Friday, November 24, 2006 Ex-mayor seeks return to Baguio chief executive post By Ernie N. Olson Jr.
FORMER mayor Ramon Labo Jr. is planning to get back the Baguio mayoralty post next year "to finish the projects that he envisioned before and to help local residents, especially the vendors, improve their economic condition."
"We were supposed to have our overpasses funded by the Japanese, we had an investor from Switzerland who was supposed to have built a cable car system here, and plans were already made for the establishment by some Japanese investors of (a smaller version of) Disneyland here, but these did not push through. Hopefully, with the support of our local residents, we could make these come through," Labo said.
"Baguio has already become too congested, not only in terms of population but also with so many vehicles, that we need to take remedial measures to solve these problems," he added.
Labo said he already conferred with Councilor Daniel Fariñas for the city lawmaker to be his running mate in his independent slate. He said: "Baguio needs new blood and those who are "honest."
"When I was seated as mayor before, I never took my salary for myself but used this to fund the city's different development projects. If I would be trusted with the same position again, I would stick to that same promise," he added.
Labo said he would also give his support and even spend his own money to back any viable candidate for the city's lone congressional seat "who is honest and will also not use his political position to amass wealth."
"I pity the people of Baguio, especially the vendors and other poor residents. The city is so congested now, not only in terms of population, but also in the number of taxis and other vehicles crowding our narrow streets. We also have to improve our tourism programs to attract more visitors to the city. We would not be able to solve these worsening problems if our next mayor does not have a heart for the masses," he added.
