FINAL REPORT - Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism

which every Filipino can glean for himself, as it slyly but clearly emerged, the
consistent pattern of a conspiratorial cover-up–
Timeline
October 10, 2002 – Garcillano was appointed head of “consultation” project in
Mindanao whereby, utilizing approved budgets from the Office of the President,
through Presidential Adviser Rufino, he conducts meetings with Mindanao
election officers to ensure the election of President Arroyo in the 2004 elections,
specifically, by determining in which areas her election chances are strong or
weak, which politicians can be tapped as allies, and influencing/pressuring the
election officers to support President Arroyo’s election in 2004
December 30, 2002 – President Arroyo announced to the nation that she is not
running for President in the elections of 2004
January 8, 2003 – Garcillano submitted his report to President Arroyo on the
results of his and Presidential Adviser Rufino’s “consultation” project in
Mindanao
October 1, 2003 (or ten months later) – President Arroyo announced to the nation that
she is running for President in the elections of 2004
February 11, 2004 (a little over four months thereafter and just a few months before
the 2004 elections) – President Arroyo appointed Garcillano Comelec
Commissioner
May 10, 2004 – national elections
May 12, 2004 – Marine Brig. Gen. Francisco Gudani was pulled out from
implementing strict election security measures in Lanao del Sur. In his stead,
Army Col. Pirino took over, pressuring Marine Col. Alexander Balutan to
“loosen” security
May, 2004 to June, 2004 – ISAFP personnel wiretapped conversations on the
cellphone of Garcillano
June 24, 2004 – after ignoring objections by merely having them “noted,”
Congress proclaimed Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as President
July 23, 2004 – Fernando Poe, Jr. filed his protest with the Presidential Electoral
Tribunal
December 14, 2004 – Fernando Poe, Jr. died
January 10, 2005 – Susan Roces filed a petition for substitution with the Presidential
Electoral Tribunal (“PET’)
March, 2005 – Angelito Santiago delivered the Garci Tapes to Samuel Ong
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