KIKO PANGILINAN PUSHES FOR POLL AUTOMATION, BUT WARNS TO PROCEED WITH CAUTION

Independent Senator Francis 'Kiko' Pangilinan is all for automation for the 2010 polls, but cautions everyone to still remain vigilant.

"No electoral system is fool-proof, especially in the Philippines' current political climate. But the budget is there, and automation will help immensely in modernizing the way we do politics in the country."

Pangilinan along with fellow reformists advocates registration of qualified new voters, believing that new electorates are idealistic and will change the face of politics in the Philippines.

"If our Register and Vote campaign is even half successful, that would mean there will be millions of first-time voters in 2010. We must make sure that these new voters will not be disenfranchised."

The Comelec's Special Bids and Awards Committee said it would award the computerization project before the end of May, ensuring everyone that automation will be realized in 2010.

"The Comelec has all the resources to go on full automation. Simple lang naman yan e; kung ayaw may dahilan, kung gusto maraming paraan."