Kontra Daya: Abalos accomplice to Maguindanao fraud
(POSTED)
June 16, 2007

Election watchdog Kontra Daya said Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chair Benjamin Abalos is an accomplice to the massive fraud in Maguindanao.

Fr. Joe Dizon, Kontra Daya spokesperson, said, “Abalos does not confront head on the accusations of massive fraud in Maguindanao. Instead, he obscures the situation to give leeway for machinations in favor of administration candidate Miguel Zubiri.”

Dizon said, “By refusing to exclude the highly tainted provincial certificate of canvass from the national canvassing and proclaim the Genuine Opposition’s Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel, Abalos is still finding ways to get Team Unity’s Zubiri on the 12th slot.”

The Kontra Daya spokesperson hit the Comelec’s handling of Lintang Bedol, head of the Maguindano Board of Canvassers. “Bedol disappeared for some time then mysteriously reappeared saying that the municipal certificates of canvass (COCs) were stolen from right under his nose. Abalos has not ordered Bedol’s suspension pending a thorough investigation and now accepts uncritically the self-serving statement of Governor Ampatuan, represented by his lawyer, that elections were held in a proper and fraud-free way. Abalos also uncritically accepts the statement of the provincial BOC that elections were held on the basis of the alleged minutes of their meeting signed by no less than Bedol himself. Abalos handling of Bedol shows his complicity with the kind of vote manipulation and bare-faced manufacture of results that obviously took place in Maguindanao.”

Kontra Daya criticized the Comelec for its “deliberate effort to confuse the public, especially concerned citizens’ groups, on the schedule of hearings on Maguindanao.” Kontra Daya learned that even the party-list group Bayan Muna failed to manifest its protestations due to this. It was pointed out that Bayan Muna was the one who presented two critical witnesses to the massive fraud in the province, one of whom has been cold bloodedly murdered.

Dizon said, “Witnesses who have executed affidavits proving electoral fraud have not received subpoena from the Comelec. They have not aired their stories. The cover-up aims to save Lintang Bedol, Abalos and Comelec itself from any accountability on the Maguindanao fraud.”

Dizon added, “The Comelec has not valued the life of whistle blower Musa Dimasidsing. The Comelec did not exert any effort to protect his life and the truth about the Maguindanao elections. The lives of other witnesses are in danger and the shameless Abalos does nothing.”

Dimasidsing, a school district supervisor, was shot dead, June 9.

Dizon said, “If the Comelec insists on counting the COCs from Maguindanao, it will only prove once again that it is the machinery of the Arroyo administration for massive cheating.”

KONTRA-DAYA

Kontra Daya says PPCRV grade to Comelec, accolade undeserved; asserts Comelec must be punished instead
(POSTED)
June 8, 2007

Election watchdog Kontra Daya deemed that the grade of “Needs Improvement” given by the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) as an ‘accolade undeserved by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).’

Fr. Joe Dizon, Kontra Daya spokesperson, said, “We are disappointed by how the PPCRV rates the Comelec. We expect them to join us in asserting that heads must roll because Comelec has miserably failed in ensuring honest and credible elections.”

Dizon pointed out that Comelec Chair Benjamin Abalos has not implemented substantial reforms. “Comelec’s complicity in massive fraud cannot just be ignored. Abalos, among other election officials, like Lintang Bedol and Rey Sumalipao must be axed.”

Dizon said, “The grand cheaters within the Comelec may interpret the ‘Needs Improvement’ grade to refer to their cheating.”

Kontra Daya gave Comelec a grade of “Failed” and reiterated the reasons:
The Comelec laid the groundwork for electoral fraud which include among others the private printing of election forms, padded voters’ list, selective implementation of laws and the last-minute appointment of BEIs.

The Comelec also aided and abetted fraud through its inaction on numerous blatant violations of election laws from the shameless vote-buying by administration officials to the blatant partisanship of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The presence and promotion of election officers previously linked to fraud in Mindanao also shows complicity to commit fraud on the part of the Comelec.

At the highest level the Comelec issued statements, policies, and resolutions that were in accordance with the interests of Malacanang particularly in the Cayetano case, the Robredo disqualification, and the “Malacanang partylist” issue.

Abalos in particular makes it a point to rationalize if not cover up election-related anomalies which have come to light. He too is in a state of almost total denial when it comes to election fraud.

Dizon said, “Abalos’ argument that the elections results speak for themselves is illogical. Despite the cheating, the people’s vigilance made it possible for opposition candidates to win.”

KONTRA-DAYA