'Epal' politics mars EDSA rites

"Epal" politics threatened to mar the 27th anniversary of the EDSA-1 People Power revolt Monday, as supporters of some politicians showed up at the venue.

 

Many of the supporters who showed up for the EDSA rites wore shirts or brought placards with the names of politicians, radio dzBB's Allan Gatus reported.

 

Some of the politicians being promoted included mayors and local officials, while some were seen wearing T-shirts with the name of a senatorial bet, the report said.

 

A separate report by dzBB's Rodil Vega said some groups even brought tarpaulins with the names of politicians.

 

President Benigno Aquino III was to lead the anniversary rites at EDSA, which included a flag-raising ceremony and Salubungan.

 

"Epal" politics refers to politicians making themselves or their names visible, usually through placards, posters or tarpaulins. In many cases, such materials are placed in public areas.

 

No moratorium on politics

 

On Sunday, Malacañang said there will be no moratorium on politicians making themselves visible at the EDSA anniversary rites.

 

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the EDSA-1 revolt is “for everybody,” and no one can stop them from taking part in Monday’s rites.

 

“EDSA is for everybody, hindi mo mapigilan sinong gustong makibahagi,” she said on government-run dzRB radio.

 

“One of the reasons why the revolt was successful (was that) people from all walks of life came together to push for one singular aspiration na tama na,” she added. —KG, GMA News