ORMOC CITY,
Leyte, March 2 (PNA) -– Celebrity couple Richard Gomez and Rep. Lucy Marie
Torres-Gomez was a no-show during the peace covenant signing held at Sts. Peter
and Paul Parish Church here on Tuesday.
The lady
solon is seeking another term while her husband is running again for mayor
after losing in 2013.
Vice Mayor
Leo Carmelo L. Locsin Jr., who led their group, said Gomez didn’t make it to
the activity as he received an acting award from the National Commission on
Culture and the Arts at the 8th Ani ng Dangal Awards the previous night for his
role in the indie film “Janitor.”
This is not
the first time that the couple was not present during a peace signing ceremony.
Gomez did the same thing on March 6, 2010 when he first ran for Leyte 4th
district representative.
Husband and
wife also did not attend a similar exercise on Feb. 12, 2013 as they opted to
attend the proclamation rally of the Liberal Party in Manila.
On the other
hand, the competing administration party led by re-electionist Mayor Edward C.
Codilla wasn’t complete also. His wife Violeta who is challenging Rep. Gomez’s
re-election bid couldn’t make it either but she sent her daughter Caroline to
represent her.
In their
signed pledge, the candidates committed to not threaten, intimidate voters or
use force and violence, and organized partisan armed group to thwart the will
of the people; not influence the voters’ will through the use of money, gifts
or material assistance; conduct their campaign in accordance with law and in
the spirit of good grace and friendly rivalry; and raise the level of their
campaign by addressing issues and platforms, and avoiding character
assassination of opponents; among others.
Fr. Isagani
Petilos, Ormoc parish priest, expressed gladness that the activity was held
inside their church to remind the candidates of the sanctity of their pledge
that they recited in front of the altar. He added that politics is supposed to
be good, being a means to improve the people’s lot.
“I would
like to point out the seriousness and gravity of this endeavor. This campaign
is not a plaything but offering yourselves to public service,” Petilos went on.
Sr. Supt.
Ferdinand Garay, city police director, vowed that his office will ensure the
safety of voters and candidates alike on May 9 and that the city will be free
of any election related violence.
He also
guaranteed the safety of ballots. “Our personnel shall ensure the conduct of
security coverage to sustain a free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible
2016 elections,” he said.
“In behalf
of the 253 men and women of Ormoc Police Office, we assure everyone that our
office shall remain apolitical during the entirety of the exercise. In so
doing, utmost respect will be accorded to the public wherein no civil,
political, constitutional and human rights will be violated,” Garay said.
Col.
Francisco Mendoza Jr., commander of the 802nd Brigade informed that the Army,
Philippine National Police and Comelec in the region have signed a joint
security plan two weeks ago. The plan outlines their tasks and responsibilities
to secure the elections.
Mendoza
assured that they will do their best to give Ormoc a just, honest, orderly and
peaceful election. “But this also lies on the candidates’ part. I call on the
candidates to really stand by your commitment to your pledge and rest assured
that your army will do its part to be apolitical, non-partisan and neutral,” he
went on.
City
Election Officer Ramon J. Dadulla Jr. concluded the program by saying that
Comelec, armed with neutrality and their dedication to serve the people, will
see to it that the voice of every people in Ormoc will be heard and respected
on May 9. (PNA)
FFC/SQM/FNC
FFC/SQM/FNC
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