MANILA, Philippines - An election watchdog said on Monday it will push for the signing of a so-called peace covenant among the candidates in the 2013 mid-term polls.
Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting chairperson Henrietta de Villa said the signing of the peace covenant will be needed in areas in the country where election-related violence were recorded.
She said the covenant is part of PPCRV's voters education campaign, urging politicians and candidates to respect life and respect the choices or votes of the people.
De Villa also appealed to the candidates to take the peace covenant seriously.
“Ako ay nakikiusap sa ating mga pulitiko na maging willing na pumirma sa aming covenants for peace. Pero sana ang pagpirma ay hindi lang ritual, hindi lang pakitang tao na kayo ay lumagda doon sa hinihingi ng PPCRV at ng mga mamamayan. At talagang isasapuso ninyo na talagang you will keep that word and honor... At sana ang pagsusulong ng kapayapaan ay maging bahagi ng inyong plata porma de gobyerno. Sana igalang ninyo ang buhay at boto ng tao,"De Villa told Church-run Radyo Veritas.
Based on Philippine National Police records, there are 15 high risk provinces in the coming 2013 elections including Abra, Pangasinan, Ilocos Sur, La union, Cagayan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Batangas, Cavite, Masbate, Samar, Misamis Occidental, Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur and Basilan.