RE-ELECTIONIST Third District Representative Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales, Jr. on Thursday filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) at the provincial office of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) under political party Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) and the Kapanalig at Kambilan Ning Memalen Pampanga (Kambilan), a local party.
Gonzales during an interview thanked Vice Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda for initiating the alliance and for choosing him as the official candidate of Kambilan.
“I want to thank Governor Lilia Pineda and Vice Governor Dennis Pineda for initiating unity for the governance of the province. The constituents will surely benefit from this unison,” Gonzales said.
The re-electionist solon, who is wearing an old blue collar polo shirt, old shoes and pants during the time he filed his candidacy, said he is all out in supporting the gubernatorial bid of the younger Pineda.
“I believe his leadership will solidify unity in the province which is bringing more services to our constituents,” he added.
Gonzales said a second term as congressional representative will give him more time in advancing more legislation to help the people.
He stressed that he will continue his programs in terms of health and social services along with the Pinedas.
The re-electionist congressman, known for landmark legislations like Republic Act 9505, otherwise known as Dong’s Law, which provided for the continued and comprehensive rehabilitation of the town of Bacolor from the devastation it suffered as a result of the Mt. Pinatubo eruption in 1991, and RA 9832 for the conversion of the Don Honorio Ventura School of Arts and Trade into the Don Honorio Ventura Technological State University, said there is now a new chapter in Pampanga’s politics, adding that he will continuously work alongside allies.
Gonzales is the regional head of the PDP-Laban under the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte. He held the third district congressional seat from 2004 to 2010. He again ran in 2016. He also previously served as board member of the district from 2001 to 2004.