FPJ camp sees Comelec, Namfrel conspiracy

A lawyer for the late actor Fernando Poe Jr. accused the Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday of conspiring with the National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) to ensure the victory of President Arroyo in last year’s elections.

Lawyer Sixto Brillantes, who called on Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos to resign, said the results of the Namfrel tabulation of the precinct-based election returns were replete with many deficiencies and mysteries, and had failed to comply with Comelec regulations.

"There seems to be a coordinated move between Comelec and Namfrel, designed to unduly benefit the incumbent president," he said.

Brillantes said Namfrel’s designation as the citizen’s arm in the 2004 election was a "premeditated act" to ensure "trending" in favor of Mrs. Arroyo.

"Namfrel’s very apparent gross indiscretions notwithstanding, the Comelec headed by Chairman Abalos never bothered to investigate or even ask for explanation," he said.

Brillantes questioned the action of Abalos of "prematurely" announcing the victory of Mrs. Arroyo without holding official copies of certificates of canvass (CoCs).

Meanwhile, Abalos denied any conspiracy between the Comelec and Namfrel during last year’s elections.

"Let’s stop this media mileage," he said.

Abalos said he would not resign because there is no reason for him to do so.

"My conscience is clear," he said. "I have done nothing wrong to warrant my resignation."