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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......»»
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......»»
Probe into AI-enhanced posters ads urged
Election candidates trying to impress voters by using artificial intelligence could be a form of dishonest campaigning, Senator Francis Tolentino stressed on Saturday. “The issue of using artificial intelligence in the election campaign and propaganda materials and requested further study for future policy formulation as apps that change facial impressions of individuals proliferate that may violate the principle of truthfulness,” the senator lamented. Tolentino believes that using AI in campaign paraphernalia should be covered by the Commission on Elections. He said he looks forward to Comelec policy “regarding the use of AI in producing campaign and software materials for the elections, especially on the question of what picture must be allowed: The candidate’s looks at present or the looks the voters wanted to see.” The senator then cited the Department of National Defense memorandum, which was made public on Friday, prohibiting its employees and military personnel from using AI image generator applications. In his order, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr warned that AI-powered applications seemed “harmless and amusing” but could be “maliciously used” to create fake profiles that can lead to identity theft, social media engineering, phishing attacks, and other erring activities which compromise someone’s personal data. The post Probe into AI-enhanced posters ads urged appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Solon wants Comelec to look into AI-enhanced campaign materials
Election candidates trying to impress voters by using artificial intelligence could be a form of dishonest campaigning, Senator Francis Tolentino stressed on Saturday. The senator lamented, “The issue of using artificial intelligence in the election campaign and propaganda materials and requested further study for future policy formulation as apps that change facial impressions of individuals proliferate that may violate the principle of truthfulness.” Tolentino believes that using AI in campaign paraphernalia should be covered by the Commission on Elections. He said he looks forward to Comelec policy "regarding the use of AI in producing campaign and software materials for the elections, especially on the question of what picture must be allowed: the candidate looks at present or the looks the voters wanted to see.” The senator then cited the Department of National Defense memorandum, which was made public on Friday, prohibiting its employees and military personnel from using AI image generator applications. In his order, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr warned that AI-powered applications seemed “harmless and amusing” but could be “maliciously used” to create fake profiles that can lead to identity theft, social media engineering, phishing attacks, and other erring activities which compromise someone’s personal data. Comelec Commissioner Rey Bulay backed Tolentino’s suggestion, but he noted that the green light to impose the AI restrictions in the coverage of campaign materials will still be up to the consensus of the poll body’s chairperson and other commissioners. Bulay added that those guidelines and policies on the use of AI in producing election materials, whether printed or digital in form, could be put in place for the 2025 mid-term elections. He emphasized that AI usage might fall under the election guidelines on "misrepresentation" but also stressed that he doesn't "want to preempt my chairman and fellow commissioners.” “Pero napakaganda po ng iyong sinabi Pwede pong humabol yon sa 2025 (It can be timed in 2025),” Bulay told Tolentino. “The concept of misrepresentation is also included in the principle of truth in advertising…something along this line,” he added. The post Solon wants Comelec to look into AI-enhanced campaign materials appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DILG backing Comelec’s no-proc plan
Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos on Friday backed a plan of the Commission on Elections to suspend the proclamation of Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, or BSKE, candidates who will win in the upcoming elections due to campaign violations. Abalos made the statement in response to reports that candidates were knowingly engaging in illegal campaigning, vote-buying, using oversized campaign posters outside of designated common poster areas, using online fund transfers, and offering various forms of assistance to voters. “The Comelec has previously warned that even if a candidate wins by a large margin, he may not be declared the winner until the complaint lodged against him has been adjudicated,” Abalos said. The post DILG backing Comelec’s no-proc plan appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
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......»»
Comelec begins filing disqualification cases vs BSKE bets
The Commission on Elections began filing disqualification cases yesterday against candidates in the Oct. 30 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections accused of engaging in premature campaigning......»»
35 BSKE candidates slapped with DQ petition for premature campaigning
The Commission on Elections Task Force “Anti-Epal” on Friday filed disqualification petitions against 35 candidates in Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections due to premature campaigning. In a media interview, Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said the decision to disqualify erring candidates will be released before the election day on 30 October. Laudiangco stressed that Comelec is “serious in enforcing all measures” to secure orderly and fair elections nationwide. "Hindi po nagbibiro ang Comelec sa pagpapatupad ng election laws. This is the start,” Laudiangco warned. “Makakaasa po kayo na next week, marami pa pong masasampahan ng kaso,” he added. The Comelec previously said about 199 possible disqualification charges may be filed against misbehaving election candidates. The poll body also noted that the monitoring for other possible violations will continue during the campaign period from 19 to 28 October. Laudiangco noted that Comelec is adamant not only to disqualify candidates “but also put them in prison if found liable for criminal or election offense charges.” The Comelec vowed to a whole-of-government approach for the BSK elections. This came as the poll body signed an agreement with the Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to intensify the campaign against vote buying, and vote selling, as well as expanding the poll monitoring efforts in all areas nationwide. It is also set to sign a memorandum of agreement with the Public Attorney’s Office on 2 October. The Comelec said it working closely with the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Department of Education, among others, for a safe, peaceful, and credible Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections this year. The post 35 BSKE candidates slapped with DQ petition for premature campaigning appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Comelec set to file DQ cases vs BSKE bets
The Commission on Elections has issued show-cause orders to over 1,200 candidates in the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections who allegedly engaged in premature campaigning......»»
EDITORIAL - Premature, unfair campaigning
As of Sept. 14, the Commission on Elections had ordered 626 candidates in the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls to explain activities that constitute premature campaigning. The campaign period for the BSKE starts only on Oct. 19. The 626 candidates have three days to explain their activities before they face disqualification proceedings, according to the Comelec......»»
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: ‘Anything of value’ given to BSKE voters is ground for disqualification
The Commission on Elections on Thursday again reminded candidates for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections that anything of value they or their supporters give to voters is a ground for disqualification. At the regular Laging Handa press briefing of Malacañang, COMELEC spokesperson Atty. John Rex Laudiangco said BSKE candidates are limited only to giving approved campaign materials under the Omnibus Election Code. "Malinaw po kung ano lamang ang pinahihintulutang campaign or election propaganda – ito po iyong leaflets or flyers na hindi dapat lalaki sa 8 1/2 by 14 inches; ang atin pong posters or tarpaulins na hindi dapat lalaki sa 2 feet by 3 feet; at iyong banners po, iyong streamers na hindi dapat lumaki sa 3 feet by 8 feet," Laudiangco explained. "Any other kind of campaign paraphernalia like t-shirts, ball caps, baller bands at iba pa ay maaaring pumasok doon sa sinasabi ng Section 2618 ng Omnibus Election Code, iyong pamimigay ng anumang bagay na may halaga, anything of value. Iyan po kasi ay maaaring ma-consider dahil may halaga po ito, maaaring ma-consider na isang pamamaraan po ng pamimili ng boto," he added. Even if candidates claim that such items were only given by supporters, that is still in violation of Section 2618 of the Election Code, according to the Comelec officials. He said they came out with an advisory about this issue last September 4, reiterating what is only mandated and allowed by Section 2618. "Lumalabas po na lahat nang hindi nabanggit sa batas ay hindi pupuwede, at kapag ito ay may halaga, maaari po itong maging vote-buying or vote-selling na elemento. Ngayon, kahit po supporter, hindi lamang kandidato ang maaaring may liability pagdating sa premature campaigning, paglabag sa campaign materials, paglabag sa vote-buying or vote-selling law." "Paalala po sa lahat ng kandidato: Ang maaari ninyo lamang pong gastusin sa inyong pangangampanya ay hindi lalampas ng limang piso kada registered voter sa inyong barangay. So para hindi kayo mahirapan po, ang bilang ng total number of registered voters po ninyo times five pesos – barangay lamang po ha, sa inyong barangay lamang – ay iyon po ang maximum spending cap limit po ninyo," Laudiangco further warned. Penalties for these offenses range from six years' imprisonment to forfeiture of the right to suffrage and the biggest penalty of perpetual disqualification to hold public office, he said. The post COMELEC: ‘Anything of value’ given to BSKE voters is ground for disqualification appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Comelec warns vs premature campaigning in barangay, SK polls
The Commission on Elections yesterday repeated its warning to all candidates in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections to refrain from premature campaigning. The warning was aired by Comelec spokesperson Atty. John Rex Laudiangco during the Laging Handa press forum yesterday. Ladiangco said once the certificate of candidacy is filed, the person is already a candidate and all the prohibitions will apply, particularly those on premature campaigning. All tarpaulins or posters of a candidate, even without the “vote” exhortation, are not allowed and will be taken down, while the candidate may face sanctions. Ladiangco said that based on the 2004 Supreme Court decision Chavez versus Comelec, posters with a picture or face of the candidate, caricature, resemblance and name but with no "vote" printed is still an indirect solicitation of votes and is considered prohibited. Laudiangco also mentioned another SC ruling in the case of a subject who conducted a motorcade when he went to the poll body’s office to file his candidacy. At that time, he was not yet a candidate. But when he filed the document, he already became a candidate and thus the motorcade was prohibited because it falls under indirect campaigning under Section 18 of the Omnibus Election Code. The post Comelec warns vs premature campaigning in barangay, SK polls appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
MPD warns of vote buying in BSKE polls
Manila Police District chief P/Brig. Gen. Andrei Dizon has assured city residents of a clean, orderly and peaceful Barangay and Sanggunihang Kabataan Election on October even as he warned against vote-buying by the candidates. In a press conference at the MPD headquarters during a send-off event on MPD BSKE security preparation Saturday morning, Dizon told the DAILY TRIBUNE that among preparations that will be expected by the people are thorough checkpoints that will be implemented by 14 MPD stations. “We will be strict in enforcing Comelec laws like gun ban, several tactics in concealing many kinds of vote buying act and we warn those who are intending to create trouble or even sow terror during this election period, those followers and leaders of candidates not to dare your police” Dizon said. Around 4,000 policemen will be tapped to assist the Commission on Elections just to ensure everything is in place as far as security and peaceful conduct during campaigning and election. Dizon particularly pointed out the gapangan practice of several leaders of candidates. “This will not be allowed and each station commander knows in their covered AoR (areas of responsibility) those who are engaged in that practice and let this be a strong reminder that we will be watching you” Dizon warned. The post MPD warns of vote buying in BSKE polls appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
MPD vows to eradicate vote buying during barangay elections in Manila
A stern warning was issued by Manila Police District (MPD) chief P/BGen Andrei Dizon, assuring Manila residents of a clean, orderly, and peaceful Barangay and Sanggunihang Kabataan Election (BSKE) in October. In a press conference held at MPD headquarters during the "Send-off Event on MPD BSKE Security Preparation" on Saturday morning, Dizon stated that one of the expected preparations would be the implementation of thorough checkpoints by 14 MPD stations. “We will be strict in enforcing COMELEC laws like gun ban, several tactics in concealing many kinds of vote buying act, and we warned those who are intending to create trouble or even sow terror during this election period, those followers and leaders of candidates not to dare your police,” Dizon said. Around 4,000 MPD police will assist the Commission on Elections to ensure security and peaceful conduct during campaigning and elections. Dizon pointed out the "gapangan" practice by candidates' leaders. They do wholesale vote buying the night before the election, offering large sums of money to heads of families with many voters for their sweeping votes. “This will not be allowed and each station commander knows in their covered AOR (areas of responsibility) those who are engaged in that practice and let this be a stern reminder that we will be watching you,” Dizon warned. According to Atty. Juvil S. Surmieda of COMELEC-NCR, the upcoming BSKE will implement new measures to combat vote buying. These measures will include identifying and punishing online money transfers such as GCash, Smart Padala, and Palawan Express with criminal charges and disqualification. “Talagang mahigpit na ipapatupad ang patas na eleksyon itong BSKE dahil alam natin marubdob ang mga tao sa eleksyon pambarangayan” Surmieda reminded. The post MPD vows to eradicate vote buying during barangay elections in Manila appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
COMELEC chair issues warning against premature campaigning
Commission on Elections chairperson George Garcia on Sunday warned would-be candidates for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on 30 October 30 about engaging in premature campaigning. During a radio interview on DZBB, Garcia said that since it is not yet the official campaign period, any actions taken by potential candidates could result in legal action. He also urged voters to report any BSKE candidates who begin campaigning prior to the start of the official campaign period on 19 October. According to Garcia, the filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) for the 2023 BSKE will be from 28 August to 2 September, while the campaign period will run from 19 to 28 October. "Currently, the COMELEC has no power. They should wait for August 28 and when someone files a case before us. Do you want to have disqualification cases or face a criminal case with up to six years in prison?" Garcia said. "Let’s monitor the situation on our own. File a complaint to us at the COMELEC," Garcia added, urging citizens to help the commission rid of irregularities during election periods. Garcia earlier said that COMELEC's efforts to combat premature campaigning also involve the possibility of a "warrantless arrest" for individuals caught participating in vote-buying or vote-selling. According to the COMELEC chair, those who will file their COCs will be considered candidates for the BSKE set on 30 October. Thus, Section 80 of the Omnibus Election Code, which pertains to premature campaigning, will already be applicable to them. Section 80 of the Omnibus Election Code states that “it shall be unlawful for any person, whether or not a voter or candidate, or for any party, or association of persons, to engage in an election campaign or partisan political activity except during the campaign period.” Garcia urged Filipinos not to vote for candidates who violate the law. "Why would you vote for people who do not obey the law? If they are no longer following the law even if they’re just candidates, what more when they’re elected? They will only violate our laws and what will happen to our nation then?" Garcia asked. Garcia said people could document evidence against those who will do premature campaigning in their respective areas, and forward them to local COMELEC offices. He also stressed that complainants should testify to prove their claims. The post COMELEC chair issues warning against premature campaigning appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Comelec to issue rules on safe campaigning
The Commission on Elections is set to issue guidelines on how to safely conduct campaign activities for the 2022 national and local elections, making the lines of accountability clear to candidates......»»
Ban on face-to-face campaign favors rich candidates–solon
Prohibiting face-to-face election campaigns will only benefit the rich and famous and disenfranchise poor candidates and voters, a House lawmaker warned on Wednesday. Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate called on the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to reconsider its suggestion of banning face-to-face campaigning for the national and local elections in 2022 to prevent the spread […] The post Ban on face-to-face campaign favors rich candidates–solon appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Comelec eyes limit in physical campaigning in 2022
Not seeing an immediate end to the pandemic, the Commission on Elections is moving to regulate physical campaigning in the May 2022 elections to reduce the risk of voters and candidates contracting COVID-19......»»
CrisisMas
BY: MR. TAGULIPDAN Some of our local officials on the island are reportedly declaring a Christmas ceasefire, seemingly relieved after the recent elections. Early Christmas caroling was observed among the candidates as gift-giving became widespread. Potential candidates for congressional, gubernatorial, and other positions seemed to have emptied their pockets due to the generosity. Imagine, if […] The post CrisisMas appeared first on Bicol Peryodiko......»»