MANILA — With only three days more to go before the conduct of the midterm polls, Malaca?ang made an assurance to the Filipino people and foreign (poll) observers that next Monday?s polls would be peaceful and clean.
“We have coordinated with the Commission on Elections (Comelec), which is tasked to supervise (the elections), that they must ensure a peaceful and clean (conduct of) elections, ” Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said in an interview this morning with radio station DZRB.
Earlier, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines to reinforce the Philippine National Police (PNP), under the supervision of the Comelec, “to stop election violence and move forcefully against those using threats and intimidation for partisan ends.”
The President also urged the candidates “to keep tension at bay and not to test or defy the authorities” as she appealed to all sectors, including the business community, to help ensure a peaceful and honest conduct of the May 14 polls.
At the same time, Ermita appealed to all stakeholders to share efforts in ensuring a peaceful environment before and during election day.
“Election (day) is not yet over but some sectors are already claiming that election fraud and cheating exist. Let us refrain from issuing unfounded statements and instead unite in ensuring a peaceful environment during election day and show the Filipino people that we are mature (people),” Ermita said.
PNP Chief Director General Oscar Calderon has also assured the people that necessary security preparations have been taken to ensure the integrity of next week?s polls.
Monday?s midterm polls would elect 12 senators and thousands of local officials, including congressmen, governors, mayors, and councilors. (OPS) davaotoday.com
