PAMPANGA, Philippines – The recent filing of certificates of candidacy in Pampanga province revealed shifts in the top executive positions, including in highly urbanized Angeles City, but what remained was the tight grip of family dynasties.

The same familiar surnames all but dominated the “new” family tandems, including father-and-daughter and mother-and-son pairings, as well as parents passing the torch to their children.

Politics as a family affair though is not exclusive in this vote-rich Central Luzon province. Political aspirations are often closely tied to family connections, turning traditional family value into a cornerstone of local governance.

Here are the families entered in Pampanga’s political race for the upcoming 2025 national and local elections.

The ruling Pinedas of Pampanga

The Pineda family exemplifies this trend with a notable political swap. The son, incumbent Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda is swapping positions with his mother, the current Vice Governor Lilia Pineda.

(Political Dynasties 2022: Amid controversies, Pinedas of Pampanga expand reach)

They will face competition from the former mayor of Candaba, Danilo Baylon, who is running as an independent candidate; and former governor Among Ed Panlilio, who aims for a comeback as vice governor under the Liberal Party.

Baylon is a formidable contender. He secured 42% of the votes against Delta in the 2022 elections.

The Pineda family boasts more political figures: Esmie Pineda is campaigning for a third term as mayor of Lubao, while her sister, Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab, is vying for the mayoral position in San Fernando City. Mylyn recently resigned from her post as a provincial board member.

The Pinedas have their own local political party: Kapanalig at Kambilan ding Memalen Pampanga (Kambilan), which is like a cloak of invincibility, uniting local politicians as allies.

The Lazatins of Angeles City

In Angeles City, there was also a position swap between the top dog Lazatin brothers. Outgoing Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. will run for 1st District representative, taking over the position of his brother, the likewise outgoing Representative Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II, who will aim for the mayorship.

Pogi faces cultural activist Mike Pangilinan, while Jon is running against former Philippine National Police chief Oscar Albayalde.

A photo of Jon with Bong Pineda is a “proof” of support.

The Lazatin brothers are the sons of the late Tarzan Lazatin, who served as mayor and lawmaker for nearly three decades: a representative in the 1st District for 11 years, mayor of Angeles City for nine years, and village chief of barangay Balibago at 83 years old.

The Gonzales Family

House Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. appears ready to step down from his congressional seat, ensuring the continuation of his family’s political legacy.

His wife, My-my Mercado-Gonzales, is running for a board member position in Pampanga’s 3rd District, while their daughter, incumbent board member Alyssa Michaela Gonzales, is set to contest the seat her father is vacating. 

Another member of the clan, Aurelio “Brenz” Gonzales, an incumbent city councilor, is running for vice mayor of San Fernando City. He is running against current Vice Mayor BJ Lagman, the running mate of Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab.

The Morales Family

The Morales family is also entrenched in Pampanga’s political fabric. 

Two sons and a niece of the long-serving mayor Marino “Boking” Morales are all pursuing councilor positions in different towns for the upcoming elections.

Ike Morales, an incumbent barangay kagawad of Dau, is running for councilor in Mabalacat City, while Marino Rafael Morales III seeks a councilor role in Bamban, Tarlac.

Additionally, Maricel “Marang” Morales, Boking’s niece and a former councilor, is making a political comeback as an independent candidate in Angeles City after a six-year hiatus.

The Lapids of Porac

Senator Lito Lapid is aiming for reelection for a third term under the Nationalist People’s Coalition, while his brother Rey Lapid is an incumbent councilor of Porac.

The senator’s sons, Mark Lapid, who also served as governor of Pampanga in 2004-2007, is the current chief operating officer of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA); while Maynard Lapid is running for councilor of Porac.

Senator Lapid first served as vice governor of the province in 1992. Since then, he has held the positions as governor and senator in non-consecutive terms.

The Tumangs of Mexico

Hazel Tumang, daughter of the dismissed Mexico mayor Teddy Tumang, has filed her candidacy under the Nacionalista Party and local party Kambilan.

She is running against incumbent provincial board member Michaela Gonzales, daughter of SDS Dong Gonzales.

Teddy’s brother, Alex Tumang, is also running for mayor, solidifying the Tumang family’s presence.

The former mayor Teddy Tumang was dismissed in August 2023 due to alleged procurement irregularities during his term from 2007 to 2010. 

The Capils of Porac

Porac’s incumbent Mayor Jaime “Jing” Capil and his daughter, Trisha Angelie Capil, are both running for mayor and vice mayor, respectively. 

Trisha graduated magna cum laude and is a certified public account. She is currently studying law.

Capil is currently suspended along with other officials due to gross neglect related to a Philippine offshore gaming operation.

Sta. Rita’s Salalila brothers

The Salalila brothers, incumbent Mayor Art Salalila is running together with his brother, Ferdinand “Dagi” Salalila, under the local party Kambilan.

Mayor Art and his brother Dagi were once political rivals, running against each other in the 2022 mayoral elections, when Dagi was the incumbent.

The Manalansans in Floridablanca

In Floridablanca, incumbent councilor Darren Manalansan is running for mayor as his father, Mayor Darwin Manalansan, is serving his third term. 

This parent-child tandem is a recurring dynamic not only in Pampanga but all over the country.

The Garbos of Mabalacat City

Mabalacat City’s incumbent Mayor Crisostomo Garbo is running for reelection together with his daughter as his running mate, present provincial board member Krizzanel “Win-Win” Garbo.

Cris first served as mayor of Mabalacat in July 2016, ending the 22-year term of Boking Morales when Comelec ruled with finality to cancel the latter’s COC in August 2016.

His run may face disqualification due to technicality as he is currently serving his “third term” by winning in the 2022 elections.

He is also facing a complaint over alleged grave misconduct, graft, and corruption over the controversial P2.1-billion proposed government center project which was filed by incumbent councilor Jun Castro. 

Castro is the running mate of incumbent Vice Mayor Geld Aquino, who is aspiring to be mayor. The Castro-Aquino slate is supported by Bong Pineda.

The Bustos of Masantol

Party-list group Patrol representative Jorge Bustos is eyeing a congressional seat in the 4th District of Pampanga. His son, incumbent mayor of Masantol, Jose Antonion “Tonton” Bustos, is also seeking re-election. 

Tonton is the youngest elected mayor in Pampanga.

Tonton’s cousin, Joshua Bustos, is in the race for vice mayor. He is the incumbent barangay captain of San Nicolas and president of the Association of Barangay Captain in Masantol town.

Jorge’s partner, Kaye Pineda, is also running for provincial board member. Her son, Ron Pineda, is running for councilor in Angeles City. –Rappler.com