Dev Flores

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has assured that the 2028 elections will proceed. This is the response of the commission to the speculations that the polls might be cancelled.

According to COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia, the 2028 Presidential elections will push through as this is mandated by the 1987 Constitution. He also stated that it is the commission’s mandate to implement what is prescribed by the law.

“Ang mandato ni COMELEC, at all cost, magkaroon ng halalan lalo pa’t ang saligang batas ang nagsasabi po at nagpe-prescribe po nito. Kami po'y tagapagpatupad lamang ng ating batas,” he said

[“The mandate of the COMELEC, at all cost, the elections are held, especially since the Constitution says and prescribes. We are just the enforcers of our law.”] 

The preparation progress of the commission is currently at 50% to 60%, based on the report of UNTV correspondent, Dante Amento. 

Garcia also stated that the poll is “certain to come” because the COMELEC is currently working on the preparations.

“With all due respect, sa mga ibang espekulasyon, ang 2028 election ay darating. Yan ay certain to come. In the same manner na pag sinasabi natin na may certainty, 100 percent may election sa 2028 dahil ang COMELEC ay hangdang-handa at nagpe-prepare na rin po tayo para sa election na yan,” he said

[“With all due respect to those speculations, the 2028 election will come. That is certain to come. In the same manner, when we say it with certainty, 100%, there will be an election in 2028 because the COMELEC is ready and we are making preparations for that election.]

With reports from Dante Amento

A total gun ban has been implemented in Cebu amid the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and related meetings, where the Philippines is the host.

Recently, six individuals were arrested due to a violation. According to the records of the Police Regional Office, five of them were arrested from Police Response Operations, while one was arrested during a buy-bust operation. 

Restrictions under the total gun ban

In the previous report, under the enforcement of a total ban, the following restrictions were imposed:

• Permit to carry firearms outside of residence
• Permit to transport firearms for gun club members
• Permit for gun manufacturers, dealers, and repair services
• Permit to transport and purchase explosives and explosive ingredients
  

A total gun ban will remain effective until May 11, 2026.

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With reports from Jaycel Valera

Department of Energy Secretary Sharon Garin stated in her Facebook post that the agency supports the removal of Value-Added Tax (VAT) from electricity costs.

However, she clarified that the final decision won’t depend on the DOE.

“Hindi din ang DOE ang magdedesisyon sa VAT removal,” based on her online-issued statement.

[“The DOE will not be the one to decide on the VAT removal.”]

The decision will be made with the Economic Managers and Congress, as the removal has a wide effect on the economy.

“Nasa Economic Managers at Kongreso ito dahil may mas malawak na epekto sa ekonomiya,” she added

[“It’s on the Economic Managers and Congress because it has a wide effect on the economy.”]

The Secretary also stated that VAT removal is not the only solution to lower electricity prices. She noted that while the removal of VAT is under study, the agency is continuously working to make electricity more affordable.

“Pero hindi lang VAT removal ang solution. Habang ponag-aaralan ito, tuloy-tuloy ang trabaho namin pababain ang gastos sa kuryente sa pamamagitan ng dagdag supply at mas mabilis na renewable energy rollout,” she said

[“But the VAT removal is not the only solution. While this is currently under study, we work continuously to lower the expense in electricity through additional supply and faster renewable energy rollout.”]

A total ban on vape - this is what the Department of Health (DOH) believes to be the simplest solution amid complications in the implementation of restrictions regarding vape use among youth.

“Dahil sa komplikadong pagpapatupad ng mga polisiya at regulasyon kaugnay sa paggamit at pagbebenta ng vape, patuloy na nagkakaroon ng access ang mga kabataan sa vape, sa kabila ng mahigpit na polisiya laban dito. Ang total ban ang pinakasimple at pinakatipid na solusyon sa implementasyon,” the DOH said on a Facebook post

[“Due to the complicated implementation of the policies and regulations related to the use and sale of vapes, the youth have continuous access to vapes despite strict policies against them. A total ban is the simplest and most cost-effective solution for the implementation.”]

While the total ban is not yet official, the agency suggests removing various vape flavors from the market. 

The DOH also expressed its opposition to vape use due to harmful effects on health.

“Mariin pa ring isinusulong ng Kagawaran ang pagsasabatas ng tuluyang pagbabawal ng vape sa Pilipinas dahil sa negatibong epekto nito sa kalusugan,” according to the agency

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) warns the public against the fake message from individuals posing as legitimate officials from the agency.

The DPWH reminds to refrain from entertaining calls or messages asking for money or any favors.

“Do not trust or entertain any calls, messages, or letters requesting money or favors in exchange for DPWH transactions,” according to the online-issued statement of the agency

In a Facebook post, the Department revealed a fraudulent number and stated that: “This number has been reported for engaging in suspicious activities, including attempts to get sensitive information under false pretenses.”