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Security Council warns of foreign interference in 2025 polls
There may be foreign interference in next year’s midterm elections and the Department of Information and Communications Technology should prepare to counter cyberattacks, the National Security Councilwarned yesterday......»»
Comelec: 3 million overseas voters eyed in 2025 polls
With internet voting, the Commission on Elections is looking to have up to three million Filipinos abroad participate in the May 2025 midterm elections......»»
The dangers of voting by non-citizens
Only US citizens may vote in federal elections......»»
Cha-cha plebiscite and midterm polls in one event: A test of Comelec s independence
BOTH LEGISLATIVE chambers are now leading charter change discussions. Legislators have repeatedly said that amendments will be limited to economic measures in the 1987 Constitution.Meanwhile, the conduct of the plebiscite had Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chair George Garcia describe the logistical preparations required for it. He argued that it should be held as a separate event from the 2025 midterm electi.....»»
Cha-cha plebiscite during mid-year elections: No media question on Comelec s apparent uncertainty
BOTH LEGISLATIVE chambers are on the forefront of ongoing charter change discussions. Legislators have repeatedly said that amendments will be limited to economic measures in the 1987 Constitution.Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections (Com.....»»
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......»»
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 disqualifies QC SK chairman candidate for ‘vote buying’
A candidate for Sangguniang Kabataan chairmanship in Quezon City was disqualified by the Commission on Elections over 'vote buying' charges. In a seven-page resolution issued on 26 October 2023 and signed by COMELEC's Second Division Presiding Commissioner Marlon Casquejo, concurred by Commissioners Rey Bulay and Nelson Celis, noted that SK candidate Judielyn Bartolome Francisco of Barangay San Bartolome was "disqualified" to run for the upcoming BSKE elections as she violated Section 68 (a) of the Omnibus Elections Code for "vote buying". The case stemmed from a petition filed by Arjay Lacsa on 26 September this year, who claimed that Francisco engaged in vote buying by sponsoring and funding a leadership seminar "cum" team building of some 80 youths of their village at Paradise Adventure Camp in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan held on 16 and 17 September 2023, a few weeks after the filing of candidacies. Pieces of evidence presented by Lacsa included social media posts of the participants themselves tagging Francisco as their " future SK chairman" and three affidavits of witnesses who claimed that Francisco was even present in that event. On 5 October, the COMELEC summoned Francisco to explain her side who gave her reply on 9 October saying she did not have the resources to fund the gathering while she also admitted being there as a host for the opening program "in return for a professional fee." She also informed the commission that she also filed perjury charges against Lacsa's witnesses at the Quezon City Prosecutor's Office. The commission, however, concluded that they "are not convinced" as Francisco's lengthy answer reveals that "they are in the nature of general denials emanating from respondent's self-serving and uncorroborated statements." The affidavits of Lacsa's witnesses, the commission added, are "rich in details" and the evidence is pointing to Francisco as the host of the team building. Francisco's involvement is a deliberate and strategic scheme to influence the voters of Barangay San Bartolome to vote for her, the commission's resolution read. The post COMELEC disqualifies QC SK chairman candidate for ‘vote buying’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Comelec, PNP arrests individual for vote buying
The Commission on Elections and Navotas City Police Station launched Operation Kontra Bigay conducted on Wednesday at Mega Sardines Warehouse in Policarpio St. M. Naval, Barangay San Jose, Navotas City, 11:00 A.M., aimed to combat illegal electoral practices. The Operation Konta Bigay was led by Comelec Election Officer Atty. Greg Bonifacio and Police Colonel Mario Cortez.The authorities arrested an individual identified as Maribel Eugenio Policarpio, from Malabon City, who was caught in the act of distributing envelopes with money, About 200 registered voters from Barangay Longos were arrested as they were caught inside the warehouse conducting watchers training when Maribel was caught distributing envelopes with cash in it. According to the reports of the Comelec, each envelope contains about 300 to 500 pesos, all totaling P363,900.00. The post Comelec, PNP arrests individual for vote buying appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Comelec, PNP arrested individual for vote buying
The Commission on Elections and Navotas City Police Station launched Operation Kontra Bigay conducted on Wednesday at Mega Sardines Warehouse in Policarpio St. M. Naval, Barangay San Jose, Navotas City, 11:00 A.M., aimed to combat illegal electoral practices. The Operation Konta Bigay was led by Comelec Election Officer Atty. Greg Bonifacio and Police Colonel Mario Cortez.The authorities arrested an individual identified as Maribel Eugenio Policarpio, from Malabon City, who was caught in the act of distributing envelopes with money, About 200 registered voters from Barangay Longos were arrested as they were caught inside the warehouse conducting watchers training when Maribel was caught distributing envelopes with cash in it. According to the reports of the Comelec, each envelope contains about 300 to 500 pesos, all totaling P363,900.00. The post Comelec, PNP arrested individual for vote buying appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
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......»»
DILG backing Comelec’s no-proc plan
Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos on Friday backed a plan of the Commission on Elections to suspend the proclamation of Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, or BSKE, candidates who will win in the upcoming elections due to campaign violations. Abalos made the statement in response to reports that candidates were knowingly engaging in illegal campaigning, vote-buying, using oversized campaign posters outside of designated common poster areas, using online fund transfers, and offering various forms of assistance to voters. “The Comelec has previously warned that even if a candidate wins by a large margin, he may not be declared the winner until the complaint lodged against him has been adjudicated,” Abalos said. The post DILG backing Comelec’s no-proc plan appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
5 vote buying DQ cases filed by Comelec, warns LGU of prohibitions
The Commission on Elections has begun filing petitions against the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections candidates allegedly involved in vote buying on 6 October. Out of the 40 complaints being investigated, the Comelec poll board submitted five disqualification petitions, according to Comelec Deputy Executive for Operations Rafael Olano. He added that the Committee on Vote Buying has received complaints from the public on various platforms, including Facebook and messages which contained screenshots or images. "All of these complaints came from voters. We verified and evaluated them for possible filing of disqualification cases “he said. Olano confirmed that one of the five candidates under investigation for disqualification is involved in a BSK bet showing up at a local government unit aid distribution, which he claimed to be qualified as vote buying. “There were local government officials, mayors distributing relief but the BSKE candidate was present and was allowed to speak," he said. After the official filing of candidacy, it was claimed that another BSK candidate distributed financial aid out of his pocket. Prior to the election, the poll body warned candidates of its strict measures which prohibit the distribution of ballers, t-shirts, caps, and anything else of worth under the suspicion of vote buying and selling. Comelec Commissioner Ernesto Ferdinand Maceda Jr. reminded LGU officials to be aware of such prohibitions during a separate briefing. "If they conduct assistance programs, they should not let BSKE candidates join them, lest they be disqualified,” he said. Maceda added that the Comelec would consider potential reinforcing techniques if similar incidents persist as the campaign period drew closer. “We will study how to reprimand them or take appropriate actions,” he said. In the end, Maceda stressed that the poll body is “dead serious” about its exclusion warning in order to assure not just the validity and honesty of the BSK polls but also to raise the bar for campaigning standards across the nation and the importance of each BSK candidate’s character. As of Friday, the Task Force Anti-Epal had filed an additional 10 disqualification petitions against candidates who were allegedly involved in premature campaigning while the Committee on Kontra Bigay had filed five disqualification cases for vote buying. Overall, there are 82 petitions for premature campaigning, 5,169 show cause orders, and 1,132 responses from the BSK bets. The post 5 vote buying DQ cases filed by Comelec, warns LGU of prohibitions appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Comelec addresses vote buying, selling
The Commission on Elections has formed a committee with other government agencies in its drive against vote buying and vote selling for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections on 30 October. In an interview with Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon, Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said the different government agencies including the Department of Justice and Philippine Information Agency formed a “standing, permanent committee” to battle what they call the “modern cancer of society.” When asked what actions he will take against the standing culture of vote buying and vote selling, filing cases in the court is the solution to counter the unlawful offense. The post Comelec addresses vote buying, selling 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......»»
35 BSKE candidates slapped with DQ petition for premature campaigning
The Commission on Elections Task Force “Anti-Epal” on Friday filed disqualification petitions against 35 candidates in Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections due to premature campaigning. In a media interview, Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said the decision to disqualify erring candidates will be released before the election day on 30 October. Laudiangco stressed that Comelec is “serious in enforcing all measures” to secure orderly and fair elections nationwide. "Hindi po nagbibiro ang Comelec sa pagpapatupad ng election laws. This is the start,” Laudiangco warned. “Makakaasa po kayo na next week, marami pa pong masasampahan ng kaso,” he added. The Comelec previously said about 199 possible disqualification charges may be filed against misbehaving election candidates. The poll body also noted that the monitoring for other possible violations will continue during the campaign period from 19 to 28 October. Laudiangco noted that Comelec is adamant not only to disqualify candidates “but also put them in prison if found liable for criminal or election offense charges.” The Comelec vowed to a whole-of-government approach for the BSK elections. This came as the poll body signed an agreement with the Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to intensify the campaign against vote buying, and vote selling, as well as expanding the poll monitoring efforts in all areas nationwide. It is also set to sign a memorandum of agreement with the Public Attorney’s Office on 2 October. The Comelec said it working closely with the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Department of Education, among others, for a safe, peaceful, and credible Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections this year. The post 35 BSKE candidates slapped with DQ petition for premature campaigning appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
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......»»
Addressing vote-buying
It seems that the present Commission on Elections is not running out of ideas on how to effect reforms. It is not “sleeping on their post” as sentinels used to say. It continues to pursue changes in the electoral landscape unmindful of negative social and political headwinds. I just wrote about its speedy action of placing Malabang, Lanao del Sur under Comelec control because of the indiscriminate firing of guns on the first day of filing of certificates of candidacy. Now, it’s tackling the mother of election irregularities — vote buying and vote selling. This illegal practice is anti-democratic. It continues to be the bane of elections. It restricts one’s freedom to choose one’s leaders. That it thrives as endemic in a political milieu like the Philippines is a testament to how difficult life is for the common people. Financial need, especially for those on the margins of society, is so chronic that people are willing to sacrifice their basic freedoms to make ends meet. This is a problem almost beyond solution because of the difficulty of punishing the wrongdoers, both the buyer and seller. We have laws punishing it but prosecutors can only build a case against a suspect with the participation of at least one of the accomplices to the crime. And who would want to testify against oneself unless immunity is assured? And so, we see a mockery of the law. No one gets jailed for violating it. The proactive Comelec comes now with a bagful of measures to combat the anomaly. It has created a special group, the Committee on Kontra Bigay, to address the problem and it is helmed by a no-nonsense reformist, Commissioner Ernesto Maceda Jr., the namesake of a great and astute statesman who served the country in various capacities for decades. I say he is the right choice, not only because of the reputation he has built, but more so because of the weight of the name he carries which he would not want to taint with a whiff of wrongdoing. The Commission has listed a litany of prohibitive acts associated with vote-buying. It’s too long to list in this limited space. But on top of these are acts and activities “presumed” to be illegal because they lead to the commission of the crime. These include “possessing or delivery of... monies or anything of value together with sample ballots or other campaign materials... queues of registered voters for the distribution of money... and such other goods... employing the hakot system or the gathering of two or more registered voters in a specific place before election day and on election day ...prohibiting the possession... carrying of cash exceeding P500,000 along with campaign paraphernalia two days before an election and on election day... an ‘ayuda’ ban except that which is normally given to qualified individuals...” It also created the Kontra Bigay Complaint Center which will receive complaints of vote-buying. For human rights guardians, consider this: the Comelec allows “warrantless arrest wherein any law enforcement officer may, without a warrant, arrest a person when in his or her presence, the person to be arrested has committed, is committing, or is attempting to commit the election offense of vote-buying.” Wow! A case arising out of these acts is fertile ground for legal hermeneutics. Any two-bit lawyer can find a “palusot” in this scenario. It may be extremely difficult to prove all these by evidence but it’s surely a theoretical force to deter the commission of the crime. And let it not be said that the present Commission did not lift a finger to combat this perennial problem which everyone talks about but was never addressed by past commissions. For this reason, the present Commission deserves our appreciation for a bold ambitious move. amb_mac_lanto@yahoo.com The post Addressing vote-buying appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»