By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Progressive Alliance of Capitol Employees’ (PACE) election committee reaffirms its commitment for a fair and transparent elections on Saturday, January 27, despite concerns raised about the tabulators’ credibility.

Al Ceralbo, PACE election committee chairperson, said their tabulation and election systems adhered to the union’s guidelines and mechanics to prevent doubts and manipulation during the polls.

Ceralbo said only election officer Lucille Perrartilla had the key to the room where ballot boxes were stored, which was closely monitored by security guards and equipped with closed-circuit television cameras for 24/7 surveillance, to prevent any suspicion in the elections.

The election committee assured that all tabulators underwent orientation with the Commission on Elections to ensure a smooth conduct of the election to be held in the capitol lobby.

Meanwhile, Ceralbo clarified that all candidates are encouraged to appoint their own watchers on election day.

He also advised everyone to witness the voting process to ensure transparency among members.

Earlier, three candidates for the PACE board of directors — capitol security head Chito Magalon, Remy Grace Manalo of the General Services Office, and Racquel Magbanua of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office — expressed their reservations to the election committee, and questioned the tabulators sourced from the Provincial Engineer’s Office.

The candidates recommended acquiring tabulators from the Provincial Accounting Office to avoid biases and affiliations with the department overseeing the elections./DGB, WDJ