PORAC, Pampanga – Businessman and political kingmaker Rodolfo “Tatay Bong” Pineda took center stage at Team Tapang-Lusung’s massive campaign kickoff on April 5, as he publicly marked the political downfall of former Porac Mayor Jaime “Jing” Capil. This came a day after the Office of the Ombudsman released its decision dismissing Capil from service over gross neglect of duty linked to an illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in town.
Pineda, speaking before a crowd of over 20,000 supporters at MMT Farm in Barangay Manibaug Libutad, urged voters to reject what he called “political recycling,” a veiled swipe at vice mayoral candidate Jen Capil, the daughter and running mate of the dismissed mayor. He warned Porac voters not to allow “the same old politics” to return under new faces. “Ang pera ng bayan ay para sa mamamayan, hindi para sa bulsa ng iilan,” Pineda stressed.
The rally formally launched the campaign of mayoral bet Mike Tapang and vice mayoral candidate Vincent Lusung, along with their full slate of councilor candidates. Senator Francis Tolentino and acting Mayor Myla Clarete also threw their support behind the team, signaling the growing strength of the coalition just 40 days before the May 12 elections.
Tapang, in his keynote address, promised a results-oriented leadership that matches Porac’s rapid growth. “We are ready to lead. We will not offer empty promises—we offer programs backed by the people’s trust,” he said, echoing the team’s platform anchored on transparent governance, inclusive development, healthcare, and education reforms.
Team Tapang-Lusung’s momentum continues to build, with 19 of the town’s 29 barangay chairmen already pledging support. The coalition’s eight-point agenda aims to solidify Porac’s path to progress and break away from the legacy of failed leadership. “The people are ready for change,” Clarete said. “And that change is Team Tapang-Lusung.”