COMELEC – Page 5 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Muntinlupa City Mayor looking forward to programs and plans of BSKE winners

November 3, 2023November 2, 2023carlocarrasco

In Muntinlupa City, Mayor Ruffy Biazon expressed that he is looking forward to the kind of plans and programs that the winners of the recent Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) would execute within their respective communities, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon said he is looking forward to what kind of programs the winning candidates in the Oct. 30 elections will implement in their respective barangays.

Filipinos voted in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) to choose their new leaders.

“Congratulations sa mga nanalo sa Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections 2023! Looking forward ako sa mga programang isusulong niyo sa barangay niyo (Congratulations to all the winners in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections 2023! Looking forward to programs that you will promote in your barangay),” Biazon posted on Facebook.

He added, “Sana ay magkatulungan din tayo sa pagsulong mg 7K Agenda ng pamahalaang lungsod (I hope we can cooperate in promoting the 7K Agenda of the city government).”

“Sa mga hindi nagwagi, don’t look at this as the end of the road. See it as a fork on the road that allows you to change the scenery of your journey towards the goal of helping your city and the people,” he said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, were the barangay and SK elections in your local community held peacefully? Are you aware of who has been elected as the captain, SK chair and councilors in your barangay? Were all the winners in your barangay proclaimed already by the local COMELEC?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Meet Barangay BF Homes Kagawad-elect Mariel Tumang

November 2, 2023October 31, 2023carlocarrasco

A few days ago in Parañaque City, the local Commission on Elections (COMELEC) office proclaimed Mariel Angela Tumang as Kagawad-elect (winning candidate for a seat in the barangay council) after the results of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) of Barangay BF Homes were finalized. Tumang, by the way, is the current Chairwoman of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of Barangay BF Homes.

To be very clear, Tumang and several of her campaign teammates were proclaimed election winners as follows: Jeremy S. Marquez as Barangay Captain, Cielo Lazatin as Kagawad, Sheryl Ortonio Gonzales as Kagawad, and Paolo Marquez as Kagawad. The BSKE in Barangay BF Homes is notable as this resulted in Jeremy Marquez’s return as chairman of the barangay while his brother Paolo (who served as the chairman since 2018) returned as Kagawad.

*Mariel Angela Tumang was proclaimed by the COMELEC in Parañaque as Kagawad-elect of Barangay BF Homes. (photo published with permission)*

On the very day she was proclaimed as Barangay BF Homes Kagawad, Tumang posted on social media a touching message to her supporters, friends and family members which went as follows:

I was given a chance again to continue what I started serving as SK Chairwoman towards becoming Barangay Councilor of our Barangay.

I am very grateful to the Lord for giving me the opportunity to give myself and deliver wider service to our beloved Barangay. 🙏

Thank you very much to all the people who loved, supported and believed that I can make it and win this fight.

From the leaders, coordinators, to my dancers, staff, momshies, to the people who joined the movement, thank you very much.

Sa lahat ng taong tumulong morally and financially, maraming maraming salamat po. 🙏

To my whole family, especially to my mama Marlyn Tumang , thank you for not giving up and believing that I can do it. You have been my strength and inspiration in this fight.

To my papa in heaven, one of what you wanted has been fulfilled papa, that I win as a Comrade, you are one of the reasons why I continue to do it and I will do even better. I know that you are so proud up there. I love you dad.

Kay Captain Jeremy S. Marquez, for trusting and hiring me to be part of Team and Marquez Family. Thank you Kap for not giving up and persevering that we will all win.

And to all the people who voted and supported yours truly. To over 12,000 people who believe and support my ability. This fight and victory is for all of you. I will not disappoint the vote and support that you gave me.

From being SK Chairwoman to Barangay Kagawad, asahan niyo po na mas lalo ko pa pong gagalingan. Ang victory na ito ay handog ko po sainyong lahat mga Ka-Barangay! 🙏 Maraming maraming salamat po! 🙏

*Barangay BF Homes Kagawad-elect Tumang with her proclaimed teammates* Jonathan Espino (2nd from left, Kagawad-elect), Cielo Lazatin (4th from left, re-elected Kagawad), Paolo Marquez (middle, Kagawad-elect), Sheryl Ortonio Gonzales (4th from right, Kagawad-elect) and Jeremy Marquez (3rd from right, Barangay Chairman-elect) and the local COMELEC officials.

To some you readers, Tumang’s name might sound familiar. That is because back in 2019, I interviewed Tumang and published a special feature of her when she was still new as the Chairwoman of the SK of Barangay BF Homes. She was elected to her previous post in 2018 and it was only this year when the BSKE happened.

Tumang and the members of the SK of Barangay BF Homes worked hard and responsibly for over the past five years and I covered several of their activities which you can read by clicking here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here. To say the least, Tumang is entering the barangay council with a lot of public service rendered over the past five years.

To get to know Kagawad-elect Tumang, read my feature of her by clicking https://carlocarrasco.com/2019/07/13/meet-barangay-bf-homes-sk-chairperson-mariel-tumang/

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Note: The social media content and pictures were published with permission granted by Mariel Angela Tumang.

COMELEC hopes for longer voting period in the next BSKE

November 1, 2023October 30, 2023carlocarrasco

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is hoping for a longer period for voting in the next Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), according to a GMA Network news report. The BSKE this year happened this past Monday with a voting period of 7AM to 3PM although a few cities had early voting hours of 5AM to 7AM for senior citizens, pregnant women and persons with disabilities (PWDs).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA Network news article. Some parts in boldface…

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia on Monday said that he is hoping that the next Barangay and Sangguninang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) will have longer voting hours.

This, as Garcia said he expects long queues in voting precincts today, which will only be open until 3 p.m.

“Sana nga po dumating ang pagkakataon na mabago ang ating batas na sa halip na alas tres lamang ang pagboto sa BSKE ay sana kahit gawing mga alas singko man lang ito para po makapagsilbi sa mas maraming botante,” Garcia told reporters in an ambush interview after he cast his vote at Banaba Cerca Integrated School in Cavite.

(We look forward to the time when we can amend the law to extend the voting hours for BSKE until 5 p.m. so we can accommodate more voters.)

Aside from longer voting hours, Garcia is also hoping for a new law that will allow the poll body to provide seamless voting for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and heavily pregnant women.

“‘Yun ang kadahilanan kung bakit pinu-push ng Comelec ang Early Voting Law dahil… makaka-register kayo nang mas maaga. Pag naka-register nang mas maaga, alam namin kung saan kayo boboto o kung kayo ba ay boboto nang isang linggo bago ang eleksyon,” explained Garcia.

(That is the reason why Comelec is pushing for an Early Voting Law. This will enable vulnerable sectors to register early and if possible, vote a week earlier.)

The Comelec chief then apologized to the vulnerable sectors who experienced inconvenience due to the required signing of a waiver form.

“Pasensya na po kayo. ‘Yun po ‘yung mga isa sa mga tinitingnan natin sa pilot testing natin, [kung] ano ang mga adjustment na gagawin natin,” he said.

(We ask for your patience. This is one of the things that we want to assess during our pilot test to determine the things that need adjustments.)

“First time po natin itong ginawa…pero wag po kayo mag-alala. Sa susunod na gagawin natin nationwide ‘yan, mawawala ang ganyang klase ng mga papeles o dokumento,” he added.

(This is the first time that we did this. The next time we hold this nationwide, we will no longer require those documents.)

Vulnerable sectors in Muntinlupa City and Naga City, Camarines Sur were allowed to vote early on Monday as they were allowed to cast their votes at 5 a.m.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you were able to vote in the BSKE this past Monday, are you convinced that a longer period of voting is needed? Do you prefer more early voting periods for vulnerable voters or special lanes to be made to accommodate them? Do you think an extended voting period will be effective in accommodating more voters in the BSKE?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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PNP and COMELEC formally sign data sharing agreement related to BSKE

October 26, 2023October 24, 2023carlocarrasco

With the anticipated Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) all set for October 30, 2023 (a declared non-working day), the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) recently signed a formal agreement on data sharing related to the said elections, according to a news article published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news report. Some parts in boldface…

The Philippine National Police (PNP) entered into a data sharing agreement (DSA) with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to ensure the integrity and transparency of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) on Oct. 30.

PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr., director for operations Brig. Gen. Leo Francisco and Comelec officials led by Chairperson George Garcia, Commissioner Nelson Celis and Executive Director Teopisto Elnas Jr. graced the signing rites at Camp Crame, Quezon City on Monday, the PNP said in a news release Tuesday.

The pact grants Comelec access to the PNP’s Election Monitoring Systems and subsystems and outlines specific areas of collaboration aimed at bolstering the electoral process, pursuant to Republic Act 10173 or the Data Privacy Act.

Key components include access to the PNP Personnel Deployment, Surrendered Firearms, Voting Center Assistance, Election Status, Candidates, Party-lists, Voting Center, Treasurer’s Office, Unlawful Election Materials, Gun Ban Details, Violations thereof, and other critical data related to the elections.

The agreement also allows access to various subsystems within the PNP Election Monitoring System including geo-tagging for vote-buying, a separate subsystem for vote-buying, and another for Task Force Kontra Fake News, following the Comelec’s specifications.

“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,” Acorda said.

He also urged the public to trust the electoral process, assuring them that all measures are being taken to guarantee a smooth, secure, and credible BSKE 2023.

“Suffrage is more than just voting; it represents the heart of democracy. It gives individuals the power to shape their nation and participate in its governance. The BSKE is an integral part of our electoral system, providing a platform for citizens to exercise this valued right,” Acorda said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Do you think the data sharing agreement between the COMELEC and the PNP will help preserve the integrity of the BSKE?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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BSKE-related voting simulation done in Las Piñas City

October 20, 2023October 18, 2023carlocarrasco

With the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) all set to happen less than two weeks from now, the Commission on Elections’ (COMELEC) top officials recently visited Las Piñas City and conducted a related voting simulation at Robinsons Place, the City Government confirmed through its Facebook page.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the City Government’s October 18, 2023 FB post. Some parts in boldface…

In anticipation of the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Elections set for October 30, the Commission on ElectionS (COMELEC) hosted a voting simulation exercise at the Robinson’s Mall in Las Piñas on Tuesday, October 17th. The event aimed to test the preparedness of both the electoral body and the voting public, as well as to identify any potential issues that could arise on election day.

Gracing the occasion were notable COMELEC officials including Chairman Atty. George Garcia, and Commissioners Nelson Celis and Atty. Rey Bulay. The simulation was a crucial step in ensuring that the electoral procedures are followed, and to make any necessary adjustments before the actual elections. It also served as an educational endeavor to familiarize voters with the voting process, in an effort to make the real event run as smoothly as possible.

The undertaking is part of COMELEC’s broader strategy to ensure free, fair, and efficient elections at the barangay and SK levels. It adds to a series of measures the commission has been implementing, which include voter education campaigns and the vetting of candidates.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, do you view the voting simulation helpful when it comes to educating local voters in preparation for the October 30 BSKE? Are there many people in your local community who intend to vote in the BSKE?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Early BSKE voting period for Muntinlupa City’s senior citizens, PWDs and pregnant women confirmed

October 18, 2023October 13, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive city of Muntinlupa, it was announced that local senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs) and pregnant women will be able to vote in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) as early as 5AM on October 30, 2023, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Take note that Muntinlupa City is officially a pilot area for early voting for the vulnerable sectors.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

Muntinlupa City has been chosen as a pilot area for early voting for vulnerable sectors in the Oct. 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) chose Muntinlupa as the pilot location for the early voting project.

“We welcome this initiative by the Comelec to test new ways in the voting process especially to help persons with disabilities (PWDs), seniors, and pregnant women–those who are recognized as especially vulnerable–and make the voting process easier and more accessible for them,” said Mayor Ruffy Biazon.

According to Muntinlupa City Election Officer Atty. Kimberly Joy Alzate-Cu, under the early voting scheme, PWDs, seniors, and heavily pregnant women will be allowed to vote in their registered voting centers from 5 a.m. – 7 a.m.

This will prioritize the vulnerable sectors in the voting process and to help them avoid the rush of voters during the regular voting hours from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on election day.

To avail of early voting, one must be enrolled in the voting center’s Accessible Polling Precinct (APP), which is located nearest to the voting center’s entrance.

If they are not enrolled, they may still vote in the center’s Emergency Accessible Polling Precinct (EAPP). This scheme designates an alternative temporary precinct where the vulnerable voter may cast their vote.

However, unlike the APP, which has its own voting machine and other materials and personnel, in the EAPP, the voter’s ballot will be fetched from their regular precinct by the support staff.

In addition, a companion assisting the PWD, senior, or pregnant voter may also vote during the early voting hours, provided they are also registered in the same voting center as the individual they are accompanying.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you welcome the early voting scheme for the BSKE? Are there several senior citizens or PWDs or pregnant women in your local community who want to vote in the BSKE on October 30?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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COMELEC and DOJ sign agreement versus vote-buying related to the BSKE

September 28, 2023September 25, 2023carlocarrasco

With the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) all set to happen on October 30, 2023, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) formally signed an agreement versus vote-buying, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news report. Some parts in boldface…

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) signed an agreement on Monday to go after and prosecute persons involved in vote-buying in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said prosecutors nationwide will be on duty to accept complaints on Oct. 30, election day.

“The fiscals will be available for the cases that may be filed,” he told the media during the “Kontra Bigay” memorandum of agreement signing at the DOJ office in Manila. “We can handle the volume. Mahalaga dyan may testigo (What is important is there are witnesses).”

He said the need for witnesses is crucial since most-vote buying may be conducted using electronic wallets, instead of actual cash changing hands.

Remulla also sees no conflict with a recent DOJ directive to closely scrutinize all charge sheets filed before prosecutors to ensure that complaints with a reasonable probability of conviction will be filed by the courts.

All charges may be considered “open-and-shut” cases if sworn statements from witnesses are complete and sufficient.

Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia expressed confidence that measures such as warrantless arrest of persons involved in vote buying and red flags like the transport of large volumes of cash and giveaways are sufficient measures.

So far, Comelec has already received 23 complaints related to vote-buying.

The practice of “flying voters” or voters ferried to different voting areas are no longer prevalent due to the adoption of modern voter identification systems, Garcia added.

The campaign period for the BSKE will be on Oct. 19 to 28.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that this agreement by the COMELEC and the DOJ will make an impact against vote-buying related to the BSKE?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Digital wallet and online banking companies warned by COMELEC about vote-buying

September 21, 2023September 19, 2023carlocarrasco

In connection to next month’s Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) turned to operators of digital wallets and online banking and warned them about digital vote-buying, according to a Manila Times news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Times news report. Some parts in boldface…

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) warned electronic wallet operators they could be involved in vote-buying cases if they allow candidates in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) to use their apps to buy votes.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said over the weekend that the agency has already informed GCash, Maya and other companies involved in mobile payment services that they may face charges for conspiracy to commit vote-buying.

Garcia said they advised the companies to monitor high-volume transactions, especially in the days prior to election day. The companies were also told to be suspicious when money is sent to 50 to 200 people in one day.

“A red flag would be if someone sent a certain amount of money to a large number of recipients,” Garcia pointed out.

He said companies involved in digital wallets and online banking have vowed to support Comelec’s efforts against vote-buying.

The poll body intends to sign a memorandum of agreement with e-wallet companies, Garcia said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the COMELEC did the right thing to ensure the credibility of the BSKE? Do you think this new move by the COMELEC will prevent vote-buying from happening?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Show cause orders against several BSKE candidates surpass 300 nationwide

September 15, 2023September 13, 2023carlocarrasco

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) revealed that show cause orders for Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) candidates over election offenses have surpassed three hundred nationwide, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. The BSKE will have an official campaign period before the voting happens on October 30, 2023.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news report. Some parts in boldface…

A total of 304 candidates for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) have been issued show cause orders for various violations as of Tuesday, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chair George Erwin Garcia said.

Aside from the 102 issued last week and 122 on Monday, another 80 were sent to candidates on Tuesday, Garcia said in a Viber message.

Garcia said the complaints were about the distribution of breads and noodles with imprinted faces of the candidates on the packaging; door-to-door distribution of maintenance medicine kits for senior citizens; cakes for birthday celebrators; and smart televisions, fans and sacks of rice as raffle prizes.

Comelec data show that Cebu, Quezon City, Pampanga, Bukidnon, Nueva Ecija, Laguna, Cavite, Bulacan, Manila, Batangas, Bataan, Cotabato and Rizal have a high number of premature campaigning violation reports.

Violations were also recorded in some areas in Caloocan, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Taguig, Sorsogon, Tarlac, Camarines Sur, Leyte, Albay and Negros Oriental, among others.

“Expect the number to increase as complaints come in and the show cause orders roll out,” Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said in another Viber message Monday night.

Comelec gives BSKE candidates three days upon receipt of the show cause order to respond.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that the rising number of show cause orders will somehow soften the rising number of alleged election rules offenses? Were there lots of instances of premature campaigning in your local barangay? How can you tell if the local candidates are committing premature campaigning? Do you think local community bingo events involving the presence of BSKE candidates should be counted as premature campaigning?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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COMELEC issues show cause orders against several BSKE candidates due to possible election offenses

September 13, 2023September 10, 2023carlocarrasco

While the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) are still several weeks away from happening, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) issued show cause orders to almost one hundred candidates due to possible election offenses, according to a GMA Network news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA news report. Some parts in boldface…

At least 91 candidates for the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) were issued with show cause orders due to alleged election offenses such as premature campaigning, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Sunday.

Interviewed on Super Radyo dzBB, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the candidates were given three days from the receipt of the show cause orders to explain their sides regarding the accusations.

“‘Yan po, walang formal na complaints. ‘Yan pong mga ‘yan ay resulta ng mga nakita na natin o nai-report sa atin. Ang ginawa ng Comelec, motu proprio [investigation]. Sariling initiative ito ng Commission on Elections,” he said.

(There were no formal complaints. These were only the results of what we have seen or reported to us. What the Comelec did is motu proprio [investigation]. This is the Comelec’s own initiative.)

The poll body has repeatedly warned against premature campaigning as the campaign period will run only from October 19 to October 28.

Garcia said the Comelec has the power to investigate and file its own complaints against candidates who commit election offenses.

Even putting up posters and promoting themselves on social media before the campaign period starts may be considered as premature campaigning.

“’Yung sinabi kong 91, simula pa lang ‘yun. Madami pa po. Susunod-sunurin natin, at aaraw-arawin,” the poll chairman added.

(The filing of show cause orders against 91 BSKE bets was just the beginning. There will be many more. We will do that daily.)

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the COMELEC did the right thing to ensure the credibility of the BSKE? Are the barangay or SK candidates in your local community very persistent with the use of social media?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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