By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY – Twenty-five out of 35 candidates running for local positions pledged to uphold peaceful elections during a covenant signing at the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) headquarters on Tuesday.
Among those who signed the pledge were Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez, former Mayor Evelio “Bing” Leonardia, and Romy Gustilo, who are running for a congressional seat.
Incumbent Bacolod lone district Rep. Greg Gasataya and Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, both vying for the mayoralty position, also signed, along with Councilors Renecito Novero and Claudio Puentevella, who are both running for vice mayor.
Candidates for councilor who joined the peace covenant signing included reelectionist Em Ang, Celia Flor, Israel Salanga, Jude Thaddeus Sayson, and Jason Villarosa.
Former Councilors Ana Marie Palermo, Archie Baribar, Homer Bais, Wilson Gamboa Jr., and Roberto Rojas Sr. also participated, along with Barangay Vista Alegre Captain Jose Maria De Leon, Ken Paolo Gilo, Barangay Pahanocoy Captain Yolanda Noble, Pepito Pico, Lilian Sembrano, Rico Villafuerte, Christian Weber, Ernesto Yap Jr., and Teodoro Yulo.
Lawyer Revo Sorbito, head of the Commission on Elections (Comelec)-Bacolod, said the candidates’ presence demonstrated their commitment to ensuring safe, accurate, free, and credible elections this year.
Sorbito recalled that during his tenure as Comelec officer in 2022, Bacolod successfully conducted peaceful elections without violence.
He expressed hope that the city would once again proclaim its winning candidates without any incidents.
“I hope the winners will have the humility to serve and respect the votes of the people of Bacolod City,” he said.
Commitment to Peaceful Elections
BCPO director Police Col. Joeresty Coronica said the covenant signing was a testament to the candidates’ commitment to clean, honest, accurate, meaningful, and peaceful elections—what he called “CHAMP.”
He emphasized that the event was not just a ceremonial act but a solemn pledge to uphold democratic principles, respect the rule of law, and ensure the integrity of the electoral system.
Coronica noted that elections are the foundation of democracy, allowing people to choose their leaders and shape the future of their city and nation.
However, he stressed that the electoral process must be free from threats, intimidation, violence, and fraud.
“To our esteemed aspirants, by affixing your signature, you are declaring before the people of Bacolod that you will abide by the law, respect your fellow candidates, and allow the voice of the electorate to prevail,” he said.
“This is a pledge of peace, integrity, and respect for the democratic process. Win or lose, the true victory is in earning the trust of the people and upholding their right to vote freely and without fear,” he added.
Coronica also reaffirmed the BCPO’s commitment to ensuring a safe and impartial electoral environment.
He acknowledged the role of the community in the electoral process, urging the public to remain vigilant, responsible, and engaged.
Election Guidelines and Reminders
Lawyer Ian Lee Ananoria, Negros Occidental election supervisor, reminded candidates to remove their posters outside designated common poster areas starting March 28, the official start of the local campaign period.
Ananoria assured the public that all votes would be counted accurately.
“No votes will be wasted, and we will proclaim you as soon as legally possible,” he said.
Meanwhile, Novero said his running mate, Familiaran, was present at the event but had to leave for an appointment before signing the pledge.
However, he assured that Familiaran is willing to sign.
Symbolic Ceremonies
The event concluded with the release of white doves, symbolizing peace, harmony, and hope for a fair election process.
White balloons were also released to represent the aspirations and dreams of the people and the willingness to move past grievances.
The lighting of candles served as a symbol of unity, integrity, and the collective desire for a peaceful election.
