Military Involvement in Polls Shifts to High Gear

The Philippine military dominated today’s headlines, with allegations that it ordered its troops to vote for Team Unity candidates and partylist groups identified with the administration. The directive was carried out in the recent absentee voting by soldiers in Mati, Davao Oriental. A group of ex-generals confirmed that there is such a directive that is part of what is called “Oplan Mercury Rising.” Then there’s the confirmation, reported in today’s Inquirer, that the vehicle used in the abduction of Jonas Burgos has been traced to the military. The AFP top brass, of course, continues to deny these things.