KMU to turn unions, federations into pollwatch machineries

Despite reports that PCOS machines tests for tomorrow’s elections are going well, labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno today said it will turn its unions and federations into machineries for guarding against election fraud.

KMU said it will mobilize around 50,000 workers nationwide which it trained as poll watchers. Its six major national federations will serve as coordinating centers for reports on electoral fraud and harassment.

“We cannot let our guard down just because PCOS tests on the eve of the elections are said to be going fine. We will be in the precincts on May 10, guarding the workers’ and people’s votes,” said Elmer “Bong” Labog, KMU chairperson.

“We will be on special lookout for the votes of Anakpawis Partylist, senatoriables Liza Maza and Satur Ocampo – pro-worker and pro-people candidates who have been targets of partisan campaign by the Arroyo government,” added Labog.

The labor leader noted that units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines have campaigned against progressive partylists and candidates, linking them to the underground communist movement.

Labog also said the findings of labor groups in precincts will make clear what should be done after the elections.

“If there’s disenfranchisement, fraud and other irregularities so massive so as to discredit the election’s results, we will not hesitate to launch various forms of protests. If we see moves by the present regime to prolong itself in power, we will thwart these with our collective action,” Labog concluded.