Binay warns of 'automated Garci'

MANILA, Philippines - Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino-United Opposition (PMP-UNO) vice presidential candidate Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay warned against what he called “automated Garci” in the May 10 elections.

Binay revealed before The STAR that the PMP-UNO will join forces with the Liberal Party (LP) of presidential candidate Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III to avert possible cheating on election day.

Binay noted the revelations made by Aquino of “special operations” being planned by certain groups to manipulate the election results in Mindanao.

Binay said they received information that as early as 3 p.m. on May 10, the people behind “automated Garci” will deploy 100 voters in precincts all over the country.

“Automation is intended only to hasten the counting. It cannot stop vote buying. They will put ink on their (voters) fingers even if they have not voted yet. There will be various ways of cheating, like the excessive number of ballots printed,” Binay said.

Binay also expressed concern over preparations of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for the May 10 automated elections.

He said the Comelec has dropped the ultraviolet security markings and has printed ballots in excess numbers.

“The automated Garci is true. This will be the worst elections,” Binay said, referring to the “Hello, Garci” wiretap recordings controversy involving President Arroyo supposedly calling former election commissioner Virgilio “Garci” Garcillano over the results of the presidential elections in 2004.

Binay said he has made representations with some LP leaders, including his rival in the LP, vice presidential candidate Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, to fight the “automated Garci” scheme.

“I told them let’s join together to man the votes. UNO and LP will join forces to fight cheating on May 10 and ensure that the votes cast by voters are properly counted,” he said.

Binay said the tactical alliance with LP against “automated Garci” would mobilize all their watchers to monitor developments during election day.