No show for Ecija bets in peace pact

CABANATUAN CITY , Philippines  – Bishop Sofronio Bancud of the Diocese of Cabanatuan has expressed frustration over the failure of some candidates to attend the peace-covenant signing of the Parish Pastortal Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV).

“It’s very unfortunate,” Bancud remarked when asked over the no-show of some of the candidates in the peace covenant-signing at Ma. Assumpta Seminary Thursday.

The bishop was disappointed that former Jaen mayor Antonio Prospero Esquivel did not show up in the event meant to extract the commitment of candidates for honest, orderly and peaceful elections.

Esquivel is one of the prominent figures involved in the April 26,2007 shootout in Jaen between his supporters and those of fourth district Rep. Rodolfo Antonino. The incident, which led to the death of two persons and the wounding of 17 others, including two of Esquivel’s sons, prompted the Commission on Elections to place the entire province under its control.

The event was highlighted by the presence of re-electionist Nueva Ecija Gov. Aurelio Umali and his chief political rival, Vice Gov. Edward Thomas Joson who forged a “covenant of spirituality” for honest, orderly and peaceful elections in the province.                   

Umali, gubernatorial candidate of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD and Partido Pagbabago and Joson of the Bagong Lakas ng Nueva Ecija signed the Tipan ng Kapayapaan at the packed Ma. Assumpta Seminary along with their respective allies and fellow candidates from the other political parties.   – Manny Galvez