Comelec launches local source code review of poll system
October 26, 2021 11:29 am

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday launched the local source code review (LSCR) of the automated election system (AES) to be used in the May 9, 2022 National and Local Elections (NLE). Poll body officials headed by chairman Sheriff Abas welcomed the participants composed of political parties, citizen’s arm, civil society groups, at the kickoff activity held at the Diamond Hotel in Manila. Commissioner Marlon Casquejo, head of the Steering Committee and commissioner-in-charge of the LSCR, said the procedure is a pre-election activity that is mandated by the law. “The review of the human-readable instructions that define what the computer system will do — commonly referred to as the source code — is an innovation that was introduced by Republic Act No. 9369,” he said. Section 12 of Republic Act No. 9369 provides that “once an AES technology is selected for implementation, the Commission shall promptly make the source code of that technology available and open to any interested party or group which may conduct their own review thereof.” “In this sense, the activity that we are all going to be engaged in is integral and inseparable to the conduct of elections as any other. As the Chairperson of the 2022 National and Local Elections Steering Committee, allow me then to reiterate the overarching principles that should guide us all: Local Source Code Review is aimed at enhancing public acceptance, promoting transparency, and building public confidence in our Automated Elections System,” Casquejo added. The objectives of the review are to ensure that the AES functions as it should or as expected and that the code is clean and without any embedded malicious code, It also aims to identify any critical or major issues or errors that could potentially impact the outcome of the election. “We intend for this review process to be as transparent and participatory as possible. We intend to preserve the integrity of our automated systems, in the same manner, that we aim to ensure that the upcoming automated elections run as smoothly as possible. And we want you to help us uncover possible issues with our systems inasmuch as we want the general public to know about our readiness and preparedness,” he said. The stakeholders will review the following: the Election Management System (EMS); the Vote-Counting Machine (VCM); the Consolidated Canvassing System (CCS); and all other related systems programmed and developed by the provider. “Each and every one of us-the reviewers, the media, the political parties and interest groups, the different branches of the government, and even the casual observers-plays a vital role in ensuring that the general public preserves their trust and confidence in our electoral process. The successful staging and completion of the Local Source Code Review is a positive and welcome step towards the completion of that goal,” Casquejo added. The participants to the review, as of September 22, are Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), Partido Para sa Demokratikong Reporma, National Unity Party (NUP), Liberal Party of the Philippines, Unang Sigaw (Partido ng Pagbabago), Aksyon Demokratiko, Partido Demokratiko Pilipino Lakas ng Bayan, National Peoples Coalition. Other participants include the Kaya Natin Movement for Good Governance, Joint Congressional Oversight Committee, Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), Democracy Watch, Kilusang Bagong Lipunan, National Citizens Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel), and Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino. The LSCR will start on Tuesday and will end on March 31, 2022, at the 2nd floor Ruby Room of the Diamond Hotel from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays to Saturdays, except holidays. Source: Philippines News Agency
2 DavOcc town villages placed on 6-day lockdown
October 26, 2021 2:55 am

Some two barangays in Jose Abad Santos (JAS) town in Davao Occidental were placed under lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases in the said town. In Executive Order No. 21-020 released on Sunday night, acting mayor James John Joyce ordered the lockdown of Barangays Caburan Big and Caburan Small. The lockdown is from Monday to 11:59 p.m. of October 9. “There is a need to control the Covid-19 cases in JAS because of the full occupancy of the Covid-19 beds in the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), the Covid referral hospital of Davao Occidental,” Joyce said in the EO. The municipality is currently experiencing a surge in Covid-19 cases, with 78 active infections out of a total of 392 confirmed cases as of September 30. “The municipality deems it proper to curtail the movement of people by ordering and enforcing total lockdown in Barangay Caburan Big and Barangay Caburan Small. As your officials, we think of your safety,” Joyce said in his Facebook post. To limit the movement of all residents, the officials of the affected barangays have issued food and medicine (FM) passes per family. “This will be used whenever there is a need to buy and look for food, go to the hospital, or when an emergency situation necessitates. All households shall apply at the barangay concerned for issuance of FM pass limited to two individuals per household. FM Passes should be free of charge,” the EO added. Joyce added that all residents of the said barangays are mandated to stay inside their homes and are prohibited from going out, except for those with urgent medical emergencies, and those classified as authorized persons outside of residence (APOR). “For government and private employees, office IDs and/or office memorandum orders is enough to be presented in each checkpoint. All establishments shall apply at barangay government concerned for issuance of Working Pass of their employees,” he added. Source: Philippines News Agency
Guihulngan mayor guns for NegOr vice guv post
October 25, 2021 6:33 pm

Incumbent Mayor Carlo Jorge Reyes of Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental on Monday filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for vice governor under the Nacionalista Party (NP) at the provincial office of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) here. He is reported to be the running mate of incumbent Governor Roel Degamo in the May 9, 2022 elections, although the latter has not yet filed his COC. This is the first time for Reyes to aim for a higher elective position. Also filing his COC was lawyer Rommel Erames, who is seeking a comeback as 2nd district board member. He is running under the political group Promdi 4. Meanwhile, Danilo Jimenez filed on Sunday his COC as an independent seeking election as a board member also of the 2nd district. A re-electionist, incumbent House Rep. Arnolfo Teves of the 3rd district of Negros Oriental was the first to file his COC last Friday, Oct. 1, under the Nationalist People’s Coalition. Comelec records showed that as of October 4, a total of 26 aspirants for various positions in the province have filed their COCs. Lawyer Eddie Aba, the provincial election supervisor, reiterated his call to the political candidates to file early so they would have enough time to complete their requirements if some are found lacking. Source: Philippines News Agency
Latest Pfizer vax allotted to seafarers, OFWs in Ilocos Norte
October 25, 2021 9:42 am

The Provincial Health Office (PHO) of Ilocos Norte on Monday said the latest shipment of Pfizer coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines delivered to the province will be given to seafarers and overseas Filipino workers who need to be inoculated immediately. A total of 12,870 doses of Pfizer vaccine and an additional 7,770 doses of Sinovac vaccine were delivered to the province on Monday. On September 27, at least 789 Pfizer doses were initially administered to some economic workers. The US-made vaccine is a preferred brand among Ilocanos in this part of Luzon. Provincial health officer, Dr. Josephine Ruedas, said they are now preparing to administer the vaccines this week. “This is in line with the aggressive response of the provincial government through our governor to inoculate 70 percent of the eligible population,” she added. Ruedas urged all qualified residents to go to the nearest city or municipal health offices to be enlisted and wait for their vaccination schedule. As of September 29, the PHO reported that a total of 119,390 individuals have been fully vaccinated in the province. “I feel more confident to go to work now that I got my vaccine,” said Roderick Asuncion, a heavy truck driver from Barangay San Guillermo in San Nicolas town. Source: Philippines News Agency

Arrival of 4.73 million doses of WB-funded vaccines boosts drive against COVID-19 in the Philippines
October 19, 2021 12:00 am

MANILA, October 19, 2021 — To date, 4.73 million doses of vaccines out of 13 million doses procured by the country under the Philippines US$500 million COVID-19 Emergency Response Project Additional Financing have arrived in the country.The remaining d…
Philippines, Flooding, Landslide, Storms, and Winds in Region 1, 2, MIMAROPA, 6, CAR (TC Kompasu) (11 Oct 2021)
October 12, 2021 12:00 am

AFFECTED AREA/SAborlan, Aparri, Ballesteros, Buguias, Calintaan, La Trinidad, Lasam, Narra, Pagudpud, Puerto Princesa City, Rizal, San Jose, Silay CityDESCRIPTIONI. Chronology of events:7 October 2021- 5:00 PM: The Low Pressure Area East of Camarines N…
DSWD DROMIC Report #1 on Severe Tropical Cyclone “MARING” as of 11 October 2021, 12NN
October 12, 2021 12:00 am

Situation OverviewIssued at 11 AM, 12 October 2021, SEVERE TROPICAL STORM “MARING” IS ABOUT TO EXIT THE PHILIPPINE AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY.• The center of Severe Tropical Storm “MARING” was estimated based on all available data over 315 km West of Calay…

PH receives 2K metric tons of China-donated rice
October 22, 2021 12:00 am

The Chinese government turned over on Thursday 2,000 metric tons of rice donations to the Philippine government. Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian said this brings to 6,150 MT Beijing’s total rice donation to the country, which is seen to benefit nearly 500,000 Filipino households. The envoy said another batch of 3,850 MT of rice donation would be shipped before the year ends. “We hope the rice will be distributed to those in need in the fastest way so as to help them get through this trying time,” he said in a statement. The rice aid was handed over to Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rolando Bautista in a virtual ceremony. The donation is part of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s commitment to President Rodrigo Duterte to provide about 10,000 metric tons of rice to the country. Aside from rice, Beijing had previously announced the shipment of one million more doses of coronavirus jabs to help the country further boost its vaccination program. Source: Philippines News Agency
PH stocks index slips; peso ends sideways vs. US dollar
October 22, 2021 12:00 am

The Philippines’ main equities index ended the week on the red due to correction after days of rally but the peso kept its footing against the greenback. The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) lost 0.30 percent, or 22.11 points, to 7,289.61 points. All Shares followed with a decline of 0.27 percent, or 12.22 points, to 4,462.70 points. Most of the sectoral indexes also went down during the day and these are the Industrial, 1.16 percent; Mining and Oil, 0.95 percent; Property, 0.42 percent; and Holding Firms, 0.40 percent. On the other hand, Financials rose by 0.63 percent and Services by 0.23 percent. Volume was thin at 785.36 million shares amounting to PHP5.32 billion. Decliners surpassed advancers at 105 to 82 while 57 shares were unchanged. Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) chief economist Michael Ricafort, in a reply to e-mailed questions from PNA, attributed the main index’s decline to “healthy correction” after a five-day rally. Amidst the negative close of the PSEi during the day, he said its level remains among the highest in more than nine months “as US stock markets mostly posted new record highs recently, especially the S&P 500 after stronger US initial jobless claims and existing home sales data, as well as generally better US corporate earnings/results.” He also cited decisions of local governments outside of the National Capital Region (NCR) to adopt the Alert Level System as a movement restriction measure, which, he said, will further open economies outside Metro Manila. He forecasts PSEi’s immediate major support levels at between 6,980-7,050 levels and the next resistance level at between 7,400-7,500 levels. On the other hand, the peso ended the week at 50.786 to a US dollar, little changed from its 50.81 close a day ago. It opened the day’s trade flat at 50.8 and traded between 50.895 and 50.735. Average level for the day stood at 50.832. Volume rose to USD1.068 billion from the previous day’s USD704.19 million. Ricafort traced the peso’s strength to the government’s bid to further accelerate its vaccination program against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) and continued easing of the movement restrictions. He said proposals to temporarily cut excise taxes on domestic fuel products also supported the local currency but noted the need for “a delicate balance with sound fiscal management amid foregone government revenues that could widen the budget deficit and increase overall debt.” For next week, the peso is seen to trade between 50.20-50.30 against the US dollar. Source: Philippines News Agency
Upgraded airport to boost Camiguin economy: Tugade
October 22, 2021 12:00 am

The opening of the upgraded PHP132.2-million airport in Camiguin province could signal better post-pandemic economic impact, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade said during a live-streamed event Friday in the island province. During the inauguration of the new airport, Tugade said even when it was still undergoing construction, hiring laborers in the process already started the “economic impact” for the province. “Before it (the airport) can only accommodate 60 passengers, with the new one, it’s now 220, there will be an impact in tourism with that,” he said. Tugade and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Director General, Captain Jim Sydiongco, led the inauguration of the completed development projects for the Camiguin Airport. The completed projects include the expansion of the passenger terminal building amounting to PHP29.2 million; construction of the administration building (PHP4.6-M); one bay fire station building (PHP3.2-M); construction of CAAP Security and Intelligence Service (CSIS) Office PHP2.04-M); as well as the asphalt overlay of the runway (PHP93.04-M). Camiguin Governor Jurdin Jesus Romualdo, meanwhile, said the airport plans to hire only locals. “This would be a great help especially for their families, this alone could create a triple impact in our economy,” he said. He also assured travelers that they will be protected against the coronavirus disease 2019 once the island province reopens for tourism on Oct. 25. “We have 1,200 per day vaccination for our tourism workers, so they can accommodate the visitors better,” he said. In the afternoon of the same day, Tugade, along with officials of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and Camiguin, led the launching of the Service Contracting Program (SCP) Phase 2. A contract signing between the LTFRB and the Camiguin Transport Cooperative was made during the event. Through the program, a total of 35 public utility jeepneys (PUJs) will be utilized to provide free rides for the healthcare workers, essential workers, and Authorized Persons Outside Residence (APORs) in Camiguin. The PUJs will be plying the Mambajao to Mambajao circumferential loop service in the island province. The SCP aims to provide PUJ drivers with financial incentives on a per kilometer basis, which would greatly help them sustain their daily needs, especially amid the prevailing pandemic. Source: Philippines News Agency
DOE chief vows to look into high fuel prices in Zambo City
October 22, 2021 12:00 am

Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso Cusi vowed on Friday to look into the exorbitant prices of fuel in this southern port city. Cusi’s statement came after Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar made an appeal through Social Welfare Secretary Rolando Joselito Bautista, the Cabinet Officer for Development and Security (CORDS) for the region. “Please help us in ZC (Zamboanga City), sadly we currently have the highest gas price,” Salazar said in a text message to Bautista. “We will look into this mayor,” Cusi said in a text message to Salazar in response to the latter’s call for help to reduce the prices of fuel to help the people of Zamboanga City. The DOE is the government agency that is responsible for all issues related to energy exploration, development, utilization, distribution, and conservation. Salazar has expressed dismay over the high fuel prices that range from more than PHP61 to more than PHP67 per liter despite this city being home to the major oil players’ depots. A passenger jeepney driver, who requested anonymity, said he hopes the government could soon address the steep price of gasoline in the city. “It is a heavy burden to us drivers. Due to the imposition of MECQ (modified enhanced community quarantine), we can only carry a limited number of passengers. Yet we have to spend much on fuel,” he lamented. The city has been placed under MECQ from October 16 to 31 due to the surge in cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). As of October 20, it has registered 19,544 confirmed cases of Covid-19, with 16,245 recoveries, 2,427 active cases, and 872 deaths. Source: Philippines News Agency