BY: ANGELICA ARQUERO
With just 28 days to go before the 2025 elections, five candidates vying for the mayoralty of Baguio City faced off in a public forum that grew tense as key issues were raised.
The forum followed a separate event featuring vice mayoral candidates.
Participating in the mayoral debate were incumbent Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Congressman Mark Go, Councilor Benny Bomogao, and aspirants Mark Andrew Directo and Rei Ann Cayetano.
Each candidate presented their platforms, with Directo promising free hospitalization for senior citizens and PWDs, and Cayetano highlighting the need for change by saying, “If you’re tired of all males, try someone with long hair.”
Magalong urged voters to “choose the right leader,” while Go warned against leaders who focus on criticism rather than solutions.
Tensions rose during the third segment of the forum, especially when issues like business permits, market development, and corruption were discussed.
Mayor Magalong claimed that business permits now only take 8 minutes to process, or up to four hours for new businesses.
However, Congressman Go countered this, saying many residents still complain about long delays, suggesting a disconnect between official reports and on-the-ground experience.
The atmosphere grew more heated when the topic of political dynasties came up.
Magalong stated that public service should not be inherited and warned that dynasties can lead to corruption.
In response, Go hinted that Magalong’s statements were politically charged, adding that some businesses seem to get permits quicker than others.
Cayetano also lost her composure when discussing the city’s worsening traffic, criticizing the lack of planning amid rising tourism and public events.
In the final minutes of the forum, Go challenged Magalong to name those he accused of corruption in Congress.
The event ended with handshakes among most of the candidates, although some observers noted that Magalong did not shake hands with Go.
Candidate Mark Andrew Directo concluded the forum by encouraging a peaceful and fair campaign, saying elections should be treated like a sports game—competitive but respectful.
Up next in the series of forums are the candidates for councilor and congressional seats.
