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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......»»
716 BSKE bets face illegal campaign raps
Over 700 candidates running in the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on Oct. 30 have been ordered to answer allegations of illegal campaigning......»»
Comelec to BSKE bets: Follow campaign rules
Comelec to BSKE bets: Follow campaign rules.....»»
341 BSKE bets tagged for illegal campaign
Over 300 candidates for the 30 October Barangay and Sanguniang Kabataan Elections have been issued show cause orders by the Commission on Elections due to suspected campaign violations. Comelec chairman George Erwin Garcia said that about 341 candidates have been issued show cause orders due to illegal campaigning. “As of yesterday, about 341 were already issued with show cause for illegal campaigning,” he said. According to Garcia, having campaign posters that are larger than the allowed size and disseminating materials in unauthorized areas are one of the violations committed by the candidates. The Comelec launched on Friday the Nationwide simultaneous “Operation Baklas” for the BKSE, removing the illegal campaign paraphernalia in unauthorized areas. “Outside common poster areas, that’s illegal. Private property, that’s legal as long as these comply with the size of 2 x 3 feet,” Garcia said. The chairman reminded the candidates to follow the allowable sizes for election materials, 8.5 x 14 inches for flyers, 2 x 3 feet for tarpaulins, and 3 x 8 feet for streamers. In an interview, Garcia said that the Comelec is preparing a resolution on how it can suspend the proclamation of winking candidates who have pending cases. The post 341 BSKE bets tagged for illegal campaign appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Winning bets facing poll violation charges to be suspended
he Department of the Interior and Local Government will swiftly enforce suspensions ordered by the Commission on Elections over poll charges amid reports of rampant violations at the start of the campaign period for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos warned candidates yesterday......»»
5 vote buying DQ cases filed by Comelec, warns LGU of prohibitions
The Commission on Elections has begun filing petitions against the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections candidates allegedly involved in vote buying on 6 October. Out of the 40 complaints being investigated, the Comelec poll board submitted five disqualification petitions, according to Comelec Deputy Executive for Operations Rafael Olano. He added that the Committee on Vote Buying has received complaints from the public on various platforms, including Facebook and messages which contained screenshots or images. "All of these complaints came from voters. We verified and evaluated them for possible filing of disqualification cases “he said. Olano confirmed that one of the five candidates under investigation for disqualification is involved in a BSK bet showing up at a local government unit aid distribution, which he claimed to be qualified as vote buying. “There were local government officials, mayors distributing relief but the BSKE candidate was present and was allowed to speak," he said. After the official filing of candidacy, it was claimed that another BSK candidate distributed financial aid out of his pocket. Prior to the election, the poll body warned candidates of its strict measures which prohibit the distribution of ballers, t-shirts, caps, and anything else of worth under the suspicion of vote buying and selling. Comelec Commissioner Ernesto Ferdinand Maceda Jr. reminded LGU officials to be aware of such prohibitions during a separate briefing. "If they conduct assistance programs, they should not let BSKE candidates join them, lest they be disqualified,” he said. Maceda added that the Comelec would consider potential reinforcing techniques if similar incidents persist as the campaign period drew closer. “We will study how to reprimand them or take appropriate actions,” he said. In the end, Maceda stressed that the poll body is “dead serious” about its exclusion warning in order to assure not just the validity and honesty of the BSK polls but also to raise the bar for campaigning standards across the nation and the importance of each BSK candidate’s character. As of Friday, the Task Force Anti-Epal had filed an additional 10 disqualification petitions against candidates who were allegedly involved in premature campaigning while the Committee on Kontra Bigay had filed five disqualification cases for vote buying. Overall, there are 82 petitions for premature campaigning, 5,169 show cause orders, and 1,132 responses from the BSK bets. The post 5 vote buying DQ cases filed by Comelec, warns LGU of prohibitions appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Padilla backing pro-charter midterm bets
Senator Robinhood “Robin” Padilla on Tuesday said he is willing to support the candidacy of anyone who would back his proposal to amend the economic and political provisions of the 1987 Constitution. In a television interview, Padilla, who is pushing for a federal type of government, stressed the need to have a unicameral and parliamentary system of government to ensure progress. “In the coming polls, I will campaign for candidates who may not be famous or don’t have money but believe that we need to amend our Constitution,” he said. “You need to help me. All of this will hinge on 2025 when the people will decide whether the country will move forward or backward,” he added. The lawmaker, who chairs the Senate panel on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes, urged Filipino voters to elect someone who may be “nameless, and penniless but believes that we need to amend the 1987 Constitution.” “So long as we have senators who believe only in the 1987 Constitution, we will remain dreamers,” he said. Padilla also said “it is time” to open the discussion on extending the term of presidents, as well as allowing them to run for a second term. “What is wrong with having a second term? I don’t understand the opposition to it because six years is too short for a good president, though too long for a bad one,” he said. Under the current charter, the president is limited to a single six-year term. During the first regular session of the 19th Congress, Padilla failed to gain enough support among his colleagues to amend the economic provisions of the Constitution through the Constitutional Assembly. The post Padilla backing pro-charter midterm bets appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
91 BSKE candidates facing disqualification
The Commission on Elections on Sunday reported that 91 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections candidates on 30 October are facing disqualifications. COMELEC Chairman George Garcia, in a radio interview at dzBB, said the COMELEC has already issued the candidates show cause orders over their alleged election offenses such as premature campaigning. "There were no formal complaints. These were only the results of what we have seen or reported to us. What the COMELEC did is motu proprio investigation. This is the COMELEC’s own initiative," Garcia said. He added that the COMELEC has the power to investigate and file its own complaints against candidates who commit election offenses. COMELEC spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco also last Friday said they have over a hundred petitions for disqualification due to various election offenses, as of Thursday. At least 43 of the petitions are to declare certain candidates as nuisance bets, cancel certain certificates of candidacy (COCs), and disqualify over some issues. The rest have yet to be formally filed. The 91 candidates, on the other hand, were given three days from the receipt of the show cause orders to explain their sides regarding the accusations. For formal complaints, Garcia said, the COMELEC would issue subpoenas. The poll body has repeatedly warned against premature campaigning as the campaign period will run only from 19 to 28 October. Garcia said putting up posters and promoting themselves on social media before the campaign period starts may be considered premature campaigning. "The filing of show cause orders against 91 BSKE bets was just the beginning. There will be many more. We will do that daily," Garcia said. The COMELEC chair earlier encouraged voters to file complaints against BSKE candidates who will campaign even before the official campaign period starts. Around 1,414,487 COCs were filed across the country for the coming BSKE. The post 91 BSKE candidates facing disqualification appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Comelec: Bets responsible for oversized materials
The Commission on Elections will hold accountable barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections candidates who will be endorsed using oversized campaign materials placed in private properties......»»
SoNA 2023
Sophomore year is when familiarity has seeped in, and we get to know the people and terrain better. We gain momentum and confidence in the things we must do. On another note, we also learn about people’s strengths and previously hidden weaknesses. Personalities become more colored, and metrics will show actual performance when compared against campaign promises. The administration of President Bongbong R. Marcos Jr. will be of a different tune this time around. In 2022, the State of the Nation Address was filled with campaign promises and action plans that lay down the blueprint for the next six years. Just like any first SoNA of a new president, the atmosphere was jovial and enthusing. Second SoNAs are made right after the appointment of certain Cabinet members who lost in the previous election, and when presidential priorities are more evident. What makes sophomore SoNAs unique is that it is when the Administration is still new and with less political intentions in mind, if that is possible. Remember, the next elections are scheduled in 2025, thus, making next year’s 2024 SoNA the last one before the Administration’s senatorial bets are officially announced. Mid-year elections are crucial to sustaining the momentum of President Marcos Jr., and we can think of several of his loyal political soldiers who will be running for the Senate in 2025. The period from 2023 to 2024 is when the real work of government officials is felt, as they say — pure governmental service. Thereafter, 2024 to 2025 should be for election mode or the campaign season for the senatorial bets and all locally elected officials. All but the two highest positions and twelve senatorial seats will be up for grabs in 2025. The mood in the second half of the Administration will depend on the outcome of 2025. Surely, the banner announcement in Monday’s SoNA will be the newly signed Maharlika Investment Fund, which is the first sovereign wealth fund of the Philippines. This is a sophisticated financial instrument that should be a challenge for the Administration to explain to the common folk. Further, it can be explained, but would it be comprehended given that Filipinos tend to give their attention to short-term benefits, such as 4Ps and ayuda or aid? The Maharlika Investment Corporation or MIC, which will manage the sovereign fund, should make monthly reports that would be informative and easy to comprehend by Filipinos. The “Bagong Pilipinas” campaign of the Administration will be launched during the SoNA, hopefully eclipsing the “Love the Philippines” fiasco of Secretary Cristina Frasco of the DoT. Bagong Pilipinas comes with its own logo and probably a jingle, the same one used in the campaign of President Marcos Jr. The infrastructure slogan of the Administration, “Build, Better, More” or BBM, will have accomplishments to boast of. NEDA, the other day, approved three projects, the largest of which is the P170 billion NAIA Rehabilitation, thereby shunning the proposal of the private consortium, the Manila International Airport Consortium, consisting of several of the country’s billionaires, that was valued at P267 billion. The decision of the President to side with the proposal of the government, instead of the businessmen who were seemingly close to him having been part of the delegations in his earlier state visits and trips abroad, should be respected and applauded. Geopolitics will play a role in the recent ICC decision to continue its probe into the alleged drug killings and the surprise visit of former President Rodrigo Duterte to Xi Jinping in China. We will eagerly anticipate what President Marcos Jr. will have to say about them. The SoNA always elicits curiosity and excitement, and the 2023 SONA should be no different. The post SoNA 2023 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Comelec warns vs spending public funds during BSKE campaign period
The Commission on Elections on Thursday reminded incumbent local politicians that spending public funds during the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections campaign period on 19 to 28 October is prohibited by law. Speaking to reporters in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte during the Comelec’s three-day meeting there, chairman George Erwin Garcia warned that violators of the law may face criminal charges or disqualify guilty parties from the elections. Section 261(v) of the Omnibus Election Code prohibits public officials and employees from using and spending public funds for public works and other expenses provided under the provision during the election period. Garcia also reminded that only incumbent local officials are allowed to campaign for their respective BSKE bets and not government and civil service employees. Political parties are also not allowed to endorse candidates and candidates are not allowed to represent political parties. “We can’t prevent their campaign and endorsement, but there are limitations with the use of public funds,” he added. Meanwhile, Comelec Commissioner Ernesto Maceda Jr. said there is a need for ways to make parties guilty of vote buying and other illegal acts accountable under election rules or Section 261 of the OEC. Maceda said the current election laws are insufficient, making it hard for authorities to determine the gravity of vote buying and other anomalies. “Our present legal framework or structure is insufficient. It’s easy to complain but hard to prove.... It’s not because of any inadequacy on the part of the persons who made this effort, but because the requirement of proving something like this, which is a crime, is the same as proving any other crime,” Maceda said. The post Comelec warns vs spending public funds during BSKE campaign period appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Asian markets struggle to match Wall Street as inflation data looms
Markets were mixed in Asia on Tuesday, with investors awaiting the release of key US inflation data later in the day that could play a big role in the Federal Reserve's keenly anticipated interest rate decision. Expectations are for the US central bank to hold fire at the end of its meeting Wednesday -- after 10 straight hikes -- as data suggested the economy remained healthy but was showing signs that the tightening measures are kicking in. Analysts said bets are on a pause for another increase next month, though they warned that a forecast-busting reading on the consumer price index could force officials to keep lifting. Optimism that borrowing costs will be held -- traders have priced in a 20 percent chance of a hike -- has helped push stocks higher this month, with the S&P 500 now in a bull market, having risen 20 percent from its October lows. "The committee is expected to skip the June meeting but still pair that with hawkish communications to counter any sense that a June pause trumpets the end of their hiking campaign," said SPI Asset Management's Stephen Innes. "However, a big upside surprise in today's CPI could move the rate hike needle for June up to and above 50-50." After a strong performance on Wall Street, Asia struggled to pick up the baton. Tokyo, Seoul, Wellington and Taipei rose but Hong Kong, Shanghai, Sydney, Singapore, Manila and Jakarta were in negative territory. The Fed decision comes as central banks around the world continue to struggle in their battle against inflation, which remains well above their two percent targets. The European Central Bank is expected to unveil another increase Thursday despite the eurozone dipping into recession, while the Bank of Japan is tipped to stand pat when it meets Friday. Canada and Australia announced increases last week. But China on Tuesday announced a small cut in its short-term lending rates as authorities try to kickstart a recovery in the economy, which has run out of steam after an initial burst seen after the lifting of zero-Covid restrictions. The move comes after figures showed inflation remained subdued and saw the yuan drop against the dollar. China's ongoing problems remained a weight on the crude market as investors fret over the impact on demand, even after Saudi Arabia's surprise decision to slash output by a million barrels a day next month. WTI is down about 15 percent this year Brent has lost around 13 percent. Both contracts edged up Tuesday but made little headway into the four percent losses suffered the day before as Goldman Sachs slashed its price forecast for the third time in six months. - Key figures around 0230 GMT - Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 1.6 percent at 32,946.49 (break) Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: DOWN 0.6 percent at 19,296.53 Shanghai - Composite: DOWN 0.4 percent at 3,217.54 Euro/dollar: UP at $1.0772 from $1.0762 on Monday Pound/dollar: UP at $1.2522 from $1.2510 Dollar/yen: DOWN at 139.49 yen from 139.56 yen Euro/pound: UP at 86.04 percent from 86.00 pence West Texas Intermediate: UP 0.2 percent at $67.26 per barrel Brent North Sea crude: UP 0.4 percent at $72.11 per barrel New York - Dow: UP 0.6 percent at 34,066.33 (close) London - FTSE 100: UP 0.1 percent at 7,570.69 (close) dan/dva © Agence France-Presse The post Asian markets struggle to match Wall Street as inflation data looms appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Eala joins powerhouse event
Alex Eala will get to play alongside big guns Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula after securing a wild card slot in the 2023 Madrid Open starting Tuesday at the Manzanares Park Tennis Center in Spain. Rated No. 257 by the Women’s Tennis Association, Eala will be using the tournament as a buildup for her bid to make the grade for the French Open in late-May. Also vying for honors are host bets Marina Bassols Ribera and Rebeka Masarova, Colombia’s Camila Osorio, Victoria Jiménez Kasintseva of Andorra, Brenda Fruhvirtova of the Czech Republic and Mirra Andreeva of Russia in the event. This will be a part of Eala’s preparation for the 2023 French Open that starts on 28 May as she also seeks to enter her second Grand Slam in the women’s singles. Eala, who ruled the US Open juniors last year, hasn’t been doing well lately. In her latest campaign, Eala was sent packing early by Georgiana Ghioroaie of Romania in the round-of-32 in the W60 Bellinzona in Switzerland last week. She has yet to go deep in a women’s singles tournament since reaching the semifinals of the W80 Poitiers in France last October. The post Eala joins powerhouse event appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Crack E-Gilas bets confident of good showing in FIBA event
The Philippine national NBA2K team looks forward to serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration in its coming campaign in the FIBA E-Sports Open 2020......»»
Julia, Carlo kumasa na sa taping sa Japan, magtatambal sa ‘Hold Me Close’
MULING magpapakilig sina Julia Barretto at Carlo Aquino sa kanilang fans! Magkakaroon kasi sila ng reunion movie na “Hold Me Close” mula sa direksyon ni Jason Paul Laxamana. Sa kasalukuyan, sila ay nasa bansang Japan upang umpisahan na ang paggawa ng pelikula. Sa isang Instagram post, ibinandera ng Viva Films ang ilang posters at isang.....»»
Philippines announces decisive measures amid tensions with China
Manila [Philippines], March 28 (ANI): Amid the escalating tensions in the South China Sea, Philippine President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr has announced decisive measures to protect his country's sovereignty and maritime rights while ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Marcos, known as Bongbong, said that the measures, aimed at addressing what he said is the "open, unabating, and illegal" actions by China's Coast.....»»
7 nanlaban drug suspects dead after Baste Duterte declares drug war
Less than a week after Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte declared a "war on drugs" in the city, at least seven drug suspects were killed during a buy-bust operation in the city — violence that highlights the seriousness of the mayor's recent threat of outright killing persons caught using illegal drugs......»»
Philippines logs 40 pertussis deaths this year
MANILA, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Forty children have died of whopping cough, a respiratory infection also called pertussis, since this year, the Philippines' Department of Health (DOH) has reported. The DOH said in a statement on Wednesday that cases have continued to increase since the start of this year, recording 568 cases from Jan. 1 to March 16. "The total number of cases for the same period in 2023 was.....»»
D.C.Plinado Campaign pushed
DAVAO City Councilor Bai Hundra Cassandra Dominique N. Advincula urged Dabawenyos to continue embodying the "culture of discipline", as a legacy, and to be conscious of turning it into the key for the city's growth......»»
Danao City ‘gun maker’ nabbed in raid
CEBU CITY, Philippines – A 39-year-old man, who was accused of the illegal manufacture of guns, was arrested in a raid in his residence in Sitio Sapangdako, Barangay Matija, Danao City in northern Cebu, Tuesday dawn, March 26. In a report, the Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) said that the raid was based on a.....»»