NOT one dared to stop political guests and their antics during the weekend street dancing parade at the 24th edition of the Baguio Flower Festival.
Walking the parade route with city officials were senatorial bets Ilocos Governor Imee Marcos, Lito Lapid, and Bong Revilla.
The political bets were tolerated when they indulged in a few selfies and handshaking as they walked to the athletic bowl convergence area where they were asked to sit at the grandstand to wait for acknowledgment during the program.
No speeches were allowed to any of the three political guests.
Guest of honor and speaker, Caesar Dulay, commissioner of Bureau of Internal Revenue gave his message to the crowd.
Dulay, a Baguio boy, urged stakeholders to continue preserving culture and tradition for the benefit of succeeding generations.
“I understand the festival through (has not only been) showcasing heritage, traditions of the Cordillera, but also the traditions of the Filipino people. What better evidence do we have for this display of culture and tradition, proof of nationalism,” Dulay said.
Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan was satisfied with decorum of the political guests saying no rules were broken.
“Breaking the line, taking photos, and shaking hands with the people did not happen, if you are running for a national position or even you are not running you want to join the parade, follow the rules [of the parade.]”
Domogan said there was no element of campaigning during the parade stressing no distribution of paraphernalia was done.
Councilor Elmer Datuin, co-chair of the Panagbenga Organizing Committee, said there was an increase in the number of visitors compared to the previous year.
“We are happy that our police forces are helping out in maintaining orderliness. Everybody is all discipline today including the parade participants including visitors, politicians also complied with our requirements not to break the line, and everything seems okay.”
Datuin, likewise, said decorum of invited political guests was satisfactory. “When we invited some of our VIP guests we told them about the restrictions all of them complied.”
Mixed signal have previously been made by city officials with Domogan, who stands as chairman for life of the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Incorporated (BFFFI), organizer of the festival, announced no politician will be allowed to parade the city streets so the event would not be politicized.
Domogan said it will be very difficult to control actions 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.
Previously, the City Council banned politicking during the festival but allowed candidates to walk the parade route during the grand street dancing and floats events as long as they comply with guidelines.