Song and dance numbers hog limelight in nightly ‘pulong-pulong’

Feeding programs, colorful tarpaulins and nightly entertainment shows. These are only some of the campaign gimmicks seen in the various barangays as candidates try to win over votes.

In Punta Engaño, Lapu-lapu City, independent candidate Josie Hayashi does not mind the high cost of the campaign. What matters most, she said, is that she could represent the people who pushed her to stand in the elections.

In her nightly “pulong-pulong,” singers, dancers and comedians provide entertainment in between speeches by Hayashi’s slate.

Hayashi, who is running against incumbent barangay captain Lourdes Ibag, claimed their group has been harassed by armed men but they already reported this to the police. Their barangay, which has three candidates for the top post, is one of those that will get police augmentation forces because of history of election-related violence.

In Mandaue City, a group’s campaign strategy may place them in hot water.

Lauro Pintor of barangay Ibabao-Estancia said the campaign gimmick of the incumbent barangay captain violated Comelec guidelines. He cited barangay captain Carmelino Del Mar’s posting of tarpaulins showing his entire slate hand-in-hand with Mayor Jonas Cortes.

Pintor and his lawyer, Mary Ann Demano, has sent their complaint to the Comelec head office in Manila and gave a copy to Mandaue’s election officer, Anna Fleur Gujilde.

The petition for disqualification was filed against Del Mar and the seven candidates for barangay councilor: Jesus Barz, Cecil Del Mar, Jonathan Dela Peña, Elena Rodriquez, Wendel Teves, Doisdado Ygay and Renato Yuson Jr.

Del Mar doesn’t see any violation at all, saying anyone can go to the Office of the Mayor to have his picture taken with the mayor, who accommodates everyone.

He believes a politician is behind Pintor’s filing of the case.

The controversial tarpaulins have already been removed on the mayor’s instructions./Reporter Jucell Marie P. Cuyos And Correspondent Norman V. Mendoza