Tag: #news

Extended voter registration process with COMELEC good until October 30, 2021

Extended voter registration process with COMELEC good until October 30, 2021

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Are you based in the Philippines and you have yet to get yourself registered? The voter registration process officially resumed nationwide yesterday and voters have until October 30, 2021 to visit the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) registration sites to get themselves registered and become eligible to vote in the May 2022 national and local elections. Already lines of people were spotted by GMA Network News.

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

The registration of voters resumed on Monday with voter applicants forming long lines again before dawn in some areas in Metro Manila.

In Quezon City, some voters showed up as early as midnight at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Barangay Sto. Cristo, according to a report by James Agustin on Unang Balita.

Because it was still curfew, they were asked to stay at the barangay hall first. At 4 a.m., they were allowed to start falling in line on Nueva Vizcaya Street.

Voters said they are grateful that the Comelec extended the registration of voters until October 30 so they could exercise their right to vote in Eleksyon 2022.

Some of them have tried to register before for three or four times but did not make it to the cutoff.

Voters came with food and chairs, ready for the long wait. They were finally allowed to fall in line outside the Comelec office at 6 a.m. Registration will start at 8 a.m.

Barangay personnel continuously reminded voters to observe physical distancing.

Meanwhile, outside SM City North EDSA, voters slept on the floor while waiting to be allowed inside the voter registration satellite area.

Marikina City

In Marikina City, voters who were at a mall were allowed to enter the parking lot at 3 a.m. on Monday, according to a report by Bam Alegre on Unang Balita.

At 6 a.m., walk-in applicants were given queuing stubs.

Only 200 slots per district will be accommodated at the site.

Fifty slots meanwhile were allotted for the priority lane for senior citizens, pregnant women, persons with disability, and medical frontliners.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this newest development? If you have not yet registered until now, are you determined to join the line for voter registration as soon as possible? Where is the nearest COMELEC registration near you right now?

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

COVID-19 Crisis: A new attempt to reopen cinemas in Metro Manila under Alert Level system

COVID-19 Crisis: A new attempt to reopen cinemas in Metro Manila under Alert Level system

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It has been so long since the cinemas in Metro Manila have been closed and have not screened any new films since the start of the pandemic which negatively affected the local cinema industry’s operators and their employees. 300,000 employees to be precise.

Early this year, Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) announced that it has allowed a variety of businesses around the Philippines to resume operations to recover from the COVID-19 crisis and cinemas were among those businesses. However the mayors of Metro Manila opposed the decision and according to the Manila Times’ news report, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Benhur Abalos noted that “movie theaters are enclosed and air-conditioned spaces where people stay for more than 30 minutes, conditions that increase the risk of coronavirus transmission.” Abalos lamented that there was this fear of a possible spike in COVID-19 infection if cinemas were allowed to reopen. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) issued a memorandum calling for the reopening of cinemas in GCQ (general community quarantine) areas starting March 5, 2021 but the said businesses remain closed.

That was back then and by now, many millions of residents of Metro Manila have been vaccinated for COVID-19, many businesses went through the Safety Seal program and a new system of community control has been implemented. Since the pandemic started, cinemas in Metro Manila were shut down with the exception of some cinemas that were turned into temporary venues for COVID-19 vaccination.

Now there is renewed hope for Metro Manila cinema operators and their employees as the Manila Bulletin reported that the IATF will discuss reopening cinemas under the Alert Level system.

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

Malacañang said the government’s pandemic task force is set to discuss the possible reopening of cinemas in areas under the Alert Level 3, part of the new system being implemented in Metro Manila response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque made the statement after the Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines (CEAP) appealed to the Inter-agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases to allow the limited operations of cinemas under the Alert Level 4.

In his press briefing on Thursday, October 7, Roque said that the IATF will discuss the reopening of cinemas but not in areas under Alert Level 4.

“Ang alam ko po nasa agenda ‘yan mamaya ng IATF pero ang pagbubuaks po na pag-uusapan po ay Level 3, hindi Level 4 (I know it’s part of the agenda of the IATF later but the reopening that will be discussed will be in Alert Level 3, not Level 4),” he said.

Under the current guidelines for the pilot implementation of the Alert Levels System for COVID-19 response in Metro Manila, cinemas will be allowed to operate at a maximum of 50 percent venue capacity under Alert Level 2.

In February this year, the IATF allowed the reopening of traditional cinemas in areas under the general community quarantine (GCQ) but Metro Manila mayors opposed this decision in fear that it may trigger superspreader events.

In a Facebook post, the CEAP appealed to the IATF to allow the reopening of cinemas, ensuring that the industry values the health and well-being of its employees and moviegoers.

According to CEAP, the cinema industry has ensured that all employees are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The group likewise said that a number of cinemas have been awarded the Safety Seal Certification by their local government units (LGUs) which affirms that they are compliant with the minimum health standards set by the government.

The Manila Bulletin report ended mentioning that theater managers have gone through occupational safety and health training.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Do you believe it is high time for cinemas in Metro Manila to reopen now that many millions of people in the metropolis have been vaccinated for COVID-19 and a lot of businesses have made efforts to meet the requirements of health protocols (and the Safety Seal program)? Do you believe that the MMDA and the Metro Manila Council (MMC) actually care about the state of the 300,000 employees of the nation’s cinema industry? Do you think Abalos and the Metro Manila mayors will still make decisions out of fear as far as movie theaters are concerned?

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

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

COVID-19 Crisis: Total inoculation count in Las Piñas City approaching 820,000

COVID-19 Crisis: Total inoculation count in Las Piñas City approaching 820,000

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This past weekend, the City Government of Las Piñas announced that its overall inoculation count is approaching 820,000 overall based on their official statistics accurate as of October 8, 2021. Those numbers were released this past weekend on social media, shortly after the Manila Bulletin reported that the city was within reach of achieving herd immunity.

For transparency, posted below is the official image of statistics released by the City Government through social media.

As before, the numbers just don’t add up. 437,441 1st dose count plus 388,336 2nd dose count equals 825,777. That’s a difference of 7,050 more than the official grand total of 818,727.

Regardless, it is still highly commendable for Las Piñas that 86.9% of their target population of 70% got fully vaccinated already (two doses) while almost 98% of the target population got their first dose. Let’s be honest here…vaccinations exceeding 800,000 in less than one year is major achievement.

Any Las Piñas resident who has yet to get registered for the free COVID-19 vaccines can learn the ways (4 methods) by clicking here. Anyone who is ready and willing to register online can click bit.ly/LasPiñasVaccination

Meanwhile, the City Government recently launched the online registration process for COVID-19 vaccination for local minors (aged 12 to 17) which can be done at http://laspinascityonline.laspinascity.gov.ph/eCVRS/

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction about the latest vaccination statistics? Are you feeling confident about the city achieving herd immunity before the year ends?

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

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

Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar files COC aiming for 3rd term, incumbent Vice Mayor Aguilar-Nery running for 2nd term

Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar files COC aiming for 3rd term, incumbent Vice Mayor Aguilar-Nery running for 2nd term

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Recently at the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) office in Las Piñas City, Mayor Imelda Aguilar, Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery and the rest of their team filed their respective certificates of candidacy (COCs) to run in the May 9, 2022 local elections according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Las Pinas City Mayor Imelda “Mel” Aguilar who is seeking a third and last term as the city’s chief executive filed her certificate of candidacy (COC) on Wednesday, Oct. 6, together with her “Tuloy ang Serbisyo” team at the local Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in the city.

Aguilar personally filed her COC before Comelec officer Atty. Jehan Marohombsar. She was joined by her daughter, April Aguilar-Nery, who is seeking her second as city vice-mayor.

The team “Tuloy ang Serbisyo” will be running under the banner of the Nacionalista Party (NP).

Mayor Imelda Aguilar (3rd from left) and Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery (3rd from right) showing their respective COCs filed at the local COMELEC office. (photo credit: Philippine News Agency and Avito Dalan)
Mayor Aguilar with her COC. (photo credit: Philippine News Agency and Avito Dalan)

Aguilar said she was inspired by the legacy left behind by her late husband, former Mayor Vergel “Nene” Aguilar, and aims to provide better services to Las Piñeros.

“Given the chance to be re-elected for the third time, I will pursue the programs and services which I have already started that will benefit my constituents who deserve nothing less from the local government,” Aguilar said.

The mayor added that the COVID-19 pandemic will not be a hindrance to the platform set by the “Tuloy ang Serbisyo” team that guarantees to sustain and make identified services more accessible and available to the people.

The above report ended with the names of the City Council candidates of Aguilar’s campaign team. Running for seats in District 1 are Councilors Filemon Aguilar, Oscar Pena, Alfredo Miranda, Florante S. Dela Cruz, Julio Balanag and Rex Hanz Riguera. Running for seats in District 2 are Councilors Lord Linely R. Aguilar, Luis I. Bustamante, Danilo V. Hernandez, Ruben C. Ramos, Ignacio B. Sunga, and Luis Fernando Riguerra.

Posted below is a related news video…

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction about this election-related development? How would you rate Mayor Aguilar and her administration with regards to performing services to you and the members of your local community? What is your opinion right now about the Vice Mayor and the City Councilors?

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

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

Las Piñas City Representative Camille Villar files certificate of candidacy (COC) for re-election

Las Piñas City Representative Camille Villar files certificate of candidacy (COC) for re-election

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Las Piñas City Representative Camille Villar officially filed her certificate of candidacy (COC) with the Commission on Elections (COC) seeking re-election in the upcoming May 2022 national and local elections according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin. For the newcomers reading this, congresswoman Villar is the daughter of business tycoon Manny Villar and Senator Cynthia Villar. Her brother is former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secretary Mark Villar who recently filed his COC for Senator.

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

Las Piñas City Representative Camille Villar with her COC. (source – Camille Villar Facebook page)

Deputy Speaker Camille Villar files her certificate of candidacy to seek for reelection as representative of the lone district of Las Piñas City on Tuesday, October 5, at the Office of the Regional Election Director – COMELEC NCR.

Rep. Villar, who is vying for her second term in public service, said she will continue to bring basic services closer to her constituents and help in the city’s full recovery from the pandemic

For those who missed out on past articles of this blog, Representative Villar launched a special program designed to entice city residents to get vaccinated for COVID-19 and in turn give them chances to win a new house-and-lot plus consumable goods and motorcycles in a raffle draw. As of September 25, 2021, roughly 800,000 inoculations all over the city were counted. Villar was present during the launch of the extension of the River Drive and she was a presenter of the 7th Las Piñas  Food Festival.

Any Las Piñas resident who has yet to get registered for the free COVID-19 vaccines can learn the ways (4 methods) by clicking here. Anyone who is ready and willing to register online can click bit.ly/LasPiñasVaccination

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, how do you rate Camille Villar’s performance when it comes to representing you at the House of Representatives. Did her projects in the city make any positive impact on your lives?

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

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

Almost 8 million voter registration applications received by COMELEC

Almost 8 million voter registration applications received by COMELEC

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Through the news report of the Manila Bulletin, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) announced that it has received almost eight million applications for voter registration. This is related to the upcoming national and elections set for May 9, 2022 here in the Philippines and the COMELEC will resume the voter registration process (referred to as an extension) on October 11, 2021. Previously, the voter registration process ended on September 30. For the foreigners reading this, the next national and local elections mean a lot to Filipinos because 2022 is the year they will elect a new President.

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

Nearly eight million applications for voter registration have so far been received by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

In a press briefing on Tuesday, at the Sofitel Tent in Pasay City, Comelec Spokersperson James Jimenez said as of Sept 25, the number of applications filed totaled 7,994,821.

On Sept. 29, the Comelec en banc unanimously approved the extension of voter registration until Oct. 30.

“Extension is from Oct. 11 to 30, Monday to Friday, no Saturdays, except for the last day (Oct.30), 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.” Jimenez said in a statement.

He said all types of registration services will be offered during the registration.

“Most of the registration will still be conducted in Comelec offices, but there are still mall registration sites,” he said.

“Online reactivation still an option,” added Jimenez.

On the same day, the Comelec also announced the extension of registration of overseas voters for two weeks.

Posted below for your reference are COMELEC-related news videos.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this newest development? If you are a local resident who has not yet registered until now, are you determined to join the line once the COMELEC resumes the registration process on October 11?

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

1-year-old child dies in Parañaque City fire

1-year-old child dies in Parañaque City fire

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A few weeks ago, it was reported that an elderly lady died while being trapped inside a burning house within Parañaque City. This past weekend, a similar tragedy happened again within the same city but in a different barangay. This time, the victim is a 1-year-old child according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

A one-year-old boy died when he was trapped inside their burning house in Paranaque City Saturday afternoon.

Senior Fire Officer 1 Gennie Huidem, Paranaque Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP) arson investigator, identified the fatality as Zach William Prado, of 4053 Culdesac Rotonda, Barangay Sun Valley, Paranaque City.

Huidem said Prado was on the second floor of their house when the fire broke out at about 3:45 p.m. on Saturday.

The report showed the victim was left in the custody of their grandfather, Wilfredo Prado, prior to the fire.

The arson investigator said before the fire broke out, the victim’s four-year-old brother Amber Brado left Zach William sleeping to follow their other sibling Akia Zoei who attended a birthday party.

The flames immediately spread to nearby houses.

The fire gutted 13 houses rendering 23 families homeless.

The above report ended stating that the estimate amount of damage was at P100,000.

Below is the related TV news report.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Parañaque City, what do you think should be done to prevent fire and death from happening within a 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. 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

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

COVID-19 Crisis: DTI keeps pushing on for businesses to be open on all alert levels

COVID-19 Crisis: DTI keeps pushing on for businesses to be open on all alert levels

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The road to full economic recovery during this COVID-19 pandemic remains rough and bumpy as the national and local authorities continue to struggle between health and economics. The last enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) in Metro Manila were very damaging to the economy as a whole. Fortunately for the businesses and the employees, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) continues to push hard for economic recovery as a new proposal was made to allow all businesses to remain open at all alert levels with varying limits on capacity according to a recent Philippine News Agency (PNA) report.

From September 16 to September 30, 2021, Metro Manila was placed under Alert Level 4 of the new system of quarantine (which includes granular lockdowns) and during this particular period, businesses were literally given some breathing room as personal care service joints and restaurants were allowed accommodate vaccinated customers to spend time inside their respective locations but with specific limits on in-door capacity. DTI is pushing for something better economically.

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

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is proposing to allow all businesses to remain open at all alert levels but varying operating capacities.

“The idea is business activities, economic activities should continue at all alert levels and you just change the operating capacity. So at least there is still (business) continuity,” DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said in an interview with ABS CBN News Channel (ANC) Thursday.

He added that operating capacity should be reduced when an area reached Alert Level 4.

Under Alert Level 4, indoor dine-in and personal care services are allowed at 10 percent capacity for fully vaccinated customers only, while outdoor dine-in and personal care services can operate up to 30 percent operating capacity.

“So there’s containment, there are a bit of more restrictions, but at least you allow the business activities to continue,” Lopez added.

The trade chief is also hopeful that the alert level system in Metro Manila will ease to Alert Level 3 starting Friday.

Lopez said some 76,000 to 80,000 businesses did not operate even under the alert level system since the current protocol does not allow some sectors to operate.

Moreover, he said DTI is pushing for the inclusion of gym operations in Alert Level 4 considering that fitness clubs and centers are essential businesses.

“We’ve been arguing that exercise is really one vital activity to increase their immunity level. In fact, they allowed outdoor exercise at all levels. We were just saying, for indoors, we just manage it,” Lopez said.

Lopez said the DTI stands ready to assist enterprises as the agency continues to offer financing packages to businesses affected by the pandemic.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about the DTI’s latest move to improve the economic situation? If you are a business owner who has at least ten employees to take care of, what do you think the DTI, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Metro Manila Council (MMC) should do to make things better for doing business in Metro Manila? Do you believe that the people responsible for the last ECQ and MECQ in Metro Manila cared about hot issues like unemployment, loss of income and business closures?

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

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

Biazon and Fresnedi unite for “One Munti,” ensure continuity of forward progress in Muntinlupa

Biazon and Fresnedi unite for “One Munti,” ensure continuity of forward progress in Muntinlupa

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Muntinlupeños now have one thing less to worry about for the duration of the pandemic as the current leadership unite under one banner and ensure the continuous delivery of excellent public service.

Incumbent Representative Ruffy Biazon and Mayor Jaime R. Fresnedi have allied under the “One Muntinlupa” unity party led by Biazon to make sure the economic gains and best practices of the last nine years continue to be enjoyed by Muntinlupeños and even by transient workers based in the City.

Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi will run for Congress in the May 2022 elections while incumbent Congressman Ruffy Biazon will run for Mayor of Muntinlupa. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

“Mas makakampante ngayon ang ating mga kababayang Muntinlupeño sa harap ng pandemya (Muntinlupeños can be more confident now in this pandemic),” Biazon said of the unity force. Under the One Muntinlupa slate, Biazon will be the mayoral candidate while Fresnedi runs for Congress.

“The services such as scholarships, benefits, and relief packages that have helped many of our kababayan survive will definitely continue. Together, we will survive and overcome,” Biazon said.

“Elections tend to cause significant uncertainty in the people, which is why they can be divisive as voters choose candidates they think can make life better for them,” Fresnedi added. “By joining our vision and resources, Congressman Biazon and I make sure that the benefits that Muntinlupeños have enjoyed for the last nine years will continue, and can even be made better.”

In an interview, Fresnedi said his first order of business should he win as Congressman is to lobby for the creation of an additional congressional district in Muntinlupa. “Isa sa mga una kong isusulong ay ang additional congressional district para sa Muntinlupa. Ang population ng aming lungsod ay tamang tama na para sa isa pang congressional district,” Fresnedi noted.

To date, Muntinlupa City has a population of 543,445 according to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing. The population requirement for the creation of a congressional district is 250,000 residents per Article VI, Sec.5 of the 1987 Constitution. Fresnedi also vowed to sponsor bills of national relevance that will not only benefit the people of Muntinlupa but also the whole country.

In Fresnedi’s six terms as mayor (1998-2007, 2013-present), Muntinlupa experienced unprecedented economic and social growth, culminating in recognitions such as the ISO 9001:2008 certification, Most Business-Friendly LGU by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Seal of Good Local Governance from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance, among others. Fresnedi advocated an Eight-Point Program of Governance which prioritized education, health care, and economic development, driven by numerous scholarships and training programs and the construction of schools and health facilities.

Likewise, in his five terms as lone district Representative (2001-2010, 2016-present), Biazon has continuously championed in Congress measures that would promote and protect the plight and welfare of his constituents in Muntinlupa City and the Filipino people in general.  As of this writing, Biazon has already filed more than a hundred proposed measures and various resolutions on defense and security; local governance and public order; poverty alleviation/social justice; education; environment; agriculture; housing; and maritime, air and land transportation and safety.

Biazon also served from 2011 to 2013 as Commissioner of the Bureau of Customs where he initiated a wide range of reforms, including pushing for the passage of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (Republic Act No. 10863). Fresnedi meanwhile started his service to Muntinlupa when he was appointed Municipal Attorney and later as OIC Vice Mayor in the aftermath of the 1986 People Power uprising.

Both Biazon and Fresnedi currently offer scholarships for poor but deserving students, purposely investing for the future through education, and laying the foundations of long-term economic development as a means to peace and security in Muntinlupa City.

Joining Biazon and Fresnedi in One Muntinlupa are Artemio “Temy” Simundac for Vice Mayor, District 1 Councilors: Coun. Atty. Raul Corro, Coun. Allan Rey Camilon, Coun. Paty Katy Boncayao, Coun. Alexson Diaz, Coun. Ivee Arciaga-Tadefa, Coun. Ting Niefes, Ms. Rachel Arciaga, and Mr. Jedi Presnedi, District 2 Councilors: Coun. Francis Ian Bagatsing, Coun. Mark Lester Baes, Coun. Engr. Marissa Rongavilla, Coun. Engr. Arlene Hilapo, Coun. Engr. Mamerto Sevilla Jr., Coun. Cornelio Martinez, Ms. Luvi Constantino, and Ms. Letty Santiago.

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The above information was sourced from the official press release of the Muntinlupa PIO. Some parts were changed for this website.

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

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COC filing for May 2022 elections begins today

COC filing for May 2022 elections begins today

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The filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) at the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) for the May 2022 national and local elections has officially begun today according to a Manila Bulletin news report. That means that within the following days, we will see pre-election buzz pop up on social media as potential candidates file their COCs and appear in front of photographers and their respective supporters. Things will be a bit different this time around due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and already it has been reported that all COC filers must present negative RT-PCR test or antigen test results and there will be limitations on the number of companions allowed per filer.

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

Potential candidates in the May 2022 polls will start filing their Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) Friday, Oct. 1.

Those running for national positions such as for President, Vice President, Senator and Party-List will file their COCs and their Certificates of Nomination and Acceptance of Nomination at the Garden tent of Sofitel Hotel in Pasay City.

For other elective positions: Members of the House of Representatives for legislative districts in the National Capital Region (NCR) at the Office of the Regional Director, NCR; for Members of the House of Representatives for legislative districts in provinces at the Office of the Provincial Election Supervisor concerned; for Members of the House of Representatives for legislative districts in cities outside the NCR, which comprise one or more legislative districts at the Office of the City Election Officer concerned designated for the purpose by the Regional Election Director.

For Member, Sangguniang Panlalawigan at the Office of the Provincial Election Supervisor; for Mayor, Vice-Mayor in cities with more than one Election Officer at the Office of the City Election Officer concerned designated for the purpose by the Regional Election Director.

With the continued threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the poll body is limiting the number of companions of filers as part of their health and safety measures.

“Candidates from President to Senator we allow a maximum of three companions,” Comelec Chairman Sheriff Abas said in a television interview Wednesday, Sept. 29.

He said Party-Lists can only have one companion.

“We will traffic the flow of candidates one at a time. It will be on a first come, first serve basis,” said Abas.

For his part, Comelec Spokesman James Jimenez said they want the COC filing activities to be sober that’s why they opted to transfer the COC filing for national posts at Sofitel.

“One of the main things of the filing of COCs this year is that we really went to great extent to make sure that the filing would be sober,” he said.

“We located it there to provide better security for our filers and prevent crowds from forming outside the filing area,” added Jimenez.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this newest development? Does the filing of candidacies at the COMELEC encourage you to vote in the May 2022 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