Abalos shields Comelec from poll reform flaks

Commission on Elections Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr admitted on Monday that the Comelec failed to bring about reforms in the electoral system. He was quick to add, however, that while the poll body has a role in the problem, it should not take all the blame for the failure. “Electoral failure? Totoo yan (That is true). We have so much to revise. I admit, mayroong (there are) flaws," Abalos told reporters in an interview. He said, however, that the failure of the electoral system in the country does not start with the Comelec, but with the Filipinos’ weakening moral fiber. “Our moral values have degenerated. Why are people selling or buying votes? Ang may kasalan (ay ang) Comelec (Is it Comelec’s fault?). Nagpapatayan ang mga tao, ang may kasalan (ay ang) Comelec? (Is it Comelec’s fault if people are killing each other?)." He said problems in moral values are also the Church's responsibility. But he quickly added that he was not blaming the Church for the degradation of moral values. “"It is also the problem of the community, of the family," he said. Abalos said the call for an immediate Comelec revamp was unfair. "Dapat tanungin muna kami (They should ask us first), give us a chance to explain." Commissioner Rene Sarmiento, for his part, said the slow pace of canvassing, particularly in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and in other parts of Mindanao, has contributed to the public’s bad perception of the Comelec. "But we are doing our best," he said. While Sarmiento believes that the selection of Comelec officials should be more participatory, he said this should not be done right away. "I'm for a transparent and participative selection process. I think the public should participate…maganda po (this is good), it should be the citizen's groups, watchdogs and non-government organizations (that) should ask for a transparent process. Pagtulungan natin (Let us work for it together)," he said. The influential Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Monday called for a change of leadership at the Commission on Elections as it noted the "continuing dominance" of political dynasties, dagdag-bawas (vote padding and shaving), and poll violence. In a press conference, the CBCP called for a "full revamp of the Comelec" and sought for the appointment of people with "unquestioned integrity and competence, especially in systems and management" to succeed Elections Chair Benjamin Abalos and the five other members of the commission en banc. - GMANews.TV