MABALACAT CITY – “I am not a substitute to anyone.”
Thus said veteran broadcaster Diosdado “Deng” T. Pangilinan as she quashed rumors circulating around that he will be substituted after he filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for mayor of this city.
Pangilinan will run as an independent for the mayoral post in Mabalacat City.
The Commission on Elections allows the substitution of candidate until November 15.
“That’s why I ran as an independent candidate to show I am serious about serving the people as mayor,” he said. The Comelec does not allow a substitute for independent candidates.
Pangilinan has vowed to end corruption, pursue public accountability and transparency citing the more than a billion revenue of Mabalacat City that should been infused in its socio-civic and economic development.
With an annual budget of P1.7 billion, which is around the proximity of the Angeles City budget, Pangilinan said he can implement impact projects that will benefit residents of Mabalacat.
“Napakalaki po ng pondo ng Mabalacat City. Kung ito po ay gagastusin sa tamang paraan marami po sa ating mga kababayan sa Mabalacat City ang ating matutulungan,” said Pangilinan.
Pangilinan said that amid the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, he will implement a no-nonsense health program that will also support business and education continuity programs.
“Marami pa po sa ating mga kababayan sa Mabalacat ang hindi nababakunahan. Kailangan po na ipagpatuloy natin ang makabulihang vaccination program,” according to Pangilinan.
Among others, Pangilinan has vowed to pursue the following programs: Streamlining of the business registration system, peace and order, eradication of poverty and hunger, achieve universal primary
education, promote gender equality, reduce child mortality, protect maternal health, combat COVID-19, HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases, ensure environmental sustainability, disaster preparedness
and management, develop global partnership for growth and development, implement programs, projects and activities (PPAs) that are affordable and doable within a short time frame, strategic alliance and partnership with NGOs, private sector, and volunteers to provide livelihood and other skills trainings, assure socio-economic sustainability, strong and harmonious executive-legislative
relationship and public accountability.