RELAMPAGOS
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Boholanos express distrust over the Comelec's handling
of the electoral process as they agree on the decision
of former Gov. Rene Relampagos to abandon his protest
of dagdag-bawas (vote-padding and vote-shaving) against
congressman-elect Adam Relson Jala of the 3rd district.
In
a radio survey conducted over dyRD's top-rated "Inyong
Alagad" last Tuesday, respondents overwhelmingly
supported the decision of Relampagos to forego his electoral
protest as this would only entail additional costs while
it is highly improbable that the case will be resolved
before the next election.
During the canvassing of votes by the Provincial Board
of Canvassers (PBOC), Relampagos bared he and his lawyers
protested on the tabulation of votes coming from the
municipalities of Loay, Sierra Bullones, Duero and Pilar
which were purportedly tampered.
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However,
objections made proved futile as the PBOC proceeded with the
canvassing "without giving due merit and consideration
to [their] protests." Relampagos said.
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Many
of survey-respondents view an electoral protest as an
"uphill battle" since the protest will eventually
be handled by the House of Representatives Electoral
Tribunal (HRET).
A
respondent opined that it is probable the HRET, composed
of congressmen who have worked with outgoing Rep. Eladio
Jala, can be swayed to favor the young Jala.
The
two-time governor who lost by a margin of 3,059 votes
against Jala expressed dismay over the alleged irregularities
that took place in the 3rd district.
Relampagos
has decided to leave politics and vowed to advocate
for electoral reforms and raise public awareness on
election fraud.
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RESPONDENTS'
OPINION
Survey
respondents gave their opinion regarding Relampagos' decision
to give up the election protest and abandon politics.
They
said, based on experience, an electoral complaint would take
a long time to be resolved and entails much expense.
A
respondent suggested that the former governor needs to temporarily
distance himself from the present electoral process that is
tainted with fraud and cheating.
Other
respondents indicated that they would still welcome Relampagos
if he decides to run in the next political exercise.
Some
expressed appreciation to the legacy left by Relampagos during
his tenure as vice governor and governor of the province.
On
the other hand, a few of the respondents urged Relampagos
to make a stand and pursue his protest as many voters want
the truth to come out.
They
said that if he won in the last elections he should fight
for it through the legal process.
Some
of those who agreed with the former governor's decision said
his protest is useless since he clearly lost in the election.
If
he protests, it would be tantamount to questioning the will
of the people, some respondents said.
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