Responsible voting urged

By Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.
May 9, 2013

CEBU CITY – Between the start of the election campaign and the upcoming May polls on May 13, we have seen a variety of gimmicks – from posters and leaflets to campaign ads and jingles. Amidst all these, many Filipinos are looking forward to cast their votes with the hope of attaining positive change in the next years to come.

“The public is entitled with the right of suffrage. The people’s vote is sacred. It holds the right of every individual to choose the leader that will guide each of one us to development,” Atty. Ian Marigomen, election officer of Commission on Elections (Comelec) 7, said during the April 27 episode of “Pagtuki”, the official radio program of Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI).

For the second time, Filipinos will run their votes through the Precinct Optical Scan (PCOS) machines that feed into secured three-foot black boxes. The new voting system started in the May 2010 elections.

“The public, especially those May 2010 elections voters, are already familiar with the PCOS machine. In the upcoming elections, the mechanics and features are practically the same. We added relevant features, such as the date and time though,” Atty. Marigomen said.

He reminded voters to conscientiously observe what not to do on the election day, including drinking of alcoholic beverages, accepting of food or anything of value from running candidates, voting more than once, soliciting votes against or in favor of a candidate inside the polling area or in the set 30-meter radius, setting up of booths or stalls selling items of value inside the 30-meter radius, and carrying of deadly weapons, such as firearms.

In the case of establishments like hotels, they should get a certificate of exemption from Comelec if they are serving alcoholic drinks on Election Day.

Marigomen also encouraged the public to list down their chosen candidates on a sheet of paper before going to their designated precincts. He said that this is to avoid over voting, especially in the selection of the 12 senators. If the voter fills in 13 ovals, his vote for the senatorial positions will be forfeited.

“In the holding area beside the polling area, we will conduct voters’ education. The Comelec is vigorous in educating the public to be responsible voters. We are doing our best to guide the public in choosing the leaders of our country,” he stressed.

There will also be separate express lanes for persons with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, and pregnant women. He said that the public should follow the rules to avoid any complications.

“The usage of PCOS machine is a best way to train the public to be responsible and conscientious voters,” he said.

On the issue of security, he said that the joint security coordinating center composed of the Comelec, Philippine National Police (PNP), and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) ensures the overall safety of the public on the day of the elections. The operational plan of the group specially highlights security on areas of concern.

In the context of the long-term development framework of Mega Cebu 2050, Evelyn Nacario-Castro, executive director of Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center (EADSC) of RAFI, said that the development of Metro Cebu lies in our votes.

“In the next 13,500 days or 37 years, the public will only have twelve days of making decision to choose the leaders that will bring them closer to a smart, equitable, and environmentally-sustainable growth for Mega Cebu and for the country in general,” she pointed out.

Marigomen said that the Comelec guarantees a smooth-sailing election as long as the public does its responsibility as voters.

“We must meet half-way. The Comelec is always available in the most convenient time of the people. Just approach us and we will do our best to address your concerns. Let’s all pray for a peaceful May 2013 elections,” he said.