Comelec intramurals can stall poll automation

Senators warned yesterday that the continued "bickerings and intramurals" among officials of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) could sabotage the country’s poll modernization program for 2004.

In yesterday’s Senate hearing, Guillermo Luz, executive director of the National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel), revealed that 25 of the 62 meetings of Comelec officials from January to August this year lacked a quorum because half of them were absent most of the time.

Commissioner Luzviminda Tancangco admitted missing a number of meetings because, she claimed, Comelec chairman Alfredo Benipayo could revoke any resolution approved en banc.

Tancangco incurred 37 absences, while Commissioners Mehol Sadain had 43; Ralph Lantion, 42; and Rufino Javier, 41.

"If the Comelec cannot even hold en banc sessions due to grave feuding among its top officials, we can kiss the country’s poll modernization program goodbye. It is imperative for the Comelec’s top officials to unite and work harmoniously," said Sen. Edgardo Angara, chairman of the Senate committee on electoral reforms and constitutional amendments.

Comelec officials are divided into two factions – those appointed by President Arroyo (Benipayo, Resurreccion Borra and Florentino Tuason) and those designated by former President Joseph Estrada (Tancangco, Sadain, Lantion and Javier).

Meanwhile, Angara scored the Comelec for what he claimed was inaccuracy in election figures.

"The Comelec is about figures and counting the votes. If they cannot make the right count, what are they for?" Angara asked.

Benipayo admitted that there were clerical errors in the number of registered voters, but explained that the mistakes did not affect the actual tally of votes in the May 14 elections.

The Senate committee is investigating errors and alleged padding of votes in the recent polls, and the delay in the Comelec’s modernization program.

Sen. Ralph Recto has filed Resolution No. 147 calling for an inquiry into the poll body’s failure to automate the recent elections despite the availability of funds for the purpose.

Benipayo has shelved the nationwide precinct mapping and computerized voters’ list projects, which Tancangco headed, because of alleged irregularities, including unliquidated cash advances.

"Suspicions of graft are raised amid reports that funds were misused with certain commissioners having large unliquidated accounts from the modernization program," Recto said.