Press Release
November 22, 2008

Gordon bats for political reforms through amendments
 to the electoral system

Independent Senator Richard J. Gordon had been pushing for amendments to the electoral system that would lead to political reforms if the amendments will be taken.

Gordon, chairman of the Senate constitutional amendments, revision of codes and laws committee, said the amendments to the electoral system that he had been introducing are all aimed at reforming politics in the country.

"I have always been on the side of political reform. I want political reforms and that is why I have been introducing various amendments to the electoral system which are geared towards this ultimate goal," he said.

"I came out with specific provisions because I think it would be futile for one to say he wants political reform but does not make any effort towards the achievement of the goal," he added.

The automation of the electoral process was among legislative initiatives that the senator had been batting for.

"If we continue to hold manual elections, then our country will never move forward. You see in a manual election, there will always be a protest and it keeps our nation from finding closure, stability and continuity. This is why we cannot move forward," he said.

In order to strip campaign fund donors of their influence over winning, Gordon suggested that the government should shoulder the campaign expenses of legitimate presidential bets.

"This will, not only even the playing field for candidates, but it would also ensure that whoever wins won't kowtow to those who contributed to his campaign kitty," he said.

The legislative initiatives, aimed at introducing amendments to the electoral system that Gordon has proposed, include early voting and presidential debates, among others.

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