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           RICHARD A. CARINO

15 M.H. Del Pilar, Baguio City 2600

April 26, 2004

My friends,

            When I first aspired for elective public office, well-meaning friends tried to spook me with the dreadful characterization of Baguio politics as a cesspool of rottenness and thievery where nothing gets done unless there is something in it for those who had sworn an oath to serve faithfully.  Even then, as now, so many are resigned to that sick and sickening reality that it is just the way things are and always will be.

            I refused to accept that cynical view then – I refuse to accept it now.  I have served nine years championing your cause in the City Council and I know it does not have to be that way; that things can get done and can get done honorably.  It is wrong to despair for we can control our destiny and, as such, there is always hope.

            And that is what I have striven for and am committed to advance - the “Agenda of Hope.”  HOPE to mean Honest government; Opportunity for all; Peace, Productivity and Prosperity; Education and Environment.

            For like you, I have always believed that there is nothing basically wrong with our beloved Baguio City.  Its people have the right stuff, the abundant talent for enterprise and competitiveness, the right DNA, as it were, to succeed.  All that was ever truly needed is an enabling leadership to allow for those gifts to flower in this fast-changing world before we are irredeemably left behind; leadership that can and will remove the roadblocks for all those talents to prosper.

            Enabling leadership infinitely means much more than the construction of flyovers, overpasses and other “perennially impermanent” infrastructure.  Especially where it is widely known that some official made a “killing” and the little guys (the rest of us, of course) will have to pay for it.  Progress is never equated with the erection of these monuments. 

            That corruption persists and, sadly, has achieved undue respectability; that run-away employment is unabated; and that crime is increasing is a manifestation of that lack of enabling leadership.

            What is desperately needed to deal with these problems is an honest government manned by 21^st century leaders who can see things as they are, how they ought to be, and how they could be infinitely be better. Leaders who do not hesitate to get things, especially the unpopular but necessary things, done.  Leaders who will adopt clear and consistent principles to deal with change as they create both problems and opportunities.

            I am but a man of study, hard work and prayer.  But I can provide that enabling leadership. 

            Under a Mayor Cariño, the Office of City Mayor and the whole City government will be built on honest-to-goodness policy of transparency and accountability.  Government procedures will be streamlined and simplified and red tape will be minimized to provide people with access to the services they so richly deserve.  Peace, order and security will be secured to inspire investor and business confidence which will mean jobs.  

            Under a Mayor Cariño, all these will not be a hollow political slogan, but a long yearned-for reality which I dedicate my life to achieving, so help me God.

            In my quest to serve our beloved city as its next mayor, I have drawn my energy and encouragement from the host of common folk who have volunteered both their precious time and inestimable resources.  This crusade is as much theirs, and yours, as it is mine.  I truly appreciate these valiant dreamers for their patriotism and their love for Baguio City.  And this truly is the feature and soul of our campaign, and it will be the feature and soul of my administration should you favor me with your trust.  The city government will never again be about nor will it be for the interest of one man but for all.  No one will be left out nor left behind.  Together we will share in this hope even as we will share in its realization.

            At no other time in our beloved city’s history are the choices so stark.  An opportunity for a better way now lies before us.  I know that come May 10 you will not fail to seize our destiny.

In your service,

RICHARD A. CARIŇO

The punishment of wise men who refuse to take part in government is to live under the government of unwise men – Plato

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