The time for a leadership reset is now.

Photo Created by Dally

Our nation stands at a crossroads, and the future demands a new kind of leadership—one that reflects the energy, insight, and innovation of a younger generation.

The old guards have had their time. They’ve served, they’ve led—but now, it’s time to step aside with dignity and make way for those who are ready to rise.

We see a new breed of leaders emerging—educated, capable, driven not by personal ambition, but by purpose and passion. Their credentials are solid. Their intentions are clear. Their voices are rooted in the realities we face today.

Why hold them back? Why cling to power when you can pass the torch and empower the future?

To our seasoned politicians: thank you. You’ve contributed your share. Now, we urge you—retire with honor and let this next generation lead with heart and vision.

Instead, what do we get? The same old names clinging to the same old posts—armed not with bold ideas, but with gimmicks. Some are literally dancing on stage as if a few awkward moves could distract us from years of forgettable leadership.

Let’s be honest—it’s not funny. It’s pathetic. A desperate attempt to stay relevant and fish for votes. Sorry, but choreography isn’t a qualification for public office.

Meanwhile, the new generation doesn’t need a jingle. They don’t need a TikTok dance. Their credibility, competence, and conviction speak for themselves.

Take for example one young contender—quietly focused, unbothered by the circus, and steadily laying down her groundwork. While others play victim or shout the loudest, she listens, works, and shows up. There’s no spectacle, no drama—just the kind of steady energy this city desperately needs. Leaders like Gladys Vergara remind us that the future doesn’t have to be loud to be clear. Sometimes, it just has to be sincere.

Her campaign slogan, “𝙂𝙡𝙖𝙙𝙮𝙨 𝙑𝙚𝙧𝙜𝙖𝙧𝙖 – 𝙂𝙡𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝘽𝙖𝙜𝙪𝙞𝙤!”, is more than just words. It’s a heartfelt commitment to the residents and visitors of Baguio City. It reflects a spirit of positivity, dedication, and support for the community, driving meaningful initiatives that enhance both the city’s heritage and its sustainable future.

And with all the toxicity we’re witnessing from many traditional figures this election season, Baguio’s choice for leadership should be clear. We should not be voting for politicians who cheapen democracy—who treat public service like a game of King and Queen. That is not what Baguio is known for. This is a city built on a legacy of Clean and Good Governance—and it’s time we hold the line.

In this campaign season in Baguio? It’s exposing how shallow our politics have become. And the worst part? Even in a city known for civil discourse, the mudslinging, victim-playing, and smoke-and-mirrors politics are on full display.

Molintas’ Swipe or Wake-Up Call?

(https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DNV7iB6AG/  <<-- Atty. Jose Molintas' Facebook Post)

Let’s not sugarcoat it: Councilor Jose Molintas threw a punch — and it landed.

At a recent forum, Molintas made what many initially dismissed as a “below-the-belt” jab at congressional candidate Sol Go. His words? That she should be allowed to “rest” — a remark that instantly sparked cries of discrimination, bullying, and political sexism.  (SOL GO's Response to Councilor Molintas:  https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1EcQhUB1J6/?mibextid=wwXIfr)

Sol Go clapped back online, accusing him of ageism and claiming she’s not just walking — she’s doing Zumba, too.

Cute. But let’s cut through the choreography and get to the meat of Molintas’ point — because he’s not backing down.

Here’s what he actually said in response to the outrage:

“They’re making noise over a comment I made during a public forum—calling it offensive, calling it bullying. But let’s not fool ourselves. This outrage is about protecting their power. It’s a calculated distraction—meant to shift attention away from a bigger, more dangerous issue: the creeping rise of a political dynasty in Baguio City.”



Now that is the point. Not body size. Not age. But power play.

Sol Go is not just running for Congress out of nowhere. She’s eyeing the seat being vacated by her husband — Rep. Mark Go — who, surprise, surprise, is running for Mayor. One household, two of the city’s highest posts? That’s not synergy. That’s a soft takeover.

And Molintas pulls no punches:

“If both of them win, then one household controls the top posts in the City. That’s not public service. That’s a conjugal hold on our government.”



He’s not wrong. This isn’t just a couple with matching vision boards — this is an attempt to cement power under one family name. Don’t dress it up as "unity" or “shared service.” Baguio voters are not that naïve.

And here's a fact no one can ignore: Sol Go is  73 years old and former Mayor Mauricio Domogan is  78 years old. Yes, 73 and 78. This isn’t a question of bias—it’s a question of capacity.

Molintas even laid down the receipts: questionable ayuda payouts, alleged use of government projects as political currency, and the controversial Revised City Charter  authored by Congressman Mark Go — a charter that was so bad, even the President vetoed the fix meant to correct it.

Then there’s the expansion of BCDA’s hold over Baguio land. Whose side was our congressman really on?

And now that people are starting to ask the right questions? Suddenly it’s all “hurt feelings” and “sarcastic apologies.” Molintas isn’t buying it. Neither should we.

“Let me be clear: what I raised during that forum was not a joke. It is a legitimate concern. Public office demands stamina, focus, and presence. Both Mr. and Mrs. Go are nearing their seventies. That’s not ageism—it’s a practical question. There is no vice-congressman in case of incapacity.”

He’s right. Leadership isn’t a legacy you hand off to your spouse. It’s a role you earn, not inherit.

And in case anyone missed the bigger picture:

“Political dynasties and entrenched elites block reforms like the Anti-Dynasty Law—because it threatens their grip. Why would they pass a law that would end their own monopoly on power?”

This is about principle, not personality. And Baguio? We’ve never been the kind of city to bow to dynasties. We don’t hand over the city like a family business. We don’t do politics by last name.

Mark Go's Response to Magalong but was cut by the moderator- ( Video Courtesy of PIA Baguio ( FULL VIDEO : https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16SdDQet7n/)

In a mayoral candidates’ forum at the Baguio Country Club, even Mayor Benjamin Magalong, when asked point-blank about political dynasties, said it best:
(https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EKXinC3DY/ <<-- Magalong's Statement at the Baguio Leaders' Forum)

“Public service is not a family affair.”

The statement was simple—but it landed with force. And it clearly unsettled some on stage.

Mark Go was on the defensive. His remark:

“Parang merong ibig sabihin si Mayor ‘dun (sa) sagot niya tungkol sa political dynasty.”

A telling reaction, if there ever was one.

The moderator, Migz Velarde, quickly stepped in:

“Sir Mark, siguro let’s focus on the questions. ‘Dun po tayo mag focus sa questions…”

It was an awkward moment. But more than that, it revealed just how uncomfortable the subject of dynasty politics has become for those who are most often accused of it.

So call Molintas “insensitive” all you want. But ask yourself this: is it really about sensitivity? Or is it about getting too close to the truth?

Because the way this whole “power couple” play is shaping up — it’s not giving public service. It’s giving self-interest.  And no amount of Zumba or Facebook damage control will change that.