‘Dagdag-bawas’ eyed in Estrada country

Re-electionist San Juan Rep. Jose Mari Gonzales has asked the Commission on Elections to place his town under its control to prevent massive cheating and violence during the May 14 polls.

Gonzales, in a statement, said the poll body should move to frustrate attempts of "dagdag-bawas" by some candidates. He asked the Comelec to transfer the canvassing of votes from the San Juan municipal hall to the gymnasium of the San Juan Elementary School to prevent cheating.

"Poll watchers of different parties and candidates can easily guard the canvassing if it is done outside the municipal hall," he said.

Gonzales is going against former congressman and Executive Secretary Ronaldo Zamora who is staging a comeback under the party of ousted President Joseph Estrada.

San Juan has been known as "Erap country" since it was the town where Estrada, a former actor, launched his political career three decades ago as mayor. The town still supports Estrada and considers him president-on-leave. His son, Jinggoy, also a former actor, has been mayor for three terms.

A third candidate – television news reporter Ronald Estella – is also running for the town’s lone congressional seat. He is reportedly being endorsed by the influential Catholic Church.

Gonzales said the Comelec should also transfer the office of the municipal and district board of canvassers as well as the office of the town’s chief of police to another place to prevent them from being influenced or used by politicians.