BACOLOD CITY , Philippines – At least 34 candidates for governor, vice governor, board members and congressmen in Negros Occidental signed a covenant for fair and peaceful elections at the San Sebastian Cathedral here last Friday.
The signing was led by allies-turned-rivals Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. of the United Negros Alliance (UNA) and Vice Gov. Genaro Alvarez Jr. of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), who are pitted in the gubernatorial race.
Although they are currently engaged in a media war, Marañon and Alvarez, who were party mates in the 2010 polls, shook hands and hugged each other before the cameras after they signed the covenant.
Alvarez was endorsed by NPC founder Eduardo Cojuangco Jr., considered a political kingmaker in the province. He was also endorsed by Sen. Franklin Drilon, Liberal Party chairman and Team PNoy campaign manager.
The provincial and congressional candidates signed the peace covenant at the altar of the cathedral, witnessed by officials of the Diocese of Bacolod, Commission on Elections, Philippine National Police and the Army.
Also signing the covenant were board member Melvin Ibañez (UNA) and former San Carlos mayor Eugenio Jose Lacson (NPC), who are vying for vice governor.