Press Release
May 11, 2013

DRILON TO CANDIDATES, SUPPORTERS: RESPECT WILL OF ELECTORATE

Team PNoy campaign manager Franklin M. Drilon on Saturday/May 11 expressed confidence that with the military and police on full alert, Monday's elections and the ensuing counting of votes will be peaceful and orderly.

"We urge all candidates and their supporters to respect the will of the electorate," Drilon said. "Intense political rivalry could result in the outbreak of violence in election hotspots, so the presence of the military and the police will be crucial in maintaining peace and order."

The Armed Forces, in accordance with its election plans, has raised its alert status to red alert effective Friday, meaning all military personnel are now on alert to do election duties.

Soldiers will also protect polling centers and continue doing security operations to contain, if not prevent potential violence associated with the voting exercise.

Meanwhile, Drilon reminded voters to know beforehand their correct voting precincts and be there early on Election Day.

"The people must know how to vote correctly in order for their votes to be counted. During the last elections, it was disappointing to know that a substantial number of votes were put to waste because of glitches that could have been prevented," he said.

He also warned voters not to sell their votes in the wake of reports that certain quarters are out to engage in vote-buying to thwart the will of the people.

"I appeal to the electorate not to accept money from candidates or their emissaries in exchange for their votes. Kapag ginawa ninyo yun, tayong taumbayan ang matatalo sa huli dahil mga corrupt ang mailalagay sa pwesto," said Drilon.

He said these practices of old should not be resurrected under the watch of President Aquino, who is strongly against electoral fraud.

"Let us safeguard our votes against cheaters and poll manipulators, whether they will come from the opposing party or the ruling party," Drilon advised voters.

He also warned voters not to accept, free of charge, directly or indirectly transportation allowance, food, and drinks during Election Day as these undermine the integrity of the election.

Drilon dismissed allegations that the administration is poised to manipulate the results of the elections, saying "insofar as the President and Team PNoy are concerned, cheating is out of the equation."

"This administration never tolerates fraud and cheating. Let us not forget that the cleansing of voters' list in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao was made possible during the Aquino watch," he said.

Drilon called on the people to be vigilant against election fraud and report irregularities immediately to authorities.

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