PERHAPS guided by a superior force, the Commission on Elections
(Comelec) advised the Department of Education (DepEd) to avoid
inviting politicians as guest speakers during graduation rites.
Why is this so? To avoid mixing politics and other election issues
thus minimizing or trivializing the essence of the ceremonies meant to recognize the efforts of parents and students, so goes the advisory.
Comelec itself admitted that there is no law (yet) that prohibits
candidates from accepting invitations and give them undue advantage
over those not given the chance to address the graduating students
and their parents. It may be observed that graduation rites are
effective fora for candidates to make themselves and their proposed
platforms of government known to many.
Fair enough, but isn't this denying the candidates the exercise of
free speech? Why the prohibition then?
In the past, candidates were invited as guest speakers in graduation ceremonies and so these became boring and lengthy and one can see
the participants yawning and some leave in haste.
Still, the candidates should be given the chance to speak before
large audiences attending graduation and other ceremonies.
***
From observers, I gathered that the team of Mayor Crisostomo C. Garbo
has been gathering large audiences who stay long to hear the mayor
and his slate talk about their accomplishments and platforms of
government.
I was informed that councilor-candidate Nino 'RS' delos Reyes wowed
crowds at Dau Homesite, Dau due to his speaking and singing prowess.
The crowd reportedly howled and cheered the young councilor-to-be
when he sang his heart out for them.
Mayor Garbo, for his part, is an effective speaker with a persuasive
and booming voice enough to convince the voters to vote for him.
He seems to get the edge this early in this campaign period.
***
The City Employment Service Office (CESO) of Mabalacat City
obtained for the third time the 2018 Regional Best PESO award for
the Component City category and the 3rd Top Regional Implementer
of PESO Employment Information System (PEIS) in Applicants
Registration, Employers Registration and Job Vacancies Posted on
March 20, 2019 at the Subic Bay Travelers Hotel, Subic Bay Freeport
Zone in Zambales.
Much credit should go to CESO Manager Bernard B. delos Reyes
and his staff Virgie Miranda, Alma Pontillas, Jon Zapanta, Francis
Custodio, Tess Adriano, Tess Carlos, Berna, Rea and Judy and the rest
of the staff. Congrats, and atin ken koy?
***
In Angeles City, the voters should go for Councilor Alfie Bonifacio
and Joseph 'PG' Ponce, two hardworking and prolific local legislators
who have excellent service records aimed at uplifting the lives of
Angeles City residents and voters.
Hooray for these two gentlemen!