OPPOSITION BETS OBJECT : Capitol decides to restrict people during canvassing

Security within the Capitol compound would be tighter starting May 14, Election Day, until the canvassing of election returns and the proclamation of winners that will be held at the Capitol Social Hall.

Capitol security consultant Byron Garcia said the entry to the canvassing area would be limited only to lawyers of candidates or parties, election officials, media men, and people who have official transactions related to the canvassing.

Byron, brother of reelectionist Governor Gwen Garcia, told Bantay Radyo that security reasons are the bases for such decision. "Ang post election man ang critical, naa diha ang kumbati," he said.

This however drew strong objections from opposition bets, Antonio Yapha for governor and Clavel Asas-Martinez for vice governor.

"It has no other purpose but to protect the votes of Gwen Garcia. This is a case of bantay salakay -pure and simple," Martinez said.

"Anything that is restrictive is deceptive," said Yapha adding that if Capitol wants to impose restrictions, it should have asked the Comelec to do it and not the Garcias.

Byron admitted that the Capitol security group foresees trouble during the canvassing especially from supporters of the fourth district in case they see the Martinezes are losing.

Election protests may also be raised during the canvassing so it is possible that some ballot boxes may not be opened, and election returns not canvassed yet while such protests are pending with the canvassers board, thus making the area security risk.

He said that a wide screen would however be put up outside the Capitol compound to enable the public to view the canvassing and the figures.

Traditionally, family and supporters of the winning provincial and congressional candidates could go in and out of the canvassing area to witness the proclamation but security would be tighter this time, Byron said.

Byron also cited the assassination of Sta. Fe Mayor Rogelio Illustrisimo Sr. in front of the Comelec provincial office last week after attending the hearing of a disqualification case filed against him by his opponent, Dominggo Zaspa.

After the Illustrisimo killing, all vehicles entering the Capitol compound have been required to secure first a pass and that people were also asked to sign a log book and specify their respective purpose in going there. No taxis have been allowed to enter since then. - Garry B. Lao and Gregg M. Rubio/RAE