Pampanga’s eminence grise Rodolfo “Bong” Pineda has continued to actively and strongly show his support for his chosen political slates by making notable appearances and delivering pointed pep talks in at least two towns in the province over the course of two Sundays.
The Pineda patriarch has remained an influential figure in Pampanga’s political landscape. Bong’s presence in local village visits such as the recent inter-barangay basketball tournament kick off ceremony at Barangay Manibaug Paralaya in Porac and a caucus at Barangay Bikal in Mabalacat City mark an ongoing influence in the province’s political sphere. This shows that his influence goes beyond mere endorsements as his presence does carry some political weight.
The Pineda patriarch, on Sunday, December 8, arrived in Porac town via helicopter to show his endorsement and strong support to the candidacies of mayoral aspirant Mike Tapang and running mate Vincent Lusung who are running against suspended Mayor Jing Capil who also hails from the same village, Barangay Manibaug Paralaya. Bong was welcomed by the town’s acting mayor Myla Clarete and the Team Tapang-Lusung together with several village chiefs.
Pineda also visited Barangay Bikal in Mabalacat City last November 24 for a caucus activity, declaring his strong disapproval of incumbent Mayor Cris Garbo, calling him “mapanako” or a thief. Barangay Bikal is also the same barangay where Garbo also resides.
Porac and Mabalacat are among the towns across the province who are in the hot seat this political season of midterm elections. And as the election season intensifies, will Bong’s ability to rally support and shape public opinion continue to influence the political dynamics of Pampanga? While it remains to be seen whether his influence can sway the outcomes in Porac and Mabalacat, one thing remains clear, Bong is not one to be overlooked.
