COMELEC – Page 6 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Over 400 candidates from 9 barangays filed for BSKE COCs in Muntinlupa City

September 11, 2023September 7, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, more than four hundred people filed their respective certificates of candidacy (COCs) at the local Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to run in this October’s Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), according to a Manila Bulletin news report which also revealed the city has more than three hundred thousand voters for the barangay contests.

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

A total of 405 candidates in nine barangays in Muntinlupa filed their certificates of candidacy (COCs) with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for the Oct. 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

“We welcome the participation of qualified Muntinlupeños who wish to lead the local communities through the exercise of our right to vote and through the democratic process. Likewise, we enjoin everyone to cooperate and work together to ensure this year’s polls are reliable, trustworthy, and peaceful,” said Mayor Ruffy Biazon.

Based on Comelec-Muntinlupa’s unofficial list, of the 405 candidates, 24 filed COCs for barangay chairman and 193 for barangay kagawad in Barangays Buli, Putatan, Bayanan, Poblacion, Tunasan, Alabang, Ayala Alabang, Cupang and Sucat.

In addition, 23 candidates filed for the position of SK chairperson and 165 for SK kagawad.

Of the nine barangays, the position of barangay chairman of Ayala Alabang is the only one that is uncontested.

There are 319,654 registered voters for the barangay election and 93,723 registered voters for the SK election in Muntinlupa, based on Comelec-Muntinlupa data.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a Muntinlupa resident, do you approve of the City Government’s distribution of school-related supplies to the local public school students?

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

+++++

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

COMELEC urges BSKE candidates to be watchful and file charges against rivals who violate election laws

September 6, 2023September 4, 2023carlocarrasco

With over a million candidates nationwide registered for this October’s Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) urged the aspirants to be observant and file complaints against those who are caught violating the election laws, according to a Philippine Star news report. Previously the COMELEC warned against premature campaigning and they anticipated an intense BSKE this year.

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

As the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the Oct. 30 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections officially ended yesterday in most parts of the country, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) urged BSKE candidates to be watchful and file charges against rivals who violate election laws.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said they are relying on the vigilance of candidates to prevent poll offenses, including violations of laws against political dynasties among candidates in the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) or youth councils.

“We welcome the filing of disqualification cases by their rival SK candidates or any interested parties against those who are relatives of incumbent national or local officials,” Garcia said.

Due to limited resources, the Comelec chief admitted that it is difficult for local poll offices to immediately determine if the one filing the COC for the SK election has relatives who are incumbent elected national or local officials.

“We are left with no choice but to accept the COC as the local Comelec offices have no information if they have elected relatives,” he said

The SK Reform Act prohibits those with relatives within the second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity to any incumbent elected national official or to any incumbent elected regional, provincial, city, municipal or barangay official, in the locality from seeking SK post.

Thus, Garcia encouraged rivals of candidates who are attempting to violate the SK Reform Act to file appropriate charges against the latter.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you expect the Barangay and SK elections this year to be intense?

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

+++++

Intense Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) anticipated by COMELEC

August 31, 2023August 29, 2023carlocarrasco

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is anticipating an intense Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) this year, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The BSKE will happen nationwide on October 30, 2023.

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

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday, Aug. 28, said it is bracing for an “intense” Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Election (BSKE).

“Asahan natin na talagang magiging napakainit ng labanan na ito sapagkat napakahaba termino nung nakaraang Barangay and SK officials at nakailang postpone din tayo kaya asahan natin na medyo mas maiinit ito (Let’s expect that this elections will indeed be very intense because the previous Barangay and SK officials had very long terms, and we also had several postponements, so let’s anticipate that this will be somewhat more heated),” said Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia in an interview during the first day of Certificate of Candidacy (COC) filing.

Garcia said that the degree of “possible tension” would also depend on who will be running for a specific post.

“Tandaan natin na almost 642,000 ang position na fi-fill upan dahil iyan ay SK at Barangay (Let’s remember that almost 642,000 positions need to be filled up because those are for SK and Barangay),” Garcia said.

“Inaasahan natin na higit pa nga na two million ang magpa-file ng kanilang COC para sa mga posisyon na iyan (We expect that more than two million will file their COCs for those positions),” he added.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the BSKE this year will be more intense compared to the previous polls that happened in 2018? Have the barangay and SK candidates in your local community been appearing more frequently and meeting the community members recently?

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

+++++

Checkpoints related to Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) being established

August 30, 2023August 28, 2023carlocarrasco

In relation to the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) that will happen nationwide on October 30, 2023, several checkpoints are being set up by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), 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…

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has started setting up checkpoints and implementing gun ban in connection with the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections in October.

A report by Bam Alegre in Unang Balita on Monday said a checkpoint was set up at the boundaries of San Juan and Quezon City and of San Juan and Sta. Mesa, Manila. In Mandaluyong, there was notable police visibility in primary roads like in Kalentong.

Meanwhile, in Parañaque City, a checkpoint was established on Sucat Interchange near the office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). On Quirino Highway in Quezon City, a checkpoint was also set up.

Policemen appealed to motorists to cooperate with them and assured them that “plain view doctrine” will be observed.

This means motorists need only to lower their windows and turn on the lights inside their vehicles when passing through the checkpoints.

“Ito ay in relation sa start ng Barangay and SK Election period wherein tayo ay mandated na mag-conduct ng joint PNP and Comelec checkpoints,” said Lieutenant Colonel Jerry Castillo, commander of Novaliches Police Station.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the checkpoints related to the BSKE are necessary? Have you noticed the checkpoints within your city?

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

+++++

COMELEC issues warning against premature campaigning before the campaign period of BSKE

August 28, 2023August 24, 2023carlocarrasco

The Barangay and Sanggunian Kabataan Elections (BSKE) will take place across the Philippines on October 30, 2023. Before the said election happens, the campaign period for BSKE will take place from October 19 to 28. That being said, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) issued a warning about premature campaigning before the campaign period happens, according to a Manila Standard news report.

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

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) warns barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan candidates from engaging in premature campaigning before the official campaign period set October 19-28 under pain of disqualification or imprisonment.

At the same time, the Comelec said the honoraria for poll workers in the upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) has been increased up to P10,000. Comelec chairman George Garcia issued the warning saying appropriate charges will be filed against the candidates who would launch an early campaign following their filing of certificate of candidacy (COC).

Garcia reminded the candidates that the filing of COCs for the 2023 BSKE will be from August 28 to September 2, while the campaign period will run only from October 19 to October 28.

Garcia said August 28 is the start of the election period, as well as the start of the gun ban, public works ban and social services prohibition “unless explicitly exempted by the Comelec.

“Once you file your COC, you are already considered as a candidate. Therefore, we will apply the full force of the law, Section 18 of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC). You cannot go around, campaign, distribute things since you are already a candidate,” Garcia said.

Aspirants must be at least 18 years of age for barangay positions and at least 18 but strictly not more than 24 years old by the day of the election for SK posts.

The Comelec chief also urged voters to report any BSKE candidates who begin campaigning prior to the start of the official campaign period on 19 October.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the candidates in this year’s BSKE will follow the COMELEC’s warning about 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.

+++++

To fight vote buying-selling, COMELEC seeks imposition of “money ban”

August 24, 2023August 22, 2023carlocarrasco

In relation with their campaign against the buying and selling of votes, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) announced that it seeks to impose a ban on money (“money ban”), according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). This is related with the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) which is scheduled to happen on late October. The election body previously announced its plan to allow warrantless arrests in response to vote buying and selling.

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

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is eyeing to impose a “money ban” to combat vote buying and selling during the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) on Oct. 30.

In an interview Tuesday, Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia said under Section 27 of the draft of Kontra Bigay resolution, the poll body may presume vote buying or selling through one’s “possession or transport” of cash exceeding PHP500,000 five days before the election day.

“Hindi natin pipigilan ang pagwi-withdraw ng mahigit PHP500,000. Ang atin pong ipo-prohibit at ipa-punish ay yung pagpapadala ng PHP500,000 lalo na kapag pumasok yung period ng kampanya (We will not prohibit withdrawal of PHP500,000. What we will prohibit and punish are those sending PHP500,000 especially when the campaign period starts),” he said.

However, Garcia said individuals with justifiable backgrounds shall be exempted, including businessmen and disbursement officers or cashiers, among others.

“Saan ka naman nakakita may dala kang kalahating milyon isang araw bago mag election tapos ni hindi ka treasurer, ni hindi ka negosyante? Ano ka, tagapamili ng boto? So ipe-presume namin yung mga taong yan involved sa vote buying (Where can you see someone carrying half a million [pesos] before the election day and you’re not a treasurer nor a businessman? What [kind of worker] are you, a vote buyer? So, we will presume that person is involved in vote buying),” he said.

All police authorities are tasked to conduct 24-hour money ban checkpoints nationwide.

Garcia said although these measures are not under the law, setting such is also not prohibited.

Garcia said the Comelec has submitted the draft of Kontra Bigay resolution to en banc for approval of the proposed money ban and other measures, and setting of guidelines.

Besides transporting or delivering large sums of money, Comelec also aims to monitor the splitting of at least PHP20,000 cash into smaller denominations of PHP100s, PHP50s or PHP20s.

It also targets to cooperate with mobile banking and digital payment platforms to ensure they are not used for vote buying or selling.

“Ang GCash, PayMaya at iba pa pong platform ay under ng BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas). Kausap natin ang BSP at pati na ang AMLC (Anti-Money Laundering Council) (The Gcash, PayMaya and other platforms are under BSP. We are coordinating with the BSP and AMLC),” Garcia said.

Under the Comelec draft resolution, long queues of registered voters for distribution of cash or other favors shall also be subject to the action of law enforcement.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the COMELEC’s planned “money ban” is unrealistic or doable? What do you think the COMELEC should do to effectively fight vote buying-selling?

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

+++++

COMELEC planning to allow warrantless arrests in response to acts of buying and selling of votes during the campaign period

August 18, 2023August 15, 2023carlocarrasco

In what seems to be an intention to ensure election integrity, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) expressed that it is planning to allow warrantless arrest of persons who are caught buying or selling votes specifically during the campaign period, according to a GMA Network news report. Take note that this is related to the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

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

The Commision on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday said it is planning to allow warrantless arrest for those who will be caught in the act of buying or selling votes during the campaign period.

In a press conference, Comelec chairperson George Garcia said the commission will issue new guidelines for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE), which is set on October 30.

“Sa ilalabas naming guidelines bilang pahapyaw lang po, papayagan natin silang mag-aresto especially kung yung tao ay caught in flagrante or caught in the act. Dati wala po yun. Ngayon, i-authorize po namin siya with full backing of the Comelec because it is our belief that under our Constitution warrantless arrest is allowed,” said Garcia.

(In the guidelines that we will issue, we will allow the PNP to arrest if the person is caught in the act. We will authorize that now with full backing of the Comelec because it is our belief that under our Constitution warrantless arrest is allowed.)

Garcia said that the basis of the previous prohibition of arrest during the campaign period was the 1985 omnibus election code.

But under the 1987 Constitution, Garcia said warrantless arrest is allowed in cases of flagrante delicto or being caught in the act.

He pointed out that if there is a contradiction between existing law and the Constitution, the Constitution will be followed.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think this newest move by the COMELEC makes sense as far as election integrity is concerned? Do you think warrantless arrests will make a major dent against the buying and selling of votes during the campaign period?

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

+++++

COMELEC and Philippine Army to coordinate on security for October 30 BSKE

August 16, 2023August 14, 2023carlocarrasco

The Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) are a little over two months away from happening and to ensure security, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) will coordinate with the Philippine Army, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

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

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will coordinate with the Philippine Army to beef up security preparations for Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) on Oct. 30.

In a Viber message, Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said newly installed Philippine Army Commanding General Lt.Gen. Roy Galido on Friday paid a courtesy call to Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia.

“Chairman Garcia took this occasion as an opportunity, not only to touch base with one of the most hardworking AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) brass, but more so, to jump-start the continuing working coordination between the Comelec and the AFP, in particular, the more than a hundred thousand strong Philippine Army,” he said.

Included in their discussions were preparations for the upcoming BSKE, he added.

Laundiangco said it is not new for the Comelec to coordinate with Galido on matters related to nationwide polls.

“Comelec has worked with Gen. Galido in previous elections, notably the 2022 NLE (National and Local Elections) where he was then Commander, 6ID (Infantry Division), thereafter as Commander, WESMINCOM (West Mindanao Command), and now, CGPA (Commanding General of the Philippine Army),” he said.

Galido now serves as the 66th Commanding General of the largest arm of the country’s military force.

Laundiangco said the poll body is set to conduct a command conference this month with law enforcement.

“The command conference between the Comelec, the AFP, the PNP (Philippine National Police), and the PCG (Philippine Coast Guard) for the 2023 BSKE is scheduled on August 22, 2023,” he said.

The Comelec is wrapping up preparations for the October polls, which will be manually done in over 42,000 barangays nationwide, except for the three pilot sites for automated elections in Dasmariñas City and Quezon City District 6.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are there many members of your local community who intend 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.

+++++

COMELEC expresses confidence that mall voting for BSKE will push through

August 16, 2023August 14, 2023carlocarrasco

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) expressed confidence that its mall voting project with this October’s Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) will push through, according to a Malaya Business Insight news report.

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

UNLIKE in 2016, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is confident its mall voting project will push through during the conduct of the October 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

In an interview, Comelec chairman George Garcia said they do not see a repeat of the fate of the mall voting initiative in 2016, which was cancelled just days prior to Election Day.

“It was unfortunate that in 2016, we were almost able to hold mall voting in the country.

But now, the entire Comelec en banc approved this (project). We all supported this initiative,” Garcia said.

The poll chief said the full support comes after the success of the Register Anywhere Project (RAP), which was pilot tested in selected malls.

“We thought that if we can do registration in malls, why not do voting in malls as well,” said Garcia.

Back in the 2016 polls, then Comelec chairman Andres Bautista pushed for the mall voting project. But, with barely two weeks before Election Day, it was thumbed down by the Commission en banc with a vote of 4 against and 3 in favor.

Back then, the Comelec en banc reasoned that the Omnibus Election Code (OEC) does not allow the transfer of polling precincts within 45 days before a regular election.

For the October 30 polls, five SM malls and five Robinsons malls are already set to host mall voting.

Eyed as voters, estimated to be at 300,000 individuals, are those belonging to barangays near the participating malls.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you favor the idea of voting inside a shopping mall for the BSKE this October?

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

+++++

COMELEC chairman issues warning about BSKE premature campaigning

July 31, 2023July 27, 2023carlocarrasco

With the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) and campaign period set this October, the chairman of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) issued a warning to candidates about premature campaigning, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairperson George Garcia on Wednesday warned all who will run in the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) against premature campaigning.

During the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum, Garcia said those who will file their certificates of candidacy (COC) from August 28 to September 2 will already be considered as candidates.

“Kaya po ‘pag file ng candidacy, lahat ng posters na meron kayo na naglipana sa lahat ng kalsada, kalye, kanto, dapat tanggalin. Kung hindi, kakasuhan namin kayo, at the same time, tatanggalin namin yan [at] pwede rin kayo ma-disqualify,” he warned.

[Once you filed your candidacy, all your posters plastered around should be removed. If not, we will file a case against you and at the same time, we will remove them and you may even be disqualified.]

“Dahil kandidato na kayo, applicable pa ang Section 80 ng Omnibus Election Code, ‘yung tinatawag na premature campaigning,” he added.

[And since you are now a candidate, Section 80 of the Omnibus Election Code is applicable to you … which is premature campaigning.]

The campaign period for the 2023 BSKE will run from October 19 until October 28.

Garcia, a former election lawyer, explained that the jurisprudence in the case of Peñera vs. Comelec—which held that a person who files a certificate of candidacy is not a candidate until the start of the campaign period—cannot be applied on manual elections like the 2023 BSKE as the law interpreted by the Supreme Court pertained to automated elections.

“Gusto ko po i-clarify sa lahat ng kandidato na pag nag-file po kayo ng candidacy niyo sa August 28 hanggang September 2, kayo po ay considered na’ng kandidato agad. Hindi po namin ia-apply ang Peñera versus Comelec,” Garcia said.

[Let me just clarify that all those who would file their certificates of candidacy from August 28 to September 2, you will be considered candidates already. The Peñera versus Comelec (case) won’t apply to you.]

He stressed that the Comelec will be “inutile” in combating premature campaigning if they apply the SC decision on manual elections.

“Pagka po nagkaganoon ang interpretasyon namin, magiging inutil po ang Comelec. Ang campaign period sa October 19 pa e. Ibig sabihin mula sa filing hanggang October 18 pwede sila mag-ikot, [makipag-kamay], mamigay ng mga posters, walang magagawa ang Comelec?” he emphasized.

[If that would be applied, the Comelec will become inutile. The campaign period starts on October 19 yet. Does it mean that from the start of the filing period until October 18, they can go around, shake hands, give away posters and the Comelec cannot do anything?]

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you voting in the BSKE this October?

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

+++++

	Instapundit »… on I Love Israel: Israel And Japa…
	Instapundit »… on Venezuela To Turn Over 30 Mill…
	Instapundit »… on Venezuela’s Dictator Maduro Ca…
	Instapundit »… on Japanese Prime Minister Takaic…
	Luke on Japanese Language Proficiency…

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: