Sara: Campaign speeches during ‘Araw’ prohibited

DAVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said Monday that national candidates can join the celebration of the 76th Araw ng Dabaw in March 16, but only as guests of the festival.

Duterte-Carpio said she has nothing against national politicians joining the celebration, but said she does not want political activity to be injected into the celebration, especially during the Parada Dabawenyo, a civic parade.

"Anyway, depende sa real time sa parade. Our priority is ang parade and also the weather. Definitely, there would be no campaign speeches na mahitabo on the event," Duterte-Carpio said.

Duterte-Carpio added that if ever there will be some request from politicians to speak before the public, they will be allowed to do so for as long as only limit it to Araw ng Dabaw greetings.

The same query was also asked to Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, in his television program "Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa" on Sunday, but he referred such concerned to his daughter.

"That will all depend on the policy label of the mayor. If the mayor will say she doesn't want political activity injected on the ‘Araw’ and she will not also give permission on a certain candidate to talk before the crowd, it should be respected," the elder Duterte said.

He added that everybody is welcome to join and celebrate the Araw ng Dabaw festival, but whether to allow them do their campaign is up to the mayor.