Belmonte appeals for decent campaigning

Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte prays for decent campaigning as the campaign period for the local candidates started on Friday.

MANILA, Philippines – Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte called for positive and decent campaigning as the campaign period for local candidates formally kicked off on Friday.

“I am praying for a campaign season free of fake news, black propaganda, mud-slinging, and lies. I know this is wishful thinking, but miracles do happen, especially when God’s righteous love prevails,” said Belmonte, who is vying for the position of mayor in Quezon City following three consecutive terms as vice mayor.

“To our voters, what we wish is just to be able to express our platform, have the chance to deliver our programs for the city, and win in an honest and safe election,” Belmonte shared as the leader of her city-based party.

For the first day of the local campaign period, Belmonte’s Serbisyo sa Bayan Party (SBP) conducted yesterday a proclamation rally where the party’s full slate conveyed their platforms to the constituents of Quezon City.

Belmonte, vying for the top post in the city, led the said proclamation rally and was joined by running mate Coun. Gian Sotto, running as vice mayor; Belmonte’s father Cong. Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte Jr., former Quezon City Mayor; and Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III who was former QC vice mayor.

Some of Belmonte’s programs for the city include the intensification of anti-drug operations, installation of more closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in QC streets, upgrading of the city’s document processing through technology and innovation, and improved delivery of basic services such as ensuring every sector in the city is covered by premiums such as Social Security System (SSS) and PhilHealth.

“My goal is to be an exemplary leader that the people can trust and can deliver positive change for the good of the people. Hindi ako mangangako ng kung ano-ano na hindi ko naman kaya tuparin pero sisiguruhin ko na lagi nating uunahin ang kapakanan ng nakararami, at ang kabutihan para sa ating mga mamamayan,” said Belmonte in an interview.

During the proclamation rally, SBP was also joined by several candidates from the Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) Senate slate which includes Senators Cynthia Villar, Aquilino Pimentel III, JV Ejercito, and Juan Edgardo Angara; former Senators Jinggoy Estrada, Ramon Revilla Jr., and Pia Cayetano; Maguindanao Rep. Zajid Mangudadatu, Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos, former national police chief Ronald dela Rosa, former special assistant to the president Christopher Go, former presidential legal adviser Francis Tolentino and former journalist Jiggy Manicad.

In November, Belmonte’s local party formally signed an alliance with HNP under Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.