FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 6, 2010
Kabataan Partylist Rep. Raymond “Mong” Palatino today expressed opposition to proposals to postpone the May 10, 2010 elections saying that “however which way you look at it, it would only serve to perpetuate the present administration into power”.
Palatino said that the recent glitches in the Automated Electoral System a mere few days to go before Election Day may be perceived as either “miserable incompetence” on the part of the Commission on Elections or “part of a grander, sinister scheme in a system that is doomed to fail”.
“At this point, we call on all youth to unite, regardless of parties, inclinations or preference. The main issue now is to hold accountable those responsible for this epic disaster and to build the broadest and strongest unity to uphold and fight for the youth and people’s will to install a new government on May 10,” he said.
Members of the youth partylist and different youth organizations tied white ribbons in the vicinity of the Comelec and around Metro Manila today to symbolize the youth and the people’s commitment to fight for clean and honest elections.
The youth solon said that there is an urgent and pressing need for the biggest number of youth to volunteer and work together as poll watchers and watchdogs on May 10 and beyond.
“Restoring the credibility of the elections now resides on the people, not the Comelec or any single party,” he said.
Palatino also said that the Comelec should seriously reconsider parallel manual counting along with the automation. “We have to be prepared for the most likely scenario of a failure of elections. Concrete and credible alternatives should be in place. We cannot just rely on empty assurances by the Comelec or Smartmatic.”
A “White Ribbon Mass” for youth election watch dogs and all concerned youth is set on May 8, 8:00am at the San Agustin Church in Intramuros.
Meanwhile, interested youth poll watch volunteers or election-related complaints may be forwarded to the Kabataan Partylist headquarters at #118-B Scout Rallos St., Brgy. Sacred Heart, QC; or contact telephone number 352-1054. (Bulatlat.com)
Reference:
Kabataan Party-list Rep. Mong Palatino
Gerg Anrol Cahiles, Media Officer
