Local bets in Sta Fe sign peace covenant

CEBU, Philippines - Local candidates in the municipality of Santa Fe, Cebu yesterday have signed a covenant for secured and clean elections on May 13.

The signing was held at Sto. Niño Parish Church during a mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. Isidrito Ducao.

Independent vice gubernatorial candidate Glenn Anthony Soco was also invited to sign the covenant although he was not part of it because he was present during the signing.

Among the signatories were mayoralty candidates Jennifer Ilustrisimo of the Liberal Party, Jose Esgana of One Cebu Party, and independent Edmund Aniana and their respective runningmate.

Witnessed by Santa Fe Police Station chief, Insp. Ricardo Echavez and Comelec Officer Alex Villacruces, also signed the covenant were the 21 candidates for councilor.

Villacruces said that Santa Fe for the first time is no longer identified as hot spot or area of concern this coming elections but they still initiated the covenant signing.

"Ako gi-emphasized nga dili sila kontra kun dili kaatbang sa politika," Villacruces said.

Incumbent Mayor Ilustrisimo welcomed the signing as they want a peaceful election. Among the candidates' pledged is to "avoid at all cost the use of force, intimidation, fraud and violence for the advantage of our political interest."

Independent candidate for councilor, lawyer Jayson Repaso, is hoping other candidates will abide with the covenant especially on vote buying.

Another pledged is not to resort supporters to any forms of cheating and "vote buying" before, during and after elections.

"Hinaut unta may igong katumanan, ambot tinuod ba nga no vote buying," Repaso said.

"We further agree and bind ourselves to follow and respect the contents of this covenant and hereby affix our signatures as proof of our sincerity and commitment," the covenant further read. — (FREEMAN)