MANILA, Philippines - Two of the country’s biggest news organizations joined forces on Friday for a “comprehensive, objective, and non-partisan coverage” of the 2010 national elections to help Filipinos here and abroad vote wisely.

Eleksyon 2010 will bring together the Philippine Daily Inquirer and its online arm, INQUIRER.net with GMA Network and all its subsidiaries.

Partner organizations include Solar Entertainment, the Catholic Media Network, the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, Commission on Elections, the National Movement for Free Elections, the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, Ateneo School of Government, University of Santo Tomas, San Beda College, and the University of the Philippines School of Economics.

Representatives from partner organizations signed a memorandum of agreement on Friday at the GMA Network Center for an all-media coverage of all events leading to the May 2010 vote.

Philippine Daily Inquirer Chairperson Marixi Prieto said media was shifting from an “attack dog” stance to a “guard dog” stance, providing information and a range of opinions that would help people make informed decisions.

“[This upcoming elections], we are not rooting for the least of all evils but for the best for our country,” she said.

“It is our task to educate, inform, and empower our voters to vote and vote wisely,” said GMA Network President and CEO Felipe Gozon.

INQUIRER.net president Paolo Prieto said the partnership among the Inquirer Group, GMA Network, and other organizations would help bring comprehensive, up-to-the-minute news and updates not only to Filipinos here but also abroad.

“INQUIRER.net has made a commitment to the Overseas Filipino Workers through Global Nation and Inquirer Politics and we are committed to the OFWs everywhere on bringing them information on their right to vote,” he said.

Prieto said Inquirer’s news website would soon see integration of the Inquirer Group of Company’s publications including Libre and Bandera, as well as the use of other media with the upcoming launch of Inquirer Radio and the web streaming.

“This partnership is very significant because it shows our commitment to the voting public,” he said.

The 2010 election coverage will bring up-to-the-minute updates on partial counting with the help of AMA University’s 10,000 students and IT volunteers and 200 campuses nationwide that will serve as “hubs” for transmitting critical data during the election period, said Ambassador Amable Aguiluz V.

PLDT-Smart will also equip journalists with the latest gadgets and technology for a more comprehensive coverage.