DAPITAN CITY, Zamboanga del Norte – Tension and qualms on why so many units of vote counting machines (VCM) malfunctioned have gripped this city as the canvassing of votes dragged on to its fifth day on Friday.
Supporters of former Dipolog City Mayor Evelyn Uy, who ran for mayor against incumbent Mayor Rosalina Jalosjos, have gathered at the government center where the canvassing is being held since Wednesday, and demanded for the counting to continue since no winners were proclaimed yet.
“When counting of votes started, we observed that the malfunctioning of VCMs happened in District 1 – this is the district that is being strangled by [the Jalosjoses],” Uy said in the vernacular in a statement on Thursday.
This province has three districts. The first district, where this city is located, is the known bailiwick of the Jalosjos clan.
The second district, where Dipolog City is located, is the stronghold of the Uys. The third district is under incumbent Rep. Isagani Amatong, an ally of the Uys.
Jalosjos, however, said it is absurd to insinuate that her camp is behind the malfunctioning of VCMs and delay in the canvassing.
“We have the same number of watchers, we have the same number of lawyers attending to the counting and canvassing, why did they not complain to the Comelec (Commission on Elections)? Does it mean that Belen Uy and supporters don’t trust their lawyers and watchers?” she said in an interview Thursday.
Jalosjos also questioned the “massive” malfunction of VCMs, particularly in this city where she said “almost half of the VCMs have glitches”.
Of the 82 VCMs allotted for this city, 38 malfunctioned because of failed Secure Digital (SD) Cards.
On Wednesday, Comelec personnel here, accompanied by lawyers from both camps, went to Zamboanga City to get replacements but were only able to get 14 SD cards.
The remaining 24 SD cards are expected to be brought here Friday afternoon.
Meanwhile, vote-buying and selling allegedly occurred in Mindanao, particularly in Dapitan City.
A retired policeman, who requested anonymity, said his cousin, a fishpond caretaker, received PHP30,000 for her vote on election day.
“She took the amount, which is supposed to be for six voters – for her, for her four children who are working in other places and her husband who cannot vote because he is bedridden,” the policeman said. (PNA)
