Oath of Secrecy there, Candidates' Covenant here

Congressman Lord Allan Velasco signing the Covenant.

 Yesterday,  the very same day when the 115 cardinal-electors in the Sistine Chapel lined up to take their oath of secrecy prior to voting a new Pope, certain provincial candidates in Marinduque also entered into a covenant with each other and the Comelec. They affixed their signatures on what has been deemed a binding document held at Camp Maximo Abad in Santol (Boac), in connection with the forthcoming 2013 Elections. The document stated that the candidates would adhere to the rule of law, the non-utilization of guns, goons and gold and any form of fraud, among others.

Most Rev. Bishop Reynaldo Evangelista, Diocese of Boac

PNP Marinduque Provincial Director, P/Sr.Supt Edwin M. Capanzana.

Present during the signing were Bishop Reynaldo G. Evangelista of the Diocese of Boac, PNP provincial director, P/Sr. Supt Edwin M. Capanzana, PNP Marinduque key officers and local media. Signing the covenant were Cong. Lord Allan Velasco, Gov. Carmencita O. Reyes, Vice-Gov. Antonio Uy, Jr. and other provincial board candidates from different political parties. 

Cong. Velasco

Vice-Governor Antonio Uy, Jr.

"Jojo" Alvarez, now running as vice-governor. Covenant a futile exercise?

Former provincial board member Jose Alvarez, now running for vice-governor, declined to affix his signature after making a brief statement to the effect that similar past covenants turned out to be futile exercises that were never adhered to by those concerned. 

Conspicuously absent were gubernatorial candidate, former Gov. Jose Antonio N. Carrion and Liberal Party House bet, Atty. Regina O. Reyes, daughter of the governor.

Adeline "Lyn" Angeles, candidate as SP board member

Text of the Candidates' Covenant follows:

"WE, individually and collectively hereby enter into this COVENANT with one another and the Commission on Elections and signify our agreement to abide by the following:

 

THAT, we shall bind ourselves to the will that the exercise of the right of suffrage is a solemn act of sovereignty, and the ballot, being an expression of the sovereign will is sacred;

THAT, we shall not personally or through our supporters, directly or indirectly corrupt any voter with money, nor impose our will upon him by way of force or violence, threat or intimidation, or in any manner impair his power and freedom of choice;

THAT, we shall abide the rules and regulations on: The ban on bearing, carrying or transporting of firearms or other deadly weapons; and the employment, availment or engagement of the services security personnel or bodyguards enunciated under COMELEC Resolution No. 9561-A Promulgated on November 23, 2012 during the Election Period for the May 13, 2013, “Automated Synchronized National and Local Elections”;

THAT, we bind ourselves that should any of our supporters, security personnel or bodyguards be found violating any of the COMELEC Resolutions relative to the May 13, 2013 National and Local Elections and that of the Omnibus Election Code, we shall bind ourselves legally disqualified to continue our candidacy under the principle that act of the subordinate is the act of the principal;

THAT, we manifest our adherence to the rule of law, election and regulations and the maintenance of cordial relations with each other, and the non-utilization of guns, goons and gold, and any form of fraud. Above all, we commit ourselves to the observance of sportsmanship regardless of the result of the elections.

WE shall participate in the CANDIDATES FORUM to be called by non-partisan groups in the community with the support of the Commission on Elections and there present, explain and debate on our campaign platforms, programs and position and relevant national, regional and local issues, and allow our opponents equal opportunity to do the same and that violations of this commitment shall void our candidacy;

THAT, we shall accept the result of the elections, and shall not unnecessarily delay the proclamation of the winning candidates and concede in good faith the victory of the proclaimed candidates;

NOW, therefore, we affix our signature this 12^th day of March, 2013 at Marinduque Police Provincial Office, Boac, Marinduque."

Photos: PNP Marinduque