Despite losing her senatorial bid as an LP candidate in the May 10 elections, Akbayan Rep. Ana Theresia “Risa” N. Hontiveros still has good words for the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
“In spite of itself, Comelec was able to redeem itself somewhat in terms of tiwala ng mga tao sa institusyon saka sa electoral process (Comelec was able to redeem itself somewhat in terms of trust of the people in the institution and the electoral process).”
Late last week, after the canvassing sputtered on its first few days, Hontiveros had expressed apprehension about the snail-paced canvass.
But still, that early, she only had commendation for the Comelec. She said despite the sputtering start of the canvassing of votes in the House of Representatives, “By and large–in spite of all our well-founded apprehensions–ay tumakbo ng mas maayos kesa hindi maayos yung automated election to the credit of the voters and yung mga BEI natin, lalo na yung mga guro.
“(The automated elections proceeded smoothly rather than expectations to the contrary. I give credit to the voters and the BEI or board of elections inspectors, especially our school teachers).”
The latest tally for presidential and vice presidential results showed Sen. Noynoy Aquino (LP) as of June 1 still leading at 04:34:20 pm with 2,380,171 votes against a total of 5,374,015 total votes cast. Former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada at second with 992,614 votes.
In the vice presidential race, the tally board showed Sen. Manuel Roxas leading with 2,295,987 votes as of 4:39:26 p.m. on June 1. Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay came in at a distant second with 1,906,239 votes. [MMR]
Computer literacy course
Hontiveros, however, deplored the early days of canvass, saying that the joint House and Senate committee shouldn’t have gone through what she called a “computer literacy course.”
“Ang concern ko ngayon ay dapat nagka-canvass na kami at hindi nagko-computer literacy course (which we’ve been going through since) two days ago dito sa floor ng House. It’s very frustrating (My concern is that we should have started the canvass already and not have to go through a computer literacy course like we’ve been having on the floor of the House).”
Early on, Hontiveros had expressed hope for the canvass to proceed more smoothly. Her wish was granted at the start of canvass this week.
Locsin said that the joint Senate and House body would be able to meet its target date of completion of canvass and be able to proclaim the winners soonst.
