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Comelec recognizes Duterte’s CoC for president
By Ferdinand G. Patinio MANILA, Dec. 17 (PNA) — The name of the Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte will be included in the list of candidates for the May 2016 elections after........»»
Legal consequences for not filing Soce
The Commission on Elections in Davao Region (Comelec-Davao) has emphasized the legal consequences for candidates who fail to file their Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (Soce) for the recent Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) 2023. Lawyer Gay Enumerables, the acting regional director of Comelec-Davao Region, stated that there are sanctions for non-compliance, but it is the Comelec central office that will decide and notify the candidates. Enumerables also mentioned that the deadline for Soce filing was extended to accommodate the high number of candidates, and there is no reason for them to forget their Soce since it is a requirement. The filing period for Soce began on October 30 and concluded on November 29. Failure to submit the required statements or reports on electoral contributions and expenditures will result in penalties, and offenders will be barred from holding public positions. The specific penalties range from fines of P1,000 to P30,000 for the first offense and fines of P2,000 to P60,000 for the second offense. Comelec-Davao Region has yet to provide data on the Soce filed within its jurisdiction......»»
SOCE: Comelec-7 will not grant extension of filing
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Commission on Elections in Central Visayas (Comelec-7) has once again reiterated that there will be no extensions for the filing of the Statement of Contributions and Expenditures or SOCE after November 29. Ivan Delos Santos, Comelec-7 administrative officer, told CDN Digital on Wednesday, November 29, that the candidates, whether they.....»»
Comelec disqualifies 10 more BSKE bets
Ten candidates in the recently concluded barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) have been added to the list of those disqualified by the Commission on Elections, bringing the total to 39......»»
Comelec disqualifies 10 BSKE winners
Twenty-one candidates in the recently concluded barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections have been disqualified for premature campaigning and vote buying......»»
Comelec disqualifies 21 BSKE candidates
In a statement, Comelec said that 17 resolutions have been final and executory and cannot be appealed. .....»»
Mandaue, Carcarbets ‘disqualified’
The Commission on Elections has “disqualified” two reelectionist barangay chairmen in the cities of Mandaue and Carcar. The omnibus order, signed by Presiding Commissioner Socorro Inting and Commissioners Aimee Ferolino and Ernesto Ferdinand Maceda Jr., was issued last 25 October. “Disqualified” were Barangay Maguikay, Mandaue chairman Eduardo Gumera, and Barangay Valladolid, Carcar chairman Anthony John Apura. The order cited criminal complaints allegedly filed or decided against the two candidates. Gumera told the media that the issue was only a political motive for his opponent. He said he was not affected by the “disqualification” news. Comelec-7 Regional Director Atty. Lionel Marco Castillano told the Daily Tribune that the order was not to disqualify Gumera. The post Mandaue, Carcarbets ‘disqualified’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Observe poll laws, Abalos tells bets
Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos over the weekend said he was pleased that majority of Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections bets at least in Tondo, Manila were opting to comply with poll rules. “We went around and found few violations. So I commend the city of Manila under Mayor Honey for the successful Comelec drive that ensured obedience to the poll regulations,” he said. Abalos issued the statement shortly after joining Comelec chairman George Garcia in conducting Oplan Baklas drive or the removal of illegally placed and oversized campaign materials, particularly those hanging from electric posts or wires in Barangay 128, Tondo, Manila. As per Comelec rules, all BSKE bets are required to place all their campaign materials especially tarpaulins in the common poster areas. This, as he also reiterated his call for BSKE candidates to observe and abide by all election laws, rules, and regulations to ensure the successful and orderly conduct of BSKE. “Read up on the laws. It lists all that has to be done including the use of e-payment platforms for vote-buying. Let us maintain the integrity of the election and give the voters the respect that they deserve,” he pointed out. He went on to explain that candidates who hold bingo games, distribute prices, conduct hakot system or mass transporting of voters before or during election day, and handing out cash are telltale signs of being engaged in vote buying. Meanwhile, the Quezon City Government on Saturday said it is all set for the 2023 BSKE to be held in 169 polling precincts. Mayor Joy Belmonte lauded the relevant government agencies and QC Government departments such as the City Treasurer’s Office for leaving no stone unturned to ensure that QCitizens in 142 barangays can safely exercise their right to vote. The post Observe poll laws, Abalos tells bets appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Comelec warns candidates vs vote-buying on last day of BSKE campaign
The Commission on Elections issued a warning to candidates, telling them not to engage in vote-buying on the final day of campaign for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections......»»
COMELEC reports second shooting incident of BSKE candidate
Commission on Elections chairman George Erwin Garcia announced on Friday that a candidate has been shot in Quezon Province. Garcia said they have monitored an ambush in General Luna, Quezon. “We have monitored an ambush in Quezon recently, the barangay chairman was taken in the hospital,” Garcia said. According to the report of the Quezon Police Provincial Office, the identified victim was Ruben Ilagan Pasia, 63, a resident of Barangay Malaya, General Luna, Quezon, and a running candidate for barangay chairman. This is the second BSKE candidate who has been shot in October. The first victim was running for barangay councilor in Bucay, Abra. “It’s sad because the election is almost two days away. Therefore, the increasing number of violence may not be election-related, other criminals are actually on it. We could not distinguish if it was election-related. What is important is for the police to be alert,” Garcia said. As of 26 October, the COMELEC Anti-Epal Task Force issued 272 show cause orders for illegal campaigning and filed petitions for disqualification against 10 candidates in violation of premature campaigning and three candidates against illegal campaigning. The post COMELEC reports second shooting incident of BSKE candidate appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DoE assurance: Barangay, SK elections brownout-free
Despite threats of yellow alerts in Luzon, the Department of Energy or DoE said there will be no power interruptions during the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on Monday. “Safeguarding the energy needs of the country during the critical electoral process is our foremost concern and we have enlisted the full cooperation of all our stakeholders in the generation, transmission and distribution sectors in this endeavor,” Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla said on Thursday. “Preparations have been undertaken to ensure that there would be enough power in days leading up to, during and in the immediate conduct of the elections,” he added. Based on the latest data provided by the DoE, the demand forecast in Luzon during the election week is at 12,257 megawatts or MW. Lotilla said that he has instructed the Energy Task Force Elections to prevent any unscheduled power outages that may disrupt the voting and counting processes. The group is also tasked to coordinate with the generating companies and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines or NGCP to ensure the availability of generating units. The NGCP was likewise directed to utilize the High Voltage Direct Current and the Mindanao Visayas Interconnection Project during peak hours to balance the power supply and demand system of the grid. Additionally, the Energy Task Force Election will also manage the distribution utilities’ deployment of special and emergency line crews to check lines for any obstructions within their franchise areas. On election day proper, the special and emergency line crews will be on standby with the necessary logistical support to immediately respond to emergency cases affecting power supply. DUs were likewise directed to ensure that all substation facilities and distribution lines were in normal operations to prevent any disruptions in the energy supply. Separately, the National Electrification Administration or NEA, along with the 121 electric cooperatives under its watch, said it activated its 24-hour power situation monitoring system to help ensure a smooth conduct of the local elections. Under COMELEC guidelines, the NEA has been deputized and commissioned to "provide and maintain stable and continuous nationwide electric power requirements from the start of voting, until the termination or conclusion of the counting of votes, and the proclamation of the winning candidates." The post DoE assurance: Barangay, SK elections brownout-free appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Palawan PNP deploys over 1.3k cops for barangay, SK elections
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — The Police Provincial Office in Palawan has deployed over 1,300 cops and other uniformed personnel from the marines and the coast guard to secure the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on 30 October. The deployment ceremony was held on Thursday at the Police Provincial Office headquarters in Barangay Tiniguiban in Puerto Princesa City, led by provincial director Colonel Carlito Narag Jr. and Palawan Commission on Elections supervisor Atty. Percival Mendoza. Narag expects the 1,333 combined personnel from the 3rd Marine Brigade and the Coast Guard District Palawan to ensure the secure, honest and safe conduct of the BSKE 2023 in 433 barangays across 23 municipalities in Palawan. "The others who will be assigned in the distant islands [of Palawan] have already gone ahead. This number is enough already — we also borrowed additional 77 police personnel from the City PNP — so we can be assured that will be able to fully support the BSKE," Narag said. He said that as law enforcers, they are committed to performing their responsibilities in Palawan to ensure the safety of the voters and the 14,862 BSKE candidates across all towns of Palawan. "We're really hoping that this will be a fair, peaceful and honest election," he said. The Puerto Princesa City Police Office also deployed approximately 957 police personnel, combined with uniformed personnel from the marines and the coast guard to secure the BSKE in 66 barangays. City police director Colonel Ronie Bacuel and City Comelec officer Atty. Julius Cuevas led the deployment ceremony in Barangay San Pedro also on Thursday morning. Bacuel stated that "they will ensure the orderliness and peace during the conduct of the safe elections in the city." He assured that the entire police force in Puerto Princesa is prepared for any challenges that may arise on election day. The post Palawan PNP deploys over 1.3k cops for barangay, SK elections appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go reminds Filipinos to exercise right to vote in upcoming barangay elections
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, in an interview on Tuesday, 24 October, during his inspection of projects he supported in Kapalong, Davao del Norte, urged the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to safeguard the integrity of the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections on 30 October. Moreover, Go encouraged Filipinos to exercise their right to vote and to be discerning in choosing candidates they believe can contribute to the development of their respective communities. "Sa mga kababayan natin, exercise your right to vote. Pumunta po kayo sa mga presinto, go out and vote for candidates na tingin ninyo ay makakatulong sa pag-unlad ng inyong barangay," said Go. The senator also suggested a set of criteria for voters when selecting candidates. He advised, "Unahin n'yo po ang mga honest, competent, at pinakamahalaga, 'yung may pagmamahal at pagmamalasakit nila sa kapwa Pilipino." For candidates, Go advised them to always prioritize the welfare of their constituents and to take to heart the essence of public service they are aspiring for. "Public office po itong pinapasukan ninyo. ‘Wag n'yo pong sayangin ang binigay na tiwala ng ating mga kababayan. Once na manalo po kayo, unahin n'yo po ang pagseserbisyo, pagmamalasakit, at pagmamahal sa ating mga kababayang Pilipino, lalung lalo na po ang mga mahihirap," he advised. Meanwhile, Go cautioned voters to be more discerning during the campaign period amid reported use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance images of candidates in campaign materials, saying that the integrity of the election lies on the truthfulness of those participating in it. "Ang paggamit po ng artificial intelligence sa election campaign sa Pilipinas ay masasabing new terrain, new tool, new style kung ikumpara po sa tradisyunal na pangangampanya," Go stated. While acknowledging the innovative aspects of AI, he also expressed caution and emphasized the ethical implications that come with this technological advancement. He specifically pointed out that AI applications have the capability to alter facial features, which could potentially violate the truthfulness of candidates. "Importante dito ang katotohanan… ang karapatang bumoto ay very sacred 'yan. Ibig sabihin, ating karapatan 'yan, tag-iisang boto at dapat po ang iboboto nila ayon sa kanilang pagkaalam sa katotohanan po," he explained. The senator stressed the importance of transparency in elections and warned against the misuse of AI for deceptive purposes for candidates to gain a "visual edge" beyond what is deemed truthful such as enhancing one’s image in campaign materials. "Importante dito ang transparency at hindi maloko ang tao. Kung ano ang nakikita nila sa kandidato, 'yung dapat totoo lamang po. Always the truth, kaya dapat po ay pag-aralan nang mabuti kung baka gagamitin ito sa panlilinlang, panloloko o kasinungalingan. Kung ganun ang gamit, hindi po ako sang-ayon diyan," he explained. "Dahil tayo, always the truth—kahit ako po sa aking pagtatrabaho, sa aking pagiging public servant, always the truth. What is fair and always what is true, 'yun po ang ating parating ipinaglalaban. Best interest of the country, best interest of the people, always," Go reminded. The post Bong Go reminds Filipinos to exercise right to vote in upcoming barangay elections appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Threatening… and meaning it
Candidates in the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections seem to be taking the threat of the Commission on Elections seriously: those who violate campaign rules face disqualification. A BSKE candidate who wins, but faces an election complaint, will not be allowed by the Comelec to assume the post......»»
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 not allowed to remove privately-owned campaign materials on private property — SC
“While Comelec may validly implement ‘Oplan Baklas’ against candidates and political parties, it cannot implement ‘Oplan Baklas’ against private individuals expressing their political preferences or support for a candidate or political party,” the Supreme Court said. .....»»
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......»»