The Curious Case of Automated Fraud

Never have I imagined that the recent election would be epic, historic and the constant subject of debate in my conversations. The hype seemed ecstatic and was everywhere, from rubber ballers to catchy political songs to a leaked mental disorder form, etc. The list could go on and on.

It all started when former President of the Philippines Cory Aquino passed away from cancer which led the country asking if her son Noynoy would pursue presidential candidacy. I never tuned in for the latest news regarding politics before but this was news that was making its place in history as days passed by. People waited in deep breaths on Noynoy’s decision which caused quite the popularity he was never given before being a brother to famous TV personality Kris Aquino.

The announcement was officially made and the color yellow was everywhere. Even former Presidential candidate Mar Roxas stepped down to run instead for Vice Presidency in favor for his fellow Atenista.

The country was divided in choice for the next leader but united in hopes and dreams for a better Philippines. The surveys were up, the frenzy was crazy and people couldn’t wait for the 10th of May to arrive.

One of the great things about this election though are not only the smart and eligible candidates, the youth speaking out but also the innovation of an automated election through Smartmatic machines. It was easier, safer and arguably more efficient than the usual type of voting people were used to since the country elected its public officials. It caused a debate though as it, people claimed, was easier to manipulate the votes through computer hacking. The makers of Smartmatic rejects those allegations insuring that it was safe as simply put by the president of Smartmatic—shade, open, close and transmit. Voila! Now go get that thumb inked.

Cool right?

But the heat turned up to the highest degree when the winners were announced. Noynoy Aquino became President with Jejomar Binay with his side as Vice President. It would turn out to be one of the most peaceful elections ever with losing candidates conceding but some were not contented with the result. They demanded recount and accused Smartmatic of manipulating votes. They also claim of being cheated without proof.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) started gathering evidence for the investigation while the Nationl Bureau of Investigation (NBI) addressed the complaints with their own investigation bringing in people from Smartmatic for questioning and checking the tampered memory cards.

Apparently, The Commission of Elections (Comelec) are looking into the source of yet another tape scandal called “Hello, Nico” allegedly between Interior and Local Government Sectary Ronaldo Puno and Comelec Commissioner Nicodemo Ferrer discussin poll fraud.

Even though the amount to purchase the PCOS machines—7 Billion Pesos—the government has leased them after the 2010 election, it is still looking forward to using it this upcoming 2013 election. But Smartmatic might not be paid in full regarding the circumstances.

The Thai Sauce Wars

Unexpectedly, I took a bite into a subject I hardly touch which is politics but then I took the necessary chewing and then swallowed into the delicious scandal of the civil war in Thailand.

Let me enlighten you, Thailand is on the brink of a civil war due to the ousting of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in 2006 who was appointed by Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The country then divided into colors you might familiarly find in cheeseburgers: Ketchup(Red) and Mustard(Yellow).

The Red wearing population rallied and caused enormous damages across Bangkok in protest to the ousting of Shinawatra in terms of corruption and absentia while traveling abroad in favor of the Thai King’s elected Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva which the red protesters claimed unjust and a biased decision from the royal leader which led to almost two dozen deaths according to CNN.com when the military was needed. But that whirlwind decision was supported by the pro-government Yellow wearing patriots who counterclaim that Shinawatra’s win in the election was fraud.

According to CNN.com this is a classic case of power struggle between the rich and poor. Apparently, Thaksin became a threat to the bourgeois class when he enacted populist policies which was popularly supported by the rural class that led to concerned billionaires who were afraid to be cast away in their position. The army, supported by the sour billionaire mustards successfully ousted Shinawatra.

Even though the taste of ketchup and mustard compete in flavor it still doesn’t seem to wane the interest of tourists to visit the beautiful country filled with legendary tourist spots, cuisine and a very rich culture. However divided the country maybe in terms of politics, the tourism is booming especially after the disastrous Tsunami six years ago. The smell of Thailand is definitely worth the bite which will remain indigested in memory and experience.