GO spokesman, Abalos clear air

All’s well that ends well.

Genuine Opposition spokesman Adel Tamano and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) have settled a misunderstanding over purported statements insinuating that cheating would be perpetrated by the poll body.

Interviewed by reporters after appearing yesterday before an executive session of the Comelec at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City, Tamano clarified that during the 90-day election period, he never said anything against the poll body, particularly on allegations that it would be party to cheating to favor the administration-backed Team Unity after Chairman Benjamin Abalos deferred plans for the initial proclamation of front-runners in the May 14 elections.

“We have faith in the Comelec, otherwise we would not have participated in the elections,” said Tamano, who described the meeting as conducted in a “cordial manner.”

He said that although some “bad eggs” in the commission might have had a hand in electoral fraud, it is not right to say that the entire institution is “rotten.”

“We have to differentiate the Comelec as an institution from individuals. Whenever we cry cheating, we have to be specific. When we say that, I make sure that I present the witnesses and the evidence,” he pointed out.

Tamano said that the Comelec has also welcomed their move to submit any evidence of electoral fraud.

Comelec Chairman Abalos confirmed talking things out with Tamano in the executive session, saying they have settled everything.

The election commissioners, he said, were “very pleasant” and seemed satisfied with his explanation. He said he was neither reprimanded nor warned by the Comelec over the issue.

Tamano stood by The STAR story that all statements published in its issue last Saturday were “accurate,” contrary to early reports and comments made by Abalos that it was unfair.

“I do not deny the story. The quotes attributed to me were accurate. And there was nothing in that article that says the Comelec will cheat,” he noted. – James Mananghaya, Christina Mendez