Peace covenant shows stakeholders’ adherence to the rule of law

• Source:http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1371458539694/peace-covenant-shows-stakeholders-adherence-to-the-rule-of-law
• Wednesday, March 23, 2016

By Gideon C. Corgue (ALT/GCC/PIA9/ZamboSur)

PAGADIAN CITY (PIA) – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) provincial office hopes that there will be peace in the upcoming national and local elections on May 9, 2016.

Darius Dasmarinas, election officer of Dumalinao who represented Atty. Ellis M. Miguel, provincial election officer in his message during the peace covenant signing said, “Let there be peace this coming elections and let this start from each one of us.”

“We are about to embark on another momentous event in our history. As a nation, we once more take hold of the opportunity to shape the future through the indomitable power of our ballots,” he added.

He stressed that as a nation, we have to ensure the free exercise of our right of suffrage, recognizing that it is a solemn act of sovereignty and it shall be at all times protected by laws governing elections.

“All candidates and stakeholders manifest their adherence to the rule of law, election rules and regulations and maintenance of cordial relations with each other,” he said.

Meanwhile, mayoraly candidate Roseller L. Ariosa of the AKSYON Party expressed his deep gratitude to the conveners of the event.

“We, the AKSYON party team, united for peace and progress in Pagadian are God-fearing, peace loving, law-abiding citizens, vow and swear before this Holy Bible and to you Msgr. Emmanuel Cabajar, the lead convenor of Inter-Faith Forum for Solidarity and Peace, COMELEC, PNP, AFP, DILG, and media that we will support the conduct of free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible elections,” Ariosa said.

“We will neither employ any form of violence nor engage in vote buying because we respect the dignity of Pagadianons. We will not commit cheating because we respect the sanctity of the ballots. And above all, we will uphold the sacred right of every citizen of Pagadian,” Ariosa pledged.

Incumbent mayor Romeo P. Pulmones, who is running under the Liberal Party said “we are here to abide by the covenant and to be sincere after signing the pact. I hope that our city will remain peaceful until after the elections,” Pulmones concluded.

Also present during the program were 53rd Infantry Battalion commanding officer LtCol. Virgilio Hamos of the Philippine Army, PNP provincial director Sr. Supt. Michael Nicolas, City PNP director Supt. Michael Palermo, acting City Election Officer Anacleta Balinton, and City DILG officer Paulina Gadiano.