Politicos pledge peaceful polls

CANDIDATES from different parties pledged their commitment Saturday for a peaceful conduct of elections in May 13.

Political aspirants in various electoral positions in Baguio and Benguet joined the Unity Walk calling for secure and fair elections initiated by the Philippine National Police (PNP) together with government agencies including the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and other stakeholders.
Baguio candidates from parties that include the United Nationalist Alliance and its local coalition Timpuyog Ti Baguio led by veteran tandem Mayor Mauricio Domogan and Representative Bernardo Vergara joined the activity.

Incumbent Benguet Governor Nestor Fongwan also joined the walk with several town mayors. Also present were the entire slate of the Liberal Party led by its congressional candidate Mark Go and mayoralty bet lawyer Jose Molintas and independent candidate for the congressional seat Councilor Nicasio Aliping.

Police Regional Office-Cordillera Director Benjamin Magalong called on the public to remain vigilant in the coming elections and safeguard their vote.

Magalong also said they are conducting these activities to inform the public that the PNP will not tolerate any form of cheating and violence in the coming elections.

He said with the signing of the pledge of commitment, candidates will be made accountable for any violation of existing fair election practices as well as in making their honor to serve the public.

DILG Regional Director John Castañeda called on residents not to lose hope in elections and instead continue to honor its integrity.

Comelec regional director Jose Nick Mendros called on the candidates to adhere to Comelec rules and stressed the impartial role of the commission in protecting the right of voters and candidates.

“Let us follow the pledge of commitment to vote for candidates who renounce violence, coercion, vote buying and any means of corruption in winning the elections,” he said.