UNINVITED? President Benigno Aquino III in an interview with Rappler last October 2012

CEBU CITY, Philippines – Was President Benigno Aquino III not invited to this year’s Sinulog festival?

“Bagamat wala hong nag-imbita sa akin, Viva Pit Senyor! (Even if no one invited me, Viva Pit Senyor!)" said Aquino toward the end of his speech at the Liberal Party’s rally in Mandaue City, Cebu, on January 16.

Aquino said he's not aware of any invitation from the city or provincial government of Cebu to attend the Sinulog festival on January 20. He added that he is already scheduled to visit Zamboanga City on the same day.

The Sinulog Foundation Inc., overall organizer of the Sinulog festivities, responded by saying they faxed their invitation to the Office of the President (OP) last January 9.

VIVA, SENYOR STO. NINO! The Sinulog festival in Cebu honors the Child Jesus. Photo by Kai Magsanoc

In 2012, President Aquino was the honored guest at the Sinulog Grand Parade in the Cebu City Sports Center. He was welcomed by then Cebu City Gov Gwendolyn “Gwen” Garcia and Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama.

Last December, Aquino suspended Garcia for 6 months on charges she misused government funds.

Garcia and Rama are members of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) of Vice President Jejomar Binay. UNA is endorsing Rama for re-election after the Liberal Party chose Rep Tomas Osmena as its mayoral bet for the city. - Rappler.com