Category: General

LEGAZPI CITY: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) 5 (Bicol) assured the public that all pertinent documents related to the preparations for the national and local elections (NLE) 2025 remain secure, despite Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name Trami) causing significant disruptions. According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec-5 Director Maria Juana Valeza stated in an interview on Monday that while some voters’ registration machines were damaged, backup files were safely preserved. Assistance has been requested from the central office to replace all damaged office computers promptly to avoid delays in the preparations for the mid-term elections. The Comelec offices affected by

COTABATO CITY: The government would need at least PHP1 billion to hold a separate Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE), in case its original schedule set for May 2025 is postponed, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Monday. Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia stated that this amount is only for manual polls, with the cost expected to rise to up to PHP3 billion if the polls are automated. According to Philippines News Agency, Garcia noted that the Bangsamoro polls would be held simultaneously with the national and local elections on May 12, 2025, which makes it less costly. The same teachers, machines,

Manila: The Global Information and Technology Challenge (GITC) for Youth with Disabilities commenced on Monday at The Manila Hotel, attracting 154 participants from 15 countries. The event, now in its 13th year, is designed to enhance the IT capabilities of youth with disabilities. According to Philippines News Agency, the competition aims to provide participants with the experience and skills needed to succeed in technology fields. Rehabilitation International Korea board member Jun Oh emphasized during a media forum that participants are capable of achieving on par with those without disabilities. The event serves as a transformative platform for these young individuals.

Manila: A party-list lawmaker on Monday filed a bill proposing a rights-based approach and public health-centered drug policy in the country. Akbayan Party-list Rep. Percival Cendaña introduced House Bill 11004, also known as the proposed Public Health Approach to Drug Use Act, which offers “humane solutions” to the nation’s drug problem. Cendaña described the measure, dubbed the “Kian Bill,” as a significant shift from the previous administration’s war on drugs. According to Philippines News Agency, the bill is named after Kian delos Santos, a 17-year-old killed by police in 2017 during the Duterte administration’s war on drugs. Cendaña emphasized that

CEBU CITY: The city police here confiscated a total of P4.1 million worth of shabu during anti-criminality operations from Oct. 25 to Nov. 1. Col. Antonietto Can~ete, chief of the Cebu City police, said that PHP3 million worth of shabu were seized from 40 operations they conducted Oct. 25 to 31. A total of 43 suspects were arrested. According to Philippines News Agency, on Nov. 1, a 37-year-old suspect was arrested in his residence in Barangay Mambaling here and yielded a PHP1.1 million worth of shabu during a buy-bust. All suspects are facing drug charges before the local prosecutor’s office.