Philippines’s political fiefdoms dig in
A look at the election outcome in some of the political turfs would show whether the geopolitical balance of power has changed without necessarily shaking the infrastructures of political dynasties…
In the Philippines, election as repression
By the Policy Study, Publication and Advocacy (PSPA)
Center for People Empowerment in Governance (CenPEG)
May 20, 2007
MANILA — President Gloria M. Arroyo and Benjamin Abalos, Sr., chair of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), this week praised the May 14 mid-term elections as “generally fair and peaceful,” with the latter dismissing reports of rampant cheating and other irregularities. The only hitch there is that both Mrs. Arroyo and Abalos have a very low trust rating among Filipinos.
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Poll fraud, killings perpetrated by powers-that-be
COMMENTARY: Contrary to government claims, electoral fraud and violence are not integral to Philippine culture and politics. It is perpetrated by those who profit from the existing system of Philippine politics and governance.
Comelec declares Davao Norte winners
TAGUM CITY — The Commission on Election in Davao del Norte proclaimed early dawn on May 18 (Friday) the winners of the provincial race in the May 14 mid-term local elections.
Arrel R. Ola?o grabbed the congressional seat for the 1st District in Davao del Norte, garnering a total of 82,414 votes while Antonio F. Lagdameo Jr got the same seat for the 2nd District witha total garnered votes of 111,283.
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Sara Duterte has a mind of her own — Avisado
DAVAO CITY — City Administrator Wendel Avisado has indicated that the next vice mayor of Davao City will not be a political prototype of her father, re-elected Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte.
Referring to Sara Zimmerman Duterte, virtual winner of the recent vice-mayoralty contest in this city of 750,000 registered voters, Avisado said that the young lawyer has a mind of her own.
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