MANILA — Over 200 candidates in the barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in Quezon City (QC) have taken an integrity pledge for “free, orderly, violence-free, and fair” elections.
During the peace covenant signing on Tuesday (May 8), QC Commission on Elections (Comelec) District 2 election officer Jovilmar Igne said that “the event is meant to remind the candidates of their responsibilities as citizens to follow the election laws.”
“Some are getting into trouble because they do not follow the election law. This peace covenant is for the candidates, who will run to become village officials, which they need to follow so we can have a peaceful and orderly election,” Igne said.
Igne said they expect the candidates to abide by their pledge to be honest and fair not only during the elections but most especially when they get elected.
“We all know that this is a village election, the competition is tight because relatives and friends compete against each other. We hope that they will faithfully serve the community once they get elected,” Igne added.
Chief Supt. Joselito Esquivel, the QC Police District Director, said that a security plan is already in place for the upcoming elections.
“Our security plan has been laid out, we have Comelec checkpoints, we have a peace covenant signing that’s why the QCPD is here to act as witness. Those who didn’t sign will be the concern of the police. We will focus on them,” Esquivel said.
Election candidates from barangays Holy Spirit, Batasan Hills, Commonwealth, Bagong Silangan and Payatas attended the oath-taking and the peace covenant board signing at the city hall. (PNA)
