Day: February 23, 2025

Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued guidelines related to the conduct of poll debates on television and radio to ensure fairness and neutrality. Resolution No. 11115 outlines the standards for conducting debates on television and radio, emphasizing that such events serve as essential tools for an informed electorate. According to Philippines News Agency, organized political debates are considered necessary tools in fostering the emergence of a fully-informed electorate, which serves the public interest whenever political debates are effectuated, as stated by Comelec in a recent statement. The poll body aims to ensure that these debates adhere to the

Manila: A ‘hoax’ and a “one-man fake news factory,” Malaca±ang said Sunday of former president Rodrigo Duterte’s accusation that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is ‘veering towards a dictatorship.’ Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin condemned the remarks. According to Philippines News Agency, Bersamin dismissed the allegations as ‘baseless’ and ‘ridiculous,’ pointing out that it is Duterte who is falsely portraying the current administration as a threat to democracy. ‘This hoax is another budol (trick), emerging from a one-man fake-news factory,’ Bersamin said. ‘We treat the former president’s baseless and ridiculous statements in the same way that Filipinos are dismissive of them:

Manila: Highlighting the growing military ties between the Philippines and Japan, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. escorted Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani on a tour of Filipino bases and facilities in Luzon. The tour took place on Sunday and emphasized the strengthening defense relationship between the two nations. According to Philippines News Agency, DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong stated that Minister Nakatani was given a comprehensive briefing and guided tour of the operational capabilities and ongoing defense initiatives at Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga. For security reasons, specific details of the tour were withheld.

Manila: Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (BADACs) need strong community engagement to complement intensified law enforcement operations against drug suppliers and syndicates, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Sunday. PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil emphasized the crucial role that village officials and residents play in identifying individuals who require intervention and support. According to Philippines News Agency, as the PNP exerts relentless pressure on drug suppliers and their networks, BADAC officials must take the lead in rehabilitating and reforming their constituents. PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil noted that a recalibrated approach prioritizes human rights, ensuring that while pursuing

Baguio: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced that preparations for the May 2025 national and local elections are 95 percent complete. Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, during Comelec’s participation at the Panagbenga Festival parade here, Chairperson George Erwin Garcia assured the commission is meeting its schedules. According to Philippines News Agency, Garcia stated, “So far, 95 percent ready na tayo sa ating preparasyon. On time po kami sa iba’t-ibang aspeto ng ating paghahanda (So far, we are 95 percent ready in our preparations. We are on time in the different aspects of our preparations).” As of Sunday, about