THE election period for the 2019 midterm elections has yet to formally start, but an ally of President Rodrigo Duterte has turned the 52nd founding anniversary and celebration of the Gotad ad Ifugao in Lagawe town into an early campaign sortie.

Guest of honor and presidential adviser for political affairs Francis Tolentino thanked the people of Ifugao for helping him land the 13th spot in the 2016 senatorial race while taking potshots at detained Senator Leila de Lima.

A prepared speech from Duterte was read as he could not make it to the provincial celebration and instead sent Tolentino and Maguindanao 2nd district Representative Zajid Mangundadatu to represent him.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr., who was scheduled to arrive, blamed bad weather for failing to attend the celebration.

The Gotad ad Ifugao saw performances from 11 contingents at the capital town’s main road on Monday, June 18, highlighting a weeklong celebration depicting Ifugao’s rich culture and heritage in song, dance and native wear.

The celebration themed “Shaping the Ifugao heritage in a global environment,” is described by Ifugao Governor Pedro Mayam-o as a “celebration for anybody and everybody so that nobody will be left behind.”