Atty. Mauricio Domogan's Political Comeback—Time to Retire or Does the Veteran Still Have It?

Atty. Mauricio Domogan, a name long linked with Baguio City politics, is again stepping into the scene, this time running for the House of Representatives. Known for his long years as mayor and congressman, Domogan's decision to run signals his determination to make a political comeback after a few losses in past elections. The big question now is: does this veteran still got what it takes, or is it time to pass the torch to newer leaders?

For a lot of people in Baguio, Domogan is synonymous with stability and tradition. His many years in office have brought achievements and some challenges, but there’s no denying his impact on the city. He took on the Herculean task of rebuilding Baguio after the 1990 earthquake, working closely with then-Congressman Bernie Vergara and other officials to reconstruct roads, buildings, and drainage systems. Projects like the modernization of Marcos Highway, BLIST Circumferential Road, and Naguilian Road were part of his legacy, along with the cleanup and greening efforts that earned Baguio the title of "Cleanest and Greenest City" for three straight years.

And, let's not forget, for three consecutive years, Domogan was hailed as the “Janitor of Baguio” for keeping the city in check. It wasn’t just a nickname—it was recognition for his tireless dedication to cleaning up the city's problems, whether that be waste, traffic, or political issues. Under his watch, the city even won the prestigious Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Award for two consecutive years, elevating Baguio to the Hall of Fame. He also raised the city's finances significantly, with cash on hand increasing from Php 86 million to over Php 600 million during his time.

But these days, new leaders have emerged, offering a fresher perspective for the city’s future. One of them is Gladys Vergara. Her father, Bernie Vergara, was a former mayor and congressman, and he was actually friends with Domogan. The two were a tandem before, and together they brought Baguio to greater heights. Now that the older Vergara has retired, his young and energetic daughter is stepping up to continue his legacy and bring the city even higher. But this time, instead of being on the same team, she has to face Domogan himself.

Vergara’s vision is hitting hard with younger voters who see that Baguio needs to keep up with the demands of modern times. She’s not just positioning herself as an alternative to the more traditional leadership—she’s offering a bold new direction. Many are saying she’s the one who can truly push Baguio forward. Urban planning, traffic, waste management—these are at the core of her platform, and it’s clicking with those who believe Baguio needs fresh energy and innovative solutions.

As the current Baguio Tourism Council Chief, Gladys Vergara has already proven her capability. Her work in boosting Baguio’s tourism industry, especially in these challenging times, has shown she’s not just about ideas but about real action. People are noticing that she’s more than ready to take on a bigger role and lead the city into the future.

Domogan, however, remains confident. He believes that his experience is exactly what’s needed right now. He and his supporters believes that his deep understanding of the city—from its economy to its politics—is still unmatched. For them, his traditional way of leading, backed by years of wisdom, can guide Baguio through the challenges it faces, now and in the years to come.

But the political landscape in Baguio is changing. In recent elections, voters seemed to lean more towards fresh faces, with Domogan losing out to newer candidates. And with Sol Go also entering the race, it's clear Domogan has some strong competition. Sol Go, wife of Congressman Mark Go, also has her own edge. Mark Go has done a lot of good things for Baguio as a legislator, and Sol might use her husband’s achievements to her advantage in the campaign. With Mark’s influence and her own ambitions, some say this might be the start of a “Go Dynasty” in Baguio politics. Sol’s candidacy could signal a continuation of their family’s leadership, building on the work her husband has already started.

As the race for Congress heats up, one thing’s for sure—this election will decide if Baguio sticks with Domogan's seasoned leadership or if it's ready to take a chance on newer voices like Vergara or Go. In the end, it’s the people of Baguio who will decide the direction they want to take.

This election will be crucial. How Baguio votes will shape the city’s future for many years to come.