CEBU Gov. Hilario Davide III and local Nationalist People’s Coalition members were a no-show in a peace covenant signing at the City of Naga on Tuesday, Feb. 19.
Only candidates from the PDP-One Cebu group led by Cebu gubernatorial candidate Gwendolyn Garcia were present.
Even without the incumbent governor, police officials consider the activity a “success.” Davide can still join other peace pact signing activities being planned in the province.
The Naga event was organized by the Cebu Provincial Police Office and the Commission on Elections.
In the covenant, candidates promised not to initiate or cause trouble during the elections.
Aside from Garcia, present were her brother, Cebu 3rd congressional district aspirant Pablo John Garcia, Cebu 1st district congressional aspirant and Talisay City Mayor Eduardo Gullas and allies.
Davide, who is running for vice governor, and his running mate, Cebu gubernatorial candidate and incumbent Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale were absent as they were in another activity in Malabuyoc.
Garcia said her party’s presence shows they are committed to promoting peaceful and honest elections.
“Well, I expected them to come. It would have been better if they were here since this is a peace covenant signing. That is why I’m asking the organizers if this is a ‘partial peace covenant’ since our opponents are not around,” Garcia said. (AYB of SuperBalita Cebu, JKV)