Friday, May 04, 2007

Acosta: Garci already eyeing win in Bukidnon 1st District

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (May 4) – Congressional candidate Ma. Lourdes “Malou” Acosta has express alarm over her closest rival former elections commissioner Virgilio Garcillano’s alleged pronouncement that he is already waiting for his formal declaration by the Commission on Election (Comelec) as the official winner in the province’s 1st District.

Acosta said the pronouncement only bolster suspicions that Garcillano is a manipulator of elections results.

But the young Acosta, who is running for public office for the first time under the Liberal Party vowed to give Garcillano “the battle of his life” if he resorted to dirty tactics.
Garcillano became a national figure for his alleged involvement in the “Hello Garci” scandal in 2004. He was questioned in Congress for his alleged participation in the alleged rigging of the results of the 2004 presidential elections.

“all eyes are on him. The people in the 1st District of Bukidnon are now aware of the notoriety of this man and they won’t allow him to perform his dirty tricks again” said Acosta.

Although she expressed confidence that the people’s vigilance would make it difficult for anyone to cheat. Acosta said she and her group would not put their guards down.

“Aside from the commitments coming from different election watchdogs and volunteers to monitor Garcillano’s movements, we have already put in place our own mechanisms to prevent cheating in the coming elections,” Acosta said.

Acosta said she was banking on her being a political neophyte and on her family’s record in the 1st District, to win the district’s congressional seat.

Her mother Socorro and brother Neric have both served as representatives of the 1st District. Neric is seeking the gubernatorial post while Socorro is seeking reelection as mayor of vote-rich Manolo Fortich town.

In contrast, Acosta said her opponent has even made “Hello Garci” a campaign slogan.

“He relies on the thought that voters have short memories and that public anger has already subdued,” Acosta said.
Acosta said she was optimistic because surveys have shown her leading in the surveys. (Gold Star Daily)


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