Chiz warns Comelec against negotiating of poll automation contract

Opposition Sen. Chiz Escudero yesterday warned the Commission on Elections (Comelec) of the dangers of entering into a “negotiated contract” on the nationwide poll automation project even as he renewed his call for its implementation only in key areas.

“A negotiated contract does not necessarily consider the cheapest, the best and most responsible offer. There is obviously less transparency in the process,” said Escudero, who heads the Senate oversight committee on poll automation.

He issued the warning after the Comelec said it could enter into a “negotiated contract…as a last recourse” after it rejected all seven bids for the P11.3-billion project.

Pure Grace

By Erwin dela Rosa

Thank God I have a new lease of life here on the wonderful place called Earth. I almost collided with an old jeep in Kennon yesterday morning with the vehicle I am driving.

I drove my sister to Baguio to catch an appointment. It was a little foggy and I took a lane only to find out at the nick of time a forest green jeep emerge out of the mist. Thank God for taking the wheel and steering my hands quickly back to the lane, I still have this hands with its fingers clicking through mouse and tapping keyboard.

God is still gracious, otherwise, I would have missed future travels and blessings on Earth if I was called to eternity yesterday. Besides, I don’t wanna depart that way. It would be so messy and I won’t look good with broken bones or losing a lot of blood with stitches in my head. Geez, that’s not a good sight in a coffin. He he he. I would rather depart while praising or worshiping God in my deathbed or in any other way He wanted not in a road accident where I will be part of Kennon’s notoriety. Besides, I don’t wanna cause liability to the other driver and my two passengers given the type of collission.

Viewpoints: A trouble-maker government

By Archbishop Oscar Cruz

The present government must be either wise or foolish, clever or dumb, audacious or simply brazen.

Since its incumbency in 2001, it already began its ingrained trouble-making tendency with its unforgettable nationwide “I am sorry” spectacle – as if such a shameful admission with properly staged teary eyes, altogether cancelled its surreptitious tenure of office, definitely cancelled the obscene cheating behind its alleged election.

The litany of its self-initiated one uncouth trouble after another is too long and nauseous to mention still. In effect, the government appears to be certified masochist if not suffering from a seriously disordered constitution.