Abalos’ resignation to open a Pandora’s box

AKBAYAN welcomed today the resignation of COMELEC Chair Benjamin Abalos, saying that this could open a Pandora's box.

"His resignation means that he's free to tell everything – from the ZTE controversy to electoral fraud cases in 2004 and 2007," AKBAYAN Chair Emeritus Etta Rosales said. "Otherwise, if he keeps mum on what really took place, this would only be seen as an attempt to save other personalities from the administration who have been implicated in the anomalous ZTE contract and other controversies."

Rosales said to put an iota of dignity to his resignation he should spill the beans. "Or else, people would take it that he agreed to become the administration's sacrificial lamb and he willingly allowed himself to be slaughtered," Rosales added. "There is no dignity to that kind of submission."

AKBAYAN Rep. Risa Hontiveros, who earlier endorsed the impeachment complaint against Abalos, said that his resignation is a proof of the strength of the complaint. "The impeachment would create a rift within the majority, and Abalos' resignation, wittingly or unwittingly, has preserved the majority coalition in the House," Rep. Hontiveros said.

She added that Abalos would still face criminal charges. "The impeachment has become moot and academic, but we will still hold Abalos accountable. AKBAYAN's legal team is studying the charges that Abalos should face before our legal system," Rep. Hontiveros said.

She said that controversies involving Abalos, such as the 'Hello Garci' controversy, the 2007 electoral fraud cases, and the bungling of the election modernization project, would haunt the beleaguered former COMELEC Chairman.

She admitted, however, that his resignation brought a sense of relief, especially for those who have been pushing for electoral reforms. "Abalos was the single biggest block to electoral reforms. His resignation would make it easier to push for policies and programs that Abalos either mangled or ignored, in particular the automation of elections," Rep. Hontiveros said.