MANILA -- Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte on Monday called on all local election aspirants in the city to observe a peaceful and orderly midterm elections.
Belmonte, who is seeking the top post in Quezon City, made the appeal a day after the start of the election period on Sunday.
“I am hoping for a peaceful election because an election is just a political exercise. As a candidate, no matter who your opponents are, you should respect the wishes of your people,” Belmonte said in an interview with reporters.
Citing the recent killings of Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe and Bukidnon Mayor Joelito Talaid, Belmonte decried the incidents of election-related violence in the country, as she appealed for peace during the election period so that Quezon City will not be considered as an election hotspot.
“Sana hindi naman humantong ang Quezon City sa ganoong sitwasyon katulad ng nangyayari sa iba pang (I hope Quezon City will not end up in such a situation similar to what is happening to other) election hotspots. Huwag nating hayaan na umusbong ang karahasan sa ating lungsod nang sa gayon, hindi tayo maging election hotspot (Let’s not allow violence to sprout in our city so that we will not become an election hotspot),” she said.
“I want to encourage all the supporters of every candidate, for all sides, let us do this peacefully, and in a sportsman-like manner. And after the elections, whatever the results can be, let’s respect the decisions of our electorate,” she added. (PNA)
