Canvassing of Maguindanao votes expected today, groups warn of massive protests

?We join all opposition groups and election watchdogs in condemning the massive electoral fraud orchestrated to benefit the administration slate. We must not allow the administration to succeed in its final push to rig the elections through the canvassing of votes in Maguindanao and other questionable regions,? Renato Reyes of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan said.

Continue ReadingCanvassing of Maguindanao votes expected today, groups warn of massive protests

Philippines: Election watchdog warns vs rigging votes from ARMM in favor of Team Unity

MANILA, Philippines — Election watchdog Kontra Daya warned against rigging of votes from
Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in favor of Team Unity
candidates.

Kontra Daya joined the Concerned Citizens and other groups in a
protest rally, Wednesday, near the Philippine International Convention
Center (PICC) where the national canvassing is ongoing. The Commission
on Elections (Comelec) is set to canvass the votes from Maguindanao on
the same day.
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Aussie troops, mining firms not welcome in Mindanao: group

Southern Philippines a hotspot for foreign war games and giant mining projects

MANILA — The presence of Australian military troops and mining companies in the Philippines, which President Gloria Arroyo is literally begging for in her state visits, will only aggravate the volatile peace and order situation in the country particularly in Mindanao, environmental activists from Kalikasan Peoples Network for the Environment (Kalikasan PNE) warned today.
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Pimentel says pressure may have led to Sarmiento resignation

MANILA — Senate Minority Leader Aquilino ?Nene? Q. Pimentel,
Jr. (PDP-Laban) today expressed regret over the
resignation of Commissioner Rene Sarmiento as head of
the Commission on Election?s task force that will
investigate poll fraud in Maguindanao.
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Continue ReadingPimentel says pressure may have led to Sarmiento resignation