The Arroyo administration has the potential of surpassing the trashing that the Bush administration got from the American electorate last year. That is, if it would let the May 2007 elections take its natural course. Indications are the Arroyo administration would do everything to prevent the opposition from getting the majority in both Houses for fear of facing another impeachment complaint, which would have more chances of succeeding in an opposition-dominated Congress. And it has a lot in its favor to prevent opposition candidates from being declared as winners.

The administration has the machinery and resources of the government at its disposal, remember the PhilHealth cards and fertilizer scam? Second, it is the same COMELEC, which has been tainted by charges of electoral fraud in the 2004 elections and the “Hello Garci” scandal, that is in charge of the May 2007 midterm elections. Third, the two Hermogenes are at the helm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the biggest armed group in the country. Hermogenes Esperon who was mentioned in the “Hello Garci” tape is the AFP chief of staff. Hermogenes Ebdane who was suspected of spiriting away the controversial Virgilio Garcillano, who is widely perceived as the voice in the “Hello Garci” tape, is the defense secretary. Other generals who were mentioned in the tape have also been rewarded key positions in the AFP.

The AFP is far from being non-political and non-partisan. It has been used in elections before. And the expose’ of key officers in the Marines showed that they are being used even more so in recent years. Already, the political killings of members of progressive party lists such as Bayan Muna (People First), Anakpawis (Toiling Masses) and Gabriela Women’s Party would definitely have an effect on their ability to campaign. There are even reports that the AFP has an ongoing campaign to prevent progressive parties and candidates from winning in the May 2007 elections.

Guns, goons and gold have traditionally dictated the results of Philippine elections. The people can expect more guns, goons and gold in the coming May 2007 elections. With the desperation of the Arroyo administration to stay in power, massive fraud worse than what was seen in the 2004 elections may be committed this May 2007. That is, if the Filipino people would let it happen. While it is true that the Filipino people, especially the masses, have participated in elections for so long without seeing any substantial change in their lives, except perhaps that it has gotten worse, the results of the May 2007 elections would be an opportunity for the people to express what they think of the Arroyo government. (Bulatlat.com)

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