At least 35 candidates vying for provincial and congressional seats attended the peace covenant in Cavite.

The covenant was the first since Cavite was divided into seven districts last December. It was done before the conduct of national and local elections to ensure HOPE (an acronym for honest, orderly and peaceful elections) in localities.

The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPRCV), Provincial Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Provincial Police Office (PPO) led the event last Friday at Our Lady of Pillar Parish-Imus Cathedral.

Thirty-five out of 80 candidates vying for gubernatorial, vice gubernatorial, and congressional and board member seats came for the ecumenical mass officiated by Imus Bishop Luis Antonio G. Tagle and the signing of the peace agreement. At least 70 candidates have confirmed earlier their attendance to the gathering.

The candidates present signed on a large manifesto tarpaulin, which shunned corruption, violence and cheating, particularly during the election period.