BAGUIO CITY -- “Good governance beyond politics really works and we have made traditional politics irrelevant in the city of Baguio.”
Thus said Mayor Benjamin Magalong hours after he was reelected for his second term in the Summer Capital of the Philippines.
“I hope we can change the mindset of the people. People's point of view is still very traditional. I can't blame them, slowly we were able to change the mindset of the people that there is such a thing as good governance beyond politics,” said Magalong.
According to Magalong, they faced the people and offered them their accomplishments, programs and projects in the future, instead of resorting to negative campaigns. That, he said, was their greatest advantage over his rival.
Magalong promised that he will continue to beautify the city and develop the economy, create more jobs so that everyone can prosper despite the ongoing pandemic.
Magalong defeated Mauricio Domogan and former vice mayor Edison Bilog.
It was a second straight defeat for Domogan in his 31 years in politics. Domogan also ran for congressional seat – and lost – during the 2019 election.
“I call on politicians and the people to end politics and let's face the future of the city,” said the elected mayor.
“Election is over, we're done, let's move forward. There is so much bitterness, there is so much hatred, there so much lies fabricated and this time keep togetherness and move on for better Baguio,” added Magalong.
Magalong garnered 70,342 votes, against his arch -rival Domogan who got 53,198 and Bilog who received 12,061 votes.
The City Board of Canvassers formally proclaimed at 11:00 pm on May 9 at the Baguio Convention Center the three high-ranking officials, Mayor Magalong, re-elected third term Rep. Marquez Go, who got 99,372 votes and re-elected second term Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan with 65,897 votes.
Among the city councilors are re-elected Benny Bomogao-71,441; comebacking Joe Molintas-69,868; re-elected Arthur Allad-iw-68,923; Lulu Tabanda- 67,908;comebacking Leandro Yangot- 66,113; re-elected Isabelo Cosalan-65,398; Mylene Yaranon- 62,408;comebacking Elmer Datuin-60,844;Peter Fianza-59,833; re-elected Vladimir Cayabas-58,873; Fred Bagbagen-58,300 and Lilia Farinas-58,145.
Out of 168,218 registered voters in Baguio City, 139,461 actually voted for a high 82.90 percent turnout.