Tatay Bong” Pineda. Speaking after attending a campaign rally of mayoral aspirant Geld Aquino and running mate Jun Castro in Barangay Dau, Pineda said the people’s clamor for change has grown stronger as election day nears.
“Mahigit isang buwan pa ang eleksyon pero patuloy na lumalakas at lumalawak ang suporta sa kanilang Team Bagong Henerasyon,” Pineda said, referring to the Aquino-Castro tandem, which he has publicly endorsed. Sunday night marked the fourth time the influential businessman appeared in their political sorties—a sign of deepening commitment.
Pineda minced no words in criticizing Garbo’s leadership. “Nakialam lang ako dito dahil animal at balasubas ang mayor ninyo. Eye boboto uling mapanako ya, alaya kasawan keng pera,” he said, calling out what he described as Garbo’s abusive and dishonest governance. The statement was met with loud applause from rally attendees.
Garbo is facing multiple graft charges before the Office of the Ombudsman and a pending disqualification case at the Commission on Elections (Comelec). His eligibility has come under intense scrutiny after allegations that he overstayed his term—having effectively served as mayor since 2016 to 2025 following the ouster of former mayor Marino “Boking” Morales over a similar term-limit issue.
Legal experts and political observers alike point out that Garbo has already served three consecutive terms, which, if upheld by Comelec, could void his candidacy. With strong public backing behind Aquino and Castro, and with mounting legal woes, Pineda’s message was clear Mabalacat is ready to move on from Garbo. IORBITNEWS TEAM/JP MANALANG / IMAGES