BAGUIO CITY – Local candidates running for various positions in the city of Baguio joined the Walk for Peace and signed a Peace Covenant to adopt a Secure and Fair Elections (SAFE) in the city on Tuesday,February 16.
The Walk for Peace was spearheaded by the Baguio City Police Office and the Commission on Elections together with religious leaders from various denominations.
The activity started from Upper Session Road to Harrison Road and to the Melvin Jones Grandstand for the program which commenced with an ecumenical prayer, followed by the candle lighting and releasing of doves.
It was highlighted by the signing of the peace covenant by all the local candidates from the congressional seat, mayoralty and vice mayoralty and members of the city council.
In the Covenant, the candidates agree to strictly abide by the rules and regulations promulgated by the Commission on Election and to strongly support and uphold the conduct of a clean, honest, orderly and peaceful election come May 9.
BCPO City Director PSSupt. George Daskeo hopes that with the covenant, the candidates will be guided by the rules of law when they do their campaign. He also assured the voters of Baguio that BCPO will ensure a safe and fair May 2016 elections.Baguio City Election Officer Atty. John Paul Martin commended the BCPO for spearheading the activity. He appreciated the presence of the local candidates as this is a manifestation of their support to the rules and regulations of the COMELEC.
“Historically sabi nila, very orderly, very peaceful ang elections dito sa Baguio. Pero para sa akin, hindi po dapat kami makampante because of history. That’s why we will be strict in implementing our rules”, said Martin.
COMELEC-Cordillera Assistant Regional Election Director Atty. Vanessa Roncal said the activity is very significant because as the candidates light their candles, release the doves, and sign the covenant, they promise to undertake their campaign under the rule of law, and they promise to undertake their campaign with God and the people in mind.
In her message to the candidates, “a successful election means that we all abide in campaign rules. May we undertake our campaign in a manner that is depicting the integrity we have. No character assassination and violence. “
She also reminded the public that the electorate of Baguio City can go to their voting stations safe, free without threat and intimidation in mind.
Meanwhile, the COMELEC Baguio invites all interested citizens to attend the Candidates Forum on March 9 at the Baguio Convention Center.
“To be a vigilant voter, you need to know their advocacies, what they have to offer, bago natin sila iboboto,” said Martin./JDP/RMC and Jillie Ominga-PIA/UC Intern
