Poll bets in Pateros sign peace covenant

MANILA, Philippines — ­­­­­­Candidates in Pateros yesterday committed themselves to a peaceful conduct of the May 9 elections by signing a covenant.

Mayor Miguel Ponce III, who is seeking reelection under Aksyon Demokratiko, and his opponent Marilyn Chiong attended the signing of the peace covenant at the San Roque Parish Church.

Also present during the event were Allan Cerafica and Taguig Vice Mayor Ricardo Cruz Jr., who are running for representative of Taguig-Pateros district, as well as candidates for vice mayor and councilor.

The candidates vowed not to “employ any form of violence, force or threat that may impair, impede or unduly influence the elections.”

They also promised to ensure the accurate reporting of campaign-related expenses, and not offer or give bribes to “corrupt the integrity of our democratic process.”

The candidates swore to obserxve “fairness, decency, honesty and good faith” during the campaign, fight discrimination and exercise sensitivity among all genders.

Officials of the Pateros municipal police, local Commission on Elections and Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting witnessed the signing of the peace covenant.