PIMENTEL WELCOMES FOREIGN OBSERVERS' PRESENCE IN MAY POLLS

Reelectionist Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III, PDP Laban President, today welcomed the participation of foreign observers in the coming midterm elections, saying it would contribute immensely to a fair, credible and peaceful political exercise.

"This will show to the world that we could conduct our elections in an open and transparent manner and that we have nothing to hide," said Pimentel, himself a victim of poll fraud in the past.

Pimentel, who won an historic election protest to claim his rightful place in the Senate with barely two years left on the term, said the presence of foreign observers is vital in ensuring honest, orderly and peaceful elections.

"They can help deter poll fraud by monitoring the situation in their areas of assignment and immediately report violations of election laws and campaign rules to the authorities," he said.

Known as Team Bantay, the monitoring team will be composed of foreign observers and local guides who will be deployed based on their election monitoring experience, expertise and interest.

At present, 25 foreign observers from eight countries have confirmed their participation to the International Observers Mission. The foreign observers will come from the United States, Germany, Sweden, Spain, Thailand, Burma, Australia and Uganda.

They will be deployed, according to the Institute of Political and Electoral Reform (IPER) in Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Manila, Camarines Sur, Masbate, Samar, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and Dinagat Islands.

Even after winning his electoral protest, Pimentel continues to fight for clean, honest and credible elections. He has established the Kontra Pandaraya Movement to ensure that every Filipino will be protected from all forms of cheating and corruption.