Former Vice Mayor Rex Mangubat: Dasmariñas City is for every Dasmarineño
DASMARIÑAS CITY, Cavite – Former Dasmariñas City Vice Mayor Rex Mangubat has responded to criticisms questioning his decision to seek a congressional seat in the upcoming special election, saying that his gratitude to the late Congressman Elpidio “Pidi” Barzaga Jr. remains sincere and will never be forgotten.
He, however, stressed that gratitude should not be used to silence a person’s desire to offer the people an alternative or to suggest that Dasmariñas belongs to only one individual, name, or family.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa pagkakataong makapaglingkod kasama si Cong. Pidi. Siya ang nagbukas ng pinto para mabigyan ako ng pagkakataong matuto, maglingkod, at makatulong sa Dasmariñas,” Mangubat said.
Article continues after this advertisement
Mangubat said the years he spent serving alongside the late congressman helped shape him as a public servant.
“Marami kaming pinagdaanan at pinagsamahan sa serbisyo. Hindi iyon mabubura ng anumang eleksyon o pagkakaiba ng landas.”
But he clarified that the opportunity given to him was ultimately an opportunity to serve the people, not a lifelong obligation to remain politically loyal to one name or family.
“Ngunit ang paglilingkod-bayan ay hindi habambuhay na utang na loob. Ang pagkakataong ibinigay sa akin ay hindi para manatili akong tapat sa isang pangalan o pamilya. Iyon ay para paglingkuran ang bawat Dasmarineño.”
Mangubat emphasized that his candidacy should not be interpreted as a rejection of Pidi Barzaga’s legacy.
Article continues after this advertisement
Instead, he described it as an effort to continue one of the most important lessons he learned in public service: that the people must always come first.
“Ang Dasmariñas ay pag-aari ng bawat Dasmarineño, hindi ng sinuman.”
Article continues after this advertisement
“Hindi pagtataksil ang tumindig at mag-alok ng pagbabago. Karapatan ng bawat Dasmarineño ang malayang pumili.”
The Commission on Elections has estimated that approximately ₱200 million may be required to conduct the special election in Cavite’s Fourth Legislative District.
Mangubat said the considerable cost and significance of the electoral exercise should encourage a more meaningful public discussion centered on the qualifications, experience, independence, and concrete plans of every candidate.
He added that the election should not be reduced to questions of personal loyalty or political inheritance.
Ang tunay na serbisyo ay hindi nasusukat sa kung kanino ka nakasunod, kundi sa kung sino ang handa mong ipaglaban, lalo na kapag may kailangang baguhin.”
Mangubat said he remains grateful to Barzaga for opening the door that allowed him to enter public service. But he believes the next door must be opened by the people themselves.
“Binuksan ni Pidi ang pinto para sa akin. Ngayon, nais kong buksan ang mas malaking pinto para sa ating lahat: ang pagkakataong pumili ng alternatibo at magkaroon ng pagbabagong tunay na mararamdaman.”
“Hindi ito pagtalikod sa pinanggalingan. Ito ang pagpapatuloy ng aral na ang tao ang dapat laging mauna. Ang Dasmariñas ay para sa bawat Dasmarineño.”