29 Marso, 2025 Sabado
Success Month March in iskup
advance Happy Birthday Jo God-Saves Lopez
Welcome to Philippines Tomas and Aida Capica
election campaign period, gun ban in effect
No to Divorce!!!
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay
No to SOGIE bill
Supports Fire Prevention Month March
supports Women Month March
congratulations Marked Men for Christ Philippines 565th batch Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, Pangasinan, looking forward to next batch July 16,2025, Baguio City
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Family of the late Ilocos Sur Gov. Efren Rafanan Sr. appreciates everyone joined them in their bereavement
PM for any hospital discharge problem
45-day campaign period for local bets kicked off
By Nidz Godino
“Do not ignore our notice to remove illegal campaign materials because we will issue show cause order preparatory for filing of disqualification case and election offense,” Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia said as campaign period for local elections begins, poll body reminded candidates against violating campaign regulations, with Garcia warning that poll body will not hesitate to disqualify those who violate rules.
Garcia reminded local candidates to place their campaign materials in designated common poster areas, use biodegradable materials, voluntarily remove those illegally posted and abide by allowable campaign spending.
He reminded candidates that they are prohibited from attending or displaying their campaign posters during distribution of financial aid.
Garcia stressed distribution of welfare assistance, without first securing exemption from Comelec, is considered vote buying or abuse of state resources.
“Immediately we will disqualify, no ifs and buts,” he said.
Comelec also sees possible increase in election-related violence with start of local campaign season.
Garcia said poll body would do everything it can to maintain peace and order and ensure safe elections.
He added commission would order deployment of additional law enforcers in areas declared under Comelec control and identified as hotpots.
Comelec forged agreement with Department of Health, Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Philippine Red Cross to ensure safety of voters and those performing election duties.
Philippine National Police (PNP) also went on heightened alert as part of its security preparations for midterm polls.
Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, PNP spokesperson, said at least 176,250 or 75 percent of 235,000-strong police force are readily available for deployment during heightened alert.
Remaining 58,750 are on-call when there is need to increase number of police personnel on the ground.
“No one is allowed to file leave unless it is emergency in nature,” Fajardo said in virtual news briefing.
In beefing up security preparations, Fajardo explained campaign for local posts is known to be more heated than at national level.
“Those fighting for political bets knew each other, they are even relatives, friends or neighbors…this is why we need to intensify and strengthen our security coverage,” she said.
PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil ordered field commanders to sustain police visibility, particularly in providing area security for candidates during campaign sorties and other areas of engagement.
Marbil warned people who are planning to sow violence and intimidation to disrupt electoral process, saying PNP “would not tolerate any attempt to undermine our democracy.”
PNP has intensified intelligence gathering and expanded its presence in areas identified as election hotspots and those known to be with intense political rivalries.
In Pasig, local Comelec invited politicians to join and sign peace covenant to ensure orderly campaign and elections in the city.
Event was done in coordination with Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines–Joint Task Force.
Mayor Vico Sotto attended event along with most local candidates and wished them luck.
“May truth, fairness and peace prevail throughout the campaign and elections in 2025,” Sotto said.
For those living below minimum wage, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian said distribution of P26 billion in Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) continues following its exemption from election ban.
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) released its new guidelines on AKAP distribution.
“It was given Comelec exemption. Its distribution will not stop just because of campaign period,” Gatchalian said, noting that it is “very specific” for those living below minimum wage.
“No referrals are needed…just go to nearest DSWD office…this guideline is now much more clearer and defined,” Gatchalian added as he warned politicians who want to take advantage of the program.
He warned that, with widespread use of digital technology, it would be very easy for netizens from all camps to document unlawful acts of politicians.
“For one, they can be easily disqualified,” Gatchalian said.
DSWD vowed not to let any politician use or take advantage of the program.
“Campaign rules are much more stringent now…rival watchers and volunteers, election watchdogs, civil society, media and practically anybody who has a cell phone are just waiting for you to make mistake,” Gatchalian said.
He advised public to report to DSWD any politicians found repacking relief goods and other items and replacing these with stickers bearing their names and faces.
“That is illegal…we have to warn them, those who repack our goods… punishable under the law because it is tampering with government property…nobody is authorized to open these boxes except beneficiary,” Gatchalian stressed.
He also refuted “misconceptions” that indigents can just go to any DSWD office and they will be given all kinds of financial assistance.
“There must be need, reason…you will be assessed…if you are below minimum wage, then you are qualified under AKAP… but our social workers have final say based on their assessment…it’s menu-based program…our ayuda always have reason like transportation, food, medicine, hospital bills, funeral details,” Gatchalian said.
ISKUP! 