What can you say about Sen. Jamby Madrigal's threat to go on hunger strike if the Comelec does not allow a parallel manual count in the May 10 elections?

C.B. Manalastas, Manila: Let Madrigal do her thing. Allowing a parallel count would create an opening for manipulation, confusion and chaos!             

Kelvin Casamayor, Ilocos Sur: We live in a democracy and I respect Sen. Jamby’s intentions, but for her to go on a hunger strike is not a big threat to the Comelec.      

Manual count will sow confusion

Joe Nacilla, Las Piñas City: The threat is crazy beyond imagination. What good will a manual count do, except to make things more difficult for our teachers? Manual counting is very slow and is a bloody exercise. Who is Madrigal to force the Comelec to follow her wish? If she really makes good on her threat, she can do so, but she should not blame the Comelec or the administration in case something happens to her health. Human rights advocates should not enter into the picture, protecting foolish and stupid principles.  

Dr. Jose Balcanao, Benguet: Having a parallel manual count in the May 10 elections may only make the counting of ballots last longer. More chaos and irregularities may occur. A parallel manual count will add another financial burden for the government.  

Ogie de Guzman, Laguna: She’s just like a spoiled brat who goes on a tantrum when she doesn’t get her way. Let her go on a hunger strike. She can afford to lose a few pounds anyway. A manual count may cause confusion. It would be better to make sure counting is legit by all of us being vigilant.  

Nony de Leon, Malolos City: For a long time, everyone was calling for automated elections. Now that it is about to happen, some of us want a manual count, too. A parallel count will just be a source of more distrust and acrimony. It’s better for everyone to just help make these elections credible.  

This should be entertaining

Ed Gulmatico, Bacolod City: With two weeks to go before actual election time, which will surely be very tense, Jamby’s theatrics will be a breath of fresh air. It seems comical, but it is entertaining as well. At least we can compare what the majority of poor Filipinos experience everyday, real hunger that is, to a multimillionaire’s experience in deciding to go hungry.  

Elpidio Que, Vigan: Though we know she is not like most of our corrupt candidates, Jamby’s threat to go on hunger strike would be comical. This regime and Villar would relish seeing her go hungry. She’s being a big, big thorn on their side, isn’t she? She should instead use her old-rich money to create a loud brouhaha on this matter, either through street protests, media or whatever, to let the world know about this grave matter of national concern.  

We shouldn’t take her threat seriously

Leandro Tolentino, Batangas City: The melodramatic presentation of the request is inversely proportional to the rational substance of the supposed proposal.  

Ernesto Oliquiano, Las Piñas City: I don’t think we should take Sen. Madrigal’s threat seriously. But if she’s serious, then let her have her way. Nobody can stop her if she wants to go on hunger strike. Besides, was Sen. Madrigal not on the Senate floor when the automated election bill was being discussed? She should have proposed to include a provision mandating the Comelec to make a parallel manual count. Why is she insisting on this only now after billions were already spent for this automated election?  According to some sources, another P500 million will be needed to make a parallel manual count. Do we have to spend these additional millions just to acquiesce to Sen. Madrigal’s wish? Another question: Can we be sure that this election will be more credible if there is a parallel manual count aside from the automated one? What if the results of the two differ? Which one are we to follow? We all know that all our past elections were manually counted and yet election fraud was committed, resulting in electoral protests. That is the very reason why we embarked on this idea of automated counting.   

Dino Monzon, Caloocan City: I find Madrigal’s ultimatum laughable. It’s an overrated spoiled brat’s tantrum in refusing modern ways. At least she may look human after the strike.  

Manuel Abejero, Pangasinan: Sen. Miriam once said, “l am willing to be shot in Luneta if...” Jamby and Miriam share the same delusional belief that they can influence the Pinoys’ way of thinking with their tantrums. It’s folie-a-deux  a condition in which two closely associated senators share the same delusional belief.  

Eric Gopilan, Quezon City: Easier said than done. I think she is just bluffing and she just wants attention.  

Let her go on hunger strike

Eufrocino Linsangan, Isabela: I really doubt if the lady senator could even make it to 24 hours. Be that as it may, let the hunger strike begin.   

Bryan Arquillano, Metro Manila: Let her go on hunger strike; it’s her right anyway. Besides, it’s hitting two birds with one stone. She will be forced to go on a diet and make her point at the same time!  

Jimmy Donton, Puerto Princesa City: Sen. Madrigal is again making a personal decision which, I think, does not benefit anybody but herself. Let the hunger strike begin and let’s wait for the telenovela ending.  

Ruel Bautista, Laguna: This is the first time I’d agree with Jamby, but she can go ahead with her strike. She needs it.  

Erwin Espinoza, Pangasinan: I tell Jamby to do it, tutal walang masama sa gagawin niyang hunger strike. Kaya lang baka magka-ulcer siya. ‘Di kasi siya sanay magutom, di ba?  

Josh Pacatang, Dipolog City: Sen. Madrigal should proceed with her hunger strike by her lonesome inside the detention cell of her erstwhile political protege, Sen. Trillanes, not in the Comelec, which cannot grant her unlawful demand. Is she now behaving like her colleague Sen. Santiago, who has outbursts every now and then to sustain public visibility as a fighter for anything and everything?  

Just do it

Abelardo Abilay, Laguna: The proof of the pudding is in the eating.  

Johann Lucas, Quezon City: Actions speak louder than words. Just do it.  

Armando Tavera, Las Piñas City: Jamby has to make good her threat or else she could be compared to a boy who cried wolf.  

Carmela Ramento, Cagayan de Oro City: Good for her. I hope she makes good her threat.  

Nandy So, Quezon City: I say it is isang hindi dakilang pakulo ng kulang sa pansin at hindi magiging dakila. Ituloy sana niya at sa ikaanim na araw, hilo ‘yan!  Rey Onate, Palayan City

Go, Jamby, go, and stick with it. Keep it going, no matter what. Walang dayaan ha!  

This is simply a political gimmick

Juan Deveraturda, Subic, Zambales: It is simply a political gimmick. No one believes she will do it. Instead of threatening to go on a hunger strike, she should propose a bill amending the election law on poll automation to require a parallel manual count for the coming election. Of course, this is impossible to do now as most of the members of both Houses of Congress are already too busy campaigning.  

Robert Young Jr., San Juan: I have contended before that Sen. Jamby is tired of politics and wants to retire but with a last hurrah. What better way to do this than to run for the highest office of the land? After months of proselytizing, she may be using the hunger strike as her final act.  

Fabello Jr., Cagayan de Oro City: Her survey ratings will greatly improve if she pushes through with her threat. It’s a way of tickling an inherent Pinoy mentality to root for the underdog.  Jose

Cris Rivera, Rizal: It’s cheap publicity; an obvious ploy to gain some needed media attention. There are more sensible attractions she can do to pull voters to her side.  

Erlinda Cenzon, Laguna: Jamby is again resorting to her spoiled brat na kulang sa pansin tantrums. Puro gimmick lang niya ‘yan para makakuha ng news break for free. Ignore her.  

Deo Durante, Camarines Sur: I hope she can do it, for her to experience how it is when the stomachs of the poor are empty. On the other hand, this is nothing but brouhaha in order to catch the attention of the public. Why shouldn’t we use the automated machines alone? Can’t she understand that we have to spend billions just to favor her caprices?  

It would be good for her waistline

Pedro Alagano Sr., Vigan City: If she’s true to her word, good for her as it will become a “Battle of the Bulge” for her to attain a whistlebait figure, but it would be bad for the country and the people as it would invite disasters due to unforeseen irregularities that may cause irreparable damage.  

L.C. Fiel, Quezon City: She’ll do anything to attract the attention of voters. By the way, fasting helps remove excess fat and toxins, so it may be a good idea for Sen. Jamby to do so.  

Randolph Hallasgo, Misamis Oriental: That’s good for her so that she would lose weight and she will be much prettier on TV. And don’t make it too hard. Otherwise, she’d need a psychiatrist.  

Dennis Montealto, Mandaluyong City: It would be good for her waistline.  

Maricel Maralit, Naga City: Well, it’s her right to do so. She might lose some unwanted pounds along the way.  

Lydia Reyes, Bataan: Well, good for her. She’ll get slimmer after that hunger strike.  

Rodolfo Talledo, Angeles City: Let her and she would discover by herself how if feels to be hungry. Malay mo, sumeksi pa siya like her political nemesis, Sen. Pia Cayetano.  

Gerald de Peralta, Ilocos Sur: Who cares? She needs to go on a diet, anyway.  

Ishmael Q. Calata, Parañaque City: I truly commiserate with this senator who has everything but look what she is doing to herself! What is this hunger strike all about? There’s no need for it to make her point. Or, is she just out to get attention? Well, she could use a good fast to trim her body. But not by hunger strike, by golly!  

Ella Arenas, Pangasinan: Well, it’s a good idea but I doubt if the Comelec will hear the petition of Sen. Jamby. If the rumor is true that FG Mike Arroyo will provide Villar with massive logistical aid, then Sen. Jamby has no choice but to continue her hunger strike. Good for her. At least mabawasan man lang timbang niya.  

I wouldn’t mind

Richard Decena, Quezon City: I agree with Sen. Madrigal’s proposal to do a parallel manual count at ibigay ang kakainin niya sa mga homeless if she goes on hunger strike.  

Felix Ramento, USA: I won’t mind at all. But who knows? It might be needed after all.  

Delfin Todcor, Quezon City: Sen. Jamby should not only fast, but also include prayers and reading the book of Proverbs to become wiser. Perhaps God will give her clarity of mind.  

She’s just making a nuisance of herself

R. Los Baños, Las Piñas City: If she wants to be Mahatma Jamby this time, then let her be. She just makes a nuisance of herself in almost every issue. What she is advocating this time is a big step backward for the Comelec, electorate and taxpayers who footed the bill for the expensive automated electoral system.  

Elmo Cruz, Manila: A true Brenda.  

C.B. Manalastas, Manila: Let’s hope nuisance candidate and disrespectful Jamby Madrigal pushes through with her threat to go on a hunger strike and that she’s not just out to get media attention.  

That’s the job of the Comelec

Dianne Aquino, Caloocan City: The Comelec must not allow itself to be threatened by anybody. They should just stick to what the law states. If Jamby goes on a hunger strike, it’s her right to do so.  

Desuel Pardo, Mandaluyong City: Jamby is a billionaire and the MBC, MAP and Finex have financial and human resources. They can do the manual counting to satisfy their wishes but they should not interfere with the job of the Comelec. Jamby can go on her hunger strike. That is her prerogative. But do not blame the Comelec for not acceding to her wish.  

Pedro Alagano Sr., Vigan City: The Comelec must be saying, “Go ahead.” The spoiled brat that she is must be ignored and not be given due course, kahit tumigas pa siya.  

Germi Sison, Cabanatuan City: Poor Jamby. She is a billionaire and she can do many charitable works, like put up job- and income-generating industries to help poor Filipinos. She is well-educated, but not smart enough to be in politics like her late aunt Sen. Pacita M. Gonzales. She has had many embarrassing showings at the Senate. Please do not add more before you leave politics. A parallel manual count could be done by private agencies, like the media or the political parties, but the Comelec should confine themselves to automated polling, from voting to counting. Manual counting is prone to error. Private agencies that will do the manual counting will have to verify their counting thoroughly, if they see any difference in the automated results and the manual results. Jamby can do her thing, but the Comelec has to be vigilant in doing its job.  

Jamby just wants attention

Ed Ledsma, Iloilo City: If Jamby thinks she has to lose weight she might as well get some media mileage by making it a public statement, right?  

Lolong Rejano, Marinduque: Yes, it’s possible for Jamby Madrigal to go on a hunger strike because she is already on a “wealth strike” against her relatives. A hunger strike is the next possibility for her to get attention from us.  

Ruben Viray, Antipolo City: This is another way to attract attention for her quest for higher public office. Poor Jamby; she’ll do anything at anytime, at any cost and anywhere. Good luck to her.  

Rico Fabello, Parañaque City: Oh, let her proceed with her threat. That’s the best  or only  way for her to get into the headlines.  

Ricardo Tolentino, Laoag City: Sen. Madrigal’s threat is only for media exposure for how can she afford to miss a meal when she has had a life of bounty?  

Leonard Villa, Batac City: Sen. Madrigal is inviting public sympathy and support out of a weird and unorthodox idea. We don’t need to count votes manually in a computerized election.  

Couldn’t care less

Jae delos Santos, Muntinlupa City: Who cares?  

J.R. Mondonedo Jr., Parañaque City: Let people who want to go on hunger strike do it. I couldn’t care less. Who’s going to get hungry? Not me. I will even eat a Big Mac and fries in front of them while having a dialogue. God gave us food to eat, not to use it to threaten leaders by not eating. I don’t have any mercy for people going on hunger strike. Let’s see who is going to suffer in the end.  

Col. Ben Paguirigan Jr., Ret., Zamboanga City: Would it make any difference if Sen. Jamby Madrigal goes on hunger strike if the Comelec will not do a manual count this coming election?  

She should wake up to reality

Angelo Raquepo, Cabanatuan City: Wake up, Sen. Madrigal! Why don’t you instead focus your attention on more important things instead of wasting your energy and resources on a race in which your chances of winning are very, very slim?  

Lucas Banzon Madamba II, USA: The progress of a nation will not depend on the negative mentality of a candidate. The significant majority should not elect a candidate who only has “half-baked” visions for our nation’s progress.  

Renato Taylan, Ilocos Norte: Hunger causes hallucinations. Sen. Jamby Madrigal can afford to hallucinate overtaking Sen. Manny Villar on C-5 road.  

Classic case of crab mentality

Ignacio Anacta, Metro Manila: It’s a classic example of Filipino crab mentality: Pushing for progress, yet when it comes, refusing to accept it!  

Ignacio Anacta. Metro Manila: How do we progress as a nation when even a presidential candidate refuses to trust poll automation? Besides, is she engulfed with pride that she feels many Filipinos will mourn her soul if she dies from her hunger strike?  

Ferdinand Rafer, Cavite: It’s just a kid’s tantrum. After every elections we say, “Hey, let’s automate. We are primitive and backward.” Come automation, we say, “Hey, let’s do a manual count.”  

Who will foot the bill?

Jim Veneracion, Naga City: A manual count might be feasible if Jamby and big businesses would underwrite expenses for added Comelec personnel who will manually count the votes.  

Views expressed in this section do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of The STAR. The STAR does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of readers exercising their right to free expression. The publication also reserves the right to edit contributions to this section as it sees fit.

NEXT INBOX QUESTION: How are you dealing with rising electric bills?

You may also email your views to: [email protected].

(Editor’s Note: We have just added another channel to reach Inbox World via the growing Facebook community. If you have a Facebook account, add up PhilStar Inbox and give us a glimpse of your views on raging issues of the day. Selected comments will be published in The Philippine STAR Inbox World. Readers may also post intriguing questions for other Inbox friends to comment on. See you there.)