Open letter to the Commission on Elections
July 4, 2009We are youth from different schools, universities, sectors and organizations. We write in the midst of the poll automation controversy that has sown not only fear but discontent among our ranks.
Fear, because the recent unfortunate developments send troubling signals that the 2010 polls is on shaky ground.
Moreover, the unraveling of First Gentleman Mike Arroyo’s close connections with some entities involved in the modernization of elections is not at all welcome news. It has only established a conjecture — that of another shady deal reminiscent of Hello Garci and other poll-related anomalies.
Discontent, because in the face of these, the Commission on Elections, the government agency tasked to ensure a clean and honest elections in 2010, has so far only provided options and alternatives that fall short of assuring the youth and the public that it is doing all it can to allay fears of a no-el or failure of elections scenario.
Preparations for the 2010 polls have been tainted early on. The manner by which the bidding was held belabors the Comelec’s failure to prepare and conduct a credible elections. The Comelec is now burdened to correct this.
If the Comelec decides to push through with the automation, it must institute concrete system safeguards.
Automated or not, the Comelec must institute reforms in the electoral system.
Above all, as an independent constitutional commission, it must be transparent. We urge the Comelec to expose interventions from whatever entity, be it the administration or any other player whose motives are suspect.
These, we see, are the only ways that the Comelec can appease the public and assure that the 2010 polls will be free from possible manipulation and further controversy.
Anomalies necessitate interrogation. And in light of the recent events, fear and discontent have now fuelled the youth’s more determined vigilance.
The youth comprises a huge percentage of the country’s voters. We will be at the forefront of selecting the next leaders of this country. Beyond this, we are tasked to change the course of history alongside the other sectors of our society.
We demand a clean and honest 2010 presidential elections. We deserve no less.
Signed.
Kabataan Party-list Rep. Mong Palatino/Alvin Peters, President, National Union of Students of the Philippines/Vijae Alquisola, President, College Editors Guild of the Philippines/Ma. Cristina Guevarra, Chairperson, Student Christian Movement/Vencer Crisostomo, Chairperson, League of Filipino Students/Ken Leonard Ramos, Chairperson, Anakbayan/Charizze Banez, Student Regent-elect, University of the Philippines System/Jacqueline Joy Eroles, UP University Student Council/Teri Ridon, Convenor, Youth ACT Now (Youth for Accountability and Truth Now)
