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Comelec: 3 million overseas voters eyed in 2025 polls
With internet voting, the Commission on Elections is looking to have up to three million Filipinos abroad participate in the May 2025 midterm elections......»»
Cha-cha plebiscite and midterm polls in one event: A test of Comelec s independence
BOTH LEGISLATIVE chambers are now leading charter change discussions. Legislators have repeatedly said that amendments will be limited to economic measures in the 1987 Constitution.Meanwhile, the conduct of the plebiscite had Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chair George Garcia describe the logistical preparations required for it. He argued that it should be held as a separate event from the 2025 midterm electi.....»»
Maguikay Brgy Captain Gumera finally proclaimed winner of barangay elections
MANDAUE CITY, Philippines — After more than a month, Maguikay Barangay Captain Eduardo Gumera Sr. was finally proclaimed winner of the last Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections. Gumera on Wednesday, December 13, was proclaimed by Jomar Caborog, Barangay Board of Canvassers chairman and Maguikay National High School principal, at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office.....»»
Legal consequences for not filing Soce
The Commission on Elections in Davao Region (Comelec-Davao) has emphasized the legal consequences for candidates who fail to file their Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (Soce) for the recent Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) 2023. Lawyer Gay Enumerables, the acting regional director of Comelec-Davao Region, stated that there are sanctions for non-compliance, but it is the Comelec central office that will decide and notify the candidates. Enumerables also mentioned that the deadline for Soce filing was extended to accommodate the high number of candidates, and there is no reason for them to forget their Soce since it is a requirement. The filing period for Soce began on October 30 and concluded on November 29. Failure to submit the required statements or reports on electoral contributions and expenditures will result in penalties, and offenders will be barred from holding public positions. The specific penalties range from fines of P1,000 to P30,000 for the first offense and fines of P2,000 to P60,000 for the second offense. Comelec-Davao Region has yet to provide data on the Soce filed within its jurisdiction......»»
Comelec: No extension in SOCE filing
Those who ran in the Oct. 30 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections only have until today to file their statement of contributions and expenditures.....»»
Valenzuela: 4 centuries and counting
Valenzuela City marked the culmination of its 400th founding anniversary celebration with a grand night of festivities, including the launch of the city’s coffee table book, “Valenzuela: History and Progress,” and a vibrant Cultural Night fashion show. The event, held at Casa de Polo in Barangay Poblacion on Sunday, 26 November, was graced by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, who joined Mayor Wes Gatchalian and the city council in unveiling the building marker of Casa de Polo. The inauguration of Casa de Polo, a heritage-themed events space, signifies its opening for all accommodations, marking a significant milestone in the city’s history. Mayor Gatchalian emphasized the importance of celebrating the city’s 400th founding anniversary, expressing gratitude to those who contributed to the successful series of celebrations. The coffee table book features a comprehensive walk-through of the city’s heritage, tracing remarkable events from the old town of Polo to its gradual transformation into an urbanized city. The book delves into the city’s unique culture, showcasing its food, art, customs, traditions, churches, and local governance aspects, including education, health, social services and ecotourism. Leading to the grand finale, Cultural Night, a fashion presentation that paid homage to Valenzuela City’s history and cultural heritage, took center stage. The program showcased the works of three renowned local designers: Michael Leyva, Robbie Santos and Daniel Manila. The fashion show exhibited three blocks, resonating themes of Polo, showcasing Pueblo de Polo’s agricultural background; Fatima, highlighting the vibrant culture and faith of Valenzuelanos; and Agos, focusing on the city’s relentless pursuit of progress and “riding the waves” of continuous growth and innovation. The event was also graced by Senators Grace Poe and Mark Villar, Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval, San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, National Museum of the Philippines Director Jeremy Barns, LGU department heads, members of the city council, punong barangays, judges, fiscals, delegates of the Comelec, Chamber of Commerce and Industry and JCI, among others......»»
Comelec disqualifies 10 more BSKE bets
Ten candidates in the recently concluded barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) have been added to the list of those disqualified by the Commission on Elections, bringing the total to 39......»»
Comelec disqualifies 10 BSKE winners
Twenty-one candidates in the recently concluded barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections have been disqualified for premature campaigning and vote buying......»»
EDITORIAL - Post-election murders
From Aug. 28 to Oct. 30, the Commission on Elections counted 19 confirmed killings related to the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections. To no one’s surprise, armed attacks related to the BSKE have continued long after the Comelec finished counting the votes......»»
Only half of Baguio voters participated in BSKE — Comelec
Only half of Baguio’s voters went out to cast their choices for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) -Baguio bared on Sunday......»»
Comelec: BSKE successful despite poll-related incidents
Despite reports of election-related violent incidents, the recently concluded barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections was a success, according to the Commission on Elections......»»
Mandaue, Carcarbets ‘disqualified’
The Commission on Elections has “disqualified” two reelectionist barangay chairmen in the cities of Mandaue and Carcar. The omnibus order, signed by Presiding Commissioner Socorro Inting and Commissioners Aimee Ferolino and Ernesto Ferdinand Maceda Jr., was issued last 25 October. “Disqualified” were Barangay Maguikay, Mandaue chairman Eduardo Gumera, and Barangay Valladolid, Carcar chairman Anthony John Apura. The order cited criminal complaints allegedly filed or decided against the two candidates. Gumera told the media that the issue was only a political motive for his opponent. He said he was not affected by the “disqualification” news. Comelec-7 Regional Director Atty. Lionel Marco Castillano told the Daily Tribune that the order was not to disqualify Gumera. The post Mandaue, Carcarbets ‘disqualified’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Observe poll laws, Abalos tells bets
Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos over the weekend said he was pleased that majority of Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections bets at least in Tondo, Manila were opting to comply with poll rules. “We went around and found few violations. So I commend the city of Manila under Mayor Honey for the successful Comelec drive that ensured obedience to the poll regulations,” he said. Abalos issued the statement shortly after joining Comelec chairman George Garcia in conducting Oplan Baklas drive or the removal of illegally placed and oversized campaign materials, particularly those hanging from electric posts or wires in Barangay 128, Tondo, Manila. As per Comelec rules, all BSKE bets are required to place all their campaign materials especially tarpaulins in the common poster areas. This, as he also reiterated his call for BSKE candidates to observe and abide by all election laws, rules, and regulations to ensure the successful and orderly conduct of BSKE. “Read up on the laws. It lists all that has to be done including the use of e-payment platforms for vote-buying. Let us maintain the integrity of the election and give the voters the respect that they deserve,” he pointed out. He went on to explain that candidates who hold bingo games, distribute prices, conduct hakot system or mass transporting of voters before or during election day, and handing out cash are telltale signs of being engaged in vote buying. Meanwhile, the Quezon City Government on Saturday said it is all set for the 2023 BSKE to be held in 169 polling precincts. Mayor Joy Belmonte lauded the relevant government agencies and QC Government departments such as the City Treasurer’s Office for leaving no stone unturned to ensure that QCitizens in 142 barangays can safely exercise their right to vote. The post Observe poll laws, Abalos tells bets appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Comelec says arson attacks hit 2 Maguindanao schools to be used for barangay polls
The schools – located in Maguindanao del Norte barangays listed as areas of grave concern for the 2023 barangay elections – are designated voting centers for the October 30 vote.....»»
Comelec warns candidates vs vote-buying on last day of BSKE campaign
The Commission on Elections issued a warning to candidates, telling them not to engage in vote-buying on the final day of campaign for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections......»»
COMELEC disqualifies QC SK chairman candidate for ‘vote buying’
A candidate for Sangguniang Kabataan chairmanship in Quezon City was disqualified by the Commission on Elections over 'vote buying' charges. In a seven-page resolution issued on 26 October 2023 and signed by COMELEC's Second Division Presiding Commissioner Marlon Casquejo, concurred by Commissioners Rey Bulay and Nelson Celis, noted that SK candidate Judielyn Bartolome Francisco of Barangay San Bartolome was "disqualified" to run for the upcoming BSKE elections as she violated Section 68 (a) of the Omnibus Elections Code for "vote buying". The case stemmed from a petition filed by Arjay Lacsa on 26 September this year, who claimed that Francisco engaged in vote buying by sponsoring and funding a leadership seminar "cum" team building of some 80 youths of their village at Paradise Adventure Camp in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan held on 16 and 17 September 2023, a few weeks after the filing of candidacies. Pieces of evidence presented by Lacsa included social media posts of the participants themselves tagging Francisco as their " future SK chairman" and three affidavits of witnesses who claimed that Francisco was even present in that event. On 5 October, the COMELEC summoned Francisco to explain her side who gave her reply on 9 October saying she did not have the resources to fund the gathering while she also admitted being there as a host for the opening program "in return for a professional fee." She also informed the commission that she also filed perjury charges against Lacsa's witnesses at the Quezon City Prosecutor's Office. The commission, however, concluded that they "are not convinced" as Francisco's lengthy answer reveals that "they are in the nature of general denials emanating from respondent's self-serving and uncorroborated statements." The affidavits of Lacsa's witnesses, the commission added, are "rich in details" and the evidence is pointing to Francisco as the host of the team building. Francisco's involvement is a deliberate and strategic scheme to influence the voters of Barangay San Bartolome to vote for her, the commission's resolution read. The post COMELEC disqualifies QC SK chairman candidate for ‘vote buying’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
COMELEC reports second shooting incident of BSKE candidate
Commission on Elections chairman George Erwin Garcia announced on Friday that a candidate has been shot in Quezon Province. Garcia said they have monitored an ambush in General Luna, Quezon. “We have monitored an ambush in Quezon recently, the barangay chairman was taken in the hospital,” Garcia said. According to the report of the Quezon Police Provincial Office, the identified victim was Ruben Ilagan Pasia, 63, a resident of Barangay Malaya, General Luna, Quezon, and a running candidate for barangay chairman. This is the second BSKE candidate who has been shot in October. The first victim was running for barangay councilor in Bucay, Abra. “It’s sad because the election is almost two days away. Therefore, the increasing number of violence may not be election-related, other criminals are actually on it. We could not distinguish if it was election-related. What is important is for the police to be alert,” Garcia said. As of 26 October, the COMELEC Anti-Epal Task Force issued 272 show cause orders for illegal campaigning and filed petitions for disqualification against 10 candidates in violation of premature campaigning and three candidates against illegal campaigning. The post COMELEC reports second shooting incident of BSKE candidate appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DoE assurance: Barangay, SK elections brownout-free
Despite threats of yellow alerts in Luzon, the Department of Energy or DoE said there will be no power interruptions during the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on Monday. “Safeguarding the energy needs of the country during the critical electoral process is our foremost concern and we have enlisted the full cooperation of all our stakeholders in the generation, transmission and distribution sectors in this endeavor,” Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla said on Thursday. “Preparations have been undertaken to ensure that there would be enough power in days leading up to, during and in the immediate conduct of the elections,” he added. Based on the latest data provided by the DoE, the demand forecast in Luzon during the election week is at 12,257 megawatts or MW. Lotilla said that he has instructed the Energy Task Force Elections to prevent any unscheduled power outages that may disrupt the voting and counting processes. The group is also tasked to coordinate with the generating companies and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines or NGCP to ensure the availability of generating units. The NGCP was likewise directed to utilize the High Voltage Direct Current and the Mindanao Visayas Interconnection Project during peak hours to balance the power supply and demand system of the grid. Additionally, the Energy Task Force Election will also manage the distribution utilities’ deployment of special and emergency line crews to check lines for any obstructions within their franchise areas. On election day proper, the special and emergency line crews will be on standby with the necessary logistical support to immediately respond to emergency cases affecting power supply. DUs were likewise directed to ensure that all substation facilities and distribution lines were in normal operations to prevent any disruptions in the energy supply. Separately, the National Electrification Administration or NEA, along with the 121 electric cooperatives under its watch, said it activated its 24-hour power situation monitoring system to help ensure a smooth conduct of the local elections. Under COMELEC guidelines, the NEA has been deputized and commissioned to "provide and maintain stable and continuous nationwide electric power requirements from the start of voting, until the termination or conclusion of the counting of votes, and the proclamation of the winning candidates." The post DoE assurance: Barangay, SK elections brownout-free appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Palawan PNP deploys over 1.3k cops for barangay, SK elections
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — The Police Provincial Office in Palawan has deployed over 1,300 cops and other uniformed personnel from the marines and the coast guard to secure the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on 30 October. The deployment ceremony was held on Thursday at the Police Provincial Office headquarters in Barangay Tiniguiban in Puerto Princesa City, led by provincial director Colonel Carlito Narag Jr. and Palawan Commission on Elections supervisor Atty. Percival Mendoza. Narag expects the 1,333 combined personnel from the 3rd Marine Brigade and the Coast Guard District Palawan to ensure the secure, honest and safe conduct of the BSKE 2023 in 433 barangays across 23 municipalities in Palawan. "The others who will be assigned in the distant islands [of Palawan] have already gone ahead. This number is enough already — we also borrowed additional 77 police personnel from the City PNP — so we can be assured that will be able to fully support the BSKE," Narag said. He said that as law enforcers, they are committed to performing their responsibilities in Palawan to ensure the safety of the voters and the 14,862 BSKE candidates across all towns of Palawan. "We're really hoping that this will be a fair, peaceful and honest election," he said. The Puerto Princesa City Police Office also deployed approximately 957 police personnel, combined with uniformed personnel from the marines and the coast guard to secure the BSKE in 66 barangays. City police director Colonel Ronie Bacuel and City Comelec officer Atty. Julius Cuevas led the deployment ceremony in Barangay San Pedro also on Thursday morning. Bacuel stated that "they will ensure the orderliness and peace during the conduct of the safe elections in the city." He assured that the entire police force in Puerto Princesa is prepared for any challenges that may arise on election day. The post Palawan PNP deploys over 1.3k cops for barangay, SK elections appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go reminds Filipinos to exercise right to vote in upcoming barangay elections
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, in an interview on Tuesday, 24 October, during his inspection of projects he supported in Kapalong, Davao del Norte, urged the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to safeguard the integrity of the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections on 30 October. Moreover, Go encouraged Filipinos to exercise their right to vote and to be discerning in choosing candidates they believe can contribute to the development of their respective communities. "Sa mga kababayan natin, exercise your right to vote. Pumunta po kayo sa mga presinto, go out and vote for candidates na tingin ninyo ay makakatulong sa pag-unlad ng inyong barangay," said Go. The senator also suggested a set of criteria for voters when selecting candidates. He advised, "Unahin n'yo po ang mga honest, competent, at pinakamahalaga, 'yung may pagmamahal at pagmamalasakit nila sa kapwa Pilipino." For candidates, Go advised them to always prioritize the welfare of their constituents and to take to heart the essence of public service they are aspiring for. "Public office po itong pinapasukan ninyo. ‘Wag n'yo pong sayangin ang binigay na tiwala ng ating mga kababayan. Once na manalo po kayo, unahin n'yo po ang pagseserbisyo, pagmamalasakit, at pagmamahal sa ating mga kababayang Pilipino, lalung lalo na po ang mga mahihirap," he advised. Meanwhile, Go cautioned voters to be more discerning during the campaign period amid reported use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance images of candidates in campaign materials, saying that the integrity of the election lies on the truthfulness of those participating in it. "Ang paggamit po ng artificial intelligence sa election campaign sa Pilipinas ay masasabing new terrain, new tool, new style kung ikumpara po sa tradisyunal na pangangampanya," Go stated. While acknowledging the innovative aspects of AI, he also expressed caution and emphasized the ethical implications that come with this technological advancement. He specifically pointed out that AI applications have the capability to alter facial features, which could potentially violate the truthfulness of candidates. "Importante dito ang katotohanan… ang karapatang bumoto ay very sacred 'yan. Ibig sabihin, ating karapatan 'yan, tag-iisang boto at dapat po ang iboboto nila ayon sa kanilang pagkaalam sa katotohanan po," he explained. The senator stressed the importance of transparency in elections and warned against the misuse of AI for deceptive purposes for candidates to gain a "visual edge" beyond what is deemed truthful such as enhancing one’s image in campaign materials. "Importante dito ang transparency at hindi maloko ang tao. Kung ano ang nakikita nila sa kandidato, 'yung dapat totoo lamang po. Always the truth, kaya dapat po ay pag-aralan nang mabuti kung baka gagamitin ito sa panlilinlang, panloloko o kasinungalingan. Kung ganun ang gamit, hindi po ako sang-ayon diyan," he explained. "Dahil tayo, always the truth—kahit ako po sa aking pagtatrabaho, sa aking pagiging public servant, always the truth. What is fair and always what is true, 'yun po ang ating parating ipinaglalaban. Best interest of the country, best interest of the people, always," Go reminded. The post Bong Go reminds Filipinos to exercise right to vote in upcoming barangay elections appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»