Samar candidates renew vows to peaceful May 9 polls

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, April 12 (PNA) -- Local candidates from opposing parties in this province renewed their commitment to abide by their pledges for clean, honest, and peaceful elections.

According to the provincial chair of the Liberal Party, gubernatorial candidate Emil J. Zosa, the peace pact is in line with the wishes of the people of Samar.

“Polls consistently show that people want a peaceful Samar that is not involved in any kind of aggression and violence,” Zosa said during Monday's meeting initiated by the Roman Catholic's diocese of Calbayog.

Governor Sharee Ann Tan, who was represented by his brother, Vice Governor Stephen James has called on the police to step up watch against private armed groups so they won’t be used by politicians to harass voters.

Bishop Isabelo Abarquez of the Calbayog diocese reiterated that Samar people are calling candidates and parties to stop violence.

“We have seen too much devastation, loss of live and people fleeing from their homes as a result of violence. Everyone must now commit to ending our involvement in this suffering,” Abarquez said.

Abarquez made the call in front of provincial candidates who signed the Integrity Pledge Sunday morning at the St. Batholomew Church in Catbalogan city, including gubernatorial bets incumbent Governor Sharee Ann Tan and Zosa, Rep. Mila Tan, congressional bet Edgar Mary Sarmiento.

Aside from urging local candidates not to bribe voters, Abarquez likewise appealed to the candidates to conduct their campaign according to their platforms and not to resorting to character assassination.

The Roman Catholic bishop also reminded the voters in Samar to vote wisely and to choose good leaders who will bring and serve the best interest of locals in Samar.

“This is an opportune time to ask ourselves if we are going to continue with same political practices.

 With our votes we either give power to a party or weaken it. If we do not want to be accessories to the abuses of some politicians, then we need to vote conscientiously,” Abarquez said. (PNA)
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