By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Saying that democracy is working in the Philippines, the controversial PIRMA on Saturday declared that it will continue to gather signatures for People’s Initiative (PI) petition for “safekeeping” until the Comelec issues a new resolution to revive the process.
This developed as the Commission on Elections (Comelec) included a line in its form for people to include their reasons for withdrawing their signature from the PI petition but said opting not to include a reason will not invalidate the withdrawal.
“With respect sa ating senator kasi tandaan natin [na] hindi Comelec ang nagpa-pirma at kami lang ang tumanggap ng signature sheet. Natural lang satin na magtatanong bakit bumawi. Sa signature sheet ng withdrawal hindi mandatory na ilagay ang dahilan,” Comelec spokesperson Rex Laudiangco said in a radio interview.
He said it’s “natural” to ask why a signature is being retracted but the reasons given will not be taken against voters withdrawing their signatures.
To recall, Comelec has suspended all proceedings concerning the People’s Initiative — incorporated in Comelec Resolution 10650 — while they review existing guidelines and amid alleged cases of bribery and coercion.
For his part, Noel Oñate of the PIRMA group, he said any withdrawals will show that democracy works in the Philippines.
(el Amigo/MNM)
