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An Waray seeks reversal of Comelec decision on partylist cancellation
Regional partylist group An Waray filed a motion for reconsideration challenging the Commission on Elections Second Division’s cancellation of their partylist registration over a questioned assumption of a seat by one of their former nominee way back in 2013. Filed on Monday but was only revealed to the media by Comelec the following day, An Waray is seeking a reversal of the poll body’s decision last Friday, arguing that the partylist gained two seats during the 2013 midterm elections. This, according to An Waray, made the assumption of then-nominee Atty. Victoria Isabel Noel as one of their representatives in Congress legal. To recall, Noel was the then-third nominee during the 2013 midterm elections when An Waray won with 541,205 votes and garnered two seats. However, the resignation of then-second nominee Jude Acidre elevated Noel as the new second nominee, behind then-first nominee Neil Benedict Montejo. However, a recomputation by the National Board of Canvassers, the cancellation of registration of 11 partylists, and the proclamation of Abang Lingkod Partylist as a winner in that year’s polls after a Supreme Court battle led to An-Waray garnering only one seat in Congress, effectively allowing only Montejo and excluding Noel. The partylist also cited the recent decisions on Erwin Tulfo’s assumption of House seat as representative of Anti-Crime and Terrorism Community Involvement and Support, arguing that the proclamation was made for the partylist and not for individual nominees like Noel. An-Waray also said that the two seats were granted in accordance with NBOC Resolution No. 0008-13, which canceled the registration of 11 partylists after the 2013 midterm elections. “The respondents disagree and submit that a separate proclamation of a specific nominee is not material nor required for the said nominee to take an oath and assume the office of Member of the House of Representatives,” the motion reads. Arguing that Noel’s assumption of the House seat is legal, An-Waray said that the jurisdiction on such matters should go to the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal or HRET. The petition against Noel’s assumption of the House seat was filed in 2019 by Acidre and Danilo Pornias. Acidre currently represents Tingog Sinirangan Partylist, a Waray-based partylist similar to An Waray, in the House of Representatives. An Waray also has a representative in the Lower House through Congressman Florencio “Bem” Noel. Comelec previously said that the HRET shall have the decision on the issue, using the poll body’s decision as the basis for their actions. The post An Waray seeks reversal of Comelec decision on partylist cancellation appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
An Waray to counter Comelec decision
The An Waray Partylist will counter the decision of the Commission on Elections to revoke its registration for violating the rules and regulations of the poll body by allowing the group’s then-second nominee to sit as a member of the House of Representatives despite having only one seat in the 16th Congress. An Waray Rep. Florencio Noel told the Daily Tribune that they would exhaust all legal measures and including filing a Motion for Reconsideration within the five-day reglementary period given by the Comelec, which began on Friday, to stave off the ruling from becoming final and executory. The plea was triggered by the Comelec’s cancellation of the group’s registration after it found that the An Waray former representative, lawyer Isabel Noel, sister of the incumbent solon of the partylist, committed an offense when she assumed the post of a lawmaker in the 16th Congress, “knowing ‘full well’ that the Comelec has not issued a certificate of proclamation entitling her to do so,” said the poll body on Friday. “Without a Certificate of Proclamation for its second nominee, An Waray was entitled to one seat only in relation to the 2013 National and Local Elections, thus Atty. Noel’s assumption to office as Representative of An Waray had no legal basis,” the Comelec added. The poll body’s declaration followed a 15-page resolution that granted Jude Acidre and Danilo Pornias’ plea filed in 2019 to void An Waray’s accreditation as a partylist, barring it from further participation in the House. To recall, An Waray, in the 2013 polls, was initially entitled to two seats in the lower chamber after being proclaimed as one of the winners of the partylist race but was subsequently recomputed to be one seat only pursuant to National Board of Canvassers Resolution No. 13-030(PL)/004-14 issued on 20 August 2014. “The recomputation of seats was made following the Supreme Court’s order, in Abang Lingkod Party List vs. Comelec, to proclaim Abang Lingkod party-list as one of the winning party-list groups in the 2013 National and Local Elections with the number of seats it may be entitled to, and in view of the then-pendency of the case of Senior Citizens party-list before the Supreme Court,” it said. Further, the polling organization noted that the 28 May 2013, NBC Resolution 0008-13, which An Waray solely relied on, expressly stated that the initial allocation of seats initially allocated is “without prejudice to the proclamation of other parties, organizations, or coalitions which may later on be established to be entitled to one guaranteed seat and/or additional seat.” Thus, Comelec explained that An Waray “clearly” violated Republic Act 7941 or the Party-List System Act, “by arrogating upon itself the authority” to have the lawyer sit in the 16th Congress without legal basis. Comelec spokesperson Rex Laudiangco on Friday noted that the lower chamber has the jurisdiction to expel any member who fails to continually possess all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications. The post An Waray to counter Comelec decision appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Comelec revokes An-Waray partylist registration
The Commission on Elections Second Division on Friday cancelled the party-list registration of regional party-list group An Waray over a violation of Section 6 (5) of Republic Act Number 7941 or the "Partylist System Act." The cancellation stemmed from the assumption of another seat in the House of Representatives in 2013 by Attorney Victoria Isabel Noel, despite the partylist having been allowed only one seat, which was challenged in 2019 by two petitioners including Jude Acidre, former nominee of An Waray. Noel was the then-third nominee during the 2013 midterm elections when An Waray won with 541,205 votes and garnered two seats. At the time, the first and second nominees were Neil Benedict Montejo and Acidre, respectively. But the latter resigned from the party, effectively elevating Noel as second nominee. However, a recomputation by the National Board of Canvassers, the cancellation of registration of 11 partylists and the proclamation of Abang Lingkod Partylist as a winner in that year’s polls after a Supreme Court battle led to An-Waray garnering only one seat in Congress, effectively allowing only Montejo and excluding Noel. The petitioners said that Noel, citing NBOC Resolution No. 0008-13 which cancelled the registration of 11 partylists, took her oath on July 2013 and that she held that position without any intervention. The COMELEC said that NBOC Resolution No. 0008-13 was superseded by NBOC Resolution No. 13-030(PL)/0004-14, the resolution that prompted the recomputation of An Waray’s seats in the Lower House from two to one. “Pursuant to the foregoing, the Commission En Banc sitting as the NBOC did not issue a Certificate of Proclamation to An Waray, entitling its second nominee, Atty. Victoria Isabel Noel, to sit as representative in the House of Representatives in relation to the 13 May 2013 National and Local Elections,” the decision read. In a message to reporters, COMELEC spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said that the decision is yet to become final and executory. However, upon reaching finality, the poll body will then notify the House of Representatives and their electoral tribunal for their decision, particularly as the 19th Congress currently has a member of An Waray through Representative Florencio Gabriel Noel. “Both the House and the HRET may use as basis the COMELEC's resolution and factual findings on the matter,” Laudiangco said. “We have to remember that An Waray's nominee is a sitting member of the HOR, and we have to clearly define the bounds of jurisdictions between the COMELEC, the HOR and the HRET,” he added. The post Comelec revokes An-Waray partylist registration appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Comelec to adhere SC’s status quo order on Rosal
The Commission on Elections on Thursday said that it will comply with the Supreme Court’s Status Quo Ante Order decision that effectively reinstates Carmen Rosal as mayor of Legazpi City, Albay a day after the poll body certified her disqualification as “final and executory.” “The Commission on Elections, through the Clerk of the Commission, received from the Supreme Court its Status Quo Ante Order in the Carmen Rosal Disqualification Case. As we have consistently committed, the Commission on Elections will abide by and comply with any order, ruling or directive of the Highest Court of our Land,” Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said. Comelec’s statements come as the Supreme Court acted on the two petitions for certiorari under Rule 65 in relation to Rule 64 of the Rules of Court assailing the Comelec resolutions that disqualified Rosal as candidate for mayor of Legazpi City, Albay in the 2022 polls. The assailed resolutions — dated 4 October 2022 and 4 May 2023 in SPA 22-032 (DC) — directed the Special City Board of Canvassers of Legazpi City to proclaim second placer Alfredo A. Garbin Jr. as the duly-elected mayor of Legazpi City. The SC en banc — in its Status Quo Ante Order dated 11 May 2023 given by authority of Acting Chief Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen, upon the written recommendation of the Member-in-Charge — deemed it necessary and proper to consolidate the two petitions docketed as G.R. 266775 (Oscar Robert H. Cristobal v. Comelec, Alfredo A. Garbin, Jr., Joseph San Agustin Armogila, and Carmen Geraldine Rosal) and G.R. 266796 (Carmen Geraldine Rosal v. Comelec, Joseph San Agustin Armogila, Alfredo A. Garbin Jr. and Oscar Robert H. Cristobal); require respondents Comelec, Garbin, Armogila, Rosal, and Cristobal to file a consolidated comment within 10 days from notice; and issue a status quo ante order requiring the parties to observe the status quo prevailing before the issuance of the Comelec resolutions. Armogila and Rosal were candidates for councilor and mayor of Legazpi, respectively, in the 2022 national and local elections. Armogila filed a petition for disqualification against Rosal before the Comelec on the grounds of vote buying under Section 68(a) of the Omnibus Election Code and violation of the prohibition on release, disbursement, and expenditure of public funds under Section 261(v) of the same law. A ’status quo ante order’ calls for a return to previous affairs, which effectively sets aside the poll body’s decision to disqualify Rosal over violation of Section 68(a) of the Omnibus Election Code, or on ‘giving money to influence, induce and corrupt the voters.’ Rosal announced on Wednesday that he filed a petition before the Supreme Court to stop the poll body’s execution of their decision to disqualify her. In a press conference, she questioned Comelec on their ruling which said that she violated a provision on the Omnibus Election Code on ‘calling the decision ‘arbitrary.’ Her husband, disqualified Albay Governor Noel Rosal, insisted that the act in question – the cash assistance payout to tricycle drivers – was not vote buying as it was part of the ‘ayuda’ mandated in Bayanihan 1. The post Comelec to adhere SC’s status quo order on Rosal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Rosal disqualification final, says Comelec
The Commission on Elections on Wednesday certified their 4 May decision to disqualify Carmen Rosal as mayor of Legazpi City, Albay over ‘giving money to influence, induce or corrupt the voters’ as ‘final and executory.’” This comes as no temporary restraining orders were issued by the Supreme Court in the last five days, which would have directed the stoppage of the implementation of the disqualification. The certification was issued by the poll body despite Rosal’s declaration that she filed a petition for the Supreme Court to issue a TRO on the said ruling earlier in the day. In the same document, Comelec ordered the six members of the special board of canvassers in Legazpi City, Albay to declare ex-Ako Bicol representative Alfredo Garbin Jr. as the city’s new mayor ‘within ten days’ after the certification of the decision as final. To recall, Garbin was behind Rosal in last year’s mayoral race in Legazpi City with a slim margin of only 550 votes between the two candidates. In a message to Daily Tribune, Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said that certification will still push through as no TROs were issued. “Per our conversation with the Clerk, there were no TRO issuances and we haven’t received any from the Supreme Court. It’s not automatic that the SC will issue a TRO after filing. It’s SC’s full discretion and authority whether or not they’ll issue a TRO,” Laudiangco said. He also cited an election provision which states that such decisions ‘shall become final and executory after the lapse of five days from their promulgation, unless restrained by the Supreme Court. In a Viber message, Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia said that the writ of execution will be issued on Thursday. Meantime, Rosal led a press conference at the Manila Yacht Club before noon on Wednesday where she announced that she filed a petition for the issuance of a TRO before the High Court. She argued that the decision to declare her election offense as Section 68(a) of the Omnibus Election Code was arbitrary. Previously, a decision by the Comelec Second Division October last year stated that she violated Section 261(v) of the OEC, referring to violation of public spending during the election period, with the act in question being the two-day cash assistance payout for tricycle drivers. However, in a Commission En Banc decision on 4 May which affirmed the previous decision to disqualify her, the poll body said that Rosal is not liable under Section 261(v) as she was not a public official at the time. “I reiterate, how can I be disqualified by the Comelec En Banc for vote buying when this was dismissed by the Comelec Division and such issue was not brought up to the Commission En Banc?” Rosal said. Rosal filed the petition before the SC through Attorney Romulo Macalintal. Also present during the press conference was Carmen’s husband, disqualified former Albay governor Noel Rosal, whose situation was similar to hers when he was slapped with a decision to relinquish his position over the same financial aid distribution to tricycle drivers. The petitions filed against Carmen and Noel Rosal, in this case, were both filed by Joseph Armogila. Former governor Rosal insisted that the cash payout for tricycle drivers were part of the country’s then economic assistance program amid the Covid-19 Pandemic dubbed “Bayanihan 1.” Speaking to Daily Tribune, the former governor suspected someone else behind the petitions that led to their disqualifications. “It’s not Armogila. Someone’s behind it. If it’s just him, the case would have been dismissed earlier,” Noel Rosal said. The post Rosal disqualification final, says Comelec appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Baltimore bridge accident: Freighter pilot called for tugboat help before plowing into bridge
BALTIMORE — The pilot of the cargo freighter had radioed for tugboat help and reported a power loss minutes before the Baltimore bridge accident, federal safety officials said on Wednesday, citing audio from the ship’s “black box” data recorder. The head of the National Transportation Safety Board also said that Francis Scott Key Bridge, a.....»»
DOT seeks inclusion in protected areas board amid Chocolate Hills issue
Department of Tourism Sec. Christina Frasco —INQUIRER.net file photo / Ryan Leagogo After the recent controversy surrounding a resort development near Chocolate Hills in Sagbayan town, Bohol, the Department of Tourism (DOT) announced plans to advocate for its inclusion in the national government’s Protected Area Management Board (PAMB). Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco stated during a.....»»
Comelec gains troops, resources for BSKE
The Commission on Elections on Monday has received additional personnel and resources from the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard and the Department of Education ahead of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections slated on 30 October. The ceremonial turnover was held in Camp Crame, Quezon City where over a thousand PNP, AFP and PCG contingents who will be deployed for the conduct of security operations and DepEd personnel who will facilitate the voting were physically present while the others attended virtually. The PNP is set to deploy over 187,000 personnel during the BSKE while the AFP will field more than 117,000 troops and the PCG with over 30,000 personnel. DepEd, on the other hand, said 494,662 personnel will serve as board of election inspectors. The PNP, AFP, PCG as well as the DepEd all committed to the Comelec their full support to ensure a safe, peaceful and clean BSKE 2023. Meantime, the PNP reminded their men to be extra wary on the happenings on the ground to thwart any possible threats in relation to the elections. “To all the personnel who will be deployed to guarantee the success of the BSKE, I offer my heartfelt guidance and support. Your devotion to this duty is vital, but it must be matched with the same level of care and responsibility for yourselves,” said PNP chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. “Prioritize your well-being, both physically and mentally. We are at our strongest when we care for ourselves and each other. By safeguarding your health, you enhance your ability to fulfill your duties effectively,” he added. The DepEd also appealed to the PNP and AFP to ensure their security considering incidents in the past where teachers experienced harassment and intimidation by some groups especially on the election day. The post Comelec gains troops, resources for BSKE appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Comelec OKs request to transfer ‘incompetent’ PhilHealth officials
A memorandum that details the transfer states that the PhilHealth board has expressed its "loss of confidence" in the seven executive committee members due to their "observed incompetence, gross negligence, and ineffective leadership.".....»»
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......»»
Sara assures poll teachers’safety
Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte has assured the safety of teachers serving in the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections. This after the Department of Education, the Commission on Elections, and the Public Attorney’s Office signed a memorandum of agreement Monday afternoon. “We hope that teachers who will serve in the elections will be protected from harassment, intimidation, and other forms of threats to their lives,” Duterte said. The agreement will provide a system to ensure teachers serving as members of the Electoral Board and other DepEd personnel involved in the electoral process will receive legal assistance. Anchored on the desire to fully implement the provisions of Republic Act 10756 or the Election Service Reform Act, the memorandum of agreement was signed by Duterte, Comelec chair George Erwin Garcia, and PAO chief Persida Acosta at the Comelec office in Palacio del Gobernador in Intramuros. Teachers tasked to serve during the elections expose themselves and their families to the dangers of being intimidated, harassed, or even killed, as violence often flares up between warring politicians. Despite these, teachers continue to serve in the elections out of their commitment, courage, and love of the country, Duterte said. “This is purely because of their love of country,” she said. The Vice President emphasized the important role of teachers in the successful conduct of the elections, calling them the frontline government representatives who will ensure the smooth flow of the election process. “We owe them our gratitude, assistance, protection, and legal support,” she said. Duterte also called on the Comelec to release the allowances of teachers serving in the elections on time. Duterte was grateful to the Comelec and PAO for the initiative that showed their concern for the safety and welfare of teachers. The post Sara assures poll teachers’safety appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
2 suspects collared for robbery, gun ban violation
Two suspects were nabbed for alleged robbery and for violating the Comelec gun ban in Pasig City Thursday morning. The suspects were identified as alias Adrian, 29; and alias Rusty, 30; both residents of Antipolo City in Rizal province. Initial investigation disclosed that the victims–alias Justin, 22, hair stylist; and alias Juan, 35, make-up artist — were waiting for a ride along Cruzada corner Pasco Avenue in Barangay Santolan when the suspects suddenly appeared on board a pink Yamaha motorcycle, armed with a handgun and kitchen knife declared hold-up. At that instance, the suspects forcibly took the victims’ belongings: one-unit INFINIX cellular phone and one wallet containing cash money amounting P5,000. The suspects immediately fled towards Mejico Street of the same barangay wherein they spotted another victim identified as alias Jeffrey, 34, senior recruitment coordinator, who was then waiting for a ride. At this juncture, the back rider suspect pointed a knife at the victim and took his one-unit Cherry Mobile phone and later sped off in unknown directions. The victims sought assistance from Manggahan Police Sub-Station 8, together with barangay security force, immediately conducted manhunt operation which resulted to the arrest of the suspects. Recovered from their possessions were one unit Armscor caliber .38 revolver, one kitchen knife and the stolen cellular phones. The suspects were brought to the Station Investigation and Detective Management Section for documentation and filing of appropriate charges. The post 2 suspects collared for robbery, gun ban violation appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DA wants new agrarian law IRR hastened
Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III, over the weekend, ordered the committee tasked with the formulation of the Implementing Rules and Regulations, of Republic Act 11953, or the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, to proceed with dispatch in the crafting of the IRR. In his remarks at the first joint meeting of the committee, Estrella reiterated the need for a comprehensive IRR for the law’s smooth implementation and within the 60-day deadline provided for, after its effectivity on 23 July 2023. The secretary also directed the committee and the technical working group to conduct public consultations in key agrarian reform communities in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, for their input with regard to the IRR. The condonation of the debt burden of agrarian reform beneficiaries will cost P57.57 billion and benefit 610,054 agrarian reform beneficiaries, covering 1,173,101.57 hectares of agrarian reform lands. The government will also shoulder the balance of the obligations of 10,201 ARBS, tilling 11,531.24 hectares of agrarian reform lands, under the voluntary land transfer/direct payment scheme, amounting to P206,776.41. The seven-man committee is headed by Napoleon U. Galit, DAR Undersecretary for Legal Affairs as chairman; Engr. Alex Lorayes, LandBank Executive Vice President as Vice Chairman and Atty. Marilyn B. Barua-Yap, DAR Undersecretary for Special Concerns and External Affairs and Community Operations, Engr. Eduardo G. Guillen, NIA Acting Administrator, Atty. Gerardo P. Sirios, LRA Administrator, Atty. Marife O. Pascua, LandBank vice-president and Atty. Luis Meinrado C. Pangulayan, DAR Undersecretary for Policy Planning and Research, as members. The technical working group is composed of Dr. Fermin D. Adriano of the Kapatid Angat Lahat Program and Foundation for Economic Freedom, Atty. Christian S. Monsod, former Comelec Chair and Legal Counsel for various farmers groups, Leonardo Q. Montemayor, president of the Federation of Free Farmers Cooperatives, Margarito B. Teves, former Finance Secretary and board member, Foundation for Economic Freedom, Engr. Rosendo So of Samahang Industriya sa Agrikultura, Atty. Kazel G. Celeste, DAR Undersecretary for Field Operations, Marjorie P. Ayson, DAR Assistant Secretary for Field Operations, Atty. Rolando S. Cua, board member III, DAR Adjudication Board, Atty. Sheila B. Enciso, DAR Region 6 Director, Jamil P. Amatonding, Director, DAR Policy and Research Service, and Lilibeth G. Lee, Director, DAR Bureau of Land Tenure Improvement. The committee was created by virtue of a memorandum from the Office of the President issued by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, on August 3, 2023, and DAR Special Order 508, pursuant to Section 12 of Republic Act 11953, on 7 August 2023. The post DA wants new agrarian law IRR hastened appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Estrella accelerates formulation of IRR of New Agrarian Emancipation Act
Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III over the weekend ordered the committee tasked with the formulation of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 11953, or the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, to proceed with dispatch in the crafting of the IRR. In his remarks at the first joint meeting of the committee, Estrella reiterated the need for a comprehensive IRR for the law’s smooth implementation within the 60-day deadline provided for, after its effectivity on 23 July 2023. The Secretary also directed the committee and the technical working group to conduct public consultations in key agrarian reform communities in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao for their input with regard to the IRR. The condonation of the debt burden of agrarian reform beneficiaries will cost P57.57-billion and benefit 610,054 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), covering 1,173,101.57 hectares of agrarian reform lands. The government will also shoulder the balance of the obligations of 10,201 ARBS, tilling 11,531.24 hectares of agrarian reform lands, under the voluntary land transfer/direct payment scheme (VLT/DPS), amounting to P206,776.41. The seven-man committee is headed by Napoleon U. Galit, DAR undersecretary for legal affairs as chairman; Engr. Alex Lorayes, LandBank executive vice-president as vice-chairman; and Atty. Marilyn B. Barua-Yap, DAR undersecretary for special concerns and external affairs and community operations; Engr. Eduardo G. Guillen, NIA acting administrator; Atty. Gerardo P. Sirios, LRA administrator; Atty. Marife O. Pascua, LandBank vice-president; and Atty. Luis Meinrado C. Pangulayan, DAR undersecretary for policy planning and research, as members. The technical working group is composed of Dr. Fermin D. Adriano of the Kapatid Angat Lahat Program and Foundation for Economic Freedom; Atty. Christian S. Monsod, former Comelec chair and legal counsel for various farmers groups; Leonardo Q. Montemayor, president of the Federation of Free Farmers Cooperatives; Margarito B. Teves, former Finance secretary and board member of Foundation for Economic Freedom; Engr. Rosendo So of Samahang Industriya sa Agrikultura; Atty. Kazel G. Celeste, DAR undersecretary for field operations; Marjorie P. Ayson, DAR assistant secretary for field operations; Atty. Rolando S. Cua, board member III, DAR adjudication board; Atty. Sheila B. Enciso, DAR Region 6 director; Jamil P. Amatonding, director, DAR policy and research service; and Lilibeth G. Lee, director, DAR Bureau of Land Tenure Improvement. The committee was created by virtue of a memorandum from the Office of the President issued by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin on 3 August 2023, and DAR Special Order No. 508, pursuant to Section 12 of Republic Act No. 11953, on 7 August 2023. The post Estrella accelerates formulation of IRR of New Agrarian Emancipation Act appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Comelec hands off on voter registration fraud
The Election Registration Board not the Commission on Elections, is responsible for handling fraudulent voter registration, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said yesterday......»»
Largesse
It is a French word for extreme generosity. Generosity is a Christian virtue of being liberal in giving. It is a virtue from within a person that leads him to GIVE to another person SOMETHING HE HAS OR OWNS as an act of free will, without obligation, duress, or imposition from without. But Senate Bill 2002 raising wages across the board in all regions for all workers is perceived by a great number of citizens as a contrived largesse or false generosity by legislators who will be GIVING SOMETHING NOT THEIR OWN. This prevailing sentiment may be unfair but difficult to deny due to the author’s dogmatic defense of SB 2002. Employers tirelessly tried to reach out to the author and his partisans to warn them that this kind of “gift” will trigger widespread business closures and disincentivize new investments resulting in massive job losses and economic decline. Such a legislated wage adjustment undermines established processes and standards in determining the equitable determination of wage levels for each region, a tripartism function of the regional wage boards as created by law. Another persistent perception is that these legislators are misinformed, misguided, or simply don’t care a fig. Repeatedly, the employers who directly contribute to the attainment of that elusive dream of growth and total development have been trying with might and main — and a whole lot of good intentions — to convince legislators of the need to look at the bigger picture, the greater common good, and not to miss the forest for a few trees. Probably, the Comelec’s strict rule on election overspending and the difficulty of raising political contributions may have driven the reelection or promotion-seeking legislators to resort to electoral clientelism and patronage politics by filing populist bills that cost them nothing with the hope that the voters will be impressed and remember to shade their names on the ballots during election day. Unfortunately, there is unintended damage to millions of workers, namely, workers in the informal sector, fisherfolk, farmers, street vendors, market vendors, public transport drivers, and countless nameless part-time workers, who never benefit from any mandated wage increase. They will fall victim to the ensuing inflation caused by the wage adjustment. Interestingly, they far exceed the number of beneficiaries of the legislated minimum wage by a ratio of 10 to 1. All of these victims are franchised voters. The ruinous impact of this wage bill will make economic recovery a hopelessly futile exercise. The sad part is that despite the frantic effort of economic managers and businesses to compete globally after the pandemic, a legislated wage hike across the board nationwide is like hanging a dead albatross around our necks. And sadder still is the fact that even if we hope to survive the folly of this self-destructive wage adjustment, it will merely bring the country back to the bottom rank of the world economy as all of our global competitors are unhampered by a similar investment-killing legislative audacity. The ruinous impact of this wage bill will make economic recovery a hopelessly futile exercise. Maybe our honorable lawmakers could be persuaded to recognize the crippling impact of this wage bill that will irreparably harm the present and future generations of employed and new entrants to the labor market. Hopefully, employers, labor and legislators could agree to see the bigger picture, gloss over each one’s selfish and vested self-interest, and champion the common good that serves the best interests of all in the long run, especially for the country’s financial health and economic development. The voluntary withdrawal of SB 2002 by its author will be a real largesse and a most generous gift to the nation and all its workers, and we can move forward towards inclusive economic prosperity where everyone will be lifted out of poverty. The post Largesse appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
COMELEC to hold two elections in 2025
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will hold two elections in 2025 after the Supreme Court (SC) ruled that postponing and rescheduling the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) was unconstitutional, the poll body's chairperson George Erwin Garcia said on Thursday. During the Laging Handa public briefing, Garcia said Comelec needs to speed up its preparations because the midterm elections are also scheduled for May 2025. "Comelec has to prepare double time because we will conduct two elections in 2025: the May 2025 national and local elections which are automated, and the December 2025 barangay and SK elections ordered by the Supreme Court," Garcia said. The Supreme Court declared Republic Act No. 11935, which postponed the BSKE unconstitutional. The Court ruled that the next BSKE will be held on the first Monday of December 2025 and every three years thereafter. The Court found that RA 11935 violated the freedom of suffrage because it did not meet the requirements of the substantive aspect of the due process clause of the Constitution. "The Supreme Court acknowledges the substantial efforts made by COMELEC, the allocation of public funds, and the procurement of necessary equipment for the scheduled October elections. Based on the 'operative fact' doctrine, the elections will take place as planned," Garcia said. Garcia said that the preparations for the upcoming elections will not be affected by the Supreme Court's decision. The polling body's chairperson assured the public that the voter's list, set to be released in August, will be free from inaccuracies. "The updated voter's list, to be released in August, will be accurate and reflective of current registrations. We have diligently removed individuals reported to have passed away, ensuring the integrity of the electoral process," Garcia said. "Through an automated fingerprint and identification system, we have identified and removed around 21,000 cases of double and multiple registrations from the election registration board," he added. With the October 30 elections approaching, Garcia said Comelec is fully dedicated to facilitating a transparent and inclusive electoral process. He assured that Comelec will conduct the upcoming elections are conducted with the highest standards of integrity and fairness. The post COMELEC to hold two elections in 2025 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Internet voting’ could reduce spending – Comelec
The Commission on Elections on Thursday said that they are eyeing reduced spending on logistical costs of overseas voting with the recent approval of overseas Internet voting for the upcoming midterm elections in 2025. In a radio interview, Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said the internet voting scheme for overseas Filipino voters could allow a higher voter turnout while reducing the costs of conducting such elections overseas. Referencing last year’s polls, Laudiangco said that 39 percent of the 1.7 million registered overseas voters cast their votes, despite spending P411 million to ensure that all voters could have one ballot to fill up. Comelec chairman George Erwin Garcia, in a Viber message to reporters, called the said 39-percent turnout ‘dismal’ that needed another mode. “We think that — and because all our ballots are intended for one voter — the problem is that some of them may be far from their post offices or that they may be too lazy to return it. We saw this as a more convenient option as OFWs tend to connect to the internet to call to their families,” Laudiangco said. The Commission En Banc approved the proposal on Wednesday, citing Republic Act Number 9189 or The Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003, amended in Republic Act Number 10590, which allows the poll body to explore other means to conduct voting procedures overseas. Comelec has already been pushing for a newer automated election system through Fully Automated System with Transparency Audit and Count or FASTrAC which, among other things, is eyeing a multiple voter transmission to city and municipal canvassers, central servers, majority and minority party servers, media servers and citizens’ arm servers. However, unlike the local AES which proposes newer ‘automated counting machines’ or ACMs, internet voting could require the use of a software where registered voters could log in using their accounts. “Our voters will be using their cellphones or any other gadgets and will be given a separate account that cannot be imitated. You will be given a distinct and independent log-in quote and you’ll set your password. Registered voters will be given that account. Of course, they should have access to the internet,” Laudiangco said. Laudiangco added that they are working on proposing the needed budget for such measures before the Congress, including protective measures such as a strong firewall, secured anti-hacking mechanisms and protected encryption. “COMELEC should have a strong firewall. Seven million overseas Filipino voters can make or break an election, can sway the votes so there should be a strong firewall, as well as anti-hacking and high-level encryption,” he said. The post ‘Internet voting’ could reduce spending – Comelec appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Comelec: More funds needed for early voting
More funding is needed for the conduct of early voting for vulnerable sectors, healthcare workers and lawyers, the Commission on Elections said on Tuesday in reaction to the passage of House Bill 7576, which seeks early voting for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, lawyers and healthcare workers. In a Viber message to reporters, Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said that an added budget could fund for the use of other voting centers outside schools which could prevent inconvenience among schoolchildren, and for the training and honoraria of additional teachers who will serve as electoral board members. “Comelec respectfully hopes for an adequate allocation of budget for the proper implementation (of early voting) if the bill has become law,” Laudiangco said. Garnering a resounding “Yes” vote in the Lower House on Monday, HB 7576 provides for an early voting schedule for the said sectors, as well as a nationwide registration for people belonging in these sectors. It does not clearly define, however, how “early” the voting should be among the said sectors. Comelec initially lobbied for early voting for vulnerable sectors – senior citizens, PWDs as well as indigenous peoples, although the said House Bill excluded the latter. Laudiangco said that the bill could benefit not just vulnerable sectors, but also workers such as lawyers and healthcare workers who are commonly on duty on polling day. “This will be a big help to the sector so that they could avoid falling in line with most of our kababayans and that they could vote more conveniently and much safer based on their situations,” Comelec Spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said in a message on Viber. However, he proposed that the period of registration within the sector should just be for the “manifestation of intent to avail of early voting,” separating itself from the act of registering as a voter under Republic Act 8189 or the Voters’ Registration Act of 1996. Up on the Senate floor, Senator Mark Villar filed a similar legislation through Senate Bill 1675, or the “Better Voting Accessibility for Seniors, PWDs, Pregnant Women and IPs,” with this one also covering members of indigenous communities. The said bill is currently pending before three committees in the Senate. The post Comelec: More funds needed for early voting appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Comelec: Teachers serving in 2023 Barangay and SK polls to get higher pay
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday said it will increase the allowance of teachers serving as electoral boards in the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). According to Comelec chair George Garcia, electoral board members in the BSKE this year will receive P10,000, P9,000, and P8,000 – higher than the […] The post Comelec: Teachers serving in 2023 Barangay and SK polls to get higher pay appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»