INQUIRER.net Eleksyon 2007

SET finds prima facie evidence in Pimentel protest vs Zubiri

INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines -- The Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) has found prima facie evidence in the electoral protest filed by Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III against Senator Miguel Zubiri and HAS ordered the continuation of the protest proceedings.

In a nine-page resolution dated June 17, copies of which were made available to Senate reporters, the SET said it has "reasonable basis" to believe the final result of the protest might affect the proclaimed 12th winning senator in the 2007 senatorial elections.

The SET ordered the hearing commissioner to summon the parties to the protest not later than June 23, to set the date for when it will receive evidence for the remaining 75 percent contested precincts, as well as for the re-tabulation of pertinent election documents from the municipality of Patikul, Sulu.

The tribunal, which has jurisdiction over electoral protests of senatorial candidates, also ordered the canvass board service to start preparing for the collection of ballot boxes, election documents, and paraphernalia from pilot areas.

The SET said the initial revision and appreciation of ballots in several designated pilot areas showed some irregularity.

For instance, it said, in six of the nine pilot municipalities in Maguindanao and Lanao Del Norte, 98.15 percent of the ballots appeared to be questionable.

However, when asked for his reaction to the SET resolution, Zubiri said he was "not alarmed" and welcomed the decision as it would pave the way to erasing all doubts about his electoral victory.

He said the SET resolution ordering a continuation of the revision proceedings did not surprise him as this is the usual procedure taken in an electoral protest.

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