Local candidates led by Governor Joseph C. Cua signed a covenant pledging to uphold a clean, safe and orderly electoral process for the 2025 National and Local Elections on May 12, 2025.
Conducted by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) provincial office and its partner agencies, the event at Plaza Rizal covered courts were also attended by Vice Governor Peter C. Cua, Atty. Oliver Rodulfo, Virac Mayor Samuel V. Laynes, Caramoran Mayor Glenda Aguilar, PBM Robert Fernandez and other candidates for Sangguniang Panlalawigan, former Vice Governor Shirley Abundo, and municipal candidates from Virac, Caramoran and Bato.
Also signing the covenant printed on a tarpaulin sheet were Provincial Election Supervisor Neil Canicula, Catanduanes PNP Provincial Director PCol. Eduard Quijano, DepEd Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Delfin Bondad, DILG PD Uldarico Razal Jr., Atty. Irwin Peña of the Provincial Prosecution Office, Edna Bagadiong of PIA Catanduanes, CSC Dir. Enida Abordo, Rev. Fr. Raymond Teodonesas well as other officials from different agencies involved in the upcoming polls.
“We commit to protecting voter’s rights, rejecting fraud, violence, and misinformation, and upholding transparency, fairness and integrity,” the covenant states. “We support lawful security measures, discourage electoral violence, condemn CTG and Terrorist Acts and uphold the rule of law.”
The signatories also pledged to serve the public with integrity, respect electoral outcomes and prioritize national unity over personal or political interests.
Notable for his absence was incumbent Congressman Eulogio Rodriguez while former Catanduanes State University president Dr. Patrick Alain Azanza arrived late just in time for the signing.
Atty. Canicula disclosed that during a similar event in Gigmoto, Mayor Vicente Tayam Jr., who is running unopposed, vowed that there will be no vote-buying in his municipality in the May 12, 2025 elections.
The COMELEC official warned all candidates to abide by their pledge, reminding them of the threat of being disqualified even after winning.
He also cited the prosecution office’s eagerness to file complaints against violators of the Omnibus Election Code and related laws, rules and regulations.