Give poll summit a chance, Palace asks CBCP

Malacañang appealed to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and other sectors to give the election summit proposed by President Arroyo a chance, saying the people’s cooperation is necessary to have clean, orderly and peaceful voting in May.

The first meeting in preparation for the summit itself may take place on Feb. 7, depending on the availability of the parties who will attend the event, the Palace said.

The CBCP has taken back its support for the summit as its president, Iloilo Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, admitted being "wary and skeptical" about the meeting called by the Arroyo administration.

Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said the proposed summit was yet to convene and should be allowed to work.

"The more important issue today is not the unity of political coalitions but the unity of the people behind clean and peaceful elections," he said.

"Preparations are underway and we vow to work towards a comprehensive approach to protect the people’s vote and shield the process from intimidation and fraud," Bunye added.

He said the government was looking forward to a strong and successful covenant among all stakeholders that would uphold Philippine democracy and the rule of law in the coming elections.

Cabinet Secretary Ricardo Saludo said the Palace had received positive responses from most of the entities invited to the planning meeting for the election summit.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec), the National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Department of Education have suggested dates for the meeting and the Palace is following up with other invitees, including the CBCP and the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting. — With Paolo Romero