Lawyer says election critics should present proof (3:37 p.m.)

MANILA -- Election lawyer Romulo Macalintal on Monday asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to cite in contempt poll critics who will fail to show evidence.

“Those who say that Comelec is not prepared, they should present evidence for such accusation. The problem is they are full of speculations. The Comelec should call those who say that there will be a failure of election and ask them: what is your evidence to prove that there will be a failure of election?” Macalintal said.

“If they fail to present evidence, they should be cited for contempt and be reprimanded not to issue such statements,” furthered Macalintal.

For his part, Comelec Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabl said these critics should realize the implications of their accusations so as not to cause panic among the voting public.

“It's so cheap to use the phrase 'failure of elections.' Every person suddenly becomes an expert and says that there will be a failure of elections. Do they actually realize what they're talking about and what it means to have a failure of elections?" said Larrazabal.

The Comelec has assured the public and candidates running this May 2010 repeatedly that it will be able to successfully implement the first-ever automated polls. (Kathrina Alvarez/Sunnex)