‘No-El’ in 2010 could spark another uprising - militants

MANILA, Philippines - A no-elections (No-El) scenario in 2010 could spark another people power protest in EDSA, a militant group warned on Friday. In a statement, fisherfolk alliance Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) national chairman Fernando Hicap said Commision on Elections (Comelec) chair Jose Melo's fear that losing bidders might file a case that would derail the conduct of the automated polls might by "exploited" by Malacañang. “Is Melo toeing the Palace no-election line? His nightmare might be exploited by Malacañang into a wonderful dream for a corrupt and brutal presidency seeking to perpetuate itself to power. This could lead to another Edsa uprising," He said. Critics of the government had earlier accused President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo of seeking to remain in power beyond the extension of her term. Palace officials have denied the allegations, saying the President is intent on ensuring that the elections would push through as scheduled. Hicap said the public might be provoked into taking to the streets again if no election takes place in 2010. "If that is the case, Mrs. Arroyo should accept the near future scenario of being the third President ousted by the people through another popular uprising," he added. On Thursday, Melo expressed concern that losing bidders might sue and seek a temporary restraining order against the conduct of the automated polls. Melo said the case might be timed a few months before the elections, leaving the poll body no time to prepare for manual elections. “Kasi by February, March, or April biglang nagka-TRO [temporary restraining order], how can we go back? We will not have time to go to manual," Melo said in a report by Tina Panganiban-Perez aired over GMA’s “24 Oras." “Yan ang kinatatakutan namin [That is our fear], to be frank. We can be held hostage by these people," he added, without referring to anybody. But Ferdinand Rafanan, director of the Comelec’s Special Bids and Awards committee, doused water to Melo’s fears, saying early on Friday that bidders were made to sign a document waiving their right to file a petition for injunction that might eventually result in the issuance of a TRO. Kabataan party-list Rep. Raymond Palatino, meanwhile, called on the youth to remain vigilant against a possible No-El scenario. “We share Melo’s fears but vow to be more vigilant to prevent a No-El from taking place. The youth have had enough of this regime, the youth wants change. The first step towards that change is for the youth and the people to be able to exercise their right of suffrage in 2010," Palatino said in a statement. The young lawmaker said his party-list group will include vigilance against a No-El scenario as a significant component in its nationwide “We Are Change" campaign pushing for voters’ registration and education. - GMANews.TV