Mayor Binay hopes for clean, peaceful polls in Makati

Former Vice President Jejomar Binay joins his daughter incumbent Makati City Mayor Abby Binay and other local government officials for a Walk for Peace at the University of Makati.

MANILA, Philippines — Mayor Abby Binay is hoping for clean and peaceful elections in Makati City, saying no lives must be harmed during the May midterm polls.

“The peace covenant symbolizes our hope for a clean, peaceful and violence-free elections in Makati. It’s 2019 and our electorate is intelligent and discerning. They are no longer swayed by threats or acts of violence,” Binay said during the signing of a Peace Covenant and Walk for Peace at the University of Makati on Tuesday.

Mayor Abby Binay puts her signature on the Integrity Pledge wall at the University of Makati.

“I and the rest of Team Performance are fully committed to this covenant. No blood needs to be spilled in any election, and innocent people do not have to die,” she added.

The incumbent Makati mayor also appealed to other candidates not to use “scare tactics” or spread false information to confuse the public.

Binay added that politics can get dirty but should not hamper the delivery of social services and benefits for the residents of Makati.

Meanwhile, candidates for May elections also recited the “Integrity pledge,” which sought for “free, orderly, honest, peaceful, and credible elections” as per the Constitution.

Under the pledge, candidates must ensure that they will not bribe the voters during the elections.

“I will ensure the prompt and accurate reporting and disclosure of campaign-related expenses. I will not offer or give bribes or gifts to corrupt the integrity of our democratic process,” read the pledge.

“As a candidate seeking the people’s mandate in order to serve them, I shall respect the norms of conduct expected of public servants and commit to run a clean campaign, observing, fairness, common decency, honesty and good faith,” it added.

The pledge also stated that candidates must promote gender sensitivity and denounce all forms of violence against women in politics during the campaign.

“Through our words and actions, I and all who stand with me shall fight against discrimination in all forms; we shall promote gender sensitivity in the campaign; and we shall not tolerate any form of violence against ‘women in politics,’” read the pledge.

Attendees, likewise, placed their signature on the Integrity Pledge document and wall. The peace covenant signing ceremony was witnessed by representatives from the Philippine National Police-Makati, Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, and Commission on Elections.

Among those who signed the peace covenant were Makati 1st District Councilors Virgilio “Jhong” Hilario, Luis “Jojo” Javier, Martin Arenas, Carmina Ortega, Armando Padilla, Rene “Rebo” Saguisag, Jose “Joey” Villena, and Alcina “Alcine” Yabut; and 2nd District Councilors Dennis Almario, Maria Dolores “Doris” Arayon, Benedict “Bodik” Baniqued, Joel “Bong” Ariones, Arnold “Sammy” Cruz, Ives Ebrada, Edralyn “Ed” Marquez, and Kristina “Ina” Sarosa.

Former Makati Mayor Junjun Binay, who is seeking reelection as Makati mayor, and runningmate Monsour del Rosario did not attend the peace covenant signing. /jpv