BANNED FOR LIFE: Imee Marcos and Lito Lapid Kicked Out of Baguio’s Panagbenga Festival – Here’s Why!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

It’s a disappointment to see public servants treating rules like “suggestions” when it suits their interests.

​The Panagbenga Festival, Baguio City's annual celebration of blooming flowers and cultural heritage, has long been a magnet for tourists and locals alike. However, recent controversies have prompted organizers to enforce stricter regulations, particularly concerning political participation.​

Politicians Under Scrutiny

During the 29th Panagbenga Festival, two floats came under fire for allegedly breaching the event's prohibition on election-related campaigning. Senator Imee Marcos faced online criticism after she and her entourage appeared on the Ilocos Norte provincial government float wearing red campaign shirts during the parade on February 23, 2025. Organizers intervened, requiring the group to don jackets to obscure their campaign attire before allowing the float to proceed. Similarly, Senator Lito Lapid's participation drew attention, leading to discussions about the need for clearer guidelines. ​

From Sunstar (2019) - apparently both Lito Lapid and Imee Marcos have been attending the Panagbenga 

Reinforcing Non-Political Celebrations

In response to these incidents, the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc. (BFFFI) has reinstated and reinforced its policy against political campaigning during the festival. While politicians are not barred from attending, they are strictly prohibited from displaying political banners, wearing campaign-related attire, or distributing election materials during key events such as the Grand Street Dancing Parade and the Grand Float Parade. This move aims to preserve the festival's cultural integrity and ensure it remains a non-partisan celebration. ​

Future Participation Bans

The recent violations have led organizers to take decisive action. Both Senator Imee Marcos and Senator Lito Lapid have been banned from participating in future Panagbenga parades, regardless of whether it's an election year. This decision underscores the festival's commitment to maintaining a non-political atmosphere and serves as a warning to other public figures considering similar actions. ​

Upholding Festival Integrity

The Panagbenga Festival, since its inception in 1995, has been a symbol of Baguio's resilience and cultural pride. Organizers and local authorities are determined to keep the festival's focus on community, artistry, and tradition. By enforcing these non-campaigning policies, they aim to provide an environment where attendees can fully immerse themselves in the festivities without political distractions. ​

As the festival continues to evolve, maintaining its non-partisan nature is crucial to preserving the essence of Panagbenga—a true celebration of Baguio's vibrant culture and the natural beauty of the Cordilleras.​

Cover photo: Imee Marcos on the Ilocos Norte float (Rappler)

Ross Flores del Rosario Calls for Responsible Content Creation Amid Fake News Concerns

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Isa si Ross Flores del Rosario sa tatlong vloggers na dumalo sa joint hearing ng House of Representatives kahapon para pag-usapan ang tungkol sa pagkalat ng #fakenews at #disinformation sa bansa. 

Ibinahagi ni Del Rosario kahapon sa Kamara na mayroon silang grupo na nagdaraos ng mga workshop para matutunan ng kanilang mga miyembro na aspiring #vlogger ang pagiging responsable online. 

Ayon sa kanya, hindi nila hinihikayat ang pagmumura o ang pagpapakita ng malalaswang bahagi ng katawan para lamang sa isang online post. 

Aniya, kailangan na rin gumawa ng gobyerno ng mga workshop o training para magkaroon ng kamalayan ang mga Pilipino sa kahalagahan ng responsible content creation. 

In an era where digital platforms have become the battleground for truth and deception, online personalities are now stepping forward to advocate for responsible content creation. One such voice is Ross Flores del Rosario, a vlogger and digital media advocate, who recently participated in a joint hearing at the House of Representatives to discuss the alarming spread of fake news and disinformation in the country.

During the congressional hearing held on February 4, 2025, Del Rosario emphasized the role of content creators in shaping public perception and urged both aspiring vloggers and seasoned influencers to practice ethical and responsible online behavior.

Empowering Vloggers Through Education

Del Rosario revealed that his group regularly conducts workshops to educate and train members—particularly aspiring vloggers—on responsible digital citizenship. He firmly believes that creators have the power to inform, inspire, and influence audiences, making it imperative to uphold ethical standards in content production.

"We teach and encourage our members, especially those who are new to vlogging, to be more responsible in their posts. Every year, we conduct workshops to guide them in producing meaningful and ethical content," Del Rosario stated during the hearing.

He also highlighted the harmful trends prevalent in online media, including the use of profanity and explicit content as a means to attract views and engagement.

"We do not encourage cursing or using provocative content just to gain attention online. Instead, we promote content that is informative, entertaining, and beneficial to society," he added.

The Government’s Role in Digital Responsibility

Apart from community-led initiatives, Del Rosario called on the government to step up in addressing the issue of disinformation by implementing official workshops and training programs. He stressed the need for a structured, nationwide campaign to educate Filipinos about media literacy, fact-checking, and ethical content creation.

"It is time for the government to take action. We need official workshops or training programs to help Filipinos understand the importance of responsible content creation. With the rapid rise of digital media, we must equip our citizens with the necessary knowledge to discern fact from fiction," he urged.

Del Rosario’s statement comes at a crucial time, as concerns over fake news, online manipulation, and digital accountability continue to escalate. Many lawmakers have expressed their support for measures that would promote media literacy while still upholding freedom of expression.

A Wake-Up Call for Content Creators

The rise of misleading content has prompted discussions on how social media platforms should regulate digital influencers and vloggers. Del Rosario’s advocacy serves as a wake-up call for content creators to recognize their social responsibility and the potential consequences of spreading misinformation.

As one of the three vloggers invited to the congressional hearing, Del Rosario hopes that his message resonates beyond the walls of the House of Representatives—reaching every Filipino vlogger, social media user, and policymaker who believes in the power of truth and responsible digital engagement.

With the rapid evolution of social media, the challenge now lies in how the government, content creators, and the public can work together to combat disinformation while fostering a culture of responsible and ethical content creation in the Philippines.

Heidi Mendoza: The Auditor Who Dares to Fight Corruption

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In a political landscape often clouded by empty promises and grandstanding, Heidi Mendoza emerges as a breath of fresh air—an unrelenting force in the fight against corruption. A fearless public servant, a seasoned auditor, and now, an independent candidate for the Senate, Heidi has spent decades ensuring that public funds serve the people, not the pockets of the powerful.

Her name may not carry the glitz of celebrity-backed politicians, nor does she have deep pockets to fund extravagant campaigns, but one thing is clear—Heidi Mendoza gets the job done.

The Making of a Corruption Fighter

Born in Tayabas, Quezon, Heidi was raised in a family that valued discipline and hard work. Her father, a policeman, and her mother, a dedicated homemaker, instilled in her a strong sense of integrity—something she carried throughout her career.

She was a top student, graduating as class salutatorian from St. John Bosco Academy in Tayabas before earning a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from Sacred Heart College in Lucena City. She passed the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) board exam in 1984, a milestone that marked the beginning of her journey as a guardian of public funds.

Her thirst for knowledge didn’t stop there. Heidi pursued a Master of Public Administration at the University of the Philippines Diliman and later completed a Master in National Security Administration at the National Defense College of the Philippines—a rare combination of financial expertise and strategic governance.

Taking on Corrupt Officials Head-On

Heidi Mendoza is no stranger to exposing the dark secrets of government corruption.

As a Commissioner of the Commission on Audit (COA)

From 2011 to 2015, Heidi served as a Commissioner of COA, the agency responsible for auditing government agencies and ensuring that taxpayers' money is used properly.

She played a crucial role in uncovering massive corruption scandals, including the misuse of public funds by high-ranking officials. Her meticulous auditing skills and fearless pursuit of the truth led to significant reforms, ensuring greater accountability in government spending.

One of her most notable cases was investigating the misuse of military funds, a move that made her many enemies but also solidified her reputation as a no-nonsense public servant.

At the United Nations: Fighting Corruption on a Global Scale

Heidi's expertise and unwavering integrity didn’t go unnoticed internationally. In 2015, she was appointed Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), making her one of the highest-ranking Filipinos in the UN at the time.

In this role, she was responsible for auditing, investigating, and monitoring UN agencies, ensuring that even the world’s most powerful organizations adhered to financial transparency and ethical governance.

Her work at the UN proved one thing—corruption is a global problem, and Heidi Mendoza was one of the few willing to take it on.

The People’s Candidate for Senate

Heidi Mendoza is not your typical politician.

She doesn’t have political dynasties backing her. She doesn’t have billionaire donors funding her campaign. What she has is a track record of integrity, a passion for good governance, and a clear vision for the Philippines.

Her platform is simple but powerful:

Fight corruption at all levels – She believes that every peso stolen from public funds is a peso stolen from the Filipino people. She will push for stronger anti-corruption laws and greater transparency in government transactions.

Abolish pork barrel and questionable budget allocations – Heidi has seen first-hand how public funds are abused. She wants a more accountable budgeting system where every peso is accounted for.

Empower ordinary citizens to understand and monitor government spending – She advocates for budget literacy programs so that Filipinos can keep their leaders in check.

Protect whistleblowers – Many government workers know about corruption but are afraid to speak out. Heidi wants better protection for whistleblowers so they can expose wrongdoing without fear.

Challenges in the Campaign Trail

Running as an independent candidate comes with its own set of challenges. Unlike traditional politicians, Heidi does not have massive campaign funds or political machinery. But what she does have is the trust of the people.

Unfortunately, her name has been exploited by scammers, with fraudulent fundraising campaigns popping up online. Heidi has issued warnings to the public, clarifying that she does not solicit donations through Facebook or other messaging apps. This is a testament to the fact that even in her campaign, corrupt elements want to take advantage of her credibility.

Recognized for Excellence

Despite the challenges, Heidi’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. In August 2024, she was honored with the Outstanding Professional in Accountancy Award by the Professional Regulation Commission. This award recognizes her exceptional service to the country and her unwavering commitment to ethical governance.

Outside of her public service career, Heidi is a devoted wife to Meynardo Mendoza, a history professor at Ateneo de Manila University, and a loving mother to their three children.

A Call to Action: Vote for Integrity, Vote for Heidi Mendoza

In a Senate filled with political dynasties, entertainers, and traditional politicians, Heidi Mendoza represents what true public service should be. She has spent her life protecting the people’s money, holding the corrupt accountable, and ensuring transparency in government.

She is not here to dance Budots. She is here to change the system.

If you believe in good governance, transparency, and a corruption-free Philippines, then Heidi Mendoza deserves your vote.

Let’s elect a Senator who actually knows where our money goes.

#HeidiMendoza2025 #NoToCorruption #TransparencyInGovernment