Bishop urges candidates to avoid mudslinging

BALANGA CITY, Bataan – Candidates for the May 13 election trooped to the St. Joseph Cathedral, heard Holy mass and signed the integrity pledge prepared by the Commission on Elections on Saturday morning.
The inter-faith peace covenant was led by Bataan Gov. Abet Garcia, Vice Gov. Cris Garcia, Congressman Joet Garcia, and Mayor Francis Anthony Garcia. Other candidates from mayor, vice mayor down to municipal councilors signed the covenant with enthusiasm with willingness to abide by with integrity pledge as their ticket to good governance.
Bishop Ruperto Santos who officiated the mass briefly said in his homily that candidates, as much as possible should avoid mudslinging and emotionally and politically hurting each other.
The Integrity Pledge read in part: “I will not employ any form of violence, force or threat that may impair, impede or unduly influence the free exercise of people’s right of suffrage.”
One last line that caught the attention of the candidates: “We shall not tolerate any form of violence against women.”
White doves symbolizing the candidates’ pure intention in joining the peace covenant were released into the air after the ceremonies.