Streamers grabbing credit for pols removed

ILOILO CITY—Controversial streamers with images of Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and five city councilors have been removed from two government projects after they drew flak from residents and businessmen.

Jeffrey Celiz, Mabilog’s political liaison officer, said the mayor ordered the removal of the streamer at the public plaza of Molo District out of delicadeza.

“The mayor ordered the removal of the streamer in deference to negative reactions from some sectors of the community,” Celiz said.

Mabilog, who is abroad, earlier said he did not order the putting up of the streamers but found nothing wrong with them because the councilors had helped in the approval and implementation of the projects that the streamers are claiming credit for.

He had said that the streamers would be removed once the projects are completed.

Another streamer, which was placed at an ongoing Iloilo River esplanade project in Mandurriao district, was also removed.

Aside from Mabilog, the images of councilors Plaridel Nava, R Leone Gerochi, Rodel Agado, Lyndon Acap and Joshua Alim were also placed on the streamers. The five councilors have been collectively dubbed in the city council as “Voltes V” for voting as a block.

The colored tarpaulin streamers, which declare support for the government projects, drew criticism from media and concerned citizens who viewed the materials as unethical and part of politicking months before the filing of candidacies for next year’s elections.