TEAM AGUILAR HOLDS FINAL RALLY, VOWS TO CONTINUE ‘TATAK NENE AGUILAR’ LEADERSHIP AND PUBLIC SERVICE

TEAM Aguilar concluded its official campaign activities with a miting de avance held on Friday, May 9 at the Aguilar Sports Complex in Pilar. The event served as a final opportunity for candidates under the Tatak Nene Aguilar banner to present their platforms and message to the public before the election period ends.

Vice Mayor April Aguilar, who is running for the first time as Mayor, reported on the key programs implemented under her tenure in public office. “Mula pagkabuhay hanggang sa pagkamatay,” she said, citing the availability of free birthing services in the city’s lying-in clinics, the Green Card medical subsidy program, and partnerships with hospitals and diagnostic centers. She added that Las Piñas currently operates 30 health centers and two city-run laboratories that provide free checkups for all residents, regardless of Green Card status.

She also highlighted the city’s education initiatives, including 109 daycare centers, one of the highest totals in Metro Manila, as well as free elementary, high school, and college education through the Dr. Filemon C. Aguilar Memorial College of Las Piñas (DFCAM – CLP). She noted that DFCAM’s 10-storey College of Engineering is set to open within a year to accommodate up to 4,000 new students. Vice Mayor April Aguilar also mentioned the city’s continued implementation of a free funeral assistance program. She expressed her gratitude to Las Piñeros for the consistent support shown to her family, and for giving them the same trust and confidence that they did to the late Mayor Nene Aguilar.

Congressional candidate and underdog Mark Anthony Santos positioned himself as the candidate with moral ascendancy, stating that he entered politics as an ordinary citizen guided by principles. He highlighted his record as a councilor, particularly his work on the committees on informal settlers and land use. He criticized his opponent, a billionaire, for allegedly failing to fulfill tax obligations, and said he would not use public office for personal gain. He said his focus would remain on public service, particularly housing and social welfare.

City councilor candidates presented their policy advocacies. Tito Martinez pledged to strengthen programs for senior citizens. Mac Mac Santos expressed support for national housing programs and proposed the continued purchase of land for landless residents, the improvement of barangay-police coordination to enhance peace and order, and financial assistance programs for students. Robert Cristobal highlighted his commitment to honest and accountable governance, emphasizing that public officials must remain answerable to the people they serve.

Alelee Aguilar, who is running for the first time as councilor in District 1, discussed her priorities in education, health, and family welfare. She said she would push for better education programs, improve health services targeting women and children, and support initiatives that benefit senior citizens. As the lone female councilor candidate in Team Aguilar, she underscored the need for inclusive and responsive policymaking that reflects the real needs of families and communities in Las Piñas.

The event also featured appearances by celebrity supporters Maricel Soriano, Maja Salvador, Enrique Gil, and Aivee Aguilar, who joined the candidates on stage to show their support.

With the campaign period coming to a close, Team Aguilar concludes their miting de avance with a strong call for continued unity, transparency, and public service under the Tatak Nene Aguilar legacy, urging the community to support leaders who place the welfare of the community above all else. (JOJO SADIWA)