Comelec: No 12-0 for Team PNoy

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday dismissed as unlikely the forecast of a 12-0 victory for the senatorial candidates of the administration coalition Team PNoy in the May 13 polls.

Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes noted that the Liberal Party (LP)-led coalition, which included the Nacionalista Party and the Nationalist People’s Coalition, had declared a 12-0 victory for all its senatorial aspirants, which he said was just campaign bluster.

“This is all but part of the campaign gimmick. During the campaign you would always say 12-0. It is to uplift their members that are not faring well. It’s just a political statement,” said Brillantes.

Brillantes said it is normal for any political party to boast of 12-0 win for their senatorial ticket during the campaign.

“What would be more surprising if they say nine or eight only (will make it). Imagine how the others (in the ticket) will feel when they do that,” Brillantes pointed out.

Based on surveys, only seven administration candidates are likely to make it to the magic 12. 

Brillantes said the possibility of the campaign gimmick becoming a reality is highly improbable even in Maguindanao this coming senatorial elections.

Though a 12-0 victory happened in Maguindanao during the time of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the Comelec chief said the results were later found to be rigged.

“ A 12-0 victory, although possible, in my opinion is unlikely to happen,” he said. "Brillantes said.