Manila (7 May) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has called on every Filipino to do everything within his own power to ensure that the coming May 14 elections would be a “truly democratic” one so that the common weal could prevail.

At the same time, she called for a collective effort that “must be directed at reducing violence,” stressing that her administration is committed “to protect not only candidates but also the sanctity of the ballot.”

The President made the calls when she addressed the First Tripartite National Security Convention of security schools and agencies and their security guards at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel in Pasay City Saturday afternoon.

“Tayong lahat, gawin natin ang lahat nang makakaya upang malampasan ng ating demokrasya and pagsubok nating hinaharap… at masisiguro natin na magiging tunay na demokratiko ang halalan at makikita, lilitaw ang niloloob ng sambayanan,” enthused President Arroyo.

She pointed out that “tuwing halalan, ‘yon ay pagsubok sa demokrasya. Sa gayon, lalong patitibayin natin ang pundasyon para sa magandang hinaharap ng ating bansa, ekonomiya at lipunan.”

“Together, we can show the world that Filipinos thrive in a democratic system based on free choice,” the President stressed.

For his part, Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesperson Ignacio R. Bunye said that the presence of poll observers from other countries should be a “challenge for all of us to ensure that the polls are peaceful and orderly and truly reflective of the people’s will.”