Dagdag/bawas
In two of my several experiences in national politics, one, in the 1995 senatorial elections, and second, in the presidential election of 2004, I gathered first hand information as to how election results were manipulated.
In both elections, the main manner by which the results were altered was by dagdag/bawas, that is, by adding votes to a candidate beneficiary or subtracting votes from a candidate victim. And the votes were usually added or reduced in the Certificates of Canvass that, in turn, were supposed to reflect the summary of votes coming from the precincts of every municipality or the barangays of every city.
The Certificates of Canvass are done by the members of the Provincial or City Board of Canvassers. It is on the basis of the Certificates of Canvass that the Comelec proclaims the winners in the senatorial elections and Congress in its capacity as the National Board of Canvassers proclaims the winner in the presidential race.
Protect integrity
Thus, the vital importance of protecting the integrity of the Certificates of Canvass and of their supporting documents.
I would like to request the prosecutors and the lawyer members of the local Boards of Canvassers to reflect accurately in their Certificates of Canvass the results of the elections that come their way for official action.
I do not to suggest that they do anything underhanded to favor the Genuine Opposition senatorial bets who, incidentally, include my son and namesake, AQUILINO PIMENTEL, or the administration candidates. I only ask that the prosecutors concerned would do their work pursuant to the Rule of Law.
Mindanao representation
Before I leave this point, may I advert to the fact that Mindanao needs good, if not the best, additional representation in the Senate.
As of now, out of 24 senators, 19 come from Luzon, 4 from Visayas, and 1 from Mindanao. Thats me.
2007 Elections, Terrorism
