Solita Collas-Monsod: Who will be the Next U.P. President?

"I am told that no substantial discussion comparing the relative strengths and weaknesses of the various candidates takes place—just a series of secret balloting, with the candidates getting the least (or no) votes eliminated, until one gets a majority of the vote. And even as I write, some candidates, or their backers, have been approaching the BOR members individually, and asking for their support. And then counting noses. Some, mind you. Not all."

"... And now for the good news: It ain’t over until the fat lady sings. It is entirely possible that ..."

Read the rest here: Solita Collas-Monsod: Who will be the Next U.P. President? 

DepEd: Eskwelahan off limit sa campaign poster

Manila (12 October) -- Pinapaalalahanan ng Department of Education (DepEd) ang mga tatakbong kandidato sa October 25 Barangay Elections na nananatiling ?off limits? pa rin ang mga paaralan sa mga campaign poster.

Paalala ng DepEd, hindi lamang mga kandidato sa barangay ang pinagbabawalang magkabit ng kanilang poster sa mga eskwelahan kundi maging mga kabataang tatakbo para sa Sangguniang Kabataan o SK.

Kaugnay nito, nakikipag-ugnayan na rin ang DepEd sa Commission on Elections (Comelec) para habulin ang sinumang lalabag sa kanilang alituntunin.

Nauna nang itinakda ng Comelec sa Oktubre 14, Huwebes, ang simula ng campaign period para sa eleksyong pambarangay.

Gayunpaman, iniulat ng isang himpilan ng radio na may ilang kandidato na ang nagkabit ng kanilang poster sa ilang pangunahing lugar sa Manila at Quezon City.

Kabilang daw sa mga naturang poster ay naglalaman ng mga pagbati at accomplishment report ng mga kandidato. (jcp/PIA-MMIO)

PNP tightens security measures in Metro Manila for barangay polls

Manila (5 October) -- With just a few days before the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is tightening its security measures to maintain the peace and order situation in Metro Manila.

PNP Chief Director General Raul Bacalzo said the police force has intensified its police work which resulted to the lowering of crime rate in the metro. In relation to this, Bacalzo reiterated his directive to all regional, provincials, district, and station commanders to prioritize the effort against street crimes.

As reported, the PNP has arrested more than 70 gun ban violators since its implementation on September 25. Confiscated were short and high-powered firearms, airguns, bladed weapons and grenades thru its 1,284 checkpoints, manned by 9,598 police personnel, nationwide.

This is in connection with the Commission on Election (COMELEC)'s Resolution 9019 which orders the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to enforce a nationwide gun ban from September 25 to November 10, 2010.

After the local elections, General Bacalso also said the 130,000 strong policemen nationwide will continue to perform duties in preparation for the All Saint's Day, All Soul's Day and Christmas season. The general also warned the entire police force against ?soliciting' during yuletide. (source: http://www.pnp.gov.ph/)

October 14 pa ang simula ng campaign period, ayon sa COMELEC

Manila (6 October) -- Muling pina-alalahanan ng Commission on Elections ang mga kandidato sa Barangay at Sangguniang Kabataan elections na nakapagfile na ng kanilang Certificate of Candidacy na sa October 14 pa ang simula ng panahon ng pangangampanya.

Ayon kay COMELEC Spokesperson James Jimenez, ang mga mahuhuling lumalabag sa panuntunang ito ng komisyon ay maaring ma-disqualify.

Dagdag pa ni Jimenez na hanggang sa tatlong piso lamang kada botante ang maaring gastusin ng isang kandidato sa pangangampanya.

Ang lapad aniya ng mga pamphlets, leaflets, cards, stickers at iba pang written o printed materials na gagamitin ay hindi dapat hihigit sa 8 ½ inches samantalang ang haba naman nito ay hindi dapat lumampas sa 14 inches.

Hinihikayat ni Jimenez ang publiko na isumbong sa kanila ang mga susuway sa mga nabanggit na patakaran.

Magkasabay na isasagawa sa buong bansa ang barangay at SK elections sa October 25.

Bawat barangay ay maghahalal ng isang punong barangay, pitong sangguniang barangay kagawad, isang SK chairman at pitong SK kagawad. (PIA)