‘Bodong should stand for Peace and Good Governance’- Former Lubuagan Mayor Dickpus pushes integrity, wisdom in Pagta deliberations

Lubuagan – Former Lubuagan Mayor Charisma Anne Dickpus continues to advocate for peace, integrity, and responsible leadership in Kalinga through her involvement in traditional conflict resolution initiatives and community dialogue.

During the May 19 to 21 Tanglag and Lubuagan Bodong peace pact gathering, with the Pagta deliberations conducted on May 20 in Liglig, Tanglag, Lubuagan, Dickpus proposed that vote-buying and vote-selling be included among the punishable acts under future Pagta agreements.

According to Dickpus, the issue of vote-buying directly affects governance, public trust, and the future of communities.

“My intention was not to criticize any individual, group, or tradition, but to encourage reflection on a matter that affects the future of our people,” Dickpus stated.

Dickpus stressed that lasting peace and genuine development are strengthened when leadership is anchored on integrity, accountability, and the trust of the people. The lawyer additionally expressed concern over the growing normalization of vote-buying, even among the youth during Sangguniang Kabataan elections, warning that such practices may influence future generations to view elections as transactions instead of opportunities for genuine public service.

“When vote-buying becomes normalized at such an early stage of political involvement, it creates a culture where elections are viewed as transactions rather than opportunities for genuine service and leadership,” Dickpus emphasized.

The former mayor further explained that candidates who spend heavily during elections may later feel pressured to recover those expenses once elected, which could lead to misuse of public resources and unequal delivery of government services.

Although the proposal was not adopted during the Pagta deliberations, Dickpus welcomed the continuing discussions on the issue and emphasized the importance of respectful dialogue within the Bodong system.

“My purpose in raising this proposal was not to create division, but to encourage reflection and dialogue on an issue that affects the future of our tribes, our communities, and the generations that will follow us,” Dickpus explained.

Reflecting on leadership and accountability, Dickpus also cited a passage from Scripture, saying,

“As we reflect on this issue, I am reminded of the words of Scripture: ‘Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom’ (Psalm 90:12). Our time as leaders, elders, and citizens is temporary, but the consequences of our decisions can affect generations. May we therefore seek wisdom, uphold integrity, and leave a legacy that future generations will be proud to inherit.”

The former mayor expressed hope that through continued dialogue, mutual respect, and collective wisdom, communities in Kalinga would continue to strengthen both good governance and lasting peace.

Dickpus is one of the members of the Save Kalinga, a group that advocates against vote-buying, promotes project monitoring, and works to promote public discussions and awareness of issues and concerns surrounding controversial projects in the province.

The lawyer is also known as a strong advocate of the Bodong or peace pact system, using it as platform to help bridge gaps among communities and encourage peaceful and respectful resolution of conflicts and issues among tribes.