Candidates sign peace covenant in Ormoc
By Elvie Roman-Roa
ORMOC CITY – Local candidates on Sunday signed a covenant for honest, meaningful and peaceful elections (HOPE) for the May elections.
Spearheaded by the Comelec, PNP, Philippine Army and the Philippine Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), the covenant signing held at the Superdome was attended by the Lakas, Libera/Kaabag parties and independent candidates sans local standard bearer, congressional bets Winnie Codilla of Lakas and disqualified Liberal bet Richard Gomez.
Archbishop Jose S. Palma of the Metropolitan Archbishop of Palo, celebrated the mass before the covenant signing.
According to mayoral candidate Makoy Larrazabal, he has no knowledge of the whereabouts of actor Gomez, when asked where was their congressional candidate.
Codilla has a scheduled appointment in Palompon Leyte when the signing was held.
Fr. Isagani Petilos of Palo parish said, it was heartening seeing them shaking hands. “I was touched by the gestures candidates have shown. I hope they were sincere about it.”
Part of the program was a presentation of platform of government of each party but it was shelved on the request of OIC Comelec registrar Conchita Magalso since it might violate Comelec rules.
Magalso reminded the candidates to keep HOPE at the center of all their political activities to maintain peaceful elections.
PCSupt Rey Lañada, PNP regional director, strongly emphasized the PNP’s objective, “We advocate peace, we’ll do all to protect the community.”
He added that number one on his list is to ensure peaceful elections was the covenant signing, to remind the candidates on their common goal – to serve the people.
“Even if Ormoc has been peaceful for years now, we requested candidates to focus on the issues and refrain from mudslinging.”
Administration candidates wer reportedly the subject of severe criticism from the opposition. However, SP member Chuchi Pepito, said they would concentrate first on the mandate of their constituents and would only answer their issues once the campaign period starts.
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