Benjamin Magalong Secured His Third Term as Mayor
BAGUIO CITY — Benjamin Magalong secured his third term as mayor in the recent local elections, marking the final chapter of his leadership in the city. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced that Magalong received the highest number of votes among six candidates vying for the mayoral seat, including incumbent Congressman Mark Go, who ranked second.
Magalong expressed gratitude to the public for their trust. “Thank you very much for your trust and confidence in the administration, and rest assured that we will be very consistent. Kung ano ‘yung pinakita namin diyan sa first term, second term, you will see the same in the third term,” he said confidently.
He further shared his optimism about the future, stating, “Well established naman ‘yung foundation namin, so I have no doubt we’ll be able to end my third term with a bang.”
Vice Mayor Race and Electoral Protest
Magalong’s running mate, Faustino Olowan, won the vice mayoral race against his sole opponent, Mylen Yaranon, who has since filed an electoral protest challenging the results.
Olowan reacted to the protest by saying, “We are very happy of the result, despite that fact that I have been most of the time at City Hall, working. The people of Baguio have spoken.” He added, “That is their practice ever since, they never accept whatever defeat that is — unanimous, majority compared to our vote, but we don’t know why she is doing that. That is their character. They never admit defeat.”
Mauricio Domogan Secured His Third Term as City Representative
Meanwhile, Mauricio Domogan secured his return as Baguio City’s representative in the Lower House, a position he previously held from 2001 to 2010. He bested six other candidates to reclaim the post.
Speaking in a mix of Ilocano, Filipino, and English, Domogan thanked his supporters and urged his opponents to move past the heated campaign season. “To our opponents: While the election had been finished, let us forget and forgive each other for whatever mudslinging that our mouths had uttered during the height of the election campaign,” he said.
He emphasized his respectful approach during the campaign, adding, “You will note that in our case, we did never mudsling or put down any of you, our worthy opponents, so let us forget whatever that had been mistakenly said.”
Plans Ahead: Charter Amendment
Domogan also outlined his upcoming priorities, highlighting his plan to push for the amendment of the Baguio City Charter. This initiative had previously faced a veto from the national government under President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Together, the election results confirm that key leaders in Baguio City have secured their third term in office, setting the stage for continuity and development in the years ahead.