PAMPANGA, Philippines – Rodolfo “Bong” Pineda, the reputed political kingmaker of Pampanga, has been maneuvering behind the scenes again, this time using a helicopter to fetch or visit several local politicians so he could personally talk to them.
The meetings, which took place before the start of the filing of certificates of candidacy on Tuesday, October 1, were seen as efforts to consolidate political forces for Pineda’s bets.
For over three decades, the Pinedas have wielded political power and influence in Pampanga. Bong, as the patriarch, has played a key role in influencing the outcome of both local and national elections in the province. He often operates in the shadows, consolidating political forces and ensuring the Pineda grip on power remains tight as ever.
Now, as the 2025 elections approach, his operations may carry the weight of an unspoken “blessing” from Pampanga’s first family.
Bong’s son, Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda, is facing an old political rival, Danilo Baylon, who nearly won in the 2022 elections with 41.16% of the votes.
Before the start of the filing of COCs, Baylon has been actively making his presence felt by handing out packets of dressed chicken and rice, and cash assistance to people during his sorties, moves that pose a challenge for the Pinedas.
The first indication of Bong’s strategic moves came when Mabalacat City Vice Mayor Gerald Aquino was summoned for a helicopter ride to the Pinedas’ sprawling Pradera Verde estate in Lubao as early as July.
Aquino reportedly made at least four such trips there in just 10 days, sparking rumors that he was being groomed for a more prominent role in the 2025 elections. Photos showing Aquino and Bong giving a thumbs-up fueled speculation of an emerging political alliance.
In July, Bong’s son Delta swore in Aquino as the new president of the Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines-Pampanga chapter, following the passing of Vice Mayor Emmanuel Alejandrino of Arayat. Bong’s support for Aquino paved the way for an alliance aimed at securing the mayoralty of Mabalacat City.
Political observers said Bong has severed ties with Mabalacat City Mayor Crisostomo Garbo. In the 2022 elections, Garbo’s slate swept the local race.
Garbo is now serving his last term but faces complaints of alleged grave misconduct, graft, and corruption in connection with the acquisition of land and the proposed P2.1-billion, five-story government center project. The complaints were filed by Councilor Jun Castro before the Ombudsman in April 2023.
There’s talk that Garbo’s daughter, incumbent provincial board member Krizanel “Win-Win” Garbo, will join the mayoral race.
The Pineda helicopter next landed in Arayat to bring Mayor Maria Lourdes “Madir” Alejandrino and former vice mayor Sixto Mallari to meet with Bong at his Pradera estate.
Shortly after, the helicopter descended in Porac, where Bong stepped off to meet with former Porac councilor and provincial board member Mike Tapang, instead of flying him to Pradera.
San Simon Vice Mayor Romanoel “Dading” Santos also reportedly took the helicopter ride to Pradera. This came after suspension orders were imposed on San Simon Mayor Abundio “JP” Punsalan by both the Office of the Ombudsman and the provincial government of Pampanga.
In Angeles City, Bong’s endorsement was also shown in a photo with Pampanga’s 1st District Representative Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II. Jon and his half-brother, Angeles City Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr., are set to swap their political posts – Jon will run for mayor, and Pogi will make a bid for the congressional seat.
In April, Bong and his daughter Mylyn transferred their voter registrations from Lubao to San Fernando City. Mylyn, who resigned as a provincial board member before the transfer, is reportedly vying for the mayoral position in Pampanga’s capital against incumbent Mayor Vilma Caluag. Vilma’s husband, Melchor, previously worked for Bong. – Rappler.com
