Local candidates, representatives from various government agencies, and other stakeholders attend a peace covenant signing in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental on Friday (Feb. 28, 2025). The Commission on Elections called on the officials, the stakeholders and the public to protect the country’s democracy by promoting safe, honest, peaceful, and orderly elections in May. (PNA photo by Mary Judaline Flores Partlow)
DUMAGUETE CITY – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Negros Oriental on Friday called on government agencies and other stakeholders to defend the country’s democracy by promoting safe, peaceful, and orderly elections in May.
“We are the guardians of democracy. Our hard work, vigilance, and integrity will ensure that every vote will reflect the true will of the people,” lawyer. Eddie Aba, Comelec provincial election supervisor, said in his message during the Unity Walk and Peace Covenant signing at the Dumaguete City National High School.
Present during the covenant signing were local candidates in the May 12 elections, officials from the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other uniformed services, Comelec, Department of Education (DepEd), as well as church representatives and other stakeholders.
“Let us move forward with unity and a shared purpose to hold an election that is clean, honest, accurate, meaningful, and peaceful,” Aba said.
By acting with integrity, Aba said those present in at the event “are putting the nation above all as we strengthen the very foundation of our democracy.”
To the candidates, he highlighted that their “leadership begins long before the ballots are cast.”
The Comelec official also urged them to be guided by truth, respect, and a genuine desire to serve, and whether they win or lose, their public service must make a lasting impact on the people.
“Elections are more than just a political exercise. They are a testament to our commitment to the democracy, integrity, and the will of the people,” Aba said. (PNA)
