Tañada hits absence of admin bets at covenant signing

Erin Tañada. INQUIRER.net file photo / CATHY MIRANDA

MANILA, Philippines – Senatorial aspirant Erin Tañada expressed dismay when no administration candidate or ranking official of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) went to the peace covenant signing held in Quezon City early Sunday.

A unity walk, interfaith prayer rally and peace covenant signing for #Eleksyon2019 was held to mark the start of the election period at the Quezon City Memorial Circle.

It was attended by various government agencies ranging from police forces, elections agencies, and church.

Despite the hundreds of participants who were present during the event, Tañada noticed the absence of Comelec commissioners.

“Mukhang hindi well-coordinated kasi maski isang commissioner dapat ng Comelec, nandito. Eh wala eh, regional director lang ng [National Capital Region] ang andito,” Tañada said in an ambush interview after the event.

Aside from this, Tañada said that senatorial bets of the administration were also absent from the event.

“Mas glaring na walang administration candidate na nandito para pumirma. Ang andito ay mga kinatawan nila,” he said.

“Ang tanong: may special power of attorney ba sila na pumirma dito sa integrity pledge? Mukha naman wala ata,” Tañada added.

Senatorial aspirants Christopher ‘Bong’ Go and Francis Tolentino, who are running under the banner of PDP-Laban, only sent representatives.

A mascot of Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa was also spotted at the event but it was not clear if the former chief of police sent a representative.

Not all opposition candidates for the Senate were at the event, however.

Only five of eight opposition senatoriables were present at the signing namely: Senator Bam Aquino, Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano, Chel Diokno, Samira Gutoc, and Tañada. /cbb