TUGUEGARAO CITY, Jan 15 (PIA) – Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile has urged local media to serve as watchdogs in the 2013 midterm elections.

In his visit to his home province, he said media has a vital role in ensuring clean, fair and honest elections as media has been one of the active sectors in watching polls down to the Barangay levels.

“We are looking for clean and honest elections this time. There should be no cheating and manipulation of the result and let the voice of the public prevail,” Enrile.

He also expressed his fear on the use of automating machines in voting and counting as it may be manipulated through the source code and other technical inputs of the machines which may alter vote results.

“Media and other sectors should be watchful to both administration and opposition candidates as we are try to achieve a cheat free election to bring back people’s thrust to government elected officials,” the senate president added.

On the other hand, Enrile also advised voting public to vote wisely and choose the best candidate who can really stand for the welfare of the general public and the country.