Aandap-andap man ang ilaw ng ating demokrasya, naniniwala pa rin ako na sagrado ang eleksyon bilang isang makapangyarihang proseso ng demokrasya.
The dubious discrepancies that resulted from the testings of the PCOS machines – if not properly addressed – would result in yet another lasting scar in our electoral process.
Among others, we received reports that in many areas in Metro Manila and other provinces, test results yielded only one presidential candidate: that of the administration.
What was equally alarming was that the number of voters and the number of votes did not match. This easily puts to mind our eternal problem on dagdag-bawas.
After studying this development thoroughly with its legal panel, Bangon Pilipinas files a petition today for a 15 days postponement of the elections so that the Commission on Elections would have enough time to continue with the testings and correct all irregularities in the machines’ compact flash cards. We hold the Comelec responsible to make the testings and corrections the most transparent as possible so the public would not have reasons to doubt these corrective measures.
We take the path of the legal means provided by Section 5 of the Omnibus Election Code so that we could set the stage for a credible 2010 elections. We need sufficient time to finish the machines’ testings and make sure that on election day, there would be no – or at least the most minimal – occurrences of irregularity.
The petition does not in any way condone an overstaying President. Rather, it seeks to allow a reasonable time to correct errors so that there could be a credible and peaceful transition of power after the elections.
We hold the incumbent administration accountable for the legal and moral responsibilities of Smartmatic. It is under its watch when the contract with the said firm was signed under the assurance of Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s officials at the Comelec. At this period when the machines have obviously failed, the government must already consider issuing a hold departure order for all Smartmatic executives.
Elections are one specific period when the Filipino people decisively take back power into their hands. Sa eleksyon, ramdam nila na may kapangyarihan sila. Ayaw nating tuluyan nang mawala ang tiwala ng ating mga mamamayan sa eleksyon. Panatilihin natin itong sagrado.
GOD bless the Philippines!