Pampanga (CNN Philippines) — With just a few days before the official campaign period begins, the Poe-Escudero tandem are racing against time to get support from local officials.
The two got a rousing welcome in Pampanga on Friday (January 29). Both praised Gov. Lilia “Baby” Pineda for bringing development to Pampanga, although her family is linked to illegal gambling.
“Sana ay maging ehemplo ito sa buong bayan rin, ito ang pagkalinga at pagmamalasakit ng isang babaeng may puso, at yan din ang aming gusto sa aming gobyerno,” presidential candidate Grace Poe said.
[Translation: “May this be an example to the whole nation, this is the care and concern of a woman with a heart, and that’s the same thing we want in our government.”]
1.2M voters
Pampanga is also the bailiwick of former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who is accused of cheating in the 2004 elections to snatch victory from her chief opponent, actor and Poe’s adoptive father, Fernando Poe, Jr.
Arroyo is currently under hospital arrest.
Pineda used to be closely associated with Arroyo.
But that’s not stopping Poe from trying to get political backing from the governor and other Pampanga officials. After all, the province has 1.2 million voters.
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Poe, however, is facing stiff competition. Other presidential candidates are also trying to get Pineda’s nod.
“Kahit governor ako, hindi ko puwede sabihin ngayon sa inyo na sila yung gusto ko. Di ba, bigyan mo ng laya yung kapwa mong kapampangan, baka sabihin nila nag-commit ako para sa kanila,” Pineda said.
[Translation: “Even if I’m the governor, I can’t tell you that they are the ones I support. Let’s give Pampanga voters freedom, as they may say that I committed their votes for them.”]
Endorsement from officials
Pineda will have to get the consensus of local leaders on who the province should endorse. The choice will depend on two points.
First, a commitment to fund the province’s massive flood mitigation project. This will entail the conversion of more than 20,000 hectares of land into a mega dam to impound floodwaters from Nueva Ecija and Tarlac. The tag price for the project is P20 billion.
Poe said she would make it a priority if she gets elected.
Second, the next administration should develop Clark International Airport as a major alternative to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport terminals in Metro Manila.
