What's Next?

Distrust on the Commission on Election (Comelec) has ensued brought by issues of massive electoral fraud and the "Hello Garci" Scandal that beset the 2004 National Election.

Election experts considered the 2007 May Polls as evaluation of Comelec's credibility to perform its constitutional mandate.

The exercise went orderly last May, except the contest between Migz Zubiri of Team Unity and Koko Pimentel of Genuine Opposition for Senate's 12th seat and the race for Congress between Salimbangon and Martinez in the 4th district of Cebu, which rather turned out to be legally bloody.

Comelec, convinced that the questioned 15 Bogo electoral returns (ERs) are "spurious and manufactured", will soon proclaim the 4th district representative.

The question of 'who won in last election' is settled. Supporters of both camps would soon mellow. Media coverage would falter, too.

The matter of 'who is (are) responsible' for the 15 phony ERs, however, remains unresolved. It is the most important side of the issue that people often forgets to examine and, therefore, deserves the scrutiny of the public, media, church and commissioners.

Will somebody be implicated? An election official(s) sanctioned and dismissed? A supporter, relative, etc. from any camps held accountable?

Let us see what the commission will do. Or this could be another vital issue, which can rekindle people trust on the electoral body, left to simmer down, with the proclamation of the winner, and to die its natural death.