Legarda to LP: Respect the people's votes, election outcome

NP-NPC-LDP Vice Presidential candidate Loren Legarda today challenged Senators Noynoy Aquino and Mar Roxas to respect the outcome of the national elections, irrespective of who comes out the winner.

This is in response to the Liberal Party standard bearers' threat of a people power should Senators Manny Villar and Loren Legarda win the national elections.

"Hinihimok ko ang lahat na respetuhin ang boto ng tao... We should respect the voices of the Filipino people and respect the result of a clean and honest elections," Legarda said.

According to Legarda, " Hindi ito panahon ng pagmamaktol pag hindi nakuha ang gusto. The outcome of the national elections this year decides the future of our country, whether we will move forward or continue being Southeast Asia's laggard. This calls for a strong and united government, of leaders who are willing to set aside their political ambitions for the good of our country."

Legarda pointed out that another people power, which will be more likely fueled by political whim rather than the true spirit of democracy, will be disastrous for the country. "It will send out the wrong message that losing parties can have their way by protesting on the streets, thus permanently crippling our chances for political stability in the Philippines."

"The concept of people power should not be abused and derogated to a tool for achieving political ambitions. For our country to mature as a democracy, we have to start respecting our institutions and upholding the rule of law. Should there be any doubts as to the conduct of the national elections, the proper recourse should be through COMELEC, and not to the streets," Legarda said.

Legarda is an advocate of fair and honest elections, and has supported voter education on the automation of the national elections. She has also filed the Political Party Development Act, a bill which intends to strengthen the political party system in the Philippines by making their activities more accountable and transparent.