General

Dumaguete: The Commission on Elections-Negros Island Region (Comelec-NIR) on Monday assured voters that there are enough ballots available, despite a mix-up reported in two precincts earlier in the day. According to Philippines News Agency, Lawyer Lionel Marco Castillano, Comelec-NIR director, stated at a press conference that based on previous elections with typically low voter turnout, there are excess ballots prepared as a contingency measure. This assurance comes after a report from the Diocesan Electoral Board (DEB) of Dumaguete indicated a ballot mix-up at around 6:40 a.m. in a polling precinct of Sta. Cruz Elementary School in Tanjay City. Parish Pastoral

Manila: As early as 5 a.m., senior citizens, expectant mothers, and persons with disabilities flocked to schools in this capital city to cast their votes at polling places specifically for them. According to Philippines News Agency, Fredo Nicolas, 78, arrived at Emilio Jacinto Elementary School in Tondo at around 5:20 a.m. but had to wait until after 7 a.m. to cast his vote as the line was long. Nicolas emphasized the importance of voting for competent and honest leaders, expressing hope for a peaceful Manila and a “cleaner” government. Ofelia Mabanta, 98, shared her unwavering commitment to voting, stating that

Manila: The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) has raised “serious concern” over the incidents of harassment encountered by media workers during the election season. According to Philippines News Agency, PTFoMS executive director Jose Torres Jr. urged media practitioners to report election-related attacks via the PTFoMS Incident Report Form (IRF), accessible online or through a QR code on its official Facebook page. Torres emphasized that the PTFoMS IRF allows media members to immediately report incidents threatening press freedom and their right to life, liberty, and security. Torres encouraged, “Document everything and report immediately.” He further stated that the task

Bangued: The Regional Task Force on Early Voting reported a notable turnout as 66,396 residents from vulnerable sectors participated in the early voting initiative implemented by the Commission on Elections (Comelec). This system was designed to provide enhanced comfort and convenience for voters, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWD), pregnant women, and their assistors. According to Philippines News Agency, lawyer Elenita Julia Tabangin Capuyan, the regional head of the task force, stated in a phone interview on Monday that the initiative was a success, particularly highlighting the significant voter turnout during the designated 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. voting

Caraga: Voting proceeded peacefully across Mindanao’s Davao and Caraga regions on Monday, with election and police officials reporting no poll-related incidents, aside from minor logistical challenges. According to Philippines News Agency, Police Regional Office-13 Director Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano inspected precincts with Commission on Elections-Caraga officials Edwin Cadungog and Geraldine Samson. “Voters are casting ballots without fear of violence,” Abrahano said during the morning press conference, noting that a pre-dawn shooting in Surigao del Norte was unrelated to the elections. The region’s 1.9 million registered voters spread across 1,363 voting centers encountered typical first-day issues like precinct location confusion, but