LOCAL bets started their campaign during the weekend hoping to lure the electorate in their respective areas.
But violence marred the start of the campaign in other areas of the country.
Calauan, Laguna Mayor George Berris was shot and critically wounded while campaigning and survived the attack, but his companions, Leonardo Taningco and Emmanuel Peña, a candidate for councilor, were killed instantly.
The campaign period for local candidates was supposed to officially start on March 25 but the Comelec, explained campaigning during Maundy Thursday and Good Friday was not allowed.
Based on the calendar of activities, the ban on the construction of public works and the release of public funds took effect last Saturday until May 8.
Also prohibited is the appointment or hiring of new employees, creation or filling up of new positions, promotion or giving of salary increases.
Here in the Summer Capital, Mayoralty candidates Jose Molintas, Del Claraval and incumbent Mauricio Domogan started their campaign sortie with a proclamation rally in the different parts of the city.
The same with congressional candidates Benardo Vergara, Mark Go, and incumbent Nicasio Aliping.
Baguio’s political climate remains as cool as its weather and one of the most peaceful in the country unlike any other highly urbanized city in the country.
Politicians roam the street even in the wee hours of the morning without body guard or police escort.
Even incumbent officials walk freely and enjoy the peace and serenity of the Summer Capital.
Baguio City may be incomparable to any other place in the country when it comes to election with no reported election related violence ever since and politicians have kept it that way ever since.
Being a small community that is, it is a no-no for candidates seeking for a post at the City Hall to resort to violence which is not part of Baguio culture.
While Baguio politics has remained cool, reports of vote buying remain although no perpetrators have been caught.
For now, Baguio residents still hopes for a peaceful election and we hope to keep it that way.
Let’s just hope during the campaign trail, nobody loses his cool.