very well said. NAMFREL is indeed the legislated watch dog, because they are entitled to the 6th copy. They do the counting and they should be right there in the front lines to oversee an honest election process.

@Hindiakopinoy,

the majority of soldiers are very honorable, but we have to hold accountable the higher ranking officials which have abandoned their role of upholding their duty to the Filipino people and the constitution. They are loyal to GMA and her goal of extending her reach to all corners of The Philippines. Going to Lanao to protect the ballot is not cheating, if that’s what they will do. But in this Gloria regime, protecting the ballot is probably not the priority.

@Joey365,

I hope your family proceeds with casting their ballot. If they want things to change, then they must be courageous and vote. I hope you keep us posted with what is happening with your family there in Lanao

@GMA Must GO,

you definitely have brushed up on my writing. I commend you. we should definitely be vigilant because the perfect storm has just been made a reality.

@Hindiakopinoy, I don’t think we are condemning the soldiers per se, but the commanders and generals that are loyal to GMA. With Sumalipao and Bedol there, Nick is saying that this is indeed the perfect storm, and we must be vigilant and realize this reality that is happening before our eyes.

If that’s what you call cheating, then I hate to see deomcracy. In the end, COMELEC is doing their job and NAMFREL is not. we an even see this in the counting where NAMFREL is not lagging in the counting.

Sumalipao is definitely a bad guy and only corrupt and paid hacks will see him otherwise. NAMFREL is a watchdog and counting is just one of their roles. Its to make sure that the elections are clean while COMELEC’s duty is to make sure that cheats and Gloria’s allies all win.

Welcome! This is your first comment!

Right now, vigilance is the key and having some courageous watchdogs as well as citizen groups will also be important. The opposition would do themselves well if they geared up to fight this onslaught in Lanao Del Sur. As for Abalos, he will definitely get his day in court. All others who participated in cheating, will have to face the new law that was enacted after the 2004 elections, and sentences regarding election fraud carry a life term.

@Hindiakopinoy,

I can always count on you to be insensitive and disrespectful of the electoral process. To say good riddance to Trillanes and Pimentel would be alright, but in the light of cheating becomes totally unacceptable. NAMFREL may not be at its best this election, but you can’t blame them when they are being harassed, bullied, and not given their fair share of respect from the COMELEC. They are doing their job in terms of reporting these anomalies.

Darn! What can the two GO candidates who are winning although at the bottom of the current do?

But you are right, the last 2 or 3 slots will see the eviction of Trillanes and Pimentel and perhaps replaced by Recto, Zubiri and Defensor. (Reminds me of the politician, can’t remember who that was though, who said, “What are we in power for?”)

When that happens, Filipinos should hang Abalos from the highest coconut tree in Matalin, Lanao del Sur!