LIM ORDERS PROBE ON TREE-CUTTING IN MANILA

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim firmly ordered the immediate investigation of the chopped seven old trees along Qurino Avenue, where photo was shown in a daily newspaper on March 11, 2010.

The trees located along P. Quirino Avenue near P. Gil St., were cut upon request of the landowner, a certain Federico Dy with address at 1400 Pres. Quirino Avenue cor., South Super Highway, Manila,  to give way to the construction of a gas station in the area.

 “Manila has a tree-planting policy and campaign. We plant trees every Saturday and it’s a continuous campaign. Then these people will just cut these trees for commercial purpose and personal gains? We cannot allow this act to just slip through our fingers,” Lim said, aghast at the news column with photo in the paper.

“We need to file appropriate charges against the agency responsible and the people involved,” he added.

 City Engineer Armando L Andres upon the directive of Mayor Lim immediately instructed Engr. Josephine Saing, District Engineer  of 5th District to investigate on the matter.

Andres presented a copy of  tree-cutting permit issued to Dy by Dr. Jose Andres L. Diaz, OIC, Regional Executive Director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – National Capital Region (DENR-NCR), which allowed the landowner to cut six (6) trees (3 Narra and 3 Mahogany) to give way for the construction of the proposed Metro Oil Gas Station.

 The permit stated, “Cognizant thereto and pursuant to the Memorandum dated November 27, 2009 of secretary Jose L. Atienza Jr., setting guidelines and procedures on the planting, maintenance and removal of trees in urban areas and in areas affected by government infrastructure projects, a Tree Cutting Permit is hereby granted…”

 The permit was accompanied by a certificate of compliance signed by Bernadette P. Atienza, FMS II, DENR-NCR, which showed that the requirement to provide a replacement of 260 saplings of assorted indigenous/endemic species was delivered.

 Lim said that it takes years to grow these old trees and yet the agency which is supposed to guard against the destruction of these elements of nature committed the violation by allowing a private company to cut the trees.

He also pertained back to the incident in Intramuros, where DENR filed charges against Anna Maria “Bambi” Harper, Intramuros administrator, for violation of Presidential Decree 953, specifically Sec. 3 that states: “Any person who cuts, destroys, damages or injures naturally growing or planted trees of any kind shall be punished with imprisonment of no less than six months and not more than two years, or a fine of not less than P500 and not more than P5,000, or with both such imprisonment and fine at the discretion of the court.”

 Harper however had plead indirect involvement with the cutting of the 29 trees in Intramuros, as the contractor was the party at fault.

 “It’s similar to the trees cut in Intramuros. So why would this case be any different? It was a clear violation of the law. Besides, this gas station is a private entity, not a government infrastructure project, giving them no authority to cut them trees,” Lim explained. 

 Chief of Staff Ricardo De Guzman scheduled an immediate ocular inspection with the Mayor of the site on Friday afternoon together with City Legal officer Atty. Renato dela Cruz, City Engineer Armando Andres, Engr. Walfrido Novero, City Administrator Jesus Mari Marzan, Atty. Solfia Arboladura of Manila Tourism & Cultural Affairs Bureau, and Atty. Analyn Buan of Manila Barangay Bureau.

Atty. Arboladura said that they have also clearly violated the Republic Act 3571, AN ACT TO PROHIBIT THE CUTTING, DESTROYING OR INJURING OF PLANTED OR GROWING TREES, FLOWERING PLANTS AND SHRUBS OR PLANTS OF SCENIC VALUE ALONG PUBLIC ROADS,IN PLAZAS, PARKS, SCHOOL PREMISES OR IN ANY OTHER PUBLIC GROUND.

Atty. Dela Cruz said, appropriate complaints are already prepared for filing. He said the permit granted to Dy was unreasonable.

Andres detached the board bearing the building permit  information saying that they have already revoked such permit, thus they must stop the construction.

SJS COMPLAINT AGAINST LIM – MORENO DISMISSED

Office of the Ombudsman dismissed the complaint filed by the advocates for environmental and social justice against Respondents Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and Vice Mayor Francisco M. Domagoso.

The complaint for conduct prejudicial to public interest and Violation of oath office was filed by the advocates represented by Atty. Vladimir Alarique Cabigao, a candidate for councilor under the wing of Former Sec. Joselito Atienza Jr. of Department of Energy and Natural Resources (DENR), alleging Lim and Moreno that the signing of the Ordinance No. 8187 which amended ordinance 8027 reverting to industrial classification the land use of the Pandacan oil depot, formed an indirect repeal of the Supreme Court decision in Social Justice Society, Vladimir Alarique T. Cabigao and Bonifacio Tumbokon vs. Jose L. Atienza Jr.

Lim, glad of the dismissal, said he has been confident that the that the Ombudsman will resolve to dismiss the complaint.

“From the very start, it’s already obvious that it’s politically motivated,” Lim stated.

 

The Background:

The Pandacan oil depot issue started back in Atienza’s incumbency as Mayor when he approved the Ordinance No. 8027, in November 28, 2001 and promulgated on December 28, 2001.

Ordinance 8027 reclassified the Oil Depot area in Pandacan from Industrial to Commercial Zone effectively prohibiting the continuous existence and operation of Oil companies in that area.

On June 26, 2002 , the city (under Atienza) and the Department of Energy entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the oil companies in which they (oil companies) agreed that “the scaling down of the Pandacan Terminals was the most viable and practicable option.”

The scaling down includes the immediate decommissioning/removal of 28 tanks starting with the LPG spheres and the commencing works for the creation of safety buffer and green zones surrounding the Pandacan Terminals.

The council ratified the MOU in Resolution No. 97 and declared that the MOU was effective only for six months beginning July 25, 2002 .

On Jan. 30, 2003 the council adopted Resolution No. 13 extending the validity of Resolution No. 97 to April 30, 2003 and authorizing Atienza to issue special business permits to the oil companies. Resolution No. 13, series of 2003, also called for a reassessment of the ordinance.

And In June 16, 2006, Ordinance 8119 known as “Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Zoning Regulations” was enacted. This ordinance ordered companies classified as Medium and Heavy Industries to cease operation in Manila within seven (7) years. In this ordinance, other companies such as Unilever, PhilMatchCo, and others were affected.

In response to the possible economic deterioration which will be caused by removal of these companies that would result to numbers of unemployment, as well as more danger that will be posted in transferring the oil depots, Ordinance No. 8187 was proposed, passed, and approved by Lim on May 28, 2009, after series of dialogue with President Gloria Arroyo’s cabinet members, social groups, business groups, and Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales.

Mending Fences:

Cabigao, a lawyer and visible representative of the Social Justice Society (SJS) group filed case against Atienza on the same Pandacan Oil Depot issue, where the Supreme Court (SC) granted the petition of the former which rendered the latter to perform his ministerial duty and enforce the order of the SC to enforce Ordinance No. 8027, which will dismantle the Big Three oil depots (Shell, Chevron, Petron).

Cabigao, was also reported to lead the protests against Atienza when he was appointed as DENR Secretary.

Now, Cabigao, running as a councilor under the political faction of Atienza, looked after his interests in politics and had obviously mended fences with him to share common beliefs after their disagreements.

“They used to call Mayor Lim a political butterfly but who is now jumping into their foe’s fences, ameliorating their differences for political gains,” a supporter of Lim said, “at least our Mayor has been very consistent and has strong principles,” he added talking about Lim.

The Decision:

In the resolution, it stated that under Section 20 of RA 6770 , otherwise known as The Ombudsman Act of 1989 it provided, “Exceptions. – The Office of the Ombudsman may not conduct the necessary investigation of any administrative act as it is believed that the complainant has an adequate remedy in another judicial or quasi-judicial body and the complaint pertains to a matter outside the jurisdiction of the Office of the Ombudsman…”

It further stated that the complainants in charging Mayor Lim and Vice-Mayor Domagoso are actually questioning the validity or constitutionality of Ordinance No. 8187 which the two had signed. And the Ombudsman’s office was not the office to rule on the said issue.

Furthermore, the complaint is under the power of the SC as it pertained the constitutionality of the ordinance signed. The resolution was approved by Ma. Merceditas N. Gutierrez Ombudsman, Office of the Ombudsman, in Diliman Quezon City.

LIM PRAISES VERSOZA’S PRINCIPLES

 

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim lauded Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Jesus Versoza’s commitment not to follow illegal orders to perpetuate President Arroyo in power should a failure of election arise after the May 2010 polls.

Versoza was earlier reported to have voiced his objection to any possible plot to perpetuate Arroyo with the installation of Army Chief, Lt. Gen. Delfin Bangit as Chief of Staff, vice Gen. Victor Ibrado.

 

In an interview earlier, Versoza said he would not back any move to keep President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in power if the May elections failed. He vowed not to obey illegal orders.

 

Lim said that Versoza showed his exemplary principle and integrity in the performance of his duty and must be a model to all officers and officials in the government.

 

“I admire his stand, i admire his principle. He is a true and brave enforcer of law and public servant. He has a clear respect for the rule of law. He is what the counrty needs,” Lim said.

 

“What he said was indeed constitutional. In the police we were trained and we vow to protect the rights of the people at all times and at all cost,” he added.

 

The mayor said that the real essence of democracy is to follow what is in the Constitution. And if the constitution states that after the term, there has to be a new president, then that must be it. No other means and ways must go against it.

 

He also added that the Filipinos have fought hard to gain their true freedom during the EDSA revolution (People Power) and it must not be wasted.

 

H.O.P.E COVENANT SIGNED IN MANILA

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim, former Environment Secretary Jose Atienza Jr. and former Philippine National Police chief Avelino Razon Jr. signed a peace covenant for honest, orderly and peaceful elections (HOPE) 2010.

The signing was held at the Multi Purpose Hall of Manila Police District headquarters along United Nations Avenue.

The covenant signing was initiated by National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Roberto Rosales in Metro Manila to ensure honest, orderly and peaceful elections.

Lim denied Atienza’s claim and he is open to hold an investigation. Sana puro totoo lamang ang sabihin nila, huwag yung mga kathang isip lamang. He vowed not to use the police force in his political campaign. I would rather lose the elections without using any of the MPD members than gain victory out of using them Lim said.    

Lim expressed hope that the peace covenant will do away with dirty tactics.

MINORS RESCUED, BAR CLOSED!

 

Four minors were saved last wednesday night by  joint rescue operation headed by Jay Dela Fuente, Head of Manila Department of Social Welfare (MDSW), District Special Project Unit (DSPU) and District Mobile Police Unit (DMPU), after receiving complaint filed by a certain Lima Manalon, a resident of 1206 Felix Huertas St., Sta. Cruz, Manila.

The complaint was about the troubling situation of her adopted daughter, Alice (not her real name), a 14 year old minor, and employed at Juicy Restaurant Bar located at Tejeron St., San Andres, Manila as Guest Relations Officer (GRO).

Upon further verification, said bar has in its employment, minors, who are served with liquors while attending to customers and are subjected to sexual abuse as defined under R.A. No. 7610.

Upon presenting the four minors to Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim yesterday, the Mayor led and personally served the closure of the said establishment employing minor Guest Relations Officer (GRO), ages 14 years old to 16 years old, by committing offense under Republic Act No.7610.

“Sumunod po tayo sa batas, h’wag  po natin gamitin ‘yung mga menor de edad na mga kabataan sa mga ganitong klaseng hanapbuhay,“ Lim said.                                 

 There were 9 rescued persons, including Alice, who were taken to the Reception Action Center (RAC) at Arroceros, Malate, Manila, for processing, verification of age and intake assessment. They underwent dental examination, which resulted to the positive verification of 4 females below 18 years of age. The rest who were confirmed to be adults were released upon proper presentation of pertinent documents. In the meantime, the rescued minors were taken into custody by MDSW, headed by Jay Dela Fuente.

“After this closure, we will file appropriate criminal charges against this establishment and/or its owners”  Dela Fuente said.

At 6:30 pm, Lim together with Bureau of Permits director Nelson Alivio and Manila Department of Social Welfare chief Jay dela Fuente, bearing the order for closure and duly accepted by the bar manager closed the establishment permanently.

Court Grants TRO Filed By Lim

The court after due hearing and holding a 2-day continuous trial granted the prayer for temporary restraining order (TRO) commanding the respondents, Police Director Roberto L. Rosales, and Police Chief Superintendent Rodolfo G. Magtibay, to maintain and respect the reshuffle and or reassignment of police station commander in the City of Manila.

The case was brought about because of two general orders issued by Magtibay namely General Order (GO) numbers 4 and 5 which were made upon the recommendation of Mayor Lim. This was issued on January 8, 2010. Surprisingly, on Jan 9, 2010, respondent Magtibay made another reshuffle which was embodied in GO numbers 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 (G.O. # 8-13).

These orders were made by Magtibay allegedly on a text order issued by respondent Rosales, the NCRPO Director. Mayor Lim went to court and raised the issue, on the legality of G.O. #s 8-13 on the ground that they were issued contrary to R.A. 6975 as amended by R.A. 8551.

The law on the matter, as alleged by Mayor Lim on his complaint maintains that “no reshuffle of station police commanders can be effected in the City of Manila without his concurrence or without clearing the matter with him. In particular, he cited (National Police Commission) NAPOLCOM circular 2002-11, which provides that the city mayor, particularly in the City of Manila is deputized by the NAPOLCOM as its representative in the choice of the district police commanders in some of the 11 police stations in the city of Manila.

Mayor Lim took the witness stand and raised not only statutory provisions of law to support his complaints but also raised constitutional provisions wherein he maintains that “civilian authority” over the police is violated when G.O. #s 8-13 were issued, by the district director in obedience to an order issued by General Rosales who is not authorized by any law to conduct such reshuffle.

Mayor Lim asserted that this is one case or one instance wherein the law was used for the wrong reason.

Invoking the mantra of his motto as a public officer, serving as a patrolman in the City of Manila, ending up with the rank of Major General and was immediately appointed as NBI director and becoming a politician thereafter as he ran for Mayor and in 2004 was elected senator, not to mention his stint as a cabinet member serving as DLG secretary, he said that he has to go court to uphold the rule of law.

 Judge Felixberto T. Olalia Jr. after receiving evidence on the matter, in open court dictated, an order directing the respondents to cease and desist, from implementing G.O. #s 8-13 issued in January 9, and to recognize and implement as ‘status quo ante’ the reshuffle made on January 8, 2010.

Mayor Lim was required by the court to post a bond in the amount of P50,000.00 which is to answer for any damages that the hearing respondent generals may suffer as a result of the issuance of TRO. Further proceedings as the matter may no longer be necessary as it appear that there are no disputed facts which were not evidenced during the hearing on the preliminary injunction.

The judge intimated, that on the basis of the evidence presented, the parties may just have to file the respective memoranda as the case may be resolved on the merits of the case.

With the Temporary restraining order, the confusion, in the assignment of the station commanders has been put to rest. In the Order issued by the court on January 14, 2010, it stated, “ … after the presentation of testimony of Honorable Mayor Lim, and exhibits presented by the petitioner and some clarificatory questions propounded by this court and counsels to one of the respondents, Police Director Roberto L. Rosales, initially finds the application to be meritorious and hereby GRANTS the temporary restraining order (TRO) as prayed for by the petitioner, for a period of twenty (20) days, subject to the filing of fifty thousand pesos (Ph50,000.00) cash bond, prohibiting and/or enjoining the respondents Police Director Roberto L. Rosales and Police Chief Supt. Rodolfo C. Magtibay from carrying out and implementing General Order Nos. 8 to 13 and Special Order Nos. 11 to 12, implementing or reshuffling of the subject station commanders from Manila Police District.”

NOTE: Civil Case No. 10-122770 Mayor Alfredo S. Lim Versus Pol. Director Roberto Rosales and Pol. Chief Supt. Rodelofo Magtibay Branch 8 RTC

MPD RELEASES TRAFFIC REROUTING SCHEME FOR NAZARENE FIESTA

The City of Manila this morning advised the residents and devotees of the Black Nazarene of the traffic rerouting plan so they can avoid being caught in monstrous jams for the feast of Nazarene on January 9, Saturday.

The image of the Nazarene will be brought to the Quirino Grandstand by afternoon of Friday where it will stay overnight for those who want to hold vigils and novenas in His honor.

The route of the grand procession of the Black Nazarene is from the Quirino Grandstand going to Katigbak Drive, P. Burgos, MacArthur Bridge; Palanca, Estero Cegado, Carriedo, Evangelista, Raon, Quezon Blvd., Globo de Oro, Gunao, Arlegui, Nepomuceno, Aguila, Carcer, Hidalgo, Plaza del Carmen, B. Viejo, G. Puyat, Guzman, Barbosa, Quezon Bridge, and Villalobos through Plaza Miranda going to Quiapo Church.

Motorists are advised to expect heavy traffic in affected areas during the procession of the Black Nazarene. These include the stretch of Roxas Blvd. , Bonifacio Drive , Anda Circle , T.M. Kalaw, Quezon Blvd. , Recto, Palanca, Taft Ave. westbound lane, Lagusnilad, P. Burgos, Villegas, N.A. Lopez, and 25th Street at Port Area.

Police said closure of roads to traffic will take effect prior to the approach of the procession to the areas. From 5 a.m. onwards, the southbound of Quezon Blvd. from Andalucia, Fugoso to Plaza Miranda and the stretch of Lerma from P. Campa to Quezon Blvd. will be closed to traffic to all types of vehicles.

The rerouting plan directs all vehicles from Quezon City using España to turn right to P. Campa, left to Andalucia, right to Fugoso, and left to Mapua. All public utility jeepneys and light vehicles coming from España bound for the Port Area are to turn left at Nicanor Reyes, right to Rector, straight to JAS, left to Reina Regente, take Jones Bridge , and right to Magallanes Drive .

Vehicles from northern Manila intending to use the southbound stretch of Bonifacio Drive shall turn right to Roberto Oca St. , left to Delgado, left to Bonifacio Drive or turn right to A. Soriano, to Magallanes Drive , right to P. Burgos, straight to Lagusnilad and to Taft Ave.

All vehicles coming from southern Manila intending to use the northbound stretch of Roxas Blvd. from P. Ocampo to P. Burgos are to turn right at T.M. Kalaw and left to Taft Ave.

Those using northbound stretch of Taft Ave. are to turn right at A. Villegas and right to Quezon Bridge . Motorists intending to proceed to northern and southern Manila are advised to use the stretch of Lacson to Nagtahan and vice-versa or utilize the stretch of Road 10 to Roxas Blvd.

Buses coming from southern Manila using Taft Avenue will be denied entry from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., and they may only go as far as President Quirino and Remedios Street .

HONOR AND RESPECT YOUR UNIFORM – LIM TOLD MPD

Manila Police District (MPD) commanders and officers led by its Director, Police Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay, on their courtesy call were met by Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and Vice Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso on the first day of work for year 2010.

“You should honor your uniform, because that uniform will bring you more success and honor this year and years to come, unless you soil that uniform,” he said.

Lim also warned them about politicians who may use them and get them under their wings in exchange of promises such as promotions and higher positions.

“I don’t want anyone to engage in any form of electioneering. I don’t want you to get involved in politics.”

“What I am now and what I have been I owe to Police. When I started as Patrolman I worked in the headquarters, and got involved in investigation and homicide. And during our time, we had individual accomplishments against command accomplishments,” he recalled.

“You must give your loyalty to your position and institution, not the politician. I know that there are people outside Manila who are giving you orders, but I tell you, do not bypass your chief.” He reminded the commanders and officers that despite orders from high-ranking officials, they must inform and not bypass their chief being Gen. Magtibay.

“ I have high regards and respect for Gen Magtibay. I give my orders thru him and has never bypassed his authority.”

Lim also told them that their positions whether officers or patrolmen, beget big responsibility and the expectations from the public are high. Thus, they have to must perform their duties to the highest level of people’s expectations. He also reiterated that any officer who errs will be dealt with proper action and charges not only administratively but they must be suspended immediately.

“In my time as a police, I have never covered up, never protected, nor did I white wash any case. The best police is when you have arrested even just one criminal or law offender, solved against, or protected a citizen from harm. Unlike some high-rank officers, who I don’t know how they got their rank,” Lim explained.

“I’m telling you, the real power is the people.” He concluded.

On the part of Moreno, he told them that they are not asking them to campaign for them, in as much as they should also not get involve in the campaign of their opponents.

Magtibay said, “ today, MPD will renew our commitment to you and the city of Manila, “hindi kami manghihinayang na parusahan ang sino mang pulis o tauhan na lalabag sa polisiya..”

“At hindi na po namin kailangan kayong ikampanya, dahit alam po naming na kayo ang mananalo sa darating na eleksiyon,” Magtibay concluded with a diplomatic smile.

Rid Manila Of Vices, Drugs, Piracy, and Garbage – LIM

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim together with Manila Police District (MPD) Director Rodolfo Magtibay Jr., led the ‘operation clean-up’ of the streets in Manila.

In a briefing before the cleaning, Lim told the group of Police officers and city officials present, that they should open up their minds on the criticisms which may be brought about by such operation.

“Maraming magre-react dito sa paglilinis na gagawin natin. meron diyan na magagalit. Yung mga vendors, kailangan na talagang tanggalin. May ordinansa tayo di ba? Kailangan 1×1 lang ang size ng pwesto nila at between 6pm to 9pm lang sila pwede magtinda. Yung iba kasi extended hanggang madaling araw, iniiwan pa yung mga pwesto nila na nakakalat.”, Lim explained.

“At yung mga bagsakan ng mga paninda tulad ng prutas at gulay, nakakarumi kasi yan pag naiwan yung mga kalat. Bakit di na lang gawing bagsakan yung sa Road 10 tutal maluwag don. At sabihan nyo ang mga may-ari ng tindahan na linisin nila ang mga tapat nila lalo na sa mga palengke. Kung hindi sila susunod, ipasara nyo. May patakaran tayo dito, kung di tayo gagamit ng kamay na bakal sa mga ito at puro salita lang tayo,hindi susunod ang mga iyan,” he further instructed.

“Pati mga illegal terminals at yung pinaparadahan ng mga bus na hindi dapat, alisin na iyan.”

Lim ordered them to accelerate the cleaning-up not only of the roads and streets from garbage and illegal vendors but also eliminate all the vices especially jueteng, as he promised the anti-gambling advocate Bishop Cruz that Manila does not and will never tolerate jueteng.

“Tell Col. Tendero to also remove and confiscate the pirated cd’s and dvd’s not only the pornographic. Kunin na lahat iyan, porno o hindi, illegal iyan dahil pirated,” Lim added.

“Basta paigtingin natin ang campaign agains vices, drugs, at lahat ng illegal. Walang malakas malakas.” he concluded and went out in Ongpin St. to start sweeping the stretch to Avenida using broomsticks and garbage disposals and fire hoses front fire volunteers and Manila Fire Department.

MANILA FOCUSES ON ELECTION AUTOMATION AWARENESS

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim leads the city department heads, employees and barangay chairmen in attending the seminar on Automation Law and the actual demonstration of casting of votes conducted by the Commission of Election (COMELEC) headed Atty. Ferdinand Rafanan held at the Cecilia Muñoz Palma Hall in City College of Manila Monday afternoon.

Mayor Lim was a given a chance to experience the new means of casting one’s vote during election.  In the seminar, Lim and the attendees were oriented the proper way of shading and the proper way of inserting a ballot through the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) Machine. 

The COMELEC, if the election becomes successful, aims the country to be the biggest automated election in the whole world. 

It was also learned that the official ballot is bar coded and has ultra-violet ink and once already counted by the PCOS machine the said ballot will not be accepted by any machine if inserted again. 

The accuracy rating of the PCOS machine is 99.995%.  It could even detect and reject fake ballots.  And ballot snatching and switching will never occur for this coming election. 

Brown-out during election is not a problem for the PCOS machine because it has a built-in battery that has a capacity for 16 hours. 

The PCOS machine could transmit through internet service provider to different Municipal Poll Canvassers such as COMELEC, Congress, Kapisanan ng mga Broadcasters sa Pilipinas for the media, accredited citizens arm of COMELEC, dominant majority party, dominant minority party.  

Neither an I.T. expert could hack the system since it has a 128-bit encryption and the transmission of each PCOS machine is only for 2 minutes.  

According to COMELEC, the problems of the election are the human factors involving killing, intimidation, buying of votes and terrorism and asked the attendees to be vigilant. 

COMELEC assured the attendees that there will be no failure of election.  In case of system breakdown the COMELEC has a back-up plan prepared.

Mayor Lim expects the automated election to be successful as he expressed support for high technology in a fast-growing modern country.