The first slate of candidates for Baguio’s congressional seat have declared their intentions to run in the coming elections as the period for filing candidacy has begun.
First to confirm candidacy is former lawmaker Nicasio Aliping, seeking a return to the House of Representatives. He is running as an independent candidate.
Current Baguio representative Mark Go is not in the race as he is on his last term, but his wife, Soledad Go, is looking to take up the mantle with a filing of certificate of candidacy for the congressional seat.
Go is joined by a team of bets including Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda, former councilors Elaine Sembrano and Joel Alangsab, Baguio broadcast journalist Edong Carta, and Barangay AZKCO Kagawad Atty. Standford Ang.
From the camp of incumbent Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who is expected to vie for a third and final term as mayor, comes sitting Councilor Isabelo Cosalan, gunning for the congressional seat.
Cosalan, along with Magalong, Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan and Councilor Jose Molintas, is seeking reelection. All have declared their intention to formally file their candidacy on the last day.
Three other congressional candidates are reportedly looking to run for the seat as well, but have yet to be confirmed.
These include Gladys Vergara, daughter of former Baguio City;s long-time representative Bernardo Vergara and current chair of the Baguio Tourism Council (BTC), councilor Benny Bomogao, who is currently a lawmaker in the Baguio city council, and long-time politico, former mayor and congressman Mauricio Domogan, reportedly seeking a return to the House of Representatives.
Benguet officials file candidacy
In Benguet, a few familiar faces have joined the fray.
Incumbent Benguet Governor Eric Yap is seeking another fresh term as Benguet representative under the Lakas-CMD ticket, under the umbrella of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s political sphere.
After serving one term as vice governor of Benguet, Erickson “Tagel” Felipe is now aiming for a congressional seat. He is joined by former vice governor Johnny Waguis, running for Benguet governor, and former vice governor Nelson Dangwa, seeking to return to his previous position.
Benguet Governor Melchor Diclas also filed his COC for reelection as Benguet governor, with Board Member Marie Rose Fongwan-Kepes aiming for the seat of vice governor of the province.
Two more competitors in the local races in Benguet are actor Roi Vinzon, actor and film director, and former Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Director Rabindranath Quilala. Both are looking to secure seats in Tuba’s municipal government.
