Politicians welcome but asked not to campaign

CEBU, Philippines - Suspended Cebu City mayor Michael Rama, the chairperson of the Sinulog Foundation, has confirmed inviting Vice President Jejomar Binay to the Grand Parade this Sunday.

The two are allies in the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA).

“So far, I am inviting VP (Vice President) and I’m not inviting anyone else aron dili magubot,” Rama told reporters yesterday.

He said he will allow Binay to give a speech at the Cebu City Sports Center if he would want to.

Binay has accepted the invitation but already told The Freeman over the weekend he will attend the Grand Parade even without one.

Rama said no politician will be barred from entering the sports center where the final performances of the contingents will take place.

“It’s election time. They (politicians) will be walking around. They may not be going inside the sports complex, but naa may ginganlan nga Liberal (Liberal Party). UNA man ko. Ila na gali kong gi-suspend,” Rama said.

He urged those who will visit to avoid display or distribute political materials in the streets, especially along the carousel route. Sinulog Foundation Executive Director Ricky Ballesteros said he himself has invited Governor Hilario Davide III and Vice Governor Agnes Magpale.

“I hope they will attend so that it will show to the people that Sinulog really unites the Cebuanos. No political colors,” Ballesteros said.

“Almost all the politicos will be coming. I think this is the biggest festival in the Philippines and Cebu is a vote-rich province and city. I’m sure they will take the opportunity to advertise themselves,” he added.

Rules are rules

Rama said the Sinulog Foundation will be strict with rules.

“Mga kaila, mga amigo, mga higala, ug mga paryente. Pasayloa lang gyod kay lisod kaayo nga makahatag ta og exception,” he said.

“When we had made a statement, all aning maagian sa sidewalk like the Osmeña Boulevard, Mango Avenue, Barangay Carreta, Imus Street, ACT (Asian College of Technology), South Bus Terminal… these areas should have no obstruction on the sidewalk,” he said.

If obstructions would be allowed, spectators and the public would already be walking on the road itself and would disrupt the performing contingents.

“No tents should be seen at the sidewalk, no bleachers at the sidewalk, but naay area along Osmeña Boulevard dagko nga bleachers. Naay sa Carreta, portion near Sacred Heart, enough to accommodate,” Rama said.

He reiterated that no parties will not be allowed along the Grand Parade route.  (FREEMAN)