politics – Page 33 – Author Carlo Carrasco

PNP and COMELEC formally sign data sharing agreement related to BSKE

October 26, 2023October 24, 2023carlocarrasco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“We will make a difference in ensuring that the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections of 2023 serve as a shining example of democracy in action,” Acorda said.

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

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

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

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

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

BSKE-related voting simulation done in Las Piñas City

October 20, 2023October 18, 2023carlocarrasco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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

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

October 18, 2023October 13, 2023carlocarrasco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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October 30 a special non-working day for BSKE

October 16, 2023October 11, 2023carlocarrasco

October 30, 2023 (Monday) has officially been declared a special non-working day which would give people an advantage when it comes to voting in the much-anticipated Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) that day, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) report.

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

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has declared Oct. 30, a Monday, a special non-working day to allow Filipinos to cast their votes in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (BSKE) elections.

“It is imperative that the people be given the full opportunity to participate in the said elections and exercise their right of suffrage,” according to his proclamation, which was made public on Wednesday.

The Supreme Court has greenlighted the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to proceed with the conduct of the BSKE scheduled on Oct. 30, 2023, as previously provided for under Republic Act (RA) 11935.

RA 11935, signed by Marcos on Oct. 10 last year, moves the holding of BSKE from Dec. 5, 2023 to the last Monday of October 2023.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Will you be voting in the BSKE on October 30? How many people in your local community expressed willingness to vote on October 30?

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

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Muntinlupa City Mayor visits local market and personally inspects prices of goods

October 12, 2023October 9, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive city of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon personally visited a market in Barangay Poblacion and examined the prices of goods, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon visited a market on Oct. 9 to check the prices of basic commodities.

Biazon went to a market in Barangay Poblacion to know the prevailing prices of rice, meat, vegetables and other commodities.

He said a common feedback of stall owners inside the market is the competition from sellers outside the market, which has a negative impact on their income.

“Ang common feedback ng mga nagtitinda ay ang kompetensya mula sa mga nagtitinda sa labas—yung mga nasa bangketa at nasa iba pang private properties. Hindi na kasi sila napapasok ng mga mamimili; may advantage kasi yung mga nasa labas (The common feedback from sellers is the competition from sellers outside–those who are located on the sidewalk and private properties. Consumers no longer go inside (the market); those who sell outside have the advantage),” said Biazon during his Facebook live video of his market visit.

The mayor also noted that there are vacant stalls in the market, which could be due to sellers losing out to competitors outside the establishment. Biazon said he will look into the matter of illegal vendors around the market.

“Nagkakaroon kasi ng negative impact sa market mismo. Titingnan natin ang mga umiiral na batas natin kung may magagamit tayo para tugisin ang mga illegal vendor at wala sa tamang pwesto (It has a negative impact to the market directly. We will study the existing laws if we have something to use to go after illegal vendors and those who are not in the proper places),” said Biazon.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, were you able to visit any local market lately? If you did, were the prices of good higher than they were six months ago? Do you wish that more your city government officials would personally visit other local markets? Do you believe that local market vendors are being harmed by vendors outside of the markets?

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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Tuberculosis emphasized in Las Piñas City

October 9, 2023October 5, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the City Government organized a lecture to make local participants aware about tuberculosis in line with the local program focused on healthy living, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The lecture was held in Barangay Almanza Uno.

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

The Las Piñas City Health Office (CHO) conducted a comprehensive tuberculosis (TB) lecture as part of the city government’s commitment towards promoting healthy living in the community.

Mayor Imelda Aguilar said the lecture was held at the Almanza Uno Elementary School on Tuesday, October 3, 2023.

Aguilar said the program aimed at educating residents about the transmission, prevention, and symptoms of tuberculosis as well as disseminating information on where to obtain free medication.

She said the scope of the program focuses on the core dynamics of TB transmission, with emphasis on protective measures to avert the spread of the disease.

The mayor said that by explaining the signs and symptoms, the attendees were equipped with essential knowledge to identify potential cases at an early stage, thereby fostering a proactive approach towards disease management and control.

Aguilar said the CHO also reached out to the Department of Education, proposing a collaborative effort to extend the lecture series to various schools in Las Piñas.

For the newcomers reading this, tuberculosis is described as “a bacterial disease that usually attacks the lungs. But it can also attack other parts of the body, including the kidneys, spine, and brain.“

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? Do you wish to see the City Government send its officials to your local community to conduct a lecture about tuberculosis? Are there many people in your local community suffering from tuberculosis? Are you aware about the number of Filipinos who died from tuberculosis?

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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A Look Back at What If #7 (1989)

October 4, 2023October 2, 2023carlocarrasco

Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from reading the comic book and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.

Welcome back superhero enthusiasts, 1980s arts and culture enthusiasts, Marvel Comics fans and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the late 1980s to examine an alternate universe portrayal of Wolverine and S.H.I.E.L.D. told through an issue of the 2^nd What If comic book series.

While Wolverine has always been identified with the X-Men, the famous mutant spent time with the Canadian team Alpha Flight and his early encounter with the Hulk remains a highly significant chapter of Marvel Comics’ superhero universe.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at What If #7 published in 1989 by Marvel Comics with a story written by Joe Valentino and drawn by Rob Liefeld.

Early story

The story begins with the Watcher looking back at Wolverine’s encounter with not only the Hulk but also the Wendigo (as recorded in Incredible Hulk #180 and #181). A short time later, Wolverine is alone in the forest and gets visited by Nick Fury (S.H.I.E.L.D.) and Hudson (Alpha Flight) who arrived by helicopter.

Hudson tells Logan that an agreement has been made to loan him to the United States which prompts a response – Wolverine claims he is nobody’s property and tells Fury to reveal the details.

As it turns out, Wolverine joined Fury at the helicarrier of S.H.I.E.L.D. for a briefing. Fury reveals to him that the internal security of S.H.I.E.L.D. has been breached by an advanced model of Hydra LMDs (life model decoys) and their sensors cannot even detect them. An agent with top security clearance was recently caught trying to transmit classified data. The said agent blew up…

Quality

*Wolverine, Nick Fury, Black Widow and some S.H.I.E.L.D. personnel take on Hydra!*

I can say that I am very impressed and entertained with what Valentino and Liefeld came up with in this comic book. The story has a pretty strong structure designed to engage readers, pull off some surprises here and there, while also emphasizing the legacy of conflict between S.H.I.E.L.D. and Hydra with efficiency.

With regards to this comic book’s subject matter, Valentino succeeded in exploring the concept of Wolverine becoming an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. complete with great interactions between the characters. While Wolverine has his ideological differences with Nick Fury, the story went on to show great chemistry between them when S.H.I.E.L.D. operates (with the clawed mutant involved). Wolverine and Black Widow make a solid duo in action and the writer managed to dramatize the conflict between Fury and Baron Strucker (Hydra). For the newcomers reading this, Baron Strucker is Marvel’s super villain with a Nazi heritage and he first appeared in the 1964 comic book Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos #5. Strucker here is very intimidating and powerful and Hydra’s use of LMDs symbolically reflect his ruthlessness.

When it comes to the visuals, Rob Liefeld’s art here is really great to look at and it truly is one of the best looking Marvel comics I have read with his artwork as well as the most distinctive looking What If story. Great not only because of his stylized take on the established characters (note: the Hulk and Wendigo looked very visceral) but also because Liefeld truly brought Valentino’s solid script into life from start to finish. The action scenes drawn were excellent, the facial expressions were lively and detailed to look at (note: Wolverine’s got some very visceral faces here) and most of all, Liefeld managed to make the established characters look recognizable.

Conclusion

*Really nice action of Wolverine and Black Widow against many drawn by Rob Liefeld.*

Thanks to Jim Valentino and Rob Liefeld’s combined works, What If #7 (1989) is a great comic book and easily one of the best tales of the 2^nd volume of What If that I have ever read. The way it emphasized Wolverine as an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. was highly imaginative, compelling and fun to read from start to finish. There is so much enjoyable stuff here that should appeal strongly to fans Wolverine, Nick Fury and S.H.I.E.L.D. In retrospect, this comic book was published just a few years before Valentino and Liefeld left Marvel Comics to establish Image Comics and right here you will see the great creativity from their younger days. Lastly, I can say that this What If tale has a strong conclusion which should compel you to read specific Marvel comic books to realize the connections

Overall, What If #7 (1989) is highly recommended!

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Show cause orders against several BSKE candidates surpass 300 nationwide

September 15, 2023September 13, 2023carlocarrasco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

September 11, 2023September 7, 2023carlocarrasco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

September 6, 2023September 4, 2023carlocarrasco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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