logo
Comelec to retain 15% ballot threshold for Bangsamoro polls

Comelec to retain 15% ballot threshold for Bangsamoro polls

GMA Network07-07-2025
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will retain the 15% valid threshold for ballot shading for the 2025 Bangsamoro elections.
Poll chief George Erwin Garcia on Monday said the threshold will remain effective as he reiterated the first-ever parliamentary polls is a continuation of the 2025 national and elections (NLE).
'Hindi tamang baguhin ang threshold sapagkat yun ang nasimulan namin sa 2025 NLE,' Garcia said.
(It is not right to change the threshold because we already implemented that.)
'Sabi sa batas ang BARMM elections ay continuation ng national and local elections so hinid kami dapat magbago ng mga ibang sinagawa namin sa 2025 NLE,' he added.
(The law states the BARMM polls is a continuation of the national and local elections so we wont change other policies.)
In October 2024, the poll body en banc approved a proposal to lower the valid ballot shading threshold to 15% for the 2025 May polls — the lowest threshold since the 20% set for the 2010 elections.
Garcia said the preparations of the Comelec for the Bangsamoro elections are in 'full blast'. He said the Comelec en banc has already approved the ballot faces for the Bangsamoro polls.
At least 7,000 automated counting machines (ACMs) will be used for the elections and instead of telecommunication units, Starlink devices will be distributed to polling precincts for vote transmission.
Comelec control
Meanwhile, Commissioner Aimee Ferolino said the poll body is eyeing to lift control over Buluan, Maguindanao del Sur and Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte for the 2025 Bangsamoro elections.
'We're considering the lifting of the two municipalities under the Comelec control kasi di masyadong mainit ang elections doon at kokonti lang naman ang positions at stake,' said Ferolino.
'There is a great possibility that the declaration of the areas under Comelec control will be lifted for the upcoming polls,' she said.
Ferolino, chairperson of the Comelec Gun Ban and Security Concerns Committee, said the poll body is continuing its security preparations for the polls. This includes requesting more personnel from the Afrmed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
'If we have secured the previous elections well, there is no reason we can't secure more the BARMM elections kasi mas nakatutok tayo. Mas maraming pwersa ang AFP at PNP at kasama natin ang PCG sa elections sa BARMM,' she added.
Ferolino reminded the public of the start of the election period and the implementation of gun ban from August 14, 2025, to October 28, 2025. — BM, GMA Integrated News
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Boosting defense, tackling crime under Marcos admin
Boosting defense, tackling crime under Marcos admin

GMA Network

timean hour ago

  • GMA Network

Boosting defense, tackling crime under Marcos admin

Newly delivered Black Hawk helicopters are seen at Clark Air Base, Mabalacat City, Pampanga on Dec. 9, 2024, as part of the Additional Utility Helicopters Acquisition Project Agreement of the AFP Modernization Program. Photo: Philippine Air Force President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. is set to give his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City. Marcos is expected to share the accomplishments of his administrations. But before this, GMA News Online looks back on Marcos' statements on defense and security concerns during his last SONA. Boosting defense In his last SONA in July 2024, Marcos said the country's police, military, and coast guard undergo continuous capacity-building and asset-upgrading to ensure peace and order. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) underscored the importance of recent acquisitions in support of the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC). From June 2024 to present, the AFP said it has received one BRP Miguel Malvar-class corvette, two BRAHMOS missile batteries, one ATR-72-600 patrol aircraft, and ten S-70i Black Hawk helicopters. 'These assets strengthen surveillance, coastal defense, mobility, and disaster response—each playing a vital role in safeguarding our sovereignty and securing the archipelago,' the AFP told GMA News Online. The Philippines Coast Guard (PCG) said the agency also acquired five units of 97-meter Multi-Role Response Vessels (MRRVs), 40 units Fast Patrol Craft (FPC), and 20 Units of Unmanned Aerial System (UAS). 'The initial procurement of two units of 97-meter MRRVs has significantly enhanced the PCG's operational capability, particularly in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), where maritime tensions continue to escalate,' the PCG told GMA News Online 'The FPC will enhance the PCG's capability to conduct anti-drug interdiction, counter-piracy, anti-terrorism, and anti-kidnapping operations, while also supporting search and rescue, disaster response, and humanitarian relief. The drones will be vital in supporting operations like search and rescue, surveillance, anti-smuggling, and monitoring of illegal fishing activities,' it added. Tensions continue as Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual shipborne commerce, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. Parts of the South China Sea that fall within Philippine territory have been renamed by the government as West Philippine Sea to reinforce the country's claim. The West Philippine Sea refers to the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago including Luzon Sea and the waters around, within and adjacent to the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines over China's claims in the South China Sea, saying that it had "no legal basis." China has refused to recognize the decision. High-profile cases Marcos also said in his last SONA that there was an overall decrease in the crime rate and an improvement in crime solution efficiency, but that law enforcers still need to earn the trust of the general public. Several suspects in high-profile cases have been arrested since last year's SONA. Arrest warrants were issued against church leader Apollo Quiboloy and others for alleged violation of the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act as well as qualified human trafficking. He has also been indicted by a federal grand jury in the US District Court for the Central District of California for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion and sex trafficking of children; sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion; conspiracy; and bulk cash smuggling. Quiboloy, who is currently detained at Pasig City Jail after his arrest on September 8 last year, has repeatedly denied the allegations against him. Former Negros Oriental 3rd District representative Arnie Teves—the alleged mastermind in the killing of former Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and nine others on March 4, 2023 in Pamplona—was also arrested in Timor-Leste where he sought asylum on May 21 this year. He is now in the detention cell of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City. Teves has denied the accusation. However, former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag remains at large despite an outstanding warrant for his arrest over the alleged murder of broadcaster Percy Lapid. The Department of Justice had filed murder charges against Bantag and former deputy security officer Ricardo Zulueta with the Las Piñas court in relation to Lapid's killing. Lapid, whose real name is Percy Mabasa, was shot dead in Las Piñas City on October 3, 2022. The DOJ previously said a cash reward of P2 million would be given for information on the whereabouts of Bantag while P1 million would have been given for Zulueta. Bantag has denied the allegations against him, claiming they were all "fabricated." Meanwhile, a total of 34 cockfighting enthusiasts have been reported missing in different parts of the country from 2021 to 2022. According to the police, the missing personalities were kidnapped allegedly due to match fixing or cheating in the cockfighting games. One of the accused and whistleblower Julie 'Dondon' Patidongan claimed that the victims were already buried in Taal Lake. Recent searches there have unearthed several human remains already. Patindongan named businessman Atong Ang as a mastermind in the case and also linked actress Gretchen Barretto to the disappearances. Both have denied the allegations. SONA 2025 preparations The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday said that they have made the necessary preparations for Marcos' fourth SONA. On possible protest actions that are a staple of any SONA, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said there are rallyists or groups that have been approved by the Quezon City local government but whose permits are subject to conditions to ensure their activities do not violate any laws and will be orderly. The NCRPO said 22,987 police personnel have been deployed to conduct security for the annual event. Of the total complement, 16,060 are cops assigned to the NCRPO while support units from Region 4A of Police Regional Office 3 number 3,707 police officers while other agencies have contributed 3,220 personnel. — BM, GMA Integrated News

LOOK: Torre vs Baste 'Boxing for a Cause' goes on in Rizal
LOOK: Torre vs Baste 'Boxing for a Cause' goes on in Rizal

GMA Network

time14 hours ago

  • GMA Network

LOOK: Torre vs Baste 'Boxing for a Cause' goes on in Rizal

The historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum has been filled by the audience on a rainy Sunday morning in Manila as the 'Boxing for a Cause: Laban Para sa Nasalanta' event still went on. PNP chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III and acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian 'Baste' Duterte are expected to face off in the main event. This, despite NBI's information that Duterte left for Singapore on Friday morning. At past 9 a.m., the first undercard match between Glen Borja and Christian Tulayao was held where the two fighters engaged in a two-round match, with Borja winning the faceoff. Undercard matches start inside Rizal Memorial @gmanews — JK Carandang (@jk_carandang) July 27, 2025 Seen from the sidelines of the event as well are Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla and Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Pato Gregorio. DILG secretary Jonvic Remulla and PSC chair Pato Gregorio in attendance @gmanews — JK Carandang (@jk_carandang) July 27, 2025 Five undercard matches are slated for the event before the supposed Torre-Duterte charity boxing event. —KG, GMA Integrated News

LOOK: PNP deploys cops to Rizal Memorial Coliseum for Torre vs Baste fight
LOOK: PNP deploys cops to Rizal Memorial Coliseum for Torre vs Baste fight

GMA Network

time15 hours ago

  • GMA Network

LOOK: PNP deploys cops to Rizal Memorial Coliseum for Torre vs Baste fight

Police officers arrive at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Malate, Manila early Sunday, July 27, 2025, for the 'charity boxing' event of Philippine National Police chief Police General Nicolas Torre III against acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian 'Baste' Duterte. VINCE LOPEZ/GMA Integrated News The Philippine National Police deployed early on Sunday its personnel to the venue in Manila for the expected charity boxing match between PNP chief Police General Nicolas Torre III and acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte. Hours before the scheduled 9 a.m. match, PNP buses arrived at Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Malate. Vito Cruz Street and Adriatico Streets were full of PNP vehicles before 8 a.m., according to a report by Mao dela Cruz on Super Radyo dzBB. Traffic was heavy along Vito Cruz Street from the corner of F.B. Harrison Street to Taft Avenue. Security was tight around Rizal Memorial Coliseum. Motorists were advised to avoid the area around Rizal Memorial Coliseum due to the traffic build-up. Ticket prices for the boxing event are as follows, according to the PNP: Upper Box - P100 Lower Box - P500 Patron - P3,700 Floor - P5,400 On Sunday last week, Duterte challenged Torre to a fistfight in a vlog uploaded on YouTube. Torre accepted the challenge. Duterte however gave a condition on Thursday for the bout to push through. He said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. should direct all officials to undergo a hair follicle drug test. Torre however refused to respond to the condition set by Duterte regarding their bout, according to PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo in an interview on Saturday. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said it has received information that Duterte has flown to Singapore amid his upcoming charity boxing match against the country's top cop. According to the NBI, Duterte departed from Davao International Airport for Singapore on Friday morning. Torre meanwhile jogged at Camp Crame's oval in Quezon City on Friday morning in preparation for a charity boxing match. Davao City Representative Paolo 'Pulong' Duterte has called on Torre to sign a document absolving his brother of any liability if the boxing match pushes through. The boxing ring was set up, as shown in photos shared by Fajardo on Saturday. 'Whether he shows up or not, may mga sponsors na may nagsabi na magdo-donate na lang ng mga ayuda sa ating mga kababayan na nasalanta ng bagyo at baha,' Torre earlier said. (Whether he shows up or not, there are sponsors who have said they will just donate aid to our countrymen affected by the tropical cyclones and flood.) On March 11, Torre led the arrest of the acting mayor's father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, as Philippine authorities assisted Interpol in serving a warrant of arrest from the International Criminal Court (ICC) against the older Duterte for crimes against humanity in connection with his drug war. —KG, GMA Integrated News

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store