Twenty-nine candidates in Silay City, Negros Occidental, will sign a covenant Jan. 28, for peaceful and orderly elections in May.
P/Lt. Col. Robert Petate, chief of the Silay City Police Station, said majority of the candidates, particularly those running for top positions, have confirmed their attendance to the ceremony that will be held inside the San Diego Pro-Cathedral at 10 a.m.
The peace covenant is an initiative of the local PNP to remind the candidates to adhere to the rules of the Commission on Elections.
Silay City election officer, Atty. Aine Tanieza, said that all the candidates were informed of the activity and are expected to participate. Tanieza added that she will give a short message after the signing ceremony, and will brief the candidates on the latest guidelines of the Comelec.
The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting-Silay is a co-organizer of the event, and shares the concerns of the church in the proper education of voters. The PPCRV will form a panel of volunteers for its poll educational program to make voters aware of their right to suffrage, and should not be dictated or threatened by any group.
Petate said the signing of the covenant will be done in the middle of a Holy Mass, followed by a short program and messages from the PNP, Comelec, and the church, and will be capped with the releasing of white balloons by the candidates.| MML
