|
Monday, January 19, 2004
New city election registrar frustrated over SC ruling
By Allen S. Terencio
IF COMMISSION on Elections (Comelec) Chair Benjamin Abalos broke down in front of President Arroyo in frustration over the Supreme Court's decision nullifying the poll body's contract for the automation of forthcoming elections, he was not alone.
Newly installed General Santos City election officer Jose Villanueva said he, too, was frustrated with the decision.
"I felt frustrated with the Supreme Court's decision, because all along we are prepared for the automation," Villanueva told Sun.Star last week.
Villanueva said the automated polls could minimize cheating and election-related frauds.
He said that in automated polls, counting would have been finished in two days; limiting the time of would-be cheaters in manipulating election results.
The Supreme Court (SC) last week nullified Comelec's P1.3-billion contract with Mega Pacific consortium for the automation of the May 10 elections. The SC put the blame on Comelec.
Abalos reportedly broke down in front of President Arroyo in a meeting on Tuesday evening in Malacaņang, hours after the SC issued its decision.
The poll chair said they are set to file a motion for reconsideration to the SC this week.
Villanueva, on the other hand, said they are ready for the manual counting of election results.
He assumed his new post last Jan. 14, replacing Abraham Nilong who served in acting capacity for over four years.
(January 19, 2004 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
|
[ return
to top ]
[ home
]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
|
