Lapu-Lapu Rep. Paz Radaza, who leads Team Deretso, (3rd from left) and Mayor Junard Chan, who leads Team Libre, are among those who signed the peace covenant for the upcoming elections. | Futch Anthony Inso
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Philippines — Candidates for the upcoming 2022 elections in Lapu-Lapu City have signed a peace covenant and swore for a secure, accurate, free, and fair election this coming May 9, 2022.
The peace covenant signing was held at the City Auditorium in Barangay Poblacion on Thursday morning, February 24, 2022.
The activity was started with a solemn mass, which was officiated by Fr. Reynante Joseph Ga, parish priest of the Nuestra Señora de Regla Parish National Shrine.
The peace covenant signing was initiated by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Lawyer Marchel Sarno, election supervisor of Comelec Lapu-Lapu City, also initiated the pledge for the candidates.
“That each of us will abide with existing laws and regulations governing the conduct of the election. That each of us will endeavor to embark on a secure and fair election campaign, the suffrage of each citizen,” the peace covenant read.
“That each of us shall not resort to violence or intimidation as means of getting votes or support to our candidacy. That each of us shall not instigate or engage to any person to create trouble or engage in any violent or troublesome activities that could disrupt the conduct of an orderly and peaceful election,” it further read.
Sarno appealed to candidates not to resort to destroying the reputation of their opposing candidates, just to gain support from the public.
Sarno also reminds candidates that there will be winners and losers in the elections and that candidates should learn to accept its result.
“Panalagsa lang gyud sa mga kandidato ang modawat og kapildihan. Kasagaran pasanginlan gyud ang taga Comelec ug police, or kining partner agency,” he said.
(It is seldom for a candidate that he will accept his defeat. Most would blame those from the Comelec and police or their partner agency.)
“I would like to remind the candidates that Comelec, PNP, and other deputized agencies are not your competitor sa election. Referree ra tawon mi uy (We are just referees),” he added.
Police Colonel Arnel Banzon, director of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office (LCPO), also reminds candidates not to resort to violence and maintain the integrity of the election in May.
“For they shall pledge from all integrity of the upcoming election. And to refrain from engaging in any form of violence, intimidation, fraud, and dishonesty, and in all other acts that shall violate all the Comelec’s laws and regulation,” Banzon said.
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