Bulacan bets sign peace covenant

MALOLOS CITY – Rival politicians seeking elective positions in the province signed a peace covenant at the historic Basilica Minore here Saturday night.

The event drew major candidates like former governor Roberto Pagdanganan and Joselito Mendoza, who are slugging it out in the gubernatorial race.

Vice Gov. Aurelio Plamenco, who is also running for governor under the opposition, and his running mate, actor-turned-politician Daniel Fernando, did not show up, along with Rep. Willy Alvarado, Pagdanganan’s running mate.

The peace covenant was initiated by the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) of the Malolos Diocese, in coordination with the Bulacan police and the Commission on Elections’ provincial office.

The candidates held lighted candles as they recited their pledge for peaceful elections in the province. Bishop Jose Oliveros offered prayers for them.

Senior Superintendent Asher Dolina, acting provincial police director, said he was glad that rival candidates attended the brief ceremony and signed a manifesto for clean, honest and peaceful elections.

"It’s a good sign for peaceful elections in Bulacan," he said.

Earlier, Pagdanganan and Alvarado slammed the tirades of outgoing Gov. Josie de la Cruz who accused them of dividing the province.

Pagdanganan said De la Cruz’s allegations were nothing but lies produced by the "capitol’s factory of lies."

For his part, Alvarado said the outgoing governor should explain why she allowed quarrying in the Biak-na-Bato National Park.