VICE President Jejomar Binay will be joining the Cebuanos in celebrating the Sinulog grand parade this Sunday, suspended Mayor Michael Rama said.
Rama confirmed his attendance after he invited the vice president when he came to Cebu last Sunday.
“He (Binay) already placed that in his schedule, (he will come) unless there are other important circumstances,” he said.
Binay will be among the few very important people at the grandstand during the Sinulog grand parade.
“I’m not inviting any others para di magubot (to avoid trouble),” Rama pointed out.
But since it’s election year, Rama said, they are expecting more politicians to visit the city during the festivity.
If he wants to give a speech during the event, Rama said Binay will be allowed to speak during the program inside the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC), where contingents will perform their piece for the ritual showdown.
“If he would like to speak, I will give a chance, because he is the vice president,” Rama said.
Binay met Rama along with gubernatorial candidate Winston Garcia to discuss concerns for the election.
As to candidates, they will not be barred from visting, but they should make sure that they will not be placing their political advertisements in any places, said Rama.
Acting Mayor Edgardo Labella ordered the Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification and Enhancement to remove all campaign materials placed in public spaces in the City.
Earlier, church officials already warned politicians not to use the religious activity as a way of improving their political career.
Fr. Jonas Mejares, rector of the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu, said campaigning politicians will be prohibited from entering some of the aspects of the nine-day novena, including the traditional foot and fluvial processions.
While there are a few more days before the grand parade, Rama said the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) has also ordered all its personnel not to take days off, vacation leaves and or be absent.
Rama said the role of the traffic group is crucial, considering that they maintain order on the road during the Sinulog activities.