Bro. Eddie Villanueva party on ‘red alert’ vs cheating
Presidential candidate Bro. Eddie Villanueva on Tuesday said his party, Bangon Pilipinas, would be on âred alert posture" to keep the countryâs first ever nationwide automated elections on May 10 free from irregularities. In a statement, the head of the Jesus is Lord religious movement said the red alert posture means he and his supporters would be in âa position of extreme vigilance and readiness for the coming May 10 elections." âThe red alert posture means Bangon Pilipinas supporters would be quick and decisive in responding to any sign of deception, chicanery and dishonesty in the conduct of the election," Villanueva said. Villanueva issued the statement following what he perceived as telltale signs that the current administration is out to rig the upcoming elections. He mentioned President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyoâs impending appointment of a new chief justice, and the promotion of several members of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) class of 1978, where the President is an honorary member, to key positions in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). He also noted the reported incorrect tallying of votes by some election machines in Mondayâs mock polls in Makati and Pateros, as well as the alleged plot by unidentified groups to discredit the automated elections as revealed by no less than the Commission on Elections (Comelec) itself. âAll indubitably point to an administration preparation to secure the results of the national election to its interests," Villanueva said. âWith a nation wanting to hold the administration to account or answer for many issues of corruption, there is every reason to ensure that the election favors the administration interest." Villanueva has been blaming the Arroyo administration for his unsuccessful bid for the presidency in 2004 â the same election where the alleged âHello Garci" conversation took place. The Hello Garci scandal refers to taped conversations between a woman believed to be President Arroyo and a man believed to be then Comelec Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano discussing about ways to manipulate the results of the elections. Malacanang has repeatedly denied the accusations. Villanueva said he would not allow the Arroyo governmentâs cheating mechanisms to taint the upcoming elections. âThat the people were cheated the first time is a tragedy and shame. To be cheated a second time by the same administration is unforgivable," he said. - KBK, GMANews.TV