Legal Network for Truthful Elections

LENTE
PRIMER ON LENTE
What is LENTE? LENTE is a nationwide network of lawyers, law students, paralegals, and other trained volunteers set up by various non-partisan groups to monitor the canvassing of votes in the May 14, 2007 elections. Why was LENTE formed? LENTE was formed because of a great danger that, as in previous elections, the May 14, 2007 elections may be tainted with widespread and systematic fraud; hence, there is a need to prevent cheating especially during the canvassing of tallied votes. What exactly will LENTE do in the coming May 14 elections? LENTE will perform two tasks: (1) monitor the canvassing of tallied votes in cities, municipalities and provinces around the country; and (2) provide legal services to members of the NETWORK during the election period. How many volunteers will LENTE need to carry out its tasks? LENTE will need around 10,000 volunteers who possess, among others, legal knowledge and skills. These volunteers will do the following work: At least 9,600 volunteers (3,200 lawyers and 6,400 law students/paralegals/trained volunteers) to monitor the canvassing of votes in 1,600 municipalities/cities and 81 provinces around the country. Additional lawyers as LENTE coordinators at local level. Additional lawyers, law students, paralegals and trained volunteers to monitor canvassing at the national level and to provide legal services at the national level. Volunteers at local and national levels to provide support and assistance to the volunteer monitors during the canvassing process.

What is the composition of LENTE at present? LENTE is composed of over 25 organizations and its membership continues to expand. At present, the members of LENTE are: *Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)*One Voice*Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines-National Secretariat for Social Action (CBCP-NASSA)National Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL)*Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV)*Ateneo Human Rights Center*Ateneo Law School Student Council*Bishops Businessmens Conference (BBC)*Caucus of Development NGO Networks (CODE-NGO)-Bantay Canvass*Cebu Lady Lawyers Association*Cebu Young Lawyers of the Philippines*Davao Lady Lawyers Association

LENTE is a member of VforCe. VOLUNTEER FOR CLEAN ELECTIONS

Legal Network for Truthful Elections

LENTE
(Dallas)*Lawyers League for Liberty (LIBERTAS)*Lyceum of the Philippines, College of Law Student Council*Manuel L. Quezon University, College of Law Student Council Who are the Co-Convenors of LENTE? The Co-Convenors of LENTE are Atty. Jose Vicente B. Salazar, National President of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, and Atty. Carlos P. Medina, Jr., Chief Legal Counsel of One Voice and Executive Director of the Ateneo Human Rights Center. Can other groups join LENTE? Yes, other non-partisan groups which believe in the work of LENTE are welcome to join LENTE upon approval by consensus of the member organizations of LENTE. How can I become a LENTE volunteer? You may contact the LENTE Secretariat and sign up to be a LENTE volunteer. The national secretariat is based at the Ateneo Human Rights Center, 20 Rockwell Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati City. Its contact details are: Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE) National Secretariat c/o Ateneo Human Rights Center Tel. No: (02) 8997691 local 2123, Telefax 8994342 Mobile No. +639155797926 (Ms. Anna Katrina A. Carillo) E-mail Address: aacunesco@yahoo.com At the provincial level, the LENTE secretariat is based at the local office of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines-National Secretariat for Social Action (CBCP-NASSA). LENTE may also be reached through the local offices of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), the National Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL), and the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV). Is LENTE working with other groups in the May 14 elections? Yes, LENTE is a member of the Volunteers for Clean Elections (VForCE)

LENTE is a member of VforCe. VOLUNTEER FOR CLEAN ELECTIONS