Friendships fade, and people grow apart. That is normal in life. But when the “friendship” in question unfolds on a political stage as interests evolve, power shifts, or alliances are tested — then the stakes are far more than just personal.

Now both vying for the mayoral seat, the once-united tandem of Mayor Crisostomo “Cris” Garbo and Vice Mayor Gerald Guttrie “Geld” Aquino, dubbed as “Team MCG,” has fractured amid shifting political dynamics and personal ambitions.

With Aquino aligning with the powerful Pineda family and Garbo facing legal and political pressures, their rivalry is set to redefine Mabalacat’s political landscape as the 2025 National and Local Elections approach. 

The Glory Days of Team MCG

Running under the same banner of Team MCG, Garbo-Aquino presented a unified front in Mabalacat City’s local governance — spanning from the 2019 elections, where they ran for mayor and vice mayor seats, respectively, under the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC). 

Garbo, leveraging his executive powers, spearheaded an ambitious slate of projects aimed at modernizing Mabalacat, including infrastructure upgrades, health programs, and digital services. 

Aquino, a lawyer by profession, played a crucial role in complementing these initiatives with strong legislative support from the city council.

On March 26, 2022, the tandem held a proclamation rally in Mabiga, Mabalacat. Thousands of supporters, clad in blue and white, participated in a Unity Walk from both the northern and southern parts of MacArthur Highway and converged at the rally site.

Pampanga Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda joined the event, highlighting the strong political alignment and support for the Garbo-Aquino leadership. Organizers estimated the attendance at the rally peaked at 10,000, marking it as the largest political gathering in Mabalacat City’s history to date. 

In addition, various sectoral groups, including the youth and LGBTQIA+ communities, expressed their support for Team MCG. 

The San Francisco Youth Club and LGBTQIA+ factions in Mabalacat City officially endorsed Garbo, Aquino, and the entire Team MCG slate, emphasizing their trust in the leadership and governance style of the duo.​

However, what was once a 6-year united force in Mabalacat City crumbled to dust when the former running mates filed their certificates of candidacy (COC) for the 2025 elections separately, both aiming for the mayoral seat.

Turning Point

In recent events, cracks in the once-strong partnership began to show as Aquino, who had been a staunch ally during Garbo’s initial term, began to carve out a path that diverged from his political partner. 

The initial signs of this shift were subtle, but as the political landscape of Pampanga evolved, so did Aquino’s position.

In 2022, Aquino made a public move that signified his distancing from Garbo. The vice mayor was seen in meetings with Rodrigo “Bong” Pineda, the patriarch of the Pineda family, long considered the kingmakers of Pampanga politics.

However, the turning point came when Aquino began appearing publicly with Pineda.

These appearances were a signal of allegiance, culminating in Pineda’s open endorsement and support for Aquino’s group, dubbed “Team Bagong Henerasyon,” which included the attendance of the Pineda clan at Aquino’s rallies.

The clearest sign of this new alignment came when Aquino was seen flying aboard Pineda’s private helicopter — a symbolic and strategic move interpreted by many as a public endorsement.

A Rocky Road for Garbo

Public statements by Pineda criticizing Garbo’s administration as “abusive and dishonest” further solidified Aquino’s position as the new hope for the future of Mabalacat.

For decades, the Pinedas’ support has been decisive in Pampanga elections, representing a major political shift, and their withdrawal from Garbo significantly weakens his reelection prospects.

Further compounding Garbo’s difficulties are several legal challenges that now hang over his candidacy. 

Although the Office of the Ombudsman dismissed the graft case against Mabalacat City Mayor Crisostomo Garbo over the ₱2.1-billion government center project, it issued a formal admonition and warned that any similar misconduct in the future would invite harsher penalties.

For vice mayoralty aspirant Councilor Jun Castro, however, the case is “not over yet.” 

On February 3, 2024, he filed a partial motion for reconsideration and vowed to elevate the case to the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court if necessary. 

As Castro put it, “Nirerespeto natin ang decision ng Ombudsman pero sa pag-aaral ng ating mga lawyers, nakita natin na wala naman sa batas na kapag nagkamali ka, iwa-warn ka lang, o ire-reprimand ka o i-admonish ka. Dapat ang lahat ng pagkakamali ay may karampatang parusa.”

He is also facing a disqualification case with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). 

Rizaldo Garcia, former barangay captain of Sapang Biabas, filed a petition (SPA 24-073) on October 16, seeking to disqualify Garbo on the grounds that his three consecutive terms since 2016 violate the constitutional term limit for local officials.

If COMELEC rules against him, his candidacy could be invalidated — similar to what happened to former mayor Marino “Boking” Morales, who was disqualified after losing Pineda’s support. This precedent adds weight to the argument that Garbo’s political position is not only weakened by controversy but also increasingly untenable in the face of legal scrutiny.

Analysts also point to dissatisfaction within the Pineda camp regarding Garbo’s management of major infrastructure projects and his perceived lavish lifestyle. 

A report from Punto! Central Luzon stated that “any whiff of corruption is verboten to the Pinedas,” and that Garbo’s downfall began with his handling of the controversial city hall loan. 

The same report highlighted the family’s discomfort with what they saw as excessive spending and opulence during his tenure — factors that ultimately contributed to the alliance’s breakdown.

What’s at Stake for Mabalacat

With Aquino now enjoying the support of Pampanga’s most influential political family and Garbo facing escalating legal and political pressure, the stage is set for a dramatic electoral contest in 2025. 

Aquino’s ties to the Pinedas through his maternal lineage, combined with his “clean” record and legislative achievements, make him a strong contender for the mayoralty. Meanwhile, Garbo, politically isolated and legally vulnerable, must now defend his legacy amid growing opposition.

The rivalry between Garbo and Aquino is no longer just a battle of political ambitions — it’s a symbol of the deepening divisions within Mabalacat’s governance. 

As the 2025 local elections approach, voters face a crossroads. The question is not only who will win but also what kind of leadership the city deserves.

In the end, elections must not be reduced to a proxy war between power players. 

The call now is for political clarity, not spectacle; for platforms grounded in public service, not power plays; and for voters to demand more than loyalty and unity — but leadership and genuine governance.

Mabalacat City deserves nothing less.