November 24: iBlog Mini: Blogging and the 2010 Elections

I'm currently organizing an iBlog Mini forum this November 24, Saturday, 9 am to 12 noon, at the UP College of Law.

The theme for the said event is: Blogging and 2010 Elections. Will post exact room info and names of resource persons as soon I get confirmation. This event will be formally announced as well in the iBlog website next week.

Here's the agenda.

9:00: Welcome remarks - Bloggers as Election Watchdog (Atty. JJ Disini and Luz Rimban)

9:20 - 9:50 - Blogging and Philippine Elections (Manuel L. Quezon III)
Review of how bloggers played a role in the past Philippine elections. Examples of how bloggers participated in other countries can be cited as well. What were the problems encountered? How can it be improved?

9:50 - 10:20 - Getting Bloggers Ready for 2010 Elections (Janette Toral)
How can Bloggers participate more effectively in the 2010 elections?
(present a program where bloggers can be prepared for the 2010 elections)

10:20 Reactor Insights (Rachel Khan)

Reactions/Open Forum/Snacks/Networking

This event is free. As seats are limited, you are encouraged to register ahead by posting a comment here.

Thank you.

Automated Elections in 2010?

I recently received a question asking if there's enough time to automate the 2010 elections.

It will be helpful to know if Filipinos are amenable to the idea of automated elections in 2010. An updated survey will surely be helpful to have an updated view on this. As long it is introduced by a credible COMELEC leadership, it can be done.

As Ducky Paredes kept emphasizing, election related preparations can't just be rushed. Else, it will create uncertain situation that harms the organization as well. Every government office, especially its leadership, always want to deliver better service to the people. However, forces beyond its control, like the legislature and various interest groups can either help or be a productive watchdog (give thumbs up or down accordingly) or make all efforts impossible. Their actions influences our perception on the COMELEC.

Any automation efforts, the planning and preparation for it must start as early as this year. If the automated election system was done right and securely, it may curb cheating.

The 2010 elections may be too near though. Perhaps it will be best to do some trials on 2010 in key areas like Metro Manila to begin with. Although there are similar proposals in Cebu too.

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(January 31, 2010 Update)
The Automated Election this 2010 is expected to do the following: (as presented by James Jimenez last iBlog5)

• The Precint Count Optical Scan (PCOS) prints EIGHT copies of the election returns
• Election Returns are certified by the Board of Election Inspectors (BEI) Chair and watchers
• Electronic copies in the PCOS are digitally signed
• Digitally signed copies are sent to: MUNICIPAL CANVASSING; PROVINCIAL CANVASSING
• Digitally signed copies are also sent to: COMELEC CENTRAL, MAJOR POLITICAL PARTIES, KBP, PPCRV, and POSTED ON THE WEB

Related:

• How to accomplish the ballot (sample ballot for shading practice)
• PCOS Demo
  
  
  
  
  
• Important issues on Philippines 2010 Elections

Loren Legarda's Civil Status, President or Vice President in 2010

In Marlen Ronquillo's column today, he asked whether Loren Legarda will go for the jugular. Indeed, the Senator lead the 1998 and 2007 race showing her popularity strength with the public. The question in the next three years is if will she be able to make a credible run for the presidency or vice-president.

Minor(?) Issue
However, like Datu Jamal Ashley Yahya Abbas, I'm also concerned on Senator Loren Legarda's civil status. When discussing with friends on who can be voted for in 2010, Senator Legarda is deemed as very competitive, then the discussion would sooner or later end up with her civil status, whether she is properly annulled or divorced, with her estranged husband.

If not and if she wins, will that make him her legal First Gentleman? Furthermore, if her husband will take in more wives, what will they be referred to? I agree with Datu Jamal Ashley Yahya Abbas's suggestion that Senator Legarda should settle this concern at the earliest time.

For one, I don't think many Filipinos would vote for a state leader whose civil status may unfairly be perceived as "one of the wives". Being in such a position may make her less credible to speak of women's concerns, who are mostly Catholic and where one husband/one wife is the natural rule.

No matter how good she is, this is one concern that may have a lot of weight in the future. We've seen how several mistresses or a notorious husband can affect a state leader's status. In this case, her husband can take in "legal wives". Will they also be given security and live in Malacanang as that makes them her legal family too?

More information about Senator Loren Legarda at:

• Senator Loren Legarda's website
• Senator Loren Legarda's accomplishments and issues
  

Long-term monitoring of Philippine Elections

I wrote a column two weeks ago on how bloggers delivered in their coverage of the 2007 elections and cited several lessons learned in that area. After more than a week, I got convinced to start this blog and try the ideas put forth then into action.

Through this blog, I hope of being able to do the following:

• Monitor politicians that are perceived by a lot of people to be running in the 2010 national elections and monitor their activities hereon.
• Use various forms of media source tools to get to know them better.
• Include local government unit political developments.
• Linkage and build a network relationship with election bloggers according to town and city for nationwide coverage.
  
• Voters education and awareness on various issues.
  

Blogging has indeed come of age and will play an important role in monitoring political developments happening in the Philippines. I look forward to your ideas and suggestions!