Bong Pineda lambasts Mabalacat Mayor over ‘unpaid debts’
MABALACAT CITY – Pampanga’s political kingmaker Rodolfo “Bong” Pineda lambasted Mabalacat City Mayor Crisostomo Garbo calling him “balasubas” (swindler) during a press conference on Saturday, October 5, attended by several local officials running for the upcoming elections.
“Ot inawus keng balasubas? Ala ne man beyaran. Eku marine kanita. Palto yang taung beyaran na,” Pineda said. “Sabi ku, Garbo, ibayu mu ing ugali mu. Ala naman palang mebayu.”
It is evident that Pineda severed ties with Garbo citing at least over a million in debt. Pineda referenced several instances where Garbo allegedly owed money to various political figures and prominent individuals.
“Para malaman ng tao. Walang masama diyan. Kung gusto niyang mag demanda, edi mag demanda siya. Multa lang naman yan, marami naman tayong pang multa. Wala naman kulong yan,” Pineda said in jest.
“Yung performance niya, although sabihin mo na marami siyang pinakita, pero marami rin siyang kinita,” he added.
Pineda has been actively maneuvering behind the political scene in Pampanga via helicopter to meet with local politicians and consolidate political forces since July.
The Pineda political clan has wielded significant influence in the province spanning three decades. Pineda is known for endorsing both local and national politicians during campaigns as the patriarch of Pampanga’s first family.
On October 5, Pineda accompanied Vice Mayor Gerald Aquino and running mate Councilor Jun Castro together with their council slate in filing their certificates of candidacy under local party Kambilan. Aquino and Castro are running for mayor and vice mayor, respectively, for the upcoming 2025 elections.
Early this year, Castro filed a case against Garbo, Aquino, and nine councilors over alleged grave misconduct, graft, and corruption related to the acquisition of land and the proposed construction of a P2.1-billion government center project.
Castro filed a motion to withdraw Aquino and councilor Liza Pineda from the case.
When sought for comment, Garbo’s camp declined to address the issue.