Zamboanga City, Apr 18 (PIA) -- Electoral campaign of  local candidates here is in full swing while the Commision on Election (COMELEC) is up on its toes to remind candidates to abide by the campaign rules and policies of the Commission.

This, as COMELEC-9 Election Officer Attorney Stephen Roy Cañete appealed for a smooth and peaceful election on May 9, 2022 among the mayoral aspirants, during the Valiente: Mayoral Candidates’ Forum held recently this month.

“I implore you to follow the campaign policies and show to people that you are the right person for the position,” Atty. Cañete said.

The election officer  emphasized and reminded the candidates to not involve in any ferocities and vote buying to avoid violations to their candidacy and eventually be invalid.

“Do not resort to any violence, threats, and intimidations especially vote buying,” Cañete affirmed.

More so, the COMELEC-9 lauded the efforts of the Zamboanga Election Forum Alliance (ZEFA) for having been conducted the forum to provide the mayoral candidates an equal opportunity to present their platforms to the general public.

“The forum is one of the best avenues to determine who among the equally qualified candidates is the most deserving to receive the mandate of Zamboangueños to lead the city for the next three years,” Cañete said.

Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-9 Regional Director Noemi Edaga put premium on the forum's provision of medium for candidates to engage the voters and to express their positions on today’s key issues.

“This provides them an opportunity to generate support for their advocacies and candidacy,” Director Edaga added.

Further, Atty. Stephen Roy Cañete also appealed to the voters not just in Zamboanga Peninsula region but to all Filipinos; to know the persons they want to elect as leaders.

“To our electorates, know your candidates and be an informed voter,” Atty. Cañete said. (NBE/PIA9/Zamboanga City/Photo Courtesy of Ateneo De Zamboanga University)