Bets also join Iloilo’s Dinagyang

THE TRIBU Pan-ay of Fort San Pedro National High School fires up the crowd with its performance in Sunday’s Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City. GUIJO DUEÑAS/INQUIRER VISAYAS

ILOILO CITY—Not missing a beat, candidates in the May 9 elections, mostly from the Liberal Party, graced the highlight of this year’s Iloilo Dinagyang Festival.

Former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas and his running mate, Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo, were the main guests at Iloilo Freedom Grandstand, the main judging area of the Ati tribe contest.

Roxas was also joined by Senate President Franklin Drilon, an Ilonggo who is seeking reelection, and senatorial candidates former Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, former Technical Education and Skills Development Authority director Joel Villanueva, former PhilHealth director Risa Hontiveros and Assistant Interior Secretary for Muslim Affairs and Special Concerns Nariman Ambolodto.

In his speech, Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. described Roxas as “the best hope that the dreams of Ilonggos will be realized in the coming elections.”

Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and festival organizers earlier prohibited the posting of political posters along the route and the five judging areas of the Ati tribe contest.

But a large tarpaulin streamer with the images of Roxas, Robredo and Iloilo leaders was hung on top of a building across Freedom Grandstand.

Mabilog said candidates, regardless of affiliation, were welcome to the festival.

He said they did not allow Roxas and other candidates who are not incumbent Iloilo officials to speak in the program to avoid politicizing the event.

Mabilog, however, recognized Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate, a critic of the administration, during the program.

In the middle of the contest, Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, who belongs to the opposition, went up the grandstand and exchanged pleasantries with Roxas who was leaving the venue. Romualdez also spoke with Drilon.

Independent senatorial candidates Miguel Zubiri and Richard Gordon also joined thousands of spectators and guests at the grandstand.

Ten Ati tribes competed for top awards and prizes totaling P995,000 in the dance contest. Nestor P. Burgos Jr., Inquirer Visayas