More vote buying cases to be filed

By J.Lo

“But those reports have to be substantiated; we have to wait for formal complaints or check if there is enough evidence for us to file  case motu propio,”  Commission on Elections (Comelec) is preparing to file more vote-buying cases in connection with  barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE).

Based on latest report,  Kontra Bigay Task Force has received  total of 183 complaints of vote-buying, of which 27 have been formally filed while about 100 are under evaluation, according to Comelec Commissioner Ernesto Maceda Jr.

Maceda emphasized  poll body is aware of other reports of vote-buying, including those coming from  media.

 “We can make sure that we will bring  perpetrators to justice,” he stressed.

Comelec can still pursue election offenses against those involved even after  actual polls, according to Maceda.

For preventing  proclamation of winning barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan candidates,  mayor in Bicol Region is facing possible election offense charges.

Aside from  Bicol mayor, poll body is also readying legal suits against those who have caused delays in  conduct of elections in five barangays in Lanao del Sur, according to Garcia.

At press briefing  Garcia warned local government officials against interfering with  conduct of  elections as well as  proclamation of winning candidates.

In particular, he reported  mayor in Bicol prevented  Barangay Board of Canvassers (BBOC) from proclaiming winners in at least seven areas.

“They are interfering… they’re saying don’t proclaim yet…so we ordered our regional director that  BBOC should proclaim today at all costs…we don’t care about whoever is calling the shots or giving pressure because the mayor might get angry,” he said .

Comelec chief noted that poll body sees no other reason behind  mayor’s action, except for  possibility that  official is not in favor of  election results.

Garcia, stressed local government official has no authority to meddle with  mandate of  Comelec to conduct  election and proclaim winners.

He  disclosed Comelec would pursue legal charges against people who caused  delay in  delivery of election paraphernalia in several barangays in Lanao del Sur.

“We will deal with them later,” Garcia said as he noted Comelec officials would go to Lanao del Sur to investigate.

He added  poll body already has  names of those involved in  delay in  delivery of election paraphernalia.

For Garcia,  delay in distribution of election materials is unacceptable since elections were held as scheduled in other barangays.

He said  Comelec would also look into liabilities of teachers and police personnel who backed out from serving as members of  Election Board (EB).

“We’re still studying it; it’s criminal and at the same time, administrative,” he added.

Comelec needs to take appropriate action, considering  teachers backing out from serving as EB members often come from  same place.

Comelec chief, however, gave assurance  poll body is ready to extend  maximum financial assistance of P200,000 to less than 10 teachers who were unable to perform their duties due to accidents.

In other developments, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio thanked teachers for their service during recently concluded BSKE.

“My heartfelt gratitude to our teachers who served during election day..you showed  true essence of cooperation and unity to ensure  honest, orderly and peaceful elections,” Duterte said.

She also reminded teachers who were involved in accidents and incidents  whether during or outside their duties during  election  of their personal accident insurance that they may claim with  Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

“You can claim Personal Accident Insurance from GSIS that we have procured for all teaching and non-teaching personnel of Department of Education,” she added.

‘Right to self-defense non-negotiable’

By Nidz Godino

“Right of Israel to defend itself and its citizens against acts of terror is unequivocal and non-negotiable,” Israel’s Ambassador Ilan Fluss said  Israel embassy  defended its country against people and groups criticizing  Jewish state for launching attacks in Gaza.

Fluss made  statement in response to pro-Palestine rallies, saying “Hamas is ISIS” that should be designated as  terror organization by  international community.

 “Israel has right to defend itself on war imposed on us by  Hamas on Oct. 7,every sovereign nation has  inherent duty to protect its citizens, and Israel is no exception. ..any attempts to undermine this right are  affront to principles of self-defense and national security,” Fluss said.

Fluss described as misconceptions and false information that Israel is occupying Gaza, saying  war is with  terrorist organization Hamas, not Palestinian people.

“Israel is not occupying Gaza and has no plans of occupying Gaza…unfortunately Hamas is  government of Gaza,” he said.

Fluss said Hamas has repeatedly demonstrated its disregard for human rights, is using its citizens as human shields and has been responsible for countless acts of violence against innocent civilians, including Filipinos.

“International community must take decisive action against Hamas, designate it as  terror organization to disrupt its funding, which comes primarily from Iran,” Fluss said.

This developed as militant groups condemned what it called ongoing genocide perpetrated by  Israeli government against  people of Palestine.

Members of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, Kilusang Mayo Uno, Anakbyan, Karapatan, Alliance of Concerned Teachers, Gabriela and other groups  protested in front of  Israel embassy in Taguig City, according to  Southern Police District.

Protest  was attended by ACT-Teachers party-list Rep. Franz Castro, Bayan secretary-general Renato Reyes and labor leader Leody de Guzman. 

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HEADLINES

Be honest, FMJ tells BSK winners; over 98 % proclaimed

By Nidz Godino

“This is  fresh opportunity to be of service to  Filipinos and to our nation wholeheartedly and beyond our means…let us be honest at all times…let us always prioritize plight of our people because they are  reason why we want to serve  nation,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said with almost all of  winning candidates in Monday’s barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) already proclaimed, reminded them of their duty to prioritize  welfare of their constituents and to be always honest.

FMJ again called for unity, saying being united is key to achieving peace and prosperity.

“Through our unity and collective efforts, we can surely push for  new Philippines, where every barangay is peaceful, happy and prosperous, where unity, understanding and development prevail and where every citizen is proud to be Filipino,we have witnessed successful and peaceful barangay  and Sangguniang Kabataan elections… thank you to those who helped,” FMJ said, citing  report from Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia.

Less than 24 hours after  closing of polling precincts, Comelec reported  proclamation of almost all of  winning BSKE candidates.

Garcia said  as of 2:35 in the afternoon, 99.47 of  election results from more than 40,000 barangays nationwide had been canvassed.

He also noted 97.44 percent of  winning candidates nationwide have already been proclaimed.

“We are nearly completed with our canvassing with only about one percent of votes nationwide still uncanvassed, while 2.3 percent of winners are yet to be proclaimed,” Garcia said at  press conference.

He explained election officers were unable to hold proclamations in some barangays because some  candidates got equal number of votes.

In fact, in some cases in Manila and Northern Mindanao Comelec had to resort to coin toss to resolve draws.

“We instructed  regional directors to proclaim  winners at all cost, hindi puwedeng patagalin at ipagpaliban ,” he said.

Poll  chief said  Comelec was expected to proclaim winning candidates  in  five barangays in Lanao del Sur and Calbayog City, Samar where elections were held just yesterday.

He said  delay in  delivery of election paraphernalia prompted  re-scheduling of  polls in  five barangays.

Poll  chief said unproclaimed winners were those with pending disqualification cases.

Comelec spokesman John Rex Laudiangcon said of  256 BSKE candidates with pending disqualification cases, 59 won and 67 lost in last Monday’s polls.

While violent incidents were reported in  Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,  Comelec described  elections as “generally peaceful.”

Poll  body was expecting about 70 to 75 percent voter turnout for  village and youth council polls, higher than  70 to 71 percent turnout recorded five years ago.

Sen. Bong Go, meanwhile, urged winning candidates “to take your duties to heart and prioritize  welfare of  most needy.”

“Outcomes of  BSKE are  direct reflection of  people’s voice… imperative that we, as  nation, respect and uphold  choices made by our fellow Filipinos,” Go said.

He emphasized  importance of selecting candidates with integrity, competence and  genuine desire to serve their communities, especially underprivileged and those in need most of government attention.

Go also reminded  newly elected barangay and SK officials t “the public has placed their trust in you.”

“I hope that you will always prioritize  welfare of your constituents, especially poor,  hopeless and  helpless because this is  essence of public service… remember  public office is  public trust…do not waste  opportunity and  privilege to be able to serve your fellow Filipinos,” Go added.

Go is author of Senate Bill No. 197, or  Magna Carta for Barangays, which entitles barangay officials to benefits enjoyed by regular government employees. It also aims to allocate sufficient resources for  improvement of public services at  barangay level.

Reacting to outcomes of barangay polls in many areas, Novaliches Bishop Roberto Gaa said voters appeared to have made their choices of candidates based on popularity and family relations instead of track record.

“But as of now, I think our voters are not yet that mature because they are still swayed by popularity…we do not look much at track record, for me, track record is still  most important factor  voters should look for when selecting their candidates because it shows how he will serve” his or her constituents,” Gaa said .

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

Ephesians 1:18

¹⁸ I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,

Actor Matthew Perry, 54

By Cynthia Montojo

MATTHEW PERRY

“What a loss… world will miss you Mathew Perry… joy you brought to so many in your too short lifetime will live on.”

Tributes have poured in from fellow cast members, friends from across the world of television and movies,  Canadian prime minister and Perry’s favorite ice hockey team.

Maggie Wheeler, who played Chandler Bing’s on-and-off-again girlfriend Janice on Friends, wrote on Instagram that she feels “so very blessed by every creative moment” with Perry.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who went to Rockcliffe Park Public School alongside Perry, said he would “never forget  schoolyard games we used to play.”

Matthew Perry’s passing is shocking and saddening. I’ll never forget  schoolyard games we used to play, and I know people around the world are never going to forget joy he brought them. Thanks for all  laughs, Matthew. You were loved  and you will be missed.

Morgan Fairchild, who played Chandler Bing’s mum Nora Tyler Bing on Friends, wrote  touching tribute to her “son.”

“I’m heartbroken about  untimely death of… Perry… loss of such  brilliant young actor is  shock… I’m sending love & condolences to his friends & family, especially his dad, John Bennett Perry, who I worked with on Flamingo Road & Falcon Crest.”

Paget Brewster, who played Kathy in Friends’ fourth season, wrote Perry would not rest in peace as “he’s already too busy making everyone laugh up there”.

I’m so very sad to hear about @MatthewPerry.  He was lovely to me on Friends and every time I saw him in  decades after. Please read his book. It was his legacy to help. He won’t rest in peace though.. He’s already too busy making everyone laugh up there.

Meredith Salenger, who starred alongside Perry in 1988’s A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon, said she had “no words”.

Oh no no no no no! Matty!

Oh man. My heart breaks. Matty…

Matthew and I have known each other since were were 16 years old. Oh man. No words. Rest in peace sweet @MatthewPerry.

Ottawa Senators ice hockey team paid tribute to Perry, who spent much of his childhood in Ottawa, Canada. During an NHL game between  Nashville Predators and Toronto Maple Leafs today,  organist at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena played  Friends theme song in tribute to Perry.

Saddened to learn about  passing of Matthew Perry, one of Ottawa’s proudest sons and biggest hockey fan

Warner Bros. TV, one of the production studios behind Friends, said Perry “was  true gift to us all”.

We are devastated to learn of Matthew Perry’s passing. He was true gift to us all. Our heart goes out to his family, loved ones, and all of his fans.

Actor George Takei: What  tragic piece of news to read. My heart goes out to his loved ones and long time cast mates.

Director Joe Russo: Matthew Perry was all of our friend to the end. This one hurts. RIP.

Piers Morgan remembered Perry as “ great actor” and said his autobiography Friends, Lovers, and Big Terrible Thing was “one of the most powerful, honest and revealing I’ve ever read”.

RIP Matthew Perry, 54.  Friends star was  great actor, but by his own admission, very tormented guy. His recent autobiography about his addiction-ravaged life was one of  most powerful, honest and revealing I’ve ever read. Such sad news.

Ph anti-trafficking raid detains nearly 600

By  J.Lo

“It’s  large-scale operation… very-well capitalized operation  makes money out of trafficking persons,” Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla said Philippine police have detained nearly 600 people during  raid on  suspected sex trafficking and online scam operation in Manila. 

Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Filipino nationals were among  people found inside  compound during Friday night’s operation,  Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) said in statement.   

Authorities were interviewing 598 detainees to determine who was victim or suspect, Remulla told reporters.

Chinese embassy has been asked to help to identify nine people suspected of running  business, licensed as  internet gaming company.

International concern has been growing over internet scams in Asia-Pacific region, often staffed by trafficking victims tricked or coerced into promoting bogus crypto investments.

Remulla said authorities were applying for warrants to access computers found inside  compound,  they suspect were being used for crypto and love scams. 

During raid, two Chinese nationals said they were being held against their will and had visible “torture marks” on their bodies,  PAOCC said.

One of them claimed he was kidnapped and sold for P500,000 ($8,800) from another POGO. 

Other  said he had been held for a year and forced to work up to 15 hours a day.

Sex toys,  massage parlor, karaoke rooms and  restaurant were found inside  compound.In June, more than 2,700 people were detained during  raid on several buildings in Manila where alleged trafficking victims were paid to recruit players for online games

‘Enhanced’ Travel Philippines app relaunched

By Nidz Godino

“This is our step into digitalization…with  click of  button you are able to see  all, you are able to visit and explore our 7641 islands…our app will also lead you to different tour operators and tour guides to help you craft your itineraries into  Philippines and within  Philippines,” Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Chief Operating Officer Marga Nograles said TPB,  marketing arm of  Department of Tourism  relaunched  new and “enhanced” Travel Philippines app.

Travel Philippines app was previously launched in 2020 under  helm of former Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.  Previous  version, developed by DOT and TPB in partnership with inclusion tech venture builder HIMO Global Inc. / Talino Venture Labs, provides users access to latest travel advisories and safety guidelines in various destinations  have reopened to tourism that year amid  COVID-19 pandemic.

It was then dubbed as  “easy-to-use platform”  allows users to create itineraries for their future trips, find up-to-date information on their favorite tourist attractions, and get digital copies of travel documents.

Current  app, on other hand, offers resource for travel enthusiasts and serves “ virtual passport to uncovering unexplored destinations.”

She also credited  regional directors for  new app.

“This app is  labor of love…this enhanced travel Philippines is  labor of love of  Department of Tourism,  Tourism Promotions Board and every single Regional Director in all 17 regions of Philippines because each one of them would like to invite all of you into their home to experience more and more,” she stressed.

DOT announced  feature-rich app is now available for download on both Apple and Android devices.

Launch  of  app, held in Makati City, was graced by Nograles, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, Tourism Undersecretaries Mae Elaine Bathan, Shahlimar Hofer Tamano, and Shereen Gail Yu Pamintuan, as well as TPB officials and other personalities.

Richard Gutierrez renews ABS-CBN contract

By Cynthia Montojo

“I don’t know where to begin to be honest…  such  big moment and I’m just very happy to be here right now… I am very thankful and grateful for this blessing… I am happy to be  Kapamilya for many years to come,”  Actor Richard Gutierrez renewed his contract with ABS-CBN. 

Present at  contract signing were ABS-CBN chairman Mark Lopez, president and CEO Carlo Katigbak, COO of Broadcast Cory Vidanes, ABS-CBN head of TV Production and Star Magic head Laurenti Dyogi and ABS-CBN head of finance Rick Tan. 

He thanked all of  Kapamilyas all over the world for supporting him. 

“I would like to thank first and foremost  Kapamilyas all over the world… if it’s not for you we won’t be here right now…salamat sa mga taong sumusuporta sa akin, sa Kapamilya network…ginagawa po namin ito para sa inyo…gusto ko rin siyempre pasalamatan ang lahat ng mga nakatrabaho ko from all  directors, producers, writers, co-actors and everyone sa lahat ng production na nakatrabaho ko , maraming-maraming salamat… dahil sa inyo narating ko kung nasaan man ako ngayon…and of course I would like to thank ABS-CBN for giving me this opportunity, for trusting me once again… I would like to thank all  bosses here with me today, thank you,” he said.

“I am very excited to be extending my contract with network and of course Star Magic under Star Magic Philippines… I am honored and proud to be here… I would like to thank my family for  constant support and love of course headed by my mom Annabelle Rama right here,” he added. 

Richard’s hit teleserye “Iron Heart” just concluded last week. He will just rest for a while and will do  action teleserye again in January. 

“I am ready to work after  few weeks…we have  couple of things lined up…for  teleserye, I think first quarter of next year… I think that’s enough time for preparation, for planning, kasi ang hirap tapatan ng ‘The Iron Heart, to be honest kailangan naming mag-isip ng panibagong konsepto, magandang konsepto at kung paano namin iaangat pa ‘yung level from ‘Iron Heart’ in terms of action, in terms of storytelling, locations…so kailangan talaga ng matinding planning, so first quarter of next year is just  right time,'” he said.  

Richard first signed  contract with ABS-CBN in 2018. 

Komedya o Komida

Ni Derek Jorge

Komida Quiambao

MALIGAYANG pagbati at mabuhay Binang First Bocaue, Bulacan Chairman Alfredo Quiambao. Ipinagkatiwala sa iyo ng Dios ang pangangasiwa ng Binang First sa susunod na tatlong taon, isangguni mo sana sa Kanya ang pamamalakad sa iyong pangasiwaan. Tanggapin mo ang buong suporta ng “Komedya” sa iyong poder ng pangangasiwa. Kai langan mo lamang isumite ang iyong Statement of Contribution and Expenditures sa Comelec at pwede ka nang manungkulan. Shout out muna kay Pastor Fernando Abraham, Reimbert Yap, Rev. Nestor Sadim, Manuel Soliman. Pagbati sa 15 bagong kapitan sa 15 syempreng barangay dyan sa Hagonoy, Bulacan, nangangahulugang 11 incumbent lamang ang nanatili sa pwesto.    Region 3 Police Director Jose Hidalgo Jr., hindi naman ako naniniwalang hindi mo alam na naghahasik ng lagim sa Sasmoan, Pampanga si gambling lord Rogelio Mistica Jr.  Sana hindi ka namantikaan ni Jun Mistica at mapatutunayan ko lamang iyon kung isasara mo ang sugalan sa perya sa Sasmoan. Huwag nasana itong makarating pa sa ombudsman. Sabagay, may napatunayan ka na rin naman sa Hermosa, Bataan. Maligayang bati Ginoo at Gng. Aristides Valdez, mabuhay ang bagong kasal.  Pastor Saturnino Abraham, agarin mo naman ang dokumento ng lupa para sa pabahay ng mga Badjao sa Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat.   Jonathan Fernandez, muzta na, nagkakalimutan na tayo a. Problem aba, pag-usapan natin, ndgodino@yahoo.com.

6 LTO extortionists axed

By J.Lo

“They are under preventive suspension. .I will personally monitor this case… I have also ordered  filing of administrative and criminal cases against them,” Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza ll said six traffic enforcers of LTO have been sacked after they were accused of extorting money from drivers during  campaign against colorum public utility vehicles (PUVs).

Mendoza ordered  filing of complaints against  enforcers.

Mendoza said illegal activities of LTO personnel were reported by confidential agents he deployed.

He said  enforcers allegedly demanded money from  agents  posed to be drivers of colorum PUVs.

“This should serve as  warning to all LTO enforcers,” Mendoza said.

According to  LTO chief, he deployed  confidential agents to ensure the anti-colorum operations are implemented properly.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista has ordered Mendoza to further intensify  campaign against colorum PUVs.

Team leaders of  six LTO enforcers will also be included in the investigation for gross negligence and command responsibility, Mendoza said.

“There will be no strike two or strike three for erring LTO personnel…if they are caught, they will be relieved and will face both criminal and administrative cases,” he said.

Mendoza said identities of  LTO enforcers would be released pending  result of the probe.