Gabriela issues own ‘10 Commandments’

Are these commandments writ in stone, too?

Five hundred women from the militant organization Gabriela marched to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday carrying stones and stone tablets bearing their own "10 Commandments" for clean and honest elections.

The stones were later laid down by the marchers to symbolize their crusade for orderly elections.

"We, women, demand clean and honest elections," said Gabriela which issued the following commandments:

1. Thou shalt not allow guns, goons and gold to subvert the people’s will.

2. Thou shalt not allow coup plotters or criminals to remain as candidates.

3. Thou shalt not allow Comelec officials to accept bribes or exercise partisanship.

4. Thou shalt not allow harassment and terrorism especially of teachers.

5. Thou shalt now allow flying voters.

6. Thou shalt not allow dagdag-bawas, dagdag-singit or any other dagdag to pad votes.

7. Thou shalt not allow candidates to steal votes or switch ballot boxes.

8. Thou shalt not allow influence-peddling inside polling precincts.

9. Thou shalt now allow major or traditional parties to qualify as party list.

10. Thou shalt not allow the suspension or postponement of elections in any area for partisan or unreasonable cause.

"We are concerned at the outcome of the coming elections. Especially after ousting an unwanted president," said Sister Mary John Mananzan, Gabriela national chairwoman, in a statement.

The marchers, also accompanied by Bayan Muna women, put up stone tablets containing the Women’s 10 Commandments for Clean and Honest Elections in front of the Comelec building.

Liza Largoza Maza, Gabriela secretary general and Bayan Muna party-list nominee, warned of possible disruptions in the May 14 elections to be perpetrated by allies of jailed former President Joseph Estrada.

"We the Filipino women vow to thwart any attempt to subvert the people’s will. Along with the men and our children, we are marching today for clean and honest elections," said Maza.

"We demand that the men and women of the Commission on Elections be true to their calling, role and responsibility to ensure the sanctity of the people’s votes. More importantly, we call on the Filipino people to exercise once again the force of the people power in guarding our votes come election day and thereafter," said Maza.

Among those who took part in the Women Walk for Clean Elections are former National Telecommunications commission (NTC) Commissioner Josie Lichauco, Nayong Pilipino executive director and Women Watch representative lawyer Charito Planas, government employees led by Courage and schoolteachers led by Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT).

The march started from the Sta. Cruz Church at 8 a.m. and ended at the Comelec office.