Pageloader -->

PHILIPPINES NEWS

11 MAY 2022

BONGBONG MARCOS SEEN ELECTED PHILIPPINE PRESIDENT BY MAJORITY VOTE

 

 

 

MANILA — Thirty-six years after the ouster of a strongman through the People Power Revolution, his son and namesake Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is poised — in a historic majority vote — to become the 17th president of a country where cries of "Never Again" remain but have been drowned out by a nebulous promise of unity.

 

The election returns have yet to be canvassed by Congress but, according to unofficial results from the Commission on Elections' Transparency server, Marcos has an insurmountable lead of over 16 million votes.

 

As of 4:30 p.m.. Tuesday, Marcos leads the presidential race in the partial, unofficial results from Comelec data with 30,998,979 votes.

 

Vice President Leni Robredo is in second place with 14,771,802 votes.

 

In the vice presidential race, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte ranks first with 31,427,611 followed by Sen. Kiko Pangilinan with 9,199,801.

 

Marcos is set succeed the tough-talking President Rodrigo Duterte, whose administration leaves behind a trail of blood from his flagship "war on drugs" that has worsened what human rights groups say is a culture of impunity and has made accountability for extrajudicial killings difficult and further killings more likely.

 

He will also be inheriting a Philippine economy that is still recovering from its worst crash on record since the twilight years of Marcos dictatorship in 1984, as well as a government grappling with twin deficits and a heavy debt pile. A Bloomberg poll of investors and analysts in March showed Robredo is the market's most preferred candidate to facilitate economic recovery while Marcos ranked at the near bottom of the poll with just 46 survey points.

 

"The victory puts Marcos in a powerful position," Alex Holmes, Asia economist at London-based Capital Economics, said. "Given his family background and his chequered political career to date, there are concerns among investors that his election will fuel corruption, nepotism and poor governance."

 

 

 

 

 

MAJORITY OF LEADING SENATE BETS ARE FROM PROMINENT CLANS

 

 

 

MANILA — Most of the candidates set to be elected to the Senate are from prominent clans and most of them have been senators before, according to the partial and unofficial results on Tuesday evening.

 

These aspirants include:

 

•           Actor Robin Padilla, who comes from a showbiz clan. In the Philippines. Robin is dubbed as the "Bad Boy of Philippine Cinema", and is the son of film director-turned-Camarines Norte governor Casimiro “Roy” Padilla, Sr., with former actress Eva Cariño.

 

In the Philippines, being a well-known celebrity can be a boon for those who want to run for public office, as many voters typically vote based on name recognition, among other factors. Padilla is currently leading in the Senate race, with over 26.38 million votes as of 7:02 p.m. He believes, however, that he is topping the polls, not because of his celebrity status, but because of his platform to primarily pursue charter change.

 

 •          Re-electionist Sen. Sherwin "Win" Gatchalian has two brothers in government service. Wesley, who served as house deputy speaker and Valenuzuela City's first district representative, is now the elected mayor of Valenzuela city. Meanwhile, Rex, who once served as Valenzuela mayor, is set to serve as the city's first district representative.

 

•          Sorsogon Gov. Chiz Escudero, a former senator, is the son of former agricultural secretary Sonny Escudero III and Rep. Evelina Escudero (Sorsogon). Chiz's wife Heart Evangelista is a well-known Filipina actress.

 

•          Former Public Works Secretary Mark Villar, the son of business tycoon and former senator Manny Villar of the Nacionalista Party; and Sen. Cynthia Villar;

 

•          Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri whose father Jose Ma. Zubiri has held various local government posts- 3rd district representative, vice mayor and governor- in Bukidnon. Migz's brothers Jose Ma. Zubiri III and Manuel Antonio Zubiri held positions in public office, such as former 3rd district representative, and incumbent 3rd district representative, respectively.

 

 •          Former sens. JV Ejercito and Jinggoy Estrada, both sons of former President Joseph "Erap" Estrada;

 

•          Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano, the son of former Sen. Rene Cayetano. Alan's wife Lani just secured another term as mayor of Taguig City. Alan's sister is Sen. Pia Cayetano.

 

•          Re-electionist Joel Villanueva, the son of evangelist and Jesus Is Lord Church Worldwide founder Eddie Villanueva, who also represents CIBAC (Citizens' Battle Against Corruption) party-list and a is House deputy speaker.

 

•          Broadcaster Raffy Tulfo, whose brothers Mon, Erwin and Ben are in the media industry, and whose sister Wanda was the Secretary of the Department of Tourism. Raffy's wife Jocelyn is the partylist representative of ACT-CIS (Anti-Crime and Terrorism Community Involvement and Support).

 

Other senatorial aspirants leading the elections are: Rep. Loren Legarda (Antique) , and Sen.Risa Hontiveros.

 

 

 

 

 

POLL VIOLENCE: 6 DEAD, 32 HURT

 

 

 

MANILA — Six persons were killed and 32 others were wounded in violent incidents during the general elections on Monday, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

 

Despite the poll-related violence, PNP officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. said the conduct of the elections was relatively peaceful all over the country.

 

“We can safely say that the 2022 election is a shining chapter in our nation’s rich and colorful history and a moving-up point to a new beginning,” Danao said at a press briefing yesterday at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

 

Data from the PNP showed that 52 election-related incidents were recorded on Monday. Of the number, 21 were considered “significant,” according to PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo.

 

Fajardo said all the significant violent incidents occurred in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region: shootings, explosions and other forms of violence such as ballot snatching.

 

Three were killed in Buluan, Maguindanao, two in Binidayan and one in Malabang in Lanao del Sur. The 32 wounded victims were from various areas in BAR.

 

Fajardo said 21 incidents are still being validated to determine whether these are election-related.

 

The number of validated poll-related violent incidents since the start of the election period started on Jan. 9 stood at 16, police said.

 

Danao said the PNP is moving on with implementing the requirements of the criminal justice system, particularly to violations committed during the election period.

 

“Let me point out that the more important aspects of law enforcement and public safety have been given utmost priority throughout the elections,” he said.

 

The PNP appealed for calm from the supporters of losing presidential candidates after authorities received reports that some groups are planning to mount rallies to protest the impending victory of presidential frontrunner Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

 

 

 

 

 

'WALANG NA-DISENFRANCHISE': COMELEC INSISTS VCM GLITCHES 'NOT SIGNIFICANT'

 

 

 

MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday insisted that the impact of defective vote counting machines (VCM) on voters was "not significant" when compared to the glitches encountered in the previous elections.

 

In a press conference Tuesday, Comelec commissioner Marlon Casquejo reported that 915 VCMs malfunctioned during election day Monday.

 

Casquejo, chairman of the election's steering committee, said the malfunctions did not affect many voters.

 

"Masyadong maliit... If you try to compute, 915 VCM malfunctions, multiply it by average of 500 per registered voters, maliit lang 'yun as compared to the total number of 64 million plus registered voters," he said.

 

Comelec acting spokesman Rex Laudiangco also said voters were not disenfranchised by the VCM glitches.

 

"Wala pong na disenfranchise despite the isolated issues on VCMs and the SD cards… All of these lessons will be taken to heart by the commission," he said.

 

Over 106,000 VCMs were deployed in clustered precincts nationwide. Casquejo said they already anticipated that some machines would encounter problems.

 

"There's no such thing as perfect system. Even your cellphone bigla na lang nagha-hang kahit iPhone 'yan or any high-end cellphone. May mga ganun talaga. Over 106,000 VCMs ito, so out of that only 900 plus 'yung pumalpak… What's important is hindi siya significant kumpara noong 2019," Casquejo said.

 

 

 

 

 

'WE ARE ABOUT ACCURACY,' SAYS PPCRV ON SLIGHT DELAY IN RELEASE OF ELECTIONS TALLY

 

 

 

MANILA — "We are not about speed... but we are about accuracy."

 

The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting said this Tuesday following minimal delay in the showing of its unofficial, parallel count of the 2022 election results.

 

The poll monitor stressed it was vetting the results that came from the Commission on Elections' transparency server before releasing it to the public.

 

"We took initial verification bago namin ibato. Bakit? Kasi people are looking into what the PPCRV monitor is showing," PPCRV spokesperson Vann Dela Cruz said in a press briefing.

 

He said the poll watchdog is not competing with the media.

 

"But right now kasi, tiwala naman tayo na what the media is showing is also the same thing that we are showing," he added.

 

So far, the Comelec's transparency server has transmitted 98 percent of partial, unofficial results of election returns as of 6 p.m. Tuesday.

 

 

 

 

 

PACQUIAO CONCEDES: ‘MARUNONG AKONG TUMANGGAP NG PAGKATALO’

 

 

 

GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Manny Pacquiao, who ended up third behind Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Leni Robredo, formally conceded in the presidential race on Tuesday night.

 

“Bilang boxer at atleta marunong akong tumanggap ng pagkatalo. Sana lang kahit talo ako sa laban na ito, panalo pa rin ang mga kapwa ko Pilipino – ’yung mga naghihirap,” said Pacquiao in a video posted on social media.

 

“ ’Wag po kayong mawalan ng pag-asa dahil hindi tayo pababayaan ng Panginoon.”

 

He thanked his supporters, his family and especially his wife Jinkee for supporting him all the way.

 

He also congratulated Marcos for his victory.

 

 

 

 

 

ISKO MORENO CONCEDES PRESIDENTIAL DERBY TO BONGBONG MARCOS

 

 

 

MANILA — Manila City Mayor and Aksyon Demokratiko standard-bearer Isko Moreno formally admitted defeat and conceded the presidency Tuesday to former Sen. and election frontrunner Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

 

"The next administration won't be successful if the resentment and bad blood continue... We need to unite and stand behind the next chosen one by the people," he said in Filipino in a livestreamed press briefing on his Facebook page where he congratulated his electoral counterparts.

 

"The Filipino won. Let's thank God [that] we have shown the world that democracy in our country remains," he also said. "Let us respect the vote of our fellow people – poor, middle class, rich – they have one vote. Our vote is their vote, it's equal."

 

During his campaign, it was Moreno who first went on the offensive against the son and namesake of the ousted dictator by bringing up the latter's

 

 

 

 

 

COMELEC AFFIRMS DISMISSAL OF MARCOS DISQUALIFICATION CASES

 

 

 

MANILA — The Commission on Elections en banc has affirmed the dismissal of disqualification cases against Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. who cemented a landslide presidential election victory based on partial tallies as of Tuesday.

 

Voting 6-0-1, the en banc denied the motions for reconsideration that sought to reverse the dismissal of 3 disqualification cases and a petition to cancel the certificate of candidacy (COC) of Marcos.

 

His former lawyer Comelec Commissioner George Erwin Garcia inhibited from both rulings.

 

Comelec en banc rulings may be reviewed, reversed or affirmed by the Supreme Court.

 

The petitions were anchored on Marcos’ conviction for non-filing of income tax returns (ITRs) for taxable years 1982 up to 1985.

 

The poll body said petitioners who sought Marcos' disqualification "failed to raise new matters" that would warrant the reversal of the cases' dismissal.

 

"Stripped of non-essentials, the instant Motions for Reconsideration merely contain rehash of Petitioners' assertions and arguments before the Commission (Former First Division)," the ruling said.

 

 

 

 

 

'HINDI ITO PAGKATALO:’ ROBREDO HANDA SA ‘MAS MALAKING LABAN’

 

 

 

Hindi natatapos ang laban sa pagkatalo sa halalan, ayon kay Vice President Leni Robredo nitong Martes, habang patuloy na lumalawak ang lamang ng kaniyang katunggali sa pagkapangulo na si Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

 

Matapos ang isang misa sa Metropolitan Cathedral sa Naga City, hinimok ni Robredo ang kaniyang mga taga-suporta na huwag bumitiw sa ipinaglalaban na maayos na pamamahala.

 

“Dai ko siya pigkonsidera na kadaguan dahil kadakul kitang na-achieve ngunyan election na ini.” ani Robredo sa Bicol.

 

(Hindi ko siya kinoconsider na pagkatalo dahil marami tayong na-achieve ngayong election na ito.)

 

“Igwang mas dakulang laban,” dagdag pa ng bise presidente.

 

(Mayroong mas malaking laban.)

 

Dagdag ni Robredo, ang mahalaga ay nagising ang mga damdamin para sa paghahanap ng maayos na gobyerno para sa ikabubuti ng bansa.

 

 

 

 

 

DUTERTE'S POPULARITY, REGIONALISM CRYSTALIZED VOTES FOR MARCOS JR., SARA DUTERTE: ANALYSTS

 

 

 

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte's popularity and Filipinos' regionalism helped deliver votes to the UniTeam of Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, analysts said Tuesday.

 

Jose Ramon Albert, a senior research fellow at the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, said Vice President Leni Robredo is not an administration candidate, which posed difficulties for her campaign in terms of resources that she had in 2016.

 

"Her campaign had a lot of resources then, unfortunately now... She is the opposition candidate," said Albert.

 

"You have a very popular president that you are 'fighting' and the bulk of that went to Marcos and in large part was because he was with the President's daughter," he explained.

 

Duterte-Carpio's tandem with Marcos, Jr. is strategic in a sense that she was able to "inherit" the popularity of her father, according to Albert, even surpassing the total votes of the older Duterte in 2016, which was around 16 million.

 

The UniTeam tandem likewise successfully solidified votes for each other in their respective bailiwicks — Marcos Jr. in the country's northern provinces and Duterte-Carpio in the south — a proof that regionalism still forms a large part of how Filipinos vote.

 

"The main reason behind why Marcos really won at not just the polls but the actual elections is really the regionalism. That is the main storyline. This has been true for years," the analyst added.

 

 

 

 

 

THE REST

 

========

 

 

 

 

 

‘PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN’: GORDON CONCEDES #HALALAN2022 SENATORIAL BID

 

 

 

MANILA – Sen. Richard Gordon has conceded from the 2022 senatorial race after not making it to the Magic 12.

 

"The people have spoken, and I bow to their will," Gordon said in a statement Tuesday evening.

 

Gordon also thanked his supporters and those who had worked with him over the election period, saying: "To those who believed and stood with me to the end, I am deeply grateful."

 

#Halalan2022: Lanao del Sur Provincial Capitol Complex on lockdown following gunshots

 

MANILA — The Lanao del Sur Provincial Capitol Complex located in Marawi City was placed on lockdown after gunshots were heard in the area on Tuesday, a day after the national and local elections.

 

The exact reason behind the gunshots remain unclear but a commotion between supporters of rival mayoral candidates from Butig town took place in the complex.

 

One group of supporters questioned why the vote-counting machines from the town were brought to the complex.

 

On Monday, authorities reported 6 deaths in Lanao del Norte, in violent incidents related to the polls.

 

 

 

 

 

PROCLAIMED: JOY BELMONTE GETS SECOND TERM AS QUEZON CITY MAYOR

 

 

 

MANILA — Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has been elected to a second term after beating Rep. Mike Defensor (Anakalusugan party-list), her main rival in the mayoral race.

 

Belmonte, who ran under Serbisyo ng Bayan Party, garnered 635,124 votes. Defensor earned 401,070 votes.

 

Belmonte is the daughter of former House Speaker Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte Jr. and the late newspaper publisher Betty Go-Belmonte.

 

Her running mate, Vice Mayor Gian Sotto, also won his re-election bid with 569,315 votes. He defeated Councilor Winnie Castelo, who received 417,736 votes.

 

 

 

 

 

RE-ELECTIONIST MARCY TEODORO WINS THIRD TERM AS MARIKINA MAYOR

 

 

 

Re-electionist and current Marikina City Mayor Marcy Teodoro has won the mayoral race for another term in the city, the Commission on Elections proclaimed Tuesday morning.

 

Per a statement issued by the city information office, Teodoro garnered 183,878 votes in the landslide victory. His running mate, Marion Andres, also won another term as vice mayor.

 

 

 

 

 

TIANGCO GROUP WINS BIG IN NAVOTAS CITY LOCAL ELECTIONS

 

 

 

Navotas voters gave Partido Navoteño a landslide victory in the recently-concluded election, the Commission on Elections Board of Canvassers in the city proclaimed Tuesday.

 

Per a statement issued by the city information office, the Comelec proclaimed early Tuesday morning at 4:05 a.m. the newly-elected congressman, mayor, vice mayor and councilors of the city.

 

Current Navotas City Mayor Toby Tiangco led the congressional race with 79,505 votes while Congressman John Rey Tiangco dominated the mayoral bid with 80,908 votes.

 

 

 

 

 

FRESNEDI-BIAZON PARTY WINS ON COMMANDING LEAD IN MUNTINLUPA

 

 

 

Dominating the local elections on May 9, the 1Muntinlupa political party led by congressional bet and current Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, mayoral candidate and Rep. Ruffy Biazon (Muntinlupa Lone District), and re-electionist Vice Mayor Artemio Simundac won by a landslide Tuesday, the Commission on Elections disclosed.

 

 

 

 

 

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

 

 

 

 

 

VILMA SANTOS' BALLOT GOES VIRAL AS SHE VOTED FOR ROBREDO, NOT MORENO

 

 

 

MANILA — Eagle-eyed social media users pointed out that actress and politician Vilma Santos voted for Leni Robredo and not Isko Moreno who she endorsed together with husband Ralph Recto.

 

A video of Vilma casting her votes trended on social media as the video showed she shaded Robredo's name.

 

“IT IS NUMBER 10! She shaded Leni Robredo for President! Vilma Santos for Leni!” a Twitter user posted.

 

“Huhuhu!Yes Leni ang Pres niya kitang kita ang shaded sa gedli. Salamat!” another Twitter user commented.

 

Social media users also noticed that Vilma held a pink handkerchief, indicating her support to Robredo.

 

Vilma and Ralph welcomed Robredo to their home last week during the vice president's Batangas sortie.

 

Robredo’s rival Bongbong Marcos is currently leading the elections with more than 30 million votes.

 

 

 

 

 

SPORTS

 

 

 

 

 

NBA SCORES MAY 9

 

 

 

 

 

FINAL

 

1          2          3          4          T

 

1 Suns2-2         25        31        22        23        101

 

4 Mavericks2-2 37        31        19        24        111

 

GAME 4: SERIES TIED 2-2, AMERICAN AIRLINES CENTER, DALLAS, TX

 

SCORING LEADERS

 

D. Booker PHO

 

35 PTS 4 REB 7 AST

 

L. Doncic DAL

 

26 PTS 7 REB 11 AST

 

 

 

FINAL

 

1          2          3          4          T

 

1 Heat2-2         28        28        29        23        108

 

4 76ers2-2        30        34        25        27        116

 

GAME 4: SERIES TIED 2-2, WELLS FARGO CENTER, PHILADELPHIA, PA

 

SCORING LEADERS

 

J. Butler MIA

 

40 PTS 3 REB 6 AST

 

J. Harden PHI

 

31 PTS 7 REB 9 AST

 

 

 

 

 

INDICATORS

 

 

 

FOREX $1 = P 52.37

 

 

 

 

 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

 

 

 

Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all. - Sam Ewing

 

 

Comments (0)


Today
8:03am
Hi Jenna! I made a new design, and i wanted to show it to you.
8:03am
It's quite clean and it's inspired from Bulkit.
8:12am
Oh really??! I want to see that.
8:13am
FYI it was done in less than a day.
8:17am
Great to hear it. Just send me the PSD files so i can have a look at it.
8:18am
And if you have a prototype, you can also send me the link to it.

Monday
4:55pm
Hey Jenna, what's up?
4:56pm
Iam coming to LA tomorrow. Interested in having lunch?
5:21pm
Hey mate, it's been a while. Sure I would love to.
5:27pm
Ok. Let's say i pick you up at 12:30 at work, works?
5:43pm
Yup, that works great.
5:44pm
And yeah, don't forget to bring some of my favourite cheese cake.
5:27pm
No worries

Today
2:01pm
Hello Jenna, did you read my proposal?
2:01pm
Didn't hear from you since i sent it.
2:02pm
Hello Milly, Iam really sorry, Iam so busy recently, but i had the time to read it.
2:04pm
And what did you think about it?
2:05pm
Actually it's quite good, there might be some small changes but overall it's great.
2:07pm
I think that i can give it to my boss at this stage.
2:09pm
Crossing fingers then

Details