Mayor Aristotle Aguirre vows to 'keep fighting' for people of Mulanay despite challenges

By Nimfa Estrellado Mayor Aristotle "Aris" Aguirre and Vice Mayor Jay Castilleja MULANAY, Quezon - At the recent Kapihan sa PI...

By Nimfa Estrellado

Mayor Aristotle "Aris" Aguirre and Vice Mayor Jay Castilleja

MULANAY, Quezon - At the recent Kapihan sa PIO Mulanay, Mayor Aristotle "Aris" Aguirre and Vice Mayor Jay Castilleja addressed the media about their commitment to serving the people of Mulanay and their determination to address the challenges the community is facing. They emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration in overcoming obstacles and achieving progress for the town.

It was also noted that a woman named Aras Aguirre is running for mayor in the upcoming May 2025 midterm election. While this may appear to be a simple typographical error in the mayor's nickname, the similarity in names has the potential to cause confusion among voters.



During his mayoral 2021 campaign, Mayor Aguirre provided free services for residents, including ambulances, medical programs, and projects aimed at improving the quality of life in the town, and these services have continued throughout his mayorship. In addition, Vice Mayor Castilleja, as head of the Sanggunian Bayan, has been instrumental in passing important ordinances that have benefited the community.

"It is important for the public to be aware of the correct mayoral candidate in order to make an informed decision during the election process." the mayor stated, saying that his political rivals forced Aras Aguirre to file his candidacy at the last minute in an attempt to deceive voters.

Further investigation discovered that Aras Aguirre's maiden name was Ara Rosales, and she married a man named Aguirre who is not related to the mayor. It also revealed that her former husband, whom she separated for 18 years, was still alive at the time of their marriage, rendering it technically invalid and prohibiting her from using the surname Aguirre.

To overcome this issue, Mayor Aguirre changed his name to Kuya Aguirre on the election ballot to avoid misunderstanding and ensure the process's integrity. Because she has not yet been labeled a nuisance candidate, Mayor Aris has said that he will take the necessary legal steps to resolve the problem, "We have made a petition to file her as a nuisance candidate and false claimant in the court. Me and my lawyer are confident that this will be resolved in a timely manner to ensure a fair and transparent process."

The mayor added that he will hold the nuisance candidate accountable for her actions, stating, "It is clear there is deception, and the purpose of filing the certificate of candidacy is to deceive the public and manipulate the election process. I need to ensure that the integrity of the is upheld and that voters are not misled by false claims. It is important for our democracy that all candidates adhere to the rules and regulations."

However, if ever the candidate is not held accountable for her actions, the mayor said he will consider disseminating this information to the public in order to bring awareness to the issue and hold her accountable in the court of public opinion. This will help prevent future fraud and manipulation. "Transparency and accountability are critical for retaining the public's trust in our democratic process," the mayor said.

Talking about his administration future plans, the mayor expressed his unwavering commitment to serving Mulanay with integrity and honesty, ensuring that all decisions prioritize the community's best interests. He plans to prioritize healthcare initiatives and address any unfinished projects of the previous administration's to improve the town's overall well-being. 

The mayor also addressed concerns about budget management. Citing the town's limited budget, he acknowledged potential mismanagement by the previous administration. Vice Mayor Castilleja echoed this concern, highlighting the need for careful financial oversight.

Going forward, the mayor emphasized that accountability and transparency will be paramount. The budget will be meticulously monitored and strategically allocated to maximize benefits for the entire community, ensuring that taxpayer money is utilized responsibly and effectively.

"Stricter financial controls and oversight will help us avoid past mistakes and prioritize essential services," the mayor explained. "We will also hold regular public hearings to gather community input on resource allocation for the town's development."

As head of the Sangguniang Bayan, Vice Mayor Castilleja emphasized his commitment to collaboration and open communication with the mayor and other officials. This collaborative approach aims to promote good governance, sustainable development, and effectively address the community's needs.

"The legislative body is responsible for passing beneficial ordinances and resolutions," he said. "We ensure these are implemented efficiently and effectively for the entire town."

Beyond healthcare and infrastructure, the mayor and vice mayor highlighted tourism and agriculture as key drivers of economic growth and community development. They are committed to supporting these sectors through sustainable policies and initiatives.

One key initiative is the archeotourism project, set to open next year. With its approved development plan, it is expected to draw local and international tourists. Multiple routes will showcase the town's attractions, including Mabahong Butas (a cave with albino bats), the Tombs of the Ancients (considered the second oldest burial site in Asia), the historic church, and the beautiful beaches.

The annual Cocolunay Festival in Mulanay, Quezon, is a vibrant celebration honoring the hard work of rice and coconut farmers. As the town's main event, the festival showcases the community's rich cultural heritage through a variety of exciting activities. This year promises a captivating display of local talent, including a pageant highlighting the beauty and intelligence of Mulanay's residents, as emphasized by the Vice Mayor.

"To ensure a memorable experience for all, significant improvements have been made to the town's infrastructure. Road upgrades, clear signage, and enhanced facilities will allow visitors to easily navigate and enjoy the festival's diverse attractions. With these upgrades in place, everyone can fully immerse themselves in the vibrant spirit of the Cocolunay Festival." Vice Mayor Castilleja said.

The local government of Mulanay is deeply committed to sustainable agriculture. Their focus is on increasing productivity while conserving precious natural resources for future generations. This commitment translates into practical action: providing training and resources to farmers, promoting organic farming methods, and implementing water conservation measures.

Further demonstrating their dedication to sustainability, a new water supply project will ensure access to clean and safe water for all residents and visitors. This initiative, as emphasized by the mayor, represents a crucial partnership between the local government and the community.