Solon warns of ‘devious schemes’ to thwart polls

CITING recent events that “may even condition the mind of our people for a no-election [No-el] scenario,” a deputy minority leader on Thursday warned of attempts to undermine the integrity of the May national elections.

In a news statement, House Deputy Minority leader and Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate noted an “emerging pattern” to influence the electoral process.

Zarate cited the report of an alleged hacking of the Comelec computer system and the “last two minutes” filing of a resolution in Congress calling for Charter change.

“While the Comelec already said that no such breach occurred recently, it can be recalled that it made the same assurance in 2015 when it was warned that its system is vulnerable. Five months after the said warning was made, the infamous ‘Comeleaks’ happened,” said Zarate.

“Thus, despite the Comelec’s latest statements, it is prudent that this hacking allegation should still thoroughly be investigated and ensure that its system is indeed tamper proof. The poll body should upgrade its system, which should also be vetted by an independent and reliable expert IT third party,” he added.

Zarate also cited the recently filed resolution in Congress calling for a constituent assembly to extend the terms of incumbent officials, and, a move to extend the filing of certificate of candidacies.

“While the Comelec already junked the petition to reopen and extend the COC [Certificate of Candidacy] filing, and, Congress now seems averse to Cha-cha, these developments may embolden some sinister forces to sabotage the elections and keep themselves in power,” said the Davao-based solon.

Power situation

WORRISOME, too, Zarate said, is the power situation during the elections.

“[The Department of Energy] claimed that they have already devised plans to prevent brownouts during the elections, but, apparently this is not what is happening in reality. For instance, large areas of Visayas and Mindanao are still without electricity due to Typhoon Odette. So, when will their power be restored?” he asked.

“The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines [NGCP] has also issued a statement saying that there may be a thin power supply from April to June. This is serious as it is smack right in the middle of the election period. Added to that are the yellow alerts due to forced plant shutdowns, which already occurred last January 10 and 11,” he added.

Meanwhile, Zarate asked the public to be vigilant against “devious schemes” that could affect the elections.

“Certainly, in a crucial election like this, there are those, as in the past, who would want to undermine the will of the people,” said Zarate.