Mandaue candidates sign peace covenant

CEBU, Philippines — Despite their political rivalries, candidates running in Mandaue City for the May 2025 midterm elections vowed to ensure a “peaceful” campaign and election process.

This, after a Unity Walk and Peace Covenant Signing was held yesterday bringing together local candidates in a commitment to fair and peaceful elections.

The Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO), in coordination with the Commission on Elections Central Visayas (COMELEC 7), spearheaded this initiative to uphold honesty, integrity, and non-violence in the electoral process ahead of the national and local elections on May 12.

In an interview, MCPO spokesperson Police Lieutenant Colonel Mercy Villaro said that this is a necessary measure that the Philippine National Police (PNP) must undertake before the conduct of the elections.

“Ang buhaton sa PNP is to make an activity wherein ang atoang mga candidates mapahiusa nato sila,” said Villaro.

Yesterday's event brought together local candidates, election stakeholders, and law enforcement agencies in a unified effort to ensure a peaceful and orderly election season.

The event began with a holy mass at the National Shrine of St. Joseph attended by local candidates. This was followed by a Unity Walk, where candidates, along with various law enforcement agencies, marched toward the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex, where the covenant signing was held.

Villaro added that based on their records, Mandaue City has maintained a history of peaceful elections over the years, with no recorded incidents of election-related violence.

The MCPO spokesperson said that while Mandaue City was previously tagged as having intense political rivalry, the PNP has not recorded any high-risk or dangerous areas, affirming that the city remains peaceful.

“Malinawon ra gihapon ta,” Villaro said.

Villaro said the event showcased the unity among Mandaue City candidates who attended, re-affirming their commitment to a peaceful election despite political rivalry.

“Kani siya nga activity nakita sa PNP (Philippine National Police) nga nagkahiusa ra ang candidates tanan, nga nag shakehands silang tanan. So, sports ra gyud ang atoang mga candidates dinhi sa Mandaue City,” said Villaro.

COMELEC Mandaue Assistant Election Officer Jacqueline Reuyan, in a separate interview, said that the event was generally successful as majority of local candidates participated, signifying their commitment to a peaceful and fair elections.

Candidates’ Vows

The Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex had shades of green and red yesterday as Team Mandaue and One Mandaue attended the event.

Despite this year's highly-contested elections, candidates pledged to uphold a peaceful electoral process by signing the peace covenant.

In an interview, former mayor Jonas Cortes, who is running for the mayoral seat along with his councilorial slate Team Mandaue, emphasized that beyond signing the peace covenant, candidates must genuinely reflect their commitment through their actions to ensure a peaceful election.

“Ang ako lang gyud no we have done this before always sa matag election, ang ako lang gyud buhat ang pasultion, dili sulti ang pabuhaton,” said Cortes.

Cortes said that despite political rivalries, the peace covenant served as a commitment, hoping that candidates will not only sign it but also uphold its principles through their actions in the upcoming elections.

“Ang akoa lang gyud maghiusa ta, Pilipino tang tanan, mupatigbabaw gyud ang kalinaw niining umaabot nga eleksyon,” he added.

Meanwhile, Provincial Board Member Thadeo “Jonkie” Ouano, likewise, vowed that his team, One Mandaue, will uphold the commitments they made in the peace covenant.

“Hopefully, until the day of election walay mahitabo nga untoward incidents,” he added.

He stated that political rivalry is inevitable, especially since their families have long been rivals with the Cortes clan.

“Ana man gyud ning politika, magkauban, magkontra, magkauban na sad og balik,” Ouano added.

He said that Mandaue City has no history of violence, which, in his view, is a positive thing.

Ouano said that while there may be commotion on social media, where supporters argue, it is completely normal, and as politicians, they should not be overly sensitive.

“Diha ra kutob, bugal-bugal ana, and that’s normal…politiko man ta, ato lang dawaton unya ato lang sa’ng tubagon,” Ouano said.

Independent mayoral candidate in Mandaue City, Gepind Requierme, also attended the event. He said that although it is his first time running for city mayor, he promised to promote peace and harmony among his fellow candidates, and he is committed to ensuring a fair electoral process.

Meanwhile, Mandaue City's lone district Representative Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon, who is seeking a re-election, said that her presence, along with One Mandaue, is a testament to their commitment to “peace and progress” of Mandaue City.

She added that despite the race being highly contested, they continue to show up because they want a peaceful election.

“As always mao man gyud na ang atoang gipakita sa atoang mga Mandauehanon,” Dizon told reporters in an interview.

Dizon emphasized that despite belonging to different parties and holding different opinions, they all hope for a peaceful city and a successful election this coming May.

Jo Cortes, one of the mayoral candidates, and former Mandaue City Treasurer Regal Oliva, who will be challenging Dizon for the congressional seat, were unable to attend the event yesterday. — JG (FREEMAN)