Lakas-Kampi-CMD presidential bet Gilbert "Gibo" Teodoro Jr. yesterday stressed out the peril of power shortage disturbing the conduct of the very first automated national elections in the Philippines confers the Commission on Elections (Comelec) further reason to disclose as soon as possible its backup procedures to guarantee dirt-free, reliable and organized elections on May 10. The former defense secretary and 1989 bar topnotcher, also stated that presenting emergency powers upon the authorities to deal with a threatening power emergency is not essential at this point for the reason that Malacañang and the Energy Regulatory Commission have sufficient powers to deal with the condition under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA).

"Isa ngang palatandaan na naman na dapat ang Comelec ay sabihin na sa atin....sila dapat ang magsabi sa atin kung ano ang gagawin nila. Kung ito na lumalabas na may power crisis, baka makaapekto sa automation (This is another sign that the Comelec should tell us now, they should be the ones
telling us, what they will do. If there is a looming power crisis, this can affect the automation of the elections)," Gibo stated in a radio interview when questioned about the feasible impact of brownouts on the May 10 polls.

Teodoro also stressed out that the last release of the automation machines would only be completed by the end of this week and these however is still subject for testing, besides the threat of brownouts. He pointed out that teachers who will apply the machines will only be taught once next month and that the machines' delivery is very close to the seizing of the national automated elections.

"Dapat kumbinsihin nila tayo na kaya nilang gawin, sa harap ng mga problema na hinaharap ng ating bansa (They [the Comelec] should convince us that they can do it despite the many problems that our country is facing)," Gibo said. "So, sabihin nila sa atin, ano ang Plan B, para magarantisa na credible
itong eleksyon (So they should tell us what is their Plan B to guarantee that these elections will be credible)."

Gibo reiterated that the national government requires a solid action preparation drawn up in close discussion with the affected stakeholders, to deal with the problem as for a potential energy shortage. Teodoro said that conversations with affected sectors should be made as soon as possible so that enough planning can be done to keep away from the interruption of economic activities.