In a surprising but humbling gesture, Atoy Sayas relinquished his right to contest for the Philippine Community Council’s (PCC-NSW) presidential seat in favour of Elsa Collado.
According to Mr. Sayas, “The tie clearly shows that the community is divided. I don’t want to be the one to divide the community. It was a difficult decision but I feel it was best and wise – to step aside and to continue working together for the sake of our community. ”
The PCC 2013 Presidential election was held last 23 February but resulted in a 24-all deadlock between Collado and Sayas. A continuance was rescheduled 16 March to settle the tie. With Mr. Sayas pre-emptive move, Ms. Collado wins by default.
This is not the first time that there has been a tie for the presidency in PCC-NSW. In 1996, the contest was between Kate Andres who was running for a re-election and Ms. Linda Swords. Balloting was done three times, each time resulting to a draw. Finally, one voter abstained giving Ms. Andres the needed one-point lead.
However, it is important to note that in the early PCC days, the President was elected for a two year term by the newly elected Board. Re-balloting was done on the same day. No one went home until a clear winner had emerged. Nowadays, it is the affiliates who vote for the President.
After having served already as President in PCC-NSW in 2010, Collado returns to take back the PCC reins and said that she would continue with Sayas’ ongoing projects.
The 2013 Board include: Alric Bulseco (External VP), Solina Lapalma (Internal VP), Darryl Swadling (Secretary), Millie Banan (Treasurer), Emily Rudd (PRO), Evelyn Beed (Auditor) and directors – Robert Bock, Max Encomienda, Mercy Jones, Angie Jenkins, Bert Rejante, Nenita Weekes and Emma de Vera. Atoy Sayas remains on the Board as the Immediate Past President.
Mr. Mao de Vera who had served PCC for a few years and was originally elected to the Board resigned his post. The move allowed Weekes and Rejante to get in the Board after also drawing a tie for the last Directorship position.
According to Elsa Collado said “it’s a positive change for a better PCC. We now move on.”
“I decided not to run for 2011 to allow for the normal succession. But now there are those wanting to change, I listened and I thought to run a fair race” said Ms. Collado.
Considering the deadlock, it is obvious that Ms. Collado’s views are not representative of all the voters.
Photo below shows some of the members of the 2013 Board: (L-R) Elsa Collado, Alric Bulseco, Solina Lapalma, Millie Banan, Emily Rudd, Evelyn Beed, Mercy Jones, Max Enconmienda, Nenita Weekes, Bert Rejante and Atoy Sayas.
(Photo courtesy of Bernikz Multimedia.)
