BUDGET DELIBERATIONS. Senators Sherwin Gatchalian, Sonny Angara, and Miguel Zubiri (2nd, 3rd and 5th from left, standing) are joined by Senate secretariat officials after the end of plenary debates on the proposed 2022 national budget on Nov. 23, 2021. Angara and Zubiri are seeking reelection while Angara is staying for another three years. (Photo courtesy of Senate PRIB) MANILA - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is likely to proclaim the winners of the senatorial and party-list race a week after the May 9 polls. Commissioner George Garcia said in a television interview Monday that the canvassing of results of the 12 winning senators and a still undetermined number of party-list groups may end by May 15. "We can already proclaim the senators or party-list winners at the latest May 16," he said. The Comelec en banc will sit as the National Board of Canvassers. Garcia is certain though that the winners in the local elections will be known hours after the voting precincts have closed. "On May 9, we can only proclaim the mayor and vice mayor. Early the following day, we can next proclaim the congressman, governor, vice governor, and Sangguniang Panlalawigan," he said. The campaign period will end on May 7. On election day, the voting period will be from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Meanwhile, the Comelec en banc upheld the decision of the First Division to cancel the certificate of candidacy (COC) of Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu for governor of Sultan Kudarat. Based on the decision, the respondent did not present new issues that could merit a reversal of the earlier ruling. The case to cancel the COC was filed by Sharifa Akeel Mangudadatu, who said Ali falsely stated material facts like not declaring that he is the incumbent mayor of the Municipality of Datu Abdullah Sangki. He also said he was a resident of Purok Garden, Tamnag, Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat for a period of one year and eight months when his actual period of residency was shorter. "Respondent signed his COC and subscribed and swore to the veracity of his declarations therein, indicating that his false representations are deliberate, and will effectively mislead the electorate on his qualifications as Governor of Sultan Kudarat," the decision read. (PNA) }
“Never forget… who killed your race,” Manila Mayor and Presidential aspirant Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso (pic) said before thousands of supporters here on Sunday, as he reminded them of their dark past under the 21-year rule of Ferdinand Edralin Marcos, father of former Senator Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, the candidate who is leading the surveys in the race for the Presidency in May
SHARIFF KABUNSUAN FESTIVAL. The Ministry of Trade, Investment, and Tourism - BARMM releases the schedule for the Shariff Kabunsuan Festival on Thursday (Dec. 9, 2021). The highlight of the festival, which will run from Dec. 13 to 20, 2021, is the reenactment of the arrival of Islam in this southern part of the Philippines through the Rio Grande de Mindanao River, the largest waterway in Central Mindanao. (Photo courtesy of MTIT-BARMM) COTABATO CITY - After two years of hiatus, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), through its Ministry of Trade, Investment, and Tourism (MTIT), will once again mark the arrival of Islam in mainland Mindanao. In a statement Thursday, the MTIT said the activities for the annual Shariff Kabunsuan Festival will run from December 15 to December 20. It will be a series of events to be highlighted by the "Guinakit" fluvial parade or the reenactment of the arrival of the Missionary from Johore, Shariff Mohammad Kabunsuan, via the Rio Grande de Mindanao. The Rio Grande, also known as the Mindanao River, is the second-largest river system in the Philippines. "Shariff Kabunsuan did not only bring Islam but culture, tradition, commerce and trade and love for the natives of this island," MTIT Director-General Rossalaini Alonto-Sinarimbo said. Sinarimbo said the activities include a week-long trade fair, tourism exhibit, photo gallery, among others. The activities will also promote locally-produced products and connect the local market presence of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to individuals and institutional buyers. The 'Guinakit' fluvial parade on Dec. 19 will feature "bancas" or Moro boats colorfully decorated with Maguindanaon inspired cloth in vivid colors of yellow, red, and green, as they enter the "bucana" (mouth) of Rio Grande de Mindanao, where a reenactment of the landing of Sharif Kabunsuan shall be done on December 19. "It will also feature authentic dishes and delicacies (with a twist) thru Kandulang at Grand Pagana on Dec. 19, and a fashion show called "Habing Bangsamoro" to showcase designs of famous designers from Maguindanao and Cotabato City on Dec. 17," Sinarimbo said. Sinarimbo said the celebration will strictly follow the minimum health protocols. "Our primary concern is the health of everyone in every celebration or gathering," she said. The MTIT will be collaborating with Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (BCPCH) and the Association of Tourism Officers of Maguindanao for the festivity. This year's celebration will be participated in by Sharifa Akeel-Mangudadatu, a Filipino model and titleholder of the Mutya ng Pilipinas 2018 and Miss Asia Pacific International 2018. This year's theme is "Reliving the Past for the Empowered Bangsamoro."(PNA) }