AS a win-win solution to the ongoing conflict between the Sta. Fe municipal government and the local parish, Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale proposes to continue this year’s Isla Music Festival, but sans the popular music and the liquor.
“Let’s continue with the festival, but why not play popular religious music?” Magpale told reporters yesterday.
Magpale made the advice after she received word that Fr. Roy Bucag of the Sto. Niño Catholic parish in Sta. Fe wants to meet with her and talk about his parish’s predicament.
She is concerned about the matter after Sta. Fe Mayor Jose Esgana revealed plans to file charges against Bucag over a prayer rally he organized in opposition to the music festival.
Magpale said that even though the Sta. Fe municipal government has already issued a permit for the music festival, religious feelings must be considered, especially that the festival will be held during the Holy Week.
Magpale said that while she has no problem with the festival being held from Holy Wednesday to Black Saturday, she hopes that the festival organizers would consider not using “rowdy” music.
In a separate interview, Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III said he wants both parties in the issue to settle it peacefully and without the need to drag it to court.
Davide told reporters that Esgana talked to him yesterday and explained that there was a bit of a “misunderstanding.”
He was assured by Esgana that the security of the town and the religious feelings of the residents are prioritized.
He also hopes that both parties would talk to each and come up with a common cause.
“Magrinespetohay unta sila. It would be ideal nga mag-istoryahay sila. Wala unta nang kiha-kiha (They should respect each other. It would be ideal that they talk. There should be no litigation),” Davide added.
Earlier, the Sta. Fe municipal government planned to issue a show-cause order against Bucag so he could explain why he shouldn’t be penalized for organizing a prayer rally last Saturday.
Esgana, earlier, accused Bucag of organizing a rally without a permit, causing a ruckus in the town ausing minors during the activity.