Let there be re-canvassing pronto

What’s the difference between the recount of the contested Cebu Vice-Governor position and that of the election re-canvassing of Compostela, Cebu? The former is going on, but the latter is further postponed for alleged absence of the re-canvassing guidelines from Comelec Manila.

 It’s about a month now that Compostela Comelec Regisrar Disierto Hortelano, Jr., and Cebu Provincial Election Supervisor Lionel Marco Castillano, have announced that they are seeking guidelines from the Comelec, but yet, no further word is heard what has delayed the Comelec’s action.

 Are the Cebu election people that at sea over the general procedure of canvassing, despite the general Comelec Instructions that set forth in the rules on canvassing in the May 10, 2010 general elections? What really is the real score for the projected re-canvassing?

 Hortelano cites that the Municipal Board of Canvassers that the Vice-Chairman, Compostela Municipal Treasurer Lorenzo Almodiel has been suspended. What of it, since somebody has been designated replacing him? Another, is Hortelano’s transfer to Poro, again what of it when he could be also replaced? Still another very minor matter is Hortelano’s enigma if he could be allowed a mobilization fund? Can they not solve that at the Cebu end?

 Meantime, not only the electorate, but the whole Compostela residents are further placed in limbo. The DILG-OIC appears to be unaware of the worsening condition of the peace and order which said OIC is supposed to be concerned about. Not only crimes of robbery have been occurring even in broad daylight. What has the DILG-OIC done to address the problem which is his own responsibility? Or, for that matter, what steps have he done to alleviate the COA-declared bankruptcy of Compotela’s public coffers.

 There’s a joke going the rounds that DILG-7 director Pedro Noval is washing his hands from the duties of a municipal mayor. In a pep talk with the market personnel, he allegedly boasted that he is a director, not a mayor, and is more than a cut above the mayor; and so, he should be addressed as director, not mayor who is way below him in stature.

 While, if true, such alleged bragging seems too childish, nevertheless, it betrays an attitudinal problem why sincere concern over the Compostela affairs appears wanting.

 Considering the sensitivity of the situation and the long lapse of inaction of the Central Comelec, even counted from the time the Election Registrar had requested for re-canvassing guidelines more than a month ago, the people are incredulous why Castillano could not have flown to Manila for the purpose. Indeed, it’s incredible that Cebu Comelec could not have officially followed-up an official business of emergency proportions.

 The longer this urgent issue drags on indefinitely, including the flimsy excuse on the finality of the Comelec resolution for re-canvassing – which is another weak excuse for further impasse – the more simple anxiety becomes an angry angst for Compostela electorate and residents.

 The May 10, 2010 elections lapsed more than a year ago, with the bankrupt Compostela government as obviously misgoverned sans its elected officialdom, urgency is a lingering and sensitive issue. No wonder, certain sectors had stormed the Municipal Hall. The already proclaimed elected officials led by Mayor Joel Quiño hinted of another “people power”. Or, his opponent Mayor Ritchie Wagas’ group might also take the same action. Either way, the touchy situation could be ripe for certain sectors to take the law into their hands.

Indeed, there’s a whale of difference between officially going out on dragging delay vis-a-vis the actual act of resolving the matter with dispatch. And, the simple people of Compostela are not that naïve not to know the difference.