Automation system is easier than operating a cellphone

Automation detractors should stop making the people fear the automated election system that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will use in the presidential elections scheduled for May next year said Senator Richard J. Gordon today.

Gordon, father of election modernization in the country and author of Republic Act (RA) 9369 or the Amended Automated Elections System Law, assured voters that operating the automated machines to be used is easier than operating a cellular phone.

"Let us not be manipulated into fearing the election machines by some people who are trying to stop us from modernizing our democracy and having a clean, honest and credible elections next year," he said in response to reports that with more than the majority of the people not having any knowledge about the new election system, the election would be screwed up which could lead to a no-election scenario.

"Millions of Filipinos are using cellular phones which are much more complicated. The election machines that will be used are easier to operate than a cellphone," he added.

Gordon is running for president under the Bagumbayan - Volunteers for a New Philippines. Former Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani Fernando is his vice president.

They adopted the moniker, the "Transformers" for their partnership, a fusion of two performers who aim to transform the minds and hearts of the people to build character and create a better Philippines. The Bagumbayan standard-bearer pointed out that the Comelec, which is tasked to oversee elections, should be allowed to carry out their task first before making predictions of doom.

"The Comelec has a time-table that I am sure they are adhering to. They have a schedule for conducting a voters' education campaign. We should consider the timeframe of the survey," he said.

The poll body has assured that they are preparing for a massive voters' education campaign that will be launched this month. The campaign will include television and radio advertisements. Comelec officials will also embark on a nationwide road show to reach the grassroots. "Let us allow the Comelec personnel to do their job first. If they fail, then that is the time to persecute them," Gordon said.