La Union, Tarlac poll bets sign peace pact

By Jun Elias

Candidates seeking local positions in La Union and Tarlac have signed peace covenants to strictly observe election laws and maintain peace and order.

In San Fernando City, La Union, the signing, was held Jan 22 at Don Mariano Marcos State University. It was preceded by a unity walk in which the candidates, their families and supporters took part.

“This is to remind the candidates and the electorate of our advocacy for clean, honest, accurate, meaningful and peaceful elections,” Fr. Manuel Jason Ragel of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting said.

Provincial election supervisor Joel Gines said the candidates should follow the covenant in order to attain safe and orderly elections.

La Union police director Senior Superintendent AngelitoDumangeng said the covenant would boost their campaign for safe and fair elections. 

In Tarlac, local candidates signed peace covenant Tuesday.

Officials of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine National Police, Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, Northern Luzon Command, community-based organizations, media, students and religious groups attended the signing held in front of the San Sebastian Cathedral.

The peace accord is a “unified pledge… contending political parties and candidates vowed to shun violence and political rivalry,” said Senior Superintendent AllexSintin, Tarlac police director.

Fernando Cot-om,Comelec  supervisor for Tarlac, reminded candidates to abide by the rules of the electoral process.

“These include the submission of the statement of contributions and expenses and posting of tarpaulins in designated places only,” Cot-om said.