Capas
Capas, officially the Municipality of Capas, is a 1st class municipality in the province of Tarlac in the Central Luzon region of the Philippines.[1] Founded in 1712 by Capitan Mariano Capiendo, it ranks among the oldest towns in Tarlac and derives its name potentially from local flora, Aeta dialect, or early settler surnames.[2] The municipality spans 377.60 square kilometers of landlocked terrain, characterized by plains, rolling hills, and mountainous areas, with a population of 156,056 recorded in the 2020 census.[3] Capas holds historical prominence as the terminal point of the Bataan Death March during World War II, where Allied prisoners endured forced marches by Japanese forces, culminating at sites like O'Donnell Concentration Camp within its boundaries; the Capas National Shrine now commemorates these events.[2] Post-war, the area hosted American military facilities and faced challenges from the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption, yet has pursued recovery through agriculture and emerging infrastructure.[2] Its economy remains predominantly agricultural, cultivating crops on over 9,500 hectares amid diverse soils, while aspiring to become Tarlac's tourism and agro-industrial hub, bolstered by attractions like watershed areas and mineral deposits.[4] Recent developments underscore Capas's growth trajectory, including its role in hosting portions of New Clark City, a planned sustainable metropolis featuring sports facilities and green initiatives within the Clark Freeport Zone.[5] The municipality has earned recognition as the most improved in national competitiveness rankings for advancements in governance, infrastructure, and economic vitality.[6] With 20 barangays and a 96% literacy rate, Capas balances its agrarian roots with modernization efforts, including organic farming potential and proximity to natural sites like Mount Pinatubo viewpoints.[4]History
Pre-colonial origins and early settlement
The territory now comprising Capas, Tarlac, formed part of the extensive forested landscapes of Central Luzon inhabited by the Aeta (also known as Ayta or Negrito) peoples prior to European contact. These indigenous groups, recognized as among the archipelago's earliest human occupants with evidence of presence dating back tens of thousands of years through archaeological and genetic studies, maintained nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyles, relying on foraging, hunting, and rudimentary swidden agriculture in the region's woodlands and riverine areas.[7] Local oral traditions and historical accounts link the name "Capas" to Aeta linguistic roots, specifically the dialectal term "capas" denoting a cotton tree species prevalent in the vicinity, reflecting the indigenous environmental knowledge embedded in place nomenclature.[8] Alternative etymologies attribute it to abundant wild vines ("capas-capas") or early settler surnames, but the Aeta-derived version underscores pre-colonial ecological ties.[2] Early permanent settlements emerged along the Cutcut River's banks from the onset of the 18th century, manifesting as dispersed clusters in sitios like Pagbatuan and Gudya, populated by migrants integrating with or displacing prior Aeta habitation patterns under emerging colonial influences. These proto-communities, justified by their established presence, were consolidated in 1710 by Capitan Mariano Capiendo into the formal pueblo of Capas, marking the transition from indigenous foraging territories to organized agrarian hamlets.[8][2]Spanish colonial period
Capas was established as a pueblo in 1710, uniting the settlements of Pagbatuan and Gudya along the banks of the Cutcut River under the leadership of Capitan Mariano Capiendo, reflecting the Spanish colonial strategy of consolidating dispersed indigenous and migrant communities into administratively viable towns to facilitate governance, taxation, and Christianization.[2][8] This founding positioned Capas among the earliest municipalities in what would become Tarlac, alongside Paniqui (1574) and Tarlac (1686), with its riverine location supporting early agricultural activities centered on rice and other crops suited to the fertile alluvial soils.[8] Frequent flooding prompted relocation to higher ground, a pragmatic adaptation to environmental challenges under Spanish oversight.[2] Religious infrastructure developed gradually, with the Parish of San Nicolas de Tolentino canonically erected around 1776 by Augustinian Recollect missionaries, marking the formal introduction of Catholicism to the area previously influenced by pre-colonial animist practices among Aeta and migrant groups.[9] An earlier parish in the barrio of Patling (later O'Donnell) was established in 1772, underscoring the role of ecclesiastical administration in colonial expansion.[10] These missions served dual purposes of spiritual conversion and social control, integrating local populations into the colonial hierarchy. Administratively, Capas fell under the broader jurisdiction of Pampanga until 1873, when Tarlac Province was created as the last such entity in Central Luzon, incorporating Capas and neighboring areas previously organized into a politico-military commandancia in 1860 for defense against Moro raids and internal unrest.[2][11] Local governance was led by capitan municipales appointed or elected under Spanish directives from Manila, enforcing tribute systems and labor drafts.[2] Toward the late colonial era, residents engaged in anti-Spanish sentiments, contributing to broader revolutionary stirrings in the 1890s, though Capas itself avoided major documented uprisings until the Philippine Revolution.[2]American era and World War II
Following the Spanish-American War, the American colonial administration established civil government in Tarlac province, including Capas, in 1901, introducing public education, infrastructure improvements, and agricultural reforms.[11] Camp O'Donnell, located in Capas, was developed as a U.S. Army reservation and pre-war training area for military exercises.[12] The Japanese invasion of the Philippines in December 1941 led to the fall of Bataan on April 9, 1942, after which approximately 78,000 American and Filipino prisoners of war—12,000 U.S. and 66,000 Filipino—were forced on the Bataan Death March, a grueling 65-mile trek under brutal conditions to Camp O'Donnell in Capas, lasting from April 9 to 17, 1942.[13] Thousands perished en route from exhaustion, starvation, disease, and executions by Japanese guards.[13] Upon arrival, survivors faced internment at Camp O'Donnell, where overcrowding, malnutrition, and lack of sanitation resulted in massive mortality; over 1,500 Americans and 26,000 Filipinos died there within the camp's 71 days of operation from April to early June 1942.[14] The Japanese transferred most American POWs to Cabanatuan in June 1942, while Filipino prisoners remained at O'Donnell under continued harsh conditions until the camp's closure later that year.[15] Local Filipino guerrillas and U.S. forces, including elements of the 40th Division, liberated Capas from Japanese occupation between January 18 and 30, 1945, marking the end of wartime control in the area.[16][17] The events at Capas, particularly the Death March terminus and Camp O'Donnell, became emblematic of Japanese wartime atrocities, with the site later commemorated as the Capas National Shrine.[2]Post-independence developments
Following Philippine independence in 1946, Capas focused on administrative consolidation and recovery from wartime devastation, with several barangays such as Lawy, O'Donnell, Aranguren, Sto. Domingo, Talaga, Sta. Lucia, Bueno, Sta. Juliana, Sampucao, Calingcuan, Dolores, and Manga formally registered between 1946 and 1951 under Executive Order No. 486 issued by President Elpidio Quirino for historical documentation purposes.[8] The local economy, centered on agriculture including rice and sugarcane production typical of Tarlac's fertile plains, supported gradual postwar rebuilding amid broader Central Luzon challenges like land reform disputes and insurgent activity.[18] In 1956, Tarlac Governor Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. proposed erecting a Death March Monument in Barangay Cutcut to commemorate the site's World War II history and honor fallen soldiers, reflecting efforts to preserve national memory while fostering local identity.[8] During the 1960s and 1970s, Capas hosted residual U.S. military facilities, including the O'Donnell station and a naval transmitter, which provided economic benefits through employment and infrastructure maintenance but also tied the area to ongoing geopolitical tensions.[8] The municipality emerged as a birthplace for Bernabe G. Buscayno, known as "Kumander Dante," who founded the New People's Army in 1969, highlighting Capas's role in the Hukbalahap aftermath and the escalating communist insurgency that disrupted rural stability and agricultural productivity in Tarlac.[8] Infrastructure projects, such as the 1983 construction of the municipal building funded by Ambassador Eduardo M. Cojuangco Jr., marked incremental modernization efforts to support growing administrative needs.[19] The 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo inflicted severe setbacks, causing $250 million in property damage across affected areas, displacing thousands, and accelerating the closure of nearby U.S. bases like Clark, which led to job losses and economic contraction in Capas.[8] Recovery was hampered by lahar flows and homelessness affecting over 200,000 regionally, though Capas avoided direct hits from subsequent minor eruptions, enabling phased rebuilding centered on agriculture and emerging tourism tied to historical sites.[2] By 1992, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority's formation under Republic Act No. 7227 and Proclamation No. 163 shifted former military lands toward civilian economic uses, laying groundwork for diversification beyond farming.[8] These developments positioned Capas as a first-class municipality by 2018, with agriculture remaining dominant but supplemented by initial industrial and eco-tourism initiatives.[8]New Clark City initiative
The New Clark City initiative, managed by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), involves developing a 9,450-hectare sustainable urban center designed as the Philippines' first green, smart, and disaster-resilient metropolis, primarily situated in Capas and adjacent Bamban, Tarlac.[20][21] The project originated from conceptualization efforts in 2012 under then-BCDA President and CEO Arnel Casanova, with planning advancing through 2016 before acceleration during the Duterte administration to foster economic growth in Central Luzon and alleviate Metro Manila's congestion.[22] Established on lands formerly used as U.S. military bases, it emphasizes integrated districts for business, education, industry, and residential use, connected by green spaces and efficient transport.[23][24] A pivotal early phase focused on sports infrastructure to host the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, culminating in the completion of the New Clark City Athletics Stadium and Sports Complex in Capas on October 12, 2019—50 days ahead of the Games' opening.[5] This facility, with a capacity of 20,000, hosted athletics competitions and the closing ceremony, marking the site's emergence as a venue for international events.[25] The initiative has drawn scrutiny for potential displacement of indigenous Aeta communities, whose ancestral domains overlap project areas in Capas barangays, prompting calls for recognition of prior land occupation.[26] Subsequent advancements include the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas' planned complex, whose conceptual design earned international acclaim in 2022, and ongoing residential expansions.[27] On July 11, 2025, BCDA broke ground on an affordable housing project in Capas to broaden access to quality living within the city.[28] In September 2024, the site hosted the 1st International Conference for New Urbanism, positioning New Clark City as a model for resilient urban planning amid global discussions.[29] These developments underscore BCDA's mandate to repurpose former military properties into economic hubs while prioritizing sustainability.[30]Geography
Location and physical features
Capas is a landlocked municipality situated in the southern portion of Tarlac province, within the Central Luzon region of the Philippines.[3] It lies at approximate coordinates of 15°20′N latitude and 120°35′E longitude.[3] The municipality borders San Jose to the north, Tarlac City and Concepcion to the northeast and east, respectively, and Botolan in Zambales province to the west and southwest.[31] The total land area of Capas spans 377.60 square kilometers, encompassing a mix of terrain types.[3] Approximately 46.24% of the area consists of rolling to hilly lands, primarily near the eastern fringes adjacent to mountain ranges, while the remainder features flatter plains suitable for agriculture.[4] Elevations in the municipality average around 52 meters above sea level, with higher ground reaching up to about 46 meters in hilly zones near the borders.[32][31] The landscape extends from the rugged foothills influenced by Mount Pinatubo in the west to the broader floodplains along the Tarlac River in the eastern parts.[33]Administrative divisions
Capas is politically subdivided into 20 barangays, which function as the primary local government units responsible for community-level administration, public services, and dispute resolution under the Philippine Local Government Code of 1991.[3][4] Each barangay is governed by an elected barangay captain and a council of seven members, with additional support from appointed youth and women's organizations. The barangays vary significantly in population and land area, reflecting Capas's mix of urbanizing poblacion zones and rural outskirts. The 2020 Census of Population and Housing recorded a total municipal population of 156,056 across these units, with Cristo Rey hosting the largest share at 35,334 residents, driven by proximity to military and industrial sites, while smaller ones like Manga and Santa Rita each had around 2,100.[3] Barangays such as Cutcut 1st and Cutcut 2nd form the poblacion core, encompassing the municipal hall and central markets.| Barangay | Population (2020) |
|---|---|
| Aranguren | 7,714 |
| Bueno | 2,059 |
| Cristo Rey | 35,334 |
| Cubcub | 4,039 |
| Cutcut 1st | 12,059 |
| Cutcut 2nd | 8,214 |
| Dolores | 7,706 |
| Estrada | 4,059 |
| Lawy | 7,073 |
| Manga | 2,100 |
| Manlapig | 2,475 |
| Maruglu | 2,916 |
| O'Donnell | 15,973 |
| Santa Juliana | 7,426 |
| Santa Lucia | 11,484 |
| Santa Rita | 2,325 |
| Santo Domingo 1st | 2,419 |
| Santo Domingo 2nd | 6,933 |
| Santo Rosario | 6,991 |
| Talaga | 6,757 |
Climate and environmental conditions
Capas experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures, elevated humidity, and distinct wet and dry seasons, consistent with PAGASA's Type I classification for much of Tarlac province, featuring a pronounced dry period from December to April and a wet season from May to November.[34] Average annual temperatures range from 26.1°C to 28°C, with daily highs typically reaching 30–33°C during the dry season's peak in April and May, and lows around 22°C year-round.[35][36] Annual precipitation totals approximately 1,900 mm, with minimal rainfall (around 10–20 mm monthly) in January and February, escalating to over 300 mm in July and August due to monsoon influences and tropical cyclones.[37] The municipality's lowland terrain and proximity to rivers exacerbate vulnerability to environmental hazards, particularly flooding and rain-induced landslides during typhoon passages. Tarlac, including Capas, faces a high cyclone risk, with over a 20% probability of damaging winds (exceeding 39 km/h) within any 10-year period, as tropical storms and typhoons average 20–26 annually across the Philippines, many impacting Central Luzon.[38][39] Recent events, such as Tropical Storm Goring in August 2023, have prompted warnings for potential intensification and associated flooding in susceptible areas. Heat indices in Capas can exceed 41°C during dry-season peaks, as recorded in April 2024, posing risks of heat stress amid ongoing urbanization from projects like New Clark City.[40][41] Soil erosion and agricultural impacts from erratic rainfall patterns are additional concerns, though local mitigation includes contingency plans for typhoon-related disruptions to farming, which dominates the economy.[42] No significant long-term shifts in baseline climate metrics have been uniquely documented for Capas beyond national trends of increasing typhoon intensity linked to warming oceans.[43]Demographics
Population dynamics
The population of Capas, Tarlac, has grown substantially since the early 20th century, rising from 6,077 residents in the 1903 census to 156,056 in the 2020 census, reflecting a total increase of 149,979 individuals over 117 years.[3] This expansion has been characterized by varying annual growth rates, with periods of acceleration linked to post-war recovery, agricultural development, and infrastructure improvements.| Census Year | Population | Average Annual Growth Rate (from previous census) |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 61,205 | 2.78% (1980–1990) |
| 2000 | 95,219 | 3.52% (1990–2000) |
| 2010 | 122,084 | 3.49% (2000–2010) |
| 2015 | 140,202 | 2.08% (2010–2015) |
| 2020 | 156,056 | 2.28% (2015–2020) |
Ethnic composition and languages
Capas is inhabited by a diverse mix of ethnic groups reflective of Tarlac province's multicultural character, with Kapampangans (Pampangos) forming the largest group alongside substantial Ilocano, Tagalog, and Pangasinense populations. Indigenous Aeta communities, the original inhabitants, persist as a notable minority, particularly in upland barangays such as Aranguren and Sitio Kalangitan, where development projects like New Clark City have impacted an estimated 18,000 Aeta individuals across affected areas. Bicolanos and Visayans constitute approximately 1% of the population.[4][45] Kapampangan is the predominant language spoken in Capas, aligning with its prevalence in southern Tarlac municipalities. Many residents, including those of Ilocano descent, use Kapampangan as their primary tongue, while Tagalog-based Filipino and English serve as secondary languages for education, administration, and commerce, consistent with national linguistic patterns.[4][31]Religious affiliations
Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion in Capas, aligning with the Diocese of Tarlac's demographics, where 80 percent of the 1,503,456 residents identify as Catholic as of 2023.[46] This affiliation is evidenced by key religious institutions, including the Diocesan Shrine of St. Nicholas of Tolentino Parish, first established canonically in 1776 and elevated to shrine status on April 14, 2018, by the Bishop of Tarlac.[9] Additional Catholic sites include the Mater Dolorosa Parish, home to the first canonically crowned Marian image in the diocese, and the Capas National Shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel.[47] Minority faiths include Iglesia ni Cristo, which maintains a stronger provincial presence in Tarlac than the national 2.6 percent average from the 2020 census, alongside Protestant groups and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which operates a local congregation on Sto. Rosario Street.[48][49] Smaller communities of Aglipayans and other denominations exist, reflecting Tarlac's diverse Christian landscape without significant non-Christian populations.[50]Economy
Traditional agriculture and local industries
Capas' traditional economy has centered on agriculture, with rice cultivation serving as the primary activity due to the municipality's fertile plains and access to irrigation from the Agno River system. Farmers in barangays such as Manga and Dolores have historically focused on paddy rice production, alongside corn and sugarcane as key cash crops. Vegetable farming, including crops like cabbage and tomatoes, and small-scale nursery operations have supplemented household incomes, particularly in rural areas.[51][52] Sugarcane has been a significant traditional export crop, processed at nearby mills in Tarlac province, contributing to local livelihoods before the expansion of industrial zones. Livestock raising, including carabao for plowing and small poultry operations, supported subsistence farming, though these remained low-mechanized until recent decades. Indigenous Aeta communities practiced supplemental activities like kaingin shifting cultivation and charcoal production from native woods, despite legal restrictions on forest burning.[52][53] Local industries have been modest and agriculture-linked, encompassing rice milling, sugarcane processing, and informal trading at public markets. Small enterprises involved in farm input supply, such as seeds and fertilizers, and basic agro-processing like vegetable drying emerged as extensions of farming activities. These sectors employed a majority of the rural workforce, with women often handling post-harvest tasks and market vending.[54][55]Infrastructure-driven growth and investments
New Clark City, a 9,450-hectare greenfield development in Capas, Tarlac, spearheads infrastructure-led economic expansion as part of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority's (BCDA) initiatives within the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone.[56] Positioned as the Philippines' first smart, green, and resilient city, it integrates mixed-use real estate, business continuity centers, and sustainable facilities to decongest Metro Manila and foster inclusive growth.[57] The project aligns with the national Build-Build-Build program, emphasizing infrastructure to stimulate economic activity and job creation.[21] Investments in New Clark City have surged, with BCDA approving P7.72 billion in the first quarter of 2025, a 209.9% increase year-over-year, signaling robust investor confidence despite fiscal challenges.[58] Pledges totaling P150 billion were welcomed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in February 2025, projected to generate over 100,000 jobs, including high-technical positions.[59] Earlier, P143 billion in investments were attracted by July 2024, with potential for 103,000 jobs through business and residential developments.[60] These funds support key projects like a P4.8 billion affordable housing initiative under the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) program, breaking ground on July 10, 2025, for initial 840 units expandable to 7,000.[61] Energy and sustainability investments bolster resilience, including a USD33 million solar power facility announced April 28, 2025, to enhance renewable energy in Central Luzon.[62] A P4 billion waste-to-energy plant, secured during a state visit in August 2025, will process 600 metric tons of waste daily, advancing circular economy goals.[63] Partnerships with Japanese firms, inked October 1, 2025, fund waste-to-energy, digital connectivity, and sustainable urban development.[64] Social infrastructure complements economic drivers, with a P30 million mega health center developed jointly by BCDA and Capas local government, announced July 18, 2025, spanning one hectare for comprehensive services.[65] A P360 million dormitory for the National Academy of Sports, construction slated from June 30, 2025, supports athletic training facilities.[66] These developments, projected for completion phases through 2065, aim to house 1.2 million residents and attract nearly USD2.5 billion in total investments, driving localized GDP growth via employment and ancillary businesses.[67]Employment and income trends
The development of New Clark City within Capas has driven a notable shift in local employment patterns, transitioning from predominant agricultural and informal sector work toward construction, logistics, and emerging service industries. This infrastructure-led expansion, spearheaded by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), has created opportunities particularly for indigenous peoples through targeted livelihood programs, including skills training and direct hiring in project-related roles.[68] As of February 2025, pledged investments totaling ₱150 billion in New Clark City are anticipated to generate over 100,000 jobs, many in technical and administrative fields, contributing to broader regional economic diversification.[59] National labor force data indicates that Central Luzon's employment aligns with the Philippines' overall rate, which reached 96.9% in December 2023, reflecting low unemployment around 3-4% amid post-pandemic recovery. In Capas, the economically active population (ages 15-64) constitutes approximately 63.27% of residents, or about 88,701 individuals based on 2020 census figures, with growth fueled by urbanizing projects that attract migrant labor.[69][3] These trends underscore causal links between large-scale investments and job creation, though short-term reliance on construction may expose workers to cyclical vulnerabilities absent sustained private sector absorption.[70] Income levels in Capas reflect this employment evolution, with regional minimum wages adjusted to ₱500-₱550 per day in non-agricultural sectors as of October 2024, supporting modest rises in household earnings tied to urban proximity and project spillovers. Specific municipal household income data remains sparse in public records, but the influx of capital flows beyond traditional freeport zones has boosted local productivity, as evidenced by ongoing labor assessments at New Clark City sites. Provincial per capita income estimates from earlier periods hovered around ₱24,000 annually (excluding urban centers), though recent developments suggest upward pressure from diversified opportunities.[71] Long-term projections estimate up to 1 million jobs over 25 years from the full build-out, potentially elevating average incomes through higher-value sectors if infrastructure sustains private investment.[72]Government and Administration
Local governance structure
Capas, as a first-class municipality in Tarlac province, follows the governance framework established by Republic Act No. 7160, the Local Government Code of 1991, which vests executive authority in the municipal mayor and legislative powers in the Sangguniang Bayan. The mayor serves as the chief executive, responsible for implementing ordinances, managing administrative operations, and overseeing municipal departments including the Municipal Planning and Development Office, Treasurer's Office, and Assessor's Office. As of July 1, 2025, Roseller B. Rodriguez holds the position of mayor, having been reelected in the May 12, 2025, local elections alongside all other municipal officials running as independents.[73][74] The Sangguniang Bayan, the municipal legislative body, consists of eight elected councilors and is presided over by the vice mayor, who holds the position of presiding officer without voting rights except to break ties. Vice Mayor Alex C. Espinosa, reelected in 2025, leads this assembly, which enacts local ordinances, approves the annual budget, and conducts oversight of executive functions. The body includes ex-officio members such as the president of the Association of Barangay Captains and the president of the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation. In 2024, Capas' Sangguniang Bayan received the Local Legislative Award from the Department of the Interior and Local Government for outstanding performance among first- to third-class municipalities in Tarlac, qualifying it for regional competition.[75][76][77] At the grassroots level, Capas is subdivided into 20 barangays, each governed by an elected barangay captain and a seven-member barangay council (Sangguniang Barangay), which handles local matters such as maintaining peace and order, delivering basic services, and mobilizing community resources. Barangay officials serve three-year terms concurrent with municipal elections and report to the municipal government while exercising devolved powers under the Local Government Code. This structure promotes decentralized administration, with barangay budgets funded partly through the Internal Revenue Allotment shares.[3][4]Key political figures and elections
The municipal mayor of Capas is elected every three years during synchronized local elections held in May, alongside vice mayor and eight municipal councilors, as stipulated under the Local Government Code of 1991. Elections in Capas have typically featured candidates running as independents or under local alliances, reflecting the municipality's relatively apolitical local dynamics compared to national party affiliations. Voter turnout in recent polls has aligned with provincial averages, exceeding 70% in the 2022 and 2025 cycles, driven by issues such as infrastructure development tied to New Clark City projects and agricultural support.[78][79] Reynaldo L. Catacutan stands out as a prominent long-serving figure, holding the mayoralty from 2001 to 2010 and again from 2016 to 2022, overseeing periods of economic expansion linked to military base conversions and tourism infrastructure.[80] His tenure emphasized fiscal policies supporting local industries, though it faced scrutiny over administrative overlaps with acting mayors like Amado S. Day in 1994–1995. Preceding him, Antonio C. Rodriguez Jr. served from 2010 to 2016, focusing on transitional governance amid post-Marcos democratization. Earlier, Dr. Hermes E. Frias Sr. led multiple terms (1988–1992 and 1995–1999), navigating post-EDSA recovery but later implicated in graft proceedings by the Sandiganbayan for alleged misuse of public funds during his incumbency.[80][81] In the 2022 elections, Atty. Roseller "Boots" Rodriguez, then a challenger, defeated incumbent Catacutan to assume the mayoralty starting July 2022, prioritizing anti-corruption measures and partnerships for regional development like the Bases Conversion and Development Authority's New Clark City initiatives.[80][82] Rodriguez was reelected in May 2025 with a plurality amid a sweep by independent candidates across all local posts, a rare outcome attributed to voter preference for non-partisan localism over national party slates.[74][83] His administration has notably included forgoing the 2026 confidential fund allocation of PHP 8 million, redirecting it to transparent public projects inspired by fiscal accountability precedents.[84]| Mayor | Term(s) | Notable Aspects |
|---|---|---|
| Reynaldo L. Catacutan | 2001–2010; 2016–2022 | Extended service promoting economic ties to national projects; defeated in 2022.[80] |
| Atty. Roseller B. Rodriguez | 2022–present | Reelected 2025; emphasized infrastructure and fund transparency.[80][84] |
| Dr. Hermes E. Frias Sr. | 1988–1992; 1995–1999 | Post-EDSA leadership; faced later legal challenges on procurement.[80][81] |