|
Monday, May 30, 2005
Voters 'to snub' 5th district House poll
By Jeanette P. Malinao
CEBU CITY -- If the sentiment of some voters is any indication, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) may be right in projecting a low turnout in Monday's fifth district special congressional elections.
A random interview with voters Sunday revealed that many plan to skip Monday's polls for the House seat vacated by now Tourism Secretary Ace Durano.
Some residents of Poblacion, Danao City, however, disclosed that they were given P40 per voter, allegedly from Red Durano's camp, for their fare to and from their polling places.
Candidate Dean Severo Dosado, meanwhile, lamented the failure of his party, the Puwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP), to provide him with logistical support.
"Despite this, I will continue the fight and the struggle to restore democracy in the district. I will keep the flame burning, bahala na," Dosado told Sun.Star Cebu Sunday.
"Way atrasay. I just hope that those against the Durano dynasty will register their votes," added Dosado, whom Red failed in having disqualified along with independent candidate Wilfredo Tuadles.
Dosado said he got no funding from the PMP or from those who oppose the Durano camp, while Red, the frontrunner in the race, has given dole outs in the district.
But a resident of Poblacion, Danao City, said Red is already a sure winner even if he does not give anything.
"Naglawig na ang kadaugan ni Red bisan di pa siya manghatag, waman gud mailhi sa publiko iyang mga kontra, (Red will certainly win. His opponents are not known to the public)," said the voter.
Provincial Election Supervisor Edwin Cadungog earlier said few voters may go to polling places today, as only the 10 towns and Danao City in the fifth district are covered by the holiday.
Because of this, those working in the city may not be able to go home to vote.
Interviews with voters, however, show various reasons they are not joining the elections.
"Mao na lang gyud nay atong adtuon pagsuwat ng usa ka pangan (Why bother when we only have to write one name)?" said Melchora Enario of Poblacion, Liloan.
Monday's fiesta in Liloan is also seen as one factor that will keep residents away from the elections.
A laborer, who requested not to be named, said he would not waste his time with the elections, as nobody campaigned for his vote anyway.
A 19-year-old college student, when asked if she'd vote, replied, "Naa diay election? Sa unsa na? (Why, is there an election? What for?)"
Another voter, who works in the city, said she was aware of an election in the fifth district, but did not know whether her hometown in Liloan is included.
There was not the usual litter of posters, leaflets and other campaign materials that usually mark an election. No political leaders were mobilized in many barangays and sitios.
Romeo Ayuda, 55, also asked why bother with an election when a Durano would still have it in the end. Danao City Mayor Ramon "Nito" Durano III, father of Ace and Red, controls the district.
Even Nito said months ago that a special election is not necessary and would only eat up much-needed government resources. His district can still get projects even without a congressman, Nito had said.
(May 30, 2005 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
|
|
|
[return to top]
[home]
|
|
Muslim rebels consult followers on peace talks