Villar to Comelec:Tell all on viability of automated polls

CEBU, Philippines - Senator Manuel “Manny” Villar Jr., president of the Nacionalista Party, is calling on the Commission on Elections to be honest enough to tell the public as to the real score of the poll automation.

“Because there are a lot of indications that Comelec is not ready for the poll automation. They are way behind of their scheduled timetable. Sana sasabihin na nang Comelec ‘yong totoo,” said Villar who graced the Sinulog Grand Parade yesterday.

Villar was here together with his senatorial lineup which includes lawyer Adel Tamano, Gilbert Remulla, Susan Ople, Gwen Pimentel, Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. and Bayan Muna Partylist Rep. Satur Ocampo.

Tamano and Ocampo both agree with the statement of Villar saying that the country’s elections should not be compromised by the Comelec’s ill-preparedness.

Villar said that if Comelec is not ready to hold the automated polls nationwide, then it can be done partially or in selected areas while some parts of the country can go on with the usual manual election.

Earlier, Opposition Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero said he has filed a joint resolution, in case of a failure of the 2010 elections, that five days before June 30, both Houses should convene for the purpose of electing a new Senate president whose term will end in 2013 to serve as a caretaker president for 90 days unless a new president of the country is elected. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)