Bohol local bets start campaign with Mass for peaceful polls

Bohol map. INQUIRER FILES

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines – God first. Local candidates for different positions in Bohol province — including its capital, Tagbilaran — started the campaign period with a Holy Mass on Friday, March 28.

The Eucharistic celebration, which was held at the St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral Shrine, was officiated by Bishop Alberto Uy of the Diocese of Tagbilaran.

In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Uy invited the candidates, campaign staff, and the community to a Holy Mass for a clean, honest, accurate, meaningful, and peaceful election.

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He also warned the candidates about the ill effects of vote buying and selling.

He instead encouraged them to advocate for clean, honest, accurate, meaningful, and peaceful elections.

“We must work together for our beloved country. Consider each other not as opponents but partners and brothers who have a good future for the people,” Uy said.

Present during the Mass were reelectionist Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado, Vice Gov. Tita Baja, Reps. Vanessa Aumentado (second district) and Alexie Tutor (third district), Philippine Councilors League (PCL) – Bohol Nick Besas, who is running for vice governor, and board members.

Tagbilaran Mayor Jane Yap and her rival Councilor Atoy Torralba and their slates were also around.

Aumentado’s rival for governor, Erastus “Hardy” Leopando, and former Mayor Dan Lim were not present during the Mass.

After the Mass, candidates would visit towns to attend local rallies.

The campaign period for local politicians will end on May 7, two days before the national and local elections.

Bohol has 981,564 registered voters.