In your opinion, was the May 10, 2010 national elections a success?

C.B. Fundales, Bulacan: It’s a victory for a people who again have shown the political maturity to hurdle a national undertaking that has been the object of undue distrust.  

Ric Santolorin, Metro Manila: Very successful. It proved that when citizens complement the efforts of the government, success is inevitable. The same could apply to other endeavors as well.  

Yes, but fine-tuning has to be made

Rodolfo Talledo Angeles City: It was an exciting experience but a few adjustments of some procedures should eliminate the glitches and inconveniences we endured last Monday.  

Joe Nacilla, Las Piñas City: Generally, the May 10, 2010 election was a success. The only common problem encountered was the long queue of voters. With the first automated election system, this was expected, but it should be corrected in the next electoral exercise. The important lesson we learned in this exercise is: Nincompoops and media should not create rumors and present suspicions and doubts as proven facts, scaring the people.  

Leonard Villa, Batac City: Yes, it was more successful than previous manual elections. However, the first poll automation in our country had flaws that need to be corrected in future elections.  

Ignacio Anacta, Metro Manila: Compared to the two previous elections, it was a success, although there are still many things to adjust and fine-tune. I also hope that voter maturity is improving.  

Ernesto Oliquiano, Las Piñas City: Yes, it was a success and credit should be given not only to the Comelec, the teachers and the poll watchers, but mainly to the electorate who were so enthusiastic to participate in the first-ever automated elections in our country. Of course, there were some glitches here and there. There was confusion in looking for the voters’ precincts, long queues, and people had to wait for four to five hours before they could cast their votes. Polling places were overcrowded and PCOS machines malfunctioned. But these are minor, understandable glitches. The most important thing is that the results of the elections were already known the following day. I’m sure many things still need to be done to make things easier for everyone. The national government should allot more funds for the Comelec to buy additional PCOS machines so that the clustering of precincts is minimized.The number of voters in every precinct should also be limited so that voters won’t have to wait in line for hours. Also, the Comelec should require local governments to provide polling areas with ample space to prevent overcrowding and preserve the secrecy of voting. 

Doomsayers can eat their words

Francis Santos-Viola, Quezon City: The fact that most of this country woke up on May 11 to business as usual means our elections, however flawed, defied the doomsayer’s predictions.  

Rey Ibalan, Antipolo City: Even with some inconveniences for voters and PCOS glitches, it was a success. Time for prophets of doom to bite their tails.  

Grace San Juan, Metro Manila: A success, indeed, in spite of what the doomsayers said or will still be saying in the next few days.  

We survived its birth pains

Abelardo Abilay, Laguna: It was smoother than I expected. Sure enough, there were technical glitches and election process errors. However, I am just amazed, thankful and relieved that we were able to survive a milestone in Philippine history. I am looking forward to the next election season with higher expectations and bigger dreams.  

Germi Sison, Cabanatuan City: Since it was our first encounter with automated voting and counting, we could hardly put everybody and everything in place. We were like a mother undergoing her first childbirth. But since we found that voting was smoother and faster and that counting was more accurate and cheat-free, the results gave us glorious relief, like when you hear the first cry of a child after delivery.  

Manny Cordeta, Marikina City: Generally, yes. In retrospect, actually, I’ve extended my warm handshakes to Comelec Chair Jose Melo and associates for doing and exerting their efforts creditably well with impartiality. The said agency, alongside other personalities, i.e., the teachers, poll watchers, BEIs, the electorate and the candidates themselves, deserve no less than high-fives in giving their fair share in this historic chapter in Philippine elections. Kudos, likewise, to the indulgence of the media group, both print and broadcast. They are apparently and undeniably always the so-called unsung heroes, tirelessly covering the momentous event 24/7. The new system had its birth pains, but I’m optimistic that these would turn out to be blessings in disguise, a stimulant or eye-opener to a near flawless one the next time around. Truly, as the age-old adage says, “Experience is the best teacher.”  

Jim Veneracion, Naga City: Until the last vote is counted and the winners are proclaimed, I can’t say that the election was successful. But we’ve survived the birth pains of automated elections, yes.  

It was a tremendous success

Johann Lucas, Quezon City: Yes, the success of the automated polls erased doubts on our elections, and politicians can stop crying that they lost because they were cheated.  

Felix Ramento, USA: The outpouring of support and positive regard of the people for the May 10, 2010 national elections made it a tremendous success.  

Rudy Tagimacruz, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon: With news media covering polls on a 24-hour basis, I consider the May 10, 2010 national elections a success.  

Ruben Viray, Antipolo City: Great! In spite of minor eventualities that happened, we made it with flying colors. This is a stepping stone for us to improve more in the next voting exercise and hopefully learn so much from the problems encountered. I salute all unnamed men and women who participated and made the automated election already a part of our history. A big toast to all of them.  

Dr. Jose Balcanao, Benguet: The May 2010 national elections was a success and there is now a change of officialdom at Malacanang and in the local politcal arena. The Noy-Bi tandem would bring a new image of leadership and a stronger spirit of hope for the transformation of our nation through transparent governance.  

It wasn’t so much a success

Lydia Reyes, Bataan: It was not so much a success. There was failure of elections in some areas, especially in Mindanao.  

Ric Vergara, Calamba: No, premature campaigning, illegal postering, vote-buying, overspending, political killings, etc. prevailed nationwide during the period. You can’t call it a success.  

Yes, but undeserving bets still won

Manuel Abejero, Pangasinan: It was, in a way, successful, because we were able to elect a new president that was not anointed by the outgoing corrupt president. The low side is that actors, clowns and dynasts are in the winning circle of the senatorial race. It reflects the mental bankruptcy of the majority of our telenovela crowd.  

Yes, despite the glitches and hassles

Elmo Cruz, Manila: With 100 per cent as the perfect grade for success and 75 per cent as passing grade, I give our May 10, 2010 national election a 90-per cent rate of success. The shortfall of 10 per cent is due to glitches of the machines and shortage of election staff manning the process. I hope our next automated election will be 100-per cent successful.  

C.B. Manalastas, Manila: As a whole, it was generally a success in spite of reported glitches in the PCOS machines and failure of election in some areas.  

L.C. Fiel, Quezon City: After all the fear, the negative reactions and the glitches before and during election day, it was a success.  

Lucas Banzon Madamba II, USA: Yes, the May 10, 2010 elections was a success in spite of the fact that there were reported cases of violence in some parts of the country such as in Mindanao and also reported cases of machine malfunction in some areas, which were solved easily and fast.  

God bless Noynoy.  Ching Gaspar, Laoag City: Yes, despite the number of glitches and hassles that could have led to a failure of election. Those I were expecting to win won, except some candidates who were eclipsed by celebrities. Some neophytes in the senatorial lineup, if given a break, would serve us better than some of the old faces. Really, if it’s the people’s clamor, no amount of vote-buying, aborted digital manipulation, mudslinging, cheating, ploy and commercials can put a good man down. _Let’s see the big difference between the outgoing and incoming leader of the land. Kahit walang nagawa noon, siguro ngayon maraming magagawa sa ikabubuti ng ating bayan.

Jose Fabello Jr., Cagayan de Oro City: The glitches, kinks and problems were there as usual, but considering the turnout of voters and the speed of the results, the national elections of May 10 was generally successful.  

Elpidio Que, Vigan: Despite some reported glitches, it was no doubt a success. Results were fast. At the local level, it was a success for the moneyed candidates, since a few weeks back, money was said to have rained on the political landscape, bathing the gullible and naive electorate majority, who wouldn’t even think about where the money came from.  

William Gonzaga, Marikina City: Compared to the 2004 and 2007 polls, the May 10, 2010 elections can be considered a relatively huge success despite glitches, the long lines of voters and some isolated cases of violence. Inasmuch as it was the first time poll automation was implemented, the generally smooth turnout of results within 24 hours after the closing of the voting precincts could be deemed a great achievement on the part of the Comelec, the BEIs, the PPCRV and the people at large. Of course, the AFP-PNP did a good job in maintaining a relatively peaceful election aside from proving their neutrality despite previous widespread misgivings from suspicious sectors. Congratulations to all!  

Media played up the hassles

Leandro Tolentino, Batangas: It is a success despite the glitches and long queues which were all prominently played up by media instead of focusing on the many orderly events at the polls.  

We had fast results

Desuel Pardo, Mandaluyong City: Though we went through much inconvenience and hardship during our first automated elections, I can safely say that it was well worth it for us first-timers as it was proven fraud-free and fast. My only regret, however, is that many of the candidates I campaigned hard against won. Ganyan ba talaga pag wala nang dayaan, mga dapat matalo, nananalo? Something is wrong  either the choice of the majority or mine.  

Renato Taylan, Ilocos Norte: Despite minor problems attendant to the first-ever automated national elections, it was a resounding success because the results turned out well.  

Edwin Castillo, Tanauan City: There was no report of dagdag-bawas and presidential contender Manny Villar conceded a day after the elections.  

Malou Morales, Metro Manila: Thanks to the mock elections and constant airing of the “bilog na itlog” song, people became aware of what the automated elections is about. The results came in faster so I’d say it was a success.  

Deo Durante, Camarines Sur: Despite the negative forecast, it was a success. Results in the counting were transmitted easily. “Hello, Garci?” and dagdag-bawas were countered for there was no delay in the counting.  

Everybody played a part

Rico Fabello, Parañaque City: Yes, everybody did his part and I’m very satisfied.  

Elizabeth Oximer, Negros Occidental: Yes, panalo ang Pinoy!  

Dr. Dennis Acop, Baguio City: The first automated national and local elections in the country were concluded successfully. Despite earlier doomsday scenarios and the long voting hours, it now appears that the Commission on Elections, Smartmatic, AFP, PNP, and the voters, among others, all did their part in ensuring generally honest, orderly and peaceful elections. In fact, the AFP and PNP report that the current elections are the most peaceful relative to previous elections. Of course, there were isolated cases of violence throughout the archipelago, but with a clear winner, there is hope for a smooth transition of power on June 30. Then, political stability and economic stability would be assured in the foreseeable future. At least for now, developments appear headed in that direction.  

Job well done for Comelec

Jimmy Donton, Puerto Princesa City: Without thinking of violence and PCOS malfunctions in some areas, the national elections were generally a success and I am proud to participate in the first automated elections. Thank you, Comelec and Chairman Melo for a job well done.  

Eufrocino Linsangan, Isabela: Despite all the hitches and glitches it was generally a success. I can imagine the Christmas morning smile on the faces of the Comelec people as they finally made their worst critics eat all the barbs they’d earlier thrown.  

Ed Gulmatico, Bacolod City: In fairness to Comelec under Chairman Jose Melo, the elections were successful.  

Rey Onate, Palayan City: Yes, it was a success. Mabuhay ang Comelec. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!  

Ishmael Q. Calata, Parañaque City: It was a success, despite reports of some glitches in some places. It was indeed a historic event for which Chairman Melo of the Comelec and the commissioners under him have our commendation. They have completely dispelled the criticisms thrown their way by doubters and plain loud-mouthed critics. This is the first time that accusations of ballot snatching, intentional wrong counting of votes, and the changing figures in vote tally sheets done upon transmittal of the same have not been heard of. What is glaringly pleasant is the ease with which losers conceded defeat  a sign of trust in the automation system. We hope that whatever problems came about on that historic day, they should serve as lessons for everyone to profit from, especially for those manning the precincts so that next time around, everything will run smoother for the satisfaction of everyone. Again, kudos to Comelec.  

Louella Brown, Baguio City: In my opinion, it was a success. The turnout of voters was high because each voter was excited about the new technology. At this point, the Comelec has to be congratulated despite the glitches.  

Robert Young Jr., San Juan: It can be considered a success despite the glitches, apprehension, changing of 76,400 pieces of memory cards four days before the election, controversies over secret ballot folders, UV lights and errors in testing. For the first time in Philippine history, we knew who our new President, VP and top 12 senatorial bets were in less than a day’s time. Many local officials have been declared winners of the election. Election cheating was negligible. If we discount the Maguindanao carnage, this can be considered one of the most peaceful elections in history. Congrats to Chairman Melo and his team. You have done a good job.  

Voters were enthusiastic again

Ella Arenas, Pangasinan: I could say that it was a success because of the good and heavy turnout of voters in spite of technical glitches and long lines of irate voters.  

Richard Decena, Quezon City: It was a success kahit hindi po perfect ang proseso. Naipakita po ng electorate ang damdamin nila.  

Gerii Calupitan, Muntinlupa City: Was the May10, 2010 elections successful? Ask those who won and they will say yes; ask those who lost and surely they’ll reply, “No, we were cheated!” The 75-per cent voter turnout can be considered a success, considering that it was RP’s first-ever automated polls using hi-tech machines on low-tech voters with low IQs. I was given a photocopy of P500 and P100 bills by someone who said, “Aquino-Roxas po tayo, sir.” I wish I had carbon paper with me yesterday. I would have placed a Ninoy bill on it and told the man, “Aquino-Binay ako, eh!”  

Cris Rivera, Rizal: The May 10 national elections depict the enthusiastic electorate we were years ago. It’s great to be part of the first Philippine automated polls. We’ve made history.  

June Deoferio, Cavite: Yes, because 75 per cent of registered voters participated despite the many hours’ delay in voting due to long queues.  

Jayson Biadog, Mandaluyong City: Yes, because I believe that the majority of Filipinos are honest and responsible people.  

Views expressed in this section do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of The STAR. The STAR does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of readers exercising their right to free expression. The publication also reserves the right to edit contributions to this section as it sees fit.

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