Pineda's son not keen on Pampanga gov post

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Philippines – Lubao Mayor Dennis Pineda has no intention of running for governor.

Former senior board member Lilia Pineda told The STAR that her son is not keen at present on seeking the governorship and may run for another position as he is on his third and last term as mayor.

The young Pineda, president of the Pampanga Mayors’ League, is being prodded to run for governor, with San Luis Mayor Jay Sagum as his running mate.

Dennis and Sagum are always seen together in several occasions, particularly in visits of their cabalen, President Arroyo, to the province.

So far, the elder Pineda said Vice Gov. Joseller “Yeng” Guiao has declared his intention to run for governor and that he is more qualified for the position.

“Yeng is professional, educated and has more experience in government; he is more than qualified for that position,” she said.

“I will support his candidacy and I may campaign for him,” she added.

A number of Pampanga mayors have also expressed their support for the candidacy of Guiao, whose late father Bren had carried out many projects in the province despite the lahar devastation during the Mt. Pinatubo eruption.

“With these many projects and development that the late Guiao had made, no doubt that Yeng will also do the same like his father,” said the elder Pineda, who is elated with the Supreme Court ruling ordering a vote recount in her protest against the victory of Gov. Ed Panlilio in the 2007 elections.