New poll commissioner to be grilled over ‘Garci link’

MANILA, Philippines - A tough grilling at the Commission on Appointments (CA) awaits new poll commissioner Elias Yusoph because of his alleged ties with controversial former commissioner Virgilio Garcillano. Sen. Panfilo Lacson, who chairs the CA's committee on constitutional commissions and offices, said a Garci connection may betray a Palace plan to cheat in the 2010 polls. "We'll gather more information. I received information Tuesday he has connections to Garcillano. We will have to establish that. But even raw information should be taken seriously because we know how 'Hello Garci' destroyed the credibility of the 2004 election," he told reporters. He was referring to the "Hello Garci" scandal in 2005, which involved recorded conversations between Garcillano and several people including President Arroyo, then a presidential bet. Lacson said that if the "Garci connection" is established, it is a sign Malacañang is preparing to cheat again in 2010. "Yes. We can more or less make a conclusion may planong mandaya. Nakita natin ang nangyari noong 2004 courtesy of Garcillano [Yes we can more or less make a conclusion the administration has a plan to cheat. We have seen this in 2004 courtesy of Garcillano]," he said when asked if Yusoph's appointment is the Palace's "preparation" for 2010. On the other hand, Lacson said that even if Yusoph had no ties with Garcillano, he may face a tough time at the CA because of the spotty record of Marawi City in the 2007 election. As Marawi City prosecutor, Yusoph served at the board of canvassers. Lacson noted that the city was noted for several electoral-fraud complaints. "May dayaan ba sa Marawi? Malinis ba ang halalan doon? Probably mas malaki ang magnitude ng Comelec kasi national in scope, but then kung doon pa lang nag-fail siya, that would put to test his competence. And remember, confirmation in the CA needs competence of the nominee (Was there cheating in Marawi? Were elections there clean? If he failed to ensure clean elections there, that may put to test his competence and remember that confirmation in the CA needs the competence of the nominee)," he said. If cheating in Marawi in the 2007 elections would be established, Lacson said Yusoph faces the danger of being rejected. - GMANews.TV