Mabalacat City mayoral aspirant Vice Mayor Geld Aquino has maintained a high net trust rating ahead of the 2025 local elections, according to the latest Pulso ng Masa survey. The results reflect strong public support for Aquino’s governance and policies.
In both October 2024 and February 2025, Aquino garnered a +75 net trust rating, which has been attributed to his people-centered programs in education, healthcare, public safety, livelihood, and infrastructure.
Meanwhile, incumbent Mayor Cris Garbo has seen a decline in public trust. His net trust rating dropped from -10 in October 2024 to -22 in February 2025. Compounding his political struggles, Garbo is currently facing multiple graft cases before the Ombudsman. Additionally, his candidacy is under scrutiny at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) due to term limit restrictions. Under the law, Garbo has already served three consecutive terms and is not eligible to seek re-election.
With the elections approaching, Garbo’s legal battles and declining public trust could further impact his bid to stay in power. Mabalacat voters are signaling their preference for continuity in governance and service delivery, a factor that could work in Aquino’s favor as the campaign season heats up.
Recently, the Mabalacat political rivals vice mayor Geld Aquino and Mayor Cris Garbo signed the Peace Covenant separately and did not participate in the Unity Walk organized by PNP and COMELEC .