Senator Imee Marcos is banned, and this is the reason why.
Organizers of the Baguio Flower Festival (Panagbenga) are considering banning Senator Imee Marcos from attending future parades.
“It’s a question of respect and what they did yesterday was disrespectful. I have no other description. And I even suggest to voters not to vote for these people,” said Baguio Flower Festival Foundation co-chair Anthony de Leon.
Baguio Flower Festival organizers disagree that politicians use local festivals to campaign for themselves. Many were surprised when Presidential sister and reelectionist senator Imee Marcos unexpectedly came to the floral parade on Sunday, February 23, of Baguio City’s Panagbenga festival.
Marcos appeared in a bright red ensemble, making a “V” sign with her hand, which was what her father, dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., was known for. She rode a float where the flowers spelled out “Ilocos Norte I’m in!”
She also got down and shook hands with the onlookers and allowed herself to be interviewed by the press.
According to the organizers, they are investigating the matter as there has been a rule violated, and they are considering banning them.
“Since they don’t care then we don’t care also, we are just going to ban them in the future whether there is a campaign or none,” said the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc. (BFFFI) Executive Committee Chairperson.
As early as the first week of January, the organizers have already clarified that there will be strict prohibitions against candidates who will campaign at the event. They urged the politicians to respect the festival and traditions and follow the rules.
BFFFI Chairman for Life Mauricio G. Domogan said that the investigation is now underway.
As per the rules of the festival, any political figures are prohibited from using the festival as their campaign platform. This includes “the display of campaign materials, distribution of political paraphernalia, and delivering speeches with political content”.
They will be allowed to make an appearance, but their floats and attire must not bear any campaign materials or messages. It was also not encouraged that they disembark their floats “to engage directly with spectators, such as shaking hands or distributing items.”
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