General

Makati City: The Department of Education (DepEd)’s Election Task Force (ETF) on Monday announced its ongoing efforts to address poll-related issues reported during the midterm national and local elections. According to Philippines News Agency, as of 1:30 p.m., the Task Force recorded 160 reports at DepEd’s Election Command Center located at TechZone in Makati City, which commenced operations on Sunday. The command center offers round-the-clock support to both teaching and non-teaching staff involved in the 2025 elections. DepEd Media Relations Chief Dennis Legaspi, through a statement, affirmed that prompt actions are in place to resolve issues faced by teaching and

Manila: House of Representatives Speaker Martin Romualdez on Monday reminded Filipinos of the gravity and responsibility of casting their votes, calling Election Day a ‘solemn act of democracy.’ ‘Today, each Filipino has the power to shape the future of the Republic. When you cast your vote, you are not merely fulfilling a civic duty but taking part in a solemn act of democracy,’ Romualdez said in a statement. According to Philippines News Agency, voting is more than a legal obligation, he said, noting that it reflects the conscience of each individual and a commitment to nation-building. ‘Your ballot is a

Eastern Visayas: At least 177,926 senior citizens, pregnant women, persons with disabilities, and their assistors availed of early voting in Eastern Visayas during the midterm elections on Monday. Commission on Elections assistant regional director Maria Corazon Montallana expressed satisfaction with the turnout, highlighting that this was the first time these groups were allowed to cast their ballots early. According to Philippines News Agency, all precincts began accommodating early voters within 15 minutes of opening, with early voting hours implemented from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. Of the 177,926 individuals who participated, 127,935 were senior citizens, 13,638 were persons with disabilities,

Eastern Samar: Police arrested on Monday five men for carrying firearms in Arteche, Eastern Samar as part of an intensified drive against poll gun ban violators. Police officers intercepted an Isuzu elf truck carrying the armed individuals at a checkpoint along a major highway in Tangbo village, Arteche town around 5 a.m. According to Philippines News Agency, the suspects, who are residents of Arteche town, were identified by their aliases as Milo, 38, a truck driver from Balud village; Red, 43, a farmer from Beri village; and Kiel, 43, a motorcycle driver; Rey, a fisherman; and Romy, a welder, all

Manila: Except for minor glitches in counting machines and shooting incidents, the 2025 midterm elections are generally peaceful and orderly, Philippine National Police (PNP) Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said on Monday. “It’s very peaceful. But all our policemen on the grounds remain on guard, they continue to make arrests. My instruction is to arrest all those who would dare to create trouble,” Marbil said in a media briefing. According to Philippines News Agency, he said the 163,000 policemen, backed by over 200,000 personnel from other law enforcement agencies, will continue to be on watch until the canvassing of votes is