” Thus appealed unopposed Gov. Lilia G. Pineda to the hundreds of local candidates gathered at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center here Tuesday for the signing of the peace covenant for the May elections titled “Tipanan para sa Matapat, Maayos at Mapayapang Halalan 2016.”
The covenant signing was spearheaded by the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, the Commission on Elections, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army.
Conspicuous in their absence though were local PPCRV chair Rev. Fr. Kenneth D.Alde and San Fernando Archbishop Florentino D. Lavarias, listed in the program to give the final message and blessing.
Their absence was hardly noticed in the “enthusiasm and energy” of the candidates – from congressman, board members, mayors, vice mayors down to councilors – in taking their pledge and signing the covenant boards.
“It does not mean that signing this peace covenant means Pampanga is not peaceful,” Central Luzon Police Regional Director Chief Supt. Rudy G. Lacadin told the assembly. “As a matter of record, Pampanga is the most peaceful in Central Luzon and the region has no hot spots."
This, as Lacadin cited the 60 percent decrease in crime incidents in the region.
A brief discussion on Comelec Resolution 10049 (Election Campaign Rules) was presided by Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Lydia V. Florentino-Pangilinan.
Gov. Pineda along with Vic Gov. Dennis G. Pineda, who is also running unopposed, went out of her way in seeking opposing candidates for group pictures, reminding them “walang siraan, bawasan ang init ng ulo sa kampanya, magmahalan kayo.”
Calm
In what could be the last moment of calm before the storm, bitter rivals were noted at the convention center making like the best of friends.
Comebacking 3rd District Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales kissed the hand of his “ninong” and rival incumbent Rep. Oscar S. Rodriguez.
Incumbent 4th District Rep. Juan Pablo Bondoc and opponent Apalit Mayor Oscar “Jun” Tetangco Jr. embraced like long lost friends.
Mabalacat Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales was escorted by challenger Board Member Cris Garbo to the covenant board to affix his signature.
Bitter rivals Mexico Mayor Roy Manalastas and returning Mayor Teddy Tumang were all smiles in a photo-op with the governor and vice governor.
Porac foes Mayor Condralito de la Cruz and Councilor Mike Tapang broke their widest smiles too with the mother-son tandem.
Among notables absent in the event were Bacolor Mayor Jomar Hizon and his opponent, former Mayor Buddy Dungca; comebacking mayors Chito Espino of Arayat and Leonardo “Bobong” Flores of Macabebe.
Of the 1st District congressional candidates, only incumbent Rep. Joseller “Yeng” Guiao was present.
Luli Macapagal represented her mother, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who is also running unopposed.
