People's Court’ will try Garcillano for Cheating in Philippine Polls

Manila-- News sources reported today that Filipino revolutionaries want former Comission on Elections commissioner Virgilio Garcillano tried under a "revolutionary court’’ for his alleged role in the reported massive cheating during the 2004 presidential elections.

"Revolutionary justice authorities are considering proceedings against Garcillano, knowing fully well the outstanding nature of the case and the people’s widespread demand to punish the masterminds of alleged rigging of the 2004 elections,’’ Gregorio "Ka Roger" Rosal, spokesman of the revolutionary forcest in the Philippines, said in Baguio City.

Rosal said Garcillano may be tried in absentia if he fails to show up before a "revolutionary court.’’

"If proceedings on the Garcillano case are to be carried out, a special people’s court will have to be constituted. Garcillano himself would be compelled to appear before such proceedings. Otherwise he would have to be tried in absentia,’’ Rosal added.

He said some parties frustrated with the dismissal by the Department of Justice of the perjury and the falsification of documents cases against Garcillano have submitted information to the revolutionary court regarding the former poll official’s alleged crimes.

The cases stemmed from Garcillano’s sworn statement before lawmakers that he had never left the country shortly after the so-called "Hello Garci’’ scandal broke out. A passport that he had submitted to Congress showed no record of travel but a note verbale from Singapore said Garcillano stayed briefly in the island state at the height of the scandal.

Garcillano allegedly helped rig the elections in favor of President Arroyo based on a wiretapped conversation they had during the canvassing of votes.

In Davao City, Bukidnon Gov. Jose Zubiri threatens to bolt the ruling Lakas- NUCD party if Mrs. Arroyo supports the congressional bid of Garcillano in the first district of Bukidnon in the May 2007 elections.

"Is it Garcillano or us? Malacañang should make up its mind. The ball is now in the court of the Palace,’’ Zubiri told The STAR.

Zubiri said other partymates in the province were also disheartened by reports that Malacañang might support Garcillano.

"I already called up Executive Secretary (Eduardo) Ermita and told him about our sentiments here. And now Malacañang has to decide on it,’’ Zubiri said.

Garcillano recently confirmed his plan to run for congressman. He is likely to face former Rep. Soccoro Acosta, mother of incumbent Bukidnon first district Rep. Nereus Acosta.

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