CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — Former Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga 3rd District Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. is facing mounting online backlash, with Kapampangans branding him a liar and calling for his prosecution over allegations linking him to contracting activities and alleged budget manipulation.

The backlash followed Gonzales’ recent testimony before the Technical Working Group probing the repeated collapse of the Candating flood control structure. During the hearing, Gonzales denied any role in contracting or influencing projects, saying he divested from construction-related business interests upon assuming office and has no ties to Edd Mari Construction and Trading, the contractor that took full responsibility for the project’s failure.

Online reactions were swift and harsh, with netizens labeling Gonzales a “magnanakaw” and “buwaya,” while others called for his imprisonment. One commenter wrote, “Kasukasuka la deng makanyan a tao.. makarine la bilang kapampangan!!”

Several netizens also raised questions about ADG Contractor, a firm some associate with Gonzales. They pointed to the presence of his name on various infrastructure projects, including covered courts, and questioned ownership of the company. Others said projects were labeled as “Project of Dong Gonzales” despite his claim of not knowing the contractors involved, arguing such explanations lacked credibility.

An Arayat resident wrote, “Hindi cong-tractor? Yung mga daan at dike sa amin halos puro sub standard. Ikaw ang congressman doon for 9yrs & yung anak mo ngayon. Huwag mo na kaming lokohin.”

Other commenters dismissed Gonzales’ claim of unfamiliarity with Edd Mari Construction, with one remarking, “Pag taga pampanga ka alam mong joke yong sinasabi nya hahaha kasi buong angkan nila ang mga hawak ng mga proyekto ng pampanga.”

Some netizens compared past and present leadership, saying earlier representatives delivered more durable projects. Others questioned why claims of limited funding were raised in the past when funds are now available but have resulted in failed infrastructure. Criticism also extended to the design of the Candating project, with one commenter referencing Sen. Lito Lapid’s proposal to dredge the Pampanga River rather than focus solely on reinforcing riverbanks.

While most online reactions were critical, a few suggested the controversy could be tied to political rivalries, though none openly defended Gonzales. Broader frustration with governance was evident, with calls for accountability beyond contractors and warnings that inaction could further erode public trust.

On the sidelines of the TWG probe, Gonzales denied rumors of a gubernatorial bid, saying he would instead focus on his family, who currently hold higher government posts, and take on a coaching role. He also said the construction of covered courts across Pampanga, including in Masantol, San Simon, Apalit, Santo Tomas, San Juan Nepo and San Nicolas, were initiated upon community request. Gonzales added that having risen to the second-highest post in Congress made a gubernatorial run unnecessary.

As of this writing, Gonzales has not responded to the online backlash or to allegations linking him to alleged manipulation of the 2024 and 2025 national budgets, which continue to fuel public outrage over transparency and spending.