Peace covenant signing in Negros Oriental 400 bets join; church, military hope they’d be true to the word

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — Half the war has been won in achieving a Clean, Honest, Accurate, Meaningful and Peaceful (CHAMP) elections in May 13 with the signing last Monday (March 25) of a peace covenant under the auspices of the Diocesan Electoral Board headed by Msgr Julius Heruela.

An estimated 400 candidates for various elective positions in Negros Oriental demonstrated their commitment for a CHAMP elections on May 13 by signing a peace covenant last Monday in this capital city.

The peace covenant signing, coming just four days to the first day of the campaign period for local bets on March 29, was initiated by the DEB of the Diocese of Dumaguete, a non-partisan group composed of government agencies, non-government organizations, the citizens’ arms of the Comelec and the media.

Colonel Francisco Patrimonio, 302nd Infantry Brigade commander, in his message during the event, reminded the candidates that such efforts would be useless unless they put their words into action.

He said all these preparations, covenant signing, addressing security concerns is only one half of the task, the greater responsibility rests on the candidates themselves by abiding with what were written in the document.

Heruela, convenor of the DEB, thanked the large attendance of candidates who travelled from as far as Canlaon City in the north and Basay town in the south to participate in the peace pact signing.

He however said that it would be more meaningful if the candidates will live by what they have just committed. He also observed that candidates in the province have matured over the years, ensuring to avoid violent incidents among them and their supporters that could spoil the integrity of the electoral exercise.

All candidates contesting the gubernatorial seat were present: Reelectionist Governor Roel Degamo, former Finance Secretary Gary Teves, incumbent Rep. Jocelyn Limkaichong of the 1st district and independent candidate Samuel Torres.

Also there were reelectionist Vice Governor Apolinario Arnaiz, Jr. and rival candidates Henry Sojor and Mark Macias.

For the congressional district seats, only three of the six candidates attended: former 1st district Rep. Jerome Paras who is making a comeback for the same position, incumbent Rep. George Arnaiz of the 2nd district and his rival, incumbent Bais City Mayor Karen Villanueva.

Others present in the pact signing were candidates for Provincial Board member, mayor, vice mayor and councilors of the different towns and cities in the province.

Witnessing the event were officials of the Comelec, the Philippine Army, the Philippine National Police, the Department of Education, the media, volunteers from various civic groups and different Church leaders.  (FREEMAN)