Candidates reminded: Don’t use Sinulog as venue to campaign

CEBU, Philippines — As the 460th Fiesta Señor and the Sinulog Festival draw near, the Commission on Elections in Central Visayas (Comelec)-7 is reminding political aspirants for the 2025 midterm elections to refrain from using the annual event for political gain.

Comelec-7 regional director Atty. Francisco Pobe emphasized the importance of respecting the religious nature of the festival, urging candidates to avoid any move that could be recognized as campaigning.

However, he clarified that since the official campaign period for national candidates will only begin on February 11, 2025, any such activities during the Sinulog celebration are not yet covered by existing campaign bans.

But Pobe highlighted that upholding the solemnity of the religious activities should be observed.

“Hopefully, they will respect the sacredness of the feast of Sto. Niño,” said Pobe.

Further, Pobe also highlighted the strict compliance with election regulations.

"The election period of the Philippines 2025 National and Local Elections (NLE) has its timelines with do's and don'ts provided in order to level the political playing field. May I appeal to everyone, especially the candidates, to strictly observe and adhere to it," he added.

Pobe reminded the aspirants that holding public office is about genuine service and representation, not just winning votes.

“Serving in an elective office deals with being a true voice and representative of our constituents by leading an example and being a model in our quest for the position vied for," the regional director continued.

In a report last December 2, 2024, Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia mentioned that the city government will be imposing regulations to avoid politicizing the Sinulog.

Garcia said he will present this plan to the Sinulog Foundation Incorporated (SFI) and the legislators to discuss possible ways to manage this potential situation.

“What I am thinking of is just letting the President (Pres. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos) speak, and everybody, of course, mga incumbent senators, aspiring re-electionists, we will always acknowledge them in the grandstand,” he said.

At the same time, friars of Basilica Minore del Santo Niño reminded all political candidates to join the celebration purely as devotees.

Specifically, they urge candidates to avoid wearing campaign-related shirts or outfits during religious events and to dress like mere churchgoers instead.

Wearing campaign shirts displaying political logos or candidates' faces should be abstained since it might divert attention from locals and devotees from the event’s true purpose.

However, greeting or shaking hands with politicians is acceptable, but attendees are advised to avoid causing disruptions during the religious activities.

For BMSN, the Fiesta Señor is open to everyone, regardless of political affiliation.

Sinulog 2025 schedule

Sinulog 2025 will kick off this January 8 with the Send-off Fiesta Señor Mass at the Basilica. This will mark the beginning of Cebu’s grandest religious and cultural celebration.

On January 9, Thursday, the traditional Walk with Jesus will commence early at 4 a.m., followed by the Opening Salvo Mass at 5 a.m.

The following day, January 10, the Sinulog 2025 Opening Declaration Ceremonial Mass and the Sinulog Launching Parade will start at 3 p.m., with the Ceremonial Opening scheduled at 6 p.m. at the Cebu City Sports Complex (CCSC).

The Walk with Mary will be on January 17 at 4 a.m., leading to the Traslación Mass at 5 a.m. at St. Joseph the Worker National Shrine in Mandaue City.

On January 18, the Fluvial parade will start at 4 a.m. followed by the Solemn Foot Procession of the Venerable Image of Sr. Sto. Niño at 1 p.m.

The highlight of the celebration will take place on January 19, beginning with the Mañanita Mass at 4 a.m., followed by a Pontifical Mass presided by Cebu Archbishop José Palma at 6 a.m. at the Basilica.

The much-awaited Sinulog 2025 Grand Parade will start at 9 a.m. at the Cebu City Sports Complex, and will feature all the contingents' vibrant street dances and colorful floats.

To cap off the month-long celebration, the HUBO ritual, a solemn ceremony where the symbolic changing of the Sto. Niño’s garments will take place on January 24 at the CCSC. — (FREEMAN)