BY DABET CASTAÑEDA
Bulatlat
Posted May 21, 2007, 7:10 p.m.
Kabataan (Youth) Party-list poll watcher Daniel Cleofas Jr. today told the media he witnessed the tampering of votes in at least seven precincts in Caloocan. Cleofas said the padding of votes was done in favor of the party-list group Kasangga which is allegedly sponsored by Malacañang. Documents from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) show that Kasangga’s first nominee is Malou Arroyo, a sister of presidential-spouse Mike Arroyo.
Cleofas said the vote padding was discovered last night in the following precincts:
Bayan Muna third nominee and general counsel Neri Colmenares said they will file charges against Caloocan Comelec chair Juliet Villar for “electoral sabotage” or violation of Comelec Resolution 7859. Comenares said Villar may face life imprisonment if found guilty.
In an interview with Bulatlat, Anakpawis (Toiling Masses) Rep. Rafael Mariano, who is aiming for a second term, said the padding of votes for Kasangga would not only increase its votes but also increase the total party-list votes. Consequently, this would increase the number of votes a party-list would have to garner to be able to secure the required two percent to have at least a seat in the Lower House.(Bulatlat.com)
