LAS PIÑAS CITY – Mayoral candidate Carlo Aguilar officially launched his campaign on Friday, March 28, vowing to transform Las Piñas into a progressive and modern city after years of stagnation under the current administration.

In a packed event at San Ezekiel Moreno Parish Church along the C5 Extension in barangay Pulanglupa Uno, 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.

The campaign kickoff was attended by all local candidates under the Nacionalista Party which includes party Chairman, Sen. Cynthia A. Villar who is running for the city’s lone seat in Congress. Also present were barangay and SK officials, homeowners association officers, women, youth, senior citizens, and people from the communities.

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,” Aguilar said. “We need leadership that listens, leadership that acts, and leadership that puts the people first.”

Aguilar pointed out the stark contrast between his vision and that of his main opponent, the current vice mayor, whom he criticized for failing to implement meaningful reforms. He accused the incumbent administration of maintaining a status quo that has prioritized political survival over genuine progress.

“We cannot allow another three years of the same inaction and complacency,” he added. “Las Piñas deserves more than just a name in politics – it deserves real leadership.”

Platform of Governance

Aguilar laid out his key governance priorities, which focus on modernization, economic revitalization, and social development. His platform includes:

Traffic Solutions: Abolish the current “buhos system” and implement digital monitoring for better traffic flow on Alabang-Zapote Road. End the proliferation of fake friendship stickers. Implement a renewal system every three years and reinstate 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.

Flood Control: Improve the drainage system to prevent flooding and deploy more garbage trucks for cleaner communities. Clean esteros and rivers regularly, build flood control facilities and enforce zoning laws to prevent construction in flood-prone areas.

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.

A People’s Campaign

Aguilar’s campaign launch rallied for active citizen participation. He encouraged voters, especially first-time and youth voters, to take a stand for change.

“This election is not just about choosing a leader; it is about choosing the future of Las Piñas. We need every resident, every sector, to be part of this movement for a new Las Piñas,” he said.

“We are tired of empty promises. We need a leader who will bring real change, and we believe Carlo Aguilar is that leader,” said one resident who attended the event.

As the campaign season heats up, Aguilar and his team are set to embark on an extensive city-wide campaign, engaging with communities through house-to-house visits, town hall meetings, and social media outreach.

“We are bringing this campaign to the people because this is their fight, too. Las Piñas is ready for a new chapter, and together, we will make that happen,” Aguilar declared.

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