COMELEC assures Roxas of info program on 2010 poll automation

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has assured Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas that it will carry out an extensive information dissemination campaign nationwide to educate voters about the new automated system to be used in the 2010 national and local elections.

"The 2010 elections will mark an important day in our country’s history. Mahalagang may sapat na kaalaman ang mga botante ukol sa bagong sistemang gagamitin ng Comelec sa susunod na taon," Roxas said.

"I assume the Comelec will be ready for any eventuality that could happen. It is always good to be ready than to be sorry. Walang puwang ang pagkakamali sa halalan," he stressed.

Comelec Executive Director Jose Tolentino Jr. has informed Roxas that contingency measures have been put up in preparation for any hitches that could bog down the smooth conduct of next year’s elections.

Among others, he guaranteed that public information activities would be launched all over the country to teach voters on how the automated system works and what voters should do. The program would include the presentation of optical mark ballots and a discussion on the proper way of filling up these ballots.

Survey forms, which have been designed to measure competence of voters on the use of the ballots, would be distributed to local offices of the Comelec. Participants would be asked to fill-up these forms at the end of each voter education activity.

The same forms would be distributed to all private voter education initiatives for use at their own information campaign programs. A private survey firm would also be contracted to determine sufficiency of voter competence in the use of these ballots.

Furthermore, on Election Day itself, each polling place would be provided with posters that show the proper way of filling-up the new ballots. Other guarantees made by the Comelec on the Visayan senator included:

• The Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) is capable of counting 60 ballots per minute (equivalent to 360 ballots per hour or 3,960 ballots for the 11-hour voting period from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.);
• Classrooms or polling places will be set-up to accommodate 12 to 15 voters simultaneously;
• The PCOS will be installed right inside the polling place where voters will their ballots; and
• Strategic locations would be set up to ensure replacement of counting machines ore related peripherals within 2 hours in case of machine breakdown.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009 | posted in comelec, jose tolentino jr., mar roxas, philippines, poll automation | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas: Road clear for 2010 LP victory

Liberal Party President Senator Mar Roxas today called on all Liberal Party members to unite and move towards victory in the coming 2010 national elections following a decision of the Commission on Elections upholding the November 26, 2007 proceedings of the LP’s National Executive Council (NECO).

"All stumbling blocks to the road to victory have been removed. Oras na para magkaisa (It’s time to unite)," Roxas said after being informed of the Comelec ruling.

"Oras na para tuluyan nating pagtagumpayan ang laban para baguhin ang sistema ng katiwalian na lumakas ng todo sa ilalim ng gobyernong Arroyo (It is now time for the LP to bring the fight to the final push and reform the system of corruption and patronage perpetuated by the Arroyo regime)," he added.

In a 12-page decision dated June 18, 2009, the Comelec denied the petition of DENR Secretary Joselito Atienza Jr. seeking to nullify the November 26, 2007 proceedings of the LP’s NECO in Club Filipino that elected Roxas as Party President to succeed former Senate President Franklin Drilon.

The decision was signed by Comelec Chair Jose Melo and Commissioners Armando Velasco, Lucenito Tagle, Ledonardo Leonida, Nicodemo Ferrer and Rene Sarmiento.

The Comelec decision also upheld the inherent right of political parties to impose discipline within its ranks and the determination of who can become members and the composition of its leadership.

The Supreme Court had earlier in July 31, 2007 also declared illegal an attempt by Atienza to form his own party leadership and upheld Drilon’s leadership following the LP’s decision in 2005 to break away from the Arroyo Administration over the “Hello Garci” controversy that alleged massive cheating in the 2004 presidential elections.

LP Secretary-General Rep. Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya hailed the Comelec decision as a signal for all LP members throughout the country to proceed with preparations for the coming 2010 elections.

"Destiny has put the LP at the forefront of struggles for reforms in the country. It is now time for us to unite to make sure we pursue this platform of reforming our country," Abaya said.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009 | posted in armando velasco, comelec, franklin drilon, hello garci, jose melo, joseph abaya, ledonardo leonida, lito atienza, lucenito tagle, mar roxas, nicodemo ferrer, pgma, philippines, rene sarmiento | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas to GMA: Take responsibility for resolving automation crisis

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas yesterday called on President Arroyo to take responsibility for resolving the crisis involving the Commission on Election’s poll automation project.

"It’s a matter of national security and public interest; President Arroyo should quickly call all parties involved to a meeting and find out for herself why and how this important project hit this snag," he said.

"Kung talagang desidido ang gobyernong ito na magkaroon ng malinis na halalan, dapat ang Pangulo mismo ang humanap ng paraan para resolbahin ang problemang ito. Oo, alitan ito sa pagitan ng dalawang mag-partner sa isang korporasyon, pero malaki ang implikasyon nito sa demokrasya natin," he added.

"Gutom na nga at walang trabaho ang mamamayan, nanakawin pa ng gobyerno ang pagkakataon nilang bumoto. Ito na nga lang ang nagbibigay sa kanila ng pag-asa na magkakaroon ng pagbabago. Pero di pa nga nagsisimula ang kampanya, ninanakaw na ang karapatan ng mamamayan sa tapat at malinis na halalan," he stressed.

The scheduled automation of the 2010 national elections is now in peril due to internal wrangling between Smartmatic and its Filipino partner, Total Information Management Corp. (TIM), which has withdrawn from the consortium, citing irreconcilable differences with the foreign firm.

The Visayan senator reiterated that a delay, much worse a cancellation, of the 2010 national elections is a severe setback to Philippines democracy as this would deny Filipinos the chance to elect their new leaders in the name of change and reform.

"Responsibilidad ng Pangulo at ng Comelec na siguruhing matutuloy ang eleksyon sa susunod na taon. Hindi maaaring panoorin lamang nila ang away sa pagitan ng Smartmatic at TIM nang wala silang ginagawang paraan upang maayos ang mga gusot at matuloy ang proyekto," he said.

"Kaya naman panahon na para patunayan ng administrasyong ito na iniisip din nila ang kapakanan ng taumbayan," he added.

Friday, July 3, 2009 | posted in comelec, jose melo, mar roxas, pgma, president, smartmatic, tim | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas: Automation failure an attact on democracy

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today likened the potential collapse of the election automation project for 2010 as an attack on the country’s democracy as it will deny Filipinos their eagerly-awaited chance to elect new leaders.

"Our people have long awaited this chance to elect their leaders in clean and honest elections, and automation was seen as a way to break away from the tradition of cheating. Now, even that chance is denied us," Roxas said.

Roxas had earlier written Comelec Chair Jose Melo to express concerns over possible hitches in the planned poll automation system.

"Para sa taumbayang gustong gusto na nang pagbabago, hindi katanggap-tanggap ang anumang dahilan upang ipagpaliban ang eleksyon. Ito na nga lang ang inaasahan ng taumbayan na maging solusyon sa pandaraya, tapos ngayon ay biglang mawawalang parang bula," he said.

"Computerized man o hindi, kailangang matuloy ang eleksyon sa susunod na taon," he said.

"Ang tanong, ano ba ang mga ginawang paghahanda ng Comelec? Hindi puwedeng ngayon pa lang sila magbubuo ng mga contingency measures," he also said.

Comelec’s Melo had said the Comelec would be forced to go back to manual voting following the collapse of the Smartmatic-Total Information Management Corp. (TIM) consortium, which won the bidding for the right to lease 82,200 counting machines to be used by the poll body to complete the canvassing of votes in two days instead of weeks under the manual system.

TIM announced its withdrawal from the consortium on Monday, citing irreconcilable differences with Smartmatic.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009 | posted in comelec, jose melo, mar roxas, philippines, poll automation, smartmatic, tim | 0 comments [ More ]

iBlog5, therefore I am - Mar Roxas 2010 Blogger

I'm glad to be one of the participants of the iBlog5, the gathering of all Pinoy bloggers to sit down and be informed more about blogging and other related stuffs. I'm also happy to meet some of my online blogger friends who were there like Winston, Jehz, Mica, Noemi, Janette, Enrico, AJ, Ada, Juned, Brian, Tonyo, Aethen, Mikko, Von Rex, Flowell, Jonel, Coy, Atty. JJ, and more.

Photo courtesy of Noemi Lardizabal-Dado

The Cebu Bloggers Society (CBS), whom the Mar Roxas 2010 Blogger is a member, had several attendees in the iBlog5 namely Jorich, X, Agnes, Aileen, Vanjohn and Bryan. I was amazed by the welcoming spirit of the bigwig bloggers to us. That was kewl!

In that gathering, I learned a lot of things that I was in my list of expectations. From the basics to the advance blogging like mobile blogging, video blogging, legal issues on blogging, and most of all, the bloggers' role on the upcoming 2010 elections.

And by the way, my blog got a free exposure in that event. Ms. Janette Toral, in her Powerpoint presentation on Citizen Journalism for the 2010 Elections, included my blog, this blog, as one of the examples. I just can't help but slide down to my seat as in front of me was none other than COMELEC EID Director James Jimenez and one of best political-breed commentator Dean Jorge Bocobo.

Overall, the event was a success. Despite the jampacked attendance of bloggers, the organizers were still able to handle it. Kudos! But as one of the newbies in that summit, I would like to suggest some things that might improve the next summit, even the iBlog6 hopefully:

1. Avoid repeating some modules every year - I don't know if this is true, but I heard from someone in the event that the modules are just the same and some are even bored about to listen to it. AJ made a point though that due to the "basicality" (i'm coining that new term as something that is sooooo basic) of his and Mica's topic, that the bloggers make not listen to it. Why not take some of those modules to the next level a bit.
2. How about some icebreakers - That's what I was expecting during the event because I know it might turn out to be very serious. Yes, there were cracking of jokes, but why not some production numbers from our very talented pool of Pinoy bloggers? Anyone? Like, the Blogigger Boys or iBlog Hot Babes...
3. Socializing time for bloggers - Some fail to meet other fellow bloggers and make new blogger friends. Although the breaks and the after event picture-taking session gave the bloggers some time to socialize with other bloggers, it was still not enough. I hope there can be a time when the bloggers will be given time during the event to go around and sit with bloggers whom they don't know and talk with them to discover new friendships.

Hopefully, I can still return for the iBlog6, and that would be in 2010. By that time, either it would be on April (a month before we elect our next President) or the same as this year, May (a month that we will be electing our next President). But not just iBlog6, even iBlog7 to iBlogN wherein N is the number of times the iBlog has been existing.

Sunday, May 10, 2009 | posted in campaign, cebu bloggers' society, comelec, iblog5, kevin ray chua, mar roxas | 6 comments [ More ]

COMELEC voter's registration on Saturdays and holidays; moves deadline to October 31

The Commission on Elections has already approved Resolution No. 8585, promulgated February 12, 2009, which will extend voter's registration for the upcoming 2010 Philippine elections on Saturdays and holidays, except Holy Thursday and Good Friday on April 9 and 10, 2009 in order to accommodate the students and busy workers.

The COMELEC has recognized the need to encourage wider voter participation and to recognize the youth’s important role in nation building by doing so.

Another development is the poll body's decision to move the voter's registration deadline from December 15, 2009 to October 31, 2009. This doesn't mean that the COMELEC wants to shorten the voter's registration process. The count already includes the Saturdays and holidays which made them arrive to the decision of moving the deadline.

If you're a student or a busy worker who wants to register to vote for the 2010 Philippine elections during a holiday, here are some dates that you need to remember before the deadline:

• February 23 - EDSA Revolution Day
• April 6 - Araw ng Kagitingan
• May 1 - Labor Day
• June 12 - Independence Day
• August 21 - Ninoy Aquino Day
• August 31 - National Heroes’ Day
• September 20 or 21 - Eid’l Fitr / Feast of Ramadan

And BTW (by the way), tomorrow is a holiday as President Arroyo declared February 23 as the date to celebrate the 23rd anniversary of the EDSA Revolution instead of February 25. Be sure you register to vote on that date! And also, to all the unregistered voters in Cebu City, February 24 is a local holiday as it is the city's 72^ndCharter Day. In the province of Zamboanga Sibugay, February 24 is also a special (non-working) day as it is their province's 4^th Charter Day.

So, get out and register to vote!

Sunday, February 22, 2009 | posted in campaign, comelec, mar roxas, pgma, philippines | 0 comments [ More ]

Overseas Filipino voters can now register to vote for the 2010 Philippine elections

To all our Overseas Filipino voters all around the world, you can now register to vote for the May 10, 2010 general elections. The registration period starts today, February 1 and will end this August 31, 2009.

All citizens of the Philippines abroad not otherwise disqualified by law, at least eighteen (18) years of age on the day of the election and who wish to vote for President, Vice-President, Senators and Party List Representative for purposes of the May 10, 2010 National Election must file applications for registration/certification as overseas absentee voters from February 01, 2009 to August 31, 2009. The voting period will be from April 10, 2010 until 3:00pm Philippine time of May 10, 2010.

The Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV) registration is necessary for overseas Filipinos who are first-time overseas voters, have changed country or state of residence since the last Philippine elections, or did not vote in the last two national elections.

Parties who are not eligible are those who have lost or renounced their Filipino citizenship or have been declared excluded by Philippine courts for the offenses of rebellion, insurrection, or violation of the Philippine firearms law.

The overseas voter must register at the Philippine Embassy where he will vote in May 2010.

Registration must be done in person, because the voter’s biometric data (facial features, fingerprints and signature) must be digitally recorded. OAV registrants must present their Philippine passport or seaman’s book (in case of seafarers) at your nearest Philippine Embassy.

Other requirements include: a valid Philippine passport or in its absence, a Department of Foreign Affairs certification (as most employers of household service workers in the Middle East get their passports); an accomplished OAV registration/certification form (which can be downloaded from the Comelec website http://www.comelec.gov.ph/oav/downloadables/forms/registration.html )

Seafarers, who get to register and vote in posts where their ship may happen to be during the election period, also need to present a photocopy of Seaman's Book or proof of being a seafarer.

For Filipinos who retained or re-acquired their Filipino citizenship under Republic Act 9225 granting dual citizenship, they also need to present the original or certified true copy of the Order of Approval of Application.

Other questions could be directed at the Comelec's Committee on Overseas Absentee Voting at (632) 522 2251, (632) 521 2952, or (632) 523 9924; and at their website, www.comelec.gov.ph, as well as at the DFA Overseas Absentee Voting Secretariat at (632) 8330914 or (632) 832 8363; and at their website, www.dfa.gov.ph. The nearest Philippine embassy or consulate should also be able to provide more information.

Sunday, February 1, 2009 | posted in blog, campaign, comelec, dfa, mar roxas, ofw | 0 comments [ More ]

Register to Vote for the 2010 Elections!

I'm just reposting this post from the blog of the Commission on Elections-Education and Information Department called "BagongBotante.Ph"

I urge everyone especially those new voters like me to heed my call and register to vote for the upcoming 2010 elections. After all, we need to have a say on how our government should work and who should lead it. We have witnessed on how the US Election was successfully conducted with President-elect Barack Obama occupying the White House in just a matter of weeks from now.

Here's the post:

Using biometrics technology

COMELEC to resume continuing registration of voters December 2

The Commission on Elections announced today that the continuing registration of voters in all areas nationwide, except in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), shall resume beginning December 2, 2008 to December 15, 2009.

In Resolution No. 8514 promulgated November 12, 2008, the COMELEC en banc ruled to adopt the use of biometrics technology for the purpose of “establishing a clean, complete, permanent and updated list of voters.”

“Applications for registration, transfer of registration records, reactivation and changes/corrections of entries in the registration records/inclusion of registration records/reinstatement of name in the list of voters, shall be personally filed beginning December 2, 2008 to December 15, 2009 at the Office of the Election Officer (OEO) of the district/city/municipality where the applicant resides from Monday to Friday, during regular office hours at 8:00 o’clock AM to 5:00 o’clock PM,” the resolution stated.

The COMELEC will be deploying one (1) Data Capturing Machine in every Office of the City/Municipal Election Officer to facilitate the registration.

“The continued use of biometrics technology in the registration process proves that the Commission is determined to purge the voters list,” says COMELEC spokesman James Jimenez, adding that this move is also part of the poll body’s efforts to ensure the success of the 2010 national and local elections.

Jimenez said any Filipino citizen who is at least eighteen years of age and a resident of the Philippines for at least one (1) year, and in the place where he proposes to vote, for at least six (6) months on or before the day of the election; may register to vote. Deactivated voters may also apply for reactivation of their registration records during the period prescribed, he said.

Filing of applications for registration shall be done personally at the Office of the Election Officer. Applicants will be required to present valid identification cards such as employee’s ID; postal ID; Students ID; Senior Citizen’s ID; Drivers License; NBI/PNP clearance; Passport; SSS/GSIS ID; IBP ID, PRC license etc. ###

I urge everyone to register to vote! Your support for Mar Roxas for President in 2010 would become useless if you, especially new voters like me, would not register to vote.

Remember, the registration of voters will be on December 2, 2008 to December 15, 2009 from Mondays to Fridays at 8:00 o’clock AM to 5:00 o’clock PM.

Yes, the deadline is still almost a year to go, but why wait for the most busy days of the registration? Register to vote early to prevent hassle.

Don't forget to share to me also your experience during the registration. If you have questions about the process, feel free to comment on this post and I'll address it. Thanks!

Wednesday, November 26, 2008 | posted in armm, blog, campaign, comelec, james jimenez, mar roxas | 4 comments [ More ]

Mar Roxas 2010 Blogger attends US Election Watch 2008 in Cebu City

The Cebu Bloggers Society (CBS), which I co-founded, joined the US Election Watch 2008, organized by the US Embassy in the Philippines, in SM City Cebu's Northwing yesterday. Before I went to the event venue, I was already monitoring the US election results on CNN as early as 7AM and by past 8AM, CNN already projected that Kentucky went to (John) McCain's column while Vermont was for (Barack) Obama's.

After that projection, I hurriedly went out of the house and rode a jeepney to the event venue. When I arrived 30 minutes later, I registered (as group of the media) and got supporter pins with some election materials. I asked some people in the venue if any state was already called for any of the candidate after the Kentucky and Vermont in case I missed it, and luckily, none yet. I was glued to the large TV projector of CNN and I watched as the results came in. Then, I also accomodated my colleagues in the CBS.

The CBS members who were there included yours truly, Aldwin, AJ, X, Empress, Athan, Jerry, Clarence, Sinjin, Ethelbert, Zigfred, and Iggy (who didn't bother to enter the venue after the event was done). I never expected how curious and how politically-involved these bloggers are despite there different niches. Only of few of us dare to discuss topics like politics and elections but their participation was worthy of emulation.

Food was overflowing, information was all around and VIPs were in every corner. Finally I met GMA Cebu's Bobby Nalzaro, Mandaue Mayor Jonas Cortes, Cebu City North District Rep. Raul del Mar, Cebu City Councilor Jack Jakosalem and lot more!

When CBS members try calling me the "Mar Roxas 2010 blogger" while I was speaking with Mandaue Mayor Jonas Cortes, he asked me if it was for real. I told him "Yes Mayor." He then told me that he also supports Mar Roxas for President in 2010, which made me happy, and cited his ability to serve the country and the people. He told me that he would back Senator Mar Roxas if ever he runs for President and hope he does.

During the event, I won a gift pack for the raffle and an imported brand of coffee for the trivia. The trivia was quite simple: "Who was the first female Vice-President nominee...?" I forgot the entire text of the question but I was sure of my answer. It was Geraldine Ferraro, who was the running-mate of Democratic Presidential candidate Walter Mondale in 1984.

On the other hand, CBS members also participated in the mock polls conducted during the event using any of the 3 electronic election devices. I was envied by how fast the election results came in. The two election devices were mostly like our "lotto" system wherein you shade a circle or complete an arrow to vote for a candidate. After that, you slide it on a machine and tadaa! You're done voting! As easy as that with no dirty ink on your finger. I used the touch-screen device which was more efficient I think. With just pressing on the small circles on that candidate of your choice, you can vote in less than 1 minute! I'm looking forward that these machines would be used also in the upcoming 2010 elections here in the Philippines.

At around 12 Noon, all of us broke into excitement as CNN declares that Senator Barack Obama won the US Presidency. All of us applaused the historic moment and couldn't help having some goosebumps as America bestows its support to the first African-American leader of the world's "still" superpower. A few minutes later, Senator John McCain conceded to President-elect Obama and offered his cooperation. This is what I admire in US politics, that when someone clearly loses, he doesn't demand for a recount. He instead demands for cooperation with the winning candidate. Although their passions have separated, they're one as Americans. Let's hope that Filipino politicians would also embrace that idea.

Let's hope that Senator Roxas, if ever he decides to run for President, would learn the lessons on how Obama ran his campaign which was the best political organization in the entire US history. And also to COMELEC, let's automate the 2010 elections and hope that they can realize how disappointed our people with the electoral process.

Congratulations to US President-elect Barack Obama and his wife Michelle and kids Malia and Sasha!

Photos courtesy of Clarence.

Thursday, November 6, 2008 | posted in barack obama, blog, cebu bloggers' society, comelec, john mccain, mar roxas, philippines, usa | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas to Exec: Ensure safety in ARMM polls

As there is “no material time” left for Congress to postpone the ARMM elections on August 11, Senator Mar Roxas said the administration, in coordination with the COMELEC, should instead focus on ensuring poll safety.

“There is no material time left. Eight days is not enough to pass a law. The administration should not even attempt to railroad this because it has given no clear and acceptable reasons for postponing the elections,” he said.

“Malacanang should focus instead on the most important concern -- ensure the safety of voters, candidates, teachers and other poll workers and volunteers, and, most importantly, protect public confidence in the new automated elections. Violence must not lead to a failure in the ARMM elections,” he added.

The Liberal Party President pointed out that the COMELEC has made substantial preparations for the ARMM polls, where the automated elections—a fundamental reform to democratic governance that Roxas consistently supported —will be pilot-tested.

“By railroading the postponement of the elections without even giving any viable reason, the administration is asking us to dispense with the ARMM voters’ Constitutional right to suffrage,” he said.

“What they’ve said so far is that the postponement is crucial in finally concluding the peace talks with the MILF. The Senate has yet to see anything that will justify this reason,” he added.

Roxas said the elections should push through regardless of the peace talks to strengthen ARMM voters’ belief in the electoral process. The credibility of elections in ARMM have always been doubted because of repeated incidents of goon politics, cheating, and violence against voters and poll workers, particularly public school teachers who man the election precincts.

He said the death of teacher Musa Dimasidsing in last years’ elections highlights the need to reclaim the credibility of elections in ARMM and in the country. Mr. Dimasidsing was shot to death by unidentified gunmen after exposing alleged poll fraud in Maguindanao.

Of the 121 persons killed nationwide in the 2007 polls, 63 (or 52% were classified as civilians and supporters, which include teachers. Of the 176 wounded, 116 were also of the same class. The 2004 polls was the most violent in recent years, when 148 of 189 (78% persons killed and 261 of 279 (94% persons wounded were supporters and civilians.

Monday, August 4, 2008 | posted in armed forces of the philippines, armm, comelec, mar roxas, milf, mindanao, pgma, philippines, president | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas calls on AMLC to verify Madriaga testimony

Senator Mar Roxas said the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) should verify alleged fund transfers in relation to the controversial ZTE-National Broadband Network (NBN) project, as per the testimony of Engr. Dante Madriaga, a self-claimed consultant to ZTE Corp.

On Tuesday, Roxas made a motion to the Senate Joint Committee investigating the anomalous NBN project to formally request the AMLC to verify the amounts supposedly moved offshore, the dates of the said transfers and the names involved, as discussed by Madriaga during the hearing.

“Makikita natin kung mayroon ganyang halaga na pumasok dito sa pamamagitan ng AMLC. Proseso ito na itinalaga sa ating batas, para nga itong mga labas-pasok na pera na ito ay ma-monitor lalong-lalo na kung bunga ito ng mga iligal na gawain,” Roxas, co-chair of the Senate’s NBN hearings, said.

“We appreciate the testimony of Engr. Madriaga as to the amount of cash that changed hands as part of the NBN mess. But in order to build a stronger case, we need documentary evidence,” he added.

During the Tuesday hearing, Roxas deferred questioning Madriaga until his claims are placed in a sworn affidavit, with all details clearly threshed out.

“I defer my questioning not because of doubts on Madriaga’s testimony, but because it would provide greater weight to his statements if we base our questions on a sworn affidavit. The more detail, the more we could see the veracity of his statements,” he said.

Madriaga, who said he was a consultant for NBN contractor ZTE from May 2006 to March 2007, had tagged the First Couple, along with businessmen Ruben Reyes and Leo San Miguel, retired policeman Quirino de la Torre and former Commission on Elections Chairman Benjamin Abalos, as major players in the anomalous broadband project.

Roxas said, “The intricacies of alleged corruption in this case–yung detalye nitong sinasabing “bukol”—ay unti-unti nang lumalabas. For the Senate to act appropriately on this case, we need the whole story, and we need the full cooperation of the government.”

Thursday, February 28, 2008 | posted in amlc, benjamin abalos, comelec, leo san miguel, mar roxas, mike arroyo, pgma, philippines, president, quirino de la torre, ruben reyes, zte deal | 0 comments [ More ]

Statement of Sen. Mar Roxas on President Arroyo's admission of flawed NBN Deal

“This is the President’s second public ‘mea culpa’ after a major scandal of public interest, which in this instance is the ZTE-NBN deal. In the first instance, the ‘Hello Garci’ wiretapping incident that points to alleged fraud in the 2004 presidential polls, she said, ‘I am sorry’.

“But after saying so, she put out orders that limited freedom of expression and of the press, that compromised and denigrated the independence of Congress, and sent a chilling effect to all.

“Bakit tayo ngayon maniniwala na pagkatapos ng pag-amin ng Pangulo ay magkakaroon ng hustisya? Na hindi na mauulit ang mga ganitong anomalya?

“How can we believe in the sincerity of the President to set things right in the face of E.O. 464, the Lozada abduction and harassment clearly intended to impede truth and justice?

“How can we believe in the sincerity and motives of the President if she is using our diplomatic relations with China as an excuse for not preventing a crime against the Filipino people?

“If the President is indeed sincere in her latest admission of fault, then she should immediately lift E.O. 464; order the NEDA Director-General to submit to the Senate all NEDA-ICC documents in relation to the NBN; and other actions that respect the people’s right to free expression and to information.

“Without these actions, the status quo remains, and the people’s crusade for truth will snowball.”

Sunday, February 24, 2008 | posted in benjamin abalos, comelec, mar roxas, pgma, philippines, president, rodolfo lozada, romulo neri, zte deal | 0 comments [ More ]

Senator Roxas on Melo and Yano appointments

Senator Mar Roxas welcomed the reported appointments of retired Supreme Court associate justice Jose Melo as chairman of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and Army General Alexander Yano as the incoming Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

"If these reports are true then I welcome these appointments. I am very confident that Justice Melo will uphold the same courage and professionalism when he issued the report on extrajudicial killings and that General Yano will effectively remove the stigma of partisanship in the AFP," Senator Roxas said.

The senator pointed out that the two appointments were the result of fruitful conversations between the executive branch and civil society and based on the credibility and qualifications of the two appointees.

Read more...

Wednesday, January 30, 2008 | posted in alexander yano, armed forces of the philippines, comelec, hermogenes esperon, jose melo, mar roxas, pgma, philippines, president | 0 comments [ More ]