TABUK CITY, Kalinga (PIA) – Candidates for the May 2025 local elections in Kalinga pledged not to engage in vote-buying and election-related violence or corruption, and to follow election rules and regulations to promote honest, fair, and peaceful elections in the province
Local candidates promised this as they took part in the Unity Walk, Interfaith Rally, and Peace Covenant Signing held on March 26, 2025, at the Kalinga Sports Center. They were joined by key government agencies and stakeholders including the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Commission on Elections, Department of Education, the Philippine Army, the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the religious sector.
“This is a neutral activity, the main purpose of which is to ensure that the upcoming elections shall not only be successful but also a peaceful exercise of our constitutional right to suffrage,” said Tabuk City Election Officer Attorney Gustavo Dalen.
“I hope by signing this pledge, you promise to uphold the integrity of the election process by way of refusal to engage in, but not limited to, vote-buying, election-related violence or corruption. In addition, you promise to raise the bar of maturity for the Filipino electorate,” Dalen told candidates.
Candidates were told to remove their tarpaulins, posters, banners, and other election paraphernalia that are posted outside of designated common poster areas ahead of the official start of the campaign period on March 28, 2025.
Government employees, on the other hand, were reminded not to take part in electioneering and partisan activities.
“Datayo nga taga-gobyerno, we remain to be apolitical. Do not support anybody publicly,” said DILG-Kalinga Provincial Director Anthony Manolo I. Ballug.
A candidates’ forum was also held where the candidates were given the opportunity to discuss their platforms. (JDP/IOS-PIA CAR, Kalinga)
