COMELEC chairman issues warning about BSKE premature campaigning

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…

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.

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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 athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) set July 3 to 7, campaign period set October 19 to 28

Recently, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) announced that the filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) for this year’s Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) will start on July 3 until July 7, 2023, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) report. The BSKE itself will happen on October 30, 2023.

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

Filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) for the Oct. 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) will begin July 3.

In Resolution No. 10899, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) set the filing period from July 3 to 7.

Campaign activities are prohibited from July 8 to Oct. 18 while the campaign period will be on Oct. 19 to 28.

It will be illegal to remove or deface lawful propaganda materials; use or post illegal campaign materials; use armored land, water or air crafts; deploy police officers as bodyguards; release public funds; and construct village-funded roads and bridges during the campaign period.

During the election period from July 3 to Nov. 14, it is forbidden to bear or carry firearms; use security personnel; buy and sell votes; transfer civil service employees; and suspend local elective officials.

On the eve of election day, campaigning shall be banned as well as selling, buying, serving, and taking intoxicating liquor.

Voting will start 7 a.m. and end 3 p.m.

The counting and canvassing of votes as well as the proclamation of winning candidates shall take place immediately after the close of voting.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this new development? If you are indeed eligible to vote this year, are you willing to participate in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) this October? Did you notice signs of premature campaigning within your local community?

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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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. 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 confirms Register Anywhere Project (RAP) is limited to new voters and transfer-of-registration registrants

Starting December 12, 2022, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) will start a new round of voter registration processes going into the new year. Along the way, they will launch their new project called the Register Anywhere Project (RAP) on December 17, 2022 and it will last a little over a month. According to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) report, RAP will be limited to new voters and transfer-of-registration registrants.

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

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday reminded the public that the Register Anywhere Project (RAP), which is set to be pilot-tested next week, is only limited to new voters and transfer of registration registrants.

In Comelec Resolution No. 10869, the Commission en banc said these applications are the ones to be accepted in the RAP booths, to be initially located at five malls in Metro Manila.

“The Commission shall initially implement the RAP by conducting pilot testing, where only applications for New Registration and Transfer from Another City/District/Municipality shall be accepted,” it added.

Under the project, qualified applicants residing in the Philippines may register by submitting their application form, documentary requirements and have their biometrics taken on-site.

After which, submitted documents and captured biometrics data will be endorsed and transmitted to the Office of the Election Offcier of the district/city/municipality having jurisdiction over the residence of the applicant.

The pilot test of RAP will be held every Saturday and Sunday from Dec. 17, 2022 to Jan. 22, 2023.

They are initially to be established at SM Fairview in Quezon City, SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, SM South Mall in Las Piñas City, Robinsons Place in Manila and Robinsons Galleria in Quezon City.

There will be no registration on Dec. 24, 25, and 31, 2022, and Jan. 1, 2023. The poll body has formed five RAP teams in the National Capital Region (NCR).

“Each RAP team shall be designated as a remote reception point of all OEOs (Offices of Election Officer),” the Comelec added.

Each team will be composed of at least two personnel to receive and process the applications and interview the applicants; one Acting Election Officer, who shall be authorized to administer the oath of applications on-site.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this latest series of from the COMELEC? If you are going to get registered as a new voter, are you planning to try out the RAP process?

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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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 athttps://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

Nationwide voter registration process to resume on July 4, 2022

If you are resident of the Philippines who is already of legal age and intends to vote in future elections, then you should know that the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) will officially resume the voter registration process nationwide on July 4, 2022, the Manila Bulletin reported. Take note that the said process will last only a few weeks.

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

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Acting Spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said the en banc approved on Wednesday, June 22, the resumption of continuing voter’s registration from July 4 to 23, 2022.

He explained that the registration is less than a month since under Republic Act 8189 (Continuing Voter’s Registration Act), voter registration is prohibited within 120 days prior to elections.

The Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls is on Dec. 5, 2022. Roughly starting August 7, its already prohibited,” he said.

“Therefore, we only have July 24 to Aug 6 to post/publish names of voter registration applicants; calendar/set the Election Registration Board (ERB) hearings; subject registrants to database verification;conduct said ERB hearings;draft and approve the Project of Precincts; and cluster established precincts as may be necessary,” added Laudiangco.

The poll official earlier said that the projected total number of registered voters for Barangay Elections is 66,053,357.

As for the Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, he said, the projected total number of registered voters is 23,059,227.

“These are mere projections based on historical data for purposes of planning and procurement for the BSKE,” said Laudiangco.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: When was the last time you went to the COMELEC for registration or adjustment of your voter’s record? Do you intend to vote in the next Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections? Do you know the location of the nearest COMELEC office in 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.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. 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/

COMELEC says vote-buying is still an election offense

The topic of vote-buying is back in the minds of voters here in the Philippines mainly due to the recent statement made by a certain politician (for reference, click here and here) running for President next year. This prompted the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), which is already busy processing voter registration applications with the October 30 deadline approaching, to remind people that vote-buying is still an election offense and clearly punishable by law.

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

Vote buying is an election offense regardless of financial situation or noble intentions.

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Spokesperson James Jimenez issued this reminder on Wednesday, Oct. 27.

He also disagreed with the advice of Vice President Leni Robredo for voters to accept the money but vote according to their conscience.

“I disagree with the notion of taking the money and voting according to your conscience,” Jimenez said on Twitter.

He added:”Di dapat ginagawa, at di dapat sina-suggest yan sa mga botante (It shouldn’t be done, and shouldn’t be suggested to our voters),”

Last August, Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon warned those who will try vote buying via the electronic payment system in the May 2022 polls that this can be traced.

“This is a warning to politicians, know that you’re going to be found out,” she said.

Vote-buying is defined as any person, who gives, offers, or promises money or anything of value, directly or indirectly, in order to induce anyone or the public in general to vote for or against any candidate.

The above report ended stating that as an election offense, vote-buying means getting yourselves penalized with 1 to 6 years imprisonment, the removal of your right to vote, and disqualification to hold public office.

For added insight about vote -buying here in the Philippines, posted below are some of GMA Network’s news videos from the past related to the said issue…

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this newest development? Does Leni Robredo inspire you to engage in vote-buying? Are you willing to follow Robredo’s advice knowing that vote-buying is clearly illegal? If you are a registered voter, are willing to sell out to the highest bidder when it comes to the May 2022 national and local elections?

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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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. 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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

NSHA members elect seven directors

This past weekend, the New South Homeowners Association (NSHA) inside BF Homes subdivision, Parañaque City, organized their annual election which resulted seven winners who will serve for two years as members of the association’s board of directors (BOD).

Those who got elected in the February 27, 2021 village polls were Karen Abanilla with 45 votes, Michael Paul Togle and Bon Obial with 42 votes each, Emmanuel Malicden with 40 votes, Danilo Lesaca with 39 votes, Fred Morales with 38 votes and Christopher Baliog with 36 votes.

Three of the seven newly elected village directors posed with the official results after the counting ended.
The NSHA election committee in a group shot with the results.

The newly elected people will join the other six incumbent directors (who are due for next year) in completing the 13-member NSHA BOD and soon, they will convene and elect among themselves and come up with the new lineup of NSHA officers.

What makes the NSHA election significant this year was that it was organized with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As such, the association took measures that would lower the risk of new infections while still allowing legitimate members to vote efficiently and safely.

The NSHA election committee (ELECOM) headed by Gerard Castro used their indoor facility (part of the clubhouse which has the office) as the key venue. ELECOM officers were inside and worked behind specific windows which the legitimate HOA members (who are outside) visited one-by-one to vote manually. Social distancing was practiced and everyone wore a face mask. At the nearby basketball court (a Golezeum), there were some plastic chairs arranged with social distancing in mind for the comfort of the voting members.

A view from outside the venue.
Windows 1 and 2 were where the legitimate members registered.
The ELECOM from inside the venue handling registration.

The election process was pretty simple: Step 1 – From waiting area go to Window 1 or 2 to register and get ballot. Step 2 – Go to designated voting area to vote your selected candidates for directors. Step 3 – Go to Window 3 to put your thumb mark on ballot and put ballot (divided in half) in ballot box.

After voting, the legitimate members were directed to go to the designated waiting area for snacks and refreshments.

A view of Window 3 from the outside.
The counting of the votes was done with transparency.

In the afternoon, the counting of votes took place inside the venue. Each vote was counted carefully and the names of the candidates who received the votes were clearly spoken. The results were certified by the ELECOM and the seven winners were proclaimed. It was indeed a transparent process.

For more updates about NSHA, visit their FB page at https://www.facebook.com/nshavillage

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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. If you want to have your local community featured on this website or if you have a press release that needs to be published to inform the readers, please approach me. 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

BF NorthWest New Board and Officers To Take Office January 1, 2020

Hey everyone! Look behind you! There’s someone from a BF Homes-based community print media news publication stalking us looking for news and content to steal from this website. If the local community print media publication lied to you, misled you or even smeared you because of their irresponsible journalism, blatant plagiarism, pretension, dishonesty and sinister propaganda, feel free to approach me for a consultation by contacting me.

A local community print media publication operated unprofessionally can be very dangerous and harmful to the community members. 

To be clear with you all, I don’t work for any local community print media publication and I am not contributing to them. If anyone told you lies about me related to local community print media publishing, please inform me. Thank you.

And now for the latest in BF Homes community news.

The BF NorthWest Homeowners Association, Inc. announced its newest lineup of officers as well as new sets of officers-per-district which was the result of their recent village election that took place on November 24, 2019.

Let’s start at the top.

BF NorthWest’s newest officials set to take office on January 1, 2020 (with the terms ending on December 31, 2021) are as follows:

President – Manuel E. Nubla

Vice President – Lualhati G. Trias

Secretary – Lea Castillo

Treasurer – Amor P. Isip 

Auditor – Gaudencio Hernandez, Jr.

The above officers were decided by the newly elected governors (BF NorthWest’s term for directors) who convened on December 1, 2019 and elected among themselves the new officers who will manage the affairs of the village.

As for the other officers per district elected, here are the following:

DISTRICT 1

Governor – Reginald Orquiza

Vice Governor – Ramon Laqui

Secretary – Honorata Suarez

Treasurer – Vicente Ortega

Auditor – Luisito De Guzman

DISTRICT 3

Governor – Aida Sora

Vice Governor – Betty Gomez

Secretary – Ferdinand Baena

Treasurer – Raymond Noel

Auditor – Eduardo Aquino

DISTRICT 4

Governor – Joselito Isla

Vice Governor – Edwin Olivarez

Secretary – Luis Trinidad, Jr.

Treasurer – Carlo Busmente

Auditor – Romeo Vinco

DISTRICT 5

Governor – Juan Carlos Guadarrama

Vice Governor – Lilia Fernandez

Secretary – Juanito Valdecantos

Treasurer – Rolly Zamora

Auditor – Stephanie Aquino

DISTRICT 6

Governor – Amor Isip

Vice Governor – Miren Suntay

Secretary – Antonio Moncupa

Treasurer – Agustin Pangan

Auditor – Raul Anonuevo

DISTRICT 7

Governor – Lualhati Trias

Vice Governor – Timoteo Tiangco

Secretary – Julie Ong

Treasurer – Jesus Manaloto

Auditor – Isabelo Agulay

DISTRICT 8

Governor – Charlie Warren

Vice Governor – Ma. Fe Pagtalunan

Secretary – Anthony Vivero

Treasurer – Jeanne Yu

Auditor – Ma. Asuncion Vivero

DISTRICT 9

Governor – Gaudencio Hernandez, Jr.

Vice Governor – Jovi Peralta

Secretary – Edwin Lopez

Treasurer – Noli Acuna

Auditor – Florentino Concepcion

DISTRICT 10

Governor – Lea Castillo

Vice Governor – Elizabeth Ong

Secretary – Jesus Tambunting

Treasurer – Mario Piamonte

Auditor – Fernando Cawa

DISTRICT 11

Governor – Manuel Nubla

Vice Governor – Honorato Mackay

Secretary – Roderick Mackay

Treasurer – Luisito Abano

Auditor – Jose Maria Austria

DISTRICT 12

Governor – Alfonso Lumbad

Vice Governor – Lewellyn Fortuna

Secretary – Janelyn Smith

Treasurer – Ricardo Matias

Auditor – Atty. Nestor David

There you have it! The newest officers elected per district as well as the new officers of the BF NorthWest Homeowners Association. The information above came from an official document of the association formalizing the results of their recent election.

BF NorthWest has been in the positive spotlight lately. They hosted the successful BF HomeSarap Community Food Fair and Bazaar which attracted hundreds of visitors, including two City Councilors.

For the newcomers reading this, BF NorthWest is one of the largest and most significant enclaves of BF Homes subdivision. The enclave has gates along El Grande Avenue.

For more BF Homes community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

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To others reading this, if you are dissatisfied with print media and you want your community/organization/business/special event or special project to be featured on this website, please contact me locally via mobile number 0905-3350831 or via email at Carlo.Carrasco@gmail.com

You can check out my varied marketing services (including Twitter boosting) right here.

We can negotiate, work together and be achievers together.


Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenor is still available in paperback and e-book format. 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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Observations: Hundreds Flock to COMELEC Satellite Registration for Barangay BF Homes

Today, hundreds of people went to the Satellite Registration processing organized by the Commission on Elections – Parañaque City office (COMELEC-PQUE) at Robinsons Townville (part of Pergola Mall) service of the residents of Barangay BF Homes who want to register themselves as voters as well as local voters who want to adjust their statuses.

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As it turned out, most of the people here waited to get in for the Satellite Registration than for shopping. 

To put things in perspective, no less than Barangay BF Homes chairman Paolo Marquez confirmed to me that, indeed, the whole day process was requested by him and members of the Barangay Council which the COMELEC-PQUE agreed to. It is important to keep in mind that Barangay BF Homes is still the largest barangay in the city in terms of voters and it is easily the hot spot for mayoral and vice-mayoral candidates to campaign in when it comes to local elections. Barangay BF Homes is part of the city’s 2nd district.

In the morning, there already was a line of people before 8AM just outside the Elsie Gatches entry into Robinsons Supermarket BF Homes. Once opened, they entered and went up to the 2nd floor for the registration. The process was done in five steps: verification of valid IDs, recording/releasing of forms, interview for precinct assignment, capturing of biometrics and the thumb marking process (with the release of claim stub).

The way the situation is right now here in the Philippines, the next national and local elections won’t be held until May 2022. When it comes to the next Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan, the next election is currently set for May 2020 although there is an ongoing effort in Congress to have it postponed to May 2023 (a response to President Rodrigo Duterte’s request during his 2019 State of the Nation Address).

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Barangay BF Homes SK chairperson Mariel Tumang assisted a youth applicant. The COMELEC accepted youth applicants aged 15 to 17-years-old and thanks to the BFSK, several youth they invited arrived and applied.

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A COMELEC-PQUE official helped some applicants with regards to filling up forms.

Going back to the Satellite Registration for Barangay BF Homes, COMELEC-PQUE personnel confirmed to me that they will only accept up to five hundred people who apply to get registered formally as voters or, in the case of voters, have their statuses adjusted (including status reactivation for voters who failed to vote in successive elections).

As I noticed today, there were several teenagers who lined up to get registered. This was because the COMELEC-PQUE opened voter registration to youth aged 15 to 17-years-old, plus the Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay BF Homes (BFSK) invited youth from around the community to take advantage of the free service. This was confirmed to me by no less than BFSK chairperson Mariel Angela Tumang. I saw Tumang as well as BFSK Kagawads Irene Juanico and Stephanie Sebullen plus other barangay personnel help out.  Free coffee was provided by the office of Parañaque City Councilor Wahoo Sotto.

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Personnel from the office of Parañaque City Councilor Wahoo Sotto set up a coffee machine which provided free coffee to applicants.

There were a few curious shoppers who passed by and asked me what was going on. After I answered the question, they decided to try to get registered.

For more South Metro Manila and BF Homes developments, come back here soon.

BF NorthWest 2019 Election – Election Committee (EleCom) Members Search is Ongoing!

BF NorthWest, which is one of the most notable and largest enclaves of BF Homes subdivision in Parañaque City, Philippines, will be having its election for members of their Board of Directors (BOD) this November (last week of November, specifically).

HOWEVER, in order for the election to proceed, the BF NorthWest Homeowners Association, Inc. called out to its members (homeowners) who wish to be members of the Election Committee (EleCom) which is essential.

The Criteria for village members to be an EleCom member is as follows:

* Homeowner in good standing (dues are paid, no legal impediments)
* over 18 years old
* Is not running/interested in being a District officer.

The EleCom is an independent body and its members cannot be a current nor a prospective District officer. A current board or other committee member cannot be involved in the EleCom process.

Among the tasks for EleCom members include reviewing past election processes, make recommendations (if required), discuss eligibility to be voted, be responsible for balot counting and a few other tasks.

The BF NorthWest HOA is looking for members who will ensure that the process of voting is not compromised by any form of fraud, and that it will be peaceful, organized and transparent.

How many EleCom members required? The answer: five.

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The clubhouse and office of the BF NorthWest Homeowners Association, Inc. along Djakarta street.

Should the BF NorthWest HOA get many expressions of interest, the current board will make a selection according to merit. The board envisage that an initial meeting of the EleCom would start on August 2019 with meetings that will be held monthly or bi-monthly. As the EleCom is voluntary, there is no remuneration.

Interested parties among legitimate members of the BF NorthWest HOA are encouraged to proceed to the office along Djakarta street and look for village administrator Mr. Nubla. Also calls are accepted at landline 826-4547.

Those who are interested are required to visit the said office and indicate name and address.

 

2019 National & Local Elections: Fresnedi, Simundac and Biazon Win Big in Muntinlupa

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The Commission on Elections proclaimed re-electionist Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi (4th from left), along with his running mates Temy Simundac (5th from left) for Vice-Mayor and Ruffy Biazon (right) for Congressman, as winners in the local midterm elections. On Tuesday morning, 16 out 19 candidates from Team Fresnedi were declared winners in the local executive and Sangguniang Panlungsod positions. Fresnedi is serving his third consecutive and last term as Muntinlupa City mayor. The local exec garnered 164,144 votes over his rival mayoralty bet and former Bureau of Immigration Deputy Commissioner Red Mariñas trailing behind with 52,127 votes. (from Muntinlupa PIO press release)

This past Monday (May 13), over two hundred thousand people around Muntinlupa City  trooped to different venues to cast their votes to select which officials will serve them for the period of mid-2019 to mid-2022.

The result? Landslide victories particularly in the races for Mayor, Vice Mayor and the long Congressional seat of the City.

Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi won a third consecutive term with landslide victory, along with allies who proved to be strong in the local polls. The mayor defeated his rival former Bureau of Immigration Deputy Commissioner Red Mariñas by a score of 164,144 votes to 52,127. Do that math, that’s a wide margin of 112,017 votes.

In the race for Vice Mayor, Fresnedi’s running mate Temy Simundac defeated the incumbent Vice Mayor Celso Dioko by a score of 116,825 to 85,889. That’s a difference of almost 31,000 votes! What makes the victory notable was that in the 2016 local election, Vice Mayor Dioko was Fresnedi’s running mate while Simundac was one of the latter’s opponents for the office of Mayor.

For the lone Congressional seat of the City, Congressman Ruffy Biazon got elected easily with 169,756. Far behind him were Paeng Arciaga and Rodolfo Llorca with 36,317 and 2,326 respectively.

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) proclaimed Fresnedi (Liberal Party), and his running mates Temy Simundac for Vice-Mayor and Congressman Ruffy Biazon (both under the PDP-Laban), as winners in on the morning of May 14.

COMELEC Muntinlupa Atty. Kimberley Joy T. Alzate – Cu said the board of canvassers canvassed 373 clustered precincts with over 225,226 voters in Muntinlupa City.

Team Fresnedi City Council bets also took the lead in two districts. In District 1, winning councilors under Fresnedi’s team include Atty. Raul Corro, Alexson Diaz, Paty Katy Boncayao, Louie Arciaga, Allan Camilon, and Valentino Niefes. While completing the list were opposition party bets Phanie Teves and Ivee Arciaga.

In District 2, winners under the local exec’s team include Nep Santiago, Marissa Rongavilla, Ryan Bagatsing, Lester Baes, Jun Metong Sevilla, Arlene Hilapo, and Eliot Martinez. Dhes Arevalo was the only member of the opposition party to be proclaimed as winner in District 2.

The Mayor extended his gratitude to the people of Muntinlupa for trusting his administration and vowed to continue to advocate good governance in the city.

Analysis: Was Mayor Fresnedi’s re-election and his team’s dominance surprising? Not at all since the City was honored with several awards reflecting achievements made with public service. Under his administration, Muntinlupa was declared the Most Business-Friendly City in 2017 and 2018; the Most Child-Friendly City in the National Capital Region in 2016 and 2017; the Outstanding LGU in Nutrition Program Management for 2018

Through the years, the city has garnered several awards and citations from various governing bodies, including the Most Business-Friendly City Award for 2001, 2002, 2017, and 2018; Most Child-Friendly City in NCR for 2016 and 2017; Green Banner Award and Outstanding LGU in Nutrition Program Management for 2018; MERALCO Luminaries Award for 2018; and the Government Efficiency and Resilience Award (3rd Place) in the Regional Competitiveness Summit and Awards for 2017 and 2018 to name some.

Being awarded by credible organizations is a testament of the quality of the public service rendered by the City Government. It really helps not only the city officials but also helps build up the local economy (making it more attractive to investors) and honoring the people of Muntinlupa in return.

Here in the Philippines, national and local elections are held every three years. The democratic exercise has long been a part of Philippine culture. If the incumbents do well with governance, local naturally will prefer to retain them so that the good governance will continue. In situations like these, it is truly difficult for any challenger to overcome the incumbents. Any new challenger can come into arena promising reform but that alone is not good enough to convince people to vote for them. It’s a fact.


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