Poll bets' streamers seen near cemeteries

WHEN it comes to posting streamers and tarpaulins, nothing beats the politicians.

Several residents in Davao City observed that some national and local candidates have displayed tarpaulins within the vicinity of cemeteries during All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day or “Undas.”

Streamers with a local political figure's name were placed at the area outside the Buhangin Memorial Park from Thursday to Friday.

Sun.Star Davao asked some of the people who visited their departed what they think of the streamers being posted within the vicinity of the cemeteries.

"Sagdi na lang na sila kay intawon naningkamot pud hapit na ra ba (Just leave them alone since they are also trying hard),” said Imelda Managbang, 56, of Cabantian, Davao City.

Managbang said she sees nothing wrong with putting up streamers as it is only a strategic way of letting the people know of the politicians’ presence.

When asked if she would still vote for these politicians during elections, Managbang said she will decide on the "judgment day."

Even though some cemeteries in Davao City had banned politicians from setting up streamers with their names for this year's Undas, few campaign materials were seen as of early Thursday morning.

It came in the form of fans and water containers, among others.

"Bawal man gyud na siya pero naa ra sa tao ug unsaon nila pag tan-aw ang ing-ana nga istilo sa mga politico. Kay kung ako imong pangutan-on, makasira gyud na sa ilang imahe kay menteryo ra ba ni. Dapat respeto lang pud, diba (It's really prohibited but it's up to the people on how they look at this kind of style by the politicians. If you ask me, it will really ruin their image since this is a cemetery. They should show some respect, right)," said Reynaldo Abucayan, 35, candle vendor in Buhangin Memorial Park.

For Abucayan, he will not vote for politicians with "fake promises."

"Dili naman nako na mapansin kay ang gianhi ra man gyud nako akong inahan. Wala koy pakialam ana (I really don't care. I just visited my mother. It's none of my business)," said Ralph Tamayo, 36, of Landmark, Davao City.

"Boto gud gihapon, mga maayo man gihapon na sila (I will still vote. They are still good politicians)," he added.

Commission on Elections Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. on Wednesday reminded politicians to respect the dead and refrain from campaigning in the cemeteries.

Although, there is no law prohibiting putting up such materials in cemeteries, Brillantes appealed to the candidates to spare these areas where millions flock to pay respects their dead.