Capiz pol bets sign peace pact
ROXAS CITY – A covenant signing for political candidates of the provincial and city elective positions last March 19 at the Roxas City Metropolitan Cathedral here completed the Capiz Police Provincial Office’s (CPPO) initiative to ensure an honest, orderly and peaceful elections (HOPE) in May this year.
The peace covenant among local candidates was also supported by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), Armed Force of the Philippines (AFP) and Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV).
“We will renounce the use of threats, violence, force, intimidation, partisans/private armed groups and such other illegal means in furtherance of our political interests,” said part of the covenant that was presented by Provincial Election Supervisor lawyer Wil Arceño.
The agreement also stipulated that local candidates must deal with fellow candidates through free and friendly manner and will only discuss legitimate political issues.
A Holy Mass officiated by Capiz Archbishop Vicar General and PPCRV – Capiz Chater Chairman Monsignor Vicente Hilata kicked off the covenant signing.
The activity was graced by Police Regional Office (PRO) – 6 Deputy Regional Director for Operations S/Supt. Melchor Fajardo who delivered the message of PRO – 6 Director Isagani Cuevas.
He said the covenant signing is a manifestation of the common desire of political candidates and other agencies involved for HOPE in the May 10 polls.
For his part, Capiz Police Director S/Supt. Josepheus Angan said that the CPPO has also finished the series of covenant signing in the municipalities which was started early this month.
Based on the COMELEC Provincial Office’s Certified List of Local Candidates, about 438 candidates have applied for the various local elective positions in the province for the May 10 national and local elections.
The province has a total of 186 elective positions at stake apart from the candidates for national positions in the forthcoming polls.
The candidates for these positions include congressmen for the province’s two congressional districts, governor, vice-governor and ten provincial board members.
At the city/municipal level, there are 17 mayors as well as vice-mayors and 138 councilors posts available for election. (PIA/A.Lumaque)
