Top Mindanao exec backs integrity of 2013 elections

TAGUM CITY, March 20 (PIA) – A top local chief executive in Mindanao expressed his confidence the votes of the Filipinos will be adequately protected in the May 2013 automated elections.

Davao deo Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario, current poresident of the Confederation of all the Local Chief Executives in Mindanao (Confed) is convinced the ballots would be very secure during the midterm polls, since the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is implementing added safeguards, on top of the security measures already built into the Precinct Count Optical Scanner (PCOS) machines.

Amid concerns on the possibility of flaws and glitches, the Governor abided to the assurance of the Comelec that the PCOS machines intended for the automated election system are in good condition and are safe.

“I believe the coming automated elections is properly secured,” del Rosario said, at the recent convocation program of the province.

The Governor also hailed the Comelec for putting up a contingency plan in preparation for potential hitches that may happen.

He also allayed fears raised by concerned poll watch groups about the possibility of the machine being manipulated and used in cheating.

“I don’t think tampering of the ballots and manipulating the results of the automated elections will still be possible now with all the security measures implemented by the Comelec,” the Chair of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) – XI assured.

The Governor said he personally tested the integrity of the PCOS machines during the mock poll conducted at a recent Comelec briefing of local candidates.

Del Rosario further urged the voters to study the background and platform of government of the candidates by reading about them and watching or listening to debates aired over the TV and radio.

He said it is important for the electorate to really check out the qualifications of the candidates in order to make the right decision.

“This election is very important,” he said, as he urged voters to choose candidates who really support the reforms instituted by President Benigno Aquino, particularly his ‘Daang Matuwid’ campaign.( Noel Baguio-DN Info Div.)