BAGUIO CITY – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the Cordillera region on Wednesday urged government workers to stay neutral in the May 12 polls to avoid being administratively charged for electioneering.
“Let us not forget the reason bakit nandito tayo (why we are here) and that is because we want to pursue a noble cause and that is public service,” lawyer Julius Torres, Comelec-Cordillera director, said in his message during a program that followed the Unity Walk organized by Comelec-Baguio for the candidates and various government offices.
“As the campaign period for the local candidates draws near, let us remember pieces of advice. For us government workers, let us remain neutral and steadfast in our efforts for a clean, orderly, and honest election.”
Torres also advised aspirants vying for different elective positions to respect one another.
“To all the political aspirants, remember to treat each other with respect. We know that in the heat of campaign, there is a chance that you will forget the other is our kailian, our countrymen, kababayan (townmates), ka-barangay (fellow villagers), kapitbahay (neighbors),” he said.
He urged candidates to avoid hurling hurtful words at fellow aspirants and to follow election laws, rules, and regulations.
“The Baguio voters are intelligent and they know who does not follow the laws. Let us always remember that our voters will not vote for candidates identified as lawbreakers,” Torres said.
He also called on the voters to vote wisely, scrutinize the candidates, and study their platforms.
Meanwhile, Col. Ruel Tagel, Baguio City Police Office director, in an interview on the sidelines of the program, said they have come up with safety and security plans, to be presented to their higher headquarters on Thursday.
He said in making these plans, they had to revisit the previous preparations and make the necessary adjustments to address current challenges.
Tagel said the only challenges they see are logistics and the movement of resources and people.
“As far as Baguio is concerned, election here is historically peaceful. The only challenges are on logistics to ensure the movement of supplies, people, and machines needed for the election and during the election,” he said. **Liza Agoot
