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Wednesday, March 24, 2004
Comelec, police worry over May 10 logistics
By KAREN M. FLORES
Sun.Star Staff Reporter
ELECTION officers and the Cebu provincial police yesterday expressed some concern over “logistical” requirements of their intensified operations on May 10 as well as the weeks leading to election day.
In a conference yesterday afternoon, officials of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) 7 and the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) agreed to tap the resources of local government units (LGUs) to address additional requirements for transportation and provisions for personnel.
Regional Attorney Marshall Rubia of Comelec 7 and Acting Provincial Election Supervisor Edwin Cadungog said it is inevitable for this arrangement to raise some eyebrows since many of the incumbent officials are seeking reelection.
Take over
However, Rubia said they are ready to answer questions by explaining that under “prevailing laws,” Comelec is allowed to take over the resources of other government agencies during election day to ensure the successful holding of the polls.
He further said it will also be made clear that the resources used are those of LGUs, not those that belong to the candidates personally.
Poll funds
On election year, Rubia said some LGUs set aside funds in order to ensure orderly polls.
Both the Comelec and PNP will need help with transportation and fuel, as well as food and other provisions for employees.
Rubia said most police stations only have one working vehicle so they will need to borrow additional ones to be more mobile on election days. Election officers, meanwhile, are not assigned service vehicles.
The provincial Comelec office even has to borrow trucks from Capitol and the military in order to bring ballots, ballot boxes and other supplies to the towns.
Meanwhile, Cadungog said election officers and town police chiefs also agreed to ask for additional police officers to augment the stations, most of which lack personnel.
No peace and order problems cropped up yesterday. Both Comelec and the PNP expect these to become more prevalent during the campaign period, which starts this Thursday.
(March 24, 2004 issue)
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