Wednesday, February 08, 2006
5 eye Baguio mayoral post amid recall moves
By Rimaliza Opiña
BAGUIO CITY -- Five former and incumbent officials are eyeing the Baguio City mayoralty post as a recall petition against Mayor Braulio Yaranon gains grounds.
Councilors Elmer Datuin, Jose Molintas, Faustino Olowan and former councilor Elmo Nevada are reportedly vying for the mayor's post, even as the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has yet to declare if a recall election would indeed take place.
Former mayor Bernardo Vergara, who lost to Yaranon in the 2004 mayoral elections, also already manifested interest to sign up.
Datuin, Molintas, and Olowan denied the rumors.
Datuin said he supports the recall move because he sees the need for a leader who has a "better plan and vision for Baguio."
Molintas and Olowan, on the other hand, said they are actually against the recall, saying it is better to wait for the next election than join the bandwagon of those aspiring for the position.
"We do not know where the reports are coming from. These are mere intrigues intended to create confusion," Molintas said, adding he does not see any recall election pushing through this year.
"A recall is uncalled for because it creates divisiveness and economic debacles," Olowan added.
Only Nevada, who is a former party mate of Vergara, confirmed he is seriously thinking of running for the position if a recall election takes place. He said he is a better alternative than the former mayor and Yaranon.
"Maybe, the people of Baguio need another alternative than the incumbent and past mayor. I have seen the good and bad things (in both administrations), I think I can do a better job," he said. (Sun.Star Baguio/Sunnex)
(February 8, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor. Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board. Click here. |
Siblings get news of death of stepsis in Ultra