BACOLOD CITY – Twenty-five local candidates signed a covenant for a peaceful elections at the Bacolod City Police Office headquarters on Tuesday, March 18.
CANDIDATES in Bacolod City pledge support for peaceful elections during a covenant signing at the Bacolod City Police Office headquarters on Tuesday, March 18. (Glazyl Masculino)
Those who signed the covenant were Mayor Albee Benitez, former Mayor Evelio “Bing” Leonardia, and Romy Gustilo, who are running for congressman; Rep. Greg Gasataya, who is vying for mayor; vice mayoral bets Councilors Renecito Novero and Claudio Puentevella; reelectionist Councilors Em Ang, Celia Flor, Israel Salanga, Jude Thaddeus Sayson, and Jason Villarosa; and councilor candidates former Councilors Ana Marie Palermo, Archie Baribar, Homer Bais, Wilson Gamboa Jr., and Roberto Rojas Sr., and Barangay Vista Alegre Captain Jose Maria de Leon, Ken Paolo Gilo, Barangay Pahanocoy Captain Yolanda Noble, Pepito Pico, Lilian Sembrano, Rico Villafuerte, Christian Weber, Ernesto Yap Jr., and Teodoro Yulo.
Novero said that his running mate, Vice Mayor El Cid Familian, who is running for mayor, was present but failed to sign the pledge as he had to leave for an appointment. He said that Familiaran is willing to sign the covenant.
Commission on Elections (Comelec)-Bacolod officer Revo Sorbito praised the candidates’ commitment to ensure safe and credible elections.
Sorbito highlighted the peaceful and successful conduct of the 2022 elections and expressed hope that this year’s elections here would also be free from violence.
“I hope the winners will have the humility to serve and respect the votes of the people of Bacolod City,” he said.
Police Col. Joeresty Coronica, Bacolod police director, said that the signing of the covenant demonstrated a dedication to fair and peaceful elections.
He encouraged candidates to respect the rule of law and uphold the integrity of the electoral system.
“Win or lose, the true victory is in earning the trust of the people and upholding their right to vote freely and without fear,” Coronica said.
Robredo in Bacolod
Former Vice President Leni Robredo visited this city on Wednesday and thanked the people of Negros Occidental for their unwavering support during her two national campaigns particularly her presidential bid in 2022.
Robredo, who is running for mayor in Naga City, Camarines Sur, endorsed former Senators Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV.
She praised their qualifications based on their shared work and advocacies. “We need good people in the Senate,” she said before their rally at the Paglaum Sports Complex in the afternoon.