SOME 800 candidates in Dagupan City, mostly for the barangay elections, participated in a mass and the signing of a covenant for “peaceful, safe and drug-free elections” on April 24 at the city plaza.

P/Superintendent Jandale Sulit, officer-in-charge of the Dagupan City Police Station, said he was pleased with the big turnout of candidates for the peace covenant signing, which was immediately followed by a Unity Walk along principal streets in the downtown area.

City Elections Officer Ericson Oganiza said that although the candidates were only advised verbally to attend the peace covenant signing, he was “happy to see” most responded positively.

The covenant signing was also witnessed by Melinda Buada, the Department of Interior and Local Government’s new city director.

Sulit confirmed that some candidates already indicated their willingness to take a drug test through an accredited laboratory as suggested.

He said a list of candidates who took the drug test and those who did not will be posted in front of the police station for all the people to know, and possibly in other public places.

Those found positive of drugs, he said, will undergo a confirmatory test and if again found positive, will be charged in court and may be disqualified from assuming the post in case he or she wins.

Oganiza clarified that the drug test and submission of resume and platform by the candidates are not mandatory. (Leonardo Micua)

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments