THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) is willing to allow foreign observers to monitor the August 11 polls in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) but their presence in the Southern Philippines may also need the approval of the Armed Forces, especially in Sulu.

“The commission will allow any observer. I don’t know if the military will allow [them],” Elections Chairman Jose Melo told reporters Monday, after witnessing the signing of a memorandum of agreement between the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) and the Assembly of the Darul Ifta of the Philippines in Manila.

Melo said there is “no problem” allowing foreign observers access in other areas in the ARMM except Sulu, where there is an ongoing military operation against the Abu Sayyaf band that recently abducted a television news crew and a peace advocate.

Elections Commissioner Rene Sarmiento earlier said the commission may change its guidelines for foreign observers taking into account their safety in the Southern Philippines. About 250 foreign monitors from 24 countries were allowed to observe the May 2007 elections.

“We hope this [military offensive] will not take long,” Melo said, expressing optimism that the August 11 election would be held peacefully in Sulu.

Melo said the poll body is, however, concerned about the safety of its personnel and the machines that will be used in the country’s first-ever automated elections. He said the Comelec has allocated P600 million to automate the ARMM polls, an “acid test” for the modernization of the 2010 elections.

The poll body is using two technologies in the region with Maguindanao using the direct recording electronic system, while the rest of the ARMM will be implementing the optical mark reader equipment.

Melo added that the only “adverse” effect he sees if the military operation in Sulu goes on beyond the August 11 polls is the possibility of a low turnout of voters on election day.

The Comelec is set to hold a mock election in the ARMM on July 10, according to the poll chairman, adding that “we’re ready” come August 11.

“I say the ARMM will be our seemingly insurmountable challenge. It will be the turning point that we have been working toward for a long time,” said Melo. 

Asian Spirit flying amid insurance questions

Asian Spirit, the carrier of businessman/banker Alfredo Yao, is flying amid questions about its insurance cover.

A source at Prudential Guarantee and Assurance Inc. confirmed that it is no longer the airline’s insurer as of June 18.

Comelec to probe early campaigning

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) is set to discuss on Wednesday a complaint filed by Sen. Miriam Santiago against the alleged premature campaigning of some politicians ahead of the 2010 polls.

LAWYER Ernesto Francisco backed out on Monday as counsel of Indanan, Sulu Mayor Alvarez Isnaji and his son, Haider, who are facing charges of four counts of kidnapping in connection with the abduction of a television news team and a peace advocate.

Palace not women-friendly–COA

THE Commission on Audit (COA) has bewailed the failure of the Office of the President and a number of government agencies to implement programs aimed at eliminating all forms of discrimination against women despite being given the mandate to spend portion of their funds for the purpose.

PEMC still awaiting court action on PSALM petition

POSSIBLY looking into the plight of consumers who would have to bear the brunt of having to pay for higher electricity in the midst of increasing prices of basic commodities and services, the Court of Appeals has yet to act on a petition for prohibition filed by the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) against the Philippine Electricity Market Corp. (PEMC) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

Foreign observers welcome in ARMM elections–Melo

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) is willing to allow foreign observers to monitor the August 11 polls in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) but their presence in the Southern Philippines may also need the approval of the Armed Forces, especially in Sulu.

Human-trafficking syndicate uses Clark as exit point–center

THE Blas F. Ople Policy Center, a nongovernment organization concerned with migrant workers’ rights and welfare, warned the public on Monday against the continued trafficking of women workers to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, through the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (Dmia) in Clark Field, Pampanga.

Makati launches ‘Baratilyo ng Basura sa Barangay’

THE city government of Makati, through its Department of Environmental Services (DES), on Monday launched the “Baratilyo ng Basura sa Barangay (BBB)” at the Makati City Hall Quadrangle.