BAGUIO CITY – Informed that some city officials had invited candidates in the May elections to the 24th staging of the Panagbenga, or Baguio Flower Festival, organizers on Wednesday said the candidates would be told to stay away from the street dancing and float parades. ADVERTISEMENTMain eventBut the festival organizers were firm: They would keep politics out of Panagbenga during election years and would not allow the festival to be used as a platform for any national or local candidate. Learning from past political seasons, festival marshals have been tasked with taking down posters or streamers of politicians “greeting” festival participants, said Anthony de Leon, one of the festival organizers. SquabblesThe Panagbenga has been marred by squabbles among festival organizers and city government officials. Two weeks ago, the city council passed a resolution that rejected the organizers’ request to hold the annual market exposition, called “Baguio Blooms,” at Burnham Park.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer January 31, 2019 21:00 UTC