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Comelec cannot conduct Cha-cha plebiscite this year – poll chief
The Commission on Elections cannot conduct a plebiscite for the amendment of the 1987 Constitution this year, according to Comelec Chairman George Garcia......»»
PNP, Comelec sharing polls data
The Philippine National Police sealed a data sharing agreement, or DSA, with the Commission on Elections to ensure the integrity and transparency of the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, or BSKE, on 30 October. In accordance with the provisions of Republic Act 10173, the agreement grants Comelec access to the PNP’s Election Monitoring Systems andsub-systems. The Data Sharing Agreement outlines specific areas of collaboration aimed at bolstering the electoral process. Key components include access to the PNP Personnel Deployment, Surrendered Firearms, Voting Center Assistance, Election Status, Candidates, Partylists, Voting Center, Treasurer’s Office, Unlawful Election Materials, Gun Ban Details, Violations thereof, and other critical data related to the elections. Additionally, the agreement allows access to various sub-systems within the PNP Election Monitoring System, including geo-tagging for vote-buying, a separate sub-system forvote-buying, and another for Task Force Kontra Fake News, following the Comelec’s specifications. By working together, the PNP and the Comelec can take better and more appropriate steps to ensure safe, fair, and orderly elections. “We will make a difference in ensuring that the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections of 2023 serve as a shining example of democracy in action,” PNP Chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said in a statement at the signing ceremony on Monday. The post PNP, Comelec sharing polls data appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
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 not excluding Smartmatic in 2025 polls
Despite the controversy linking Smartmatic International to former poll chief Andres Bautista, the Commission on Elections said it has no plans of excluding the multinational company in the forthcoming procurement of the 2025 automated election system......»»
BSKE 2023 still a go, says PNP
The Philippine National Police on Monday stressed that it is not seeing any postponement of the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections scheduled on 30 October amid the reported 2,594 areas of concern. PNP chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. said that the PNP has recorded 246 “areas of grave concern” or under the red category while 1,248 villages are under the orange category and 1,100 are under the yellow category. “So far, we are not seeing any areas that may postpone the polls. All areas will be simultaneously doing or conducting the BSKE as scheduled. There are some areas that we think that needs additional troops like the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,” Acorda said. “We have to send additional forces there and our deputy chief for operations are also preparing in coordination with the other agencies. If some areas will be challenging, we will render the appropriate measures,” he added. Areas listed under the red category would be under the Commission on Elections’ control and the poll body has the authority to augment security forces in the said areas. “With regards to the preparations for the barangay elections to our assessment and after the presentation of all the regional directors and after their meeting with the different Regional Joint Security Control Center, provincial JSCCs and of course on the national level, it’s a go for all of us,” said Acorda. The PNP chief revealed that the 246 “areas of grave concern” for the BSKE are mostly from Bicol, Eastern visayas and BARMM. “In BARMM alone we have 151, in Region 8 we have 60 and in Region 5 we have 21 this list is fluid, it may change anytime depending on the political climate in the area and these are being constantly monitored through our coordination with the Comelec, Philippine Coast Guard and the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” said Acorda. He also said that the PNP keeping a close watch on 38 potential PAGs and four active PAGs ahead of the BSKE this year. The election period for the BSKE started on 28 August and will end on 29 November 2023. During this period, the Comelec mandates the suspension of activities involving the carrying of firearms or other deadly weapons and the employment of security personnel or bodyguards by incumbent public officials, whether elected or appointed, as well as private individuals. The post BSKE 2023 still a go, says PNP appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Comelec, PAO sign MOA to battle vote-buying, vote-selling
The Commission on Elections and the Public Attorney’s Office signed a memorandum of agreement on the poll body and the prosecutorial arm’s cooperation against vote-buying and vote-selling on Monday, 2 October. As the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataang elections are fast approaching, Comelec chairperson George Garcia and PAO chief Persida Acosta led the signing of the MOA. Garcia pointed out the need for this cooperation to put an end to vote buying/selling, what he referred to as the “modern cancer of democracy”. “Nangangahulugan lang na ‘di puwede na palagpasin natin ang eleksyong ito at ang mga susunod na eleksyon nang hindi natin kasama ang PAO sa paglaban lalong-lalo na sa modern cancer na ito. Yan ay para ma-empower natin ang mga kababayan na maglakas-loob na dumulog at pumunta sa Comelec upang magreklamo. Hindi lang sa pamimili kundi sa pamimigay at pagtanggap ng mga goods, ng money at promises mula sa mga candidates,” Garcia said in his speech. [This means that we should not let these coming elections and future elections pass without involving PAO in fighting this modern cancer. This will empower the public to have the courage to file complaints with the Comelec. Not only on vote-buying but on giving and receiving goods from the candidates.] Acosta’s take on the signing of the MOA is to protect the sanctity of the 'voice of the people' and will fortify the country’s democracy and the rule of law. The post Comelec, PAO sign MOA to battle vote-buying, vote-selling appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DND, AFP, Comelec sign pact for orderly barangay, SK elections
The Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Thursday signed an agreement with the Commission on Elections to ensure peaceful and orderly barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections nationwide on 30 October. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. signed the pact with Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia at the DND headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. The signing was also witnessed by AFP Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. and Comelec Commissioner Ernesto Ferdinand Maceda Jr., who is in charge of the Committee on Kontra Bigay. The Committee on Kontra Bigay aims to combat the “deplorable practice of vote buying”, which Teodoro said continues to pollute the country’s democracy. “Ang tao, naiimpluwensyahan ng mga bagay na hindi kanais-nais. Kaya po ang fault niyan ay nasa namimigay,” he said. On the other hand, Brawner signed a separate memorandum of understanding with Garcia allowing Comelec to deputize AFP personnel to ensure free, orderly and peaceful barangay elections. At the sidelines of the MOA signing, the Comelec handed over a check to AFP amounting to P40 million in support of the military’s administrative, operational and logistical needs "as they perform their functions relative to the upcoming BSK elections." The post DND, AFP, Comelec sign pact for orderly barangay, SK elections appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DoJ, Comelec intensify fight vs vote buying
The Department of Justice and the Commission on Elections recently forged an agreement to fight vote buying and vote selling not only in the coming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections slated on 30 October but also in future polls. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia signed a memorandum of agreement against “Kontra Bigay” on Monday. “We are making history,” said Remulla after the MoA signing, adding that they are strengthening the foundation of the country’s democracy. “We are sending a clear message to every Filipino on the importance and sanctity that our votes should be protected,” Remulla said. “Our purpose is very simple, fight the widespread problem of vote buying and vote selling that destroy the integrity of the electoral process.” “Under this MoA, we will together stand, talk, and help each other,” he added. The DoJ chief stressed that the partnership’s aim is to ensure that those who commit election offenses will face the law. “Combining the investigatory prowess of the Comelec and the prosecutorial power of the DoJ we aim to ensure those who committed election offenses shall face the full force of the law,” Remulla said. Garcia, for his part, stressed that the only way to weed out and fight vote buying and vote selling is to prosecute and prosecute with firmness. “If we have on our side the prosecutorial arm of the government led by the National Prosecution Service and the other agencies of the DoJ, we can ensure that no one will fear, and there will be focus and serious campaign against this new cancer of our democracy,” Garcia said. The post DoJ, Comelec intensify fight vs vote buying appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ex-Comelec chief denies receiving bribe money
Former Commission on Elections chairman Andres Bautista yesterday denied allegations that he received a bribe from poll automation company Smartmatic or any other entity......»»
Comelec must come clean
More than ever, Commission on Elections officials need to come clean about the alleged fraudulent transmission of the May 2022 election results. Particularly so after the poll body’s chief again admitted last week that most of the election results were electronically transmitted using just one private internet protocol or IP address. After Chairman George Garcia’s admission before senators, opposition Senator Aquilino Pimentel III blurted out, “I’m in shock to find out that our entire election system (in 2022) was one large private network.” Similarly, Senator Imee Marcos, confronting Garcia, said, “So you are telling us that it’s true that the transmission of the results came from a single IP address? So that is true?” Like Ms. Marcos and Mr. Pimentel, most of us, too, need to inform ourselves about the brewing electoral integrity controversy, which has been floating around the Internet for some time. What Ms. Marcos and Pimentel were referring to had been alleged by former Information and Communications Technology Secretary Eliseo Rio. Garcia’s admission, in effect, confirmed Rio’s allegation that more than 20 million votes received from various vote-counting machines or VCMs in the 2022 polls had the same private IP address, 192.168.0.2. An IP address is a string of numbers assigned solely to each device so it can connect to the Internet. Significantly, the information about a single mysterious IP address used by VCM modems in 20,300 precincts in the (National Capital Region), and Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal provinces only came to light a year after the polls. The mystery IP address surfaced when Rio and his group of digital forensic experts cross-checked what seemed to be “raw files” — which a Comelec insider uploaded on the Comelec website — against the “reception logs” provided by the Comelec. Immediately after the 2022 polls, Rio strongly expressed alarm about the extraordinarily speedy transmission of electoral results and urged the Comelec to release the “reception logs.” With the discovery of a single IP address used to transmit an over 20-million vote count, Rio and his group became ever more alarmed about the electoral exercise’s integrity. Comelec, however, insisted no law mandates different IP addresses for transmission. Comelec also said all the modems were brand new, purchased after thousands of modems were found defective. The poll body said the primary telecommunications company involved in transmitting results recommended that modems be 4G-capable instead of the 3G used in previous elections. This, even if it meant using only one IP address. Bolstering the Comelec’s contention, two private electoral watchdogs said there was nothing illegal and surprising about the use of a single personal IP address since it was common practice. Rio and his group, however, remain undeterred in their allegation that there was a single “fabricated source” for the electoral results, and they were unconvinced by the watchdogs’ explanation. So, the debate on IP address 192.168.0.2 continues, particularly on the technical issue of a “man-in-the-middle” hack attack. Technically, “a man-in-the-middle attack is a security breach where a hacker inserts himself between two parties and potentially alters the communication between the two.” Still, wherever these highly technical debates lead to, Rio and the electoral watchdogs are sure of one thing — Comelec must do more. Rio and his group are challenging Comelec to resolve all remaining doubts about the election by disclosing the actual transmission logs from the VCMs. They rightly point out that transmission logs are not the same as “reception logs,” which the Comelec made public last March. Like Rio and his group, the National Citizens Movement for Free Elections said that what Comelec claimed to be “transmission logs” were actually “reception logs.” Resolving the ongoing controversy, therefore, will only happen when the Comelec comes clean with accurate transmission logs. The post Comelec must come clean 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......»»
Comelec says goodbye to old VCMs
The Commission on Elections will no longer use the 98,000 vote counting machines or VCM in the 2025 polls regardless of whether there is no budget to procure new ones, its chairperson George Garcia told lawmakers on Monday. Even in the absence of funds, Garcia confidently bared to the members of the House Committee on Appropriations, which is looking into their budget, that the poll body could no longer utilize the VCMs that had been deployed during past elections. According to the Comelec chief, the 98,000 VCMs are deemed “unusable” and unable to be refurbished due to the unavailability of necessary spare parts, as well as the inability to procure components from suppliers. “We already declared the 98,000 machines unusable. It’s up to us if we get a budget or not, but we can no longer use the 98,000 machines,” he said. Garcia made the remark after Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop voiced concern about why the Comelec is still using end-life and end-of-manufacturing equipment “that is so old and can be tampered with online or otherwise.” In 2021, Garcia said the poll body had requested a P23 billion budget to procure new sets of VCMs for the 2022 elections but to no avail. Instead, the Comelec was only given a P12 billion. According to Garcia, the Comelec has been using the 98,000 VCMs in the past three elections. “That’s not really going to work well. It’s like a refrigerator. No matter what you kick in there when it doesn’t get cold, it won’t get cold anymore,” Garcia said, “And so the Comelec resorted to refurbishment,” he said. “Because you know technology, Mr. Chair, you are right, it changes. Our cell phone is only six months old, and [these VCMs] we have been using it for several elections. The Comelec even bought it,” he added. Previously, Garcia expressed concerns about the potential ineffectiveness of the VCMs, especially since the poll body considered full automation and new technology for the next national elections. He also noted that the machines have already exceeded the lifespan of five years. Back in March, Comelec said it was planning to integrate the biometrics technology into the new election system it will be using for the 2025 polls. He said, however, that funding is the primary consideration in determining the type of technology they will utilize. The Comelec sought a P43.7-billion budget for 2024, but the Department of Budget and Management trimmed it to P27.34 billion under the National Expenditure Program. The post Comelec says goodbye to old VCMs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Comelec: 98,000 VCMs now ‘unusable’, new machines needed for 2025 polls
The Commission on Elections will no longer use the 98,000 vote counting machines or VCM in the 2025 polls regardless of whether there is no budget to procure new ones, its chairperson George Garcia told lawmakers on Monday. Even in the absence of funds, Garcia told members of the House committee on appropriations, which is looking into the Comelec's budget, that the poll body could no longer utilize the VCMs that had been deployed during past elections. According to the Comelec chief, the 98,000 VCMs are deemed "unusable" and unable to be refurbished due to the unavailability of necessary spare parts, as well as the inability to procure components from suppliers. "We already declared the 98,000 machines unusable. It's up to us if we get a budget or not, but we can no longer use the 98,000 machines," he said. Garcia made the remark after Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop voiced concern about why the Comelec is still using end-life and end-of-manufacturing equipment "that is so old and can be tampered with online or otherwise." In 2021, Garcia said the poll body had requested a P23 billion budget to procure new sets of VCMs for the 2022 elections but to no avail. Instead, the Comelec was only given P12 billion. According to Garcia, the Comelec has been using the 98,000 VCMs in the past three elections. "That's not really going to work well. It's like a refrigerator. No matter what you kick in there, when it doesn't get cold, it won't get cold anymore," Garcia said. "And so the Comelec resorted to refurbishment," he said. "Because you know technology, Mr. Chair, you are right, it changes. Our cell phone is only six months old, and [these VCMs] we have been using it for several elections. The Comelec even bought it," he added. Garcia said the machines have already exceeded the lifespan of five years. Back in March, the Comelec announced it was planning to integrate biometrics technology into the new election system it will be using for the 2025 polls. However, Garcia said funding remains the primary consideration in determining the type of technology the agency will be able to utilize. The Comelec sought a P43.7-billion budget for 2024, but the Department of Budget and Management trimmed it to P27.34 billion under the National Expenditure Program. The post Comelec: 98,000 VCMs now ‘unusable’, new machines needed for 2025 polls appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gun ban violators netted
The weeklong checkpoints related to the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections logged at least 216 gun ban violators so far, according to the Philippine National Police on Sunday. PNP spokesperson and acting Public Information Office chief Col. Jean Fajardo revealed that the 216 violators were apprehended from 28 August until 2 September 2023, adding that of the total violators arrested, most were civilians while two were security guards and two were military personnel. A total of 130 firearms have been confiscated during the implementation of the gun ban. The establishment of checkpoints was carried out under Commission on Elections Resolution 10924 to effectively implement the ban on firearms and other deadly weapons during the 90-day election period from 28 August to 29 November. The resolution prohibits the bearing, carrying, or transporting of firearms or other deadly weapons in public places, including any building, street, park, private vehicle, or public conveyance, or even if licensed to possess or carry the same, unless authorized by the Comelec. Exempted from the ban are law enforcers but they should have authorization from the Comelec and wear an agency-prescribed uniform while on official duty during the election period. The post Gun ban violators netted appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
600 checkpoints net over 15 Comelec gun ban violators: PNP
Around 15 persons have been apprehended since the start of the Commission on Elections' gun ban on Monday during the first day of filing of the certificate of candidacy for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said on Tuesday. Acorda said since implementing the gun ban, 15 firearms have been confiscated from more than 600 checkpoints nationwide. The establishment of checkpoints was carried out under Comelec Resolution No. 10924 to effectively implement the ban on firearms and other deadly weapons during the 90-day election period from 28 August to 29 November. The resolution prohibits the bearing, carrying or transporting of firearms or other deadly weapons in public places, including any building, street, park, private vehicle or public conveyance, or even if licensed to possess or carry the same, unless authorized by the Comelec. Acorda also said he has ordered a probe and has a person of interest in the incident that happened in Libon town in Albay where the victim Alex Repato, reelectionist captain of Barangay San Jose, was shot dead by still unidentified assailants in his residence at around 5 p.m. Monday, just hours after he filed his candidacy. “It is unfortunate in Albay we have one case of shooting but we already have a person of interest there and tinututukan ng ating kapulisan. What happened in Albay is election-related but I want to get first 'yung talagang official result of the investigation,” Acorda said on the sidelines of the National Capital Region Police Office's commemoration of its 122nd Police Service anniversary at Camp Bagong Diwa, Bicutan Taguig City. Addressing the event, Acorda lauded the NCRPO's dedication to the PNP's agenda, which includes the relentless pursuit of justice, commitment to excellence and fostering deep connections with the communities under their care. He extended his congratulations and recognition to the men and women of the NCRPO for their invaluable contributions to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety and security of the nation's capital. The ceremony was also marked by the presentation of awards to outstanding officers and units within the NCRPO. The awards recognized excellence across various categories, including community engagement, crime prevention and exceptional acts of valor. The NCRPO's Northern Police District, Eastern Police District, Manila Police District, Southern Police District and Quezon City Police District were feted for their outstanding contributions. The post 600 checkpoints net over 15 Comelec gun ban violators: PNP appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PNP recalls police escorts as part of barangay, SK election preps
The Police Security and Protection Group of the Philippine National Police on Tuesday announced it has launched a comprehensive recall of its protective security personnel stationed throughout the country as part of the preparation for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections scheduled for 30 October 2023, Brig. Gen. Leo Francisco, acting Director for Operations, led the presentation of recalled personnel at the PNP Transformation Oval, Camp BGen Rafael T Crame, Quezon City. Regional offices across the nation will also conduct their recall activities, which will be witnessed through online platforms. “This recall serves as a reminder of our duty to the people and the nation. As you return to your units, let your actions reflect the ideals of a just and democratic society”, PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda said in a statement on Tuesday. “Additionally, this recall serves as a proactive measure to prevent any undue influence, conflicts of interest, or perceptions of impropriety during the electoral process. Our priority is to uphold the principles of democracy and ensure that every citizen's voice is heard,” he added. Of the total 920 protective security personnel stationed nationwide, 679 PSPG personnel are subject to recall. Among these, 495 are responsible for safeguarding 285 government officials, while 425 are entrusted with the security of 309 private individuals. Those recalled will undergo refresher and specialization courses while awaiting redeployment after the election period. The initiative is in accordance with Comelec Resolution 10918, which outlines the Rules and Regulations on the Ban on the Bearing, Carrying or Transporting of Firearms or Other Deadly Weapons, as well as the Employment, Availment or Engagement of the Services of Security Personnel or Bodyguards during the Election Period. The election period starting on 28 August marks the period of prohibition that extends until 29 November 2023. During this time, Comelec regulations dictate the suspension of activities involving the carrying of firearms or other deadly weapons and the employment of security personnel or bodyguards by incumbent public officials, whether elected or appointed, as well as private individuals. To facilitate the application for the issuance of a Certificate of Authority for Security Detail, eligible individuals, including incumbent public officials and private citizens, are encouraged to submit their requests online through the Comelec website. The electronic filing system has been operational since 5 June 2023, and will remain open until 15 November 2023. As of 24 August 2023, a total of 295 applications have been received for CA-SD, with 49 having already received approval. The Comelec is expecting around 2 million aspiring candidates for the BSKE. In total, 672,432 positions need to be filled. These account for 42,027 positions for Punong Barangay and another 42,027 positions for SK Chairpersons. Around 294,189 seats should also be filled for each Sangguniang Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan group. The post PNP recalls police escorts as part of barangay, SK election preps 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......»»
Barangay, SK poll hotspots known
The Philippine National Police on Tuesday revealed that it has monitored 27 areas that needed to be be placed under the red category or areas of concern ahead of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in October this year. PNP deputy chief for operations Lt. Gen. Michael John Dubria explained that they have four categories for considering election hotspots — green, yellow, orange and red. Green refers to areas that do not have security concerns and are generally peaceful and orderly, while Yellow are areas of concern, which means that these have a history of election-related incidents in the last elections, possible employment of partisan armed groups, the occurrence of politically motivated election-related incidents and had been previously declared under the Commission on Elections control. Orange, meanwhile, means areas of immediate concern where there is a serious armed threat while Red means areas of grave concern, which exhibit combined factors under the Yellow category with serious armed threats that may warrant the motu proprio declaration of Comelec control. “We have some figures here but this is still to be submitted to the Comelec en banc for approval but for a bird’s eye view of our election areas of concern we have category green which has 37,683, that is election with no area of concern. For Yellow, we have 4,085, for Orange, we have 232 and for Red, we have 27 but these figures were based from the past elections,” Dubria said. “So these is just a ballpark figure that supposed to validate some more together, we have to get the approval of the Comelec en banc. So as of the moment that is the information that we can provide,” he added. PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr., meantime, said that they are still monitoring Negros Oriental and areas in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and added that the PNP started identifying policemen whose family members and other relatives are planning to run for the BSKE elections in October this year. The post Barangay, SK poll hotspots known appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Infotech experts refute Comelec chief’s claims
More and more info-technologists are questioning Comelec and Smartmatic’s use of a secret private IP address in the 2022 election count......»»