By RONALYN V. OLEA
“She [Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo] is the only president who implemented the bloodiest and most vicious counterinsurgency program because the focus of this is to attack civil-society organizations, a move that was not made by previous presidents,” Marie Hilao-Enriquez of Karapatan said.
By JANESS ANN J. ELLAO
The Commission on Elections constituting itself as a National Board of Canvassers for the senatorial and party-list elections has already proclaimed the 12 winning senators, but the winners in the party-list elections would have to wait until all election returns have been canvassed.
By IBON FOUNDATION
Will the incoming administration take the bold steps needed to ensure land distribution and enhance agricultural production? Will the president-apparent promote measures in favor of building and strengthening local industries?
By D. L. MONDELO
“The automated electoral system does not prevent the cheating tactics of the past but in fact allows cheating in a bigger and faster way.”
By RONALYN OLEA
“Some say the sins of the father should not be passed on to the children but the First Family immensely benefited during Marcos’ reign. In that sense, they are part of the accountability,” said Dr. Judy Taguiwalo, former political prisoner and torture victim during the Marcos dictatorship.
By JANESS ANN J. ELLAO
While the 24 percent turnout in the overseas absentee voting during the 2010 elections is higher than the 16 percent turnout in 2007, this is still way below the 65 percent turnout in 2004.
By CAMILLE ANNE DE ASIS and CIELO EUNICE FLORES
“Media did a better job, but some of the old problems remain,” said Dean Luis Teodoro, Deputy Director of Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility.
By CIELO EUNICE FLORES
“In theory or by law, the Comelec is legally responsible for the problems encountered in the elections…” Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero, co-chair of the Joint Congressional committee on automated polls told a group of international observers.
By ANDREA ZARAH DAYAO AND ALEXANDRA FRANCISCO
“This bill protects BPO workers from understaffing or overloading and provides them freedom from interference or coercion, protection from discrimination, freedom from company bond and safeguards in administrative proceedings, among others,” said Kabataan Rep. Raymond Palatino.
By ANDREA ZARAH DAYAO
“No consultation has been conducted between us and the government” – San Roque Community Council (SRCC)
By MARYA SALAMAT
“With the many serious problems in the whole election process, it is only through the efforts of the people – the sacrifices made by the public school teachers and the resilience of voters – that the election was made possible,” said the Peoples’ International Observers’ Mission.