In the span of 8 days of filing Certificates of Candidacy (COC) in Baguio City, six names are vying for the mayoralty.
They include current Baguio City Councilor Benny Bomogao, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Congressman Mark Go, and businessman Mark Andrew Directo.
However, just before the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) office closed yesterday, October 8, two more candidates joined the race.
These are independent candidates Rei Cayetano and taxi driver Juan Camo.
The six will vie for the support of over 169,000 voters in the upcoming election.
“Accountability, transparency, trustworthiness, and service above self – these are the core values of our Timpuyog group,” said Councilor Benny Bomogao.
One of the other races the public is watching is for the position of congressman, with seven candidates vying for it.
These include former Baguio City Congressman Aliping Nicasio Jr., Francis Camtugan, Baguio City Councilor Cosalan Isabelo Jr., Win-win Demoni, the wife of Congressman Mark Go, Soledad Go, Baguio Tourism Council Chairman Gladys Vergara, and former Baguio City Mayor and Congressman Mauricio Domogan.
For the vice mayoral race, it will be a one-on-one battle between Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan and Baguio City Councilor Mylene Yaranon.
Meanwhile, 43 candidates are set to clash for the Sangguniang Panlungsod Councilor positions.
Despite the prominent names in the race for various posts, COMELEC hopes that the upcoming elections will remain peaceful.
Aside from this, the candidates also need to remember their commitment to a clean, honorable, and dignified campaign for the 2025 elections as they file their COCs.
**JOSE ROBERT INVENTOR