ILOILO CITY, Philippines – Organizers of the Dinagyang Festival 2016 will not be allowed to conduct political campaign during festival highlights on Saturday and Sunday.
There would be apparently no Sinulog-like booing as politicians would be barred from making speeches during the Kasadyahan and Ati tribes competitions on the two-day Dinagyang highlights.
Ramon Cua-Locsin, Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. (IDFI) chair, said politicians who will be present will be acknowledged. However, microphones to address the crowd won’t be at their disposal.
The IDFI also stressed that political advertisements like distribution of campaign materials and wearing t-shirts, caps, and the likes would also be prohibited.
Posters and streamers that campaign for a political candidate or party will also be banned.
Tribe managers and officials were already advised about this rule, he added.
He said they will confiscate any materials that would violate the no-campaign regulation for the Dinagyang Festival.
Since it’s a political season, Locsin acknowledged that the festival could surely attract politicians.
But he assured the IDFI will not allow to be used for any political propaganda by any group or candidate.
The IDFI is looking at around a million spectators of Dinagyang festivities. (FREEMAN)