Election 2025
Transparency first: Broadcast journalist Edong Carta makes open government centerpiece of council bid
By: Larry Madarang
BAGUIO CITY – Veteran broadcast journalist and city council candidate Edong Carta is putting transparency at the forefront of his campaign, pledging to bring his investigative rigor from the newsroom to the council hall.
“After years exposing corruption, I know transparency isn’t optional – it’s the foundation of good governance,” said Carta, unveiling his 8-Pillar Transparency Platform featuring:
1. Real-Time Spending Disclosures – Mandatory online posting of contracts/budgets
2. Baguio Open Data Portal – Live tracking of city projects
3. Citizen Oversight Committees – Public participation in budget monitoring
4. Whistleblower Protection – Safeguards for corruption exposés
5. Weekly Livestreamed Sessions – No more closed-door deliberations
6. FOI Ordinance – Institutionalized public access to records
7. Barangay Transparency Training – Accountability at grassroots level
8. Smart City Dashboard – Tech-driven governance tracking
From Reporter to Reformer
Carta’s journalist-to-public servant transition informs his unique approach:
“Secrecy enables corruption . My first proposed ordinance will mandate all contracts be published online before signing. No more backroom deals.”
Carta likewise bared his SERVICES² Agenda (9-points being #9 on the list of candidates, and services from his slogan “Basta Carta, Serbisyo Dayta” .
Expanding beyond transparency, Carta’s 9-point legislative agenda (S.E.R.V.I.C.E.S²) addresses:
• Strengthened Accountability
• Education/Youth Development
• Responsible Tourism
• Vibrant Economy
• Inclusive Communities
• Caring Health Systems
• Environmental Protection
• Sustainable Future for Baguio
• Sustainable Urban Planning
Call to Action
Carta says he will conduct weekly consultations with the different barangays:
“This isn’t my council seat – it’s yours. I’m just keeping it honest.”
“I will never leave my profession as media man, being in the city council is an added service to the citizens of Baguio”, he added.
Carta also aims to the set up an Action Center where the citizens could readily air their concerns; conduct weekly “Tungtungan ti Umili” or consultations with the grassroots; and conduct more “Serbissyo Caravan” programs, a program he and his co-anchor Lolo Doro have started more than a decade ago which brings government services to the grassroots held quarterly
# About Edong Carta:
The former broadcaster turned reform candidate under Team Maka Baguio Tayo has spent 28 years in the journalism field reporting anomalies, and other contraversies. His campaign slogan “Basta Carta, Serbisyo Dayta” reflects his service-oriented approach to accountable leadership.
