While Taclobanons were preparing for the city's fiesta, assumed senatorial hopefuls grabbed the opportunity to "magparamdam".
On the eve of the fiesta, June 29, retired Colonel Ariel Querubin, a lawyer, went around the region and openly expressed his desire for a senatorial seat.
"Sana po ay pahintulutan nyo po ako sa senado and ang masasabi ko ay sana ay subukan niyo muna ako, " Querubin, the country's most decorated soldier, told the local media in am exclusive interview.
The battle-harden-official went as far as showing his battle scars to prove his devotion to serve the country.
Digong In Town, Too
Following Querubin, former president Rodrigo Duterte and his son, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, were also in Tacloban on fiesta day, June 30.
Apparently to connect with the locals, the Dutertes went around and boasted of his Leyteño lineage.
"Doon sa Maasin, doon ako pinanganak. It's my birthplace. Marami akong relatives (there).
"One of the things na napag usapan namin is the political dynamics. Puro pinsan ko yan sila," the former president said.
But more than just a family visit was a bigger motivation.
Just recently, Vice President Sara Duterte confirmed the desire of the Dutertes to run as senator in 2025.
Early Campaign
While the visit of these prominent figures delighted the Taclobanons, some were offended for using the occasion as an excuse for what gave the impression of "early campaign".
"Makuan la ba kay ginamit pa an patron ni Señor Sto. Niño para mangampanya tapos pag ada na kakalimtan na it Leyte kay di naman kinahanglan tam botos," one Taclobanon who witnessed the arrival of Dutertes exclaimed.
Others felt like it is too early for politicians to be going around and soliciting favors from voters.
"Naghinay hinay na mga taga National kay damulaay pa udog nga liliboton," one Samar journalist posted.
Boundaries
Regardless of these seemingly early campaigning or "pagpaparamdam" using the traditional festivities as excuse to connect with people was disrespectful to some.
Understandably blatant and direct, especially on campaign period, residents said a line should be drawn.
Even if many Filipino voters could become oblivious to misdeeds or faults of candidates, there are many who refuse to draw the line and be manipulated the moment political figures reach out.
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