MABALACAT CITY – Vice Mayor Marcos “Jun” Castro has underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in pushing for various projects, citing their battle cry that won him and Mayor Geld Aquino last year the top two posts in this city.
Guesting for the first time in KapiHann of the Pampanga Press Club, Castro has made a rundown of key projects supported by his office and the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP). The media forum at Swissotel Clark is in partnership with Hann Casino Resort.
“Sabay po kami tumakbo at lumaban sa politika ni Mayor Geld. Isinigaw namin transparency and accountability at marami po na Mabalaquenios ang naniniwala na kaya namin gawin yun. Kaya hanggat maaari po ay (panatilihin) at ipakita natin ang sinisigaw nating transparency,” Castro said.
Doubling down on good governance, Castro made a rundown of key projects which he, as presiding officer of the city council, has supported.
City Budget and GIE
Topping his list is the passage of the city’s ₱2.875 billion budget for 2026. This, he said, would support programs and projects in health and medical services, especially the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation and social pensions for the marginalized sector.
“Gusto natin na malaman ng taongbayan magkano ang pera ng Mabalacat at saan napupunta ang malaking pondo. Kailangan ipaliwanag natin at maipakita natin sa kanila for transparency purposes. Sa accountability naman kailangan yung mga decision mo lalu na kapag executive ka ay maging decisive ka dyan. Para makapag implement ng mabilisan ng mga proyekto,” Castro said.
The vice mayor said that he is also checking on the actual amount of shares of this city from Gross Income Earned. He said that the GIE has dwindled from ₱1 billion to ₱600 million in the past few years.
The New City Hall and Hospital
Castro and the SP are also backing up moves to get a “re-loan” from the Land Bank of the Philippines for the controversial new city hall project that was started by the Garbo Administration.
The loan which expired in September 2025 will be renegotiated to be reduced from ₱2.70 billion to ₱1.5 billion to cover the construction. The contractor, he said, has already billed the city government ₱300 million.
This edifice for the new seat of government was one of the key issues in the 2025 elections, with the Aquino-Castro tandem calling for stoppage of the project pending review.
Castro also cited the city government’s request to operate the Mabalacat District Hospital now currently under the provincial government.
Not Running for Mayor
While pounding on transparency and accountability, Castro belied rumors that he and Aquino are at odds and that their tandem will not hold for the 2028 elections. (See related story)
“Matagal na pong usap-usapan yan. Hindi po ako politikong tao, hindi ako ma politika kaya di ko pinapansin. Pero dahil naitanong ninyo yan, kung tatakbo akong Mayor sa 2028. Hindi po. Magkasama kaming lumaban under good governance at mag re-relect po kami ulit. Mag re-reelect po ang inyong linkod bilang Vice Mayor under Mayor Geld Aquino,” he said.
Support for Artists
On heritage preservation, Castro disclosed that the SP will be adopting an Ordinance that will institutionalize the formation of an arts and culture council where funds would also be allocated. This is also supported by Aquino.
Other projects he outlined include the following:
- Monitoring of motorcycle riding services, requiring them to secure operating permits in the city
- Expansion of social pension that will now include all senior citizens, solo parents and PWDs.
