LOSING VICE presidential candidate Mar Roxas is doing the country a commendable service by filing an electoral protest over his loss to Vice President Jejomar Binay. Since former Rep. Teddy Locsin?s withdrawal, as chair of the House Committee on Electoral Reforms in the 14th Congress, of his endorsement of the integrity of Smartmatic-TIM?s automated voting system in the May 2010 elections, a review of Smartmatic-TIM?s performance is in order. This should be the task of the Commission on Elections.

But with the scandals over their procurement processes hounding it and the protests over its resolutions on a myriad of issues?resolutions purporting to show their bias for personalities associated with former Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo?it is doubtful if the honorable commissioners still have the composure and clarity of mind for such an undertaking.

Roxas? protest will make up for Comelec?s deficiency in this instance and deserves the electoral body?s utmost cooperation. Regardless of the outcome, the electorate owes Roxas a vote of thanks.

?E. P. DAKANAY JR., emedakanay@yahoo.com