They can show up for Sunday’s Sinulog grand parade but election candidates are not allowed to campaign or wear party shirts, said Sinulog organizers.
“They are allowed (to join) as long as they don’t shake hands with the people or give out flyers. We have people in charge of that,” said Ricky Ballesteros, executive director of the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI).
Among the political VIPS in the spotlight this weekend are Vice President Jejomar Binay and three administration candidates for senator.
In yesterday’s final event briefing, the same reminder against no politicking was given to dance contingents, higantes, puppeteers and those joining floats.
Ballesteros said violators will be reprimanded.
For stubborn ones who ignore warnings, police intervention will be used.
Binay, standard bearer of the United Nationalist Alliance’s (UNA) presidential bet, is the special guest of suspended Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, who said that if Binay wants to address the audience at the grandstand, he would let him. Rama is chairman of the Sinulog foundaiton.
From the ruling Liberal Party (LP), expect vice presidential bet, Rep. Leni Robredo and senatorial candidates Joel Villanueva, Leila de Lima, and Risa Hontiveros.
They will join Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III and Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale in walking behind the float of the Cebu provincial government with about 50 Capitol personnel and dancers.
“They will not be allowed to wear campaign shirts. We will give them our own Sinulog shirts,” said Assistant Provincial Administrator Ramil Abing.
The Capitol has a P1.4 million budget for its Sinulog presentation with P500,000 for its float, which will feature the map of Cebu with an image of the Sto. Niño in front, and the slogan of the Capitol’s new advocacy: “Kalambuan sa Matag Sugbuanon.”
Winston Garcia, One Cebu gubernatorial candidate urged candidates to respect the solemnity of the Sinulog by not using it as a forum for campaigning.
“The Sinulog is a deeply-rooted spiritual devotion of Cebuanos to the miraculous Holy Child Jesus – the Señor Sto. Niño – not an event for political circus,” Garcia said in a press statement.The official campaign period starts in February yet.