Survey showing Pinoys' confidence in Comelec welcomed

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang welcomed yesterday the Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showing that most Filipinos have confidence in the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the prevention of the sabotage of the automated elections.

Presidential spokesman Ricardo Saludo said the survey confirmed that people still trust the Comelec and hold high hopes for this year’s automated elections despite persistent reports of a possible failure of elections.

“We commend the Comelec for winning the confidence of 58 percent of voters, up from 44 percent last October in its ability to prevent sabotage of automated elections,” Saludo said.

“Despite endless carping in media about failed polls, the SWS survey showed that the great majority of our people hold high hopes for automated elections.”

Malacañang has denounced reports of failure of elections, which were all based on fears and recent developments involving President Arroyo.

Speculations about possible failure of elections were brought about by reports of non-attendance of the President in the graduation rites of the Philippine National Police Academy after PNP chief Gen. Jesus Verzosa said he would not support illegal moves to extend the term of the President and the surprise visit of armed forces chief of staff Gen. Delfin Bangit to Camp Crame after Mrs. Arroyo’s snubbed the PNPA affair.   – Marvin Sy