Tuesday, July 03, 2007 Poll official wants Bogo canvassing done in Manila
TO prevent violence from breaking out, Provincial Election Supervisor Lionel Marco Castillano has asked the Commission on Elections head office to transfer the canvassing of the controversial Bogo election returns to Manila.
“Although there is a policy of the commission that no canvassing shall be transferred to Manila, the undersigned hopes that it would be an exception to protect the image of Cebu as tourism destination which could be damaged if violence would occur as the office of the Regional Election Director where the canvassing was held is situated in the heart of the city,” read Castillano’s letter dated June 29.
The letter was addressed to Comelec Commissioner Resurreccion Borra, through Central Visayas Director Ray Rene Buac.
At risk
Castillano’s letter also pointed out that “there is indeed a strong probability that lives and properties would be at risk if the canvassing of the disputed election returns and the proclamation of winners for the fourth district would be held in Cebu.”
Castillano said he consulted Cebu Provincial Police Director Carmelo Valmoria on the security situation if the canvassing and proclamation will be done in Cebu. Valmoria, he said, also recommended its transfer to Manila.
“Bisan kinsa ang mapaboran sa decision, possible gyud nga dunay gubot (Whichever side wins, violence is sure to break out),” Castillano said.
Disputed ERs
He also pointed out that if the canvassing of the Provincial Board of Canvassers (PBOC) of Cebu will be held in Manila, it could immediately canvass the results for national positions from Bogo.
The Bogo election returns (ER) have been brought to Manila after the Special Board of Canvassers doubted the authenticity of some of the ERs.
As a result, the Provincial board members of the fourth district as well as its congressman have not been proclaimed yet.
Lawyer Odelon Urot, who represents congressional bet Benhur Salimbangon, said the National Board of Canvassers convened yesterday but the Bogo issue was not been discussed.
They will convene again on Thursday and hopefully by then, the Bogo issue will be resolved, he said.
In relation to the Bogo controversy, the request for proclamation of reelected PB Member Jose Mari Gastardo was denied by the Provincial Board of Canvassers.
Gastardo submitted the statement of votes issued by the PBOC and certificate of votes issued by the special board of canvassers of Bogo.
The figures, he said, show that he won but the PBOC cannot canvass the votes using the documents Gastardo submitted.
It is provided in a Comelec resolution that the board is only allowed to canvass the certificate of canvass by the Municipal Board of Canvassers.
“Since the number of registered voters of the Municipality of Bogo can still affect the outcome of the election, this Board would have to defer the proclamation of the petitioner and would have to await when the Special Board of Canvassers of Bogo would present is COC for canvass,” the ruling stated. (MBG with KNT)
