By Felipe V. Celino
ROXAS CITY, Capiz – Pinuno party-list Rep. Howard Guintu has officially launched his congressional campaign in Capiz’s 1st District, highlighting infrastructure development, economic revitalization, and government-backed programs as his key platforms for the May 12 midterm elections.
Guintu joined the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) slate led by former governor Antonio Del Rosario for a mass at the Roxas City Metropolitan Cathedral on March 28 to kick off their campaign.
Instead of the traditional motorcade, Guintu’s team conducted program-based outreach, including the distribution of financial assistance through the Department of Labor and Employment–TUPAD at the Capiz Gym and the turnover of rescue vehicles in Pilar.
These initiatives have been rolled out in Roxas City and six other towns in the 1st District over the past several months.
Guintu was accompanied by his family, relatives, friends, and supporters during the event.
In a media interview, Guintu said his campaign is aligned with the current administration under President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
He is running against Paolo Roxas, son of former Sen. Mar Roxas.
Guintu said many long-standing infrastructure needs in the 1st District have been overlooked by past administrations.
He cited the underdeveloped seaport in Barangay Culasi and the outdated facilities at the Roxas Airport in Barangay Baybay as priority projects.
Guintu has recently sought national government funding to rehabilitate both facilities.
He said the Port of Roxas is essential for boosting economic activity and tourism in Capiz and should be upgraded to meet national transport standards.
He also called for the modernization of the Roxas Airport, including the installation of a passenger boarding tube to eliminate the need for travelers to walk on the tarmac.
Guintu was joined by 1st District board member candidates: incumbent Jose Fulgencio “Pepe” Del Rosario, Dr. Gualberto Bernas III, and Panay Vice Mayor Amy Asis.
Meanwhile, former governor Antonio Del Rosario is running for mayor of Roxas City, a position he previously held for three terms before serving as congressman and provincial governor.
Del Rosario was also accompanied by his full local slate, including vice mayoral candidate Powell Del Rosario and Sangguniang Panlungsod bets.
Guintu’s group is endorsing the re-election bid of Gov. Fredenil “Oto” Castro.
