Former Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Ramon Montaño has warned of an upheaval if the Arroyo administration would resort to massive cheating in the forthcoming elections.

Montaño, a retired police general, said he hopes the police will not follow illegal orders as they are trained not to. He added that the opposition is ready with counter measures.

He cited instances in the past where election results were not truly reflective of the will of the people, as some of them succumbed to money.

He also criticized what he said he believes to be a "dictatorial policy" of the administration, where development funds from the top come in trickles to local government units and hardly reach the grassroots level. He said he is joining this year's race for the congressional seat in the second district to preserve the democratic space and for the people to have a choice and an alternative.

Montaño said his decision to seek public office is an answer to the clamor of the people for a change in the leadership. He also claims to represent the silent majority.*JG

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