ILOILO – Signing the election “integrity pledge” is not mandatory, clarified to Commission on Elections (Comelec) Iloilo supervisor Atty. Elizabeth Doronila.
But Comelec-Iloilo would do its best to convince all filers of certificates of candidacy (COC) for the 2019 midterm elections to sign it, she said.
“Kon indi sila magpirma we cannot force them to do so. Pero bantay man gihapon kami kay sa ila COC nakabutang man that they will abide with all the laws and magasunod sila sa Constitution, ti dala na ina da,” said Doronila.
The pledge read: “I sign this Integrity Pledge for free, orderly, honest, peaceful, and credible elections, and through my words and actions, commit to abide by the tenets of our Constitution, election law, rules and regulations, respecting the sanctity of our electoral exercise.”
Doronila expressed confidence that those who have already signed the pledge would make good their promise.
“Para ini sa kaayuhan sang aton probinsya,” she said.
The filing of COCs started on Oct. 11. Today is the last day of filing.
The “integrity pledge” further read: “I will not employ any form of violence, force, or threat that may impair, impede or unduly influence the free exercise of the people’s right to suffrage. 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.”/PN
