Mayor against parade of pols in Panagbenga

BAGUIO City Mayor Mauricio Domogan challenged the City Council to help in implementing anti – campaigning ban during the Panagbenga grand street parades on March 2 and 3.

Domogan, in reaction to a recent move by aldermen to allow candidates to parade with contingents and incumbent officials during the grand street and float parades, said councilors are part of implementors of the rule.

The mayor added he is against the move in allowing candidates to parade the city streets, but with the city council move said it would be very hard and awkward to thwart any politicking done as he enjoined officials to be part of the team to implement guidelines.

Last week, the City Council in a resolution banned campaigning during the festival but at the same time allowed candidates to walk the parade route during the grand street dancing and float events.

The original resolution, calling for a “Strict Non-politicization of candidates on any of the Panagbenga Activities,” made by councilor Arthur Allad-iw was amended allowing candidates to march the parade route provided the follow rules of conduct set.

Last year, Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos and former senator Ferdinand Marcos paraded with officials of the city and the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Incorporated and engaged the crowd at the parade route.

They were both given a chance to speak to the crowd at the Athletic Bowl, with Imee introducing Bongbong as the vice president of the Philippines.

This year, Councilor

and Baguio Flower Festival Executive Committee Chairman Elmer Datuin announced invitations have been sent to Senator Bong Revilla and Maguindanao Rep. Zajid Mangudadatu, a senator aspirant for the March parades.

Datuin likewise hinted Ilocos Governor Imee Marcos might also be present in the festivities.