By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA – San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora announced on Wednesday (July 3, 2024) that he will request Malacañang to declare June 24, the city’s Wattah Wattah or Basaan Festival, a holiday to avoid inconveniences.
Zamora made this statement following incidents where some residents caused disturbances to passersby and motorists.
“We will request Malacañang to declare June 24 a holiday because a city does not have the authority to declare holidays,” the Mayor said during a press conference with “Boy Dila,” where a resident apologized for using a water gun against a motorcycle rider during the festival.
The Mayor expressed disappointment over the incident, noting that “Boy Dila” became the face of the festival, which negatively impacted the city.
“Because of the videos circulating, showing him shooting a motorcyclist with a water gun and sticking out his tongue,” Zamora said.
“Unfortunately, this has become the face of our Wattah Wattah Festival this year.”
However, Zamora said the incident provided an opportunity to implement new measures for future celebrations of the festival.
This includes having designated ‘basaan zones’. Traditional ‘basaan’ activities will only be conducted in the Pinaglabanan section, from N. Domingo to P. Guevarra Street, along with other activities.
(el Amigo/mnm)