Calmana politicians sign peace pact

The peace pact signing, sponsored by the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Northern Police District Office (NPDO), was held at St. Mary’s Academy in Caloocan City.

Lawyer Esmeralda Ladra, the Comelec-National Capital Region (NCR) chief, however, was dissatisfied with the turn out of local politicians who attended the peace agreement signing.

"I would like to point to you, that these candidates who are here with us right now ay nagpapakita ng (are showing) obedience sa ating batas (to our laws)," Ladra said.

Among the less than 20 candidates who heeded the call for the peace agreement signing were Caloocan City Councilor Dick Gonzales, second district congressional aspirant and last term Mayor Reynaldo Malonzo, his opponent for the first district congressional seat Councilor Suzana Punzalan, Councilor Eddie "Boy" Domingo, former Councilor Chito Abel, former Vice Mayor Oscar Malapitan and Reps. Edgar Erice and Enrico Echiverri, who are both eyeing the post Malonzo is about to vacate.

Also present were Navotas Vice Mayor Gardy Cruz, mayoral candidate Salvador Monroy and Malabon City Vice Mayor Benjamin Galauran.

Ladra said local politicians should have given priority to the peace pact to ensure their commitment to the conduct of honest, orderly and peaceful elections in May.

"But, wala sila dito (they are not here), so we must go on with our covenant," she said.

Ladra also advised the electorate to vote for candidates with vision, with good character and those who are law abiding.

Despite the absence of the majority of the local candidates in the peace pact signing, Ladra expressed confidence that the police, with the help of the PPCRV and the media, especially the residents, could maintain an orderly and peaceful elections in the area.

Northern Police District director Chief Superintendent Marcelino Franco bats for the peaceful and orderly conduct of the political exercise.

Valenzuela City, which belongs to another diocese, will have its own peace covenant signing before the start of the official campaign for the local posts on March 25, Franco said.