Peaceful elections in Cebu pledged

CEBU CITY – Candidates vying for various posts in Cebu City agreed to have a fair and peaceful elections in May 13.

Members of administration party Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BO-PK) and Barug-PDP Laban signed a peace covenant at the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) yesterday morning.

Senior Supt. Royina Garma, chief of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), said she is hoping that through the signing of the covenant, the city will be placed in a lower Election Watchlist Areas (Ewas) category.

The city was placed under orange category, which means there was an intense political rivalry, presence of armed groups and election-related violence in the past.

“I hope they will be true to their commitment to have a peaceful and fair election,” said Garma.

City Mayor Tomas Osmeña, who is eyeing to retain his post, didn’t make it to the activity but his running mate, city councilor Mary Ann de los Santos, along with other BO-PK candidates running for councilor, graced the signing.

Barug-PDP Laban bets came in full force led by Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella, who is running against Osmeña, and his running mate, former mayor Michael Rama.

Also in attendance were TV actor Richard Yap and Raul del Mar (incumbent), who are running against each other for a congressional seat in Cebu City-South District.