ILOILO CITY – Bayan Panay slammed Mayor Jerry Treñas here for banning political speeches in the upcoming 2025 Dinagyang Festival.
FIRST Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos addresses the 2023 Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City. With her are Mayor Jerry Treñas and House Speaker Martin Romualdez. (Mayor Jerry Treñas Facebook)
“Bayan Panay calls on all Ilonggos and Filipinos to defend our democratic rights. Dinagyang is a celebration of the people, and it should remain open to the voices of the masses, not just those in power,” said Bayan Panay in a statement on Friday, Jan. 3, after Treñas issued Executive Order No. 167, Series of 2024, that banned political speeches in Iloilo’s premier festival that honors the Santo Niño or Child Jesus on Jan. 25 to 26.
“The mayor’s executive order strips it of democratic value by forbidding political slogans, protest rallies, and the involvement of progressive groups that raise legitimate issues affecting ordinary Filipinos,” Bayan Panay said.
“Why is Mayor Treñas so averse to these voices? Perhaps it is because his administration is complicit in aggravating the plight of the thousands of jeepney drivers, operators, and public market vendors who have lost their livelihood because of anti-poor policies.”
The group accused Treñas of hypocrisy for allowing the presence of politicians in the event ahead of the elections.
“No measures are in place to prevent candidates from exploiting the festival for political gain. This is not neutrality, but a brazen suppression of dissenting voices while favoring the powerful,” Bayan Panay said.
Bayan Panay said this was not the first time Treñas denied peaceful assemblies organized by progressive groups.
They claimed Treñas denied applications to commemorate martial law, the People’s State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA), and transport strikes in the pretense of preventing traffic congestion.
“Meanwhile, private events and government-led activities that blocked roads were approved. This double standard exposes the mayor’s bias,” Bayan Panay added.