Light from darkness

Within seven dark hours of the night, the Comelec glitch happened.

Until this hour of writing, however, Comelec has yet to clearly explain what happened during those dark hours. The poll body is confident no cheating happened. Hence, the proclamation of the top senators and partylist proceeded. Be that as it may, Comelec still has to explain the May 1319 glitch.

We agree with Malcolm J. Mcleod who wrote that “light emerges from darkness, and morning born from the womb of night.” There surely is a morning after, with the truth to be revealed finally in time, in God’s time.

Until then, the cloud of doubt and uncertainty still looms. Who did the Filipinos genuinely vote for? Until that glitch cloud is cleared, this May 13, 2019 election will be known as the darkest ever in our history.

Du30 and his supporters are rejoicing in the so-called clear mandate from the people. Did Filipinos really give them that clear mandate? What about the glitch? Oh, glitch or not, they will jeer that the same winners would have emerged anyway. And to them, the investigation of the glitch is not a problem worth-pursuing at all.

The Comelec should publicly explain the glitch. As the glitch has been reported to be technical, then Comelec should let the technical people explain in very clear illustrated manner how, when, what type of glitch took place, where and at what time.

Asking for this glitch explanation is asking for truth and transparency, values that are very important for this country, not only in times of elections. All of us deserve to be told what truly happened during those dark seven hours. What kind of glitch took place, in what machines, where, at what time? Why did it take seven hours to be resolved and how was the glitch resolved?

Can the machines that experienced the glitch be traced and shown to the public and the experts? Can Comelec technical experts show the public exactly how these machines failed to transmit? Can Comelec also show the public how the machines were made to work again?

Where did the reported electoral results (ER) come from, after 6 p.m. of May 13 and at what time? Comelec could have disaggregated the ER by regions, provinces, polling precincts during their ER reporting. Many Filipinos are still kept in the dark about how voters selected by province, by cities, by municipalities and for overseas voters, by foreign country.

Can the genuine votes be retraced? Can a thorough investigation and research ever recapture the May 13 voices and votes of the Filipinos?

What for? Why waste time and effort and not just move on?

Gratefully, truth and transparency are not yet lost among Filipinos.

Research and investigation about the May 13, 2019 can reveal, at the very least, the strengths and weaknesses of the present electoral system and processes. Filipinos can also learn more clearly and be more educated about Philippine elections. An independent research and investigation about the May 1319 election can also serve as check and balance to Comelec and the administration. And it can finally clear any cloud of doubt and uncertainty about the genuine results.

Meanwhile, let us continue to pray together, as a nation and raise this prayer to God: “And now, Lord, what do I wait for and expect? My hope and expectation are in you.” (Psalm 39:7)

In Isaiah 43:9, You said: “I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”