Statement Denouncing the Evil of Money that Tampered Authentic Elections

INTRODUCTION:

Electoral process is the most fundamental element in a Democratic government. This is why the Right of Suffrage is guaranteed to every citizen of legal age. The Right of Suffrage is both a Legal Right and a Divine Right. It is accorded by Law and it is given by God by virtue of the Human Dignity of the Person. Suffrage is not only a Right. It is also a Social Responsibility. It is not limited to person’s own disposal, but it must be used for the consideration of the greater good. Suffrage is not only a Right and a Social Responsibility. It is likewise a Power of the People to transform the political situation in accordance with the will and plan of God of Fullness of Life. This follows the “dictum” that says, “Power and authority emanate from the people”.

The very basic element of Suffrage is Freedom. However, if the electoral process is marred and influenced by money to buy votes, political power to dictate decisions and coercion to intimidate people, then the Right of Suffrage is corrupted and breached. If the Right of Suffrage is breached by money, political power and coercion, then the exercise of the electoral process is not peaceful and it is not authentic. It does not reflect the free will of the people. Therefore it is a failure.

What are the events and incidents that violated Election Laws, tampered the Freedom and Right of Suffrage and breached the authenticity and integrity of Election results?

During the campaign period, Barangay Officials, Barangay Tanods and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) were alleged to have received money from a particular candidate to pressure political loyalty and support. Barangay Chairmen were alleged to have received 3000 pesos each, Barangay Councilors were given allegedly 2000 pesos each, Barangay Tanods were given allegedly 1000 pesos each and SK Chairmen allegedly received 2000 pesos each.

Some Barangay Officials and even SK leaders publicly endorsed their candidate in radio broadcast and local TV stations in the name of their constituents and members of their organizations, which is a gross violation of the Law against partisan politics of elected Barangay Officials and SK.

As the election campaign went, campaign posters were seen posted everywhere in different sizes, Although COMELEC Laws prescribe a common poster area and a limit on the size of campaign posters must be followed as a matter of Law. Posters were also seen nailed unto trees, which is also a violation of DENR Laws. Other violations were limit on airtime of candidates, limit of official poll watchers for each candidate, barangay fiesta during election period.

During the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) meeting and Candidates Forum on May 21, 2011, said issues were brought to the attention of the DILG and COMELEC. A copy of the statement urging said government agencies to act on the issues, was read in the presence of DILG and COMELEC representatives. After which a copy was forwarded to DILG and COMELEC offices. On May 23, 2011, government agencies concerned, immediately declared that there was no violation of Election Laws, without the merit of impartial, independent and thorough investigation on the alleged issues.

On the evening of May 26, 2011, Barangay Officials were seen going house to house campaigning for a particular candidate recruiting many pool watchers as way of vote buying. . On election day, CODE system was employed top ensure the actual delivery of votes of those who were bought. Using the possible combinations of the complete name of the particular candidate, the bought voter wrote the coded candidate name on the ballot.

Prizes of getting percentage of votes were promised to barangays. Awarding of projects was promised to the barangays that would deliver the win votes of a particular candidate.

2. What can be recommended in order to achieve a peaceful and authentic election free from anything that tampers and influences the freedom of suffrage?

To government agencies concerned: Investigate the events. It is you ministerial duty to investigate and gather witnesses and evidences. Implement and uphold the Laws without fear or favor.

To elected barangay officials: Give utmost respect to the Laws. Stop partisan politics. Stop vote selling. Stop selling out the dignity and freedom of your constituents.

To those who sold their freedom and dignity: Stop selling out your freedom and dignity. That is equivalent to betraying your sons and daughters.

To those who stood against political dynasty: Continue to uphold the Ideals of Democracy. You may not be the majority, but God is on the side of the Righteous.

CONCLUSION:

The recent election was not truly Peaceful and Authentic. It does not fully reflect the free will of the people because the Right and Freedom of Suffrage were influenced by massive vote buying and vote selling. The free will of people was coerced by partisan politics using elective positions to dictate people. Therefore the element of freedom which is the mot basic essential of an electoral process, was breached.

Election laws were not implemented to the full extent. Rather, it simply favored the powerful and the moneyed. The laws were supposed to ensure authenticity and integrity of election. These laws were meant to safeguard the freedom and right of the people. However, these laws were not as useful as they were intended to be.

If the government agencies concerned shall remain to be favoring the powerful and the moneyed, then upcoming elections will continue to regress and deteriorate until such time that the people will no longer trust in the fundamentals and ideals of Democracy. Election and political power are now founded on the evils money, eroding the value systems and gripping local media. Democracy is dying.

The only hope for Ilocos Sur lies in those who voted against money politics. The Kingdom of God shall reign in Ilocos Sur, not the kingdom of political lords.

Done on this 30th day of May 2011 at PPCRV Assessment Discernment Workshop, Archbishop's Residence, Vigan City.