A Battle for Baguio’s Future

Benjie Magalong vs. Mark Go—A Battle for Baguio’s Future

In the upcoming local elections, Baguio City residents are faced with a big decision as two respected leaders, Benjie Magalong and Mark Go, vie for the mayoralty seat. Both candidates are no strangers to public service, each bringing their own strengths and unique qualities to the table. But of course, like any leader, they have their challenges as well.

Let’s take a closer look at these two strong contenders and how their candidacies could shape the future of Baguio.

Benjie Magalong: The Disciplined and Visionary

Benjie Magalong, the current mayor, is known for his no-nonsense approach to governance. With his military background, Magalong instilled a sense of discipline in city management that many residents have appreciated. His administration focused on making Baguio a safer and more resilient city, especially after the pandemic hit.

Magalong's "going beyond" style of leadership earned him respect not only locally but also on a national level. His transparency initiatives and the push for urban development projects, like the Smart City Program, are seen as huge steps forward in modernizing Baguio.

However, Magalong's firm hand may have felt a bit too strict for some, especially those who preferred a more consultative approach. May mga nagsasabi na medyo mahigpit si Magalong, lalo na sa mga patakaran sa trapiko at sa mga regulasyon sa palengke, na hindi gaanong nagustuhan ng iba.

Adding to this, Magalong has proposed a ₱250 congestion fee, which is already a hot topic among residents. While he argues it could help decongest Baguio and raise funds for more projects, some are concerned it might burden daily commuters and tourists. Many think this fee could backfire, even becoming the very issue that could cost him the mayoralty.

Mark Go: The Legislative Leader Turned Executive
Mark Go, on the other hand, is not new to public service. Serving as the Congressman for Baguio’s lone district, he’s built a reputation as someone who knows how to navigate legislative processes to bring benefits to the city. He championed several laws focused on education, health, and infrastructure development for the city and its people.

Go’s strength lies in his ability to collaborate and push for projects that can make a real impact on the city. His background in the private sector also gives him a unique perspective on how to run things efficiently. For many, he's seen as a more "inclusive" leader who is willing to listen to different sides before making a decision.

But transitioning from a legislator to an executive role is no easy feat. May ilang nagtatanong kung kaya ba ni Go ang araw-araw na pamamalakad ng isang lungsod tulad ng Baguio. Ang kanyang atensyon na dati’y nakatuon sa mga pambansang isyu, baka raw mahirapan kapag ang usapan ay tungkol na sa mga lokal na problema tulad ng koleksyon ng basura o trapik sa lungsod.

Adding to this, another issue is on the horizon, Mark Go’s wife, Sol, is also running for Congress. Many residents are questioning the ethicality of this, seeing it as the potential start of a political dynasty in Baguio. Although Mark Go has earned a good reputation over the years, some fear that this move might tarnish it, casting doubts on his dedication to fair representation.

The Positive Outlook
At the end of the day, Baguio is lucky to have two dedicated leaders willing to step up. Magalong, with his strong vision and discipline, could continue transforming Baguio into a modern and resilient city. On the other hand, Go’s collaborative approach and his ability to work within the system could lead to more inclusive, people-centered governance.

But there’s a twist here—Bomogao, another candidate in the race, might just become the dark horse who puts these two titans in their place. For some residents, his candidacy offers an alternative to what feels like a showdown between giants, reminding both Magalong and Go that Baguio’s people are not just spectators in a political arena. His unexpected popularity could even make these candidates think twice about turning Baguio’s politics into, as some say, a bit of a clown show.

Whichever way the people decide, Baguio is in good hands. Patungo sa mas maunlad na hinaharap ang lungsod sa pamumuno ng isa sa kanila, at siguradong gagawin nila ang lahat para sa ikabubuti ng Baguio. Baguio City residents can be confident that all the candidates are committed to pushing the city forward in their own ways.