Monday, March 12, 2007
AFTERMATH
A number of senators and opposition senatorial candidates point out the fire last weekend that gutted the old Commission on Elections (Comelec) building -- on Postigo St. beside the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros in Manila -- was either a ploy to destroy damning evidence against the administration or an early effort to cover up a conspiracy to commit fraud in the coming May 14 midterm elections.Comelec Chairman Benjamin S. Abalos Sr. claims the fire has not caused any major setback; however, he did admit that the fire heavily damaged Comelec records of the May 10, 2004 elections as well as the 201 Files of poll personnel all over the country.
Also razed to the ground were the offices of many Comelec officials, including those of the Statistics Division, Internal Audit Division, and the office of the Commission on Audit (COA) resident auditor.
Early reports by arson investigators attribute the cause of the fire to faulty electrical wirings as the burnt building was very old.
Regardless of the true cause and eventual repercussion of this event, what I personally find appalling is the state of our firefighters' equipment and clothing. Their trucks appear decrepit and their clothing not as fire retardant as those newer, high tech synthetic fabrics issued to New York City firefighters.
Perhaps, as our elected and appointed officials further engage in speculations, denials, and accusations borne by this Comelec building fire, some would be sensitive enough to pay attention to the clothing and equipment of our nation's firefighters so as to enable them to perform their tasks as efficiently and safely as possible.
Incidentally, this month is Fire Prevention Month in the Philippines.
Labels: Comelec fire photos, Commission on Elections, Manila firefighters
posted by Señor Enrique at 7:03 AM
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