By Robert B. Roque, Jr.
As seen in Pasig City, the maverick mayor Vico Sotto proved that dynasties are not invincible — and that good governance can thrive when politics is wrestled away from greedy bloodlines.
Against the odds, he showed that leadership anchored on transparency, merit, and public trust can dismantle decades of control and that Pasig is proof for the rest of the country that real change is possible.
For too long, however, Pampanga has sadly been in the trappings of a vicious cycle of rotten politics — lulled by the familiar faces of the Pinedas.
Most Kapampangan folk have learned to settle for a status quo of local governance that has been built on tolerance — if not outright cradling of “jueteng,” other vices, corruption, and political control.
Perhaps, the electorate has already grown numb that it fails to see a better route: real, honest governance. Have they absolutely forgotten that the Capitol is not like a “sari-sari” store that can be inherited from Nanay Pineda to Delta Pineda as her husband Bong Pineda applauds on the side?
I hope Firing Line stresses enough that this midterm election offers Kapampangans a real alternative — a genuine chance to break free from a system that has long treated the province like a family casino.
Running for governor is Danilo Baylon, former Candaba mayor and businessman, who brings a clean track record and a clear agenda for agricultural revival and environmental restoration — including plans to breathe life back into Pampanga Bay.
For vice governor, there’s ex-Governor Ed Panlilio — yes, Among Ed, the former priest — who once toppled the Pinedas and now seeks to prove that moral, people-first leadership isn’t just a dream. And in San Fernando City, Mayor Vilma Caluag is offering a refreshing brand of politics rooted in reform, transparency, and the real needs of the people.
This is not just a battle of names. It’s a fight for dignity — to show that the people of Pampanga are not meshed in a culture of STL, jueteng, and other unlawful rackets of daily life.
It’s time Pampanga breaks the idea that the elective offices of the province are to be treated like a jackpot prize premised on small bets on the voter — whether cash, appliances, or a few kilos of rice.
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SHORT BURSTS. For comments or reactions, email firingline@ymail.com or tweet @Side_View via X.Read current and past issues of this column at http://www.thephilbiznews.com
