NAIINIP ang daigdig sa resulta ng kondenasyon ng Pilipinas at ng mga katabing bansa sa aroganteng kilos ng mga singkit sa timog dagat tsina. Balewala namang lahat ang panghihiya ng Pilipinas sa Tsina, ano ba kung magkabanggaan ang mga barko ng magkaibayo sa dagat, ano ba kung may masaktan o kahit may mamatay pa, “collateral damage”. Shout out muna kay Pastor Nestor Sadim, Dr. Enrico San Pedro. Nagkasagian ho ang mga barko ng Chinese coast guard at supply ship ng Pilipinas sa Ayungin Shoal, mabuti’t bahagyang insidente lang ang naganap, at pwedeng mas may malalang mangyari sa hinaharap dahil tila komedya lamang para sa China ang pangyayari. Hanggang maaga dapat hadlangan ang pambabarako ng mga singkit. Hindi ho imposibleng anumang oras ay dayuhing muli ng mga Pinoy ang Kuwait at limutin na ang kalunos-lunos na sinapit ng kawawang si Jullebee Ranara sa katuwirang hindi naman kapalaran ng iba ang sinapit ni Jullebee at saka mamatay man, babayaran naman. Inihahambing na lamang sa bagay-bagay ang buhay ng tao. Nagkakamabutihan na ho kasi sina Pangulong FMJ at gobyernong Kuwaiti. Nakalusot si vlogger Rendon Labrador na nakakuha ng video sa operasyong anti-cyber crime. Ngayon sising alipin ang mga pulis at pinag-aarlang pagtakpan ang kapabayaan. Nalilimutan na kasi ang protocol sa pagpapahintulot sa mga nais magmasid sa pangyayari. Hindi naman dapat kapritso lang ng sinuman ay pagbibigyan na, paano naman ang pahirapang akreditasyon ng mga lehitimong mamamahayag. Kailangang ikonsidera kung ang vlogger ay ipalalagay nang media man. Sabagay, ano ba ang kaibahan nitong vlogger sa nakapusturang kababuyan ang ibinubuga sa ere. Tuwang tuwa naman si Kiwal, bulati kong kikiwalkiwal sa ipinangangalandakang kasawian ninuman. At milyones ang kinikita sa social media ha. 361 daw ang election hotspots habang isang linggo na lang halalan na. makaraang sibakin ang hepe ng Binmaley police, nakatengga ang reklamo laban dito sa tanggapan ni PD Pangasinan, kapal ang mukha ng mga pasaway na pulis na ito, ha kapitan sa investigation office. Ang sugalan sa Binmaley tuloy na naman, Ibasan tandaan mo hindi ka mo naman madadala kung saan ka man pupunta ang milyones mo. 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.
Cop who shot De Lima hostage-taker is now SPD chief
By J.Lo
“Together we can achieve great things, and I look forward to collective effort that lies ahead…with support of community and stakeholders, let us embark on journey together with optimism,” Brig. Gen. Mark Pespes took over as new SPD director, replacing Brig. Gen Roderick Mariano, who was transferred to office of Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr.
Pespes was police officer who gunned down one of Leila de Lima’s hostage-takers at Camp Crame last year.
Pespes was the one who shot dead Feliciano Sulayao Jr., one of three inmates who held De Lima hostage at PNP Custodial Center in October 2022.
Two other inmates involved in hostage-taking, Arnel Cabinton and Idang Susukan, were shot dead by other policemen.
Hostage-taking lasted 30 minutes but was controlled after Pespes chanced to take down Sulayao.
Pespes, who was then director of PNP Headquarters Support Service, was promoted to rank of one-star general after incident.
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“National Task Force for West Philippine Sea condemns in strongest degree latest dangerous, irresponsible, and illegal actions of CCG and Chinese Maritime Militia done this morning, in violation of Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction, and in utter blatant disregard of United Nations Charter, United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Convention on International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea and relevant international maritime conventions, and 2016 Arbitral Award,” NTF-WPS said Chinese vessels executing “dangerous blocking maneuvers” collided with Philippine boats en route to deliver supplies to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal,.
NTF-WPS said Unaiza May 2, Armed Forces of the Philippines-contracted supply boat, was on regular rotation and resupply mission to Filipino military detachment manning Sierra Madre at 6:04 in the morning was blocked by China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 5203.
Resupply boat was 13.5 nautical miles east-northeast from grounded warship Sierra Madre when “provocative, irresponsible and illegal action of CCGV 5203 imperiled safety of crew of Unaiza May 2,” NTF-WPS said.
China state broadcaster CCTV, citing foreign ministry, said “slight collision” happened after Unaiza May 2 allegedly ignored “multiple warnings and deliberately passed through law enforcement in unprofessional and dangerous manner.”
Video released by AFP posted on AFP’s official Twitter account, showed bow of CCG ship and stern of resupply vessel briefly touching. Philippine vessel continues on its course, but it is not clear if there was any damage.
In same resupply mission, Chinese Maritime Militia vessel 00003 jolted port side of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel MRRV 4409 while it was hovering 6.4 nautical miles northeast of Ayungin Shoal.
China has accused PCG vessel of “deliberately” stirring up trouble by reversing in “premeditated manner” into Chinese fishing vessel.
NTF-WPS said resupply missions were still ongoing, with Unaiza May 1 successfully reaching Sierra Madre and delivering supplies to troops stationed in detachment.
Lt. Col Enrico Gil Ileto, chief of the AFP Public Affairs Office, said Unaiza May 2 remained afloat after collision.
China said “responsibility lies entirely with Philippines” for Sunday’s incidents.
Task force condemned latest acts of “dangerous, irresponsible and illegal” aggression of CCG and Chinese Maritime Militia.
As China moves ever more confidently to assert its claims to sovereignty over waters, officials and experts have warned of potential for collisions.
“This is exactly kind of event can happen given their dangerous maneuvering,” said Jay Batongbacal, director of University of the Philippines’ Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea.
Batongbacal said CCG had deliberately hit Philippine resupply vessel to see how Manila would respond and test resolve of Philippines’ longtime ally Washington.
“You don’t accidentally hit another vessel out in open ocean,” Batongbacal told media.
Ayungin Shoal is located about 105 nautical miles from Palawan. China is also claiming shoal, which it calls Ren’ai Jiao.
Federation of Free Workers (FFW) has joined NTF-WPS in denouncing Chinese activities in West Philippine Sea.
“We cannot merely be passive bystanders or unconcerned observers… our responsibility to voice our profound concern and show solidarity with AFP in face of these provocative behaviors,” FFW said.
Labor group called for peaceful resolutions to conflicts in West Philippine Sea and emphasized necessity of making resounding and resolute protest in United Nations General Assembly.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri condemned latest abhorrent actions of CCG and Chinese maritime militia at West Philippine Sea.
“I am one with peace-loving Filipinos in strongly condemning these latest abhorrent actions of China Coast Guard and Chinese maritime militia, put in danger lives of our brave countrymen who were on routine resupply mission to our troops in Ayungin Shoal, I reiterate my support for efforts of my colleagues to increase budget for PCG and AFP to better capacitate them in safeguarding our exclusive economic zones from illegal foreign intrusions, as leader of Senate, I will make sure our troops will get sufficient funds under 2024 national budget to bankroll much-needed upgrade of their equipment,” Zubiri said.
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Sen. Risa Hontiveros called on international community to join Philippines’ condemnation of China’s most recent violence against Filipino people.
“I call on international community to join Philippines’ condemnation of China’s most recent violence against Filipino people…our nations should not stop fighting for rule of law… only way to have chance at true peace and stability across region and the world,China, tama na…this latest collision is squarely China Coast Guard’s fault,” Hontiveros stressed
Sen. Francis Tolentino said, “this alone proves China’s continued disregard for rules of International Law and basic maritime safety…such incident should be subject to thorough investigation under International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea and Code for Investigation of Marine Casualties and Incidents of International Maritime Organization.”
Sen. Jinggoy Estrada said, “these actions not only violate maritime norms and international law but also pose threat to safety and security of the region.”
“This incident is no longer acceptable…whether it was accident or not, this is proof of lack of respect for us and lives of our fellow citizens,” he added.
“Philippines is deeply concerned about rising number of victims and safety of all persons, as well as dire humanitarian consequences of conflict in Israel and in Gaza,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr joined other leaders from Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in calling for cessation of hostilities, provision of humanitarian aid, release of hostages and strengthening diplomatic efforts to attain enduring peace in Israel and Palestine.
After exchanging views and expressing grave concerns over developments in Middle East during first ASEAN-GCC Summit two regional blocs called for peaceful resolution leading to two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders in accordance with international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
They also called on all parties to conflict to protect civilians, refrain from targeting them and to abide by international humanitarian law, particularly Geneva Convention and for immediate and unconditional release of civilian hostages, especially women, children, sick and elderly.
ASEAN and GCC also expressed support for initiatives of Saudi Arabia, European Union and League of Arab States to revive Middle East peace process in cooperation with Egypt and Jordan, and resolve dispute between Israel and its neighbors in accordance with international law and all UN resolutions on this conflict.
Separately, ASEAN foreign ministers also issued statement expressing grave concern over recent escalation of armed conflict in Middle East.
FMJ has also expressed “deep concern” over escalation of violence between Israeli forces and Hamas militants has already left thousands dead, including four Filipinos.
FMJ hope all parties would exert utmost efforts for de-escalation and cessation of hostilities.
Meanwhile, two Filipinos remain unaccounted for in Israel-Hamas war, according to Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Arnell Ignacio.
Ignacio said there were no updates yet on whereabouts of these missing OFWs in Israel. “I am hoping and praying they will be found soon,” Ignacio said.
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and OWWA welcomed second group of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) returning from Israel.
DMW officer-in-charge Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac said second group is composed of 18 returning OFWs, 14 of whom are caregivers while four are hotel workers.
Each returning OFW from Israel will receive cash assistance worth P50,000 from both DMW and OWWA for total of P100,000, skills training vouchers and additional financial assistance from Technical Education and Skills Development Authority as well as psychosocial evaluation and assessment services from Department of Health and Department of Social Welfare and Development.
Last Wednesday, 16 OFWs from Israel were successfully brought home as first batch of repatriates, while 35 more OFWs in Israel have requested to be repatriated amid escalating conflict.
DMW has established help desk for OFWs and their families affected by ongoing tension between Israel and Lebanon.
In public advisory, DMW put up DMW-OWWA 24/7 Task Force Lebanon Help Desk to address concerns of around 17,000 OFWs based in Lebanon.
DMW said Lebanon Help Desk may be reached via hotline +63 2 1348 or via WhatsApp | Viber: +63 908 3268344, +63 927 1478186, +63 920 5171059.
Worst nightmare of family of missing Ilonggo caregiver in conflict-hit Israel has become reality.
On Thursday, DFA confirmed 44-year-old OFW Grace Prodigo-Cabrera from Maasin in Iloilo has been killed in Israel, almost two weeks after she was allegedly abducted by Hamas militants on Oct. 7.
Grace’s body was reportedly found in desert in Be’eri Kibbutz, which is described by locals as “ground zero” of surprise Hamas attack on Israel. She was identified through her fingerprints.
Mary June Prodigo, her sister who also works in Israel, has verified report in Facebook post. Another sister, Mae Prodigo Minerva, said they received call from Ignacio confirming what happened to their kin and assuring them of help.
Meanwhile, remains of Negrense Loreta Villarin Alacre will be arriving in Philippines on Oct. 22, according to Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson.
Lacson, however, said OWWA regional director Rizza Joy Moldes did not give specific time of arrival of remains.
Alacre, 49, of Sitio Camay-an, Barangay Cadiz Viejo in Cadiz City, was among four Filipino fatalities in attacks of Hamas in Israel. She had been caregiver in Haifa and Tel Aviv for 15 years.
Seven siblings of Alacre recently received P500,000 financial aid from Speaker Martin Romualdez. They disclosed Loreta was supposed to return to Philippines to mark her 50th birthday in November, and was thinking of retiring
“On part of PPA, we have started building terminals dedicated for cruise operations only, and we are making sure existing ports can accommodate gigantic cruise ships that will come in,” Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) general manager Jay Santiago said PPA will add five new cruise terminals across archipelago in bid to keep country’s title as Best Cruise Destination in Asia.
PPA is developing cruise terminals in Boracay, Coron, Camiguin, Siargao and Puerto Galera, all considered tourist hotbeds of Philippines.
At present, country can welcome cruise boats in just five ports, mostly in Luzon. These ports are Currimao in Ilocos Norte, Salomague in Ilocos Sur, Manila, El Nido and Tagbilaran.
Between October and December, Santiago estimates more than 40,000 tourists will visit Philippines via cruise ship by industry giants such as AIDA Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Silversea Cruises and Windstar Cruises.
On Oct. 16, World Cruise Awards named Philippines Best Cruise Destination in Asia for 2023, besting India, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.
As of September, PPA has facilitated entry of 46,657 passengers from cruise vessels since cruise tours returned to country in February.
Agency is currently spending P620 million to deliver first of its kind at Port of Jubang in Siargao.
Prior to pandemic in 2019, Philippines took in 213,765 passengers from cruise ships, e majority called at Port of Manila.
Meanwhile, Department of Tourism (DOT) is planning to make country more attractive to foreigners studying English language.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco “stressed importance” of English as second language (ESL) sector “to Philippine tourism industry.”
DOT said ESL industry currently caters to non-English speaking foreigners from South Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan and Thailand. It also noted Vietnam, Mongolia and Russia are considered “emerging markets.”
Frasco’s “listening tour” executives and representatives of ESL centers in Cebu on Oct. 12 tackled concerns such as how Philippines can highlight its “strong presence as an ESL provider.”
DOT and institutions also discussed how to “liberalize and digitalize visa policies and other processes involving legal documentary requirements that hinder country from expanding its ESL offering,” agency added.
DOT “sees ESL as big come-on, especially for non-English speaking markets,” it previously said.
According to English Proficiency Index by Education First, Philippines ranks 22nd in world, tagged as “high proficiency.” It places second in Asia, only behind Singapore which is second worldwide.
“Make no mistake… future violations, whether intentional or unintentional, will subject violator to far more severe sanctions,” Judge Arthur Engoron ordered former United States president Donald Trump’s civil fraud trial fine $5,000 for not complying with partial gag order and threatened him with possible jail time for future violations.
Engoron ordered 77-year-old Trump to pay fine within next 10 days to New York Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection.
“These may include, but are not limited to, steeper financial penalties, holding Donald Trump in contempt of court, and possibly imprisoning him pursuant to New York Judiciary Law,” judge stressed.
Engoron slapped limited gag order on former president on October 3,2023 after he insulted judge’s principal law clerk in social media post on his Truth Social platform.
Offending post was removed from Truth Social same day, but judge complained in his filing that it remained on Trump 2024 campaign website for 17 days, until court asked it be taken down.
Engoron said Trump’s lawyers told him violation of gag order was “inadvertent.”
“Giving defendant benefit of the doubt, he still violated gag order, current overheated climate, incendiary untruths can, and in same cases already have, led to serious physical harm, and worse, ” judge said.
On October 3, as Trump sat at defense table, Engoron was issuing partial gag order “forbidding all parties from posting, emailing or speaking publicly about any of my staff.”
Trump, frontrunner for 2024 Republican presidential nomination, and his two eldest sons are accused in New York case of inflating value of real estate assets of Trump Organization to receive more favorable bank loans and insurance terms.
Trump has personally attacked judge on numerous occasions, calling him “Trump-hating judge,” but Engoron, in his verbal gag order, only ordered halt to attacks on his court staff.
Federal judge set to preside over Trump’s trial for conspiring to overturn 2020 presidential election also imposed partial gag order on the former president.
US District Judge Tanya Chutkan ordered Trump not to publicly attack prosecutors, court staff or potential witnesses ahead of trial scheduled to begin in Washington in March 2024.
Chutkan temporarily lifted her narrow gag order, giving Trump’s legal team time to prove why former president’s comments should not face restrictions as his case heads toward trial.
PISTON depended transport strikers threatened with ‘franchise cancellation’
By J.Lo
“Does government have nothing else to do but destroy livelihoods of its citizens?” PISTON national president Mody Floranda said in statement sent to media progressive transport group PISTON came to aid of their fellow jeepney drivers and operators facing threats from state due to two-day strike against PUV phaseout and for their allegations of corruption within Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
LTFRB threatened to cancel franchises and issue show cause orders against members of Manibela who staged said “tigil-pasada.”
“Our demands are straight and simple scrap PUV phaseout and let us have fair, pro-people, and reasonable program for public transport that does not disadvantage small drivers and operators.”
Their president, Mar Valbuena, earlier said strike was also done due to corruption within LTFRB, with at least P5 million being paid “in exchange for approval of franchise or securing routes and special permits” in connection with modernization program.
PISTON earlier joined Manibela in planned week-long transport strike last March 2023 but halted it after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. agreed to study revision of highly controversial PUV modernization program.
Floranda said issuance of show cause orders and threats of franchise cancellation have been done before by LTFRB Region VI to PUV operators in Iloilo, who also joined transport strike in city last July 24.
“Instead of listening and addressing calls of drivers and operators on why our complaints lead to strike, it seems government is really intent on attacking livelihood and rights of workers,” continued Floranda.
Convention 87 of International Labor Organization (ILO) and principles of freedom of association ensures “right to strike” or conduct work stoppages as protest and can only be restricted in extremely limited circumstances.
Group argued while PUV drivers and operators have obligation to provide services to passengers, ILO said those who provide services, including public transport workers, should enjoy right to strike and should not be subject to interference or repression by authorities.
Groups have earlier lamented said move to phaseout traditional jeeps and UV Express since modern minibuses cost as much as P2.8 million each.
“For convenience, check in online 24 hours before your flight,” Philippine Airlines spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said PAL wishes to remind passengers flying out during long holiday period, also covers barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on Oct. 30, to check their terminal assignments.
Airline companies have rolled out travel safety measures and issued advisories and reminders to passengers for coming observance of Undas, or All Saints’ Day on Nov. 1 and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 2.
Villaluna said in Manila, PAL international flights operate in and out of Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 while PAL domestic flights operate at NAIA-2
For domestic travel, airline advised passengers to be at airport two hours before their flights while for international flights, they should arrive three hours before their flights.
“Know baggage allowance of your ticket,” it added.
For outbound international travel, passengers should know travel requirements of their destinations, according to airline.
“For travel to Philippines, you are required to fill out E-travel, as required by Inter-Agency Task Force,” PAL said.
Airline has also opened pay lounge at NAIA-2 for domestic passengers.
“This means if you are traveling on Economy Class and are non-PAL Elite and non-Premiere Elite, you may still experience PAL Domestic Mabuhay Lounge by using pay lounge,” PAL said.
Pay lounge is on top of Domestic Mabuhay Lounge for Business Class/Elite/Premiere Elite passengers.
Meanwhile, Cebu Pacific Air advised its passengers to check in online via official CEB mobile app or via Manage Booking section of CEB website to avoid long lines at airport.
Both options are available from seven days up to one hour before scheduled time of departure for domestic flights and up to four hours before scheduled departure for international flights.
Airline also encouraged passengers to allot time for traffic going to airport.
“Passengers must be at NAIA-3 and 4 at least three hours before departure for domestic flights, and four hours for international flights…passengers traveling to Dubai are allowed to check in as early as seven hours before departure, all check-in counters close one hour before scheduled time of departure to ensure ample time for all necessary pre-flight procedures…after checking in, we encourage passengers to immediately go through immigration and final security to avoid delays…boarding commences 45 minutes before scheduled departure,” it said.
Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) spokesperson and head of corporate communications Carmina Romero said airline’s international passengers bound for non-visa destinations may start using kiosks near Aisle E at NAIA-3 to complete their check-in process.
“They only need to scan barcode from their itinerary receipt or enter their booking reference numbers, passports can also be scanned through kiosk for verification” Romero said.
International passengers previously needed to check in at counter to verify their travel documents before printing their boarding passes.
Passengers with no check-in bags may go straight to boarding gate after they have their boarding passes printed. Other travel documents need further verification may be checked at bag drop counters.
“Let’s not misuse government benefits,” Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) national barangay operations office assistant director Izza Marie Laurio during News Forum at Dapo Restaurant and Bar in Quezon gave stern warning to incumbent officials running in barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) not to use government’s social services to attract voters or face sanctions.
Laurio said government’s social services Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and Food Stamp Program are off limits in elections.
Laurio said vote selling and buying are not just monetary in nature, but also includes false promises.
“There will be appropriate sanctions against candidates who violate our election laws,” she said.
Philippine National Police (PNP) urged public to report incidents of vote buying and vote selling in their communities.
If possible, PNP public information officer Col. Jean Fajardo said people could take photographs or videos of these violations.
“If you are able to observe incidents of vote buying or selling in your area, it would be great if you can document it,” she said.
Valenzuela City government, meanwhile, cancelled two medical missions to avoid being perceived as influencing conduct of elections.
Activities were supposed to be held in Barangays Bignay and Mapulang Lupa.
Monitoring of possible vote-buying and selling through digital platforms remains challenge during BSKE campaign period, according to Laurio, said digitalization of transactions makes it harder for authorities to monitor possible election violations.
Still, they have dedicated field officers to monitor alleged unscrupulous activities of BSKE candidates.
“It’s bit of challenge because we’re very digitalized now…we leave it to our field officers to monitor election-related violations of candidates,” she said.
DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos earlier warned they will immediately enforce suspensions ordered by Commission on Elections (Comelec) if winning candidates face disqualification charges.
Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia said en banc has agreed to suspend proclamation of winning BSKE candidates, even if their pending disqualification cases have not been resolved prior to election day.
There are over 1.4 million candidates nationwide for BSKE.
DILG also told local chief executives to remain non-partisan during local elections or face sanctions.
“To our mayors and incumbents, you must stay apolitical and nonpartisan… secretary is reminding us that whoever is seen or reported and proven to show favor there is respective punishment for it… stay apolitical,” Laurio added.
Comelec has issued show-cause orders (SCO) to over 7,000 candidates who allegedly engaged in premature campaigning for the Oct. 30 BSKE. Latest data from Comelec showed total of 7,103 BSKE candidates were served SCOs. Of figure, there were 3,854 answers to SCO that were received by poll body. At the same time, Comelec said “upon initial assessment,” 305 candidates are facing possible disqualification cases due to premature campaigning. Comelec likewise said there are 868 bets with SCOs had complaints dropped due to lack of “factual basis.” As to illegal campaigning, poll body said 341 SCOs were already issued. In related development, Committee on Kontra Bigay (CKB) received total of 81 complaints of cases of vote buying/selling, and five petitions for disqualification were already filed. There were 23 complaint-affidavits forwarded to law department for docketing. Apart from physical removal of illegal campaign materials being conducted by poll body, Garcia said filing of charges against these erring candidates will be made. Comelec has started its Oplan Baklas in Manila on Friday. Garcia issued warning to epal (people who inappropriately call attention to themselves) they will remove illegal campaign materials every day. He instructed all their local poll officials to strictly monitor their areas for possible campaign materials that are oversized and misplaced. Last Oct. 19, 10-day campaign period for BSKE started nationwide, and will run until Oct. 28.
Meanwhile, Sen. Francis Tolentino yesterday urged Comelec to look into possible use of artificial intelligence (AI) to mislead voters during election campaign season.
Tolentino said voters can be misled with AI technology if used by candidates to change their looks.
“AI could sacrifice truthfulness if it is used to make candidate look better,” Tolentino said.
He urged Comelec to look into coming up with its policy on use of AI technology in campaigning ahead of 2025 midterm elections.
Comelec Commissioner Rey Bulay said poll body can look into use of AI in campaigning as misrepresentation and possible ground to void one’s candidacy.
“Concept of misrepresentation is also included in principle of truth in advertising,” Bulay said.
Tolentino echoed warning of Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, who prohibited military and defense personnel from using AI photo generator apps amid fears photos harvested in apps could be used for identity theft and espionage.
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