shano

The Catanduanes chapter of partylist group KABATAAN (previously named Anak ng Bayan) has asked the Commission on Election to look after the alleged tampering of official Comelec voters information brochures by some barangay captains.

The group said in a press statement last week that in the 2004 elections, their members and supporters were surprised to receive COMELEC brochures stamped with stickers bearing the name of an "electric cooperative party" in what should be a blank space for the partylist organization.

KABATAAN said that the COMELEC must file charges against individuals who tamper with public documents like the voter information manuals. "The Comelec must do its task of leveling the playing field. They must ensure that their very own documents and manuals are not turned into campaign paraphernalia of politicians or parties", the group said.

According to KABATAAN, the tampering occurs at the barangay level where the Comelec gives every registered voter an election manual through the barangay council.

Meanwhile, KABATAAN delivered a stinging rebuke on what they called as pseudo-sectoral parties which it claimed can buy the grassroots leaders to fo dirty jobs for them because of ample campaign funds and support from the government. It asked barangay Officials not to be "puppets and slaves" and instead work as "servants of the people and defenders of truth, justice and transparency"

The youth group also called on the COMELEC and civic, church and people’s organizations in the province to include in their voters education drives a lecture on the importance of the Partylist System. It noted that of all the contested posts in an election, the partylist slot is given least importance and priority by voters because of their lack of knowledge on how the partylist system works.

The Catanduanes chapter of partylist group KABATAAN (previously named Anak ng Bayan) has asked the Commission on Election to look after the alleged tampering of official Comelec voters information brochures by some barangay captains.

The group said in a press statement last week that in the 2004 elections, their members and supporters were surprised to receive COMELEC brochures stamped with stickers bearing the name of an "electric cooperative party" in what should be a blank space for the partylist organization.

KABATAAN said that the COMELEC must file charges against individuals who tamper with public documents like the voter information manuals. "The Comelec must do its task of leveling the playing field. They must ensure that their very own documents and manuals are not turned into campaign paraphernalia of politicians or parties", the group said.

According to KABATAAN, the tampering occurs at the barangay level where the Comelec gives every registered voter an election manual through the barangay council.

Meanwhile, KABATAAN delivered a stinging rebuke on what they called as pseudo-sectoral parties which it claimed can buy the grassroots leaders to fo dirty jobs for them because of ample campaign funds and support from the government. It asked barangay Officials not to be "puppets and slaves" and instead work as "servants of the people and defenders of truth, justice and transparency"

The youth group also called on the COMELEC and civic, church and people’s organizations in the province to include in their voters education drives a lecture on the importance of the Partylist System. It noted that of all the contested posts in an election, the partylist slot is given least importance and priority by voters because of their lack of knowledge on how the partylist system works.