JEDDAH, 6 April 2004 — Philippine Consul General Pendosina “Dino” Lomondot suspended all community activities scheduled at the consulate to make way for the forthcoming presidential elections, an official said yesterday.
The presidential election scheduled is scheduled to begin on April 11. The suspension is for the one-month duration of the election. According to administrative officer Taha Guinomla, “This is in line with the consul’s directive to focus on the necessary and urgent task that may be required for this historic election.”
“We want to make sure that this historic event will have a smooth proceedings by minimizing if not avoiding hassles to the working OFWs,” the consul was quoted as saying.
Among the several activities affected by the temporary suspension are the “Kalilang Festival” organized by the Marawians and the Ranao Divers Club led by Linogaranao Mapandi and the induction and investiture of the newly elected officers of United Bangsaranao Council (UBC) and the Council of Maranao Leaders (CML) headed by Ali Ditucalan.
Both events had been scheduled as welcome gestures in honor of the consul who arrived last week with his family.
The consulate will likewise suspend the issuance of voter’s IDs starting April 8.
