Administration accused of arm-twisting the opposition 

With barely two weeks into the campaign period, the opposition seems to be in for a tough fight as reports state that the administration is already engaging in “dirty tactics.”

Genuine Opposition (GO) Senate bet Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III has identified Bobby Capco as pulling the strings for a shadowy group calling itself “Aladyn” or Alyansa Laban sa Dinastiya (Alliance Against Political Dynasties). Aladyn has released a political ad published in several newspapers urging the electorate not to vote for opposition candidates labeled as members of the so-called Kamag-anak, Inc (Relatives, Inc.). The ad bore photos of three GO candidates – Pimentel, Alan Peter Cayetano and Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III – with the words “kamag-anak” (relative) stamped on their faces. Capco has been identified as belonging to Malacanang’s “Dirty Tricks” department since 2004.

Last February 28, GO was forced to cancel its first major out-of-town campaign rally in Iloilo City after organizers received an anonymous text message warning that a “serious incident” would occur should it persist in staging the activity. Provincial administrator Manuel Mejorada said the threat could have come from pro-administration personalities.

Deposed President Joseph Estrada’s legal counsel Rufus Rodriguez has asked AFP Chief Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. and Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chair Benjamin Abalos Sr. to investigate the military’s alleged harassment of barangay chiefs and other local officials into supporting the congressional bid of President Arroyo’s son Diosdado “Dato” Macapagal-Arroyo in the Second District of Camarines Sur.

Oppositionist Senator Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. has accused COMELEC chair Benjamin Abalos, Sr. of “blatant partisanship” by initially claiming that the GO is not considered the minority party under Republic Act 7166 (Synchronized Election Law of 1991), and is therefore not entitled to the fifth copy of the Election Returns during canvassing procedures. Pimentel said such erroneous interpretation of the law could be aimed at crippling the Opposition of access to poll results and, worse, remove safeguards against possible fraud.