Provincial candidates sign peace covenant

CEBU, Philippines — Some candidates running for various positions in the Province of Cebu for the May 12, 2025 polls signed an integrity pledge yesterday, as they manifest their commitment to advocate for a peaceful electoral process.

Spearheaded by the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO), the peace covenant signing dubbed as “Makabagong Halalan para sa Makabagong Pilipinas 2025," was held at the CPPO Multi-Purpose Grounds.

Local candidates, who took an oath to uphold peace and integrity in the upcoming midterm elections, included Cebu gubernatorial candidate Pamela Bariquatro; vice gubernatorial candidate Lito Ruiz; incumbent Fourth District Representative Janice Salimbangon; Daanbantayan Mayor Sun Shimura; Provincial Board (PB) Member Kerrie Shimura; PB Member candidates Alfie Ouano and twin brothers Larenz and Lorenz Lagon; Cebu Third District Congressional aspirant Karen Garcia, among others.

"This is more than a covenant signing. This is a solemn vow to break the cycle and a chance to advocate for a brand of leadership that is clean, inclusive and accountable. Kani gyud para nako, this is a solemn vow,” said Baricuatro when sought for comment after the covenant signing.

CPPO Acting Provincial Director Jovito Atanacio said there will be 2,900 police personnel in the province to be deployed during the elections day.

Atanacio also outlined CPPO’s preparations for the upcoming elections, emphasizing security deployment and preventive measures to ensure a peaceful and orderly voting process.

Atanacio said that the covenant signing is not merely a ceremonial act, but a sacred pledge — an unwavering commitment to honesty, fairness, and violence-free elections as the nation approaches the 2025 midterm national and local elections, including the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Plebiscite (BARM PE).

“This covenant is a testament to our collective dedication to democracy. It is a solemn vow to protect the sanctity of the electoral process, ensuring that the voice of the people is heard, untainted by fear, intimidation, or fraud. The Cebu PPO stands firm in its duty to uphold peace, security, and the fundamental rights of every voter," said Atanacio.

“By being here, you are telling the people that you are willing to lead not by force, not by fear, but by example. I hope nga inyong kampanya mahimong limpyo, matinud-anon, ug puno sa respeto. Let's show that leadership is about character, not just popularity," Lawyer Marchel C. Sarno, Cebu Provincial Election Supervisor, told the candidates yesterday. “Dili ni ordinaryong pagtigom. What we are doing here is a commitment — not just to rules and regulations, but to values that define us as public servants, leaders, and citizens of Cebu."

Sarno further added, “Kini nga panumpa, dili lang pirma sa tarpaulin or papel. This is a promise to our people — to the farmers, the students, the senior citizens, the tricycle drivers, the mothers lining up to vote, and to the youth who still believe that their vote matters."

The CPPO has reaffirmed its relentless commitment to safeguarding the electoral process as it has called on all candidates, supporters, and citizens to honor their commitment to peaceful elections, ensuring that democracy would prevail and that every Cebuano’s vote truly counts. — /JG (FREEMAN)