4 Abril, 2025 Biyernes
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
Congratulations to 18.7k views “Komedya O Komida” 6th edition and 2k views “Komedya O Komida” 7th edition of our very own J.Lo
Family of the late Ilocos Sur Gov. Efren Rafanan Sr. appreciates everyone joined them in their bereavement
Congratulations to new set of interim officers of Luzon Convention of Southern Baptist Chueches, Inc.-Servants of God in Christ Jesus Christian Ministries, Inc -moderator Dr. Enrico San Pedro Phd; Executive Secretary Jorge Lopez, Treasurer Rev. Nestor Sadim, Public Relation Officer Rev. Manuel Soliman
PM for any hospital discharge problem
Election not a war
By J.Lo
“Despite competition, we should remain friends and brethren… should unite us rather than divide,” Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia urged candidates and their supporters to rein in their emotions.
As election violence intensifies, Garcia reminded candidates in midterm polls in May that electoral exercise is not war.
“Candidates should be best example of statesmanship,” Garcia said amid reported rise in number of election-related violence.
Election watchdog National Citizens Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) has expressed concern over alarming rise in election-related violence as election day approaches.
NAMFREL said violent incidents undermine principles of democracy and threaten integrity of electoral process. It urged all candidates, political parties and their supporters to reject violence.
“We urge all stakeholders to prioritize peace and orderliness as campaign period begins,” NAMFREL said.
Along with other civil society groups, NAMFREL would monitor potential flashpoints of violence and take measures to prevent escalation before harm occurs.
Meanwhile, at least 39 suspected election-related incidents (ERIs) have been recorded by Philippine National Police, according to PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo.
Of 39 cases reported, Fajardo said 11 were confirmed to be election-related, 23 cases found to have no connection to elections, and five still under investigation.
Fajardo noted that number of validated ERIs remains lower compared to previous elections, particularly 2019 midterm polls.
However, she cautioned that election period lasts until June 11, and authorities remain on alert to prevent any escalation, especially as local campaign period has begun.
“We know that local elections tend to be more intense because candidates often come from same families, communities, or social circles… we are closely monitoring the situation to ensure validated ERIs do not increase,” Fajardo said.
Fajardo also reported decline in number of areas classified as election areas of concern (EACs), from 403 recorded by Comelec on Jan. 8 down to 386 as of March 19.
Red and orange category areas saw reductions, with some moving to yellow category, while some previously classified as yellow were downgraded to green, meaning they are no longer considered at risk.
One of the contributing factors to this improvement, according to Fajardo, is swift response to security concerns raised by political aspirants.
She credited Comelec’s proactive approach, noting that Chairman Garcia and law enforcement agencies have been conducting security assessments in high-risk areas.
“We continuously address election risk factors such as intense political rivalries, private armed groups, serious security threats, and loose firearms… efforts have helped reduce number of EACs,” she said.
Among 11 validated ERIs, five are undergoing preliminary investigation, with cases already filed. Some suspects remain at large, but Fajardo confirmed elected officials, incumbents and aspirants are among those charged.
“We will not allow these cases to be disregarded…we are committed to ensuring that those involved in election-related violence are held accountable,” she said.
PNP has been on heightened alert since March 24, in response to simultaneous national and local election campaigns. Alert status will remain in place until elections conclude, Fajardo said.
Beginning April 1, PNP will also monitor summer vacation activities, including Holy Week exodus and major public events.
With heightened alert, at least 75 percent of PNP’s total force is deployed. Regular duty shifts have been extended from 12 hours to 15 hours to ensure continuous security coverage.
“Our deployment focuses on major roads, campaign sorties, transportation terminals, tourist destinations, and other public convergence areas,” Fajardo said, adding that they want to ensure that all major events run smoothly and securely.
There’s only 15 days left for those intending to observe conduct of coming national and local polls to file for accreditation with Comelec.
Comelec issued resolution setting April 15 as deadline for filing of accreditation for both domestic and foreign observers in scheduled May 12 elections.
Only Comelec-accredited domestic and foreign observers shall be given access to government facilities and polling precincts during elections.
“All Philippine nationals, whether as individuals or in groups, whether representing government or civil society interests, who are interested to observe conduct of the 2025 NLE shall file their applications,”Comelec said.
Individuals who are invited by poll body to participate in Comelec’s Guided International Election Observation Program must still comply with existing policies on the entry of foreign nationals as visitors to the Philippines and must secure entry visas.
To qualify for accreditation, Comelec said, applicants must have bonafide good intention to participate exclusively as observer.
“Observer-applicants must be free from any political, economic, or other conflicts of interests that would interfere with conduct of election observations impartially,” Comelec stressed.
Comelec requires applicants to disclose their intention to take part in conduct of elections as election observers. Applications may be sent via e-mail to election.observers@comelec.gov.ph, with documentary requirements.
Those based in National Capital Region may personally submit application or through authorized representative while those based outside of Metro Manila may submit to nearest Office of Regional Director, where they reside or hold office.
Duly accredited observers will be allowed access to all stages of electoral process, including preparatory activities, but subject to conditions as may be necessary for protection of Comelec personnel, property, privileged information, and integrity of elections.
Observers are expected to submit report of their observation mission to Comelec not later than June 11.
Comelec prohibits observers from engaging in partisan political activities or acts designed to affect results of elections and contribute or make any expenditure in connection with any election campaign or partisan political activity.
Observers are also barred from mingling and talking with voters inside any polling place, nor shall they threaten, intimidate, or actually cause any violence and propagate false and alarming reports relating to conduct of elections.
Any violation of prohibited acts, Comelec said, is punishable as election offense.
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