By Joseph Bernard A. Marzan
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas clarified on Tuesday, Jan. 14, that political rallies and expressions during the Dinagyang Festival will be permitted, but only outside the City Proper district.
Addressing criticism of Executive Order No. 167, series of 2024, which prohibits “political colors” during the festival honoring Señor Sto. Niño, Treñas emphasized that freedom of speech will still be upheld.
He said rallies can be held in other parts of the city with the necessary permits, citing the start of the Commission on Elections’ (COMELEC) supervision period for the 2025 elections.
“If you hold a rally in Jaro, there’s no problem. You can have a political rally in Jaro during the Dinagyang. You want to rally in Molo, you can also do that,” Treñas said.
“We are not going to stop the constitutional right of any person for freedom of speech and expression. So, if you want to dance or have a rally, sing aloud, cry, swallow a sword at Jaro, then go ahead,” he added.
Treñas reiterated that the Dinagyang Festival should focus on religious traditions and avoid political distractions.
“Political statements and rallies should not have any place [in the Dinagyang Festival]. This is for our religious beliefs. For those people who don’t really believe in God, if they want to rally, there’s no case. They can do that in other districts far from the celebrations,” he said.
In preparation for the festival, the city government has started removing political signages, including those from Treñas’ own camp.
Signages promoting senatorial candidate Benjamin Abalos Jr. and the mayor’s daughter, Raisa Treñas-Chu, a mayoralty candidate, were removed from areas near the Iloilo provincial capitol after media reports flagged them during rehearsals.
Despite these restrictions, politicians are still expected to make appearances during the festival.
Confirmed guests include Abalos, Senator Ramon Revilla Jr., former senator Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay, and Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar-Genuino.
