RE: Summary Memorandum of Election Related News from 2016 to Present

Chronological Table of Election Related News from 2016 to Present

Date Headline and News Summary Source

January 19, PNoy signs SK Reform Act into law https://news.abs-
2016 cbn.com/nation/01/19/16/pnoy-signs-sk-
reform-act-into-law
Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma said the President signed Republic Act No.
10742 on January 15, 2016.

"The SK reform law seeks to strengthen and empower the SK and transform it into a
useful conduit for youth involvement in community development," Coloma said.

February 3, Comelec junks all DQ cases vs Duterte https://www.philstar.com/headlines/201

2016 6/02/03/1549298/comelec-junks-all-dq-
In a press conference, Comelec First Division Chair Christian Robert Lim said the cases-vs-duterte
body voted unanimously to dismiss all of the four petitions filed against Duterte due
to lack of merit.
March 8, SC strikes down Poe disqualification https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/ne
2016 ws/nation/558234/sc-strikes-down-poe-
The tribunal sitting en banc voted 9-6, granting Poe's petitions against the disqualification/story/
Commission on Elections (comelec) decisions last December cancelling her certificate
of candidacy (COC) for president.
March 20, Poll Chief: Mall voting ‘a go’ https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/ne
2016 ws/nation/559746/poll-chief-mall-voting-
Mall voting will push through in 86 malls across the Philippines, Comelec chief Andres a-go/story/
Bautista said Saturday.
Bautista confirmed the pilot move at a press briefing on the eve of the second leg of
PiliPinas debates here.
"It's a go," the poll chief replied when asked about the development of the mall
voting, an innovation the Comelec was hoping to implement for this year's polls.

March 29, Anonymous PH hacks Comelec website http://nine.cnnphilippines.com/news/201

2016 6/03/28/Comelec-website-hack-
The Anonymous Philippines broke into and defaced the Comelec website late Sunday Anonymous-Philippines.html
evening (March 27).
The hacktivist group posted a message asking the Comelec to make sure the PCOS
have security features in place.
"What happens when the electoral process is so mired with questions and
controversies? Can the government still guarantee that the sovereignty of the people
is upheld?" it asked.
The units to be used in the 2016 elections are updated models of the Precinct Count
 Optical Scan (PCOS) machines used during the 2010 and 2013 elections.
According to the Comelec, the machines' features include:

 A secured source code that makes sure the votes are interpreted correctly

 An ultraviolet lamp that makes sure no fake ballot is inserted into the machine

 Digital signatures of the Board of Election Inspectors, who will certify the poll
returns

 A voter verification paper audit trail (VVPAT) that serves as receipt of a

person's votes. The machines are not only able to print a tape receipt but also
have touch screen monitors that reflect the votes on the ballot

April 9, No More Roadblocks; SC paves way for Grace Poe run https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/778501/no
2016 -more-roadblocks-sc-paves-way-for-
The Supreme Court has denied with finality the motions for reconsideration to grace-poe-run
reverse its earlier ruling allowing Senator Grace Poe to run for President in the May
9, 2016 elections.

April 11, Hackers Expose Information on 55M Philippine Voters https://www.voanews.com/a/hackers-

2016 expose-information-millions-philippine-
A massive data breach has exposed 55 million Philippine voters to potential fraud and voters/3280046.html
other risks after the entire database of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) was
hacked and leaked.

A group called Anonymous Philippines originally hacked and defaced the Comelec
website March 27, calling on the government to ensure more security for voting
machines to be used in the upcoming May 9 national elections.
Later that same day, a group called LulzSec Pilipinas posted the entire database
online.
April 21, Hacker arrested for defacement of Comelec website https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/ne
2016 ws/nation/563481/hacker-arrested-for-
defacement-of-comelec-website/story/
April 27, Comelec reverses March Ruling, cancels Mall voting https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/ne
2016 ws/nation/564165/comelec-reverses-
Bautista said that a legal question came up regarding the number of days of the march-ruling-cancels-mall-voting/story/
transfer of a polling precinct before election day, which the Comelec en banc took up
on Tuesday.

April 29, 2nd Comelec Hacker nabbed https://www.philstar.com/headlines/201

2016 6/04/29/1578281/2nd-comelec-hacker-
NBI Director Virgilio Mendez and Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista presented nabbed
 Joenel de Asis, 23, an Information and Technology graduate employed as a systems
integration engineer.
The Muntinlupa City resident was arrested at 3 p.m. on April 28.
May 6, Poe, Roxas camps tell each other to quit http://manilastandard.net/news/-main-
2016 stories/top-stories/204990/poe-roxas-
camps-tell-each-other-to-quit.html
SUPPORTERS of administration candidate Manuel Roxas II and Senator Grace Poe—
statistically tied at second place—on Thursday  urged the other side to withdraw from
the race so that one of them could defeat the frontrunner, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo
Duterte.
May 6, Mar Roxas seeks talks with Grace Poe http://nine.cnnphilippines.com/news/201
2016 6/05/06/mar-roxas-calls-on-grace-poe-
Administration presidential bet Manuel “Mar” Roxas II on Friday (May 6) called for dialogue-unity-alliance.html
unity with independent candidate Sen. Grace Poe amid the “uncertainty and the
specter of a dictatorship.”
May 6, Grace Poe on Mar's call: What's there to talk about? https://www.philstar.com/headlines/201
2016 6/05/06/1580579/grace-poe-mars-call-
Poe, however, said she has always been for unity and decency, but is not open to the whats-there-talk-about
idea of backing out.
"I always maintain decency, unity in terms of our goal para 'yung ating bansa
maayos. Ano pa ba ang gusto niyang pag-usapan sa puntong ito? Pwede naman
kaming mag-usap anytime," she said.
May 9, 'Duterte Harry' tipped to win as Philippines heads to the polls https://edition.cnn.com/2016/05/08/asia
2016 /philippines-election/
Millions in the Philippines started casting their votes as polls opened Monday to select
a new government that will shape the country for the next six years.
Nearly 55 million of the country's 100 million population have registered to choose
not only a new president and deputy, but also to elect half of the Senate, the entire
House of Representatives as well as tens of thousands of local posts, from governors,
mayor and members of the provincial councils.
Leading in presidential polls is Rodrigo Duterte, a long-time mayor of the southern
city of Davao

May 10, Rodrigo Duterte continues to lead in the presidential race, while Leni https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/784725/rod
2016 Robredo leads Bongbong Marcos by a small margin in the vice presidential rigo-duterte-leni-robredo-maintain-lead-
race. president-vice-philippines-election-
results
May 11, Ex-Poll Chief Abalos absolved from graft over NBN-ZTE deal https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/ne
2016 ws/nation/565869/ex-poll-chief-abalos-
The Sandiganbayan on Wednesday absolved former Commission on Elections absolved-from-graft-over-nbn-zte-
chairman Benjamin Abalos from graft charges over the botched $329-million ZTE- deal/story/
National Broadband Network (NBN) deal in 2007.
"Accused Benjamin Abalos is acquitted for the charge against him for failure of the
 prosecution to establish his guilt beyond reasonable doubt," the Fourth Division said
in its 43-page decision.
May 12, SULU SPECIAL ELECTIONS ON SATURDAY https://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/
2016 elections/2016/live-updates-philippines-
Due to the failure of elections, the Commission on Elections will deputize 48 PNP presidential-elections
personnel to serve as Special Board of Inspectors (SBEIs) in special elections in 10
barangays of Panglima Estino and 10 barangays in Pata, Sulu, on Saturday, May 14.
May 30, Duterte, Robredo proclaimed new President, VP; Rody a no show https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/788148/co
2016 ngress-proclaims-duterte-robredo-as-
Duterte won the presidency in the Congress’ official count with 16,601,997 votes, or new-president-vp-rody-a-no-show
more than six million votes ahead of second placer Liberal Party candidate Manuel
“Mar” Roxas II.

Robredo beat her closest rival Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. by 263,473
votes in a hotly contested vice presidential race. Alleging poll fraud, the son and
namesake of the late dictator was mulling to file an electoral protest.

May 30, SC Junks Tolentino plea vs. proclamation of Gatchalian, Recto, De Lima https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/ne
2016 ws/nation/568244/sc-junks-tolentino-
The high court, in an en banc session after emerging from a decision writing break, plea-vs-proclamation-of-gatchalian-
junked Tolentino's petition for certiorari "for being moot and academic," because the recto-de-lima/story/
three respondents had already been proclaimed by the Commission on Elections last
May 19.
June 8, SC junks petition seeking to stop Duterte presidency https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/788
2016 03/Business/SC-junks-petition-seeking-
In a press conference, SC spokesperson Theodore Te said that the Court, in its en to-stop-Duterte-presidency
banc session, ruled unanimously to dismiss the petition for mandamus filed by lawyer
Elly Pamatong against Duterte.

Pamatong's petition was seeking to nullify the votes garnered by Duterte and to stop
his proclamation by the Congress, sitting as the National Board of Canvassers for
presidential and vice presidential race. 

Te said the court denied Pamatong's petition "on the ground that there is no showing
of a clear legal right to the performance of the duty sought to be compelled by the
petitioner."

Pamatong in his petition said that Duterte could not be the next president of the
country as "he is a former criminal prosecutor."
June 17, Separate Inauguration a first in recent history https://www.philstar.com/headlines/201
2016 6/06/17/1593848/separate-
The inauguration of president-elect Rodrigo Duterte and vice president-elect Leni inauguration-first-recent-history
Robredo will be the first in recent history where the two highest elected officials will
be sworn in to office separately.
 Special circumstances aside – such as when then vice president Gloria Macapagal-
Arroyo took her oath alone at EDSA Shrine on Jan. 20, 2001 – the president and the
vice president always took their oaths at the same venue.
August 16, Supreme Court junks Roxas poll protest vs Binay https://news.abs-
2016 cbn.com/news/08/16/16/supreme-court-
junks-roxas-poll-protest-vs-binay
The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed the electoral protest filed by Manuel Roxas
against former Vice-President Jejomar Binay in 2010 as it was no longer relevant.

"Courts refrain from deciding on moot cases because any decision would have no
practical purpose," the high court said, in a statement read by SC spokesperson
Theodore Te.

Sept. 20, Supreme Court: Poe a natural-born Filipino https://www.philstar.com/headlines/201

2016 6/09/20/1625674/supreme-court-poe-
The court voted 9-3 in favor of Poe and declared her a natural-born Filipino citizen, natural-born-filipino
and, therefore, qualified to hold the office of senator. The SC junked a petition filed
by Rizalito David, a losing senatorial candidate in 2013, asking the high court to
reverse the SET’s ruling.
October 18, Duterte signs law postponing barangay, SK elections https://www.rappler.com/nation/149555
2016 -duterte-signs-law-postponement-
The law signed by the President moves the barangay and SK elections set on October barangay-sk-elections
31, 2016, to October 2017. Under the law, incumbent barangay and SK officials will
continue to serve for a year unless they are removed or suspended from office.

Duterte had supported the postponement of the barangay elections, in particular, to

keep candidates backed by drug lords from winning. (see:
https://www.rappler.com/nation/144309-duterte-drug-money-barangay-sk-
elections-postponement)
March 31, Calendar of activities for October 2017 barangay, SK elections https://www.rappler.com/nation/165750
2017 -calendar-activities-october-2017-
barangay-sk-elections
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has released a calendar of activities for the
October 23, 2017 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections, despite a
proposal in the House of Representatives to postpone them again.
In Comelec Resolution 10177, promulgated on Tuesday, March 28, the poll body set
the election period from September 23 to October 30, 2017.
The filing of certificates of candidacy will be from September 23 to September 30.
The campaign period for candidates will be from October 13 to 21.
On election day, Monday, October 23, voting hours are from 7 am to 3 pm. Counting
and canvassing of votes will immediately follow.
 After the polls, candidates have until November 22 to submit statements of
contributions and expenses (SOCE).

April 17, Marcos pays P36-M for poll protest vs Robredo https://news.abs-
2017 cbn.com/news/04/17/17/marcos-pays-
p36-m-for-poll-protest-vs-robredo
Marcos personally went to the SC compound to make the P36.023 million payment in
cashier's check for the first installment, beating Monday's deadline for his compliance
with the tribunal's order.

The amount was the required first tranche of payment ordered by the high court,
sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET), for the cost of retrieval of
contested poll materials, consisting of election documents and ballot boxes, in
relation to his poll protest against Robredo.

April 18, Marcos lawyer says Robredo camp delaying electoral protest https://news.abs-
2017 cbn.com/news/04/18/17/marcos-lawyer-
says-robredo-camp-delaying-electoral-
The Supreme Court, sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, directed Marcos and protest
Robredo to shell out P66.02 million and P15.44 million respectively for their
separate election protests.

On Monday, Marcos paid P36.023 million as the first installment of his payment.

Robredo, through her lawyer Atty. Romulo Macalintal, however, sought clarification
from the High Court, arguing that Marcos should pay in full first because he filed
the election protest and theirs was a counter-protest.

Macalintal also said Marcos should pay a total of P185 million because his protest has
a first cause of action that includes all 92,000 clustered precincts.

However, Marcos' lawyer, Atty. Vic Rodriguez, believes the motion is another
delaying tactic of the Robredo camp.

Sept. 5, Comelec postpones barangay, SK elections in Mindanao https://www.rappler.com/nation/181224

2017 -comelec-postpones-2017-barangay-
The poll body cites threats to the safety of voters in Mindanao, which President sangguniang-kabataan-elections-
Rodrigo Duterte placed under martial law due to clashes in Marawi City. mindanao

Sept. 19, Comelec reschedules activities for 2017 barangay, SK elections https://www.rappler.com/nation/182664
2017 -comelec-reschedules-activities-
calendar-2017-barangay-sk-elections
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) rescheduled some activities related to the
 October 23 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections.

This is to give the public "more time to prepare" for the barangay polls in case it
wouldn't be postponed, said the Comelec in a statement on Tuesday, September 19.

But a postponement measure has already passed Congress, and is just awaiting
President Rodrigo Duterte's signature to officially postpone the polls.

The Comelec en banc moved the start of the election period to October 1, from the
original September 23 schedule. The election period will still run until October 30.

The new period for filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) for barangay and SK bets
is from October 5 to 11.

Meanwhile, the campaign period is now from October 12 to 22.

October 11, House votes to impeach Comelec chief Bautista https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/ne

2017 ws/nation/629154/house-votes-to-
The House of Representative on Wednesday voted to impeach Commission on impeach-comelec-chief-bautista/story/
Elections (Comelec) chairman Andres Bautista.

This, after 137 House members voted against the motion of Oriental Mindoro
Representative Reynaldo Umali to adopt the report of the Committee on Justice
dismissing the complaint against Bautista.

Seventy-five members voted for the motion, while two abstained.

A vote of at least one-third, or 98 members of the House are required to override the
dismissal.
October 11, Comelec chair Bautista to resign https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/ne
2017 ws/nation/629081/comelec-chair-andres-
Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Andres Bautista on Wednesday said he bautista-to-resign/story/
will resign from his post by the end of the year.

In a letter posted on his social media account, Bautista said: "It is with deep sadness
that I am informing you about my decision to resign as the Chair of the Commission
on Elections by the end of the year."

The Comelec chief has been embroiled in the middle of a bitter spat with his
estranged wife Patricia who claimed that he has undeclared wealth amounting to
nearly P1 billion.

The House justice committee on September 20 dismissed the impeachment

complaint lodged against Bautista, with 26 members of the panel voting against
Deputy Speaker Gwen Garcia's motion to declare the impeachment complaint filed by
former Negros Oriental Representative Jacinto Paras and lawyer Ferdinand Topacio
 sufficient in form.
December Robredo, Marcos camps welcome vote recount https://news.abs-
4, 2017 cbn.com/news/12/04/17/robredo-
marcos-camps-welcome-vote-recount
The lawyers of Vice President Leni Robredo and former senator Ferdinand
“Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. welcomed Monday an order of the Supreme Court for a
recount of votes over the latter's poll protest. 

Marcos, 60, lost the vice presidential election last year by 263,473 votes. He filed a
case with the SC alleging that Robredo cheated by manipulating computerized vote
counting machines. 

February Senate orders arrest of ex-Comelec chair Bautista https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/ne

26, 2018 ws/nation/644685/senate-orders-arrest-
The Senate has ordered the arrest of former Commission on Elections (Comelec) of-ex-comelec-chair-bautista/story/
chairman Andres Bautista over his non-attendance of the probe into his alleged ill-
gotten wealth.

The senator (Escudero) has earlier said he will ask Senate President Aquilino
Pimentel III to issue a warrant against Bautista after the ex-poll chief repeatedly
failed to attend hearings on his alleged P1-billion unexplained wealth.
He has also been cited in contempt for his non-attendance at the hearing.
Bautista, however, has asked that the subpoena for him to attend the hearing to be
recalled, claiming he has never received an invitation as he is abroad.
He claimed he has been out of the country since November last year “to explore
professional opportunities and, more importantly, seek assistance for certain medical
challenges.”
It was Bautista's estranged wife, Patricia, who alleged that the resigned Comelec
chief had amassed almost P1 billion in unexplained wealth, along with over P300
million in 35 bank accounts with the Luzon Development Bank.

February 6, May 14 barangay and SK polls ‘tuloy na tuloy na’ https://www.rappler.com/nation/195362

2018 -may-2018-barangay-sk-elections-
updated as pushes-through-calendar-bans
After two postponements, the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections
of May 10,
will push through on Monday, May 14, this year.
2018
"Mga kababayan, tuloy na tuloy po ang barangay at SK election ngayong ika-14 ng
Mayo," said Martin Diño, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)
undersecretary for barangay affairs. (To all Filipinos: the barangay and SK elections
will definitely happen on May 14.)

February 7, Robredo camp signs motion to withdraw all motions before PET https://news.abs-
2018 cbn.com/news/02/07/18/robredo-camp-
updated as signs-motion-to-withdraw-all-motions-
of August before-pet
29, 2018 The camp of Vice President Leni Robredo on Wednesday signed a joint motion to
withdraw all pending motions before the Presidential Electoral Tribunal in relation to
the poll protest of former Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

Marcos, who lost to Robredo in 2016, said he signed a different joint motion on
Tuesday to expedite his protest and proceed to the recount of ballots in selected
areas.

Robredo's lawyer, Romulo Macalintal, said the signed documents amounted to a

mere manifestation and not a motion to withdraw. This is why the Vice President's
team prepared its own motion and signed it Wednesday.

"Marcos presented before us a wrong document to escape his faulted challenge. So

we prepared our own motion, even before we received his manifestation," said
Macalintal. 

February 8, PET sets VP manual vote recount on March 19 https://news.abs-

2018 cbn.com/news/02/08/18/pet-sets-vp-
updated as The Supreme Court (SC), sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET) has set manual-vote-recount-on-march-19
of August the start of the manual recount of votes for the election protest of former Senator
31, 2018 Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. against Vice-President Leni Robredo on March 19. 

Marcos lost to Robredo in the May 2016 vice-presidential race by 263,473 votes. 

His election protest alleges that there was massive vote-buying, pre-shading of
ballots, pre-loaded secure digital cards, misreading of ballots, malfunctioning vote-
counting machines, a script change in the transparency server that allegedly altered
the results in the VP race, and an “abnormally high” unaccounted votes/undervotes
for the position of vice-president.

July 24, The Bangsamoro Organic Law: Everything you need to know http://nine.cnnphilippines.com/news/201
2018 8/07/24/bangsamoro-organic-law-
All the details of BOL including FAQs are right here. primer-everything-you-need-to-know-
bbl.html
July 27, Duterte signs Bangsamoro Organic Law http://nine.cnnphilippines.com/news/201
2018 8/07/26/Duterte-signs-Bangsamoro-
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque confirmed this in a message to reporters. Organic-Law.html

"This is to announce that the President has just signed the BOL into law," Roque said.
Officially called the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim
 Mindanao (OLBARMM), the law abolishes the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
(ARMM) established in 1989 through Republic Act No. 6734. The ARMM groups the
provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

This comes days after the House of Representatives ratified the bill on Tuesday, after
it was delayed due to the change in the chamber's leadership. The Senate ratified the
proposed measure on Monday.
July 27, Now that the BOL is signed, ‘the more difficult part begins,’ says Zubiri https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/ne
2018 ws/nation/662011/now-that-bol-is-
Duterte on Thursday said he has signed the BOL,  which seeks to bring peace and signed-the-more-difficult-part-begins-
development in Mindanao, less than a week after it was ratified by Congress. says-zubiri/story/

Zubiri said the Bangsamoro stakeholders, including legislators, should see to it that
the preparatory measures for the implementation of the law are completed.

"We need a plebiscite to implement the law. Majority should approve of this,
otherwise the ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) areas shall continue
to be administered under the ARMM law,” he said.

Zubiri said from experience, they had all learned that the old ARMM law has become
deficient as a framework for peace and economic growth for the region.

Sept. 23, Most peaceful elections yet! – Marawi concludes barangay, SK Special https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/101305
2018 Elections 2018 4

The Islamic City of Marawi concluded the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan
Special Elections yesterday, September 22, 2018.

Dubbed as “the most peaceful elections yet, ” the elections for the Islamic City’s 96
Baranggays consisting of 351 established precincts in 34 voting centers took off with
no alarming incident.

With the exception of heated arguments and isolated fistfights, the voting of an
estimated 50,893 voters came to a close with a sound accomplishment.
October 22, Topacio seeks to cancel Pimentel COC https://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/
2018 elections/2019/214899-ferdinand-
topacio-seeks-to-cancel-pimentel-
In his 9-page petition, Topacio pointed out that the 1987 Constitution "prohibits
certificate-candidacy
senators from serving for more than two consecutive terms."

The lawyer noted that Pimentel finished his first term as senator in June 2013.
Pimentel, a victim of poll fraud, belatedly began his Senate stint in August 2011, or 4
years after the 2007 senatorial elections. This was because he had to wait for the
Senate Electoral Tribunal to resolve his election protest against then-senator Juan
 Miguel Zubiri.

Pimentel, who also won in the 2013 senatorial elections, is now serving his second
consecutive term as senator, said Topacio. "Thus, his present candidacy which, if
successful, would allow him to serve up to 30 June 2025, is a prohibited third term."

Topacio cited the Supreme Court (SC) ruling on the case of Efren Racel Aratea
against the Comelec, where the SC stressed, "After being elected and serving for 3
consecutive terms, an elective local official cannot seek immediate reelection for the
same office in the next regular election because he is ineligible."

The lawyer also cited the case of Arsenio Latasa, whose COC the Comelec canceled.
This was because Latasa still ran as mayor of the City of Digos after he had served as
mayor of the Municipality of Digos – that is, before Digos became a city – for 3
consecutive terms, having already been elected in 1992, 1995, and 1998.

October 29, Comelec wants ex-Sen. Osmeña ‘perpetually disqualified’ over campaign https://news.abs-
2019 expenses cbn.com/news/10/29/18/comelec-wants-
ex-sen-osmea-perpetually-disqualified-
The Commission on Elections is seeking to “perpetually disqualify” former Sen. over-campaign-expenses
Sergio Osmeña III from any government post for allegedly twice failing to meet the
country’s strict requirement to declare campaign expenses.
November Cancellation of Cayetano couple’s Taguig congressional bids sought https://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/
13, 2018 elections/2019/216583-cancellation-
alan-peter-lani-cayetano-taguig-
Two separate petitions have been filed with the Commission on Elections (Comelec)
congressional-bids-sought
to stop the congressional bids of spouses Alan Peter Cayetano and Lani Cayetano,
who are running in different districts of Taguig in 2019.

Election lawyer Emilio Marañon III, representing Taguig voter Leonides Buac Jr, said
the different addresses that the former foreign affairs secretary and his outgoing
mayor wife used in their respective certificates of candidacy (COC) presented “legal
infirmities.”

To run in the first district of Taguig, the former senator declared in his COC that he is
a resident of Barangay Bagumbayan. Lani, who is running in the second district,
declared that she resides in Barangay Fort Bonifacio..

December LIST: Comelec raffle results for party-list order on 2019 ballots https://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/
5, 2018 elections/2019/218281-comelec-raffle-
 results-party-list-order-on-ballots
Below is the order of all 181 party-lists from the Comelec’s electronic raffle:

1. Bayan Muna Party list (Bayan Muna)

2. Kabalikat ng Mamamayan (KABAYAN)
3. Magkakasama sa Sakahan, Kaunlaran (MAGSASAKA)
4. Philippine Educators Alliance for Community Empowerment (PEACE)
5. Nagkakaisang Pilipino Para Sa Pag-angat ng Maralitang Manileño
6. National Association for Electricity Consumers for Reforms (KONTRA BROWN OUT)
7. OFW Family Club, Inc (OFW FAMILY)
8. 1-United Transport Koalisyon (1-UTAK)
9. Kusug Tausug
10. Global Workers and Family Federation (GLOBAL)
11. Agila ng Katutubong Pilipino, Inc (AGILA)
12. Ang Nars, Inc (ANG NARS)
13. Barkadahan Para sa Bansa (BARKADAHAN)
14. Anakpawis Party List (ANAKPAWIS)
15. Women and Child Crime Abuse Assistance (WACCA)
16. Construction Workers' Solidarity (CWS)
17. Parents Teachers Alliance (PTA)
18. Rebolusyonaryong Alyansang Makabansa (RAM)
19. Ako OFW, Inc
20. Dumper Philippines Taxi Drivers Association (DUMPER PTDA)
21. Luntiang Pilipinas Partylist
22. Ako Bisdak-Bisayang Dako (AKO BISDAK)
23. Academicians, Students and Educators Alliance (ASEAN)
24. Association of Philippine Electric Cooperatives (APEC)
25. Teachers’ Dignity Party-list
26. Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA)
27. AMEPA OFW Access Center (AMEPA OFW)
28. Aksyon Health Workers (AHW)
29. Bahay Para sa Pamilyang Pilipino, Inc (BAHAY)
30. Philippine National Police Retirees Association Inc
31. Joint Union of Active Nationalist Filipino Movement
32. Pinagbuklod na Filipino Para sa Bayan (BUKLOD FILIPINO)
33. Citizens' Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC)
34. Kaagapay ang Mamamayang Pilipino (KAP)
35. Murang Kuryente Partylist
36. Angkla: Ang Partido ng mga Pilipinong Marino (ANGKLA)
37. Gabriela Women's Party (GABRIELA)
38. Ako An Bisaya
39. Isang Lapian ng Mangingisda at Bayan Tungo sa Kaunlaran (1-Lambat)
40. Ranao Federal State Movement
41. Philippine Environment Recycling Association
42. Kabataan Partylist (KABATAAN)
43. An Waray Party-list (AN WARAY)
44. Sulong Dignidad Party 
45. Wired and Wireless Internet for Filipino (WIFI)
46. Alliance of Philippine Fishing Federations (ALL-FISH)
47. Alagaan Natin ating Kalusugan (ANAKALUSUGAN)
48. Talino at Galing Pinoy (TGP)
49. ABE Kapampangan (ABEKA)
50. Isang Alyansang Aalalay sa Pinoy (1-AALALAY)
51. Aksyon Magsasaka-Partido Tinig ng Masa (AKMA-PTM)
52. Arts Business and Science Professionals (ABS)
53. Bagong Henerasyon (BH)
54. Alyansa Ng Mga Mamamayang Probinsyano
55. Partido Manggagawa (PM)
56. Alyansa General Parents Teachers Association-Indigenous People (AGPTA-IP)
57. Gawang Pinoy
58. Ang National Coalition of Indigenous Peoples Action Na (ANAC-IP)
59. Sinag Tungo sa Kaunlaran (SINAG)
60. Public Safety Alliance for Transformation and Rule of Law (PATROL)
61. Cyclista at Motorista ng Pilipinas (CYMPIL)
62. Kabalikat Ng Bayan Sa Kaunlaran
63. Kooperatiba Kapisanan ng Magsasaka ng Pilipinas (KOOP KAMPI)
64. Probinsyano People’s Movement
65. Union of Nationalist Democratic Filipino Organization (UNIDO)
66. Ang Bol-Anon
67. Serbisyo sa Bayan Party (SBP)
68. Pilipinas Para sa Pinoy (PPP)
69. Ina Na Nagmamahal Sa Anak
70. Kilusan Ng Organisadong Mamamayan Para Sa Ulirang Transportasyon At
Epektibong Reporma
71. Una ang Edukasyon (1-ANG EDUKASYON)
72. Kapatirang Magmamais ng Pilipinas (KAMAIS)
73. Ang Laban ng Indignong Filipino (ALIF)
74. Ang Mata'y Alagaan (MATA
75. LPG Marketers Association (LPGMA)
76. Abono Party-list (ABONO)
77. Stop & Go Transport Coalition
78. Ako Ayoko sa Bawal na Droga (AKO)
79. Avid Builders of Active Nation’s Citizenry Towards Empowered Philippines
80. Marino Samahan ng mga Seaman (MARNO)
81. Liga ng mga Mag-uumang Probinsyano (LIGA NG MGA MAG-UUMA)
82. Ang Tao Muna at Bayan Partylist (TAO MUNA)
83. Act Teachers Party-list (ACT TEACHERS)
84. People’s Champ Guardians
85. Kapisanan ng Nagkakaisang Naghahangad ng Kaunlaran, Kasaganaan,
Katahimikan at Pagkakaisa (KAUNLARAN)
86. Alay Buhay Community Development Foundation Inc (ALAY BUHAY)
87. Buhay Hayaang Yumabong (BUHAY)
88. Akbayan Citizens' Action Party (AKBAYAN)
89. Mindoro Sandugo Para sa Kaunlaran (PARTIDO SANDUGO)
90. Confederation of Senior Citizens Coalition of Phil.
91. Probinsyano Ako
92. Ako Bisaya Partylist (AKO BISAYA)
93. Alliance of Volunteer Educators Party-list (AVE)
94. Movement for Economic Transformation and Righteous Opportunities (METRO)
95. Ating Agapay Sentrong Samahan ng mga Obrero (AASENSO)
96. Alliance of Organizations, Networks and Associations of the Philippines (ALONA)
97. Tribal Communities Association of the Philippines (TRICAP)
98. Barangay Natin Party List (BANAT)
99. Tingog Sinirangan
100. Manila Teachers' Savings and Loan Association (MANILA TEACHERS)
101. Anti-Crime and Terrorism Community Involvement and Support Inc (ACT-CIS)
102. Ang Siguro Inc (ASI)
103. Alliance of Philippine Partners in Enterprise Development (APPEND INC)
104. Confederation of Non-Stock Savings and Loan Associations (CONSLA)
105. Kaisahan ng mga Maliliit na Magsasaka (KMM)
106. Isogdabaw Inc
107. 1Anak Ti Ilocano Association Inc
108. Abakada Guro
109. Kalinga - Advocacy for Social Empowerment and Nation-Building Through
Easing Poverty Inc (KALINGA)
110. Noble Advancement of Marvelous People of the Philippines Inc
111. Ang Pasahero Inc (API)
112. Ang Asosasyon Sang Mangunguma Nga Bisaya-Owa Mangunguma Inc (AAMBIS-
OWA)
113. Tinderong Pinoy Party (TINDERONG PINOY)
114. Agri-Agra na Reporma para sa Magsasaka ng Pilipinas Movement (AGRI)
115. Agricultural Sector Alliance of the Philippines (AGAP)
116. Acts-Overseas Filipino Workers Coalition of Organizations (ACTS-OFW)
117. Federation of International Cable TV and Telecommunications Association of the
Philippines (FICTAP)
118. People Surge Disaster Survivors Group Inc (PEOPLE SURGE)
119. Alliance for Truthful Information (ATIN)
120. Pambansang Nagkakaisa sa Paggawa at Agrikultura (PNPA)
121. Sandigan ng mga Manggagawa sa Konstruksiyon (SAMAKO)
122. One Patriotic Coalition of Marginalized Nationals (1PACMAN)
123. 1-Ang Trabahador na Pinoy
124. Abante Mindanao Inc (ABAMIN)
125. Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan (PDDS)
126. Partido Lakas ng Masa (PLM)
127. Awareness of Keepers of the Environment Inc (AWAKE)
128. Katipunan ng mga Guardians Brotherhood Inc (KGB)
129. United Filipino Consumers & Commuters (UFCC)
130. Coalition of Associations of Senior Citizens in the Philippines (SENIOR
CITIZENS)
131. Advocacy for Teacher Empowerment Through Action, Cooperation and Harmony
Towards Educational Reforms (A TEACHER)
132. Galing sa Puso Party (GP PARTY-LIST)
133. Alliance for Public Transport Organization (1-APTO)
134. One Bagong Ahapo ng Pilipinas Party-list (1-AHAPO)
135. Association of Farmers, Fisherfolks and Small Miners
136. Ang Kabuhayan
137. You Against Corruption and Poverty (YACAP)
138. Magdalo Para sa Pilipino (MAGDALO)
139. Alliance of National Urban Poor Organizations Assembly Inc (ANUPA)
140. 1st Consumer Alliance for Rural Energy Inc (1-CARE)
141. Ako Bicol Political Party (AKO BICOL)
142. Cooperative Natcco Network (COOP-NATCCO)
143. Kilusang Maypagasa (MAYPAGASA)
144. Adhikaing Tinataguyod ng Kooperatiba (ATING KOOP)
145. Adhikain at Kilusan ng Ordinaryong Tao Laban sa Kahirapan
146. Guardjan - Association of Guard, Utility Helper, Aider, Rider, Driver/Domestic
Helper, Janitor, Agent, Nanny of the Philippines Inc (GUARDJAN)
147. Association of Lady Entrepreneurs (ALENG ENTREP)
148. Aangat Tayo
149. Kabalikat ng Nagkakaisang Manileño
150. Barangay Health Wellness (BHW)
151. Rural Electric Consumers and Beneficiaries of Development and Advancement
Inc (RECOBODA)
152. Ako Padayon Pilipino (A PDYN)
153. Anak Mindanao (AMIN)
154. Alliance of OFW Party
155. Tanggol Maralita (ITO ANG TAMA)
156. One Unified Transport Alliance of the Philippines-Bicol Region (1 UTAP BICOL)
157. Duty to Energize the Republic through the Enlightenment of the Youth Sectoral
Party List Organization (DUTERTE YOUTH)
158. Butil Farmers Party (BUTIL)
159. Pambansang Kilusan ng Nagkakaisang Manggagawa, or Kilos Na Manggagawa
160. Tourism Educators and Movers, Philippines (TEAM PHILIPPINES)
161. Ang Aking Ina Ipaglaban Inc
 162. Green Force for the Environment Sons and Daughters of Mother Earth
(GREENFORCE)
163. Abang Lingkoc Inc
164. Agbiag! Timpuyog Ilocano (AGBIAG)
165. Minimum Wage Earners
166. Trade Union Congress Party (TUCP)
167. 1Accountants Party-List Inc (1 ACCOUNTANTS)
168. Filipino Family Party (FILIPINO FAMILY)
169. Wow Pilipinas Movement (WOW PILIPINAS)
170. Social Amelioration & Genuine Intervention on Poverty (1-SAGIP)
171. Democratic Independent Workers' Association (DIWA)
172. Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association Inc (PHILRECA)
173. One Philippines
174. Gawing Una ang Tagumpay ng Ordinaryong Mamamayan (GUTOM)
175. Partido ng Bayan ang Bida (PBB)
176. Laang Kawal ng Pilipinas (LAANG KAWAL)
177. 1 Alliance Advocating Autonomy Party (1AAAP)
178. YESPH Community Development Inc
179. RBU Tamang Isip Mental Health Center (TAMANG ISIP)
180. Grains Retailers' Confederation of the Philippines Inc (GRECON)
181. Kasosyo Producer-Consumer Exchange Association Inc (AA-KASOSYO)

December ‘Trusted build’ program for 2019 automated polls set Dec. 14 https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/105593
6, 2018 8

The activity will be conducted after the Philippine AES passed the review conducted
by international systems and software testing firm, Pro V&V, in Alabama, USA.

“This is important for the credibility of the system because it provides the assurance
that the system is not made from shady components; and that all the components
have been properly reviewed and cleared,” Jimenez added.

Upon review, the international firm must be able to categorically state that the AES,
including its hardware and software components, is operating properly, securely, and
accurately, in accordance with the provisions of the law.

“Once the components have been reviewed, they are then assembled to create the
overall program that will govern the entire AES,” he explained.

“Hence, ‘trusted build’ simply means assembling the program using the reviewed
 components,” the poll body official added.

The Poll Automation Law provides that the AES must be reviewed and certified by an
established international certification entity not later than three months before
election day.

December New social media campaign rules won’t limit freedom of expression, says https://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/
6, 2018 Comelec elections/2019/218362-comelec-says-
new-social-media-campaign-rules-will-
not-limit-freedom-expression
Jimenez was responding to claims that the guidelines it has yet to issue would
regulate the content of candidates’ social media posts. He said this was a “mistaken
notion” of what the Comelec intends to do, which was to monitor the candidates’
spending as part of its rules on limiting campaign expenditures.

“They (guidelines) do not limit your right to speak out and express yourself, it may
just cause you to be more forthright with how much you’re spending when creating
that content,” Jimenez told Rappler in a phone call.

He added, “It’s not about content itself. Wala kaming pakialam sa laman kung ‘di
yung cost ng material na pinopost (We don’t have concerns over what is in the post,
but the cost the material posted).”

Comelec Resolution 10488 - http://www.comelec.gov.ph/php-tpls-

attachments/2019NLE/Resolutions/com_res_10488.pdf

December Mayoral bet in Bulacan surrenders after 20-hour standoff with SWAT team https://www.rappler.com/nation/218471
7, 2018 -mayoral-bet-bulacan-andre-santos-
surrenders-after-20-hour-standoff-swat-
Bulacan police director Senior Superintendent Chito Bersaluna said a team from the
team
local police was set to serve a warrant of arrest against Santos for qualified theft on
Thursday evening, but he locked himself up in a room at the second floor of his
residence.

Initial reports said that Santos, a former vice mayor, was armed with a gun and a
grenade, preventing prohibiting the team from conducting the arrest and prompting
a request for additional police force.

December Comelec sets longer voting hours https://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/

10, 2018 elections/2019/218605-comelec-sets-
 Voting is now scheduled to take place from 6 am to 6 pm, extended by an hour. longer-voting-hours
December Taguig residence claimed by Cayetanos not theirs – petitioner https://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/
21, 2018 elections/2019/219401-leonides-buac-jr-
says-taguig-residence-claimed-by-
Petitioner Leonides Buac Jr, through his lawyer Emil Marañon III, presented as
cayetanos-is-not-theirs
evidence Condominium Certificate of Title (CCT) Number 10558 issued by the Taguig
City Registry of Deeds. It covers Unit 352-A Two Serendra, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig
City. This is the residence claimed by Lani Cayetano in her COC.

Alan Peter is running as congressman of the First District of Taguig while Lani is
running for congresswoman of Taguig's Second District.

December AKO Bicol Representative Batocabe shot dead in Albay https://www.rappler.com/nation/219472

22, 2019 -rodel-batocabe-killed-albay-december-
2018
AKO BICOL Representative Rodel Batocabe, 52, was shot dead along with his police
escort on Saturday, December 22, while in a gift-giving event in Daraga, Albay.

Batocabe was running for mayor of Daraga. He was the first congressman to be killed
under the Duterte administration.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said two gunmen wearing black bonnets shot
Batocabe inside the covered court of Barangay Burgos in Daraga, Albay, at around 3
pm, while he was attending a gift-giving event for senior citizens and people with
disabilities.

January 13, Don’t pay ‘permit to campaign’ fees to NPA, warns DILG https://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/
2019 elections/2019/220907-dilg-warning-
The Department of the Interior and Local Government says candidates and local paying-permit-to-campaign-fees-new-
officials found paying fees to gain access to rebel strongholds will face sanctions. peoples-army
January 14, PNP recalls politicians’ police escorts for 2019 polls https://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/
2019 elections/2019/220919-pnp-recalls-
The routine recall is done to prevent election violence and the politicization of the politicians-police-escorts
police force.

The recall is part of the routine election ban prescribed by the Commission on
Elections (Comelec) Resolution No. 10466. The resolution was passed to limit
violence during the heated election period.

How to apply for exemption: Politicians who have serious threats on their lives
can make a case before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to obtain a
Certificate of Authority for Security Detail (CASD) to employ escorts despite the ban,
 the PSPG said.

Politicians can then submit their CASD to their Regional Joint Security Control Center
(RJSCC), which can issue them a 30-day Temporary Authority for Security Detail
(TASD).

The TASD will be the PNP’s reference before assigning police escorts.

Automatic exemptions: The following officials, meanwhile, are exempted from the

security recall:

 President
 Vice President
 Senate President
 House Speaker
 Chief Justice
 Secretary of the Interior and Local Government
 Secretary of National Defense
 Comelec Chairman and Commissioners
 Armed Forces chief
 Army, Air Force, Navy chiefs
 PNP chief
 Policemen with rank Superintendent or higher

January 15, Daraga, Cotabato placed under Comelec control https://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/

2019 elections/2019/221054-daraga-cotabato-
When the Comelec takes control of an area, all national and local officials will fall placed-under-comelec-control
under the direct control and supervision of the poll body.

The Comelec will also be able to exercise "full control" over national and local law
enforcement agencies, as well as military officers, assigned in the area.

Lawmakers earlier urged the Comelec to put Daraga under its control after
the December 22 murder of AKO Bicol Representative Rodel Batocabe, who was
running for Daraga mayor.

Comelec control over Cotabato was also considered earlier due to a December 31
mall bombing there (see - https://www.rappler.com/nation/220017-cotabato-city-
explosion-december-31-2018).
January 22, RESULTS: Bangsamoro Organic Law Plebiscite https://www.rappler.com/nation/221316
2019 -results-bangsamoro-plebiscite-2019
updated as A plebiscite takes place with the majority of voters deciding to ratify the Bangsamoro
of February Organic Law paving way to the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region and
7, 2019 abolition of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Cotabato City also votes to
join the new autonomous region while in Isabela City in Basilan rejects its inclusion
to the region.
January 23, ‘Game Over’ for Marcos poll protest, Robredo lawyer claims https://www.philstar.com/headlines/201
2019 9/01/23/1887499/game-over-marcos-
There are two reasons for this, Robredo’s lawyer told reporters at a press conference poll-protest-robredo-lawyer-claims
Wednesday morning: “Walang recovery ang nagawa ni Mr Marcos, at saka ito ay
nakabase sa past election protests involving automated elections,” he said, saying
that almost all past election protests involving automated elections have failed.

January 29, 33 killed in Central Luzon since start of election gun ban https://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/
2019 elections/2019/222232-gun-ban-
Most of them were killed during shootout with authorities while evading checkpoints, implementation-central-luzon-january
says Central Luzon police director Chief Superintendent Joel Napoleon Coronel.

January 31, Comelec allows Pimentel, Osmeña to run for senator https://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/
2019 elections/2019/222394-comelec-allows-
pimentel-osmena-run-for-senator
The Comelec included Pimentel and Osmeña in the certified list of senatorial
candidates published on Thursday, January 31.

Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez told Rappler this means "that their names are
going to be on the ballot," even if petitions against them remain unresolved. He said
inclusion in the list means one is allowed to run and be considered as a candidate.

Pimentel is facing two petitions stating that by running in this year's elections, he

would be seeking a prohibited third term as senator.

Osmeña, on the other hand, is facing a petition filed by the Comelec finance office
seeking to have him "perpetually disqualified" from public office. This was after
he allegedly failed to disclose his campaign expenses on time.

February 1, Harry Roque withdraws from Senate Race https://www.rappler.com/news/222429-

2019 harry-roque-withdraws-senate-bid-
february-2019
Roque, in an email sent to media on Friday, said he was dropping his Senate bid due
to health reasons.

"It is with a truly heavy heart that I announce the withdrawal of my senatorial bid. I
 have recently undergone a percutaneous coronary intervention following the
discovery of an unstable angina coronary disease earlier this week," said Roque.

February 1, No election pay for teachers without 2019 budget – Comelec https://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/
2019 elections/2019/222466-comelec-says-
If the government operates on a reenacted budget for the whole year, as proposed no-pay-for-teachers-without-budget
by some lawmakers, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said it will not have
funds to pay teachers who will serve in the May 2019 polls.

February 2, Grab Philippines prohibit election campaign ads on cars https://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/

2019 elections/2019/222521-grab-philippines-
prohibit-campaign-ad-car
Grab Philippines told Rappler that it does not allow this.

"Grab is a non-partisan company and does not in any way support this form of
political promotion," said Grab Philippines public affairs head Leo Gonzales.

"While we respect our driver-partners' political preferences, we reserve the right to

take corresponding actions to any violation of our company policies," Gonzales
added.

He urged the public to report to Grab vehicles of its driver-partners with political ads.

February 4, Comelec to monitor social media influencers campaigning for candidates https://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/
2019 elections/2019/222657-comelec-new-
rules-monitors-social-media-campaigns-
Among the lawful campaign materials that will be regulated under Comelec
influencers
Resolution 10488 are paid posts on social media that are in support of a candidate.

Section 6 says lawful election propaganda will now include "social media posts,
whether original or reposted from some source, which may either be incidental to the
poster's advocacies of social issues or which may have, for its primary purpose, the
endorsement of a candidate only."

February Comelec hits Bong Go, Mar Roxas over illegal campaign posters https://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/
12, 2019 elections/2019/223334-comelec-hits-
Sparing no one, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) called out President Rodrigo bong-go-mar-roxas-illegal-campaign-
Duterte's longtime aide and also the opposition's leading senatorial candidate on posters
Tuesday, February 12, for their illegal posters on the first day of campaigns.
February Comelec junks petitions vs Pimentel senatorial bid https://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/
13, 2019 elections/2019/223401-comelec-junks-
petitions-vs-koko-pimentel-senatorial-bid
In its resolution, the Comelec First Division pointed out that Pimentel "initially lost
the 12th winning senatorial seat during the 2007 elections" to Juan Miguel Zubiri.
Pimentel then filed an election protest against Zubiri, leading to Pimentel's
proclamation as senator.

"It was only then that Pimentel began to discharge his duties and function as
senator," the Comelec First Division said.

The Comelec First Division said that "it is clear that Pimentel has not fully served his
first term as senator; thus the two-term limit does not yet apply to him."

February Go says he’s waging campaign fairly, legally https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1086653/g

17, 2019 o-says-hes-waging-campaign-fairly-
He said that like ads promoting the programs of President Rodrigo Duterte, billboards legally
about him that emerged prior to the campaign period were the work of his
supporters who had been asking for nothing in return.
“I have no control over their voluntary work,” Go said in a statement.

February Poll watchdog asks Comelec to look into Duterte Youth’s party list campaign https://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/
22, 2019 elections/2019/224062-kontra-daya-
says-ronald-cardema-should-resign-
Kontra Daya urged the Commission on Elections to investigate Cardema’s current
leave-post
involvement in the party-list group, saying the poll body should check for any use of
government funds or conflict of interest in his position.

Cardema was head of Duterte Youth before his appointment to the NYC.
His wife Ducielle Suarez and his relative, Elizabeth Cardema, are the group’s first and
fifth nominees, respectively, for the party list.

Under the Omnibus Election Code, government officials in the civil service
are prohibited from partaking in political activity during the election season.

February Andanar exempt from campaign ban on Cabinet members, says Duterte https://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/
22, 2019 elections/2019/224142-duterte-says-
andanar-exempt-campaign-ban-cabinet-
residential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar can do what other Cabinet
members
members can't – campaign for 2019 candidates.

President Rodrigo Duterte himself said he has no problem with Andanar helping his
former aide Bong Go in the 2019 campaign. This, despite him saying in a speech last
 February 8 that Cabinet members must stay neutral to prevent the use of
government resources in favor of any candidate.

What's the rule on campaigning by Cabinet members? The Omnibus Election

Code actually allows Cabinet members to campaign for a candidate or political party
since they are considered as officials who hold "political offices" or who, “by the very
nature of their office, engage in partisan political activities almost all year round,
even outside of the campaign period.”

Joint Resolution No. 1600298 of the CSC and Comelec enumerates what qualify as
“political offices” and are thus covered by the exemption on political neutrality.

 The President and the Vice President

 Members of the Cabinet

 Other elective public officials, except barangay officials

 Personal and confidential staff of the abovementioned officials

It's only the other government personnel, those who hold non-political or non-
elective offices, who are prohibited from partisan political activities during the
campaign period. 

February Otso Diretso asks Comelec for debate with Hugpong ng Pagbabago https://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/
28, 2019 elections/2019/224591-otso-diretso-
In a letter to Comelec Chairman Sheriff Abas, Otso Diretso senatorial candidates said asks-comelec-debate-hugpong-
their request was in line with the call of HNP chairperson Sara Duterte "to find a pagbabago
third-party organizer for the debate." Duterte, daughter of President Rodrigo
Duterte, is the mayor of the President's hometown Davao City. (see:
https://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/elections/2019/224403-sara-duterte-otso-
diretso-debate-no-palengke-style-challenge)

"The debate between the candidates of these two political groups was planned but it
appears that the Hugpong ng Pagbabago would not agree unless formal rules or
guidelines are set up and an independent body would facilitate or conduct the same,"
Otso Diretso wrote.

Otso Diretso listed the following candidates in their list of participants in the
proposed debate:

Otso Diretso candidates

1. Alejano, Gary (LP)
2. Aquino, Benigno Bam (LP)
3. Diokno, Chel (LP)
4. Gutoc, Samira (LP)
5. Hilbay, Pilo (Aksyon)
6. Macalintal, Macaromy (Independent)
7. Roxas, Mar (LP)
8. Tañada, Lorenzo Erin Tapat (LP)

Hugpong ng Pagbabago candidates

1. Angara, Edgardo Sonny (LDP)
2. Bong Revilla, Ramon Jr (Lakas)
3. Cayetano, Pia (NP)
4. Dela Rosa, Bato (PDP-Laban)
5. Ejercito Estrada, JV (NPC)
6. Estrada, Jinggoy (PMP)
7. Go, Bong Go (PDP-Laban)
8. Mangudadatu, Dong (PDP-Laban)
9. Manicad, Jiggy (Independent)
10. Marcos, Imee (NP)
11. Pimentel, Koko (PDP-Laban)
12. Tolentino, Francis (PDP-Laban)
13. Villar, Cynthia (NP)
Otso Diretso proposed the following topics for the debate, and said HNP can add their
own suggestions as well:

 foreign incursions in Philippine waters

 influx of foreign labor as many Filipinos remain unemployed

 the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law

 the rise in unsolved murders across the Philippines

 lowering of the minimum age of criminal responsibility

 corruption and cronyism

March 5, Bong Go shirts distributed in paid Liga ng mga Barangay event https://news.abs-
2019 cbn.com/news/03/05/19/bong-go-shirts-
distributed-in-paid-liga-ng-mga-
Opposition senatorial candidate Gary Alejano on Tuesday slammed administration bet barangay-event
Bong Go for allegedly distributing t-shirts printed with the former presidential aide's
face and campaign logos during a public assembly attended by barangay officials.

The white polo shirts were distributed as part of the first Liga ng mga Barangay sa
Pilipinas National Assembly event kit, where the registration fee cost between
P13,800 and P19,800, Alejano said in a statement.

March 6, Sara Duterte: All candidates lie, honesty not an issue https://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/
2019 elections/2019/225065-sara-duterte-
calls-otso-diretso-bets-liars
For Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, senatorial candidate Imee Marcos' false claims
about academic degrees should not be an issue, because "everyone lies anyway."

"Walang isang kandidato diyan na hindi nagsisinungaling, kaya hindi dapat nagiging
issue ang honesty ngayon," said Duterte on Wednesday, March 6, in Parañaque City.

March 8, Comelec denies Otso Diretso requests for debate with Hugpong https://www.philstar.com/headlines/201
2019 9/03/08/1899762/comelec-denies-otso-
According to reports, the poll body said that granting the request of Otso Diretso diretso-request-debate-hugpong
would be virtually the same as giving “preferential treatment” to some senatorial
candidates or slates.

Comelec also said that it would be “practically impossible logistically” to stage a

debate for all 62 contenders for Senate posts “without risking allegations of
preferential treatment.”
March 8, Comelec to candidates: Register social media pages or face poll offense https://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/
2019 elections/2019/225249-comelec-tells-
candidates-register-social-media-pages-
In a notice to candidates, the poll body said based on data as of Wednesday, March
or-face-offense
6, only 13 of the 62 senatorial candidates and 23 of the 134 party-list groups running
in the 2019 elections, and two political parties have submitted information on their
online pages to the Comelec.

Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez said while no deadline was set for the
requirement, failure to comply may constitute an election offense under Comelec
Resolution 10488 – the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic No. Act
2019 or the Fair Elections Act, in connection with the May 13 elections.
March 15, Bong Go cash assistance to fire victims may count as vote-buying – Comelec https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-
2019 depth/225677-comelec-says-bong-go-
Vote-buying is defined this way by the Omnibus Election Code, the law that outlines cash-assistance-fire-victims-may-count-
what is allowed and not allowed during Philippine elections: vote-buying

“Any person who gives, offers or promises money or anything of value, gives or
promises any office or employment, franchise or grant, public or private, or makes or
offers to make an expenditure, directly or indirectly, or cause an expenditure to be
made to any person, association, corporation, entity, or community in order to
induce anyone or the public in general to vote for or against any candidate or
withhold his vote in the election, or to vote for or against any aspirant for the
nomination or choice of a candidate in a convention or similar selection process of a
political party.”
But Barangay Captain Omar defended Go, saying the senatorial bet clearly said
during his visit that he was not campaigning at that time.

“In the first place, when he arrived, he said he is not there to campaign. He said he
is there because he found out there was a fire incident and so he took a break from
campaigning. He came there to help, he said,” Omar told Rappler in Filipino.

Viray said Go said the same thing when he visited Sta Ana.

But according to Jimenez, any offer or distribution of assistance doesn’t need to be

explicitly identified as part of a candidate’s campaign for it to be considered vote-
buying. (see: https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/121802-vote-buying-
methods)

March 20, Palace defends Bong Go over cash donations https://www.philstar.com/headlines/201

2019 9/03/20/1902982/palace-defends-bong-
An online report has quoted Comelec spokesman James Jimenez as saying that Go go-over-cash-donations
may have committed an election offense when he distributed cash to fire victims
during the campaign period.  

Go provided cash assistance to fire victims in Santa Ana, Manila on Feb. 18,
according to the online report.

Go’s staff reportedly handed P2,000 each to families affected by a fire in Makati on
March 5. 
March 29, Who’s who in the Bangsamoro Transition Authority https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/
 2019 226874-composition-bangsamoro-
transition-authority
In this article, we break down the BTA's composition, looking at how many women
and men there are, the background and expertise of each member, and their places
of origin.

We did not include in our breakdown the 24 former ARMM (Autonomous Region in
Muslim Mindanao) officials automatically included in the BTA but who will be
members only until June 30, when their terms end.

Here's a quick look at our findings:

 Men far outnumber the women.

 Most BTA members come from Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur.

 As expected, the BTA is dominated by Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)

nominees, with only 9 Moro National Liberation Front nominees and 26
government nominees.

 Members are a mix of lawyers, former rebel soldiers, traditional leaders,

former government officials, civil society, and youth leaders. There's an
architect and a doctor.

April 25, Comelec dismisses disqualification petition against Lucy Torres Gomez https://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/
2019 elections/2019/228943-comelec-
dismisses-disqualification-petition-vs-
First, that the "instant petition was filed out of time" because it was beyond 25 days
lucy-torres-gomez
from the time she filed her certificate of candidacy, in violation of what is prescribed
in section 78 of the Omnibus Election Code.

The second reason was that there was no violation of the three-term rule. The
Comelec ruled Lucy Gomez was "neither duly elected nor did she fully serve her
alleged 2010 to 2013 term."

The Comelec said she did not validly substitute for her husband because Richard
Gomez’ Certificate of Candidacy was deemed by the court as void ab initio.

April 26, Comelec finishes ballot printing for 2019 elections https://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/
2019 elections/2019/229065-comelec-finishes-
ballot-printing
May 2, Rudy Fariñas withdraws from Ilocos Norte race for governor https://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/
2019 elections/2019/229145-rudy-farinas-
 On Thursday morning, May 2, Fariñas informed Rappler he was on his way to the withdraws-bid-governor-ilocos-norte
local Commission on Elections (Comelec) office to file his withdrawal of his bid for
provincial governor. This leaves his rival – Ilocos Norte 2nd District Senior Board
Member Matthew Marcos Manotoc, son of outgoing Governor Imee Marcos –
unopposed.

May 9, Comelec: No major concerns about VCMs reported so far https://www.msn.com/en-

2019 ph/news/election/comelec-no-major-
The Commission on Elections has yet to receive reports of major concerns from concerns-about-vcms-reported-so-far/ar-
various areas conducting the final testing and sealing of vote counting machines AAB4GuE
(VCMs) that will be used on election day, May 13.

The Comelec Command Center for the FTS also received a report of one VCM that
failed the diagnostics and had to be swapped with a replacement machine.

Jimenez said such reports are to be expected. “Which is why we have a lot of
contingency machines,” he said.

May 9, Comelec affirms cancellation of Camarines Norte governor’s candidacy https://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/

2019 elections/2019/230114-comelec-affirms-
cancellation-camarines-norte-governor-
The Comelec 1st Division on March 29 canceled Tallado's COC because he was
candidacy
seeking a prohibited 4th term as governor. The question was whether he is on his
3rd and last term now, given that he was suspended from office in 2015, and was
dismissed but later reinstated in 2018.

The en banc agreed with the 1st Division that "the vacancies created by the
implementation of the dismissal orders were temporary and did not result in the loss
of title of Respondent to the Office of the Governor."

"Therefore, there is no valid interruption that would cause a break in the continuity of
the service on the part of the Respondent as would entitle him to be qualified to run
again for a 4th term as Governor of Camarines Norte," said the Comelec.

May 9, Edu Manzano stands his ground: San Juan can still vote for me https://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/
2019 elections/2019/230067-edu-manzano-
San Juan can still vote for him despite his canceled certificate of candidacy (COC), stands-ground-san-juan-can-still-vote-
congressional bet Edu Manzano. for-me

His COC was canceled by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on May 6 on the
grounds that he was not a Filipino when he filed his COC in 2018. Manzano, the
 Comelec said, failed to provide proof of his oath of allegiance and its registry in San
Juan.

Manzano’s counterargument is simple: The Supreme Court has already spoken that

Edu Manzano is a Filipino citizen. (see:
https://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1999/may1999/gr_135083_1999.html)

“To recapitulate, by declaring in his certificate of candidacy that he is a Filipino

citizen; that he is not a permanent resident or immigrant of another country; that he
will defend and support the Constitution of the Philippines and bear true faith and
allegiance thereto and that he does so without mental reservation, private
respondent (Edu Manzano) has, as far as the laws of this country are concerned,
effectively repudiated his American citizenship and anything which he may have said
before as a dual citizen.” (Mercado vs Manzano, G.R. No. 135083, May 26, 1999)

May 10, NAMFREL no longer a citizen’s arm for Eleksyon 2019 – Comelec https://www.msn.com/en-
2019 ph/news/election/namfrel-no-longer-a-
The National Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) has lost its accreditation as a citizens-arm-for-eleksyon-2019-
citizen’s arm of the Commission on Elections. %E2%80%94comelec/ar-AAB8j8q

“Hindi siya binawi ng Comelec formally. But when they declined to accept their
accreditation, I guess we’re not in the business of forcing anything on people, right?”
Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said.