NP to political parties: Show commitment to peaceful elections

The Nacionalista Party yesterday challenged other political parties to manifest its commitment to an honest and peaceful elections and renounce violence as a means to subdue the people's will in May 2010.

"We at the Nacionalista Party have already signified our commitment to lead a peaceful and bloodless campaign. This is our commitment to the people. We urge all those who will participate in the coming elections to do the same," said former Cavite Rep. Gilbert Remulla, NP spokesman and senatorial candidate.

Remulla issued the statement in light of the attacks on NP candidates in two incidents this week - in Taganaan town Surigao del Norte and in Dingras, Ilocos Norte. The ambush in Dingras resulted in the death of a barangay chairperson.

The NP's president and standard-bearer, Sen. Manny Villar, condemned in the strongest possible terms the attacks on NP members.

"We condemn these latest acts of violence against our members, which we consider a brazen disregard for the democratic rights of our people to choose their leaders," Villar said.

"We urge the authorities to speedily resolve these crimes against our democracy and put perpetrators behind bars. Anything less than that would be a travesty of justice in its highest form."

Remulla said the NP is willing to sign a public manifesto with the Commission on Elections, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) "to proclaim once again party's commitment to peaceful elections.

"But the NP alone could not guarantee a bloodless elections. We challenge all political parties to sign this manifesto with us," Remulla said.

Two days ago, Barangay Captain Wilbert "Dodong" Origines, ABC president and NP candidate for vice mayor in Taganaan town, Surigao del Norte, was gunned down. He survived the shooting.

On December 28, four still unidentified armed men gunned down a convoy of NP members that resulted in the death of Barangay Chairman Joen Canetert, the party's candidate for councilor in the town of Dingras.

Also injured in the incident were board member Dr. Robert De Castro, Councilor Jimboy Albano, SPO2 Cesar Sabado, Joel Rosqueta, Fernando Sebastian and Gaudencio Teodoro. Also with the party though unharmed was Barangay Chairman Joefrey Saguid, who is running for mayor in Dingras carrying the NP banner.

"We cannot allow this culture of impunity to continue. The fitness for office of a candidate does not rest on how much he can bend his opponents to his will through violence. We hope the unfortunate incident in Dingras will not set the tone of next year's elections," Remulla said.

"Next year's election is a critical one for our country. It will test our resolve to reform the old ways and usher in a new era of governance to promote the welfare of the people. But if the violence continue to escalate, then it sends a wrong signal not only to our countrymen but also to the international community as well."

Remulla said that the perennial problem of election-related violence should be a thing of the past, "a machination of the old politics that has pervaded the country since Filipinos engaged in elections."

"But now should be an enlightened period. Violence during elections belongs to an era that should be renounced and rejected," Remulla said.