Electoral Fraud and Violence tackled in Party List RTD2

Marred by electoral fraud and violence: This was how the participants of CenPEG’s Assessment of the Party List System Roundtable 2 described the May 2007 Elections. Part 2 of the series of Roundtable discussions organized by CenPEG was held last April 15, 2008 at the Sarmiento Hall of the University of the Philippines’ College of Law.

The assessment of the Philippine Party List System Round Two with the Topic: Electoral fraud was attended by 14 representatives and nominees, directors and staffs of 12 party list groups. Major discussants were, Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) Chairperson and former Ambassador Henrietta de Villa discussed the experience of PPCRV in guarding the votes last May 2007 elections; Prof. Bobby Tuazon PSPA Director of CenPEG tackled the trends of electoral fraud and violence on the conduct of May 2007 Elections; and Dr. Felix Muga II, Senior Fellow of CenPEG, presented a mathematical formula in detecting electoral fraud.

In the panel of reactors were, former College of Law Dean Prof. Raul Panagalangan, former UP Faculty Regent and Senior Fellow of CenPEG Prof. Roland Simbulan who provided insights on how to maximize the Party List Law and work toward strengthening it for the marginalized and under represented sectors.


The Commission on Elections was represented by Atty. Erwin Caliba from the Office of Commissioner Rene V. Sarmiento. Also joining or observing the discussion were leaders of people’s organizations, lawyers group National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL), representatives from the Office of Mayor Sonny Belmonte, NAMFREL QC and NGOs.
Prof. Fatima Castillo, former arts and sciences dean of the University of the Philippines in Manila moderated the program, while CenPEG Board of Directors member, Atty. Cleto Villacorta synthesized the discussions.

Likewise in attendance were representatives from foreign embassies and international foundations, and students and professors from both UP Manila and UP Diliman.

Recap of Round1 was presented by Prof. Lanie Abad, CenPEG Board Secretary (standing). Also in the background (from L to R) National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera (Chair CenPEG Board of Directors), Prof. Fatima Castillo, Ambassador Henrietta de Villa, Dr. Felix Muga II (Senior Fellow, CenPEG) and Prof. Bobby Tuazon (Director PSPA, CenPEG)

CenPEG Senior Fellow Dr. Felix Muga II discusses a formula on how to detect electoral fraud.

PPCRV Chairperson Amb. Henrietta De Villa discusses PPCRV’s experience in the May 2007 elections

Prof. Bobby Tuazon, Policy Study, Publication and Advocacy Director of CenPEG discusses Electoral Fraud and Violence in the May 2007 Elections.