• Dingdong Dantes spoke out on social media about NYC Chief Ronald Cardema filing a petition to be a substitute nominee
• Dantes said that if Cardema had intended to run for Congress, he should have resigned earlier
• National Youth Commission should not be tainted with politics as an advocate for the youth

Former commissioner of the National Youth Commission Dingdong Dantes spoke out on social media about NYC Chief Ronald Cardema filing a petition to become a substitute nominee for the Duterte Youth party list group.

“Clearly, if the petition will be granted, parang na-railroad ang democratic process of choosing the rightful representative,” he said.

Clearly, if the petition will be granted, parang na-railroad ang democratic process of choosing the rightful representative.I think we all agree that the young people should never—ever— be disenfranchised, especially in governance.But with the Youth Chief getting into this?Teka.

— Dingdong Dantes (@dingdongdantes) May 20, 2019

In 2014, Dantes took his oath as Commissioner-at-Large for the National Youth Commission that lasted for three years under the administration of President Benigno Aquino III.

Cardema who was appointed as NYC Commissioner in 2017 recently filed to become a substitute nominee for his wife Ducielle Suarez Cardema. Suarez is the first nominee of the Duterte Youth party list which earned 346,314 votes based on the partial and unofficial results.

In the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) first statement on Thursday, May 16, said that they would not entertain Cardema’s petition because the period for filing of substitutions had already lapsed. But then on Saturday, May 18, the COMELEC clarified that the bid for substitution was still up for the poll body’s resolution.

On Sunday, May 19, Malacanang ordered Cardema to vacate his post as NYC Chair even as the COMELEC had yet to release a decision on his substitution bid.

Ipinaglaban at patuloy na itinataguyod ng mga opisyal at empleyado ng @NYCPilipinas ang karapatan at kakayahan ng kabataang makibahagi sa pamamahala, regardless of regime. Huwag nating hayaang madamay at mabahiran ang importanteng institusyong ito na nangangalaga sa kabataan.

— Dingdong Dantes (@dingdongdantes) May 20, 2019

Because of this news update, Dantes said that if Cardema had the intention to be a Congressman, he should have resigned earlier.

“Kung may balak siyang maging Congressman noong una pa lang, nararapat lang na nag-resign siya bilang NYC Chairman,” Dantes continued. “Pwede bang nagising na lang siya isang araw at nag-decide na trip niya? Maaari kasing nagamit ang ahensya upang magkaroon siya ng unfair advantages noong kampanya. Malinaw din naman ang batas kontra partylist na tumatanggap ng kahit anong support o may koneksyon sa gobyerno.”

Kung may balak siyang maging Congressman noong una pa lang, nararapat lang na nag resign siya bilang NYC Chairman. Pwede bang nagising na lang siya isang araw at nag-decide na trip niya? Maaari kasing nagamit ang ahensya upang magkaroon siya ng unfair advantage noong kampanya.

— Dingdong Dantes (@dingdongdantes) May 20, 2019

Malinaw din naman ang batas kontra sa partylist na tumatanggap ng kahit anong suporta o may koneksyon sa gobyerno.

— Dingdong Dantes (@dingdongdantes) May 20, 2019

He also said that the National Youth Commission should not be tainted with politics since it is the voice and the biggest advocate of Filipino Youth.

“Nakakalungkot na bilang pangunhaing representate ng kabataan ay lumalabas na nakikisali siya sa pagabuso at pag-circumvent sa Party-List system. Gusto man nating isipin na totoo ang kanyang hangarin, marami siyang dapat ipaliwanag kung paanong nag-withdraw lahat ng nominado ng kanilang Party List at sa biglaan niyang pagpasok bilang substitute ng kaniyang asawa na siyang number one nominee. Eto ba ang values na gusto natin ituro sa mga kabataan?”

Nakakalungkot na bilang pangunahing representante ng kabataan ay lumalabas na nakikisali siya sa pagabuso at pag-circumvent sa Party-List system.

— Dingdong Dantes (@dingdongdantes) May 20, 2019

Gusto man nating isipin na totoo ang kanyang hangarin, marami siyang dapat ipaliwanag kung paanong nag-withdraw lahat ng nominado ng kanilang Party List at sa biglaan niyang pagpasok bilang substitute ng kaniyang asawa na siyang number one nominee.

— Dingdong Dantes (@dingdongdantes) May 20, 2019

Sa ating mga bagong mambabatas, please look into the Party-List system. Ipagtanggol at palakasin po sana niyo ang mekanismong nagbibigay espasyo sa mga sektor na marinig ang kanilang mga boses.Wag niyo po sana hayaang masalaula ito ng mga taong uhaw o nalulunod sa kapangyarihan.

— Dingdong Dantes (@dingdongdantes) May 20, 2019

At the end of his message, Dantes said to Cardema: “If you really want to serve the young people, you are already in the best position to do so.”

At sa'yo Mr. Cardema, if you really want to serve the young people, you are already in the best position to do so. Tanungin mo si Chairman Aiza Seguerra, whom i respect so much.

— Dingdong Dantes (@dingdongdantes) May 20, 2019

• One of the famous rock musicians took a jab on politicians using OPM songs as jingles.
• Marasigan also pleaded to the public to NOT vote for politicians who have used unauthorized election jingle based on OPM songs.
• Politicians should seek permission from the composer in using their songs for campaign jingles and that’s the right way of doing things.

During campaign period, politicians normally use different strategies to attract the attention of voters and one of those is modifying popular OPM songs as campaign jingles. Jingles are effective means to make a brand awareness and recall for their names during the election.

However, this practice negates the will of other musicians because these politicians mostly did not seek permission from the composers.

Raymund Marasigan one of the famous rock musicians took a jab at politician-candidates saying “Dipa naelect nagnakaw na.”

He was referring to the use of popular songs without any permission as campaign jingles.

The former Eraserheads drummer posted on his Twitter account pleading to NOT vote for politicians who have used unauthorized OPM songs as their election campaign jingles.

“Whenever you hear an unauthorized bastardized version of a popular song as an election jingle, pls don’t vote that candidate,” Marasigan said.

https://twitter.com/raymsmercygun/status/1113404997465546754

A Netizen named King Audric asked Marasigan how they will know if a song was authorized by the artist.

The rocker replied to the Netizen that they can inquire with the artist and his management, or the Filipino Society of Composers, Artist and Publishers (Filcap).

Hahaha

Wait Sir, noob question, paano namin malalaman pag authorized by artist yung ginagamit nilang campaign jingle?

— King Audric (@al_dwin) April 3, 2019

Marasigan’s post caught the attention of the netizens and agrees with his allegations.

Kanta nga kinukuha nang walang paalam, pera pa kaya ng taumbayan.

— Gep Macadaeg (@gepmacadaeg) April 3, 2019

actually, it's still quite fishy even if they obtained the right to use the tune legally. that would cost millions (probably) and saan naman nila kukunin yung pera na yon? you can argue that they have the money pero di naman nila mababawi yon sa sweldo nila pag nanalo sila.

— Miggy (@giuseppemihajlo) April 4, 2019

Copyright infringement. It happens.

— rєnrєn (@vi_ann91) April 4, 2019

In 2016 election, FILSCAP tried to forge an agreement with the Commission on Elections.

This is to remind politicians that they should seek permission from the composer in using their songs for campaign jingles. In this manner, the candidate abides with the Republic Act 8293, or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.

• Sonza accuses Comelec for being under narco-politicians’ payroll when they do not want to release the ‘narco list’
• The release of ‘narco list’ can be seen as negative campaigning according to Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon
• Comelec Spokesman James Jimenez calls out Sonza that he wanted the ‘narco list’ as guide for voters even way back in the barangay elections

Commission on Elections spokesman, Director James Jimenez, urged former newscaster and talk show host Jay Sonza to check his facts first before spreading fake news once more.

In a Twitter post yesterday, Sonza reported that “study shows: 9 out 10 Filipinos want the narco politician list out in the open now. ilang comelec na madaldal lang ang ayaw. Bakit? nasa payroll ba kayo ng mga narco politicians com. guazon at dir. Jimenez?”

study shows: 9 out 10 Filipinos want the narco politician list out in the open now. ilang comelec na madaldal lang ang ayaw. Bakit? nasa payroll ba kayo ng mga narco politicians com. guazon at dir. Jimenez?

— Jay Sonza (@JaySonza3) March 5, 2019

This was in reference to Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon’s interview on Super Radyo dzBB, where she called the release of the narco list during election periods as “unfair” as it could be seen as negative campaigning.

She advised instead to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to file cases against the politicians who are involved in drug trade first before releasing the list.

“Kung ilabas niyo sana ‘yan, dapat kinasuhan niyo. Pwedeng ilagay niyo, ‘Ito may mga kaso na laban sa mga taong ito for violating Dangerous Drugs Act. Pwede,” clarified Guanzon.

Jimenez readily answered the broadcast journalist’s post with, “Hahaha check your facts, Boss Jay, Barangay elections pa lang, sinasabi ko na magagamit ng botante ang listahan bilang gabay sa pagpili. Ask @DILGPhilippines about our efforts then, para maliwanagan po kayo.”

Hahaha check your facts,
Boss Jay, Barangay elections pa lang, sinasabi ko na magagamit ng botante ang listahan bilang gabay sa pagpili. Ask @DILGPhilippines about our efforts then, para maliwanagan po kayo. https://t.co/rnP2FVlMsA

— James Jimenez (@jabjimenez) March 5, 2019

Netizens were quick to ask Sonza for a copy of the study he was referring to, but the newscaster only referred to a research conducted by ABS-CBN and did not provide any actual links to it.

• Netizens react to COMELEC’s list of campaign poster violators
• Netizens backed Senator Nancy Binay on her claim by naming senators who are not on list

The official campaign period for the 2019 elections started last February 12. Everywhere you go, you will see tarpaulins of candidates who are going to woo voters for the upcoming elections come May 13. But there are restrictions on the posting of tarps.

Under Republic Act No. 9006 or the Fair Elections Act, campaign posters should measure no more than 2 feet by 3 feet. They are not allowed to be posted on public structures like waiting sheds, electric posts and wires, and road traffic signs, yet there are so many violators.

One of the alleged violators is Senator Nancy Binay, who shared her dismay through her Twitter account.  On her tweet, she questioned why she was pinponted by Comelec as a violator when  she does not have any campaign posters. She also criticized the agency’s selection of violators.

In her tweet, she posted, “Kaduda-duda ang listahan na inilabas ng COMELEC dahil wala akong campaign posters. Kung sino pa yung mukhang nagkalat sa buong Pilipinas, yun pa ang wala sa listahan.”

Kaduda-duda ang listahan na inilabas ng Comelec dahil wala akong campaign posters. Kung sino pa yung mukhang nagkalat sa sa buong Pilipinas, yun pa ang wala sa listahan.#VoterEd #NLE2019 #SumbongSaCOMELEC #Eleksyon2019 pic.twitter.com/uC2f0xSUyL

— Senator Nancy Binay (@SenatorBinay) February 15, 2019

These were the 40 senatorial candidates that Guanzon named:

1. Aguilar, Ferdinand P.
2. Albani, Ibrahim H.
3. Alejano, Gary C.
4. Alfajora, Richard U.
5. Alunan, Rafael III M.
6. Angara, Juan Edgardo M.
7. Aquino, Paolo Benigno IV A.
8. Arellano, Ernesto R.
9. Arias, Marcelino P.
10. Austria, Bernard F.
11. Binay, Maria Lourdes Nancy S.
12. Casiño, Edmundo Vicente G.
13. Cayetano, Pilar Juliana S.
14. Chong, Glenn A.
15. Colmenares, Neri J.
16. Diokno, Jose Manuel Tadeo I.
17. Ejercito, Joseph Victor G.
18. Estrada, Jinggoy E.
19. Gadon, Lorenzo G.
20. Generoso, Conrado I.
21. Hilbay, Florin T.
22. Jangao, Leborio Jr. M.
23. Javellana, Rodolfo Jr. B.
24. Lapid, Manuel M.
25. Macalintal, Romulo B.
26. Mallillin, Emily T.
27. Mangondato, Faisal M.
28. Mangudadatu, Zajid G.
29. Matula, Jose Sonny G.
30. Meniano, Luther G.
31. Montano, Allan S.
32. Ong, Willie T.
33. Osmeña, Sergio III DR.
34. Pimentel III, Aquilino Martin Dela Llana
35. Poe-Llamanzares, Mary Grace Natividad S.
36. Roleda, Danilo V.
37. Tañada III, Lorenzo R.
38. Tolentino, Francis N.
39. Valdes, Antonio AS.
40. Villar, Cynthia A.

Bong Go, Bato dela Rosa, Bong Revilla & Imee Marcos are not on your list. Special treatment?

— Garrett Alberto (@mr_boomskie) February 16, 2019

Where is the name of the selfie king? Nagkalat ang poster nia may katabi pang pangit na itago natin sa pangalang rodrigo

— yourbestbro (@yourbestbro1) February 15, 2019

Netizens backed Senator Nancy Binay on her claim by naming senators who are not on list like Bong Go, Bato dela Rosa, Imee Marcos, and Bong Revilla to name name a few.

Reacting to the comments bombarding her post, Rowena V. Guazon defended why there are some names missing in the campaign poster violators’ list through a tweet.

In her post, she explained that the list is for candidates’ whose addresses are in the NCR.

She explained, “Because Bong Go’s address is in Davao, the election officer or Director of Davao will send him a notice. Not the NCR election officer.”

Because Bong Go's address is n Davao the Election ofcer or Director of Davao will send him a notice. Not NCR elecrn officer https://t.co/HZXDiys8ec

— Rowena V. Guanzon (@commrguanzon) February 15, 2019

Candidate Go will be sent a notice in his home address in Davao. No sacred cows.

— Rowena V. Guanzon (@commrguanzon) February 16, 2019

What are your thoughts on this? Write your opinions in the comment box below and please leave a like and share.

• Celebrities who will run for government office in the upcoming elections will have to take a break from their respective shows.
• The names included are Edu Manzano, Mark Lapid, Lito Lapid, and Jhong Hilario.

As the election period is nearly there, it was not needed for Commission on Elections to remind the showbiz candidates that they cannot appear on television shows as performers for the time being.

Ang Probinsyano‘s Edu Manzano is one of those who will be affected as he is currently acting as the President in the series. But he is also running for a position as the Representative for the lone district of San Juan.

Mark Lapid and Lito Lapid will also have to take a break from the teleserye as they are running as Mayor of Pampanga and as Senator, respectively.

It’s Showtime‘s Jhong Hilario will also have to take a break from the noontime show because he is set to run for re-election as the City Councilor of Makati.

Aside from television appearances, the COMELEC is also working on rules to limit the expenditures of the candidates on social media.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsUYeiGl7NK/

According to spokesperson James Jimenez, they will monitor each political campaign on social media. This includes advertisements from those who are running for a position.

“We will make sure that whatever draft regulation that we have will respect the individual’s right of expression.

“Ang babantayan natin ay kung paano nagagamit iyong social media sa kontexto ng gastusin. Magkano ang ginagastos ng mga kampanya para dito para hindi siya maging paraan para magtago ng maraming pera na nagiging unfair kasi nga may spending limit tayo.”

• Juan Ponce Enrile filed for the 2019 midterm elections.
• Netizens tweet about the error in his COC and his age.

As the filing of the Certificate of Candidacy for the 2019 midterm elections is ongoing, there have been notable personalities and politicians that have appeared in front of the COMELEC to hand in their forms.

One of them is former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile. But netizens have noticed a slight mistake in the politician’s COC. In the “Profession or Occupation” part of the form, it has been filled up as Business Woman.

The 94-year-old politician has been the subject of one of Ethel Booba’s tweets, saying that at his age, he should be resting and enjoying his life as a business woman after being granted bail because of his poor health condition.

Former Senator Juan Ponce Enrile granted of bail due to his poor health condition. At age of 94 you should rest and enjoy your life as a businesswoman (according to his COC form). Charot!

Other netizens also poked fun at the error in Enrile’s COC.

Aside from Pia Cayetano, Enrile is also feminist when convenient

Another topic talked about is his age with netizens saying that if he wins the 2019 elections, he will be 101 years old by the end of his term.

Imagine if Juan Ponce Enrile wins in next year’s senatorial election. He’d be 100 in 2024 and 101 in 2025 when he finishes his term. That’s crazy. Not even Ang Probinsyano can have longevity like that

Guys naabutan ni juan ponce enrile all 4 versions ng a star is born

1924. Yep, you read that right. JPE lived through 15 of the 16 presidencies. Considering that Aguinaldo died in ‘64, NAABUTAN NI ENRILE LAHAT NG NAGING PRESIDENTE NG PILIPINAS.

Enrile’s occupation has been changed to Business Man as changes can be made anytime during the filing period.

• James Jimenez quits as focal person of the local source code review for the upcoming elections.
• It was because of an incident during a presentation involving a bikini photo of Jessy Mendiola.

Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesperson James Jimenez resigned as focal person of the local source code review for the 2019 automated elections on Monday, October 15.

It was two days after an incident during the poll body’s presentation on local source code review which showed a bikini photo of actress Jessy Mendiola. Jimenez’s personal laptop was the one used for the presentation.

He explained that it was the photo used at the idle moment of the presentation as it was the wallpaper display of the device.

“I would like to apologize for the inappropriateness of the image.

“The image was on my computer, desktop image siya. Apparently lumalabas yung desktop image for a fleeting moment when they switch between programs.”

In a press briefing, Jimenez said that he takes full responsibility for the incident.

“There was a small technical issue involving flashing of a photo which was inappropriate for the event.

“I take responsibility and I apologize. I regret it. Because of that I resigned as a focal person for the local source code review.

“If I don’t acknowledge it, it will affect the integrity of the process. Ultimately, this is for the transparency and overall credibility of the institution I serve.” 

Jimenez will remain as the poll body’s director for the planning department and spokesperson.

INTRAMUROS, MANILA. Inspired by the popular movie franchise Superman, members of the Akbayan Youth group trooped to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) national headquarters today, July 15, to mark the “return” of Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and to call for the active participation of young people in the upcoming local youth council elections in October 2016.

“A better, bolder and stronger SK awaits young people,” said Von Yacob, Akbayan Youth spokesperson for SK affairs. “We are excited to participate in the SK elections because after several postponements and an enacted SK reform law, it is finally here,” he added.

The SK Reform Law was signed by then President Benigno Aquino last year, championed by Akbayan Partylist in the House of Representatives and Senator Bam Aquino in the Senate.

The reformed youth institution is a historical one, being the first to enable a law against political dynasties. Among the reforms are the expansion of the age range from 15 to 30 years old and the creation of local youth development councils.

Akbayan Youth is positive that the SK will impact youth development on a community level. Yacob urged young people to participate in the budgeting process to forward their agenda. The Local Government Code allows 10% of barangay funds to youth development programs and projects.

The COMELEC has set the registration for the barangay and SK elections from July 15 to 30 of this year. The youth group, on the other hand, urged COMELEC to conduct a massive voters’ registration drive so as not to disenfranchise young people.

“We should get the information out there,” the youth group said in a statement. “15 days of voters’ registration may not be enough if people are not informed,” Yacob argued.

Akbayan Youth also recommended that COMELEC partner with the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education to excuse students when they register to vote during school hours.

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) en banc ruled in favor of the Liberal Party’s request to extend the deadline for filing of Statements of Contributions  and Expenditures (SOCE) on June 16, 2016 (Thursday). The ruling extends the initial “non-extendable” June 8 deadline to the end of the month, June 30.

The deadline for the filing of SOCE is a requirement which applies to both newly elected politicians and those who lost in the last (May 2016) national elections. The COMELEC has been very adamant about the deadline, in which they have repeatedly stated that the failure to file the SOCE on time will face administrative charges and other sanctions; including but not limited to perpetual disqualification from public office.

With a 4-3 voting, COMELEC en banc granted the request of the Liberal Party to extend the filing of SOCE to June 30. COMELEC commissioners Arthur Lim, Al Parreño, Sheriff Abas, and Rowena Guanzon were the four who favored the extension; while Chairman Andres Bautista, Campaign Finance Office head commissioner Christian Robert Lim, and Commissioner Luie Guia voted against it.

In a press statement, COMELEC spokesman James Jimenez elaborated and conveyed the ruling of the en banc favoring the extension of the SOCE filing.

“The law never intended for the results to be so absurd.  You have to understand it will have a big impact if the deadline is not extended,” Jimenez emphasized.

Jimenez noted that while Chairman Bautista voted against the extension, “he thinks that late filers should be allowed with corresponding penalties.”

“The Comelec had to think – how many will not be able to assume office simply because they were not able to file their SOCEs. The problem here is you will defeat essentially the voices of the voters who voted for these people. That is what we wanted to avoid,” Jimenez explained.

There are about 15 senatorial candidates (including Franklin Drilon, Raffy Alunan, Mark Lapid, Dante Liban, Sergio Osmeña III, and Jovito Palparan), 40 governors, 115 congressmen, and one presidential candidate—LP presidential bet Manuel Roxas II—who failed to file their SOCE on time. COMELEC commissioner Guanzon said they took into consideration several issues.

“How the law should be interpreted, what are the consequences of strict or liberal interpretation and what was the intent of the Comelec when it issued the resolution.” Guanzon said.

“I think we had to weigh on the issue of consequence of a strict interpretation, what will happen to the status of all these elected officials whose parties did not file. We’re not just talking about LP,” she added.

There have been various negative reactions towards this COMELEC ruling from various involved parties and ordinary citizens. The head of the Commission on Elections Campaign Finance Office Commissioner Christian Robert Lim has announced that he is filing an “irrevocable” resignation in protest of the COMELEC ruling of his fellow commissioners.

“Kasi ngayon parang wala nang rules so ano pang gagawin ko diyan [in COMELEC]? (Because now it seems like there are no rules, so what else will I do there [in COMELEC]?)” Lim answered when asked why he is resigning from his post.

“Iyong views ko is inconsistent now with the views of the en banc so now bakit pa ako mag-head [ng CFO]? (My views are inconsistent now with the views of the [COMELEC] en banc so now, why would I lead [the CFO]?)” he added.

“When respondents, without notice to the Comelec en banc and without securing the authority of the latter, unilaterally decided to change the script of the transparency server, they became liable for illegal and unauthorized accessing of a computer system, intentional alteration of computer data and intentional altering and interfering with the functioning of computer and computer network by inputting, deleting and altering computer data and program.

“Indeed, the act of ‘tweaking’ the script of the transparency server caused widespread anxiety and concern amongst the nation. The lapses in protocol have undermined the credibility and integrity of the 2016 elections including the confidentiality, integrity and availability afforded to computer data and systems.

“From the above premises, respondents have committed a breach in the AES that violated the confidentiality, integrity and availability of the computer data and systems thereof.

“The Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 is a special law. I was advised that as a special law, the nature of the offense is malum prohibitum, and as such, criminal intent is not an essential element,” the complaint read.

“How then was Smartmatic able to open the server without getting the Comelec password? Their presence there constituted implicit consent to the change,” the lawyer said.