RP elections shock US solon

A visiting American legislator of Filipino lineage expressed shock yesterday over the conduct of Philippine elections.

Rep. Dave Valderrama (D, Maryland), whose family hailed from Siniloan, Laguna, said that the number of deaths, 98, from election-related violence was "most appalling."

He said he could not help but agree with President Arroyo who described the May 14 elections as "very bloody."

"It is difficult for me to understand why they have to kill to get there (elected to office). And some candidates were even shooting at each other!" he said incredulously during a talk with Senate reporters.

Valderrama, who is now on his 12th year as representatives of Maryland, came last May 10 specifically to witness the elections and as guest of Senate President Aquilino Pimentel Jr.

He said that this visit marked the very first time for him to observe Philippine elections first-hand, and he admitted coming away shocked, and not only because of the attendant violence.

"Vote-buying is also very difficult to understand, but it is here," he added.

The slow, manual count also drew the exasperation of Valderrama, as he noted that only a few winners have been declared 10 days after the election. – Efren Danao