“That we shall conduct our campaign and activities in accordance with Fair Election Act of Republic Act 9006 and rules in the spirit of good grace and friendly rivalry…”
Provincial political candidates affixed their signature in agreement with this phrase during the signing of an election covenant at the San Guillermo Church in Bacolor, a historical place for a momentous event in the province.
Through the initiative of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Pampanga, Provincial Police Office (PPO), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) 3, and Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), the covenant was conducted to ensure peaceful and fair 2013 elections.
As early as five o’clock in the morning, the candidates for the May 2013 elections spearheaded the unity walk around the town proper of Bacolor and, together, they trooped to the church for the mass intended for them.
Despite different political colors as apparent in the t-shirts of some candidates, the activity, according to Atty. Lydia Pangilinan, provincial election supervisor, manifested that their heart is one in encouraging the Kapampangan to exercise their right of suffrage with sincerity and vigilance.
She added that aspiring leaders of the province showed sportsmanship and friendly rivalry for attending the event and sitting beside one another.
“With this activity, we have delivered the message to the Kapampangan that our future leaders promote peaceful election and friendly competition,” said Atty. Pangilinan.
As stipulated in the covenant, the candidates are expected to uphold the principle of democracy, will not corrupt voters with money or impose their will by way of force, violation and intimidation; abide by the rules and regulation enunciated under Comelec Resolution 9561; and, will cooperate with the commission in every manner consistent with the sanctity of the ballot and the electoral processes.
Vice gubernatorial candidate and former Lubao Mayor Dennis Pineda shared his conversation with Among Ed Panlilio, who was seated beside him during the signing. “We did not talk about politics. I think that is not the right time to open such topic. We simply exchanged remarks about our physique,” Pineda disclosed. Meanwhile, Gov. Lilia Pineda, who is not physically fit to join the unity walk after her cholesystectomy (removal of gall bladder), came to sign the covenant. Pineda reminded the candidates to campaign without mudslinging and instead present their platforms truthfully. “Election is the time to unite the people and not to divide the province with harsh words and erroneous information,” emphasized Pineda.
Also present in the covenant signing were vice gubernatorial candidate Atty. Amalia Cayanan, Cong. Aurelio Gonzales, Second District congressional candidate Atty. Vivian Dabu, incumbent board members Cris Garbo, Salvador Dimson, Monina Laus, Trina Dizon, Ric Yabut, and Nestor Tolentino, aspiring board members Engr.Dinan Labung, Engr.Rosve Henson, Mexico Mayor Teddy Tumang, Councilor Anthony Torres, Coun. Cherry Manalo and other candidates of Kambilan, Liberal Party and independent contenders.
The event was witnessed by Atty. Lydia Pangilinan, members of the PPCRV, Fr. Jesus Manabat (Parish Priest), Pampanga DILG Director Myrna Favia and PPO Director Senior Supt. R’win Pagkalinawan. TEXT BY JENNA LUMBANG PHOTOS BY LEO VILLACARLOS & GVJJR
