BAGUIO CITY – Re-electionist Senator Imee Marcos’ unexpected appearance at the Panagbenga Grand Floral Float Parade sparked public and social media backlash. On February 26, 2025, at the ‘Kapihan sa Baguio’ media forum, Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Incorporated (BFFFI) officials responded to the criticism.
Marcos was seen riding float number 43, which displays the words “Ilocos Norte I’m in!” Many social media users question who approved this entry.
At the forum, BFFFI representatives responded to the controversy. Chairman Emeritus of BFFFI, Atty. Mauricio G. Domogan, stated, “Iyong nakita ninyo na nag-violate, na nangampanya during the parade, we are not going to just let it pass without the corresponding appropriate action… possibly to ban their participation in the next upcoming Panagbenga.” He adds, “Lahat ng mga float, rehistrado iyan, at they were fully informed and briefed on the rules… na hindi puwede iyong mangampanya.”
When asked about possible sanctions, Domogan said, “The maximum penalty that we can impose is to ban those who do that for the next festival.”
Providing context on the incident, BFFFI President Frederico S. Alquiros explained, “Before the float moved, we had pictures of her on her float with her people, and we were deliberating because they were wearing campaign t-shirts. We said either of two things… we let them off their float or they wear a jacket to cover those t-shirts… They complied initially.” He adds, “The only part that they violated, I think, is when they reached the bottom of Session, Abanao, in that corner, the candidate came off the float and shook hands.”
Earlier this year, BFFFI declared the 29th Panagbenga a campaign-free event. Panagbenga Executive Committee Chairman and Baguio Country Club (BCC) General Manager Anthony de Leon states that the rules apply to all current officials and candidates attending the festival.
During the forum, De Leon also addressed accusations online, stating, “For anyone on social media to allude that we were recipients of any form of bribe or payment to allow this person to parade it does not preclude us from taking legal, criminal, civil, or administrative action against that person.”
Due to the controversy, the BFFFI board of trustees will meet to investigate the full scope of the incident and determine the appropriate penalty. By Gian Laddit
