KIDAPAWAN CITY – Bukidnon Rep. Teofisto Guingona III Tuesday expressed fears that a massive civilian unrest may happen if elections in May will not push through.

Guingona, in a statement, said there are "indications" that a no-el (no election) scenario is likely to happen in May.

One indication, he said, is the report of an official from the National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) that the Comelec has changed preliminary election schedules.

Namfrel secretary-general Eric Alvia told journalists in a press conference held at Metro Manila last week that the Comelec has changed the preliminary election schedules as he expressed fears that a no-election scenario is “most likely” to happen.

Guingona, citing Alvia’s statement as basis, said that there would be a massive civilian unrest if the May elections will not push through.

But a Comelec official in North Cotabato has denied reports that there have been changes in schedule.

“No changes had been made so far. We are not informed about that,” said North Cotabato election supervisor Rey Tubelonia.
Tubelonia assured voters in North Cotabato that elections will go on as scheduled.

“I don’t think the no-el scenario will happen. Our office is serious in holding the elections no matter what,” said Tubelonia.

The field demonstrations of the precinct count optical scan (PCOS) in the provinces will go on as scheduled.

Last week, a PCOS machine arrived in Kidapawan City and immediately the Comelec conducted a one-day command conference with police and Army personnel from North Cotabato.