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Showing posts with label Polls. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Polls. Show all posts
Monday, February 08, 2010
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Campaign for peaceful polls launched in Sulu
SULU, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Feb. 6, 2010) – A multi-sector task force launched a radio program in Jolo, Sulu to help educate the local electorate and other stakeholders on ways and means of fostering peaceful, orderly, and credible elections in the May 2010 elections in the province.
The regular advocacy program kicked off over state-run Radyo ng Bayan-Jolo on February 3, a day after various local sectors formed Task Force Kahanungan which literally means "peace", in a two-day orientation and organizational workshop sponsored by the Ulangig Mindanao in coordination with the Asia Foundation, organizers said.
The Ulangig Mindanao, a nongovernmental organization campaigning against election-related violence, is also assisted by the Bureau of Public Information of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Dr. Amildasa Annil, group president and BPI-Sulu coordinator, said.
The members of the task force include representatives of the local media, business, religious, and academic sectors and other stakeholders assisted by the Commission on Elections, the military and police, whose local top brasses staged a seminar-workshop on preventing election-related violence from January 16 to 17 in Jolo, Annil said.
“Our campaign is a concerted effort against election violence. We are very glad that ARMM acting Governor Ansaruddin Adiong, the provincial government under Sulu Governor Sakur Tan, and the Comelec, military and police hierarchies are rallying behind us,” Annil said.
The task force formed committees on security, grievance, and reconciliation; information, education, and monitoring; and ways and means with defined functions in an action plan aimed at helping prevent election- related problems and achieving peaceful, orderly, and credible elections in Sulu, he said.
Asia Foundation representative Hyro Nomado had graced the radio program launching ceremony, affirming their full concern and support for the Ulangig Mindanao and its local partners like the ARMM and Sulu governments.
Earlier, Marines Brig. Gen. Rustico Guerrero, Task Force Comet commander, and the local Comelec officials, said they would exert efforts for the forging of peace covenants among candidates for local posts in the province to gain their commitments for peaceful, orderly, and credible elections. (Ali Macabalang and Mark Navales contributed to this report)
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Excited, Anxious First-Time Voters
Excited, anxious: Teenagers Cezar Anthony Valencia, left, and Arvin Jasper Mañalac register to become first-time voters in 2010. (Photo by Sweet Cawicaan)BARAS, Rizal (Philippine Human Rights Reporting Project / May 20, 2009) - Seventeen-year-old cousins Achilles Jerome Mañalac and Cezar Valencia are excited. Before the year ends, both of them will turn 18 and just like all of their age, they are looking forward to the benefits of adulthood - including the right to vote.
Achilles Jerome and Valencia are among the estimated 1.9 million first-time voters turning 18 in time for the May 2010 national and local elections, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Valencia, who celebrates his birthday on November, registered last week in the local Comelec office alongside with Achilles Jerome’s older brother, Arvin Jasper. Achilles Jerome says he will register in the next few days.
Mixed emotions
“I am very excited about the prospect of voting,” says 19-year-old Arvin Jasper. “So much is at stake next May - because we will choose leaders from the president down to the kagawad (village councilors).”
Another first-time voter Mariano Casaclang III, 20, is just as excited.
“I know that I can make a difference by exercising my right to vote,” Casaclang says.
But alongside demonstrable excitement is a similar wariness.
“I don’t know what the candidates can really do for the country,” adds Achilles Jerome.
Prized right
For many Filipinos, the right to suffrage is highly-prized. In theory at least and baring any irregularities, everybody becomes equal on Election Day regardless of education, status, age, sex, religious, political and other beliefs.
The people in Baras seem particularly keen on elections. Baras is one of the smaller towns in the province of Rizal. Occupying 8,492.64 hectares and is located at the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains and its funnel-like shape dips into Laguna de Bay.
“The town registered a 74 percent voter turnout in the last May 2007 elections,” according to Joseleo Tibay, Baras’ assistant election officer.
Officials are also expecting a high voter turnout next year.
As of April 20 this year, Comelec has registered a total of 16,511 voters from the 10 local barangays (Concepcion, Evangelista, Mabini, Pinugay, Rizal, San Jose, San Juan, San Miguel, San Salvador and Santiago). This figure is 52.4 percent of the town’s population of 31,524 based on the National Statistics Office’s 2007 Census.
Comelec records show 555 new registrations since January 19 this year.
Baras’ former election officer, Yolanda Rio, said Comelec is expecting another thousand or so new registrations before October 31, the last day first-time voters can ensure they get on the electoral roll.
Youth power
The local Comelec does not have records of youth voters. Nor does the Municipal Planning and Development Council have updated data on age demographics – but based on the 1995 census, the town’s population is relatively young— 42.2 percent of the total population or 8,461 people were between 15 to 39 years old.
And it is much more than likely this has increased – probably substantially since then.
Nationally speaking, the First Time Voters Network said roughly 60 percent of the 2010 electorate will come from the age bracket of 18 to 40 years old.
The national Comelec earlier this month indicated 2010 would see around nine million new voters joint the electorate —a very sizeable audience which many politicians acknowledge can hardly be ignored.
All four first-time voters we spoke to suggested that the youth vote could help to reshape Philippine politics.
Apathetic about elections
Equally however, they suggested that a sizeable percentage of the young are indifferent about voting and think it will change nothing.
One of these is Joanne Peñaranda, 23, who has not voted—nor registered—despite having been eligible for the past two elections, in 2004 and 2007.
“Don’t get me wrong: I want to exercise my right - I just think it will be useless,” she says.
Peñaranda said she has been disillusioned of the elections because most of the candidates lack experience, capability and political will. She also questioned the morality and stature of those who put themselves forward for either local or national office.
“Politicians are all the same. Corruption remains rampant. Paulit-ulit na lang (It is a cycle). And then there is overwhelming problem with vote buying.”
Vote buying issues
Casaclang says he heard about vote buying here back in 2007. So too did assistant local election official Tibay. The local Comelec office however says it did not receive any complaint about it.
“Not reporting vote buying activities is understandable because people fear for their safety if they do so,” suggests Arvin Jasper.
A source who refused to be named told us how some of her relatives were offered PhP 500 (USD 11) each in exchange for their votes at the last election. She said she didn’t know who to be more angry with – the person who offered the money –or those of her relatives who accepted it.
Many observers are increasingly saying that corruption and vote buying will only end when people on all sides refuse to become complicit to it regardless of the scale. Some say offers of vote buying should immediately encourage those approached to support the other candidates in clear protest at the attempts to subvert the democratic process
Worthy candidates
“Those planning to run in next year’s election should have concrete platforms for economic development. Providing jobs for people must be a priority,” says Casaclang.
“And on local issues, I think officials have to be stricter in implementing the law. Even though crime rate is low in this area, there have been instances of gang fighting with drunken teenage members,” he says.
Valencia meanwhile says the country’s new leaders should be “pro-poor.” They should also serve as the “voice of youth.”
Call for youth voters
“I still believe the youth is the hope of our country and we should encourage them all to become active and to exercise their rights,” he says.
Tibay advised all new voters to go to the local Comelec offices to register –making sure to bring with them a valid ID.
All four first time voters agreed that attending local miting de avance and watching political rallies and debates will help them choose the best candidates.
According to Arvin Jasper it is wrong to simply vote for somebody because he is a relative or friend or shares the name and is part of a famous political dynasty. Voting for people like that who promise personal help if they get elected is part of the country’s continuing problem with political patronage, he says.
Casaclang adds that those people looking to vote for incumbents should first look to see what they have actually achieved in office before paying any attention to any new promises of action.
Just as the millions of first time voters should be wise in exercising their vote – so politicians whether national or local should be wise not to take anything or anybody for granted. Increasingly, actual ideas, platforms and policies –not mere names– are starting to matter. (Philippine Human Rights Reporting Project - Sweet Cawicaan. The author is a freelance journalist.)
Link: http://www.rightsreporting.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6302&Itemid=130
Achilles Jerome and Valencia are among the estimated 1.9 million first-time voters turning 18 in time for the May 2010 national and local elections, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Valencia, who celebrates his birthday on November, registered last week in the local Comelec office alongside with Achilles Jerome’s older brother, Arvin Jasper. Achilles Jerome says he will register in the next few days.
Mixed emotions
“I am very excited about the prospect of voting,” says 19-year-old Arvin Jasper. “So much is at stake next May - because we will choose leaders from the president down to the kagawad (village councilors).”
Another first-time voter Mariano Casaclang III, 20, is just as excited.
“I know that I can make a difference by exercising my right to vote,” Casaclang says.
But alongside demonstrable excitement is a similar wariness.
“I don’t know what the candidates can really do for the country,” adds Achilles Jerome.
Prized right
For many Filipinos, the right to suffrage is highly-prized. In theory at least and baring any irregularities, everybody becomes equal on Election Day regardless of education, status, age, sex, religious, political and other beliefs.
The people in Baras seem particularly keen on elections. Baras is one of the smaller towns in the province of Rizal. Occupying 8,492.64 hectares and is located at the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains and its funnel-like shape dips into Laguna de Bay.
“The town registered a 74 percent voter turnout in the last May 2007 elections,” according to Joseleo Tibay, Baras’ assistant election officer.
Officials are also expecting a high voter turnout next year.
As of April 20 this year, Comelec has registered a total of 16,511 voters from the 10 local barangays (Concepcion, Evangelista, Mabini, Pinugay, Rizal, San Jose, San Juan, San Miguel, San Salvador and Santiago). This figure is 52.4 percent of the town’s population of 31,524 based on the National Statistics Office’s 2007 Census.
Comelec records show 555 new registrations since January 19 this year.
Baras’ former election officer, Yolanda Rio, said Comelec is expecting another thousand or so new registrations before October 31, the last day first-time voters can ensure they get on the electoral roll.
Youth power
The local Comelec does not have records of youth voters. Nor does the Municipal Planning and Development Council have updated data on age demographics – but based on the 1995 census, the town’s population is relatively young— 42.2 percent of the total population or 8,461 people were between 15 to 39 years old.
And it is much more than likely this has increased – probably substantially since then.
Nationally speaking, the First Time Voters Network said roughly 60 percent of the 2010 electorate will come from the age bracket of 18 to 40 years old.
The national Comelec earlier this month indicated 2010 would see around nine million new voters joint the electorate —a very sizeable audience which many politicians acknowledge can hardly be ignored.
All four first-time voters we spoke to suggested that the youth vote could help to reshape Philippine politics.
Apathetic about elections
Equally however, they suggested that a sizeable percentage of the young are indifferent about voting and think it will change nothing.
One of these is Joanne Peñaranda, 23, who has not voted—nor registered—despite having been eligible for the past two elections, in 2004 and 2007.
“Don’t get me wrong: I want to exercise my right - I just think it will be useless,” she says.
Peñaranda said she has been disillusioned of the elections because most of the candidates lack experience, capability and political will. She also questioned the morality and stature of those who put themselves forward for either local or national office.
“Politicians are all the same. Corruption remains rampant. Paulit-ulit na lang (It is a cycle). And then there is overwhelming problem with vote buying.”
Vote buying issues
Casaclang says he heard about vote buying here back in 2007. So too did assistant local election official Tibay. The local Comelec office however says it did not receive any complaint about it.
“Not reporting vote buying activities is understandable because people fear for their safety if they do so,” suggests Arvin Jasper.
A source who refused to be named told us how some of her relatives were offered PhP 500 (USD 11) each in exchange for their votes at the last election. She said she didn’t know who to be more angry with – the person who offered the money –or those of her relatives who accepted it.
Many observers are increasingly saying that corruption and vote buying will only end when people on all sides refuse to become complicit to it regardless of the scale. Some say offers of vote buying should immediately encourage those approached to support the other candidates in clear protest at the attempts to subvert the democratic process
Worthy candidates
“Those planning to run in next year’s election should have concrete platforms for economic development. Providing jobs for people must be a priority,” says Casaclang.
“And on local issues, I think officials have to be stricter in implementing the law. Even though crime rate is low in this area, there have been instances of gang fighting with drunken teenage members,” he says.
Valencia meanwhile says the country’s new leaders should be “pro-poor.” They should also serve as the “voice of youth.”
Call for youth voters
“I still believe the youth is the hope of our country and we should encourage them all to become active and to exercise their rights,” he says.
Tibay advised all new voters to go to the local Comelec offices to register –making sure to bring with them a valid ID.
All four first time voters agreed that attending local miting de avance and watching political rallies and debates will help them choose the best candidates.
According to Arvin Jasper it is wrong to simply vote for somebody because he is a relative or friend or shares the name and is part of a famous political dynasty. Voting for people like that who promise personal help if they get elected is part of the country’s continuing problem with political patronage, he says.
Casaclang adds that those people looking to vote for incumbents should first look to see what they have actually achieved in office before paying any attention to any new promises of action.
Just as the millions of first time voters should be wise in exercising their vote – so politicians whether national or local should be wise not to take anything or anybody for granted. Increasingly, actual ideas, platforms and policies –not mere names– are starting to matter. (Philippine Human Rights Reporting Project - Sweet Cawicaan. The author is a freelance journalist.)
Link: http://www.rightsreporting.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6302&Itemid=130
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Zamboanga Poll Office Announces New Voters Registration
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Feb. 12, 2009) - The Commission of Elections announced it will start registration of new voters in Zamboanga City.
It said the registration would start April 1 and runs until September 30 this year. The poll body would also put up satellite offices in different villages.
Poll official Jesus Posadas Jr. said new registrant should a valid identification card such as those issued by the Social Security System, among others.
He said registrants staying within the city proper are advised to go to the Comelec office at the Joaquin F. Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex along R.T. Lim Blvd.
The continuing registration of voters started December 2 last year and ends on December 15, 2009. (Charlotte Yola Mira)
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Sulu Vows Support To COMELEC, Poll Reforms
SULU, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Feb. 28, 2008) - Sulu Governor Sakur Tan has pledged to support efforts by the national government for poll reforms and transparency, including the modernization of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).
He said the COMELEC has been in the forefront of clean and honest elections and the computerization of polls in the country, especially in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to which Sulu belongs.
Tan said they closely coordinating with the COMELEC for the registration of voters in the August elections in the ARMM and to ensure peaceful and honest polls.
Romeo Brawner, former Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeals, is the current COMELEC chairman.
"We are supporting efforts of the COMELEC for clean and honest elections and the computerization of polls in the country or at least in the ARMM," Tan said.
Tan said he was impressed with Brawner's plans for the COMELEC which includes the Implementation of Republic Act 8436 as amended by Republic Act 9369 or the Automated Election System Project, particularly the proposed automation of the August 2008 ARMM polls.
He said Brawner, in his 10-point agenda for COMELEC, pledged to carry out new general registration of voters and also the cleansing of list of all registered voters; improvement of the judicial functions of the Commission and a thorough revision of the COMELEC Rules of Procedure.
Brawner said there should be an institution of a system for the raffle and assignment of poll-related cases and speedy disposition of these cases; review of the COMELEC organizational structure; increase in the salary and compensation package of COMELEC employees and the institutionalization of programs and activities for human resource development.
Brawner is also proposing for the institutionalization of a health and welfare package and program for COMELEC employees and to strengthen ties with other election stakeholders, according to Tan.
He said the COMELEC is also working to enhance voters' education and information campaign and other infrastructure projects needed by the poll body. (With a report from Nickee Butlangan)
Monday, July 02, 2007
Arrest Of Poll Official Sparks Controversy In South RP
DAVAO CITY (Mindanao Examiner / 02 Jul) – A turf war could spark between two police forces in the southern Philippines after the arrest of a controversial election official in Davao City.
Policemen from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) arrested Lintang Bedol, the provincial elections supervisor of Maguindanao province, in Davao City.
But the arrest was not coordinated with the local police, said Chief Superintendent Jaime Morente, head of the Davao City Police Office.
Morente said they were not informed about the operation of the ARMM police.
“Policemen from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao failed to properly coordinate with us on the arrest,” reporters quoted Morente as saying.
Chief Superintendent Joel Goltiao, chief of the ARMM police force, admitted that the poll official was arrested in Davao City by members of the “Task Force Bedol.”
He said Bedol was arrested at a hospital while undergoing cataract operation.
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) ordered Bedol’s arrest after he failed to show up last month at a hearing in Manila to answer investigations on the disappearance of election documents under his custody.
Bedol said the documents were taken from his office in Shariff Aguak town by still unidentified people. The COMELEC said Bedol repeatedly ignored summons to appear before the hearing and since then had not reported for work.
Goltiao earlier told reporters that Bedol was tracked down by policemen to his hideout in Mindanao, but later admitted that the controversial official has been arrested in Davao City.
Goltiao did not say why he did not coordinate with the local police. (Romy Bwaga)
Policemen from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) arrested Lintang Bedol, the provincial elections supervisor of Maguindanao province, in Davao City.
But the arrest was not coordinated with the local police, said Chief Superintendent Jaime Morente, head of the Davao City Police Office.
Morente said they were not informed about the operation of the ARMM police.
“Policemen from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao failed to properly coordinate with us on the arrest,” reporters quoted Morente as saying.
Chief Superintendent Joel Goltiao, chief of the ARMM police force, admitted that the poll official was arrested in Davao City by members of the “Task Force Bedol.”
He said Bedol was arrested at a hospital while undergoing cataract operation.
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) ordered Bedol’s arrest after he failed to show up last month at a hearing in Manila to answer investigations on the disappearance of election documents under his custody.
Bedol said the documents were taken from his office in Shariff Aguak town by still unidentified people. The COMELEC said Bedol repeatedly ignored summons to appear before the hearing and since then had not reported for work.
Goltiao earlier told reporters that Bedol was tracked down by policemen to his hideout in Mindanao, but later admitted that the controversial official has been arrested in Davao City.
Goltiao did not say why he did not coordinate with the local police. (Romy Bwaga)
Police Arrest Controversial Poll Official In Mindanao
MAGUINDANAO (Mindanao Examiner / 02 Jul) – Philippine police arrested a controversial election official after he was tracked down at a clinic in the southern port city of Davao.
Police said Lintang Bedol, the provincial elections supervisor in Maguindanao province, did not resist arrest when nabbed late Sunday.
Maguindanao is one of several provinces in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), where cheating and fraud were reported during the May 14 national and local polls.
“He was arrested at a clinic in Davao City,” said Superintendent Joel Goltiao, chief of the regional police force.
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) ordered Bedol’s arrest after he failed to show up last month at a hearing in Manila to answer investigations on the disappearance of poll documents under his custody.
Bedol said the documents were taken by somebody from his office in Shariff Aguak town. The COMELEC said Bedol repeatedly ignored summons to appear before the hearing and since then had not reported for work.
Goltiao earlier told reporters that Bedol was tracked down by policemen to his hideout, but admitted later in the day that the controversial poll official has been arrested in Davao City.
“He was arrested because we went to his hideout and served him the arrest warrant,” he said Monday morning.
Goltiao said no weapons were found from Bedol, who bragged in a clandestine television interview last week that he has twenty M16 rifles, aside from his .45-caliber and 9mm automatic pistols.
Goltiao said the poll official would be brought to Manila at anytime, but his doctor claimed that Bedol was suffering from hypertension.
Opposition politicians have accused the government of cheating and fraud to ensure victory of its 12 senatorial candidates, especially in the ARMM, which comprises Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur provinces.
Bedol has denied all charges of poll fraud in Maguindanao, where all the government senatorial candidates won by a landslide.
The governor of Maguindanao, Andal Ampatuan and his son, Zaldy Ampatuan, the governor of the ARMM, denied accusations of cheating and election fraud and said the Muslims voted straight for the government candidates.
The Ampatuan clan, one of the most influential in Mindanao, is a staunch ally of President Gloria Arroyo. (With reports from Mark Navales and Juan Magtanggol)
Police said Lintang Bedol, the provincial elections supervisor in Maguindanao province, did not resist arrest when nabbed late Sunday.
Maguindanao is one of several provinces in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), where cheating and fraud were reported during the May 14 national and local polls.
“He was arrested at a clinic in Davao City,” said Superintendent Joel Goltiao, chief of the regional police force.
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) ordered Bedol’s arrest after he failed to show up last month at a hearing in Manila to answer investigations on the disappearance of poll documents under his custody.
Bedol said the documents were taken by somebody from his office in Shariff Aguak town. The COMELEC said Bedol repeatedly ignored summons to appear before the hearing and since then had not reported for work.
Goltiao earlier told reporters that Bedol was tracked down by policemen to his hideout, but admitted later in the day that the controversial poll official has been arrested in Davao City.
“He was arrested because we went to his hideout and served him the arrest warrant,” he said Monday morning.
Goltiao said no weapons were found from Bedol, who bragged in a clandestine television interview last week that he has twenty M16 rifles, aside from his .45-caliber and 9mm automatic pistols.
Goltiao said the poll official would be brought to Manila at anytime, but his doctor claimed that Bedol was suffering from hypertension.
Opposition politicians have accused the government of cheating and fraud to ensure victory of its 12 senatorial candidates, especially in the ARMM, which comprises Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur provinces.
Bedol has denied all charges of poll fraud in Maguindanao, where all the government senatorial candidates won by a landslide.
The governor of Maguindanao, Andal Ampatuan and his son, Zaldy Ampatuan, the governor of the ARMM, denied accusations of cheating and election fraud and said the Muslims voted straight for the government candidates.
The Ampatuan clan, one of the most influential in Mindanao, is a staunch ally of President Gloria Arroyo. (With reports from Mark Navales and Juan Magtanggol)
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
RP Polls Observer Meets With U.S. Senate, House Staff
MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / 19 Jun) - Reverend Larry Emery, a Presbyterian Pastor in the United States, promised at a news conference in May in Quezon City, that he would bring to the attention of America's congressional leaders the findings of the People's International Observer's Mission (IOM) concerning the May 14 Filipino polls.
From Tuesday to June 22, he has meetings with a dozen U.S. Senate and House of Representative offices. Among those he will be meeting with is staff members for Senators Barak Obama, who serves on the Foreign Relations Committee; Diane Feinstein, who serves on the Appropriations Committee; and Harry Reid, the Majority Leader of the Senate. Rev. Emery said in a statement to the IOM Secretariat that he will focus on what he found to be improper involvement in the election by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
"I respect the fact that Comelec (Commission on Elections) had to put certain areas under control of the Philippine National Police because of ongoing violence," he went on to say," and I had no objections to the presence troops that were truly performing the job of keeping the peace. What I observed, however, and what many other members of the IOM observed, was AFP military units trying to influence the election, actively campaigning for or against certain parties or candidates."
Harassment and intimidation of election workers, individual voters and sometimes whole barangays was evident according to Rev. Emery.
"This violates the most basic democratic principles and should be repudiated." If there are those who might think that a review of the Philippine election by members of the United States Congress is a case of America meddling in the internal affairs of the Philippine people, Rev. Emery has a reply.
"The American government gives millions of dollars to the Philippine government in military aid each year. If US Military aid is being used by the Philippine government to help determine the outcome of the election, then that aid must stop. Congress is ultimately accountable for how American taxpayers money is being spent. It is the responsibility of our government to ensure military aid is being used for its intended purposes." Rev. Emery serves as the Chairperson of the Philippine Partnership Committee of the Presbytery of Sacramento, California.
In July, 2007, he was the representative of the Presbyterian Church USA at the Human Rights Summit, held in Manila, which addressed extra-judicial killings and other human rights abuses in the Philippines.
He was one of a group of religious leaders who helped organize the hearing on Human Rights in the Philippines conducted by Senator Barbara Boxer of California on March 14, 2007.
Six Americans, including Rev. Emery, served on the Peoples IOM for the May 14 elections. He was assigned with two election observers from Norway to the province of Nuevo Ecija.
From Tuesday to June 22, he has meetings with a dozen U.S. Senate and House of Representative offices. Among those he will be meeting with is staff members for Senators Barak Obama, who serves on the Foreign Relations Committee; Diane Feinstein, who serves on the Appropriations Committee; and Harry Reid, the Majority Leader of the Senate. Rev. Emery said in a statement to the IOM Secretariat that he will focus on what he found to be improper involvement in the election by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
"I respect the fact that Comelec (Commission on Elections) had to put certain areas under control of the Philippine National Police because of ongoing violence," he went on to say," and I had no objections to the presence troops that were truly performing the job of keeping the peace. What I observed, however, and what many other members of the IOM observed, was AFP military units trying to influence the election, actively campaigning for or against certain parties or candidates."
Harassment and intimidation of election workers, individual voters and sometimes whole barangays was evident according to Rev. Emery.
"This violates the most basic democratic principles and should be repudiated." If there are those who might think that a review of the Philippine election by members of the United States Congress is a case of America meddling in the internal affairs of the Philippine people, Rev. Emery has a reply.
"The American government gives millions of dollars to the Philippine government in military aid each year. If US Military aid is being used by the Philippine government to help determine the outcome of the election, then that aid must stop. Congress is ultimately accountable for how American taxpayers money is being spent. It is the responsibility of our government to ensure military aid is being used for its intended purposes." Rev. Emery serves as the Chairperson of the Philippine Partnership Committee of the Presbytery of Sacramento, California.
In July, 2007, he was the representative of the Presbyterian Church USA at the Human Rights Summit, held in Manila, which addressed extra-judicial killings and other human rights abuses in the Philippines.
He was one of a group of religious leaders who helped organize the hearing on Human Rights in the Philippines conducted by Senator Barbara Boxer of California on March 14, 2007.
Six Americans, including Rev. Emery, served on the Peoples IOM for the May 14 elections. He was assigned with two election observers from Norway to the province of Nuevo Ecija.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Mga Nagwagi Sa Maguindanao, Sumumpa Na!
COTABATO CITY (Mindanao Examiner / 15 Jun) – Nagkumahog diumano kahapon ang halos lahat ng mayors at kanilang mga bise na agad makapanumpa bilang mga halal sa lalawigan ng Maguindanao sa kabila ng mga akusasyon marumi at talamak ang dayaan doon.
Umabot sa 22 mga mayors at kanilang mga bise ang sumumpa kay Regional Trial Court Judge Binsawan Ibrahim sa Maguindanao Provincial Capitol sa bayan ng Shariff Aguak, ang kuta ng mga angkan ng Ampatuan na siyang nanaig sa halos lahat ng bayan.
Ito ay sa kabila ng kautusan ng Commission on Elections na magsagawa ng hearing upang alamin sa mga mayors at ibang nagawagi sa May 14 polls ang mga akusasyon ng dayaan.
Naglabas rin ng subpoena ang COMELEC sa mga opisyal ng Maguindanao, ngunit ipinaggigiitan ng mga ito na wala silang natatanggap na anuman.
Si Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan ay muling nagwagi at ganoon rin ang kanyang mga anak at kamag-anakan sa buong lalawigan na bahagi ng Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) na kung saan ay ang isa pang anak, si Zaldy Ampatuan, ang tumatayong governor.
Sa Maguindanao ay kagulat-gulat na 12-0 ang naging panalo ng Team Unity senatorial candidates ni Pangulong Gloria Arroyo.
Bukod sa Maguindanao ay talamak rin ang dayaan at marumi ang halalan sa Lanao, Basilan at Sulu, lahat ay kabahagi ng ARMM, na kung saan ay nagwagi rin ng malaking boto ang senatorial line-up ni Arroyo.
Kaalyado ni Arroyo ang mga Ampatuan na umano’y nagbigay sa Pangulo ng panalo sa Mindanao. Isang elections officer na si Musa Dimasidsing na lumutang upang ikondena ang dayaan ang pinatay kamakailan at dalawang guro pa na naglakas loob na magsalita rin ang umano’y dinukot ng mga armado.
Itinanggi naman ng mga opisyal ng Maguindanao at kanilang mga supporters ang lahat ng akusasyon ng pandaraya. (Mindanao Examiner)
Umabot sa 22 mga mayors at kanilang mga bise ang sumumpa kay Regional Trial Court Judge Binsawan Ibrahim sa Maguindanao Provincial Capitol sa bayan ng Shariff Aguak, ang kuta ng mga angkan ng Ampatuan na siyang nanaig sa halos lahat ng bayan.
Ito ay sa kabila ng kautusan ng Commission on Elections na magsagawa ng hearing upang alamin sa mga mayors at ibang nagawagi sa May 14 polls ang mga akusasyon ng dayaan.
Naglabas rin ng subpoena ang COMELEC sa mga opisyal ng Maguindanao, ngunit ipinaggigiitan ng mga ito na wala silang natatanggap na anuman.
Si Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan ay muling nagwagi at ganoon rin ang kanyang mga anak at kamag-anakan sa buong lalawigan na bahagi ng Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) na kung saan ay ang isa pang anak, si Zaldy Ampatuan, ang tumatayong governor.
Sa Maguindanao ay kagulat-gulat na 12-0 ang naging panalo ng Team Unity senatorial candidates ni Pangulong Gloria Arroyo.
Bukod sa Maguindanao ay talamak rin ang dayaan at marumi ang halalan sa Lanao, Basilan at Sulu, lahat ay kabahagi ng ARMM, na kung saan ay nagwagi rin ng malaking boto ang senatorial line-up ni Arroyo.
Kaalyado ni Arroyo ang mga Ampatuan na umano’y nagbigay sa Pangulo ng panalo sa Mindanao. Isang elections officer na si Musa Dimasidsing na lumutang upang ikondena ang dayaan ang pinatay kamakailan at dalawang guro pa na naglakas loob na magsalita rin ang umano’y dinukot ng mga armado.
Itinanggi naman ng mga opisyal ng Maguindanao at kanilang mga supporters ang lahat ng akusasyon ng pandaraya. (Mindanao Examiner)
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
COMELEC Proclaims 10 Senators Winners In Philippine Polls
MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / 06 Jun) – The Philippine Commission on Elections finally proclaimed Wednesday ten of 12 senators who won in the May 14 national polls.
Elections chief Benjamin Abalos proclaimed Loren Legarda, Francis Escudero, Panfilo Lacson, Manuel Villar Jr., Benigno Aquino III, Francis Pangilinan, Edgardo Angara, Alan Peter Cayetano, Gregorio Honasan and Joker Arroyo.
Abalos is yet to proclaim two other senators as winners, but the counting of votes for the 11th and 12th placers are still ongoing.
Failed military coup leader Antonio Trillanes and lawyer Aquilino Pimentel, both members of the opposition ranked 1th and 12th respectively. Almost all of those who won the elections are members of the opposition. (Mindanao Examiner)
Elections chief Benjamin Abalos proclaimed Loren Legarda, Francis Escudero, Panfilo Lacson, Manuel Villar Jr., Benigno Aquino III, Francis Pangilinan, Edgardo Angara, Alan Peter Cayetano, Gregorio Honasan and Joker Arroyo.
Abalos is yet to proclaim two other senators as winners, but the counting of votes for the 11th and 12th placers are still ongoing.
Failed military coup leader Antonio Trillanes and lawyer Aquilino Pimentel, both members of the opposition ranked 1th and 12th respectively. Almost all of those who won the elections are members of the opposition. (Mindanao Examiner)
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Bagong Gobernador Ng Sulu Magsasampa Ng Demanda!
SULU (Mindanao Examiner / 26 May) – Magsasampa umano ng kaso ang bagong gobernador ng Sulu matapos itong pagbintangan ng pandaraya ng abogado ng Genuine Opposition.
Inakusahan kasi ni Atty. Diego Palomares, ng oposisyon, na nadaya ang GO senatorial candidates sa Sulu, partikular sa bayan ng Luuk sa 2nd District ng lalawigan.
Pinagbintangan pa nitong nandaya rin ang asawa ni Tan at gayun rin si Rep. Munir Arbison. Kilala ang magandang reputasyon sa Sulu at Mindanao ni Tan na isang pilantropo at ng asawa nito na isang naman civic leader.
Itinanggni ni Tan ang akusasyon sa kanya at asawa at sinabi nitong sasampahan ng kaso si Palomares dahil sa paratang na inilabas pa sa telebisyon.
“Sasampahan ko ng kaso iyan si Atty. Palomares at hindi ko palalampasin ang mga maling paratang niya sa akin at sa aking asawa,” ani pa ni Tan.
Pinasinungalingan naman ng Commission on Elections (COMELEC) at mga Board of Election Inspectors sa Sulu na magulo at madaya ang halalan.
Pati na rin mga watchers ay nagsabing malabo talagang manalo ang GO senatorial bets sa Sulu dahil hindi umano ito nangampanya sa lalawigan.
“Talagang hindi naman mananalo ang GO senatorial bets dahil walang nangampanya sa kanila sa Sulu. Ni hindi nga nakita ang kanilang mga anino sa aming lugar tapos umaasa silang manalo,” ani pa ni Isnin Hassan, isang watcher ng TEAM Unity.
Sinabi pa ni Palomares na nakita umano si Tan at Arbison sa loob ng isang kuwarto na kung saan nakatago ang mga ballot boxes. At ang asawa naman ni Tan ay nanguna pa sa pagsusulat sa balota.
Ngunit kinumpirma rin ng maraming saksi na nasa kanyang mansion lamang si Tan sa buong election period at pawang mga abogado nito ang nasa mga polling areas at ang asawa naman ay abala sa pagiintindi sa libo-libong bisita sa kanilang bahay sa bayan ng Jolo.
Nagulat umano si Tan ng mabatid ang balita na siya ay inakusahan ng pandaraya at sa katunayan umano ay 15 mga abogado ang ginamit nito sa nakaraang eleksyon upang masigurong mabibigyan ng proteksyon ang kanyang boto.
Landslide ang panalo ni Tan sa Sulu kontra kay incumbent Benjamin Loong at detained Moro National Liberation Front chief Nur Misuari.
Sinabi ni Atty. Vidzpar Julie, Sulu COMELEC chief, na “historical” ang panalo ni Tan dahil sa landslide victory nito at umabot sa 43,000 ang lamang nito kay Loong. Isa si Tan sa mga maimpluwensya at respetadong lider sa Sulu at katimugan. (Mindanao Examiner)
Independent Mayoralty Candidate, Wins Polls In Comspostela Valley
COMPOSTELA VALLEY – An independent mayoralty bet here has been declared winner after garnering only 3,835 votes or a mere 21.5 percent of the town’s 17,856 registered voters.
With these minority votes, Mabini Mayor-elect Amir Muñoz has trounced three other candidates in one of the province’s three coastal towns.
Incumbent Mayor Reynaldo Dayanghirang (Lakas), who slid down running for vice mayor, won by getting a much higher 6,467 votes.
In the province’s towns which just saw stiff two-cornered fights for mayoralty, winning mayoral bets mostly garnered over 10,000 votes.
Meanwhile, incumbent Mayor Celso Sarenas (Lakas) and Mayor Voltaire Rimando in the coastal towns of Pantukan and Maco, respectively, have both won for their second term. Sarenas has 14,575 while Rimando has 14,121 votes.
Other winning mayoral bets in the province were incumbent Compostela Mayor Reynaldo Castillo (Lakas), with 13,737 votes; Laak - Reynaldo Navarro (Lakas), 11,769; incumbent Nabunturan Mayor Macario Humol (Lakas), 20,907; New Bataan - Lorenzo Balbin Jr (Lakas), 8,210; Maragusan - Cesar Colina Sr (Kampi-Liberal) 10,936; Mawab - Evalina Jampayas (Lakas), 9,284; incumbent Montevista Mayor Teofista Jauod (Lakas), 9,077 and another incumbent Monkayo Mayor Manuel Brillantes Jr (Kampi-Liberal), 17,957. (Cha Monforte, Rural Urban News - Special to the Mindanao Examiner)
With these minority votes, Mabini Mayor-elect Amir Muñoz has trounced three other candidates in one of the province’s three coastal towns.
Incumbent Mayor Reynaldo Dayanghirang (Lakas), who slid down running for vice mayor, won by getting a much higher 6,467 votes.
In the province’s towns which just saw stiff two-cornered fights for mayoralty, winning mayoral bets mostly garnered over 10,000 votes.
Meanwhile, incumbent Mayor Celso Sarenas (Lakas) and Mayor Voltaire Rimando in the coastal towns of Pantukan and Maco, respectively, have both won for their second term. Sarenas has 14,575 while Rimando has 14,121 votes.
Other winning mayoral bets in the province were incumbent Compostela Mayor Reynaldo Castillo (Lakas), with 13,737 votes; Laak - Reynaldo Navarro (Lakas), 11,769; incumbent Nabunturan Mayor Macario Humol (Lakas), 20,907; New Bataan - Lorenzo Balbin Jr (Lakas), 8,210; Maragusan - Cesar Colina Sr (Kampi-Liberal) 10,936; Mawab - Evalina Jampayas (Lakas), 9,284; incumbent Montevista Mayor Teofista Jauod (Lakas), 9,077 and another incumbent Monkayo Mayor Manuel Brillantes Jr (Kampi-Liberal), 17,957. (Cha Monforte, Rural Urban News - Special to the Mindanao Examiner)
Special Polls In Mindanao Marred With Fraud, Cheating And Violence
Special Election in Lanao del Sur province in southern Philippines on Saturday, 26 May 2007. The congressional and local elections, covering 13 towns in the Muslim-majority province are held under heavy security to avert possible violence after authorities suspended the 14 May national mid-term polls due to threats of violence from armed gangs and political warlords. LANAO DEL SUR (Mindanao Examiner / 26 May) – Armed clashes and violence marred Saturday’s special elections in the Muslim autonomous province of Lanao del Sur in southern Philippines, officials said.
Three government soldiers guarding the polls were killed and three others, including two civilians, were injured in separate attacks in the province.
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) held special polls in 13 towns in Lanao del Sur where massive fraud and cheating had been reported by an independent elections watchdog, the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV).
Tension was high before and after elections in the province where gunmen randomly attacked polling places with grenades and rifle fires.
There were no reports of arrests, but authorities blamed armed supporters of politicians as behind the attacks.
Fighting between policemen and armed gangs erupted in the towns of Kapay, Butig and Pualas and that an undetermined number of election inspectors were reported missing.
It was unknown whether they had been abducted or hiding for fear they would be coerced into siding with politicians.
Many villagers said they failed to cast their votes because of the presence of gunmen, who were followers of opposing politicians.
The military said unidentified gunmen attacked the municipal hall of Masiu.
“They fired two rounds of mortar rockets. There were no reports of casualties,” military spokesman Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro told the independent regional newspaper, the Mindanao Examiner.
Other reports said there were attempts by armed men to seized ballot boxes in Lanao del Sur. Poll watchers of opposing politicians also engaged in street brawls.
But COMELEC Commissioner Rene Sarmiento insisted the polls were peaceful. “It is generally peaceful,” he said.
But the police said it recorded more than a dozen rocket and grenade attacks in Lanao del Sur during special elections.
On Friday, one soldier was also killed and two civilians had been wounded in separate gun attacks in the towns of Tugaya and Pualas towns.
The head of the PPCRV, Tita de Villa, who was monitoring the polls in Lanao del Sur, said she was a witness to massive cheating and fraud in the province.
She claimed she saw one election inspector hid official ballots inside her bag and that in other polling areas there were two sets of voters’ lists.
“You can’t really vote freely because everybody is at your neck. The climate is impossible for people to vote freely and orderly. From what we see, I think there will be failure of elections again,” De Villa said.
Police forces also guarded the towns of Butig and Pualas and other areas where Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels are actively operating. Authorities fear the rebels may side with politicians allied with the MILF.
But the MILF said security forces should keep a close watch on private armies and goons of politicians who were behind attempts to sabotage the elections. The MILF said it does not take part in any Filipino elections.
“The MILF has a strict policy about Philippine elections. We do not take part in any elections or in partisan politics and our members have strict orders to stay inside their camps,” rebel spokesman Eid Kabalu told the Mindanao Examiner in a separate interview.
Manila is currently negotiating peace with the MILF, the country’s largest Muslim rebel group, since 2001. (With reports from Mark Navales, Becky de Asis, Merlyn Manos and Juan Magtanggol)
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Fighting Breaks Out In Basilan Island In South RP
BASILAN (Mindanao Examiner / 23 May) – Philippine troops clashed with gunmen in the southern island of Basilan, where security forces were protecting the canvassing of votes in the recent national and local polls, officials said.
Officials said the fighting occurred late Tuesday in Akbar town after marine soldiers raided a thatched hut in search for illegal weapons.
Other reports said the gunmen were members of the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf group or private armies of local politicians.
Soldiers recovered assorted munitions and a machine gun. There were no reports of arrests, but troops tightened security on the island lorded by political warlords and their goons.
Politicians accused each other of massive cheating and fraud. Just early this week, a grenade attack injured three people at a canvassing area in Lamitan town where ballots from the nearby town of Sumisip were being counted.
Elections in the Philippines are traditionally bloody and violent, with politicians and their armed supporters often clashed in an effort to stay in power. (Mindanao Examiner)
Officials said the fighting occurred late Tuesday in Akbar town after marine soldiers raided a thatched hut in search for illegal weapons.
Other reports said the gunmen were members of the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf group or private armies of local politicians.
Soldiers recovered assorted munitions and a machine gun. There were no reports of arrests, but troops tightened security on the island lorded by political warlords and their goons.
Politicians accused each other of massive cheating and fraud. Just early this week, a grenade attack injured three people at a canvassing area in Lamitan town where ballots from the nearby town of Sumisip were being counted.
Elections in the Philippines are traditionally bloody and violent, with politicians and their armed supporters often clashed in an effort to stay in power. (Mindanao Examiner)
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Parak, Pulitiko Sinisipat Sa Panununog Ng Eskwelahan Sa Batangas!
QUEZON CITY (Mindanao Examiner / 22 May) - Wala pa rin matibay na ebidensya ang Philippine National Police (PNP) upang iugnay at idiin ang sinumang pulitiko sa insidente ng panununog sa Pinagbayanan Elementary School sa bayan ng Taysan sa lalawigan ng Batangas.
Sinabi kanina ni PNP Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM) head Chief Superintendent Geary Barias na bagamat may mga lumulutang na indikasyon na posibleng dawit ang ilang mga pulitiko sa panununog.
Naniniwala si Barias na pulitika ang motibo ng panununog kung saan ay isang guro at isang poll watcher ang nasawi kamakailan.
Kasabay nito, kinasuhan na ng Criminal Investigation and Detection Group si Inspector Robert Marinda ng Calabarzon Regional Special Action Group matapos na positibong ituro ng testigo na sangkot sa panununog.
Kabilang sa ikinaso sa Batangas prosecutor's office ay ang arson resulting to multiple murder at multiple serious physical injuries.
Ayaw ring agad paniwalaan ng PNP ang depensa ni Marinda na inosente ito at nagturo pa ng ibang politiko na sangkot sa krimen.
Katwiran ni Barias, maaaring depensa lamang din ni Marinda ang maghanap ng damay ngunit tuloy ang pag-iimbestiga at prosekusyon.
"We believe we have a very strong case, because positive identification during the line up and the circumstances surrounding all those things," ani Barias.
Samantala, wala pang maikaso ang PNP sa isa pang pulis na idinadawit sa insidente na si SPO1 William Relos, Jr., bunsod ng kawalan ng testigo at ebidensya laban dito.
Unang ibinintang ng PNP sa rebeldeng New People’s Army ang panununog hanggang sa lumabas ang pangalan ng mga pulitiko at ang mga parak. (Juley Reyes)
Sinabi kanina ni PNP Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM) head Chief Superintendent Geary Barias na bagamat may mga lumulutang na indikasyon na posibleng dawit ang ilang mga pulitiko sa panununog.
Naniniwala si Barias na pulitika ang motibo ng panununog kung saan ay isang guro at isang poll watcher ang nasawi kamakailan.
Kasabay nito, kinasuhan na ng Criminal Investigation and Detection Group si Inspector Robert Marinda ng Calabarzon Regional Special Action Group matapos na positibong ituro ng testigo na sangkot sa panununog.
Kabilang sa ikinaso sa Batangas prosecutor's office ay ang arson resulting to multiple murder at multiple serious physical injuries.
Ayaw ring agad paniwalaan ng PNP ang depensa ni Marinda na inosente ito at nagturo pa ng ibang politiko na sangkot sa krimen.
Katwiran ni Barias, maaaring depensa lamang din ni Marinda ang maghanap ng damay ngunit tuloy ang pag-iimbestiga at prosekusyon.
"We believe we have a very strong case, because positive identification during the line up and the circumstances surrounding all those things," ani Barias.
Samantala, wala pang maikaso ang PNP sa isa pang pulis na idinadawit sa insidente na si SPO1 William Relos, Jr., bunsod ng kawalan ng testigo at ebidensya laban dito.
Unang ibinintang ng PNP sa rebeldeng New People’s Army ang panununog hanggang sa lumabas ang pangalan ng mga pulitiko at ang mga parak. (Juley Reyes)
Philippine Navy, Hindi Pa Rin Bilib Kay Trillanes!
MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / 22 May) – Hindi bilib ang liderato ng Hukbong Pandagat kay dating Navy Lieutenant Seniorgrade Antonio Trillanes IV kahit na manalo ito sa kanyang kandidatura bilang senador.
Kasabay nito, sinabi ni Navy Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Rogelio Calunsag na mali ang naging hakbang ni Trillanes na pangunahan ang nabigong kudeta noong Hulyo 2003 para lang igiit ang pagbabago sa sistema ng pamahalaan.
"If you have many grievances, if you don't like the system, you get out of the system. You don't stage a mutiny," ani Calunsag.
Gayunman, ang anumang maging resulta aniya ng eleksyon at kung maipanalo ni Trillanes, irerespeto ng militar sa paniniwalaang ito ang sumasalalim sa hangarin ng taumbayan.
Ipinaalala pa ni Calunsag kay Trillanes na ang serbisyong militar ay nakasandig sa tunay na disiplina na tila nakalimutan ng batang opisyal nang maglunsad ito ng pagrerebelde.
Nagbabala rin si Calunsag sa sinumang nagnanais na gayahin ang ginawa ng grupo ni Trillanes na mananagot sa batas ng militar kung lalabag.
Kinakailangan aniyang maging mahigpit ang militar sa mga pasaway na miyembro nito upang hindi na ulitin.
"Our approach is we throw the books at them so that other people will not follow. We have to be strict. If you let them off by just talking to them, they will do it again," diin ni Calunsag.
Sa pinakahuling canvassing ng Commission on Elections, nasa ikalabing-apat na posisyon si Trillanes na may botong 5,038,205. Subalit sa ibang independent canvassing ay ika-sampu na ito. (Juley Reyes)
Kasabay nito, sinabi ni Navy Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Rogelio Calunsag na mali ang naging hakbang ni Trillanes na pangunahan ang nabigong kudeta noong Hulyo 2003 para lang igiit ang pagbabago sa sistema ng pamahalaan.
"If you have many grievances, if you don't like the system, you get out of the system. You don't stage a mutiny," ani Calunsag.
Gayunman, ang anumang maging resulta aniya ng eleksyon at kung maipanalo ni Trillanes, irerespeto ng militar sa paniniwalaang ito ang sumasalalim sa hangarin ng taumbayan.
Ipinaalala pa ni Calunsag kay Trillanes na ang serbisyong militar ay nakasandig sa tunay na disiplina na tila nakalimutan ng batang opisyal nang maglunsad ito ng pagrerebelde.
Nagbabala rin si Calunsag sa sinumang nagnanais na gayahin ang ginawa ng grupo ni Trillanes na mananagot sa batas ng militar kung lalabag.
Kinakailangan aniyang maging mahigpit ang militar sa mga pasaway na miyembro nito upang hindi na ulitin.
"Our approach is we throw the books at them so that other people will not follow. We have to be strict. If you let them off by just talking to them, they will do it again," diin ni Calunsag.
Sa pinakahuling canvassing ng Commission on Elections, nasa ikalabing-apat na posisyon si Trillanes na may botong 5,038,205. Subalit sa ibang independent canvassing ay ika-sampu na ito. (Juley Reyes)
Sulu, May Bagong Gobernador Na!
Mahigpit ang siguridad ngayon sa Sulu na may bagong gobernador na. Landslide victory ang panalo ni Sakur Tan na nakakuha ng haglos 43,000 boto mula sa mga katungaling sina Benjamin Loong at Nur Misuari. (Mindanao Examiner Photo Service)SULU (Mindanao Examiner / 22 May) – Pormal ng idineklara kahapon ng Commission on Elections dito ang bagong gobernador ng Sulu province na si Sakur Tan at dalawang congressman na sina Yusop Jikiri at Munir Arbison, gayun rin ang ibang mga alkalde sa kabila ng tangkang patigilin diumano ang proklamasyon.
Naging tensyonado ang halalan sa Sulu dahil sa pananakot ng mga talunang pulitiko at kanilang armadong grupo. Ngunit sa kabila nito ay itinuloy ng COMELEC ang proklamasyon ng mga nagwaging kandidato sa Mindanao State Univeristy sa Jolo.
Nagbunyi naman ang mga libo-libong supporters ng mga nagwaging pulitiko.
Sa kabila ng lahat ay tahimik ang eleksyon. “Peaceful ang halalan sa Sulu and we can attribute this to the good coordination between the COMELEC and the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” ani pa ni Atty. Vidzpar Julie, ang pinuno ng COMELEC sa Sulu, sa panayam ng pahayagang Mindanao Examiner.
Binansagan naman ni Julie ang panalo ni Sakur Tan na “historical” sa kasaysayan ng lokal na pulitika. “This is something historical dahil landslide ang panalo ni (Sakur) Tan,” dagdag pa ni Julie.
Lumamang umano sa mahigit na 43,000 boto si Tan sa incumbent na si Benjamin Loong, ayon pa kay Julie.
Nilangaw naman ang boto ni Nur Misuari dahil kulelat ito sa Sulu. Si Tan, na dating gobernador ng Sulu, ang kinikilalang nasa likod ng maraming mga proyekto at pag-asenso ng lalawigan ng ito’y nanunungkulan pa. KAMPI ang partido ni Tan.
Sinabi ni Julie na malaking tagumpay ang halalan sa Sulu. Ito rin ang pananaw ng dalawang miyembro ng Provincial Board of Canvassers (PBC).
“Talagang peaceful ang elections sa Sulu. There was only one incident, yun napatay sa (bayan ng) Indanan dahil sa away at ilang mga suntukan between the party watchers at wala na ibang reports of violence.”
“The people were finally given the chance to express their will. There were no pressure from any group or individual or politicians themselves,” wika pa ni Delfin Unga, ng PBC, sa hiwalay na panayam.
Sinabi nito na ang Sulu ang tinitignan ng mga awtoridad sa tuwing may halalan, ngunit ang lalawigan pa ang siyang mga pinakatahimik sa Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.
“The elections were successful and we are proud of it,” sabi pa ni PBC vice chairman Gulamurasid Sahibil.
Ngunit kataka-taka naman ang malaking lamang ng TEAM Unity senatorial bets dahil sa lamang nito sa Genuine Opposition. Base sa partial canvass ay posibleng magwagi rin ang TEAM Unity sa Sulu, ito ang inamin ni Unga.
Nadala umano ng mga partidong lokal at pulitiko ang TEAM Unity kung kaya’t lamang sa botohan.
Sa Basilan, matindi ang tension sa pagitan ng mga kandidato, partikular kina Rep. Abdulgani (Gerry) Salapudin at Gov. Wahab Akbar.
Tatlo sa asawa ni Akbar ang lamang o nagwagi sa halalan bilang mayor at gobernador. Si Akbar, na kandidato sa pagka-congressman, ay malayo ang lamang sa ka-alyado ni Salapudin na si Jim Hataman.
Si Salapudin na tumatakbo sa pagka-gobernador, subali’t hindi man lang nakalapit sa score ng asawa ni Akbar. Inakusahan ni Salapudin si Akbar ng pandaraya, ngunit ito rin ang naging bintang ng huli.
Sa Maguindanao ay halos nagwagi ng walang hirap si re-electionist Andal Ampatuan at mga anak nitong tumakbo sa ibat-ibang bayan. Kilalang political kingpin si Ampatuan at ito rin ang nasa likod ng landslide victory ng TEAM Unity. (Mindanao Examiner)
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Troops Foil Ballot Snatching In South RP
JOLO ISLAND (Mindanao Examiner / 13 May) – Government soldiers arrested two men Sunday who tried to snatch two ballot boxes in the southern Philippine island of Jolo, witnesses said.
The men had been taken into custody after a near shootout between the soldiers and policemen who were escorting them.
Military and police officials did not give details about the incident, but dozens of people witnessed the commotion at the island provincial capitol building, where the ballot boxes were stacked.
It was not immediately known whether the men were working for a politician or not and whether their police escorts had been authorized.
Some 45 million Filipinos are to elect their senators, congressmen and local officials on Monday for the synchronized national and local polls.
Philippine elections are traditionally bloody and violent. Police said more than 100 have been killed in poll-related incidents across the country. (Mindanao Examiner)
The men had been taken into custody after a near shootout between the soldiers and policemen who were escorting them.
Military and police officials did not give details about the incident, but dozens of people witnessed the commotion at the island provincial capitol building, where the ballot boxes were stacked.
It was not immediately known whether the men were working for a politician or not and whether their police escorts had been authorized.
Some 45 million Filipinos are to elect their senators, congressmen and local officials on Monday for the synchronized national and local polls.
Philippine elections are traditionally bloody and violent. Police said more than 100 have been killed in poll-related incidents across the country. (Mindanao Examiner)
Saturday, May 12, 2007
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