Lapu-Lapu City bets sign peace covenant

CEBU, Philippines —  Lapu-Lapu City candidates recently have signed a peace covenant initiated by the Philippine National Police and the Department of Interior and Local Government.

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan who is seeking for a fresh mandate led his complete slate of councilorial candidates including his wife, Cindi King-Chan, who is running as district representative.

Incumbent Representative Paz Radaza, who is coming back as mayor, led her entire councilorial slate including City Councilor Michael Dignos, who is running for congressman.

In a statement released by the city’s Public Information Office, it said that the peace covenant serves as a memorandum of agreement between contending political parties that they are bound to follow all four covenant conditions.

These four conditions are: they will abide by existing laws and regulations in the conduct of elections; they will strive for a secure and fair election campaign and the right to vote of each citizen; they shall not use violence and intimidation in getting votes or in gaining support; and all candidates promised not to provoke, incite and create trouble or any violent activities that could disrupt the orderly and peaceful election.

Radaza, in a separate statement, said on that her “Team Deretso” slate will all abide the rules and regulations set by the Commission on Elections as local campaign is fast approaching.

“To achieve Secure, Accurate, Free and Fair Election this coming May 9, 2022, I am glad that the men and women in uniform in the city initiated the peace covenant signing,” said Radaza adding that, “with this, I am thankful for the Lapu-Lapu City Police who work tirelessly to maintain the peace and order in the city”.

Radaza also mentioned in her Facebook page that she will abide all the necessary requirements during the campaign season.

"Kita padayon nga mosunod sa mga lagda sa Comelec, kapulisan ug padayon kita nga mosubay sa tanang rekisitos nga ipatuman alang sa hapsay ug luwas nga election," she added.

Congressional aspirant Junex Doronio, a veteran journalist running under the Partido Lakas ng Masa (PLM), also attended the covenant signing.

“Nalipay ko nga nagkahiusa ang tanang kandidato sa pagsuporta sa usa ka malinawon ug hapsay nga piniliay. Hinaot nga likayan nato ang mudslinging ug ang mga fake news ug ang ipresenta nato ang plataporma ug mga programa alang sa tinuod nga kausaban ug kalamboan sa Opon,” said Doronio, a two-term director and two-term secretary of the National Press Club of the Philippines and former president of the Journal Employees Union of the Philippine Journalists, Inc. in Manila.

City election officer Marchel Sarno led the pledge of commitment of all candidates after the Holy Mass.

After which all the candidates signed the peace covenant, printed on four feet by six feet tarpaulin.

The heads of different government agencies, Philippine Air Force Brigadier General Lito Villanueva, Naval Forces Central head Lieutenant Commander Neil Rafael Ybera, District Fire Director Superintendent Manases Bautista, PNP Maritime chief Richard Oliver as well as police officials and officers present also signed the peace covenant. — GMR (FREEMAN)