Bets sign TRUTH Covenant

MANILA, Philippines - Presidential candidates Vice President Jejomar Binay and former interior secretary Manuel Roxas II and 15 senatorial candidates yesterday vowed not to use guns, goons and gold in the remaining days of the campaign period.

The candidates attended a concelebrated 9 a.m. mass presided over by Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle at the Manila Cathedral.

They later signed the covenant for Truthful, Responsible, Upright, Transparent and Honest (TRUTH) elections.

The 15 senatorial aspirants were Sen. Vicente Sotto III, Maria Susanna Ople, former interior secretary Rafael Alunan III, former Philippine National Police-Special Action Force director Getulio Napeñas Jr., former justice secretary Leila de Lima, former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Francis Tolentino, lawyer Lorna Kapunan, Manila Vice Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, former PhilHealth director Risa Hontiveros, broadcaster Rey Langit, Princess Jacel Kiram, Pasig Rep. Roman Romulo, Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, Vicente Paez and Diosdado Valeroso.

Meanwhile, Robredo was represented at the occasion by her relative Gail Robredo.

Radio Veritas president Fr. Anton Pascual said they sent out invitations to all five presidential candidates, six vice presidential candidates and 55 senatorial candidates but unfortunately, many were unavailable as they were busy in campaign sorties.

In the covenant, the candidates promised “to strongly admonish our relatives, friends, followers and supporters to desist from using violence, deceit, fraud and other unfair and dishonest practices.”

“We will uphold the credibility and the integrity of the remaining campaign period and election process and the dignity of the Filipino people,” they added. “We will remember always that we are God’s steward on earth and must therefore promote at all times a safe, clean and wholesome environment and an unequivocal respect and reverence for life.”

They also promised to encourage voters to exercise their right to suffrage.

In his homily, Tagle said that Filipinos should treat their right to vote as a “blessing” because there are other countries where this right is enjoyed only by some classes in society. 

He also reminded the candidates that they need to keep in mind the responsibility that comes with winning the elections, which is to uplift the lives of Filipinos.

Value of honesty

Roxas said the signing of the covenant was very important to re-instill the value of honesty among candidates.

But he declined to comment when asked about the absence of some of his rivals.

“Maybe you should ask them. I don’t know what it means to them. Maybe this is not important to them. We are leaders. We are expected to uphold the highest and best values as Filipinos. And these are our values – the truth and what is the truth being suggested there? Upliftment, transparency, honest elections. For me, this is not just taking time out (from the campaign),” Roxas told reporters.

He, however, took potshots at Binay, saying his rival apparently was not afraid of “being hit by lightning” for entering a holy place despite the corruption allegations against him.

“Other candidates apparently are afraid of being hit by lightning because one must be truthful inside the church, right?” he asked.

Roxas said he shook hands with Binay and greeted him “peace be with you.”  – With Paolo Romero