CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Local stalwarts and candidates for the May 10 elections have agreed to a “political ceasefire” in respect to the observance of Holy Week.
Under the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution 8758 implementing the Fair Elections Practices Act, it is unlawful for any person, whether or not a voter or a candidate, or for any political party, or association of persons to engage on election campaign or partisan political activity on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.
But beyond Good Friday, local bets and party leaders said they would be shutting down their showboats and observe the solemnity of the weekend, Black Saturday and Easter Sunday.
“It will be a time for reflection and prayer for the whole country. For us, it will be looking back at our being Christians and to the desire of the Lord for us to love one another, be at peace and reflect on his sacrifices. There will be no political activity in our party,” said Liberal Party (LP) re-electionist Mayor Oscar Rodriguez.
Lakas-Kampi-CMD district chairman and third district Congressman re-electionist Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales, Jr. said his party will likewise spend the weekend on prayer and reflection.
“Definitely there would be no campaigning for the coalition. No political activity whatsoever. It will be a time for reflection and praying for us,” he told Sun.Star Pampanga.
Even the planned Easter Sunday provincial sortie of the LP, where standard bearer Senator Noynoy Aquino is expected to join, has been moved to Monday.
“We decided to hold it on Monday because we would want a solemn observance of Holy Week,” said vice governor wannabe Marco Lazatin.
Last week, Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez urged candidates to turn off their loudspeakers and their campaign jingles during the said days in deference to the Holy Week.
Malacañang on Wednesday had similarly appealed to politicians to observe political ceasefire as the entire country celebrates Lenten season this week.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Ricardo Saludo said Holy Week is a time to reflect and prayer, thus politicians should take a break from relentless bickering and mudslinging that has apparently become a practice in the heat of election period.
According to Saludo, what the Palace as well as the Church would have wanted is to have peaceful week for the people to reflect, repent and have time with the Lord and their family. (With reports from Sunnex)