Team ABEL, GP bets sign peace covenant

Candidates led by incumbent Mayor Evelio Leonardia, Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran and congressional aspirant Dan Atayde committed to support safe, accurate and fair 2022 elections.

At the launch of the “Kasimbayanan for S.A.F.E. 2022” held early this afternoon at the Bacolod City Government Center, Grupo Progreso bets led by Team ABEL (Atayde, Bing and El Cid) also vowed to focus on their respective platform of governance and to refrain from attacking the personal lives of their fellow candidates during the campaign period.

They also promised to avoid vote-buying, all forms of election fraud and use of threats.

All candidates signed the peace covenant that also calls on aspirants to refrain from spending beyond what is lawfully permitted; to be held accountable for the actions of their campaign leaders and accept the results of the election and respect whatever will be the decision of the people on May 9.

“This is a very important event that is why Grupo Progreso came in full force. We believe in the spirit and intent of the peace covenant,” Leonardia pointed out.

The peace covenant signing was spearheaded by the Commission on Elections led by Bacolod election officer Atty. Revo Sorbito, Bacolod City Police Office headed by Police Colonel Thomas Joseph Martir, church leaders, among others.

Aside from Leonardia, Familiaran and Atayde, incumbent councilors Cindy Rojas, Israel Salanga, Carl Lopez, Dindo Ramos, Renecito Novero also signed the peace covenant together with GP aspirants Em Ang, Jonathan Diaz, Ed Guillem, Marlon Solidum, Dr. Chris Sorongon and Cash Montalvo.

Councilor Archie Baribar, who is out of town, was represented by his son, Arete Baribar.*