CEBU – Just one day prior to the commencement of the formal campaign period, aspirants vying for positions in the upcoming May elections in Consolacion town, Cebu, took part in a Unity Walk and signed a Peace Covenant on Thursday, March 27.
The event took place at the municipal gymnasium, with the candidates committing themselves to maintaining a peaceful, organized, sincere, and trustworthy electoral process.
At minimum, four different political groups along with various individuals running independently are competing for roles in Consolacion, such as spots for city councillors.
“We always pray for a peaceful election. This is not my first time participating in the electoral process, but I always trust everything to the Lord. Dinhi sa Consolacion, wala gyud na nahitabo nga adunay dili maayo,” said incumbent Mayor Teresa “Nene” Alegado, who is seeking re-election under the Lakas party. (We always pray for a peaceful election. This is not my first time participating in the electoral process, but I always trust everything to the Lord. Here in Consolacion, nothing bad has ever happened)
“Ang significance gyud ani’ng peace covenant is the unity of all the candidates. We manifest that we will exercise a fair and honest election, free of violence,” said Blessilda “Bingol” Villo, a mayoral candidate from PDP-Laban. (The true significance of this peace covenant is the unity of all the candidates. We affirm our commitment to holding a fair and honest election, free from violence.)
“Even when slandering each other, we genuinely tried not to engage in such behavior,” stated mayoral hopeful Raul Isoto from the Promdi party. (We indeed put in efforts to steer clear of any kind of defamation.)
“Sa among team Uswag, usa ra nimoamong panalipyohan—ingon pud namon kini nga dili ta pangutana sa imong mga kas bulanon,” angay niya si Mayoral Candidate Mike Mercado haingil niining Partido Federal ng Pilipinas. (“For our team Uswag, this is indeed our aspiration—to refrain from speaking negatively about one another.” “We simply aim to remain positive.”)
Prior to the ceremony, a Holy Mass took place at San Narciso Parish, after which everyone joined a Unity Walk that guided them towards the municipal gymnasium.
The event was arranged by the Consolacio Municipal Police Station in cooperation with the local Comelec office.
“Let this occasion remind us that genuine leadership cannot be judged merely by success, but rather through honor, accountability, and dedication to the democratic values we collectively strive to maintain,” stated Police Lieutenant Colonel Eunil Avergonzado, who serves as the Chief of Police for Consolacion.
At the end of the event, Comelec-Consolacio Election Officer Ferdinand Hortelano cautioned the contenders to make sure their promotional items are displayed solely in specified zones. He encouraged them to clear out any posters or banners situated in restricted spots prior to the official start of campaigning.
“Kapag kami na ang Committee on Baklas ang mag-ihand sa mga materyales dahil hindi sila nagbigay ng sapat na kadahilanhan, susoggyan namin silang i-release with a show cause order. Kung huwag silang sumunod, iaasahan na lang ng legal office ang proseso,” ani ni Hortelano.