Pineda duo swap positions for 2025 elections
MABALACAT CITY – The filing of the certificates of candidacy in Pampanga concluded with a power switch between the two top executives: Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda vies to take the position of his mother, Vice Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda, who seeks to run for governor.
The mother-and-son duo filed their COCs on Tuesday, October 8, under their own local party, Kambilan. They were accompanied by various mayors from Pampanga, local leaders, and family members to show their support.
According to Delta, he and his mother make decisions together. Delta emphasized that among their advantages is having a unified approach to service.
“Bata pa si Nanay, i mean, kaya pa niya. For me she is still the best leader para ilead ang province natin ngayon,” Delta said.
“I think wala naman masama sa ginawa namin. Kapampangans will decide in May kung karapat dapat pa rin kaming mag-ina o ako o si nanay. Hanggat wala pa election, asahan ng Kapampangan, kung ano ang serisyo naming mag-ina ganun pa rin,” he added.
“Parang wala naman pagbabago eh. Yung trabaho niya tnatrabaho ko, yung sa akin, nagsasama kami. Si Gov, alam niya yung kaligayahan ko. So siguro hanggang pagtanda ko, hanggang mamatay ako, ganun talaga yung ano ko sa buhay ko. Binibigyan niya ako ng pagkakataon. Kailangan ko ang anak ko para magtulunan kami,” Nanay furthered.
Setting a competitive election, the Pineda tandem are up against governor aspirant former Candaba mayor Danilo Baylon and former governor Among Ed Panlilio who is seeking a comeback for vice governor.
Baylon nearly won in the 2022 elections securing 42% of the votes.
Panlilio filed his COC also on Tuesday while Baylon filed last October 5.
In a statement, Panlilio expressed his concern on the “moral decay” in the province citing issues such as gambling, violence, and culture of fear. Panlilio attributed these as an unfortunate norm.
“I didn’t expect to behold a leader in Pampanga after my gubernatorial stint 14 years ago that has these advocacies,” Panlilio said. “My conscience could not bear to let him do this alone. Hence, I will join hands with him.”