Sen. Imee Marcos, Lapid face ban from Panagbenga for rule violations
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Organizers of the Baguio Flower Festival (Panagbenga) are considering banning Senator Imee Marcos and actor Mark Lapid from future editions of the festival, citing their alleged violation of the event’s no campaigning rule.
"Since they don't care then we don't care also, we are just going to ban them in the future whether there is a campaign or none," said Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc. (BFFFI) Executive Committee Chairperson Anthony de Leon.
De Leon emphasized that as early as 6 January 2025, during the festival’s launch, organizers had already announced strict prohibitions against candidates engaging in campaign activities at the event. He urged politicians to respect the festival and its traditions.
During the Grand Float Parade on 23 February 2025, Marcos was seen riding one of the floats alongside several celebrities. Meanwhile, Mark Lapid, son of Senator Lito Lapid, joined the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) float.
Marcos allegedly stepped down from the float to give interviews to members of the media, while Lapid was also said to have violated some of the parade’s regulations.
BFFFI Chairman for Life Mauricio G. Domogan said an investigation into the incident is already underway.
"We will take it seriously in the board of trustees' meeting this kind of violation. We will completely gather what happened and let the rules take its course," said Domogan, a former Baguio mayor and congressman.
He added that if proven guilty, the strictest penalty that could be imposed on the two politicians would be a ban from future participation in the festival’s grand parades.
According to Domogan, all politicians — whether incumbents or new candidates — are strictly prohibited from stepping off their floats, shaking hands with the public, or distributing campaign materials.
“All the participants were registered, permitted and allowed to join on condition that they follow the rules. They know we have rules so they were expected to respect our rules as we respect them,” he stressed.
With the 2025 elections drawing near, Panagbenga organizers remain firm in upholding the festival’s non-partisan nature and ensuring that it remains a celebration for the people — not a political platform.
