Baguio City — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Baguio City has issued a reminder to political candidates to adhere strictly to election regulations, particularly the designated campaign period, to avoid legal complications.
According to Philippines News Agency, Baguio election officer lawyer John Paul Martin emphasized the importance of following Comelec guidelines during a media interview on Wednesday. He clarified that the official campaign period for the 2025 mid-term polls for local positions is scheduled from March 28 until May 10. “Hindi pa po campaign period bawal pa po ang mangampanya (It is not yet the campaign period, campaigning is still prohibited),” he stated, underlining the prohibition against early campaigning.
The reminder comes after the filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) from October 1 to 8, which saw several candidates enter the race for various local offices. Notable among the candidates for the city’s lone congressional district seat are former Representatives Mauricio Domogan and Nicasio Aliping. Other contenders include Soledad Go, wife of the current lawmaker; Gladys Vergara, daughter of a former lawmaker; former councilor Popo Cosalan; and newcomers Frances Camtugan and Demoni Mauricio.
The mayoral race features incumbent Mayor Benjie Magalong, current Lone District Representative Mark Go, former councilor Benny Bomogao, and newcomers Camo Abdul, Rei Ann Cayetano, and Mark Andrew Directo. The vice mayor’s position sees a head-to-head contest between incumbent Faustino Olowan and outgoing councilor Mylen Yaranon.
Furthermore, forty-three individuals have filed COCs to compete for the 12 seats available on the City Council, including 12 former councilors of Baguio and several newcomers.
The Comelec’s warning underscores the need for all candidates to comply with electoral laws to ensure a fair and orderly election process.