NO POLITICIAN will be allowed to parade city streets.
Baguio Mayor Mauricio Domogan said there will be no politicians parading with incumbent officials for the weekend float and street dancing events.
Domogan who also stands as chairman for life of the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, Inc. (BFFFI) announced the decision Wednesday afternoon, February 27, saying it is the best option to avoid the danger of having the weekend events be politicized.
The mayor said the BFFFI decision will overshadow the council resolution allowing politicians to parade with incumbent city and Benguet officials.
The city council banned politicking during the festival but allowed candidates to walk the parade route during the grand street dancing and floats events.
The resolution makes clear prohibitions to candidates on “Any activities that may slow down or interrupt the conduct of the parades, including handshaking, taking pictures with the public, giving giveaways or any other similar activities.”
Domogan, however, said it will be very difficult to control demeanor of candidates if allowed to parade the streets and was skeptical on who will be brave enough to thwart moves which will go against the guidelines.
Last year, Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos and former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos paraded with officials of the city and the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Incorporated and engaged the crowd at the parade route.
They were both given a chance to speak to the crowd at the Athletic Bowl, with Imee introducing “Bongbong” as the vice president of the Philippines.
This year, Senator Bong Revilla and Maguindanao Rep. Zajid Mangudadatu, a senator aspirant has been invited for the parades.