by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM
Kapehan Sa Aklan guests on the subject "2010 Elections". They are (l to r) Ms. Lorena Tumbagahan, COMELEC, Hon. Selwyn C. Ibaretta, Ms. Concepcion Tumbagahan and Juan Ruiz, Jr., COMELEC Registrars for Nabas and Ibajay respectively.
Gearing up for automated polls particularly 2010 national elections can be Herculean task for the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). It can also be a breeze if things go on as planned but nervousness is normal for first timers. Confidence build-up in staff of two personnel per municipality can be admirable but the job is shared commodity i.e. multi-sectoral and participative.
The weekly Kapehan sa Aklan forum on May 16 had guests from the Provincial Comelec Office, Ms. Lorena D. Tumbagahan, Atty. Selwyn C. Ibaretta, Senior member SP, Atty. Plaridel M. Morania, SP member, Juan E. Ruiz, Jr. Comelec Registrar Ibajay and Concepcion T. Ruiz, Comelec Registrar, Nabas.
Atty. Tolentino, former Vice Gov. mentioned that our constitution implies a love for politics hence, representative government emanating from a democratic political exercise. Healthy participation of all qualified voters is a must to determine the nation’s future with leaders whom we choose to fill positions of power and influence.
Ms. Tumbagahan announced that November 30, 2009 is the deadline for filing Certificates of Candidacy (COC). Voter registration will end on October 31, this year. This is in line with the new election guideline using automated elections, an unprecedented practice that potentially geared to remove 99 percent of all election irregularities.
Tumbagahan averred that their offices are open for voters registration from Monday to Saturday and holidays. Use of Biometric Capturing machine expedites the process of registration, identify double registrants (serious elections offense), stores and processes vital data information, and issues voters ID. Comelec expects a 12 – 15 percent increase in voter registration this year based on heightened individual awareness and community-based support groups.
New poll methodology uses a paper ballot that includes list of candidates where voter simply blackens the box opposite the names of candidates. Canvassing of votes is done by Precinct Count Optical Scan capable of transmitting digital data to provincial, regional and national Comelec offices in Metro Manila. "We are optimistic that final tally of election returns for President be known within 24 hours compared to average of two and a half months in previous years. Official results of canvass will be provided to persons and entities authorized under the Omnibus Election Code, according to Provincial Supervisor.
Ms. Tumbagahan disclosed that filing for voters registration, however, is not final and executory. This is decided by the Municipal Election Registration Board which holds quarterly meetings usually on the 3rd Monday of the month. Legal issues tackled are on non-residence, civil and criminal offenses filed by third parties. Complete and final listing of registered voters are printed in alphabetical order based on territorial jurisdiction whose precinct number is more or less permanent. Registered voters are asked to text or call local Comelec office days before actual voting day to avoid confusion and disenfranchisement.
Atty. Ibaretta encourages people particularly the youth to actively participate in the democratic political process. Core group advocates for change must be developed in school campuses since they have the idealism, dynamism and determination.
Meanwhile, Atty. Morania challenged masscom students from Northwestern Visayan Colleges to organize themselves since successful reform movement in the past was started by young people. Morania pointed out that he could have been a nobody in the hinterland of Libacao had it not been for his dream of getting an education and influencing others. Voting is a privilege granted to individuals and whether results of election may turn good or bad is our collective responsibility.
There is always "light at the end of the tunnel" as the saying goes. There is positive note of confidence over Comelec’s ability to manage unprecedented shift from years of manual voting and canvassing to automated machines. It should be recalled that poll automation was initially tested during the mid 1990’s in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao elections but it took several weeks before final tally was known. It was also marred by election violence and irregularities that canvassing of votes in critical areas were clustered in the poblacions.
Campaign for honest, clean, orderly, and peaceful elections can be a reality if pre and post election safeguards based on Automation Law is observed and implemented. Foreseen hindrances can be frequent, and unannounced power outages and barangays not served by electricity. NGO’s and GO’s must be vigilant in 2010 elections because outcome could be crucial to determine nature and thrust of our constitutional changes amidst formidable challenges of the 21st century.
This early, we have covert and overt signs of political campaign propaganda in the mass media by presidentiables like Sen. Mar Roxas, Sen. Manny Villar and Mayor Jejomar Binay of Makati.
Panelists agreed that there is no Comelec violation as long as they don’t specifically encourage people to vote for them. It appears that Comelec is sending wrong signal over early filing of COC’s yet campaign period is limited to 45 days for local and 90 days for national candidates. Indeed, lifting of political ad van predisposes moneyed politicians to have superior edge over their rivals. Whatever the outcome, hope springs eternal for statesmen who can propel this country to greater fame and glory without the aid of traditional 3G’s namely guns, goons, and gold. /MP
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