JPE wants poll registrar replaced over partisan politics

MANILA, Philippines - Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile called on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday to replace Santa Ana, Cagayan election officer Edna Tacazon, whom he accused of engaging in partisan politics.

Enrile accused Tacazon of being partial since she has relatives running for local posts in Cagayan.  

They are also allied with Enrile’s political foe, presidential legislative liaison officer Manuel Mamba.

Enrile said those denied their right to register for the elections are preparing affidavits to formalize their complaint against Tacazon.

Enrile denied allegations that he had subjected Tacazon to any unfair treatment.

“What unkind treatment?” he asked. “I did not do any unkind treatment. There are so many poor people there. In fact the people there are clapping, shouting because I intervened for them.”

Enrile had complained about a Comelec employee in Sta. Ana, Cagayan on the last day of voter’s registration last Oct. 31, Chairman Sixto Brillantes said yesterday.

However, Brillantes said he has not received any report on Enrile’s alleged bullying of Tacazon.  “It has just been blown up by the media,” he said. 

“He called me... saying that he got reports that some residents were not allowed to register. I told him that I would look into it.”

Enrile confirmed that he had called up Brillantes to complain about Tacazan.

“I told him, ‘I don’t like your people here if they cannot be impartial’,” he said.

“That is true that it is the last day (for registration). The chairman asked them to register them because they are there... I will be the last one to be mean to the people in my area... they look up to me for help whenever they need help.”

Brillantes said Enrile had informed him that he was going to the area, and that he instructed the Comelec regional director in Cagayan to report to him.

 –With Sheila Crisostomo, Charlie Lagasca