Only half of Tacloban candidates sign peace pact

TACLOBAN CITY, Feb. 26 (PNA) -- Only half of the total number of candidates from this city joined the peace covenant signing on Wednesday at the Sto. Niño Parish Church. 

Of the two candidates for mayor, only Councilor Neil Glova attended the signing. His rival, Councilor Cristina Romualdez, the mayor’s wife did not show up. Vice Mayor Jerry T. Yaokasin, who is running against an unknown candidate, was also present. 

Of the 18 candidates for councilors, only 12 signed the peace covenant. Among them are incumbent Councilors Jerry S. Uy, Evangeline Esperas, Dalisay Espe, Raissa Villasin, and Victor Domingo. 

New aspirants who signed the pact were Roman Becher, Elvira Casal, Roly Corpin, Ferdinand Lomuntad, Hilarion Menzon, Rodrigo Sabong and Aurora Aimee Grafil. 

All candidates signed the pledges of commitment “in the belief that suffrage is solemn sovereignty and binding themselves to the truth that the ballot an expression of sovereign is sacred.” 

“They all vowed to abide by all elections laws, rules and regulations promulgated by the Commission on Elections to conduct a high level campaign, explaining their respective programs of government and qualifications and reasons for seeking public office,” said Tacloban election officer Goretti Cañas. 

Through signing, candidates vowed to provide people accurate information that will help assess of their suitability to the public office. They are also committed to “promote a clean, safe and wholesome environment, as well as reverence and respect for life.” 

The signing of the peace covenant was witnessed by city prosecutor Ruperto B. Golong, city police chief Supt. Domingo Cabillan, Philippine Army commander Col. Francisco F. Mendoza, Jr., and Fr. Elmo Manching of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting. (PNA)
LAP/SQM/Lizbeth Ann A. Abella/egr