Not in Senate: Magalong seeks 3rd term as Baguio mayor

BAGUIO CITY — Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong put an end to speculation about his Senate candidacy on the last day of filing, Tuesday, October 8, by formally filing for his third and final bid as mayor of Baguio.

Running under the banner of the Good Governance Alliance, Magalong is positioning his re-election campaign on the same core values of transparency and service that have defined his previous terms.  

His slate includes a mix of seasoned public servants and promising new faces, all committed to upholding excellence and integrity in governance.

The Good Governance Alliance’s lineup of candidates include incumbent Councilor Isabelo “Poppo” Cosalan Jr. for the congressional seat, while Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan is seeking re-election.

Veteran councilors Jose Molintas, Peter Fianza and Fred Bagbagen seeking reelection in the City Council are joined by Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President John Rhey Mananeng, Lower Quirino Hill Punong Barangay Van Dicang, South Central Aurora Hill Punong Barangay Levy Orcales, Atty. Paolo Salvosa, Pam Cariño, Spencer Basbas, Yuri Kiaco Weygan, and Jun Orca.

The alliance is supported by the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), and the Liberal Party (LP).

Magalong’s camp said their campaign centers around a comprehensive seven-point agenda, focusing on environment, land use, and energy; climate and disaster resilience; urban regeneration; youth empowerment; economic recovery and development; smart city management; and good governance.

"Today, I filed my candidacy grounded in the principles of good governance and the determination to break away from the cycle of traditional politics," Magalong said.

"I am proud to stand alongside veteran public servants and a new generation of leaders who are committed to real change, rooted in integrity, accountability, and genuine public service," he added.

Magalong's bid for mayor has turned the race in Baguio City into a three-way battle as of mid-afternoon Tuesday. Third-term Rep. Mark Go filed his bid for mayor on Monday, while outgoing Councilor Benny Bomogao also entered the race.

The mayoral race bidders could still jump to four if long-time congressman and mayor Mauricio Domogan submits his bid during the last hour of the filing.