Respect Dinagyang Festival’s Sanctity, Public Urged

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Iloilo City government urged political candidates and revelers to uphold the religious sanctity of the Dinagyang Festival, a celebration honoring the Santo Niño.

The election period for the May midterm elections begins on Jan. 12, raising concerns about candidates potentially exploiting festival activities for campaign purposes.

“For those of us who believe in God and the Sto. Niño, the Dinagyang Festival is a celebration rooted in faith and devotion. It should never serve as a platform for political campaigns in any form, as doing so would defeat the very purpose of this sacred celebration,” Mayor Jerry Treñas said Thursday.

To preserve the festival’s religious nature, the city issued Executive Order (EO) No. 167, prohibiting political and election-related activities during the celebration.

Treñas clarified key provisions of EO 167 after residents raised concerns about its interpretation:

• Political Colors: Refers to activities or symbols indirectly endorsing a candidate or party, including indirect campaigning or soliciting electoral support.
• Identification of Political Activities: Any action promoting a specific candidate or party during the festival is considered political.
• Freedom of Expression: The EO focuses solely on explicit election-related activities and does not restrict general freedom of expression.

On Jan. 9, during the opening salvo of the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan, political posters were spotted near the Iloilo Provincial Capitol, a designated judging area for festival events.

The posters, including one promoting Raisa Treñas, the mayor’s daughter and anointed successor, violated the EO’s provision banning election-related materials within 20 meters of judging areas.

Task Force on Anti-Squatting and Illegal Structures operatives removed the posters Thursday night after initially hesitating because they were placed on private property.

Task force head Lovejoy Hosenilla said the tarpaulins were dismantled after Mayor Treñas directed immediate action.