ROXAS: NO-EL IN 2010 TO CAUSE CIVIL UNREST
SCENARIO IS UNACCEPTABLE TO MAJORITY OF FILIPINOS

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today warned there would be turmoil and all democratic systems would break down if the much-awaited 2010 synchronized elections is postponed or cancelled.

Roxas said he is alarmed by the statement of Commission on Elections Chairman Jose Melo that a "no- elections" scenario next year is possible.

"Sa No-El, wasak ang bansa natin at tangay lahat tayo sa agos ng gulo at pagtatag ng diktaturya," Roxas stressed.

He said Filipinos, worn out by the Arroyo administration's failure to address perennial problems such as poverty, joblessness and massive graft and corruption is now awaiting the next elections in anticipation of a better government.

Roxas cited recent surveys showing a majority of respondents optimistic that the 2010 elections would usher in a new president to institute reforms in governance.

"Ito na lang ang pag-asa na pinanghahawakan ng taong bayan, na magkakaroon pa ng pagbabago dito satin," he stressed.

The Visayan senator said national elections empower the people, especially the poor, to choose new leaders whom they hope would uplift the conditions of the country, making them at equal footing with the rich and powerful.

"Sa araw ng halalan, pantay-pantay tayong lahat. Ang ordinaryong tao pantay sa pinakamayaman, pinakamataas na tao. Ang kanilang boto, kasing-bigat ng boto ng mayayaman at ng mga nasa poder," he said.