CEBU CITY, Philippines—The Cebu City Government is set to remove several tarpaulins believed to be urging Presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio to run for President in the 2022 elections.
Architect Florante Catalan, the City’s Building Official, told reporters in a text message on Tuesday, February 23, 2021, that they did not issue any permits for such banners, which read “Run Sara Run,” to be placed anywhere in Cebu City.
“No applications whatsoever came (to our office) for the Run Sara Run. We will just inform PROBE (Prevention Restoration Order Beautification Enhancement) to remove them since PROBE can automatically remove illegal streamers,” Catalan said.
These were seen hanging in skywalks in Cebu City since Monday, February 22.
The banners were found in at least three different skywalks – in General Maxilom Avenue, Osmeña Boulevard, and Imus Avenue, based on photos circulating on social media.
Texts found on the tarpaulins read these were made by ‘Friends of Sara’.
Similar banners were also spotted in Metro Manila last February 20, which prompted local officials there from the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to investigate.
The posts earned the ire of several netizens, who pointed out that these could be potential violation of election laws.
The country is set to elect a new President on May 9, 2022. /with reports from Inquirer.net
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