Garci boys not participating in 2010 polls - Melo

MANILA, Philippines - In an effort to shake off the stigma caused by the “Hello, Garci” wiretapping scandal in 2004, Commission on Elections Chairman Jose Melo assured the public yesterday that Comelec officials involved in electoral scams would not be allowed to participate in next year’s polls.

“They will have no (significant) role in the 2010 elections,” Melo said.

Melo mentioned lawyer Rey Sumalipao, one of the 13 poll officials investigated by the Comelec’s legal department for alleged irregularities committed during the 2007 midterm elections.

He said Sumalipao had been the subject of complaints from voters during the 2007 elections that forced his relief as regional election director of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) the following year.

Aside from Sumalipao, the other election officials that are being kept on “floating status” include Yasib Nasin, provincial election supervisor (PES) of Lanao del Sur; Camal Calandada, election assistant for Lanao del Sur; Hamilton Cuevas, PES for Lanao del Norte; Lintang Bedol for Maguindanao; Yogie Martirizar for North Cotabato; Lilian Suan-Radam for South Cotabato;

Paisal Manding, Alauy Tago, Mamacodal Colangcag and Cayandatu Muliloda, election officers for Lanao del Sur; Dante Parrenas for North Cotabato and Jayson del Rosario, election assistant for Cavite.

Sumalipao and Bedol were among the poll officials mentioned in the “Hello, Garci” wiretap scandal that supposedly detailed the telephone conversation between former Comelec commissioner Virgilio Garcillano and President Arroyo during the 2004 presidential elections.

Melo said administrative cases have been filed by the Comelec against the 13 poll officials after finding them liable for various election offenses and irregularities.

Melo though admitted some of the officials concerned “are already in hiding.”

“They could no longer be found,” he said. 

Melo expressed confidence that the so-called “operators” would not have the chance to manipulate poll results with the implementation of the automation that would limit human intervention in the election process.

“Everything will be automated, untouched by human hands. They could no longer do anything about it. They cannot invade all the machines. Many will lose their sideline,” Melo said.