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Statement from Secretary Ronaldo V. Puno

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 I have been receiving reports and reading in the media about supposed conversations between myself and a Comelec Commissioner I do not know personally and have never met,  supposedly detailing attempts to engage in election fraud activities in the recently concluded 2010 Elections. For the record, I would like to state the following:

 
  1. No such conversation ever transpired nor did I in any way contemplate, much less, engage in any acts or activities to affect the integrity and accuracy of the elections.
  2. This crude attempt to smear the elections, like the kaola bear witness episode, is part of an attempt by irresponsible and criminal minded people to cause instability, distrust in our institutions, and a declaration of election failure.
  3. I believe the 2010 Elections, and the Comelec official tabulations, are and were a true reflection of the people’s will.  I will do everything possible under the law to ensure that the elected national and local officials are enabled to exercise the mandate they have received from our voters.
  4. My personal candidates for the Presidency and Vice-Presidency of the Philippines were Gibo Teodoro and Edu Manzano. 
  5. But I believe the Comelec and PPCRV unofficial counts which  declare that Sen. Benigno C. Aquino III has been elected as the next President of our Republic.
  6. Mayor Jejomar Binay is a friend, even if he knows he was not my choice for the Vice-Presidency.  I congratulate him sincerely for a superb campaign and his apparent  victory.
  7. I enjoin everyone to avoid the distractions of gimmickry and fraud that are now proliferating and to focus on the rightful proclamation of our next President and Vice-President.  Bad losers should not be allowed to dominate the political agenda of the country.
  8. I will not accept any failure to expeditiously proclaim the legitimate leaders of our country.