Odds are that Democrats will maintain control of the U.S. Senate in the November 2, 2010 elections, but by the slimmest of margins... say, two votes.
But if the political gods are smiling down on Republicans next Tuesday, conservatives could still win enough toss-up races to take the reins of the U.S. Senate in January 2011.
Fact is that a remarkable number of Senate races remain in flux just five days before voters go to the polls, including five races that are entirely unpredictable with polling differences well within the margin of statistical error:
* Colorado, where appointed incumbent Sen. Michael Bennet is narrowly trailing Republican Ken Buck, an attorney and avid subscriber to Tea Party stances on economic issues
* Illinois, where the choice between candidates is admittedly dismal
* Nevada, where media-avoiding, gun-toting, racially-confused Tea Partier Sharron Angle is leading Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid by a couple points
* Pennsylvania, where Democratic Rep. Joe Sestak, retired Rear Admiral and 30-year Navy veteran, has found traction against perennial Senate candidate Pat Toomey, a leader of the conservative slash-government movement
* West Virginia, where Democratic Gov. Joe Manchin has gained momentum against the very wealthy Republican owner of Chairman of the Board of West Virginia Radio Corporation.
But a handful of other Senate races could also unexpectedly put long-time Democratic senators out of office, including:
* California's Sen. Barbara Boxer, running for a fourth term after ten years in the House
* Washington's Sen. Patty Murray, running for fourth term
* Wisconsin's Sen. Russ Feingold, member of the both the Judiciary and Foreign Relations Committees and possibly the senator most respected by progressives, running for a fourth term
What to Expect in 2010 Senate Elections Results
Here's what to firmly expect as you watch Senate election returns next Tuesday evening:
* 1. Expect a few bona fide shocker results.
* 2. Expect results from the raucous Alaska Senate race to not be finalized for days.
* 3. Expect Sharron Angle to claim the election was stolen from her if Harry Reid prevails in Nevada.
* 4. Expect Arkansas, Indiana and North Dakota to elect Republicans to replace Democrats now holding those seats.
* 5. 2. Expect gloating Republicans to declare it a glorious night for conservatives, no matter the results.
And in the 112th U.S. Senate that takes office a bit more than two months from now, expect partisan polarization, legislative gridlock, and ugly rancor the likes of which our country may never have before seen.
My fervent prayer is that these 100 elected leaders will coalesce as patriots who love their country, and lead us back to rational dialog and sensible governance.
My nervous fear is that if the Senate continues on its path of shameful (and apparently shameless) dereliction of duties to the American people, that our great country could be irreparably damaged and even seriously destabilized.
source: Deborah's US Liberal Politics Blog
Sunday, October 31, 2010
United States Senate Elections 2010
Elections to the United States Senate are scheduled to be held on November 2, 2010, for 37 of the 100 seats in the United States Senate. A special election for a 38th seat was held in Massachusetts on January 19, 2010, for a term that ends in January 2013.
Thirty-four of the seats are for six-year terms, beginning January 3, 2011, and ending January 2017. They will join Senate Class III, which traces its roots back to the senators who served full six-year terms from March 4, 1789 to March 3, 1795. The other three races are for shorter terms: Delaware ending January 2015, New York ending January 2013 and West Virginia ending January 2013.
After the 2008 elections and their subsequent events, the Senate is composed of 57 Democrats, 41 Republicans, and two independents who caucus with the Democrats. Of the remaining seats up for election in 2010, 19 are held by Democrats (seven of whom are retiring or were defeated in the primary) and 18 are held by Republicans (eight of whom are retiring or were defeated in the primary).
Thirty-four of the seats are for six-year terms, beginning January 3, 2011, and ending January 2017. They will join Senate Class III, which traces its roots back to the senators who served full six-year terms from March 4, 1789 to March 3, 1795. The other three races are for shorter terms: Delaware ending January 2015, New York ending January 2013 and West Virginia ending January 2013.
After the 2008 elections and their subsequent events, the Senate is composed of 57 Democrats, 41 Republicans, and two independents who caucus with the Democrats. Of the remaining seats up for election in 2010, 19 are held by Democrats (seven of whom are retiring or were defeated in the primary) and 18 are held by Republicans (eight of whom are retiring or were defeated in the primary).
Continuing Incumbents (63)
Senators are elected for six year terms. Roughly one-third of the seats are up for election with each two-year cycle. The following seats are not up in the 2010 election cycle.| Continuing Democrats (40) | Continuing Republicans (23) | |
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Retiring Senators (14)
The following Senators either chose not to run for re-election, or were defeated in the primary in their bid for re-election.| Retiring Democrats (7) | Retiring Republicans (7) |
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Incumbents Seeking Re-Election (23)
The following incumbent Senators are seeking re-election.| Democrats (12) | Republicans (11) |
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Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Winning, losing celebrity candidates in barangay, SK Election
While other votes are still being canvassed, there are already winners and losers among the movie and television stars who ran in barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) polls held on Monday.
Young actor Jolo Revilla, son of action star Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr., also a senator, and actress Lani Mercado, a congresswoman, won as barangay captain in Bacoor, Cavite.
“Responsibilidad ko ito at haharapin ko,” promised Jolo after his victory.
Jeremy Marquez, one of the sons of comedian and former Parañaque City mayor Joey Marquez, was re-elected barangay chairman of Barangay BF Homes in Parañaque City.
Meanwhile, Jeremy's half-sister, Wynwyn Marquez, one of the daughters of ex-couple Joey and Alma Moreno, was proclaimed SK chairwoman also in Parañaque City.
Asia's Sentimental Songstress and erstwhile Camarines Sur vice-governor Imelda Papin's younger brother, Bobby Papin, won as kagawad of Barangay North Fairview in Quezon City, according to Quezon City Commission on Elections' officials Yvonne Bayog and Marilyn Jose.
Dagul, dubbed as “Little Man With a Big Heart,” also won as kagawad in Rodriguez, Rizal after receiving more than 11,000 votes.
Other winners were former matinee idol Jigo Garcia (chairman, Dona Josefa, QC), diretor Lino Cayetano (chairman, Barangay Fort Bonifacio, Taguig), and basketball player Chris Tiu (kagawad, Urdaneta, Makati).
Unfortunately, one of Barangay North Fairview's board member aspirants, Phillip Supnet, popularly known as Kuhol, television icon Jun Urbano's Mr. Shooli's gag sidekick, lost in the elections.
Action superstar Dan Alvaro also didn't make it as kagawad of Barangay San Agustin in Novaliches.
“Better luck next time. Hindi pa rin ako susuko sa paglilingkod sa aking mga ka-barangay. Okay lang sa akin na matalo,” exclaimed Alvaro, who was also defeated in the Quezon City council race last May elections.
Despite his second political debacle, he plans to continue acting as well as serving the public because his wife is the secretary of the barangay hall.
Matutina, who ran for barangay chairman of Bagong Pag-Asa in QC, was also beaten as well as Brylle Mondejar (kagawad, Obrero, QC).
Young actor Jolo Revilla, son of action star Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr., also a senator, and actress Lani Mercado, a congresswoman, won as barangay captain in Bacoor, Cavite.
“Responsibilidad ko ito at haharapin ko,” promised Jolo after his victory.
Jeremy Marquez, one of the sons of comedian and former Parañaque City mayor Joey Marquez, was re-elected barangay chairman of Barangay BF Homes in Parañaque City.
Meanwhile, Jeremy's half-sister, Wynwyn Marquez, one of the daughters of ex-couple Joey and Alma Moreno, was proclaimed SK chairwoman also in Parañaque City.
Asia's Sentimental Songstress and erstwhile Camarines Sur vice-governor Imelda Papin's younger brother, Bobby Papin, won as kagawad of Barangay North Fairview in Quezon City, according to Quezon City Commission on Elections' officials Yvonne Bayog and Marilyn Jose.
Dagul, dubbed as “Little Man With a Big Heart,” also won as kagawad in Rodriguez, Rizal after receiving more than 11,000 votes.
Other winners were former matinee idol Jigo Garcia (chairman, Dona Josefa, QC), diretor Lino Cayetano (chairman, Barangay Fort Bonifacio, Taguig), and basketball player Chris Tiu (kagawad, Urdaneta, Makati).
Unfortunately, one of Barangay North Fairview's board member aspirants, Phillip Supnet, popularly known as Kuhol, television icon Jun Urbano's Mr. Shooli's gag sidekick, lost in the elections.
Action superstar Dan Alvaro also didn't make it as kagawad of Barangay San Agustin in Novaliches.
“Better luck next time. Hindi pa rin ako susuko sa paglilingkod sa aking mga ka-barangay. Okay lang sa akin na matalo,” exclaimed Alvaro, who was also defeated in the Quezon City council race last May elections.
Despite his second political debacle, he plans to continue acting as well as serving the public because his wife is the secretary of the barangay hall.
Matutina, who ran for barangay chairman of Bagong Pag-Asa in QC, was also beaten as well as Brylle Mondejar (kagawad, Obrero, QC).
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Gun ban to continue, checkpoints to stay until after polls—PNP
The ban against firearms will continue and checkpoints will remain as the barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (youth council) elections resumed Tuesday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced in a press briefing at the national police headquarters.
The police force is "under strict instructions to remain in their posts...until after all election activities had been completed," said Police Deputy Director General Benjamin Belarmino, Task Force Hope "Bravo" commander.
At least 671 gun ban violators have been arrested and 558 weapons confiscated during the election period, Belarmino said, adding that the ban will continue until November 10.
"Elections are being held in 2,183 areas where elections had been postponed yesterday [Monday]," Belarmino said.
Belarmino said the 78 election-related incidents (ERIs) recorded by the National Election Monitoring and Action Center (NEMAC) from September 25 until Monday, October 25, was higher than the 70 incidents recorded in the same period in 2007.
The task force commander said that out of the 78 ERIs, only 20% happened in election hotspots that were identified by the police.
The police force is "under strict instructions to remain in their posts...until after all election activities had been completed," said Police Deputy Director General Benjamin Belarmino, Task Force Hope "Bravo" commander.
At least 671 gun ban violators have been arrested and 558 weapons confiscated during the election period, Belarmino said, adding that the ban will continue until November 10.
"Elections are being held in 2,183 areas where elections had been postponed yesterday [Monday]," Belarmino said.
Belarmino said the 78 election-related incidents (ERIs) recorded by the National Election Monitoring and Action Center (NEMAC) from September 25 until Monday, October 25, was higher than the 70 incidents recorded in the same period in 2007.
The task force commander said that out of the 78 ERIs, only 20% happened in election hotspots that were identified by the police.
Barangay, SK Election Result in Cebu successful
The provincial police office also said that the elections were generally peaceful, despite election-related incidents in some areas.
Lawyer Lionel Marco Castillano, provincial Comelec supervisor, said that most of the polling precincts opened past 7 a.m. while voting ended at 3 p.m.
There were a few polling precincts that had to extend their voting hours.
Castillano also said that some of the polling centers had to use improvised official ballots.
In Carcar City, 7,000 official ballots were lacking while in Mandaue City, 10 precincts did not have official ballots.
Castillano, however, said voting continued despite minor problems. He did not yet disclose the total turnout of voters.
Police,meanwhile, received reports of shooting incidents in San Remegio town a few hours before election day.
In Barangay Luyang, a voter was allegedly shot by an incumbent barangay councilor after the victim refused to promise that their family will be voting for the suspect’s re-election.
In Barangay Bagtik, a candidate for councilor was also shot allegedly by a supporter of the rival party.
The victims of the 2 incidents only sustained minor injuries. The suspects also fled after the incidents.
Senior Superintendent Erson Digal, Cebu provincial director, said that the incidents were isolated.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Elections in 1,732 villages postponed
Village and youth council elections were postponed in 1,732 barangay (villages) Monday after the majority of them failed to receive ballot boxes and other election paraphernalia, the Commission on Elections said Monday.
Comelec Elections and Barangay Affairs Department (EBAD) director Teopisto Elnas told a news conference that this number constitutes 4.12 percent of the total 42,025 villages nationwide.
Elections Commissioner Rene Sarmiento attributed the failure to hold elections in these villages to either the late delivery of ballot boxes and election paraphernalia or to the onslaught of typhoon Juan (international name: Megi).
Earlier in a separate news conference, police Director Benjamin Belarmino, chairman of the national task force HOPE (Honest, Orderly and Peaceful Elections), said the majority of the villages that postponed elections were in the Bicol Region, namely: Masbate (551), Albay (321 villages), Catanduanes (315) and Sorsogon (246).
Other provinces that postponed their elections are: Pangasinan (19 villages), Isabela (87), Nueva Vizcaya (16), Cagayan (20), Tarlac (2), Capiz (20) and Aklan (2).
Elnas said that in Marawi City, 23 villages failed to conduct elections. Based on reports reaching the Comelec, the boards of election inspectors in these villages failed to go to the polling centers as they were barricaded and prevented from leaving.
Areas that failed to conduct elections on Monday will do so either on Tuesday or Wednesday, according to a resolution issued by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Comelec Resolution 9078, issued on October 24, states that if election paraphernalia and other forms do not arrive by 12 noon on Election Day at the polling centers, voting should be moved to Tuesday, October 26, or even on Wednesday, October 27.
“The Election Officer shall announce the postponement of elections in the polling centers affected and the date of resetting of elections,” the resolution stated.
Reports of postponed elections came Monday from several towns across the country. But Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said the poll body was still verifying these reports at the main Comelec headquarters in Manila.
Based on the Comelec official announcement, Jimenez said areas where there were postponed elections included Palanan, Divilacan, Maconacon, and two villages in Paniqui, Tarlac (San Isidro and Sumalague).
The same resolution also stated that in areas where election paraphernalia arrive before 12 noon, voting should proceed and continue up to 5 p.m.
“If after 5 p.m. there are still voters present who have not yet cast their votes…the poll clerk shall, without delay, list the names of said voters consecutively numbered.
“The voters listed shall be called to vote by the poll clerk by announcing each name three times in the order in which they are listed. Any voter in the list who is not present when called shall not be permitted to vote at any later time. The said list shall be submitted to the Election Officer,” the resolution said.
Despite the generally peaceful local elections so far, police noted incidents of vote-buying, vote snatching and alleged presence of armed groups.
Belarmino said reports of incidents of vote-buying and snatching took place in Abra. There were also reports of armed men in polling precincts in Antipolo City.
The incidents of election-related violence also went up to 47, where 32 people died in these attacks. Most of the attacks occurred in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
“Compared with the 2007 [local] election, we still consider this as peaceful in the sense that the incidents of violence are fewer. In 2007, there were 67 ERVIs (election-related violent incidents),” Belarmino said.
Comelec Elections and Barangay Affairs Department (EBAD) director Teopisto Elnas told a news conference that this number constitutes 4.12 percent of the total 42,025 villages nationwide.
Elections Commissioner Rene Sarmiento attributed the failure to hold elections in these villages to either the late delivery of ballot boxes and election paraphernalia or to the onslaught of typhoon Juan (international name: Megi).
Earlier in a separate news conference, police Director Benjamin Belarmino, chairman of the national task force HOPE (Honest, Orderly and Peaceful Elections), said the majority of the villages that postponed elections were in the Bicol Region, namely: Masbate (551), Albay (321 villages), Catanduanes (315) and Sorsogon (246).
Other provinces that postponed their elections are: Pangasinan (19 villages), Isabela (87), Nueva Vizcaya (16), Cagayan (20), Tarlac (2), Capiz (20) and Aklan (2).
Elnas said that in Marawi City, 23 villages failed to conduct elections. Based on reports reaching the Comelec, the boards of election inspectors in these villages failed to go to the polling centers as they were barricaded and prevented from leaving.
Areas that failed to conduct elections on Monday will do so either on Tuesday or Wednesday, according to a resolution issued by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Comelec Resolution 9078, issued on October 24, states that if election paraphernalia and other forms do not arrive by 12 noon on Election Day at the polling centers, voting should be moved to Tuesday, October 26, or even on Wednesday, October 27.
“The Election Officer shall announce the postponement of elections in the polling centers affected and the date of resetting of elections,” the resolution stated.
Reports of postponed elections came Monday from several towns across the country. But Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said the poll body was still verifying these reports at the main Comelec headquarters in Manila.
Based on the Comelec official announcement, Jimenez said areas where there were postponed elections included Palanan, Divilacan, Maconacon, and two villages in Paniqui, Tarlac (San Isidro and Sumalague).
The same resolution also stated that in areas where election paraphernalia arrive before 12 noon, voting should proceed and continue up to 5 p.m.
“If after 5 p.m. there are still voters present who have not yet cast their votes…the poll clerk shall, without delay, list the names of said voters consecutively numbered.
“The voters listed shall be called to vote by the poll clerk by announcing each name three times in the order in which they are listed. Any voter in the list who is not present when called shall not be permitted to vote at any later time. The said list shall be submitted to the Election Officer,” the resolution said.
Despite the generally peaceful local elections so far, police noted incidents of vote-buying, vote snatching and alleged presence of armed groups.
Belarmino said reports of incidents of vote-buying and snatching took place in Abra. There were also reports of armed men in polling precincts in Antipolo City.
The incidents of election-related violence also went up to 47, where 32 people died in these attacks. Most of the attacks occurred in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
“Compared with the 2007 [local] election, we still consider this as peaceful in the sense that the incidents of violence are fewer. In 2007, there were 67 ERVIs (election-related violent incidents),” Belarmino said.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Low election-related violent incidents
he Philippine National Police (PNP) reported low incidents of election-related violence as voting for village and youth council representatives officially began Monday, with the national police chief attributing the low number to increase police and community vigilance.
In a press conference, PNP Director General Raul Bacalzo said there were 40 incidents of election-related violence (ERV) noted in this year’s grassroots elections, with 41 recorded deaths. This was “very low” compared to the 67 incidents of ERV noted in similar elections in 2007 when 69 people died.
“We can attribute this to increased vigilance and community participation. The public listened to our announcement that during election period, carrying of firearms is prohibited. We can also attribute the low incidents to our Comelec checkpoints manned by security forces,” Bacalzo said.
Regions 12 (Soccsksargen) and ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) noted the most number of ERVIs, with eight incidents in Region 12 and four incidents in ARMM.
Correspondingly, police confiscated 523 firearms and arrested 623 persons in relation to the Comelec gun ban. A total of 223 people were also arrested overnight in violation of the liquor ban, Bacalzo said.
While the PNP is expecting generally peaceful local elections, Bacalzo said police are still bracing for possible violence that will spark on election day itself.
“Based on our experience, violent incidents always occur on election day itself. But with the help of our community and with police and military forces, we hope that the incidents will not be as violent as they are,” Bacalzo said.
Meanwhile, the PNP also fielded 1,023 police trainees to the provinces of Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao to serve as board of election tellers. The trainees will serve in nine towns in Lanao del Sur and 20 towns in Maguindanao.
But Bacalzo clarified that this was not due to violence but mainly to the lack of teachers in these villages.
“Based on the reports of Comelec, a lot of teachers in those areas could not serve as board of election tellers because these teachers have relatives that are either running for village chief or village councilor. This is not allowed,” he added.
The elections on Monday are expected to fill 672,400 elective posts in 42,025 barangays across the country.
Sixteen positions are to be filled in each barangay (village)—eight in the barangay council (one barangay chair and seven council members) and eight in the youth (one chair and seven council members).
More than 50 million Filipinos (18 and above) are eligible to vote in the village elections and 2.46 million (15 to 17 years old) in the Sangguniang Kabataan (youth council) balloting.
Barangays are authorized by law to disburse some P53 billion for local economic development projects and services under the 1991 Local Government Code. Their leaders act as judges in domestic disputes, supervise delivery of basic services and secure neighborhoods.
Unlike in last May’s automated national elections, voting and counting of ballots in Monday’s polls will be done manually.
In a press conference, PNP Director General Raul Bacalzo said there were 40 incidents of election-related violence (ERV) noted in this year’s grassroots elections, with 41 recorded deaths. This was “very low” compared to the 67 incidents of ERV noted in similar elections in 2007 when 69 people died.
“We can attribute this to increased vigilance and community participation. The public listened to our announcement that during election period, carrying of firearms is prohibited. We can also attribute the low incidents to our Comelec checkpoints manned by security forces,” Bacalzo said.
Regions 12 (Soccsksargen) and ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) noted the most number of ERVIs, with eight incidents in Region 12 and four incidents in ARMM.
Correspondingly, police confiscated 523 firearms and arrested 623 persons in relation to the Comelec gun ban. A total of 223 people were also arrested overnight in violation of the liquor ban, Bacalzo said.
While the PNP is expecting generally peaceful local elections, Bacalzo said police are still bracing for possible violence that will spark on election day itself.
“Based on our experience, violent incidents always occur on election day itself. But with the help of our community and with police and military forces, we hope that the incidents will not be as violent as they are,” Bacalzo said.
Meanwhile, the PNP also fielded 1,023 police trainees to the provinces of Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao to serve as board of election tellers. The trainees will serve in nine towns in Lanao del Sur and 20 towns in Maguindanao.
But Bacalzo clarified that this was not due to violence but mainly to the lack of teachers in these villages.
“Based on the reports of Comelec, a lot of teachers in those areas could not serve as board of election tellers because these teachers have relatives that are either running for village chief or village councilor. This is not allowed,” he added.
The elections on Monday are expected to fill 672,400 elective posts in 42,025 barangays across the country.
Sixteen positions are to be filled in each barangay (village)—eight in the barangay council (one barangay chair and seven council members) and eight in the youth (one chair and seven council members).
More than 50 million Filipinos (18 and above) are eligible to vote in the village elections and 2.46 million (15 to 17 years old) in the Sangguniang Kabataan (youth council) balloting.
Barangays are authorized by law to disburse some P53 billion for local economic development projects and services under the 1991 Local Government Code. Their leaders act as judges in domestic disputes, supervise delivery of basic services and secure neighborhoods.
Unlike in last May’s automated national elections, voting and counting of ballots in Monday’s polls will be done manually.
SK polls Monday may be the last
The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK, Youth Council) elections on Monday may be the country’s last if senators will have their way.
They claim that these youth councils have become a drain on government resources and a breeding ground for bad politics.
Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and Sen. Edgardo Angara said Congress would push for the “removal” of the SK after Monday’s elections.
“Having too many elections is costly. Let’s economize. The President wanted to continue with the elections but there was a consensus to synchronize it afterwards, including removal of SK elections,” Enrile said on dzBB’s Nimfa Rogado.
Enrile pointed out that youth leaders were introduced to illicit political activities through the SK based on controversies hounding the youth councils.
Angara said the SK leaders could be “folded into” the barangay council which will have youth representatives.
“This way we can do away with having a separate election for SK leaders and save money,” he said.
Enrile said a number of local government leaders had suggested that the SK be abolished and replaced by youth representatives elected in the provincial, city and municipal boards.
Enrile has taken the idea further by suggesting that barangay elections be abolished with the mayors tasked with designating their own leaders for each barangay.
“The barangay elections have shattered the unity of our communities. You compound the peace and order problem, create more partisanship and social disunity in every nook and corner of the country with this system,” Enrile said.
They claim that these youth councils have become a drain on government resources and a breeding ground for bad politics.
Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and Sen. Edgardo Angara said Congress would push for the “removal” of the SK after Monday’s elections.
“Having too many elections is costly. Let’s economize. The President wanted to continue with the elections but there was a consensus to synchronize it afterwards, including removal of SK elections,” Enrile said on dzBB’s Nimfa Rogado.
Enrile pointed out that youth leaders were introduced to illicit political activities through the SK based on controversies hounding the youth councils.
Angara said the SK leaders could be “folded into” the barangay council which will have youth representatives.
“This way we can do away with having a separate election for SK leaders and save money,” he said.
Enrile said a number of local government leaders had suggested that the SK be abolished and replaced by youth representatives elected in the provincial, city and municipal boards.
Enrile has taken the idea further by suggesting that barangay elections be abolished with the mayors tasked with designating their own leaders for each barangay.
“The barangay elections have shattered the unity of our communities. You compound the peace and order problem, create more partisanship and social disunity in every nook and corner of the country with this system,” Enrile said.
Comelec: All systems go for barangay, SK elections
Despite earlier hitches, all materials related to Monday's elections will be delivered to all barangays across the country on Sunday, Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesman James Jimenez said.
In an interview with ANC, Jimenez said “there’s a bit of good news there. A lot of deliveries that we were running late on, left Manila [Saturday] night…So, it looks like by 2:00 p.m. [today], we’ll be a hundred percent.”
The poll body has been working nonstop during the last few days for the printing of ballots and management of other paraphernalia for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.
The delivery of some of the election-related materials, however, was hampered by the onslaught of typhoon Juan.
“In some cases, some ballots that were sent were damaged in transit. Some of them arrived in the wrong places. We have those little things that fall through the cracks. We started replacing them last night and today,” he said.
Jimenez noted that Comelec employees even had to work all throughout Saturday night.
“So the strategy is this: We had lot of shipments go out last night by sea and by air this very very early morning. We've arranged some flights direct to some places,” he said.
He said the Comelec hopes that the polls tomorrow will be 90% to 95% successful.
Postponement
The Comelec has already decided to suspend the elections in 3 areas in Isabela: Divilacan, Maconacon and Palanan. These 3 were badly hit by typhoon Juan.
“We’re also looking at several other places in Abra, Mountain Province and Batanes,” he said.
The decision will be released later Sunday.
“It all really depends on how quickly reconstruction efforts can proceed, but there are some places where storm damage is so really bad,” he said.
Some schools, which are used during elections, have been transformed into evacuation centers.
“Gymnasiums have been offered to us, but again not all of them are fit for election purposes. In a lot of places also, the major concern is lack of power…but we've moved up the election hours from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.,” he said.
Comelec is also looking at postponing elections in certain parts of Mindanao because of the violence there, he added.
“We have some issues in the south about teachers being afraid to serve. We have some contingency measures for that but of course we can't totally shut out the possibility of some places having failure of elections,” he said.
Police cadets as BEIs
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has already offered its services to man violence-prone areas.
Some cadets will even be used as board of election inspectors (BEIs).
In a separate interview with ANC, PNP spokesman Senior Superintendent Agrimero Cruz, Jr. said “we have prepared enough personnel to man all the security assistance desks in all the barangays to secure the polling centers in the different provinces.”
Police are specifically monitoring Maguindanao and Lanao.
“Historically, we always see to it that we are more prepared for the barangay and SK elections because these elections are more personal in terms of the proximity of the contending political factions,” Cruz said.
However, the 2010 elections are relatively more peaceful compared to previous ones, he said.
Disqualification cases
Meanwhile, the poll body has ordered the filing of disqualification cases against more than 4,000 candidates in the barangay elections found to have already served 4 to 5 terms.
In Resolution 9077, the Comelec en banc ordered the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to submit a list of the names of these candidates.
The Comelec will then refer the names to its Law department, which will file the proper cases.
In a separate press conference, Jimenez said hearings will be conducted immediately. These would be summary in nature, meaning a case would only be heard through pleadings and position papers.
Each division handling a case will only be given three days to come up with a decision.
Jimenez said the erring candidates may also face criminal charges of perjury and material misrepresentation.
Names of suspected multiple termers will be forwarded to the election officers who will place an asterisk on their names to inform voters of their pending disqualification cases.
Their votes, however, would only be considered stray votes in the event that these candidates are officially disqualified.
If a multiple termer wins, his or her proclamation will be suspended pending the resolution of his or her disqualification case.
In an interview with ANC, Jimenez said “there’s a bit of good news there. A lot of deliveries that we were running late on, left Manila [Saturday] night…So, it looks like by 2:00 p.m. [today], we’ll be a hundred percent.”
The poll body has been working nonstop during the last few days for the printing of ballots and management of other paraphernalia for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.
The delivery of some of the election-related materials, however, was hampered by the onslaught of typhoon Juan.
“In some cases, some ballots that were sent were damaged in transit. Some of them arrived in the wrong places. We have those little things that fall through the cracks. We started replacing them last night and today,” he said.
Jimenez noted that Comelec employees even had to work all throughout Saturday night.
“So the strategy is this: We had lot of shipments go out last night by sea and by air this very very early morning. We've arranged some flights direct to some places,” he said.
He said the Comelec hopes that the polls tomorrow will be 90% to 95% successful.
Postponement
The Comelec has already decided to suspend the elections in 3 areas in Isabela: Divilacan, Maconacon and Palanan. These 3 were badly hit by typhoon Juan.
“We’re also looking at several other places in Abra, Mountain Province and Batanes,” he said.
The decision will be released later Sunday.
“It all really depends on how quickly reconstruction efforts can proceed, but there are some places where storm damage is so really bad,” he said.
Some schools, which are used during elections, have been transformed into evacuation centers.
“Gymnasiums have been offered to us, but again not all of them are fit for election purposes. In a lot of places also, the major concern is lack of power…but we've moved up the election hours from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.,” he said.
Comelec is also looking at postponing elections in certain parts of Mindanao because of the violence there, he added.
“We have some issues in the south about teachers being afraid to serve. We have some contingency measures for that but of course we can't totally shut out the possibility of some places having failure of elections,” he said.
Police cadets as BEIs
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has already offered its services to man violence-prone areas.
Some cadets will even be used as board of election inspectors (BEIs).
In a separate interview with ANC, PNP spokesman Senior Superintendent Agrimero Cruz, Jr. said “we have prepared enough personnel to man all the security assistance desks in all the barangays to secure the polling centers in the different provinces.”
Police are specifically monitoring Maguindanao and Lanao.
“Historically, we always see to it that we are more prepared for the barangay and SK elections because these elections are more personal in terms of the proximity of the contending political factions,” Cruz said.
However, the 2010 elections are relatively more peaceful compared to previous ones, he said.
Disqualification cases
Meanwhile, the poll body has ordered the filing of disqualification cases against more than 4,000 candidates in the barangay elections found to have already served 4 to 5 terms.
In Resolution 9077, the Comelec en banc ordered the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to submit a list of the names of these candidates.
The Comelec will then refer the names to its Law department, which will file the proper cases.
In a separate press conference, Jimenez said hearings will be conducted immediately. These would be summary in nature, meaning a case would only be heard through pleadings and position papers.
Each division handling a case will only be given three days to come up with a decision.
Jimenez said the erring candidates may also face criminal charges of perjury and material misrepresentation.
Names of suspected multiple termers will be forwarded to the election officers who will place an asterisk on their names to inform voters of their pending disqualification cases.
Their votes, however, would only be considered stray votes in the event that these candidates are officially disqualified.
If a multiple termer wins, his or her proclamation will be suspended pending the resolution of his or her disqualification case.
Comelec issues guidelines for delayed Barangay and SK Election
The Commission on Elections issued Monday a resolution to address the delays in the delivery of election paraphernalia to the country's 40,000 barangays.
Resolution No. 9078 states that barangay and Sangguniang Kabtaan elections can continue until 5 p.m. if the official ballots, accountable forms and other election paraphernalia for a particular precinct will arrive at its designated polling center before noon of October 25.
It states that if after 5 p.m., there are still voters present who have not yet cast their votes, "The poll clerk shall, without delay, list the names of said voters consecutively numbered. The voters listed shall be called to vote by the poll clerk by announcing each name three times in the order in which they are listed. Any voter in the list who is not present when called shall not be permitted to vote at any later time."
The Comelec said barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections will be postponed to the following day, October 26, or on the next day, October 27, if the official ballots, accountable forms and other election paraphernalia for a particular precinct arrive after 12 noon.
The poll body has been working nonstop during the last few days for the printing of ballots and management of other paraphernalia for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.
The delivery of some of the election-related materials, however, was hampered by the onslaught of typhoon Juan.
The Comelec has already decided to suspend the elections in 3 areas in Isabela: Divilacan, Maconacon and Palanan. These 3 were badly hit by typhoon Juan.
The poll body also postponed elections in San Isidro and Salumague in Paniqui, Tarlac due to floods.
On the other hand, elections were also postponed in the following areas due to lack of elections materials. These are: Talalora, Daram, Zumarraga, San Jose de Buan Tagapulaan, Almagro, Santo Niño, Pagsanghan, Matuguinao and 7 remote barangays in Calbayog City.
Disqualification cases
Meanwhile, the poll body has ordered the filing of disqualification cases against more than 4,000 candidates in the barangay elections found to have already served 4 to 5 terms.
In Resolution 9077, the Comelec en banc ordered the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to submit a list of the names of these candidates.
The Comelec will then refer the names to its Law department, which will file the proper cases.
In a separate press conference, Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said hearings will be conducted immediately. These would be summary in nature, meaning a case would only be heard through pleadings and position papers.
Each division handling a case will only be given three days to come up with a decision.
Jimenez said the erring candidates may also face criminal charges of perjury and material misrepresentation.
Names of suspected multiple termers will be forwarded to the election officers who will place an asterisk on their names to inform voters of their pending disqualification cases.
Their votes, however, would only be considered stray votes in the event that these candidates are officially disqualified.
If a multiple termer wins, his or her proclamation will be suspended pending the resolution of his or her disqualification case.
Resolution No. 9078 states that barangay and Sangguniang Kabtaan elections can continue until 5 p.m. if the official ballots, accountable forms and other election paraphernalia for a particular precinct will arrive at its designated polling center before noon of October 25.
It states that if after 5 p.m., there are still voters present who have not yet cast their votes, "The poll clerk shall, without delay, list the names of said voters consecutively numbered. The voters listed shall be called to vote by the poll clerk by announcing each name three times in the order in which they are listed. Any voter in the list who is not present when called shall not be permitted to vote at any later time."
The Comelec said barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections will be postponed to the following day, October 26, or on the next day, October 27, if the official ballots, accountable forms and other election paraphernalia for a particular precinct arrive after 12 noon.
The poll body has been working nonstop during the last few days for the printing of ballots and management of other paraphernalia for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.
The delivery of some of the election-related materials, however, was hampered by the onslaught of typhoon Juan.
The Comelec has already decided to suspend the elections in 3 areas in Isabela: Divilacan, Maconacon and Palanan. These 3 were badly hit by typhoon Juan.
The poll body also postponed elections in San Isidro and Salumague in Paniqui, Tarlac due to floods.
On the other hand, elections were also postponed in the following areas due to lack of elections materials. These are: Talalora, Daram, Zumarraga, San Jose de Buan Tagapulaan, Almagro, Santo Niño, Pagsanghan, Matuguinao and 7 remote barangays in Calbayog City.
Disqualification cases
Meanwhile, the poll body has ordered the filing of disqualification cases against more than 4,000 candidates in the barangay elections found to have already served 4 to 5 terms.
In Resolution 9077, the Comelec en banc ordered the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to submit a list of the names of these candidates.
The Comelec will then refer the names to its Law department, which will file the proper cases.
In a separate press conference, Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said hearings will be conducted immediately. These would be summary in nature, meaning a case would only be heard through pleadings and position papers.
Each division handling a case will only be given three days to come up with a decision.
Jimenez said the erring candidates may also face criminal charges of perjury and material misrepresentation.
Names of suspected multiple termers will be forwarded to the election officers who will place an asterisk on their names to inform voters of their pending disqualification cases.
Their votes, however, would only be considered stray votes in the event that these candidates are officially disqualified.
If a multiple termer wins, his or her proclamation will be suspended pending the resolution of his or her disqualification case.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
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