MANILA -- The earlier talks on poll postponement affected the preparation of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), incurring delays in last Monday's electoral exercise.

"With all talks of postponement, you somehow relax on your plans because it involves spending money" said lawyer Ferdinand Rafanan, head of the legal department and the bids and awards committee of the poll body.

"Given that context, it would give the impression that we don’t exist if we did not consider discussions on postponement," he added.

But Representative Danilo Suarez (third district, Quezon) argued that the talks should have not affected the preparations since the Comelec assured Congress that they are ready for the village polls whatever the decision of the legislative department. (Kathrina Alvarez/Sunnex)