PAMPANGA — Supporters of Pampanga Governor Lilia “Baby” Pineda and Vice Governor Dennis Pineda have come to their defense as criticism over their designer clothing during an inspection at the Sto. Cristo dam in Lubao on Aug. 29 with DPWH continues to circulate online.
Several social media users said the discussion should not be centered on the clothes worn by the provincial officials but on their presence in affected areas and the assistance extended to residents.
Princess Majesty Laxamana and Virgie Go were among those who questioned the attention given to the Pinedas’ attire, saying their efforts to assist communities affected by flooding should not be overshadowed by the controversy.
Alexan Paule also expressed support for Governor Pineda, urging her not to be discouraged by criticism.
“Nanay, hayaaan po ninyo mga ibang tao na naninira sa inyo. Di po nila alam ang pagod at malasakit sa mga tao ng Pampanga or ibang lugar. Basta po kami, Nanay, nandito lang po kami,” Paule wrote.
“I salute u, Nanay Gov. We love you,” she added.
Paul Pangilinan Corpuz, meanwhile, defended Vice Governor Dennis Pineda, saying he personally knows the Pineda family.
Corpuz cited the provincial government’s Educational Financial Assistance Program, saying there were instances when Pineda personally helped shoulder the full tuition of students who could not afford to continue their studies.
He urged the public not to judge the vice governor based solely on his appearance, saying people may not be aware of the assistance he provides.
“I STAND FOR HIM, WE STAND FOR HIM,” Corpuz wrote.
Veteran journalist Max Sangil also weighed in, recalling his encounters with Pineda and describing him as someone who has long been particular about his appearance.
In a post titled “The Real Side of Dennis Pineda,” Sangil said he had seen Pineda dressed fashionably during visits to the family-owned Royce Hotel and Casino.
Sangil added that being conscious of one’s appearance was not unusual, particularly among Kapampangans, whom he described as having a reputation for being particular about how they dress.
On the criticism surrounding Pineda’s attire while visiting flood victims, Sangil said people were entitled to their opinions but added that, for him, the issue was not significant.
“For me, that’s no big deal,” he said.
Journalist Ramon Tulfo likewise questioned whether wearing designer clothing should be considered inappropriate while providing assistance to flood victims.
“Masama bang magsuot ng mga designer clothes habang tumutulong sa mga biktima ng baha?” Tulfo wrote.
Tulfo said he has known the Pineda family and described them as helpful even before they entered politics. He also cited assistance extended outside Pampanga, including relief efforts in Bicol following a major typhoon.
Sey Soliman-Castro echoed the sentiment in a post partly written in Kapampangan, saying the Pinedas’ ability to provide assistance and mobilize resources during calamities should also be considered.
Mayor Philip Siojo Naguit, for his part, described the Pinedas’ “true brand” as public service.
Naguit highlighted the provincial government’s preparations to distribute food packs to residents affected by days of heavy rain and flooding, particularly in Minalin.
Malacañang calls for focus on officials’ work
The controversy also reached Malacañang, with Palace Press Officer Claire Castro saying public officials should ultimately be assessed based on their actions and performance.
Castro, however, stressed the importance of sensitivity when government officials visit communities affected by disasters.
She also clarified that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had issued no specific directive to the Department of the Interior and Local Government or local government units concerning the issue.
The Palace statement added a broader dimension to the online debate, which has centered on whether public officials should exercise greater sensitivity in their appearance when visiting disaster-stricken communities.
While critics questioned the appropriateness of wearing designer clothing during relief operations, supporters maintained that clothing should not define an official’s commitment to public service.
The debate continues online, with both sides expressing differing views on the balance between personal appearance, public expectations and the responsibilities of government officials during calamities.
The post Kapampangans defend Pinedas as designer-clothing issue draws online debate first appeared on Pampanga News Now.