Press Release
May 6, 2010

Gives Comelec a 24-hour window...
COME OUT CLEAN AND COME OUT FAST, CHIZ TO COMELEC

"Comelec should admit within 24 hours if it can hold the elections or not on Monday," said independent Senator Chiz Escudero after glitches and hitches have shown few days before the May 10 polls.

Escudero, chairman of the joint congressional oversight committee on poll automation said the Comelec should not wait until Monday to admit that they are unable to conduct the country's first ever fully automated election.

"They only have a 24-hour window to avert disorder and confusion come Monday. They should do this so then a special session can be called by PGMA and the Congress can convene and reset the dates before June 30".

He said Comelec should stop being arrogant and admit the truth.

"They always sing the same tune, that they can do it, that they are on the right track. But look what's happening? Glitches after glitches add more to the anxiety and fears of the public. Do they still have the voice to be heard after all these"?

Escudero admitted that he is against the postponement of election but said there really is no choice at this time, "even if all of us want it".

He said that sheer admission of the Comelec of its inability to conduct an election would automatically constitute a failure of election.

Even if Comelec assures that election will push trough in all levels on Monday, Escudero still airs his misgivings.

"If election is to push through on Monday as what Comelec says, there are three questions they need to answer. One, can they do it? Two, will it be a credible election? And three, can they conduct it peacefully?"

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