Sun.Star Pampanga

That Comelec advisory

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PERHAPS GUIDED BY A superior force, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) advised the Department of Education (DepEd) to avoid inviting politician­s as guest speakers during graduation rites.

Why is this so? To avoid mixing politics and other election issues thus minimizing or trivializi­ng the essence of the ceremonies meant to recognize the efforts of parents and students, so goes the advisory.

Comelec itself admitted that there is no law (yet) that prohibits candidates from accepting invitation­s and give them undue advantage over those not given the chance to address the graduating students and their parents. It may be observed that graduation rites are an effective fora for candidates to make themselves and their proposed platforms of government known to many.

Fair enough, but isn’t this denying the candidates the exercise of free speech? Why the prohibitio­n then?

In the past, candidates were invited as guest speakers in graduation ceremonies and so these became boring and lengthy and one can see the participan­ts yawning and some leave in haste.

Still, the candidates should be given the chance to speak before large audiences attending graduation and other ceremonies.

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From observers, I gathered that the team of Mayor Crisostomo C. Garbo has been gathering large audiences who stay long to hear the mayor and his slate talk about their accomplish­ments and platforms of government.

I was informed that councilor-candidate Nino ‘RS’delos Reyes wowed crowds at Dau Homesite, Dau due to his speaking and singing prowess.

The crowd reportedly howled and cheered the young councilor-to-be when he sang his heart out for them.

Mayor Garbo, for his part, is an effective speaker with a persuasive and booming voice enough to convince the voters to vote for him.

He seems to get the edge this early in this campaign period.

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The City Employment Service Office (CESO) of Mabalacat City obtained for the 3rd time the 2018 Regional Best PESO award for the Component City category and the 3rd Top Regional Implemente­r of PESO Employment Informatio­n System (PEIS) in Applicants Registrati­on, Employers Registrati­on and Job Vacancies Posted on March 20, 2019 at the Subic Bay Travelers Hotel, Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Zam bal es.

Much credit should go to CESO Manager Bernard B. delos Reyes and his staff Virgie Miranda, Alma Pontillas, Jon Zapanta, Francis Custodio, Tess Adriano, Tess Carlos, Berna, Rea and Judy and the rest of the staff. Congrats, and atin ken koy?

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In Angeles City, the voters should go for Councilor ALFIE BONIFACIO and JOSEPH ‘PG’PONCE, two hardworkin­g and prolific local legislator­s who have excellent service records aimed at uplifting the lives of Angeles City residents and voters. Hooray for these two gentlemen!

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