Lawmaker challenges Magalong for mayor

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Baguio Rep. Marquez Go is challenging Mayor Benjamin Magalong in the mayoral race in the 2025 midterm elections.

Go filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) yesterday before the office of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center.

He was accompanied by his running mate Mylen Yaranon and his team of candidates for councilor.

Go said deciding to run for mayor of Baguio was tough. He said he is heeding the call of the people for him to become their mayor.

He said Baguio residents deserve a government that puts the city and its people first, and does not tolerate corruption.

Go’s wife, Soledad, also filed her COC for the city’s lone congressional district, challenging Baguio Tourism Council chairperson Gladys Vergara.

In Abra, La Paz Mayor Joseph Sto. Niño Bernos, president of the League of Mayors of the Philippines, filed his COC on Sunday for the congressional race in the province.

Bernos teamed up with former Abra governor Eustaquio Bersamin, who is seeking the gubernatorial post with his niece Anne Bersamin as his running mate.

Bersamin is a brother of Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.

Albayalde runs for Angeles mayor

In Pampanga, former Philippine National Police chief Gen. Oscar Albayade is seeking the mayoral post of Angeles City.

Albayalde and his running mate, Amos Rivera, yesterday filed their COCs along with the entire council slate led by actor Aljur Abrenica.

In Cebu, former Bureau of Customs chief Yogi Felimon Ruiz filed his COC for mayor of Cebu City along with his council aspirants.

Ruiz, chief of the Party Cebuano, has yet to name his running mate. He said it does not matter if he would run without a vice mayor.

Ruiz is running against suspended Mayor Michael Rama, acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia and Councilor Nestor Archival Sr.

Garcia was set to take his oath as official mayor of Cebu following the dismissal and perpertual disqualification of Rama from holding a government position.

Former Philippine Basketbal Association player Bonel Balingit is running as councilor in the south district of Cebu City.

In Basilan, House Deputy Minority Speaker Mujiv Hataman’s bid for governor signaled a political feud between siblings.

Hataman’s elder brother, outgoing Gov. Jim Hataman-Salliman, has been eyeing his son, Jimael Jay Datumanong, to succeed him.

The governor and his son filed their COCs last Friday.

“I want the people to have freedom to choose and to have a good option,” Hataman said after filing his COC before provincial election officer Roberto dela Peña yesterday.

His wife, reelectionist Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, will also battle with her nephew for the mayoral post. — Ric Sapnu, Iris Hazel Mascardo / The Freeman, Roel Pareño