Comelec to summon 100,000 'flying voters' in Metro Manila

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has subpoenaed at least 100,000 suspected flying voters in Metro Manila who had reportedly been caught registering more than once for the May 2007 elections. Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. said Sunday many of the registrants had signed up in different areas of Metro Manila within a period of two to three days. This developed as Director Ferdinand Rafanan, head of the Comelec National Capital Region office, was relieved from his post for the second time, triggering suspicions about the purpose and timing of his transfer, amid preparations for the elections. A source from the poll body who requested anonymity, said Rafanan was removed as Comelec NCR director and was ordered detailed to the office of Chairman Abalos effective December 7. The source said Rafanan has been removed for “insubordination" in connection to his being vocal during the initial stages of the people’s initiative for Charter change. “Ang 100,000 sa NCR prima facie agad ito. Tanong namin sa kanila humarap ka to appear before us and explain why you shouldn’t be charged for violating the Election Code," Abalos said in an interview on dzBB radio. (We have prima facie evidence against 100,000 registrants in Metro Manila. We have subpoenaed them to appear before us and explain why they should not be charged for violating the election code). He said such irregularities can usually be explained if the resident moved to another area of Metro Manila and failed to nullify his or her previous registration. But he said some of the voters were found to have registered in many areas of eastern Metro Manila, including Mandaluyong and Pasig Cities and in San Juan, all in a matter of days. “Meron sa kanila nag-register sa Mandaluyong, tapos lilipat sa Pasig, at lilipat sa San Juan. Iyan dalawa o tatlong araw ang diprensya, halos walang kalusot-lusot (There were some who registered in Mandaluyong, Pasig and San Juan in two to three days’ time. Those caught doing this will have a very difficult time explaining themselves)," he said. Abalos did not say when the questionable registrants were scheduled to appear before the Comelec to explain themselves. On the other hand, he said the Comelec is likely to catch more flying voters because it has started using data capturing machines that record a registrant’s photo and biometric data. This system also allows convenience for the voter, whom he said will no longer need to bring ID cards to verify his or her identity. “Pagbukas ng record mo kilala ka na (Once you identify yourself at the voting precinct, chances are those manning the records can identify you quickly)," he said. Meanwhile, Abalos said it will take one to two weeks more to determine the number of registered voters who are qualified to vote in this year’s election. He said that while the registration period ended last Dec. 31, the Comelec has given registrants in many areas until Jan. 7 to complete their requirements. “We are collating all records. Give us a week or two," he said. - GMANews.TV