Pampanga, Bataan leaders retain top posts

The Garcia family secured sweeping victories in Bataan, while the Pineda mother-and-son tandem were proclaimed governor and vice governor in Pampanga, following the recent elections.

In Bataan, reelectionist Governor Jose Enrique Garcia III won by a landslide, garnering 388,011 votes against Estrella Santos. Reelectionist Vice Governor Cris Garcia, the governor’s cousin, also won with 350,668 votes against JV Coronel.

Incumbent Congressman Albert Garcia, the governor’s older brother and a political figure in Bataan, ran unopposed and secured 144,614 votes in the Second District. Congresswoman Maria Angela Garcia, the governor’s sister, also won reelection in the Third District with 144,517 votes against Ernesto Manalo.

Raquel Garcia, wife of former mayor Francis Garcia, the governor’s younger brother, was proclaimed mayor of Balanga City, replacing her husband, who won as vice mayor.

Atty. Antonio Roman III won unopposed in the 1st Congressional District with 114,677 votes.

Reelectionist Mayor Richie Jason David of Limay, described as the country’s richest municipality, retained his post, while his wife Grace David also won as vice mayor. Businessman Jon Arizapa, a newcomer, was proclaimed mayor of Orani town after running unopposed.

Over at Pampanga, incumbent Vice Governor Lilia Pineda won the gubernatorial race with 709,694 votes against Danilo Baylon and Amado Santos.

“I am very happy. I am thankful to all the Kapampangans because I see and feel your love. I will strive to serve you even more. Your love inspires me to continue working harder,” she said. The elder Pineda previously served as governor from 2010 to 2019.

Incumbent Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda, her son, won reelection against his sole opponent, Among Ed Panlilio, with 751,077 votes.

“I am happy. At least we have seen that majority of the Kapampangans still support us. In return, we still need to work hard to help those in need, especially when it comes to projects and programs. We will not just rely on the provincial funds. Nanay and I will also pursue national government support so we can bring more projects here in Pampanga,” he said.

Meantime, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo won her second consecutive term as congresswoman of the Second District, and Anna York Bondoc-Sagum won her second consecutive term in the Fourth District. Carmelo Lazatin Jr. won his first term in the First District, and Alyssa Michaela Gonzales also won her first term in the Third District.

Pampanga has approximately 1.67 million registered voters, the second-largest in Central Luzon after Bulacan.