QC bets sign covenant for fair, peaceful polls

MANILA, Philippines - Local candidates in Quezon City signed last night a peace covenant, vowing to ensure peaceful and fair elections.

Among those in attendance were local government officials led by Mayor Herbert Bautista and Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and the candidates for local posts in the city.

The candidates for mayor, vice mayor, councilor and congressmen from the city’s Districts 2 to 6 signed the covenant at the Immaculate Conception Church in Cubao, with Bishop Antonio Tobias of the Diocese of Novaliches reading the pledge. Candidates from District 1 had earlier signed a separate, identical covenant.

Commission on Elections Chairman Sixto Brillantes witnessed the reading and signing of the pact.

Also present were Quezon City Police District director Senior Superintendent Richard Albano and other city police officials.

“Such a covenant binds not only the candidates but also all their campaign workers and volunteers; thus, we look forward to peaceful elections in May,” Albano said.