Philippines – Page 137 – Author Carlo Carrasco

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.

+++++

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

Man who attempted robbing a delivery rider arrested in Parañaque City

August 23, 2023August 20, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in Parañaque City, local police officers arrested a man who attempted robbing a delivery rider (note: incident was captured on video), according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The apprehension happened during the law enforcers’ follow-up operation.

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

A man who attempted to rob a delivery rider as shown in an online viral video was arrested by Parañaque police during a follow-up operation on Aug. 18.

The Southern Police District (SPD) said the suspect, identified as Jovi Perdido, 33, was arrested by members of the Station Intelligence Section and Substation 2.

According to the Parañaque police, the suspect reportedly tried to steal the victim’s cellphone and money he collected from his delivery service.

The robbery-holdup incident occurred at around 10:30 a.m. along Cabesang Cicilio St. in Barangay Tambo on Aug. 17.

The police said that based on the viral video that circulated on social media, uploaded by “Janjan,” Perido mauled and tried to stab the victim who, in turn, resisted.

The suspect was prevented from further harming the victim by concerned citizens who witnessed the incident.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? Do you believe that more delivery riders could be targeted by thieves while doing their duties in Parañaque?

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

+++++

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

New diagnostic center in Las Piñas City inaugurated

August 23, 2023August 18, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in Las Piñas City, a brand new diagnostic center located at the ground floor of the City Health Office within the area of City Hall was formally inaugurated by Mayor Imelda Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar according to the City Government’s social media post dated August 17. The new facility aims to provide free laboratory services for qualified patients of the city.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the City Government’s Facebook post (translated from Tagalog into English). Some parts in boldface…

The first Las Piñas City Diagnostic Center of the City Government located at the ground floor of the City Health Office, in the vicinity of Las Piñas City Hall is now open for qualified residents.

This was after the presided by Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar, the simple ceremony of the inauguration and blessing of such a diagnostic center this August 16.

*The Vice Mayor and Mayor (in the background) with City Government personnel posing outside of the new diagnostic center. (photo credit: Las Piñas PIO).*

This diagnostic center of the local government will provide better and free laboratory services including blood count, fasting blood sugar, cholesterol or lipid profile, uric acid, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine examination, urinalysis and 12-L-ECG.

The purpose of this is to lessen the burden of Las Piñeros who spend more money if necessary to undergo laboratory examinations.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are there several people in your local community who are motivated to avail of the free laboratory tests at the Las Piñas Diagnostic Center 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.

+++++

Free medical services for senior citizens of two specific communities in Las Piñas City set for September 6 and 12, 2023

August 22, 2023August 17, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government announced through its official Facebook page that there will be free medical services offered to senior citizens of two specific communities or barangays that will happen on September 6 and 12, 2023.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt (translated from Tagalog into English) from the City Government’s Facebook post of August 16, 2023. Some parts in boldface…

Senior citizens in the city are hereby informed that the Local Government under the leadership of the City Health Office in collaboration with Philhealth will offer free medical services this coming September.

You can get a free medical consultation that includes free vitamins, oral health check plus dental kits, and enrollment in Philhealth Konsulta.

The schedule for the enrollment of senior citizens in Philhealth Konsulta is at Bambusetum Covered Court, Barangay Talon Dos on September 6 and at Barangay Elias Aldana Covered Court on September 12.

You can also renew your Philhealth membership and get an ID at their designated kiosks at the aforementioned locations and dates.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Las Piñas City resident, what is your reaction to this new development? If you are a resident of Barangay Talon Dos or Barangay Elias Adanas, are the local senior citizens already aware of the planned free medical services scheduled for September?

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 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 athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/.

Muntinlupa police force receives equipment and ammunition from City Government

August 21, 2023August 16, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the local police force received new equipment from the City Government which should help it maintain order, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Muntinlupa City government turned over Kevlar helmets, vests, and ammunition to the Muntinlupa police to beef up their capabilities.

Mayor Ruffy Biazon personally handed over 60 bulletproof helmets, 60 body armor vests, and more than 74,000 rounds of ammunition to the Muntinlupa police headed by Col. Angel Garcillano.

“Kasama sa priority programs natin ang Kapayapaan at Kaayusan kung saan patuloy nating pinalalakas ang peace and order capability ng ating lungsod (Peace and order are included in our priority programs wherein we continue to strengthen the peace and order capability of our city),” said the Mayor.

The equipment is part of the city government’s program to provide security in the city.

The mayor said the city government had previously established security outposts in strategic areas in Muntinlupa coupled with increased police visibility.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think this new development will help make Muntinlupa a more peaceful and orderly city? Do you think the criminals will be discouraged from committing illegal acts now that they know the local police are more equipped 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.

+++++

Transgendered woman arrested for extorting money from a minor

August 21, 2023August 16, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Manila, local police officers arrested a transgendered woman (note: biological male identifying as female) for the alleged extortion of money from a minor, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The victim’s mother learned about the details of what happened and called the police for assistance. The arrest was the result of an entrapment operation.

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

A 23-year-old transgender woman was arrested by police in an entrapment operation for allegedly extorting money from a minor with special needs at a mall in Ermita, Manila on Monday morning, Aug. 14.

The MPD-MDACT said the suspect is a student with aliases “Ann Antukin” and “Sunata Hen” residing in Brgy. Balong Bato Quezon City.

The mother of the victim told police investigators that her son (name withheld), a minor with special needs, met the suspect on Facebook two years ago. Their online relationship blossomed and they became lovers.

Through the course of the relationship they exchanged intimate photos of themselves in their online conversations. Her son thought all along that the suspect was a real woman, the mother said.

The problem started when the suspect demanded money from the victim, threatening to expose his sensitive photos to his parents.

Police said that the mother of the victim got wind of her son’s predicament after she found out that he stole money from her. This prompted her to check on her son’s cellular phone where she discovered that the suspect was demanding money from the victim such as a monthly allowance of P10,000 and others.

She further learned that the suspect was asking her son to deliver the money at a mall in Ermita.

The mother sought the assistance of the MPD-MDACT team who promptly planned an entrapment operation against the suspect at the mall.

During his arrest, the suspect yielded two pieces P1,000 marked money, a Vivo V23 5G cellular phone, a vaccination record card and a National ID under his name.

The above report ended stating that the transgender suspect is facing charges for violating Article 317 (swindling of minors), Republic Act No. 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act), and Republic Act 11930 (The Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a parent whose children are still minors, does this crime news report make you feel concerned about what kind of people your children communicate with online? Do you think that there could be more transgendered individuals out there looking to victimize children and other people that they believe could easily be fooled?

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.

+++++

Muntinlupa City to help sari-sari store owners with program

August 17, 2023August 15, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government announced that it will implement a notable program that will benefit owners of sari-sari stores and other micro-retailers through a special program, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Muntinlupa City government will implement the iSTAR Program aiming to provide skills to sari-sari (variety) store and other micro-retailing business owners.

The Muntinlupa City Council approved Resolution 2023-293 authorizing Mayor Ruffy Biazon to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for the implementation of the iSTAR Program or the upgraded version of the Sari-Sari Store Training and Access Resources (STAR) Program.

According to the resolution, the iSTAR Program “aims to provide access to skill training, resources, and peer mentoring to sari-sari store and carinderia owners and operators all over the country.”

Under the iSTAR Program, “sari-sari stores, traditional food outlets or karinderias and other Micro-retailing business owners will be provided with digital basic entrepreneurship training and access to business resources.”

The MOU aims to “provide both men and women residents of the city business and training to improve their finances and standard of living and at the same time, giving the community easy access to basic goods and commodities.”

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? If you own a sari-sari store or a micro-retailing business, would you take part in the iSTAR program?

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.

+++++

	#blogpost on Panel By DHSUD To Check Concer…
	Politics Channel on Panel By DHSUD To Check Concer…
	AI Channel on Panel By DHSUD To Check Concer…
	#tumblr on New Clark City To Host AI Hub…
	#southies on Panel By DHSUD To Check Concer…

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: