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Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Bishops' group wants Comelec revamped
* CBCP expresses worry over anti-terror law, says it contains provisions that "may serve and create a condition of widespread panic"
* Palace says there is enough time for election modernization
MANILA -- For its failure to curb irregularities in the 2004 and May 14 elections, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has called for a revamp of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the implementation of electoral reforms.
In a two-page pastoral statement issued after their plenary assembly, the bishops sought the appointment of a new Comelec chairman and commissioners.
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CBCP president and Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo said the new Comelec officials to be appointed should possess "unquestioned integrity and competence, especially in systems and management."
Bureaucracy
"There should also be serious efforts to depoliticize and professionalize the bureaucracy," said Lagdameo Monday.
Lagdameo made the appeal following election irregularities that happened in Maguindanao where opposition candidates got no votes.
It was the first time that the CBCP called for a revamp of the Comelec, citing public dissatisfaction with the commission's performance.
In its two previous pastoral statements, the CBCP raised the need for electoral reforms without directly attacking the six-member commission.
Last year, however, the bishops supported the appointment of Commissioners Rene Sarmiento, Nicodemo Ferrer, and Romeo Brawner.
Asked if the bishops are still pleased with the three commissioners, Lagdameo said, "At present, we are satisfied with their performance."
Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. and Commissioners Resurreccion Borra and Florentino Tuason Jr. are set to retire in February 2008.
Church-based bodies
Lagdameo said in coming out with the call, the 85 bishops that attended the two-day plenary assembly over the weekend based their resolution on reports submitted by church-based organizations such as the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, National Citizens Movement for Free Elections, and Legal Network for Truthful Elections.
Aside from a revamp of the Comelec, the bishops said those responsible for anomalies in past elections should be held "accountable to the people."
"Good career people in the Comelec can be the catalyst for the renewal of the institution," it noted.
The clergy added that the electoral system should be modernized in time for the 2010 presidential elections.
'Qualified success'
While it called the May 14 elections as a "qualified success" because of the "deep flaws in the process and its administration," the CBCP cited the vigilance of poll watchdogs.
Meanwhile, the clergy also expressed apprehension over the implementation of the Human Security Act or the anti-terror law, which they said contains provisions that "may serve and create a condition of widespread panic."
In particular, the CBCP is concerned over some sections of the law that allow detention of suspects for up to three days, house arrest, prohibition on travel, and surveillance and wiretapping of suspects, including an investigation of assets and bank deposits.
"We feel that the atmosphere created by this law and its impending implementations calls us to appeal to those concerned to review this law so that in consultation and dialogue we may have a law that is truly relevant in promoting the security of the nation and in the pursuit of authentic peace," said the CBCP.
In Malacañang, Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said the government has "more than enough time" to modernize the electoral system in preparation for the 2010 presidential elections.
"I think we have more than enough time to automate and I think that will eliminate all possibilities of irregularities and we will have a process that we can be truly proud of," said Bunye.
Bunye also said it is time to implement the automated election law because the country needs clean and peaceful elections.
The Automated Election Law or Republic Act (RA) 9369 was signed in Jan. 23, 2007 but there was not enough time to implement it for the May 14 elections. (MSN/JMR/Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Cebu. (July 10 2007 issue)
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