Council allows Kiko to hold rally at Fuente

The City Council has allowed reelectionist senator Francisco "Kiko" Pangilinan to hold his "miting de avance" at the Fuente Osmeña circle on May 11.

During its regular session last Wednesday, members of the city council approved the proposed resolution of councilor Sylvan Jakosalem, seeking the council''s nod on the plan of Pangilinan''s camp to hold rally in the said venue.

The council, however, said that there should be no other impediment and the organizer of the activity should undertake precautionary measures to ensure the safety of participants. It also said that the organizer will be held responsible for any untoward incident and damages that may result during the activity.

On April 10, Pangilinan''s campaign manager Gabriel Cruz wrote a letter to Citom executive officer Arnel Tancinco seeking for a permit to hold a rally outside the Fuente Osmeña circle from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m.

Pangilinan''s camp also asked for a little allowance for the ingress and egress, which they will use before and after the event.

The group is planning to set up a stage with lights and sounds to provide audience a short entertainment. A speech by the reelectionist senator would culminate the activity.

Cruz said that they decided to hold a rally in Cebu because it is one of Pangilinan''s preferred locations among all other provinces. "We also trust the city will give him chance to express his gratitude as well as seek support he needs being an independent candidate."

The Cebu City Police Office-Traffic Group has also endorsed the said activity to Mayor Tomas Osmeña, who expressed no objection to the plan of Pangilinan''s camp to hold a rally at the Fuente rotunda.

Citom will be deploying personnel to ensure that the event will not cause hassles on motorists. - Wenna A. Berondo/MEEV