LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Candidates for various elective positions in Pangasinan have joined a simultaneous unity walk and signing of a peace covenant on Monday, Feb. 28, for peaceful and orderly elections on May 9.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec), Philippine National Police (PNP) and other stakeholders from other concerned government agencies, non-government organizations, and religious sectors participated to signify their desire to ensure the integrity of the elections.
The unity walk started at 7:30 a.m at the Epiphany of the Lord Parish here after a mass presided over by Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas towards the Lingayen Auditorium where the covenant signing was held.
Incumbent Mayor Leopoldo Bataoil of this town, his challenger, former Mayor Josephina Castañeda, their slate for the municipal council, and some candidates for the provincial board attended the events.
Incumbent Governor Amado Espino III and his opponent 5th District Rep. Ramon Guico III were not present.
Comelec assistant regional director lawyer Reddy Balarbar thanked the participants for their commitment to have a secure, accurate and fair election.
“Kahit sabihin natin na ang peace covenant na ito ay hindi under oath, let me remind all of you na meron pa rin kayong pinirmahan certificate of candidacy at iyon ay under oath. Sana isapuso at isip ninyo ang inyong pinirmahan,” he said. (You might think that this peace covenant was not done under oath but let me remind all of you that you all signed your certificates of candidacy under oath. Please bear that in mind.)
In Dagupan City, incumbent Mayor Marc Brian Lim, his challenger, former Mayor Belen Fernandez, along with their respective teams also joined the event at the St. John the Evangelist Cathedral and at the city plaza.