CANDIDATES from two different parties vying for various local government positions in San Simon town have vowed to ensure a peaceful and orderly midterm elections in May.
They were in perfect attendance during the peace covenant signing initiated by joint government agencies led by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and Philippine National Police (PNP) Monday, January 14, at the Municipal Hall.
Local Election Officer Jonel Sunga said that the covenant signing aims to enjoin the candidates to commit to a fair, safe and honest midterm elections this coming May 13.
By signing the covenant, Sunga said that the participants pledged to respect the whole election process, including the rules and regulations for campaigning, and the voice of the people which would dictate the results.
“The candidates’ perfect attendance for the peace covenant signing signifies that everyone has committed to participate in peaceful and orderly elections. We hope that they will be true to what they have signed and respect the country’s election process and its results,” he said.
Sunga also assured all candidates and voters that the Comelec is and will remain non-partisan and will only implement the rules and regulations related to the voting process.
Chief Inspector Louie Gonzaga, San Simon chief of police, said the local police is set to ensure that all registered voters can exercise their right to vote peacefully come election day.
He added that the PNP will not be biased to any political group or individual, but rather will perform its duty of protecting the public’s interest, and the safety of the community this whole election season.
“As the election season officially kicked in, your police is already on alert to ensure that San Simon will have peaceful and orderly elections. We also assure that the PNP will never be biased to any political group or any individual, and that the voice of the people is the only one that will be heard,” he said.
Comebacking Mayor Rodrigo “Digos” Canlas and businessman Abundio “Jun” Punsalan, who are in a head-to-head match for the San Simon mayoralty seat, meanwhile, also participated in the ceremonial handshake to signify their parties’ commitment for safe and fair polls.
“I have been in many elections as I climbed my way to the mayoralty position before and I never engaged in unfair politics. And now that I am coming back, I still assure my fellow Simonians that whatever their decision will be, I will respect it,” Canlas said.
Canlas also lauded the initiative of the Comelec and PNP for seeking the commitment of all political candidates in the town for safe elections which would greatly benefit the Simonian voters.
Punsalan, for his part, said: “Our hope is that Simonian voters can freely express their choices and exercise their vote this coming elections. We hope and pray that we can conduct this election without anybody sacrificing their lives.”
Outgoing Mayor Leonora Wong, who is seeking the vice-mayoralty post here, extended her gratitude to all aspiring officials for showcasing the Simonian unity for the benefit of the majority.
“I just hope that every one of us will be true to our commitment, and I hope that we avoid mudslinging and using harsh words in our campaign. Let us just present our platform and let the people see which is better,” she said.
Witnessing the peace covenant signing were members of the religious sector, representatives from the Department of Education and Department of the Interior and Local Government, and voters.