Wednesday, April 18, 2007 Sammy Mondia ‘snubs’ peace pact signing By Nicolas C. Delfin
“I’M the winner via default.”
So declared mayoralty candidate Magdaleno Peña in Pulupandan town right after he signed on Tuesday a peace covenant without the presence of his two opponents, cousins Samson “Sammy” and Crisanto “Sany” Mondia.
Samson, who reportedly attended a meeting in Manila was represented by his brother, incumbent Mayor Luis Mondia.
“This simply signifies that I’m the kindest candidate and that the Mondias are the warriors,” Peña said.
“I’m docile and peace loving being the only one who attended the signing of the peace covenant. Their absence simply implies they want trouble rather than peace,” he added.
Mayor Mondia however said his brother is very much willing to sign a covenant if Peña stops pressuring, threatening and harassing the voters.
Mondia said they would comply with the peace pact as long as Peña is sincere.
“It would be unfair to the people if he would not comply to what had been stated in the peace covenant and I hope he will allow the people to vote for the one they prefer to win in this election,” the incumbent mayor added.
In the covenant, Pulupandan bets are asked to adhere to peaceful means in the conduct of May 14 elections.
The peace pact signing was spearheaded by the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Noppo) at the Pulupandan town auditorium.
Noppo director Rosendo Franco and Provincial Comelec supervisor Jessie Suarez acted as witnesses.
Other candidates who also signed the covenant were vice mayoralty candidates Antonio Suatengco and Julia Seminio.
While the candidates for councilor included Ligaya Maravilla, Emerson Cepeda, Federico Montilla, Ronald Tenero, Ernesto Amechachura, Anthony Suatengco, Wesley Espinosa, Tito Jacildo, Salvador Javier, Albert Jacildo, Carlos Ginete, Edgardo Donasco, Hedy Gonzales, Pedrito Castañeda, Lowell Del Carmen and Alfabeto Udani.
