‘Punsalan still my bet’

SAN SIMON - Despite patching things up with Mayor Leonora Wong, reelectionist Fourth District Representative Juan Pablo “Rimpy” Bondoc over the weekend clarified that his support to the candidacy of mayoralty candidate Abundio Punsalan, Jr. did not waver.

Bondoc, who accompanied Punsalan in his opening salvo, said while his reconciliation with Wong is significant, he also cannot backout on his commitment to Punsalan and the rest of the slate.

“Simonians know that I was and has always been with Team Jun Punsalan and that will not waver,” Bondoc said.

He further clarified that his acknowledgment of Wong, who is seeking the vice-mayoralty seat, and her runningmate comebacking Mayor Rodrigo “Digos” Punsalan during his recent visit at the municipal hall here is his way of giving respect to the Kambilan party who adopted him as official candidate.

“Vice-Governor (Dennis) Delta Pineda adopted me to be part of the Kambilan party and of course, I cannot turn my back on his allies, and while it was a positive development for us and Mayor Wong, I still have to honor my commitment with Team Jun Punsalan,” he said.

Punsalan, for his part, expressed gratitude to Bondoc for the support to his candidacy, and for believing in his will to provide true and quality service to Simonians through the local chief executive post.

“I thank Congressman Rimpy for trusting and supporting me and the rest of Team Jun Punsalan, and I hope we will garner the same trust from our fellow Simonians come election day,” he said.

Joining Punsalan in the slate is his runningmate Migs Yambao and councilorables Vice-Mayor Keko Almario, Dading Santos, Ruby Simbulan, Jennet David, Olson Santos, Dey Tayag, Richneil Bravo, and Marc Macapagal.