Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte on Monday appealed for a peaceful and honest election in the city as the election period formally kicked off last Sunday.
As one of three mayoral candidates, Belmonte called on her fellow candidates to observe a non-violent election.
“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,” she said.
The vice mayor also lamented the killings of Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe, who was running for mayor in the mid-term polls this May, and Bukidnon Mayor Joelito Talaid, in recent weeks.
“We hope Quezon City will not be that violent,” she said.
“I want to encourage all the supporters of every candidate, for all sides, let us do this peacefully, and in a sportsmanlike manner. And after the elections, whatever the results can be, let’s respect the decisions of our electorate,” Belmonte added.