Covenants

IT’S the time of the pre-campaign period when aspirants sign covenants along with their adversaries. The signing of the pact is a symbolic manifestation of the candidates’ commitment to abide by the rules and laws that will hopefully result into an honest and orderly election.

Covenants are sacred agreements or contracts between parties. Sometimes it is used as a solemn commitment to a relationship. God made a covenant with the people of Israel during the old times. He made promises through the covenant he made.

These agreements are conditional. They impose something as an obligation, to perform or do something or to bind parties from refraining from doing something.

Covenants during an impending election bind political parties and candidates to adhere to existing laws for a peaceful conduct of the electoral process and to refrain from election-related violence by politicians including their henchmen. Covenants are agreements too for candidates not to resort to guns, goons and gold.

Last Tuesday’s activity was historic, that it was held in the famous San Guillermo Church in Bacolor town. Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda manifested her advocacy in making Pampanga a peaceful province come campaign and election time.

In her message, she requested her fellow candidates to pray for the election in Pampanga to be peaceful as she enjoins them to present platforms truthfully and not to resort to dirty politics. She addressed her call to all candidates present including former Governor Eddie Panlilio, her fellow gubernatorial candidate.

It may be noted that Panlilio won over Pineda in 2007. In 2010, Pineda overwhelmingly won against Panlilio. The latter is now again making his bid to win the Provincial Capitol seat.

The governor has likewise told everyone that the election should unite Kapampangans rather than divide them. She urged other candidates to stick to presenting their platforms, their intentions and other aspirations for the further betterment of the province.

She meanwhile called on Kapampangans to vote wisely and to let the candidates speak of their plans and programs for the people.

Coinciding with the covenant signing, the Police Regional Office III led a “unity walk and prayer rally” for a Secure and Fair Elections (SAFE). Police officials and enlisted men walked from Barangay San Vicente in Bacolor town and ending their parade at the San Guillermo Church.

Policemen play vital roles during elections in the preservation of peace and order. There are however areas which are considered hot spots or as areas of concern that our policemen should look into. These areas came after the Department of the Interior and Local Government has tagged the province to be under the election watch list.

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