Comelec has ‘vested interests,’ former official says

Newly retired Commission on Elections (Comelec) commissioner Luzviminda Tancangco said yesterday she does not expect clean, honest and orderly elections in May unless "vested interests" in the poll body are eradicated early.

Tancangco, along with fellow commissioner Ralph Lantion, completed her seven-year term with the Comelec yesterday and Malacañang is expected to announce their replacements shortly.

Lantion, a native of Echague, Isabela and a former Manila executive judge, said he "definitely" plans to help Isabela Gov. Faustino Dy and that he may run for congressman in the fourth district of Isabela in 2007.

When asked about the Comelec’s prospects in May, Lantion said the poll body "is in good shape," and that Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos is "very accommodating and upright."

"I have always said before that I have seen our Comelec people at work for the past two elections and a clean, honest and orderly elections in May is workable. We will all do our share," he said.

Tancangco, however, does not share Lantion’s optimism.

"A lot of things are not yet given," she said. "Unless the people’s attitude will change, we cannot expect that (clean, honest and orderly elections). There are so many vested interests in Comelec."

Tancangco did not elaborate but pointed out there are too many people meddling with the Comelec’s affairs.

She was the subject of an earlier impeachment complaint filed by the election watchdog National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections, the same group that has vowed to pursue a graft case against her once she steps down.

Tancangco, who was the only female commissioner in the seven-member Comelec, did not hide her disappointment that she and Abalos are being blamed for the aborted poll modernization.

"Why me?" she exclaimed. She told The STAR that she has "nothing to do with that. I am not in charge of that phase (the acquisition of the automated counting machines)." The Supreme Court earlier rescinded the contract for the automation, saying the procedure was anomalous and prone to cheating.

Tancangco reiterated that she has been against the full automation of the electoral process from the beginning. She noted that while she signed the notice of award for the winning bidder, she was the only one who withheld her signature in the actual contract.

For the moment, Tancangco said she will enjoy her rest and spend her days in prayer before deciding what to do next.