LP straight voting “Hapros Magic” dominates Samar PCL election

By EMY C. BONIFACIO, Samar News.com
October 2, 2010

CATBALOGAN CITY  –  The Philippine Councilor’s League, Samar Chapter, elected its new set of Officers last September 27, 2010 at the Samar State Univeristy.  As mandated under DILG Memorandum Circular No 2010-63, all Sangguniang Bayan Members within their respective provinces are required to convene within 90 days from assumption to elect from among them the Provincial Federation Officers who will be serving a term of office until 2013.

To oversee the orderly conduct of the elections, Mr. Brian Baena, the Island Treasurer for PCL Visayas; Mr. Wilson Uy, Leyte PCL President; Mr. Raul Rivera, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental; Atty Alan Zulueta, National chairman based in Tagum, Davao del Norte and Ms. Vicky Cayao, the PCL National Accountant were present, while the DILG Provincial Secretariat headed by its Director, Mr. Artemio Cañeja acted as facilitators. This was the 76th PCL election conducted nationwide, with four more provinces soon to hold its election to complete the national PCL Officers.

From among the 266 Sangguniang Bayan Members of the entire Samar, 261 actively installed Calbayog City councilor Atty. Roger Casurao as its Provincial President, who ran against Jiabong councilor Mr. Lucio M. Pacli Jr. with 249-110 garnered votes, respectively. All the other winners were under Casurao’s slate which is indicative of the strong party discipline that the Liberal Party in the locality is popularly known. The “hapros” magic, meaning a straight vote for the complete line-up, is most common in the 1st district of the province of Samar. “The Uy magic has already invaded the 2nd District of Samar”, says an SB member from Paranas.

The winning of Atty. Casurao was anticipated with an expected 172 vote turn-out based on his own survey. However, he ran short of 23 votes in the end. Similarly, Mr. Pacli was expecting for an 11-vote advantage against Casurao with 144 warm bodies identified to be on his favor. Only 110 votes turned out after the results were counted. Out of the 266 PCL members in Samar, only 261 members of good standing were qualified to vote.

Completing Casurao’s line-up were Atty. Ernesto Arcales (Catbalogan), Vice-President; Hon. Julius Mancol (Calbayog), Secretary General; Hon. Raymund Uy (Calbayog), Treasurer; Hon. Jesus Calutan (Hinabangan), Auditor; Hon. Alfredo Amantillo, PRO; Hon. Erdi delos Santos (Sta. Margarita), Business Manager; Hon. Amado Abria (Sta. Rita), Hon. Rene Friginal (San Sebastian), Hon. Jesus Gabon (Paranas), Hon. Leonardo Repol (Pagsanghan), Hon. Reynaldo Romano (Villareal), Hon. Ronnie Casiano (Daram), Hon. Nary Casurao (San Jorge) and Hon. Teodoro Ilagan (Catbalogan) as Board of Directors.

“In the history of PCL elections in Samar, this was the most controversial one” says a media observer from Tacloban. The venue was tightly secured with police authorities all over the place and a military vehicle with its personnel were seen on guard until 11:30 o’clock in the evening. The proceedings started hours later than the 9:00 o’clock scheduled time, with members coming in groups obviously being guided by leaders of both camps. Off limits sign for non-PCL members were posted at its doors, thus, most Municipal Mayors were seen just outside the premises, monitoring and patiently waiting for their SB members to come out from the venue. The media were not exempted from being thrown out of the session hall which has got adverse reactions from those present. “The practice was not in accordance with DILG Sec. Robredo’s pronouncements supporting the transparency policy in all government activities and transactions. They could have provided for a media corner for us to just sit down and observe the proceedings, but not to be forcibly directed to step out of the room,” a tri-media correspondent commented. However, the group did not fail to inform the Office of the DILG Secretary regarding the incident for comment.

The determination as to whose camp the emerging winner will come was very crucial as it will fill up the slot of an ex-officio member in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.  Casurao’s winning completed the 2/3 majority votes requirement in deliberating major legislative actions. It may be recalled that the number game in the SP played so much role in the recent budget controversy. Thus, various strategies were allegedly resorted to by candidates to ensure the winning. Reports reaching this team revealed that there were SBs who were housed in Tadjao, Tolosa, Leyte for several days prior to the elections.  Likewise, text messages that offer 30 to 50 thousand pesos in exchange for a single vote were believed to have come from a candidate. An estimated total amount of more or less 11 million was allegedly spent as campaign funds for that PCL election alone, told an insider. On the other hand, the support of at least 18-21 mayors of Samar gave Casurao an edge over Pacli.  A victory party, led by Calbayog Mayor Reynaldo S. Uy and other LP personalities, waited for Atty. Casurao and party at the Flaming Hat Restaurant.

In a short interview, the newly elected PCL Federation president assured its members of programs that will professionalize them through the Legislative Academy of the Philippines. He intends to elevate the status of legislative councils as independent bodies and co-equal with the executive branch. “With my election, I will try to make a difference for the Samarnons. I will encourage my colleagues to learn the art of lawmaking and let them recognize the important role that legislators play in development”, ends Atty Casurao.