Congressmen hope for peaceful, clean elections

Members of the House of Representatives expressed hope that today’s national and local elections will be peaceful and orderly. They also urged the country’s 43 million voters to exercise their right to suffrage and elect the candidates of their choice.

"Now is the time for Filipinos to once again unite with a common goal of ensuring the integrity of the elections," Surigao del Sur Rep. Prospero Pichay said. "Let us support our electoral institutions in securing the sanctity of the ballot against any form of violence and cheating."

Davao City Rep. Prospero Nograles said that "rich or poor, educated or not, qualified voters would participate in the electoral process to help determine our future leaders. Cast your vote then forget the elections. Let’s all unite after the polls and move on to save our nation."

The administration lawmakers said Filipinos should not leave the task of ensuring a credible election to the administration of President Arroyo. They said each ordinary citizen is responsible for making the poll exercise fraud-free — particularly with regards to vote padding and shaving schemes.

"The voters’ participation in the polls signifies their confidence in our electoral institutions, which are doing their best to ensure an honest and orderly conduct of the elections, regardless of who will be the chosen candidates," Pichay said.

Cebu City Rep. Joseph Durano assured the public that the police and the military are prepared for the worst and are "set to thwart election violence and security threats from extremist forces."

"Our resolve to install our chosen leaders by the ballot will prevail over these threats that are only meant to prevent the people from voting," he said. "We appreciate the members of our police and military organizations for adhering to their non-partisan commitment, which proves their professionalism."

Bukidnon Rep. Nereus Acosta said voters should not be discouraged by attempts by some parties to cheat during the elections, since the government is capable of preventing poll fraud.

"The government is capable enough to address poll violence," Acosta said. "We urge the people to support our electoral institutions in fighting fraud so that deserving leaders who have been chosen will be the ones installed."

The lawmakers also urged the public to "report cheating and other forms of electoral fraud to (the) authorities, even as church groups and non-government organizations are set to guard the ballots."

Bulacan Rep. Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado, meanwhile, said voters should exercise their right to vote with the common goal of installing people capable of leading the country towards peace and prosperity.

"Let us be proud of ourselves for being part of such a process," Alvarado said.