Noy vetoes proposed 'Kingdom of Baguio'

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III on Sunday night informed local leaders that he has junked a proposed measure, which creates the "Kingdom of Baguio."

"Na-obliga po akong i-veto ito. Wala naman pong problema, dagdagan ng dagdagan ang poder ng isang lungsod lalo na kung maayos ang palakad ng lungsod na ito," Aquino told local leaders in a meeting on Sunday evening at Burnham Park.

Aquino was referring to a proposed measure, which seeks to amend the Baguio City Charter.

The President said mentioned one bothering provision that states in case of civil disorder, which the local police cannot contain, the city mayor can call on the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police to intervene.

"Kapag binasa po natin ang Saligang Batas, only the President and the Commander-in-Chief can call out the Armed Forces and the police to quell any disturbances," he stressed.

Aquino cited another provision in the proposed measure authorizes the city government to decide whether a government office can build offices in a government-owned lot in its area of jurisdiction.

"Sabi ko sandali, parang gumagawa na yata ng 'Kingdom of Baguio'. Ngayon iyong Kingdom of Baguio kung tutukoy naman sa kapakanan talaga ng sambayanan, wala po tayong problema doon," he noted.

"Hindi po tayo magdadalawang-isip na tumaya sa mga repormang tiyak na magpapalago sa inyong lungsod, subalit magagawa lamang ito kung may mga kasangga tayo sa lokal na antas na hahawak ng manibela tungo sa tuwid na landas," the President said.

The President went to Baguio City with the senatorial ticket of Team PNoy.

Incumbent city mayor, Mauricio Domogan, is a candidate of the United Nationalist Alliance.

Domogan, who is seeking a reelection, is running against five candidates including Jose Molintas of the National People's Coalition.

The other candidates running as independents are Guillermo Hernandez, Ramon Labao, Junior Mina and Game-Changer Puzon.