Rufus to SC: Recall ruling on issuance of voting receipts

By NITZ ARANCON
and GERALD LEIGH LAQUINON
Correspondents

REP. Rufus Rodriguez of the city’s 2nd District has appealed to the Supreme Court to recall its decision that compels the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to issue receipts to voters during the May 9 elections.

This came about even as Comelec officials here admitted that they are in “panic mode” as a result of the SC order because the poll body is unprepared for something like this.

Rodriguez said there was really no need for the voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) because this could even be used to jeopardize the secrecy of the ballots.

“This will determine how a person voted, and it may be used by unscrupulous candidates in buying votes. The proof will be the receipts that will show who they voted for. The danger of vote buying will be there, and it may affect the elections,” he said.

Rodriguez also expressed fears that if the SC forces the issue, the elections might end up postponed because it would take time for the Comelec to reconfigure the voting machines.

For his part, former mayor Vicente Emano said he sees nothing wrong with the SC’s order, pointing out that the voter-verified paper audit trail is supposed to be a feature in the automated elections.

“Dili nako masabot ngano nga gigubotan pa gihapon kini nga issue nga ang resibo sa pagboto, naa  na man unta kana sa vote-counting machines, na-incorporate na,” Emano said.

Emano said he also finds it unacceptable for the Comelec to warn against extending the election time by five to seven hours as a result of the SC order.

Lawyer Wilfred Jay Balisado, Comelec regional director, said the poll body is simply unprepared for the SC decision, saying the elections might be delayed for a week as a result.

“It’s easier said than done because it entails a lot of things which will take logistics, money and time,” said Balisado.

He pointed out that their ongoing trainings for election inspectors do not include the the issuance of voting receipts. A re-training might be needed, he said.

Balisado said the vote-counting machines would need to be shipped back to Sta. Rosa, Laguna, because of the SC ruling.

“Issuing receipts as of this time is not practical, and if the SC is really bent on implementing it, it should be done in the next elections so we can prepare,” said Balisado.

Aside from the time and logistical constraints, Balisado said he fears that the vote receipts would be used as “proof of purchase” of votes.

“Its intentions might be okay but if it is going to be used in order to facilitate vote buying, then it will defeat the purpose,” he said.

Meanwhile, the local chapter of the National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) welcomed the SC decision, saying that it is for a transparent and accountable elections.

“In principle, a voter must know whether his votes were really counted through the receipt because it is a right of every citizen,” said Nestor Banuag, Namfrel’s Misamis Oriental chairperson.

The group said “the culture of vote buying and selling should be addressed by the concerned authorities and individuals without jeopardizing the right of voters.”

Banuag said Namfrel volunteers are ready to assist even if the voting time is extended.

Balisado, however, assured that the elections would take place on May 9 as scheduled, and that the overall attitude of the election officers is not to run away from their mandate.