As the 2024 midterm elections approach, Baguio City is set for another highly contested political battle, with a diverse pool of candidates now officially filed for positions from congressman to councilor. The finalized list of candidates, including seasoned politicians and fresh faces, reflects the city’s dynamic political landscape.
Here’s a look at the contenders vying for key positions:
Congressman
Baguio’s congressional race is packed with veteran politicians and independents. Former congressman Nicasio Aliping Jr. (IND) returns to the fray, joined by fellow independents Francis Camtugan, Win-win Demoni, and former mayor Mauricio Domogan, a familiar name in Baguio’s political scene. Isabelo Cosalan Jr. (PFP) and Sol Go (LAKAS-CMD), along with Gladys Vergara (NPC), will make this a well-rounded race. The city is watching closely as these candidates represent a range of ideologies, with the independent contenders highlighting the desire for more diverse political representation.
Mayor
Baguio’s mayoralty race also promises to be closely contested. Incumbent Benjie Magalong (NPC) is running for another term, seeking to build on his platform of transparency and reform. Mark Go (NP), a current congressman, will challenge Magalong, offering a seasoned rival in the race. Other contenders include Benny Bomogao (PPM), Abdul Camo (IND), Rei Ann Cayetano (IND), and Mark Andrew Directo (IND), who will all bring unique approaches to leadership, making this a competition to watch.
Vice Mayor
The vice mayoral seat sees a two-way fight between current Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan (PFP) and Councilor Mylen Yaranon (NP). Olowan has the advantage of incumbency, while Yaranon will aim to attract votes with her progressive stance and council experience.
Councilor
The race for councilor is set to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with 43 candidates vying for the city’s council seats. The full list of councilor candidates includes:
- Joel Alangsab (LAKAS-CMD)
- Stanford Ang (NP)
- Fred Bagbagen (PFP)
- Tabora Balajadia JD (NP)
- Spencer Basbas (IND)
- Ed Beltran (PFP)
- Norma Benuyo (IND)
- Edison Bilog (LAKAS-CMD)
- Pam Cariño (PFP)
- Tatang Carta (LAKAS-CMD)
- Vladimir Cayabas (PPM)
- Franco Chanco (IND)
- Elmer Datuin (LAKAS-CMD)
- Van Dicang (IND)
- Peter Fianza (IND)
- John Glenn Gaerlan (NPC)
- Edilberto Gapuz (IND)
- Fred Go (IND)
- Mike Humiding (NP)
- Tia Imadhay (IND)
- Ryan Javier (IND)
- Eric Kelly (IND)
- Michael Lee Lawana (NP)
- Saturnino Lem-ew (IND)
- Esther Litilit (NP)
- John Rhey Mananeng (PFP)
- Martin Manodon (IND)
- Murphy Maspil (IND)
- Jose Molintas (LP)
- Francis Neri (IND)
- Jun Orca (PFP)
- Levy Orcales (PRP)
- Thomas Palangdao (PFP)
- Alberto Ramos (IND)
- Paolo Salvosa (IND)
- Kurt Justin Santiago (IND)
- Elaine Sembrano (LAKAS-CMD)
- Esteban Somngi (IND)
- Betty Lourdes Tabanda (LAKAS-CMD)
- Thomas Tabcao (IND)
- Ted Tan (PPM)
- Yuri Weygan (NPC)
- Leandro Yangot (NP)
An Overview of the Political Scene
This year’s list of candidates paints a picture of a vibrant political landscape, with major parties like LAKAS-CMD, PFP, and NPC fielding candidates across key positions, while independent candidates remain a significant force, particularly in the congressional and council races.
As Baguio prepares for election season, the campaign period is sure to be filled with passionate debates on issues ranging from local development, governance transparency, to the preservation of Baguio’s environment and heritage. How voters respond to these candidates will shape the direction the city takes for the coming three years.
