BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO CITY – Cause-oriented group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) Panay has criticized Mayor Jerry Treñas’ Executive Order No. 167 banning political slogans and protests, describing it as an attack on constitutional freedoms, including free speech, peaceful assembly, and political expression during the Dinagyang Festival.
BAYAN Panay claimed that the order, issued under the guise of “safety and security,” infringes on Article III, Section 4 of the Philippine Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech and the right to peaceful assembly.
The group argued that the EO bans political slogans and protests while allegedly permitting political figures to exploit the festival for early campaigning ahead of the 2025 elections.
According to BAYAN Panay, the Dinagyang Festival, which traditionally celebrates Iloilo’s culture and heritage, has been overly commercialized, sidelining its historical and democratic significance. The group expressed concern over the suppression of progressive groups that use the festival to highlight the struggles of marginalized sectors, including farmers, workers, market vendors, and indigenous Tumandok communities.
“Dinagyang belongs to the people, not politicians or those in power,” BAYAN Panay stated, asserting that the EO limits meaningful participation and reduces the festival to a political and commercial showcase.
The group also accused the city government of a pattern of suppressing dissent, referencing past instances where permits for peaceful assemblies were denied while government-led activities that blocked public roads were allowed.
Highlighting what it described as “double standards,” the group called on Ilonggos to defend their democratic rights.
“We will not allow our voices to be silenced. Dinagyang should remain a platform for the people, amplifying their calls for justice, aid, and solidarity,” the group declared.
BAYAN Panay vowed to continue raising pressing social issues, including market privatization, transport modernization, and environmental destruction caused by mega-dams, despite what it described as repressive policies.
Mayor Treñas has yet to issue a statement addressing BAYAN Panay’s concerns./PN