THE Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) called for peace in the run-up to the May 13 elections, and reiterated that it remains independent and neutral.
In a statement, the MCCI said they are grateful for the contributions of then mayor Jonas Cortes and Mayor Luigi Quisumbing to the business sector in Mandaue City since its revival in the early 2000.
"We make this appeal for peace, sobriety and honest discernment on the eve of the elections to help the electorate in making the right choice of leaders who will remain rooted in the values of integrity, good governance and commitment to the greater and common good to achieve real development for Mandaue," the statement read.
"These two leaders have, during their respective administrations, worked closely with Mandaue Chamber in its various projects and programs," the statement added.
The MCCI is composed of more than 400 companies from micro to large corporations.
"The Chamber, as an organization, shall remain neutral, autonomous and independent. And while some of us may not be voters in Mandaue, we have chosen to locate our businesses here, making us significant stakeholders of this city," the statement said.
Mandaue is home to more than 10,000 businesses as its government and the MCCI continues to promote it as a viable place for putting up businesses and investments.
"We wish all candidates good luck. We hope and pray that when the dust of this electoral exercise settles, contending parties will come together for the greater good of Mandaue," the MCCI said.
MCCI president Stanley Go, in an earlier interview, said the chamber doesn't practice bloc voting and the endorsement of candidates as a group.
He added they encourage their members to vote for their individual bets for both local and national candidates. / JOB