By Atty. Antonio P. Pekas
We earlier wrote about the determination of former Congressman Nick Aliping to get back to his former seat as representative of Baguio City. This is even if Mayor Domogan decides to run for the same position. Who will win is everybody’s guess. Yet the length of time that the incumbent mayor has been serving as congressman and as mayor of the city gives him a discernible advantage. If Joe Molintas, however, joins the fray, then the battle becomes more interesting.
As everybody knows, Congressman Mark Go has aligned himself with Vice Mayor Bilog who will be running as mayor. Many say that he had been relentless in his efforts going around the barangays. But the run to capture City Hall will be unpredictable as many are gunning for it.
The last time I met Councilor Leandro Yangot Jr. as the Botanical Garden (why do they call it that when there are only few plants remaining there) I asked him “What’s the plan?” he said, “We will take over Ctiy Hall.”
He has a good chance as he had been a long time barangay captain and was the head of the association of kapitans in the city. One thing going for him is the so called Mountain Province votes. His parents trace their roots to that province including his wife. If there is such a thing as a Mountain Province votes or highlander votes, then he just might be the man to beat.
Of course his opponents cannot be discounted. I think former judge Edilberto Claravall might again run and he might still have the support of the Roman Catholic church. If this happens, the race will not be boring.
Talking about the support of religious groups, the Iglesia Ni Cristo is supposed to be throwing its weight behind Vice Mayor Bilog.
But there are so many mayoralty aspirants that the race might turn out to be unpredictable. A number of councilors are graduating and they might try their luck. Thus whenever I meet Councilors Peter Fianza and Elmer Datuin, I would say, “How’s the next mayor?”
Then there is Councilor Lawana who is touted to be a strong contender. He might be the hope of the Benguet people to get one of their own to lead Baguio City. But the Benguet votes just might be split between him and Councilor Peter Fianza.
Then there is Councilor Edgar Avila who once sought the mayorship and had a respectable showing. So much so that many thought that he would win the next time around. I guess, if he wants to win he might have to talk to more people and objectively find out how he should reinvent himself. But if he thinks that he very well know how, then it might be his undoing.
And not to be discounted is the possibility that Bernie Vergara might again run for mayor. Is he old already for such a race? Well, as Mommy Dionesia and Ai Ai De Las Alas would say, “Kalabaw lang and tumatanda!”**
