Twenty-two Canadians, including representatives from churches, labor unions, academics, lawyers and a sitting Member of Parliament, Don Davies (Vancouver Kingsway), are preparing to head to the Philippines as part of an international observers mission during that country's presidential elections. On election day, scheduled for May 10, more than 17,000 offices will be contested across the country including the key posts of president, vice president along with members of the House of Representatives, the Senate, and a range of provincial, municipal and villagel offices. The election will mark the end of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's nine-year term which have been marked by politically motivated killings and enforced disappearances, along with a climate of impunity for those guilty of the crimes.
