May 2007 – Page 2 – ellen tordesillas

GO braces for the deluge

Published by Ellen on May 27, 2007

Kontra-daya will hold rally again next week

Published by Ellen on May 27, 2007

The anti-fraud group Kontra Daya today warned that the inclusion in the national canvassing of questionable votes from Maguindanao and other fraud tainted provinces will further incite protest actions against the Comelec.

Another protest action is set on Wednesday next week at the Philippine International Convention Center where the national canvassing is being held. Last week’s rally drew a mixed crowd of opposition figures, militant groups and concerned citizens. Organizers estimate the rally to have peaked at around 3,000.

“There is already clear evidence that the elections in Maguindanao were rigged. The uncounted election returns and the highly improbable zero turn out for the opposition are the surest signs of election irregularities in the area. In the face of this glaring proof, canvassing of these votes will only demolish the credibility of the elections,” said Kontra Daya convenor Fr. Joe Dizon.

Kasumpa-sumpa

Published by Ellen on May 26, 2007

Kahapon, habang sinusulat ko itong kolumn, pinalabas sa ANC ang rambulang ng mga watchers ng political parties sa Lanao del Sur kung saan may special elections.

Ang special elections ay ginaganap kapag mayroon failure of elections sa isang lugar. Sa Lanao del Sur, maraming tanong sa voters list kaya hindi nagkaroon ng election noong May 14.

Sa ARMM (Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao) ginagawa itong special elections na raket. Malaking pera ang sangkot dito kaya nagpapatayan ang mga tao. Sinasabi nga ng marami na sinadsadya ang fauilure of elections para magkaroon ng special elections.

Men of substance speak for Darfur

Published by Ellen on May 26, 2007

I’m sharing this article because I like the message that Brad Pitt, George Clooney and Don Cheadle is trying to bring which is care for others.

Pitt, Clooney, Cheadle move spotlight to Darfur

CANNES, France (Reuters) – Hollywood celebrities Brad Pitt, George Clooney and Don Cheadle have more than just acting in common — they share a passion for trying to help people from the troubled Darfur region of Sudan.

Something happened on the way to Trillanes hearing

Published by Ellen on May 26, 2007

Yesterday, the Agence France Presse photographer and I were waiting for the elevator at the Makati City Hall at 9 a.m. (we were already fidgety because we wanted to be there early) for the hearing on the petition for media access of Lt(sg) Antonio Trillanes IV, Genuine Opposition senatorial candidate, when Trillanes came with his military escorts.

He was not handcuffed. (But after the hearing, on his way back to the military vehicle, he was again handcuffed to his escort.)

For a moment, everybody was stunned seeing Trillanes there. The photographer started clicking his camera. One woman took the courage and kissed him. Everybody got excited as they greeted him, “Idol! Idol!” and “Senator”.

Bastos!

Published by Ellen on May 25, 2007

AFP drowns rally for Burgos with music

by Victor Reyes

Loud music played in Camp Aguinaldo by military policemen yesterday drowned out calls of former Vice President Teofisto Guingona and the Burgos family for the release of Joseph Jonas Burgos who has been missing for almost a month now.

Playing of loud music has become the military policy in distracting protest rallies at the camp’s gates.

“We are searching, we are not fighting. A mother should always search for her children. They should stop the music because our voices are being drowned out by the loud music,” Dr. Edita Burgos, Jonas’ mother, said.

Rage against Comelec cheating

Published by Ellen on May 25, 2007

Sorry for the late posting. I have been very busy shuttling between coverage and my medical check up.

Scenes from the May 23, 2007 rally in front of the Philippine International Convention Center where the Comelec is holding the canvassing of votes for the senatorial contest.

Abalos must go

Published by Ellen on May 24, 2007

There is no way that the degradation of the Commission on Election can be arrested with Benjamin Abalos as its head. Abalos must go.

There is no way that the people’s trust in the electoral body can be restored with Abalos as chairman. Abalos must go.

The Comelec was established as the guardian of the ballot. What every Filipino writes on his ballot is his exercise of his right to vote, which gives life to the democratic principle that sovereignty resides in the people and all government authority emanates from them.

Kontra-Daya slams Comelec, Arroyo

Published by Ellen on May 22, 2007

THE presence of several watchdogs in this year’s elections is an offshoot of the fraudulent 2004 elections.

It is a reflection of the Filipino people’s belief in elections as a means of effective and democratic change in the country’s leadership.

In its post-election report, Kontra- Daya one of the non-government watchdogs this election, says the Commission on Elections and Gloria Arroyo are both liable for the questionable reports of the May 14 elections.

Court martial of “coup plotters” remains stuck

Published by Ellen on May 22, 2007

Month: May 2007