22 August 2022, from Gems:

Dear Fellow Lot Owners: This is something we have not exactly planned for. Since the current Board assumed responsibility last October 2021, our overriding focus has been on the processing of Phase 678 applications. Thankfully through the DENR-AFPOVAI JTF we gained major breakthroughs which eventually led to the processing of the first two batches to be issued the Deeds of Sale as promised by DENR this year.

But as expeditiously as we wanted things done our way, the MR filed by the former SolGen in behalf of PN over two years ago remains unresolved by the Supreme Court. And even as we succeeded to disassociate ourselves from that, several developments took us from the blind side in the first half of this year, which stymied our pace. The big one was the conduct of the national elections whose post phase has apparently disrupted the normal administrative efficiency at DENR in view of some new appointments. But we know it is a temporary delay.

Then before we could finalize our plans to make high level calls on key government officials, starting with the new DENR Secretary, we realized that we just have over 6 weeks to go before we turn our responsibilities over to the next Board. I guess we had paid too much attention outside our “office” to mindfully prepare for the necessary transition in Board responsibilities.

Last year, caught in the same predicament, our former Chair Commo Suratos was kind enough to request your permission through an electronic survey for the Board to retain their seats and take care of the election of officers themselves. Fortunately, you granted the favor and the privilege, which allowed me to assume the position as Chairman. But today, given the momentum of our achievements and the need to open the opportunity for others to lead and serve in the Board, I wish to invite everyone to exercise the right to vote as members in good standing of our Phase 678 Chapter.

Right now we need to reframe our priorities because whatever unfinished tasks we have, it would be pointless to discuss outstanding concerns or pursue operational matters if the same tasks now lie beyond our Board time.

In fact, the proper and decent attitude to take is for us to prepare for the incoming elections if only to maintain the credibility of the Ph 678 Board and to ensure the legitimacy of the transition process which we need to safeguard for the next line of officers. We would not want to be caught flat-footed especially since we are, in all candor, ill prepared.

Here’s the situation.

October 1, 2022 AFPOVAI Elections

The tentative date for AFPOVAI’s BOD Elections and General Assembly have been pegged on October 1, 2022 – which is six (6) weeks from now. While this is not supposed to directly affect us, the AFPOVAI Board has reportedly decided that all elections should be synchronized this year, meaning that all BOD elections to be undertaken by the respective AFPOVAI Phases must be held on the same day at the same time, to be simultaneously monitored and validated by the AFPOVAI COMENO.

In addition, the Mother Board has opted to conduct physical, manual elections, not electronic voting. Reportedly the idea is, if Filipinos were able to do their duties last May, then AFPOVAI members should take time and effort to go to the Philippine Marines Clubhouse or to a finally designated voting center to cast their votes on the 1st day of October.

Several questions quickly jump up front:

1. Can we comply with that? If we can, fine. But how many can make it? And what would be the implications on the outcome if far less than the majority would be able to cast their ballots? Note that our Phase 678 community is presently practically a virtual community.
2. On the other hand, if we can’t comply and choose to pursue e-voting in the exercise of our rights, would the outcome be taken by the AFPOVAI COMENO as valid?
3. What if we held our elections ahead of the AFPOVAI’s schedule as practiced in the past – given our peculiar condition of having no real or actual physical community at the AFPOVAI area? Will our exercise be nonetheless recognized?

Situational Assessment

What is our reality as a Phase 678 Chapter community? Right now:

1. Unlike the rest of AFPOVAI residents, our members do not live within and around the AFPOVAI Phase 1, 2,3, 4 and 5 Area, but are dispersed geographically, with some residing in the US and Canada and elsewhere in the world.
2. We number 659 in all as lot owners, but only 100 are members in good standing as of today, making them eligible to vote.
3. Of these 100, around half or 50 may decide to participate, but perhaps may not be able to physically cast their votes – should the AFPOVAI COMENO impose their new IRR.
4. While 100 are in good standing, 342 members who are active in our viber community deserve to participate in our own elections – and, if interested, in the AFPOVAI Elections for this matter.
5. However, the tyranny of distance and physical movement to Manila could be a deterring factor. 6. In fact, for the great majority of the general membership of our Chapter, participating in manual elections would be a physical impossibility.
6. Unfortunately, we do not have election rules and a COMENO of our own.
7. Over and beyond that, we do not have our own Chapter Bylaws to guide our electoral system and provide us, to begin with, the basic reference to ensure effective, efficient, consistent, transparent and accountable governance and management by our Board of Directors and Officers.