Why mounting a 2024 plebiscite on charter change will be a daunting task for Comelec
Charter change advocates are eyeing a plebiscite this year to ratify their proposed amendment to the 1987 Constitution, but the Comelec says it doesn't have enough time, manpower, and resources to mount a nationwide vote, as the 2025 elections inch closer.....»»
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.....»»
Comelec suspends proceedings for people’s initiative to amend Charter
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday said it will halt all proceedings related to the signature drive for amending the 1987 Constitution via people’s initiative (PI). This includes the Comelec’s acceptance of signatures in their local offices. In a press conference in Manila, Comelec Chair George Garcia said that the commission.....»»
Teachers urge Congress: Fund classrooms, not Charter plebiscite
he Alliance of Concerned Teachers on Thursday called on the House of Representatives to reallocate the budget earmarked for the proposed Charter change plebiscite toward constructing more classrooms amid the learning crisis......»»
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......»»
FPRRD opposes disguised Charter change initiative
Former President Rodrigo R. Duterte has vehemently opposed the disguised People’s Initiative for Charter change, denouncing the cash-for-signature campaign as repugnant and a disgraceful act during a YouTube interview with Banateros Brothers on January 22, 2024. Duterte emphasized his disapproval of the initiative, urging for it to be halted, particularly criticizing the payment of individuals to sign the documents. He warned that such actions could lead to a new Constitution that might destroy the nation and open avenues for political abuses. Duterte stressed the importance of democracy in the Philippines, asserting that those seeking to remain in power should go through the electoral process. He highlighted that a well-performing and non-corrupt individual would retain power, while those with poor performance would be ousted through the electoral process. Expressing satisfaction with the current Constitution, Duterte argued that it has contributed to stability, reducing conflicts with groups like the New People's Army (NPA). He strongly advised against meddling with the Constitution, cautioning that it would only bring trouble to the country. Duterte pledged active opposition to the initiative, stating that he would campaign against it. Additionally, residents of Calinan District, Vice President Sara Duterte, and Representatives Isidro Ungab and Paolo Pulong Duterte have also voiced opposition to the People's Initiative for Charter Change. Margarita Atty. Migs Nograles, the representative of the Pwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) Partylist, alleged to have started the cha-cha signature campaign, has yet to issue an official statement on the matter as of the latest update. Related stories include the denouncement of alleged `vote buying’ in signing the petition for Cha-cha by Davao City lawmakers, Vice President Duterte's condemnation of the cash-for-signature drive, and a prayer rally against PI’s Cha-cha on Jan 28......»»
Charter change could worsen destructive mining impact
By DOMINIC GUTOMAN AND ZYSA MEI ELLORAN Bulatlat.com MANILA – For environmental defenders, the government’s push for charter change (cha-cha) could worsen the already dire impacts of destructive mining corporations on vulnerable communities. The Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas (Katribu) and Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines (YACAP) held a protest in front of… The post Charter change could worsen destructive mining impact appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Comelec Registration, tuloy ngayong Pebrero 12
Nakatakdang ipagpatuloy ng Commission on Election (COMELEC) ang voter’s registration sa buong bansa. Ayon sa pamunuan ng Comelec, bukas ito sa magiging botante para sa midterm national and local elections. Kabilang dito ang mga residente na mag-eedad dise otso sa May 2025 elections. Magsisimula ang Voter’s Registration para sa 2025 NLE sa Pebrero 12, 2024 […] The post Comelec Registration, tuloy ngayong Pebrero 12 appeared first on Bicol Peryodiko......»»
Charter change could bring back dictatorship, intensify rights abuses — survivor
For Medy De Jesus, 74, a martial law survivor and member of human rights group Hustisya, the impending charter change could bring back another dictatorship and more human rights violations. The post Charter change could bring back dictatorship, intensify rights abuses — survivor appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
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.....»»
‘Plebiscite alongside midterm elections unconstitutional’
As lawmakers bicker over when to hold a plebiscite on Charter change, election lawyer Romulo Macalintal said synchronizing it with the 2025 midterm elections is definitely a no-no as it would be unconstitutional......»»
Comelec registration hits 1 million new voters in less than a month
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said there are more than a million registration applicants, barely a month after the registration period started on Feb. 12. Comelec Chair George Erwin Garcia said on Saturday as of March 6, a total of 1,027,572 applications were processed nationwide in Comelec offices, satellite centers and “Register Anywhere Program” (RAP).....»»
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.....»»
Calinan District residents protest vs disguised Cha-cha
Residents from the 19 barangays in Calinan District rallied against the disguised People's Initiative for Charter Change in a protest held on January 19, 2024. Organized by the barangay captains, around 100 individuals from each barangay gathered at Rizal Park, chanting Dabawenyos are not for sale and expressing their disapproval of the alleged cash-for-signature scheme. The protest emphasized the residents' desire for fairness and a better government approach, rejecting the notion of exchanging signatures for money. Participants, including both young and old residents, voiced their opposition to the charter change, with the youth expressing concerns about power-hungry officials. Even 75-year-old Rosminda Amarilla joined the protest to question the need for change after numerous presidents have governed without such alterations. The rally, which included a motorcade and drew approximately 300 participants, received disapproval from Congressman Paolo Pulong Z. Duterte and Congressman Isidro Ungab, who alleged that the signature campaign was orchestrated by leaders of the Pwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) Partylist. As of the latest update, PBA Representative Margarita Atty. Migs Nograles has yet to release a statement on the matter......»»
NEWS BRIEFS | 11 March 2024
Three news barangays created in Marawi City Voters in Marawi City ratified the creation of three new barangays during a plebiscite held last Saturday there, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said. In a statement, the Comelec said that 2,121 out of 2,265 voters approved the creation of the three barangays. The voters came from the three barangays […].....»»
Comelec: 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. of election day is reserved for seniors, PWDs
MANILA, Philippines — Senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and pregnant women will have the voting precincts to themselves from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. on election day in 2025, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said on Wednesday. According to Comelec Chair George Erwin Garcia, the voting precincts will be exclusively available to persons meeting any.....»»
Why 4 lawmakers voted against RBH7, the economic charter change proposal
House lawmakers, convening as a committee of the whole, adopts the proposal on economic charter change just two weeks after deliberations started at the committee level.....»»
Charter change could mean more US troops in the PHL – Fil-Am activists
By JANESS ANN J. ELLAOBulatlat.com NEW YORK — Filipino-American activists here denounced ongoing attempts to change the Philippine Constitution as this may result in increased US military presence in the Philippines and worsen the geopolitical tension in the West Philippine Sea. In an interview with Bulatlat, Michelle Thiele of Gabriela-New York stressed that for US… The post Charter change could mean more US troops in the PHL – Fil-Am activists appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Only 5 barangays in Davao City have active anti-mosquito disease task force
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 18 January)—Only five out of 182 barangays in Davao City have an active Barangay Mosquito-Borne Viral Disease Task Force. Dr. Thomas Miguel Ababon, head of the City Health Office, said at the iSpeak media forum at City Hall Thursday that mosquito-borne task forces in the city “seems difficult to sustain” despite […].....»»
3 Army battalions to guard plebiscite for creation of 8 Bangsamoro towns
The Philippine Army will deploy three battalions of soldiers to help ensure a peaceful conduct of the April 13,2024 plebiscite for the creation of eight municipalities covering 63 Bangsamoro barangays in different towns in Cotabato province......»»
A race against the clock for charter change proponents as 2025 midterms loom
One lawmaker says the window for reform will close after the 2025 midterm polls. Can advocates rush charter change this 2024?.....»»