Rama urges private sector to help protect votes

CEBU, Philippines – Believing that next year’s polls will have a huge voter turnout, Acting Mayor Michael Rama yesterday urged the private sector to support campaigns to protect ballots, as he commended ABS-CBN yesterday for the television station’s “Boto Mo, Ipatrol Mo,” election campaign.

Rama said a huge voter turnout can be expected next year considering that the country will elect a new president, vice president, senators, congressmen, and local government officials such as governor, vice governor, board members, mayor, vice mayor, and councilors.

“Nindot kaayo ang kawsa nga kitang mga botante dili gyud magpapalit sa atong boto. Kinahanglang barugan gyud nato ang atong katungod sa pagpili sa mga tawo nga gusto nato nga himoong opisyal,” Rama said.

Still, Rama said it is inevitable that there would be those that would succumb to vote buying, especially those living below the poverty line.

Rama also urged the Commission on Elections not to be in haste in implementing automation if safeguards would not be in place in time for the May 2010 polls.

Rama expressed fears that the country might just be subjected to “embarrassment in the highest degree” if the new automated system would not work well.

Here in Cebu, ABS-CBN launched the “Boto Mo, Ipatrol Mo” election campaign at the Plaza Sugbo grounds in front of the City Hall legislative building. The campaign aims to encourage the youth to help protect their ballots in next year’s polls.

Aside from Rama, election officials also commended ABS-CBN for launching the campaign and encouraged other private groups to follow suit.

Rama said the city government will actively support ABS-CBN in its election campaign, as the same would also boost the image of Cebu City. – Rene U. Borromeo/JMO (THE FREEMAN)