Aliping's Political Comeback

Nicasio Aliping was once a name that rang loudly in the halls of Baguio’s leadership. Having served as the congressman of Baguio City from 2013 to 2016, Aliping was a politician who had grand visions for the city. He wanted better infrastructure, better services, and a future that Baguio could be proud of. But like many ambitious leaders, his journey has been marred with both victories and defeats, triumphs and trials. Now, after consecutive defeats in his bid to return to Congress, Aliping stands at a crossroads. Can he reclaim the seat he once held, and will he bring with him a fresh brand of leadership for the city?

It was during his tenure as congressman that Aliping faced his biggest challenge — a controversy that would shake his political career to its core. In 2014, Aliping was accused of being involved in the illegal clearing of a portion of the Mount Sto. Tomas forest reserve, which resulted in severe damage to a vital watershed in the city. The case became a huge scandal, with environmentalists and many Baguio citizens calling for accountability. It was a dark time for Aliping, as the accusations not only tarnished his name but also endangered his political career. For many, it was the end of the road for a once-promising leader.

Yet, the man did not give up. Through years of legal battles and public scrutiny, Aliping fought hard to clear his name. And after a long legal struggle, his case was dismissed. He claimed victory, but it was a hard-fought one, marred by the memories of a scandal that people still remember to this day. The dismissal of his case did not erase the past, but for Aliping, it was a symbol of his perseverance, his refusal to be broken by adversity. He had survived a storm, but the storm left scars that would take time to heal.

Since then, Aliping has made two attempts to reclaim his congressional seat, but both times he faced defeat. Political dynamics in Baguio have changed, and other candidates have taken the spotlight. The defeats were tough — but they also brought Aliping face-to-face with a question: what went wrong? It was a moment of reflection for him, as he began to re-evaluate his approach to leadership, to politics, and to the people of Baguio.

Now, as rumors swirl of yet another attempt for Congress, many are asking — can Aliping bring something new to the table? Is his leadership truly reformed, or is it the same leadership that lost favor years ago? Aliping’s supporters believe in his resilience. They see a man who has weathered controversy and defeat but remains committed to his city. They see a leader who has learned from his past mistakes and is ready to bring a fresh, brand-new perspective to Baguio. Aliping himself has hinted that he has grown from his experiences, and that his vision for the city has evolved.

But he is facing a tough challenge on his way to a political comeback, standing against him are two strong and rising forces— Gladys Vergara and Soledad Go. These promising candidates might threaten his return and change the future of leadership in Baguio City, making him face the hardest fight of his career. Will the people of Baguio believe that he is ready to lead again? That remains the ultimate question. For a city that has seen its share of political turmoil, fresh leadership is often a promise that doesn’t always come true. Will Aliping be different this time? Will his experience of defeat, his battles in the courts, and his personal growth be enough to convince the people of Baguio that he deserves another chance?

Nicasio Aliping stands on the edge of a potential comeback. He has faced challenges that would have broken many, yet he is still standing, still fighting, still hoping. The people of Baguio will decide if this time, his leadership is the kind of leadership they need.