April 14, 2010
News Release
Kabataan Partylist Representative Raymond ‘Mong’ Palatino today urged the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to immediately investigate the anomalous P76-M indelible ink contract that was exposed recently by the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) to the media.
According to the PPCRV report, the sole contract bidder, Texas Resources Corp., failed to accomplish requirements set by the COMELEC during the test conducted by the COMELEC’s Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) headed by Commissioner Lea Alarkon.
“This is the third controversial contract involving the COMELEC and the AES. First were the overpriced secrecy folders, then the anomalous UV lamp contract and now this. How can we expect clean and honest elections when the Comelec’s BAC itself is plagued with irregularities?” Palatino said.
The youth solon pointed that the indelible ink deal violates Section 35 of the RA 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act.
He further said that this recent anomaly is not only bridled with corruption but may also be taken advantage of by parties ‘scheming to execute electoral fraud since the indelible ink can be washed off easily.’
“To appease fears and questions in the minds of the public, the Comelec should be more transparent and conduct investigations. The youth is watching their every move.”
Kabataan Partylist along with other youth organizations last week launched ‘Youth Watch Fridays’, a weekly noise barrage every 4:00pm until May 10. Youth Watch Fridays convergence points are at the Timog Circle, Welcome Rotonda and Monumento.
“Our weekly noise barrages will serve as a message that the youth is ready to guard and defend the polls to ensure that a new government will be installed on May 10. (Bulatlat.com)
