MALACANANG issued today the following press release in reaction to a VERA Files report that several police commandos have confirmed their participation in the switching of election returns at the Batasan Pambansa in early 2005 to make it look like Gloria Arroyo won the 2004 elections:
“Don’t believe in the baseless allegation, but, instead, respect the decision of the Supreme Court.”
This was the reaction of Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Anthony Golez to the claim of a certain police officer that irregularities were committed in Batasan in connection with the 2004 presidential election.
“(At) huwag po tayong maniwala sa mga sinasabi ng ibang tao dahil nagsabi na ang SC. Mayroon ng ruling ang SC, ni isang balota, ang sabi ng SC, wala silang na-prove o wala silang nakitang ebidensiya na nagkaroon ng pandaraya,” Golez said.
Citing the SC ruling, Golez pointed out that justices of the High Court did not see a single vote of a presidential candidate having been switched or transferred to the winning candidate. “Wala silang nakitang pandarayang ganyan,” he added.
The SC had officially ruled that the President won in the 2004 presidential election, he said.
When asked if Malacanang was ready to face another move to question the SC ruling, Golez said the President would rather remain focus on improving the economy, helping the poor, and addressing the problems brought about by the high prices of oil and basic commodities.
While expressing puzzlement over the motive of the alleged new election fraud witness, Golez said Malacanang is not bothered at all by any renewed attempt to revive alleged irregularities in the 2004 presidential election.
“Well, ang nakikita po natin na matagal na, mage-election na sa 2010, ano ang intention ng lumalabas na iyan, dapat iyan ay noon pa lumabas, nung naghahanap ng mga ebidiensiya ang SC,” Golez said.