WILL incoming President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. grace the Sinulog Festival in January 2023?

Cebu City Mayor Michael “Mike” Rama has already invited Marcos and the latter’s wife, Liza Marcos, to the festival, which has been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic in the past two years.

Rama told reporters Wednesday, June 8, 2022, that he had met Marcos Jr. during a birthday bash in Manila last June 7.

However, the mayor clarified that Marcos did not commit right away when he extended the invitation, saying the incoming president’s confirmation will follow.

During the campaign period, Rama had announced his plans to bring the Sinulog celebrations to the South Road Properties, instead of having it in the city’s downtown and uptown areas.

Opav’s future

Rama added that he also spoke with Marcos on the possible future of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (Opav).

Secretary Michael Lloyd Dino, a businessman and known supporter of outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte, is the current Opav head.

According to Rama, Marcos gave his views about the office but Rama declined to divulge these to the public.