Electoral
Fraud and Violence tackled in Party List RTD2
Marred by electoral fraud and violence: This was how the participants
of CenPEG’s Assessment of the Party List System Roundtable
2 described the May 2007 Elections. Part 2 of the series of Roundtable
discussions organized by CenPEG was held last April 15, 2008 at
the Sarmiento Hall of the University of the Philippines’ College
of Law.
The assessment of the Philippine Party List System Round Two with
the Topic: Electoral fraud was attended by 14 representatives and
nominees, directors and staffs of 12 party list groups. Major discussants
were, Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) Chairperson
and former Ambassador Henrietta de Villa discussed the experience
of PPCRV in guarding the votes last May 2007 elections; Prof. Bobby
Tuazon PSPA Director of CenPEG tackled the trends of electoral fraud
and violence on the conduct of May 2007 Elections; and Dr. Felix
Muga II, Senior Fellow of CenPEG, presented a mathematical formula
in detecting electoral fraud.
In the panel of reactors were, former College of Law Dean Prof.
Raul Panagalangan, former UP Faculty Regent and Senior Fellow of
CenPEG Prof. Roland Simbulan who provided insights on how to maximize
the Party List Law and work toward strengthening it for the marginalized
and under represented sectors.
The Commission on Elections was represented by Atty. Erwin Caliba
from the Office of Commissioner Rene V. Sarmiento. Also joining
or observing the discussion were leaders of people’s organizations,
lawyers group National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL), representatives
from the Office of Mayor Sonny Belmonte, NAMFREL QC and NGOs.
Prof. Fatima Castillo, former arts and sciences dean of the University
of the Philippines in Manila moderated the program, while CenPEG
Board of Directors member, Atty. Cleto Villacorta synthesized the
discussions.
Likewise in attendance were representatives from foreign embassies
and international foundations, and students and professors from
both UP Manila and UP Diliman.
Recap
of Round1 was presented by Prof. Lanie Abad, CenPEG Board Secretary
(standing). Also in the background (from L to R) National Artist
Bienvenido Lumbera (Chair CenPEG Board of Directors), Prof. Fatima
Castillo, Ambassador Henrietta de Villa, Dr. Felix Muga II (Senior
Fellow, CenPEG) and Prof. Bobby Tuazon (Director PSPA, CenPEG)
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