Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Comelec suspends Palawan plebiscite due to coronavirus outbreak

The Commission on Elections says it will issue a new calendar of activities for the plebiscite when Luzon lockdown ends April 30

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc approved the postponement of the May 11 plebiscite that would ratify the division of Palawan into 3 separate provinces .

In a memorandum dated Tuesday, April 7, the Comelec en banc said that because of the coronavirus outbreak it approved Acting Deputy Executive Director for Operations Teopisto Elnas Jr’s recommendation to postpone the May 11, 2020 Palawan Plebiscite.

“The Commission en banc has approved, after due deliberation, your recommendation by reason of COVID-19 and the consequent enhanced community quarantine of the entire Luzon of which Palawan province is part, to postpone motu proprio (on its own) the May 11, 2020, Palawan Plebiscite to ratify the division of Palawan into 3 provinces,” read the memorandum signed by Acting Comelec Secretary Consuelo Diola.

Under the Omnibus Election Code and established jurisprudence, the Comelec has the authority to suspend plebiscites if needed.

Republic Act No. 11259, which divides Palawan into the provinces of Palawan del Norte, Palawan Oriental, and Palawan del Sur, was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in April 2019.

In an earlier memorandum, the Comelec suspend all preparatory activities leading to the May 11 plebiscite because of the lockdown in Luzon put in place to quell the spread of the virus.

To stay updated on news, advisories, and explainers, check out our special coverage page, “Novel Coronavirus Outbreak.”

According to the April 7 memorandum, the poll body’s law department also recommended the suspension fo the plebiscite as it would be “logistically impossible” to deploy personnel and election materials needed for the vote.

“The spread of the COVID-19 is an unforeseen event which is beyond human control…. As such, the holding of a free and honest plebiscite on May 11, 2020 to ratify R.A. No. 11259 becomes impossible at the height of the spread of the COVID-19.

The Comelec said it will issue a new calendar of activities for the plebiscite when Luzon lockdown is lifted on April 30.

The Philippines has at least 3,660 coronavirus cases, with 163 deaths and 73 recoveries as of Monday, April 7. – Rappler.com

https://www.rappler.com/nation/257261-comelec-suspends-palawan-plebiscite-coronavirus-outbreak

Tinaguriang San Roque 21 nakalaya na

Nakalaya na matapos maghain ng piyansa ang tinaguriang San Roque 21 na inaresto matapos na magsagawa ng kilos protesta noong Abril 1.

Ayon sa Save San Roque Alliance, na nagkaroon lamang ng bahagyang aberya sa pagproseso ng piyansa dahil sa dami ng mga kailangang dokumento.

Tinulungan sila nina Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan ilang mga artista gaya nina Ria Atayde, Enchong Dee at ilan pa pati na sina Biboy Arboleda, Mariole Alberto, Johnny Manahan, Deo Endrinal, Dolor Guevara, Leo Katigbak, Carlo Magdaluyo, Jo-Ann Maglipon, Joel Mercado, Enrico Santos, Pat-P Daza, Keren Pascual, Jeff Remigio, Korina Sanchez, Law Tan, Margot Torres, Cory Vidanes, Karen Davila, Rajo Laurel, Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Sandy Romualdez, Mons Romulo, Tim Yap, former President Benigno Aquino III, former Vice President Noli de Castro, House Speaker Alan Peter and Taguig Rep. Lani Cayetano, Sen. Pia Cayetano, former Sen. Bam Aquino and Antique Rep. Loren Legarda para sa mga kakailanging pera.

Magugunitang inaresto ang nasabing mga protesters matapos magsagawa ng kilos protesta dahil sa sinasabing pinapabayaan sila ng gobyerno.

https://www.bomboradyo.com/tinaguriang-san-roque-21-nakalaya-na/

Palawan plebiscite hangs due to COVID

The referendum for the division of Palawan into three provinces may push through on May 11 as scheduled, an official of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said yesterday.

In a post on social media, Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon said the poll body has yet to decide whether to postpone the plebiscite or not due to the enhanced community quarantine being implemented in Luzon to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

“@COMELEC suspended preparation for Palawan plebiscite but plebiscite not postponed yet,” Guanzon said on Twitter.

She said the poll body is waiting for developments on the COVID-19 situation before deciding on the matter, adding it may be able to decide this month. 

The quarantine period will end on April 14, but the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases is studying whether to extend it or not.

During the plebiscite, voters will decide on the proposed division of Palawan into Palawan del Norte, Palawan Oriental and Palawan del Sur.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2020/04/07/2005952/palawan-plebiscite-hangs-due-covid