Senator Cynthia Villar with mayoral candidate Carlo Aguilar and Loiue Bustmante for vice mayor
Las Piñas mayoral aspirant Carlo Aguilar officially launched his campaign on Friday, March 28, vowing to transform Las Piñas into a progressive and modern city.
Aguilar detailed his vision for a "New Las Piñas," a stark contrast to what he described as "Last Piñas," lamenting that the city has been left behind in terms of infrastructure, economic development, and quality of public services compared to other Metro Manila cities during his campaign rally held at San Ezekiel Moreno Parish Church along C5 Extension in barangay Pulanglupa Uno.
The campaign kickoff was attended by all local candidates under the Nacionalista Party including party chairman Cynthia Villar who is running for the city’s lone seat in Congress.
In his speech, Aguilar underscored the urgent need for a leadership shift in Las Piñas, stating that the city's decline in competitiveness, urban planning, and basic services has made life increasingly difficult for residents.
"We were once a leading city, but today, we are lagging. Roads remain congested, economic growth is stagnant, and our services have not improved. It's time for a new Las Piñas. We need leadership that listens, leadership that acts, and leadership that puts the people first." Aguilar said.
Aguilar laid out his key governance priorities, which focuses on modernization, economic revitalization, and social development:
Traffic Solutions - Abolish the current "Buhos System" and implement digital monitoring for better traffic flow along Alabang-Zapote Road. He also aims to end the proliferation of fake friendship stickers and implement a renewal system every three years as well as reinstating the color-coding exemption along major thoroughfares.
Flood Control - Upgrade and expand drainage systems, clean esteros and rivers regularly, build flood control facilities, and enforce zoning laws to prevent construction in flood-prone areas.
Education - Increase allowance for scholars and provide tuition subsidies for students who are unable to enter the city college.
Senior Citizens - Establish a local pension fund for 60,000 senior citizens to ease their financial burdens.
Healthcare - Ensure free medicine at health centers, expand green card benefits up to P45,000 per year, and streamline the process to eliminate political favoritism.
Disaster Preparedness and Security - Establish a 24/7 emergency hotline, strengthen barangay security, increase the number of fire trucks and hydrants, and provide free fire safety training.
Jobs and Livelihood - Hold regular job fairs in partnership with private companies, provide zero-interest loans for small businesses, and offer free training in e-commerce and digital marketing.