supports Ease of Doing Business Month May , themed “Red Tape to Red Carpet: Better Business Movement in Bagong Pilipinas.”
No to Divorce!!!
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez,
No to SOGIE bill
congratulations to winning candidates
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 19.1k views “Komedya O Komida” 6th edition and 2.1k views “Komedya O Komida” 7th edition of our very own J.Lo
Congratulations to new set of interim officers of Luzon Convention of Southern Baptist Churches, 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
“If that happens, this will be fastest in our history that we are able to proclaim winning senatorial candidates, and then party-list winners,” Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia said “so hopefully our canvassing will continue as scheduled today.”
Winners of 2025 senatorial race may be proclaimed by Saturday (May 17) as long as remaining certificates of canvass are transmitted on time, according to Comelec.
Garcia said poll body hopes to complete canvassing of 16 remaining COCs today.
If all goes according to plan, Garcia said they would be able to proclaim winning senatorial candidates by Saturday afternoon, with winning party-lists to follow on Monday.
Poll body has processed 159 out of 175 COCs as of Thursday, second day of its canvassing. Midterm polls were held on Monday, May 12.
All COCs from local polling posts have already been received as of Wednesday, Garcia said, but three COCs overseas are still pending transmission.
Garcia explained precinct in Moscow still needs to send their results to Qatar, while Milan needs to transmit theirs through Kuwait due to technical issues.
Garcia said they are coordinating with embassies and consulates to ensure all remaining COCs were sent by 3 in the afternoon Thursday.
Elections on Monday saw turnout of more than 55 million at least 81.65% of all registered voters. This is highest voter turnout so far for midterm election in Comelec’s history.
Polls held halfway into Marcos administration will determine 12 new senators and over 300 new lawmakers at House of Representatives, alongside local government positions.
Election day itself was marred by technical issues and delays across multiple voting precincts.
National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL), accredited citizens’ arm of Comelec, documented several issues during election day, including malfunctioning vote-counting machines (VCMs), overcrowding and breaches in ballot secrecy.
NAMFREL observers reported approximately one-fourth of volunteers witnessed problems with automated vote-counting machines, including printing jams, machines erroneously flagging properly filled ballots as invalid and ballots being rejected due to stray marks or folds.
supports Ease of Doing Business Month May , themed “Red Tape to Red Carpet: Better Business Movement in Bagong Pilipinas.”
No to Divorce!!!
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay
No to SOGIE bill
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 19.1k views “Komedya O Komida” 6th edition and 2.1k views “Komedya O Komida” 7th edition of our very own J.Lo
Congratulations to new set of interim officers of Luzon Convention of Southern Baptist Churches, 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
Moment of truth winning senators may be proclaimed Friday
By J.Lo
“Today, we may be able to receive 80 to 85 percent of all COCs…we are expecting 175 COCs…hopefully, we would be able to finish our canvassing until Wednesday morning, at least,” Commission on Elections, sitting as National Board of Canvassers (NBOC), hopes to proclaim 12 winning senators by Friday at earliest, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said.
As of 4 in the afternoon yesterday, NBOC had canvassed 13 of the 30 Certificates OCs it received from different urbanized cities, provinces, and Philippine posts abroad.
NBOC reconvened to start official canvassing of results of senatorial and party-list elections. COCs from local absentee voting, Baguio City, and the Province of Ifugao were among first canvassed.
Garcia said NBOC will be canvassing total of 175 COCs before winning senators and party-list groups can be proclaimed.
Garcia said proclamation may also include senators and party-list congressmen who won in May 12 midterm elections.
“We are doing separate proclamation because it is ceremony…we are giving them honor, to winners because it is their moment,” he said.
Garcia said Comelec cannot yet give total voter turnout for this year’s elections because they can only see it in canvass report.
According to the poll chief, total voting population in 2022 presidential elections was 66 million, while for 2025, it is 68,438,965.
“By 2028 elections, our voting population will be at 70 to 71 million,” Garcia said.
As of yesterday afternoon, election watchdog Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting had received almost 98 percent of votes for midterm elections, with over 90,000 precincts counted.
PPCRV spokesperson Ana de Villa Singson said this resolved “significant discrepancy” it earlier flagged between data accessible to them and figures reflected on Comelec public access website in terms of election return receipt.
She said that as of 3:16 p.m. yesterday, PPCRV had already received 97.28 percent of votes, with total of 91,083 precincts counted.
Singson said PPCRV is still waiting for 2.72 percent of election results to be transmitted, but noted that this will come in “trickles already” and no movement among winning bets are expected.
In zeroing in on transmission data, Singson said in Bangsamoro region, only 73.55 percent of precincts have transmitted their results while overseas absentee voting is still at 89.26 percent.
Meanwhile, in Region XI, 94.86 percent of precincts have transmitted their results.
“Aside from these three, all regions transmitted above 95 percent already,” Singson said.
However, they could not yet verify if there was manipulation in data, following speculations raised due to delay in data transmission.
Singson said this would be determined in random manual audit, already started, and unofficial parallel count PPCRV will conduct.
PPCRV said discrepancy in data was due to “long processing time” and difference of data formats each of stakeholders with access to transparency servers receives.
“Comelec gets data in different format than we do… data on their server is immediately human readable… our data, on the other hand is machine readable, needs to be converted into format understandable by everyone,” Singson said.
PPCRV and fellow poll watchdog National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections previously sought explanation from Comelec on “delayed and incomplete transmission” of election results from automated counting machines, spurring doubts on authenticity of 2025 poll results.
PPCRV earlier noted that as of yesterday morning, Comelec dashboard was already showing around 98.75 percent transmission, but results file PPCRV received only accounts for 79.9 percent of election returns.
“Where’s 18 percent that we’re not seeing… I’m sure there’s explanation…given leadership and transparency Comelec has shown so far, thus far we have faith and we have strong hope that they’re going to explain that to us,” Singson said in press conference.
Singson also explained PPCRV encountered technical issues on evening of May 12, resulted in delayed release of its election data reports.
She said that when they received initial data from Comelec in different file formats, they observed “discrepancies” between its internal count and publicly reported figures by other transparency server receiving parties, prompting them to hold off from publishing results.
PPCRV co-IT director William Yu said after filtering “duplicates” from data, it was then that watchdog group’s data matched initial tallies.
Sen. Bong Go, emerged as top candidate in initial count of 2025 midterm senatorial elections, vowed to continue his mandate with utmost humility, hard work, and compassionate brand of public service.
Speaking across multiple media platforms following release of partial and unofficial results, Go reaffirmed his mission to serve without fanfare.
“My personal assessment is that Filipinos just want whomever they chose to just do their job. ..maybe they just don’t want trouble… just want their chosen leaders to work, so maybe, this is message that we should all buckle down to work…let’s get down to business, that’s what Filipinos expect of us to do our mandate. .. we are here to work and service our countrymen”, Go said.
As of May 13, partial results showed Go as frontrunner in 2025 senatorial race, despite what he described as most difficult campaign of his political life.
“There are about 20 percent of electorate that don’t want trouble…they want their chosen leaders to just perform their duty.”
He admitted grueling nature of campaign.
Meanwhile, Sen. Joel Villanueva congratulated in advance incoming 12 senators, advising them to brush up on their new duties in upper chamber.
“Our job is no joke, because we are not just legislators…we also work doubly hard as both lawmaker and judge,” Villanueva said after casting his vote at Bunlo Elementary School in Bocaue, Bulacan on Monday.
Villanueva was referring to senators’ role as members of impeachment court.
In upcoming 20th Congress, Senate, when it resumes session, will start tackling impeachment complaint filed against Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio over her alleged misuse of confidential funds.
Former ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo, one of the anticipated senator-elects, vowed to work with members of Senate regardless of political affiliation.
“What the Filipino needs to see is collaborating crop of senators and public officials, so my first order of business once officially elected to Senate is I will talk to both sides,” he said in statement.
supports Ease of Doing Business Month May , themed “Red Tape to Red Carpet: Better Business Movement in Bagong Pilipinas.”
No to Divorce!!!
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay
No to SOGIE bill
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 19.1k views “Komedya O Komida” 6th edition and 2.1k views “Komedya O Komida” 7th edition of our very own J.Lo
Congratulations to new set of interim officers of Luzon Convention of Southern Baptist Churches, 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
“Filipinos elected leaders who will listen and act on inflation, on jobs, on corruption and on everyday burdens they carry… issues we must face head-on,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in Facebook post with administration candidates unable to sweep elections, he expressed his gratitude to all who took part in Monday’s midterm polls, and urged newly elected officials to “move forward together” to address challenges facing the nation.
Marcos reminded Filipinos elections are both “ celebration of continuity” and “ call to act on real challenges our people face.”
Marcos stressed that governance is shared responsibility and mission that requires unity and burden sharing for common good.
“To the newly elected, regardless of party or coalition, I extend my hand…let us move forward together with open minds and common purpose,” he said.
The President also shared quote from his late father, former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr.: “If we are to prevail, we must prevail as Filipinos for it is the only way to endure. If we are to attain our goals, we must march forward, not to the past but to the future. And we must do this as one family, nation united.”
At the same time, Marcos thanked those who voted for senatorial candidates of the administration ticket Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas.
Based on partial and unofficial election results, Alyansa candidates who entered so-called Magic 12 were former social welfare secretary Erwin Tulfo, former senator Panfilo Lacson, former Senate president Vicente Sotto III, Sen. Pia Cayetano, Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar and Sen. Lito Lapid.
Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr., Makati Mayor Abby Binay, former interior and local government secretary Benhur Abalos, and former senator Manny Pacquiao were in 14th, 15th, 16th and 18th spots, respectively.
For his message to candidates who were not so fortunate, Marcos said their courage to stand for public service is deeply respected.
He also noted Philippine democracy has once again renewed itself peacefully, orderly and with dignity.
“May God bless our leaders, our people and our beloved Philippines,” the President said.
Despite five of their party’s senatorial candidates entering Magic 12, Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio was clearly expecting different scenario.
“I acknowledge results of election and express my deep gratitude to all supporters who stood with us throughout this journey, while outcome was not what we had hoped for, our commitment to the people remains unwavering,” Duterte said.
Based on the partial and unofficial results, five candidates of “DuterTen” slate, including late inclusions Villar and Sen. Imee Marcos, made it to the Top 12 candidates. Despite being adopted by Duterte-led Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), Villar has not been officially dropped by Alyansa.
Only three were from original PDP-Laban ten-member slate: reelectionist Senators Bong Go and Ronald dela Rosa, currently at first and third place, respectively; and Sagip party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta.
While Duterte’s tone signaled disappointment, political observers noted that the Vice President has reasons to be satisfied as several term-holdover allies are still in Senate.
Five new seats are especially critical as chamber is expected to deliberate on impeachment complaint against her later this year.
Though full slate didn’t make it, Duterte used the moment to call for formation of “powerful and principled opposition.”
“We will continue to hold government accountable, advocate for issues that matter, and work tirelessly to serve as strong and constructive opposition,” she said.
Duterte’s message underscored her intent to leverage outcome not as defeat, but as foothold.
“This is not the end it’s renewed beginning…we invite all citizens regardless of background or past affiliation to join us in building powerful and principled opposition,” Together, we can shape a future that is fair, inclusive, and just. ..stand with us she added.
supports Ease of Doing Business Month May , themed “Red Tape to Red Carpet: Better Business Movement in Bagong Pilipinas.”
No to Divorce!!!
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay
No to SOGIE bill
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 19.1k views “Komedya O Komida” 6th edition and 2.1k views “Komedya O Komida” 7th edition of our very own J.Lo
Congratulations to new set of interim officers of Luzon Convention of Southern Baptist Churches, 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
10 dead, 15 injured in Election Day violence
By J.Lo
“Very peaceful…our arrests are continuous. ..like I said, those who will instigate chaos will be removed and we want arrests,” Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Marbil told reporters on sidelines of his inspection at Quezon City Police District at least 10 people were killed and 15 were injured yesterday as violence erupted in parts of the country during midterm elections.
Despite cases of violence on election day, Marbil said electoral exercise was relatively peaceful, he attributed to massive deployment of security forces across the country.
In Bayang town in Lanao del Sur, unidentified assailants gunned down Afganie Balt Taha, who was running for councilor in the municipality, as well as his brother Walid, chairman of Barangay Sumbag, also in Bayang.
According to police, two were on their way to polling precinct at Mauyag Papandayan National High School in Brgy. Rinabor when they were ambushed.
Victims, who were declared dead on arrival at hospital, hail from big Maranao clan locked in intense political rivalry in the province.
In Negros Occidental, two people were killed while seven others were injured after shooting incident around 7 in the morning at Sitio Ipil Ipil in Brgy. Mambulac, Silay City.
Police identified one of the assailants as Arnie Benedicto, barangay chairman of Lantad in Silay City.
Victims Albert Salimbot and Ronnie Piedad died on the spot, while seven others sustained injuries.
Silay City Mayor Joedith Gallego said victims were his volunteer watchers.
“We assure community that justice will be served…our teams are on the ground and fully engaged…we urge residents to remain calm, cooperate with authorities and report any information that may aid in immediate capture of suspects,” Police Regional Office Negros Island Region Director Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay said.
In Dinas town in Zamboanga del Sur, political supporter identified only as Samsodin was killed during shootout between two political rivals past midnight yesterday.
Meanwhile, his male companion was injured during firefight at Purok 3 in Brgy. Guinicolalay.
Police recovered abandoned Toyota Hilux pickup truck, 19 empty shells of 5.56mm ammunition, seven empty shells of caliber .45 pistol, assault rifle and sling bag containing P12,670 and sample ballot.
In the island town of Hadji Muhtamad in Basilan, three persons, including poll watcher, were killed while two others were injured during alleged maritime ambush off Sangbay Big Island.
According to former mayor Hadji Jamar Mansul, running for reelection, what transpired was not “encounter” but an ambush because they were unarmed, contrary to police claims.
Mansul, who was aboard his speedboat at the time, said he just landed in Sangbay with 15 supporters and relatives when they heard gunfire at sea.
Killed in the incident were Murasidul Kidong Abdurahman, poll watcher, and Samier Allil Jamiri and Ben Bakil, supporters and relatives of Mansul.
As per survivors, the attackers were onboard two speedboats.
Also in Basilan, supporters of rival factions clashed, leaving two dead and three wounded in Brgy. Suligan, Tapiantana Island in Tabuan-Lasa town.
Municipal police identified fatalities as Uni Muhammad and Simbid Ambutong.
In Port Holland Central School in Brgy. Port Holland, Maluso, Basilan, watchers from political camp threatened to kill reporters covering elections.
“We have our own policy here and you media are just bringing trouble,” one of the watchers said.
“If you insist on taking photos, I will kill you,” another remarked.
Still in Basilan, supporters of incumbent mayor in Albarka town and those of his rival figured in brawl, interrupting voting proceedings in Brgy. Magkawa.
supports Ease of Doing Business Month May , themed “Red Tape to Red Carpet: Better Business Movement in Bagong Pilipinas.”
No to Divorce!!!
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay
No to SOGIE bill
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 19.1k views “Komedya O Komida” 6th edition and 2.1k views “Komedya O Komida” 7th edition of our very own J.Lo
Congratulations to new set of interim officers of Luzon Convention of Southern Baptist Churches, 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
Amid complaints of machine glitches 2025 midterm polls ends success
By Nidz Godino
“Tapos na ang botohan, local o overseas, ngayong May 12, 2025 National and Local Elections,” Commission on Elections (Comelec) said in statement marred by concerns over machine malfunctions and overvoting, 2025 midterm elections have officially closed.
Voting is done, local or overseas, this May 12, 2025 National and Local Elections.
However, voting is still ongoing for precincts with lines that span 30 meters from polling precinct as of 7:00 in the evening. This is in line with Section 25 of Comelec Resolution 11076.
Automatic counting machine (ACM) will start printing election returns (ER) once electoral board closes voting procedures.
As of 7:31 in the evening, Comelec said it has received 10,030 ERs. They are expecting total of 93,387.
In press conference, Comelec Chair George Garcia called elections success so far, despite delays and issues encountered in several areas.
Some voters took to social media to complain about overvoting, including senatorial aspirant Teddy Casiño. Some people reportedly said shading on their ballots bled through to the other side.
However, Comelec earlier said this is impossible, as front and back pages of ballot do not face each other.
Aside from reports of overvoting, several machines were also reportedly malfunctioning due to excessive heat.
Comelec said 311 machines had to be replaced overall, but they still considered this a success, as replacement rate was much lower compared to 2022 national elections.
supports Ease of Doing Business Month May , themed “Red Tape to Red Carpet: Better Business Movement in Bagong Pilipinas.”
No to Divorce!!!
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay
No to SOGIE bill
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 19.1k views “Komedya O Komida” 6th edition and 2.1k views “Komedya O Komida” 7th edition of our very own J.Lo
Congratulations to new set of interim officers of Luzon Convention of Southern Baptist Churches, 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
abs 2025, Bocaue, Bulacan
22 films competing including Japan, China entries at Cannes 2025
By Cynthia Montojo
This year’s Cannes film festival, kicks off on French Riviera on May 13 has total of 22 films competing.
Here is list of titles vying for Palme d’Or, will be awarded by this year’s jury president Juliette Binoche and her seven fellow judges, including Oscar-winner Halle Berry and “Succession” star Jeremy Strong.
‘A Simple Accident’ by Jafar Panahi (Iran)
Repeatedly detained Iranian director, who has been banned from making films, asked organizers “not to say anything about his movie,” his latest act of defiance. Premieres May 20 at 1400 GMT.
‘The Phoenician Scheme’ by Wes Anderson (United States)
Typical madcap comedy-drama by the American director about a maverick businessman with an A-list cast, including Benicio Del Toro, Scarlett Johansson, and Mia Threapleton, Kate Winslet’s daughter. Premieres May 18 at 1700 GMT.
‘Young Mothers’ by Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne (Belgium)
Belgian brothers, already won Palme d’Or for best film twice, tell story of five young mothers staying in maternity home in their native Belgium. Premieres May 23 at 1400 GMT.
‘Alpha’ by Julia Ducournau (France)
Four years after winning Palme d’Or with “Titane,” French director presents new film starring Iranian-French Golshifteh Farahani and Tahar Rahim about young girl confronted with AIDS epidemic in 1980s. Premieres May 19 at 2030 GMT.
‘Sentimental Value’ by Joachim Trier (Norway)
Comedy drama featuring filmmaker trying to reconnect with his daughters from director whose last feature, “The Worst Person in the World,” also premiered in competition at Cannes in 2021. Premieres May 21 at 2030 GMT.
‘Romeria’ by Carla Simon (Spain)
Spanish director returns to her traumatic childhood with family journey of young Catalan girl in Galicia who has lost her parents to AIDS. Premieres May 21 at 1700 GMT.
‘Sound of Falling’ by Mascha Schilinski (Germany)
Drama that brings together four women from four different generations living on the same farm. Premieres May 14 at 2030 GMT.
‘Eagles of the Republic’ by Tarik Saleh (Sweden/Egypt)
On brink of losing everything, Egypt’s most adored actor accepts role he can’t refuse under pressure from country’s authorities. Premieres May 19 at 1345 GMT.
‘The Mastermind’ by Kelly Reichardt (United States)
Story of art heist set against backdrop of Vietnam War and nascent women’s liberation movement. Premieres May 23 at 1645 GMT.
‘Dossier 137’ by Dominik Moll (France)
Investigator at France’s IGPN agency, probes police abuses, is charged with looking into incident police officer injures young man during protest. Premieres May 15 at 1630 GMT.
‘The Secret Agent’ by Kleber Mendonca Filho (Brazil)
Political thriller set in the late 1970s, during final years of Brazil’s military dictatorship. Premieres May 18 at 1300 GMT.
‘Fuori’ by Mario Martone (Italy)
Biopic about the Italian actor and writer Goliarda Sapienza by Naples-born veteran director who has been European arthouse favorite for more than 30 years. Premieres May 20 at 2000 GMT.
‘Two Prosecutors’ by Sergei Loznitsa (Ukraine)
Maker of 2018 “Donbass” documentary about war in eastern Ukraine returns with feature film about idealistic young prosecutor working in 1930s USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) during Stalin’s purges. Premieres May 14 at 2030 GMT.
‘Nouvelle Vague’ by Richard Linklater (US)
Drama set in 1960 Paris about making of Jean-Luc Godard’s cinema classic “Breathless.” Premieres May 17 at 1300 GMT.
‘Sirat’ by Oliver Laxe (Spain)
“Road movie of misfits, of people outside society,” according to Cannes Festival director Thierry Fremaux. Premieres May 15 at 1930 GMT.
‘The Last One’ by Hafsia Herzi (France)
French actor and director adapts Fatima Daas’s eponymous novel, telling story of youngest member of Algerian immigrant family gradually frees herself from her relatives and traditions. Premieres May 16 at 1300 GMT.
‘The History of Sound’ by Oliver Hermanus (South Africa)
Gay romance about two young men who set out to record the lives, voices and music of their American compatriots, set at the time of World War I. Premieres May 21 at 1300 GMT.
‘Renoir’ by Chie Hayakawa (Japan)
Coming-of-age drama about resilience, healing power of imagination and traumatized family struggling to reconnect. Premieres May 17 at 1300 GMT.
‘Eddington’ by Ari Aster (US)
Aster, the new master of American horror whose previous credits include “Hereditary” and “Midsommar,” has cast Joaquin Phoenix in this story about small-town mayor in New Mexico during COVID-19 pandemic. Premieres May 16 at 1645 GMT.
‘Die My Love’ by Lynne Ramsay (Britain)
The director of “We Need To Talk About Kevin” will premiere this thriller about young mother suffering from depression, starring Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson. Premieres May 17 at 1600 GMT.
‘Mother and Child’ by Saeed Roustaee (Iran)
Roustaee’s last feature in Cannes three years ago, “Leila’s Brothers,” landed him with prison sentence but his new film has been hailed in state-controlled Iranian media. Premieres May 22 at 1330 GMT.
‘Resurrection’ by Bi Gan (China)
Director of 2018’s “Long Day’s Journey Into Night,” presented in Cannes, returns with sci-fi detective movie set in post-apocalyptic world.
supports Ease of Doing Business Month May , themed “Red Tape to Red Carpet: Better Business Movement in Bagong Pilipinas.”
No to Divorce!!!
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay
No to SOGIE bill
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 19.1k views “Komedya O Komida” 6th edition and 2.1k views “Komedya O Komida” 7th edition of our very own J.Lo
Congratulations to new set of interim officers of Luzon Convention of Southern Baptist Churches, 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
“We are once again reminding PNP, as our deputized agent, to stop act of vote buying… they can arrest people even without warrant because that is outright crime being committed right in front of us,” Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia said amid surge in vote buying incidents, Comelec has reminded Philippine National Police (PNP) that those engaging in such illegal activities can be arrested even without warrant. Poll body has directed PNP to strictly comply with Comelec resolution upholding legality of warrantless arrests in connection with midterm polls.
Under Comelec resolution, any law enforcement officer may, without warrant, arrest person when, in the presence of such officer, person to be arrested has committed, is actually committing, or is attempting to commit election offense such as vote buying.
Comelec reiterated that non-compliance with directive is valid ground for criminal and administrative liability.
Garcia said vote buying was rampant because no arrests are being made, with PNP Legal Service even coming out with issuance that prohibits warrantless arrests.
Garcia, however, stressed that 1987 Constitution, Supreme Court ruling as well as Comelec rules allow warrantless arrests, particularly those caught in the act of committing crime.
“We are please asking PNP, show people that we will not allow vote buying, and we will definitely protect you when you do your job right,” he said.
Garcia said poll body has so far received 500 reports of vote-buying incidents nationwide.
He said out of 500, Comelec has issued over 200 show-cause orders against candidates allegedly involved in those vote-buying incidents.
Garcia said politicians appeared to have resorted to traditional forms of vote buying such as distributing cash and gift certificates.
In Catanduanes, he said, local Comelec office encountered problems because police authorities could not stop vote-buying activities.
However, Garcia gave assurance that Comelec is closely monitoring those reports and is now closely coordinating with PNP top officials.
“We may not resolve or make decision on vote buyers today, but candidates must remember, even if they win, we will go after them,” Garcia said, and added poll body is coming out with resolution suspending proclamation of candidates with strong evidence of vote buying against them.
Even if those candidates will not be immediately disqualified, he said, Comelec can pursue legal offense case against them.
Garcia further warned that even those who sell their votes can face same penalties.
Meanwhile, Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE) ,non-partisan, nationwide network of lawyers, law students, paralegals and grassroots volunteers engaged to do election work recorded almost 100 vote-buying incidents right before midterms.
LENTE executive director Rona Ann Caritos said vote-buying incidents escalated on the evening of May 9 at various barangay halls, voter’s residences and last minute assemblies.
Caritos urged public to stay vigilant since it is during the last few days leading to elections when candidates make last-ditch effort to secure votes.
She admitted that vote buying remains big problem in the country, more rampant with local than national candidates.
LENTE said 70 percent of reports they received were about vote buying, while remaining 30 percent were allegedly about concerns on abuse of state resources, such as candidates joining distribution of social welfare program payouts during campaign period.
In connection with today’s midterm polls, Bureau of Immigration (BI) warned foreigners that they might be deported if they would be caught taking part in political gatherings such as campaigns and rallies.
In statement, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said foreign nationals should observe limitations of their stay and discouraged them from joining political campaigns and rallies.
“Foreign nationals are prohibited from joining rallies, campaigns, or any political gatherings… these actions may be grounds for deportation,” Viado said, adding visa cancellation and travel blacklist as other possible consequences.
He said “such participation is violation of Philippine immigration policies bar foreign involvement in political activities,” and encouraged public to report violations or suspicious activities involving foreign nationals through BI’s official Facebook page at Facebook.com/officialbureauofimmigration.
In the meantime, Garcia invited delegates of European Union Election Observation Mission (EU-EOM) to witness Comelec National Board of Canvassers (NBOC) set to convene today at 3 in the afternoon in Tent City of Manila Hotel.
“Observers and all other interested parties are welcome to enter voting precincts during close voting stage, to observe printing of election returns, transmission of election results and ballot review process,” Garcia said in letter to EU-EOM chief observer Marta Temido.
Poll chief gave assurances that election observers can continue with their election activities, although they are restricted from entering polling places during voting process.
Garcia said election observers can visit public schools and any of 42 designated malls that serve as voting centers and witness voting procedures, as long as members of electoral board can perform their work efficiently and voters can cast their ballots in secrecy.
He said canvassing venues for cities, municipalities and provinces are also open to election observers when board of canvassers will be convening for preliminaries to canvassing process.
Comelec, Garcia said, is posting on its website unofficial results of election in real time. Aside from website, public can also check election results at operations center poll body put up at the main office in Intramuros, Manila.
Expecting long queue in all polling precincts nationwide, Comelec advised voters to go to polling centers and cast their ballots early, with reminder to have prepared list of candidates they will vote for.
Garcia said they are also hoping for slightly higher voter turnout compared to past midterm elections, and there is no reason for registered voters not to participate in today’s polls since May 12 has been declared holiday.
He also announced that Filipinos abroad can still enroll until noon today (Philippine Standard Time) in overseas voting system, and cast their votes online.
Garcia said regular voting hours are from 7 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon., but senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and heavily pregnant women can already cast their vote as early as 5 in the morning .
He said Comelec has set up satellite priority polling places exclusively for senior citizens, PWDs, and heavily pregnant women, who may opt to vote in regular polling precincts if they want.
Threat Monitoring Center has been formed by Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), in partnership with Comelec.
“ Threat Monitoring Center is operational, fully equipped to detect and combat spread of false information,” DICT Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center officer-in-charge Renato Paraiso said.
Executives of state agencies and digital platforms Meta, TikTok and Google were present at the joint briefing.
Teachers’ group disputed Department of Budget and Management (DBM)’s recent announcement of across-the-board increase in poll duty honoraria, saying figures touted by agency were not new and had long been set by Comelec.
Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) said there was “no such thing as increase” with recent announcement of P2,000 additional compensation.
DBM and Department of Education announced last Friday that poll duty compensation will increase across the board ,Electoral Board (EB) chairpersons will receive P12,000 from P10,000; EB members will get P11,000 from P9,000; and support staff will receive P8,000 from P6,000.
“It’s not true there was increase in honoraria because pay of EB chair remains at P12,000; P11,000 for EB members; and P8,000 for support staff…but that’s what’s really on Comelec’s general instructions, that’s what’s being said during our training…we’ve known that for long time,” said TDC spokesman Jim Beleno, will also serve as EB chairperson in precinct at Roxas High School in Manila.
Beleno explained amounts were already conveyed to teachers during Comelec training and are clearly stipulated in Comelec Resolution 11076, or General Instructions for Electoral Board, promulgated on Oct. 30, 2024.
He added, even before training sessions in March, Garcia had already committed in February 2024 meeting to increasing poll workers’ compensation.
This commitment came after TDC asked whether Comelec would continue supporting tax exemption for election duty pay following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s veto of proposed bill.
Beleno then challenged DBM and Marcos administration to go beyond announced increases and push for revival and passage of vetoed tax-exemption bill.
“We urge the President and Congress to take favorable action to exempt our honoraria from taxes… more meaningful relief we’ve long been asking for,” he stressed.
Bayan president Renato Reyes Jr. called on Comelec to take legal action against people and groups spreading disinformation targeting Makabayan bloc party-list groups.
Reyes decried “last-minute smear and disinformation campaign” falsely claiming that certain Makabayan-affiliated party-lists, including Bayan Muna, had been disqualified by Comelec or tagged as “terrorists” by Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC).
He said disinformation materials circulating online use fake Comelec and ATC documents and are designed to look official by incorporating government logos and manipulated graphics resembling those of mainstream news organizations.
Caloocan’s Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David advised Catholic fanatics to pray for guidance in selecting candidates they would vote for.
According to CBCPNews, David, also president of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, said voters should consider future of the country and next generation when they cast their vote.
day to Midterm election ,campaign period ended, gun ban still n effect
supports Ease of Doing Business Month May, themed “Red Tape to Red Carpet: Better Business Movement in Bagong Pilipinas.”
No to Divorce!!!
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay
No to SOGIE bill
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 19.1k views “Komedya O Komida” 6th edition and 2.1k views “Komedya O Komida” 7th edition of our very own J.Lo
Congratulations to new set of interim officers of Luzon Convention of Southern Baptist Churches, 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
abs 2025, Bocaue, Bulacan
Caught P440 M at Cebu airport, part of Que ransom money
By J.Lo
“Aside from money laundering, these foreign nationals might be conduit to be used to interfere or at least influence election,” Philippine National Police spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said nine foreigners and two Filipinos were arrested after they were caught carrying trolley bags contained over P440 million in cash at Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Lapu-Lapu City..
Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission executive director Gilbert Cruz said suspects were intercepted at the security screening area of airport’s general aviation terminal at around 10:30 in the evening.
With seizure of cash and arrest of suspects happening days before Monday’s elections, authorities are checking possibility that funds were intended for poll-related “interference.”
Six of the foreigners are Chinese nationals, one Malaysian, one Indonesian and citizen from Kazakhstan. They were accompanied by two Filipinos who were also apprehended by airport security personnel.
Fajardo said one of the Chinese men, Wu Song, has red notice alert for fraud from International Criminal Police Organization or Interpol.
She said two other suspects, Li Fei and Chen Hao, have warrants of arrest for various crimes.
Fajardo said foreigners arrived in Cebu on Friday at around 9 in the morning on board van and went straight to casino where White Horse Club, one of the junket operators linked to kidnap-slay of Filipino-Chinese businessman Anson Que, used to operate.
Suspects went back to airport and were supposed to board private plane at around 11:30 in the evening when they were arrested.
Police earlier said P200-million ransom paid by Que’s family ended up in 10 different e-wallet accounts and was converted to cryptocurrency after passing through White Horse Club and 9Dynasty Group, another junket operator.
Airport security personnel detained suspects after they saw large sums of cash inside trolley bags they were carrying, subjected to x-ray screening.
Based on initial inventory, Fajardo said trolley bags contained P441,922,542 as well as $168,730 and 1,000 Hong Kong dollars.
Fajardo said suspects violated Commission on Elections Resolution No. 11104 regulates transportation of large sums of money during election period.
Under the measure, possession, transportation or carrying of cash exceeding P500,000 in public places is prohibited two days before and on election day except for authorized persons.
Fajardo said casino sent certification from White Horse Club hours after suspects were captured, stating the amounts were winnings.
This further raised suspicions from personnel of Aviation Security Group led by its director, Brig. Gen. Christopher Abecia.
Fajardo said they are investigating if portions of money seized were part of ransom paid by Que’s family.
Apart from its possible connection to Que’s murder, money seized may have been intended to finance election-related unlawful activities, Fajardo said, citing report from Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.
Fajardo said passing of large sums of cash through junket operators supposed to be no longer operating, is cause of national concern. “This is grave threat to national security.”
Fajardo said bulk of P200-million ransom money paid by the family of Que had been cashed out from financial firm based in Cambodia.
She said around $1.36 million or P75.77 million was cashed out from Huione Pay.
“What’s significant here is this Huione was investigated by US government before for alleged money laundering,” Fajardo said at a news briefing in Camp Crame.
She said they traced money through cryptocurrency account entered Huione Pay.
Que and his driver Armanie Pabillo were found dead in Rodriguez, Rizal even after Que’s family had paid ransom.
They were kidnapped in March and held captive in house in Meycauyan City in Bulacan where they were killed.
Chinese national identified as David Tan Liao and his Filipino cohorts, Richardo Austria and Reymart Catequista, are under police custody. Two other suspects, Gong Wenli and Jonin Lin, are still at large.
Fajardo said Anti-Cybercrime Group tracked down $205,942 or about P11.43 million, believed to be part of ransom money, now frozen after PNP’s Anti-Cybercrime Group communicated with cryptocurrency accounts outside the country.
day to Midterm election, campaign period ended, gun ban still n effect
supports Ease of Doing Business Month May, themed “Red Tape to Red Carpet: Better Business Movement in Bagong Pilipinas.”
No to Divorce!!!
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay
No to SOGIE bill
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 19.1k views “Komedya O Komida” 6th edition and 2.1k views “Komedya O Komida” 7th edition of our very own J.Lo
Congratulations to new set of interim officers of Luzon Convention of Southern Baptist Churches, 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
“There are those who believe that policy is not right…we have to talk to them. ..you explain your side…who knows…maybe they are right, you are wrong…you will learn something,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said. as campaign period was winding up, final pitch for senatorial bets of Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas, even as he cited need to listen to critics who, he said, may offer better alternatives to existing policies.
In video posted on Facebook, Marcos was asked how he would face members of the administration-backed coalition and families who prevent reforms and who violate law.
The President said there are two kinds of people who hinder reforms, namely those who think that policy is wrong and those who oppose measures because of politics.
“I really like listening to my critics…maybe one of them, even if it is hard to listen to them sometimes, is right…you have to listen… if they do not believe in policies of government, let us talk to them….maybe they have better policy that we can implement,” Marcos added.
With regard to those whose criticisms are motivated by politics, the President no longer expects them to change their stance.
“They clash with you in everything you do because of politics. ..they are just against you…everything you do is wrong…you cannot do anything about that…try to explain, but I don’t expect much that they would change,” he said.
Marcos said those who violate the law should be held accountable.
“We will make sure that there is justice in society… it is very important because without it, we cannot accomplish things we want to do,” he said.
Marcos’ vlog entry was intended to seek support for his allies who are running for senator under Alyansa. Included in nearly 14-minute video was Alyansa senatorial candidate and former interior and local government secretary Benhur Abalos, who answered questions on various topics like inflation, road safety and governance.
The President expressed confidence that Alyansa candidates are capable of helping the administration achieve its goals.
“ Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas are here to give life to dreams of every Filipino…they are here to ensure that we will head towards new Philippines together. On May 12, Alyansa all the way!” he said.
According to Marcos, the love for fellow Filipinos is the “super power” of the Alyansa bets.
“Alyansa candidates did this not for politics… endeavor they chose to pursue is not easy…all of them sacrificed for people… that is the super power of Alyansa,” he said.
Campaign period for this year’s midterm polls ended yesterday.
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay
No to SOGIE bill
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 19.1k views “Komedya O Komida” 6th edition and 2.1k views “Komedya O Komida” 7th edition of our very own J.Lo
Congratulations to new set of interim officers of Luzon Convention of Southern Baptist Churches, 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
abs 2025, Bocaue, Bulacan
Deportation of Pinoys to Libya blocked
By Nidz Godino
“Allegedly imminent removals, as reported by news agencies,would clearly violate this Court’s Order.” District Judge Brian Murphy temporarily blocked Trump administration from expelling Asian migrants including Filipinos to war-torn Libya after emergency appeal from would-be deportees’ lawyers.
Murphy said such deportations would violate his previous order that migrants being sent to country other than their own first be given “meaningful” opportunity to challenge their removal in court and show that they may face persecution.
Murphy’s ruling came in response to emergency motion from lawyers for migrants from the Philippines, Laos and Vietnam said they were in “imminent” danger of being deported to Libya “ country notorious for its human rights violations.”
“Department of Homeland Security may not evade this injunction by ceding control over non-citizens or enforcement of its immigration responsibilities to any other agency, including but not limited to Department of Defense,” Murphy added..US President Donald Trump wasn’t aware of it.
Trump campaigned for White House on pledge to deport millions of undocumented migrants and invoked obscure wartime law in March to summarily deport alleged Venezuelan gang members to El Salvador. Federal judges have since blocked further deportations under 1798 Alien Enemies Act, last used to round up Japanese-American citizens during World War II. Libya’s Tripoli-based Government of National Unity (GNU) denied meanwhile that it had reached deal with Washington to take in migrants expelled from United States. “Parallel entities, not subject to legitimacy, could be involved in agreements that do not represent Libyan state and do not commit it legally or politically,” it said in statement. Libya is split between UN-recognized GNU in the west and rival administration backed by military strongman Khalifa Haftar that rules from Benghazi and Tobruk in the east. Eastern government’s foreign ministry also issued statement “denying existence of any agreement or understanding concerning settlement of migrants of any nationality.” Libya has been gripped by unrest since 2011 overthrow and killing of longtime ruler Muammar Gadhafi.
ISKUP! 