BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Candidates in the May elections have been warned against ”invading” the 24th Flower Festival or Panagbenga in this city to campaign.
“We want the presence of... candidates at the two major... parades... but they should strictly adhere to the... rules and regulations ... to ensure orderliness and prevent unnecessary interruption,” Mayor Mauricio Domogan said.
Domogan said candidates would not be allowed to shake hands with the people and distribute campaign materials.
The festival started yesterday with a street dancing parade.
The grand street dancing parade will be held on March 2 and the grand float parade on March 3.
Anthony de Leon, general manager of the Baguio Country Club and co-chairman of the Panagbenga organizing committee, said said they do not want a repeat of previous experiences when candidates joined the parade while their supporters distributed campaign materials.
De Leon said the parade was also disrupted when some candidates interacted with the crowd.