Were Roxas’s and Robredo’s names highlighted on the ballots of OFW’s?

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesperson James Jimenez has denied accusations that ballots used in the overseas absentee voting highlighted the names of Liberal Party (LP) standard bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II and vice presidential aspirant Rep. Ma. Leonor “Leni” Robredo.

On Saturday, April 9, Jimenez wrote on his Twitter account: "I don't know where that highlighted ballot came from. Not from @COMELEC, for sure. No proof of authenticity. Could be a digital fake.”

I don't know where that highlighted ballot came from. Not from @COMELEC, for sure. No proof of authenticity. Could be a digital fake.

— James Jimenez (@jabjimenez) April 9, 2016

He added: "This ridiculous highlighted ballot has got even smart guys wondering. Not because it makes sense, but because it pops up so often."

Jimenez also posted a photo of the ballot in question that is making rounds on social media. According to him, it looks like a sample ballot. Sample ballots are used as campaign materials to guide voters.

This has been circulated in one form or another since before today. Looks like a sample ballot to me. #PiliPinas pic.twitter.com/maMihhXr4v

— James Jimenez (@jabjimenez) April 9, 2016

In a viral Facebook post on Sunday, April 10, Atty Bruce Rivera of San Beda College alleged the Comelec of issuing such ballots. According to Rivera, several Duterte supporters reported inconsistencies in the overseas absentee voting process such as Duterte’s votes not being counted. The controversial post quickly made rounds in the internet amassing almost 10,000 shares as of press time.

DEAR COMELEC,Please tell us why the ballots of the OFW higlights the name of the Roxas and Robredo. Madami na pong...
Posted by Bruce V. Rivera on Saturday, April 9, 2016

While many netizens expressed their rage over the reports of inconsistencies, several others disagreed and insisted that Rivera post proof of his allegations. -Mini, The Summit Express

RELATED STORY

Guide for Filipinos voting overseas for Election 2016

List of Passers: 13th EPS-TOPIK Korean Exam Results 2016

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) releases the complete list of passers for the 13th EPS-TOPIK (Employment Permit System - Test of Proficiency in Korean) conducted on April 2-3, 2016 in Manila, Baguio, Cebu and Davao expected in few working days after the exam.

According to the Department of Labor and Employment of the Philippines (DOLE), all job seekers who want to work in Korea under the Employment Permit System should pass the EPS-TOPIK either as Paper Based Test (PBT) or Computer-Based-Test (CBT).

This is being implemented by the Human Resources Development Service of Korea (HRD Korea) and authorized by the Ministry of Employment and Labor of the Republic of Korea (MOEL). Only those who passed the test are allowed to submit the job application form for EPS.

DOLE and MOEL also set the CBT in Manila from April 11 to May 24, 2016.

Same with the previous exams, all examinees of the 13th EPS-TOPIK only chose ‘Manufacturing,’ for the selection of the type of industry. The choice of other type of industry was not allowed.

A total of 7,800 persons are expected to pass the PBT and CBT. They will be selected based on the test result (from the top scorer) among those who scored more than 80 points.

In an announcement, POEA said that EPS-TOPIK PBT results will be released on Wednesday, April 13, 2016. Meanwhile, CBT results will be announced on Thursday, June 2.

Note: The full list of passers will be posted on this page once available online. Updating..

The test structure for the 13th EPS-TOPIK includes reading and listening for a total of 50 questions and 70-minute given time.

DOLE further advised that persons who are restricted from employment in Korea, such as those who do not pass the medical examination or who have the record of illegal stay in Korea, cannot be employed in Korea.

Like Us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter or subscribe to our email list to receive more updates.

Top 8 Touristars of "I Love OPM" to compete in semi-finals

MANILA, Philippines - Dio Smith, Fathin Amira, Moses Akoh, and Naisa Lasalosi finally complete the Top 8 Touristars who are going through to Gate 4 or the semi-finals round of ABS-CBN’s original singing competition for 100% non-Filipinos who love OPM music, “I Love OPM.”

Dio Smith, Fathin Amira, Moses Akoh, and Naisa Lasalosi complete "I Love OPM" Top 8

Pakistani Dio brought the house down rocking Sampaguita’s “Nosi Balasi” and proved to be the “Kababayans’ Choice” while Nigerian Moses raised the roof with his version of Martin Nievera’s “Ikaw Ang Aking Pangarap” and ended up being chosen as the “Judges Choice.” Moses edged out British Touristar Matthew May in a close two-to-one vote by the Himigration Officers last Saturday (April 9).



Singaporean Fathin, meanwhile, again swayed the audience with her beautiful rendition of Jaya’s “Wala Na Bang Pag-ibig” making her the “Kababayan’s Choice” for Sunday’s (April 10) episode. Australian Naisa, on the other hand, automatically took the second Gate 4 seat up for grabs after American Touristar Jeena Dimaandal failed to perform due to an inflamed throat.



Next week, the Top Eight Touristars Yohan Hwang(Korea), J-Morning (Korea), Dio Smith (Pakistan), Fathin Amira (Singapore), Ryan Gallagher (USA), Moses Akoh (Nigeria), Naisa Lasalosi (Australia), and DBD (Australia, Korea, Nigeria) enter Gate 4 and will try to survive “The Take Off” round.

RELATED STORIES

• VIDEO: Ryan Gallagher sings "Sa Dulo Ng Walang Hanggan" on I Love OPM
• VIDEO: Korean Yohan Hwang sings "Gusto Kita" on I Love OPM Gate 3

What challenge awaits in “The Take Off” round? Who will be moving on to the final round? Who will be crowned as the grand winner?

Don’t miss “I Love OPM” every Saturday right after “MMK,” and every Sunday after “Rated K” on ABS-CBN or ABS-CBN HD (SkyCable ch 167).

School Assignment ONSA for April 17, 2016 Civil Service Exam CSE-PPT announced

MANILA, Philippines - The Civil Service Commission (CSC) announced today, April 11, the Online Notice of School Assignment (ONSA) for those who will take the Career Service Examination Paper-and-Pencil Test (CSE-PPT) on Sunday, April 17, 2016.

The CSC will conduct the CSE-PPT for Professional and SubProfessional levels in 213 testing venues nationwide.

CSC advised all examinees to get their school and room assignments using the ONSA through the link: http://enosa.csc.gov.ph/enosav3/. To use the ONSA, examinees should encode or fill in the required data in the corresponding data fields accurately, following the indicated format.

Examinees are also encouraged to visit their assigned testing venue at least one day before the exam to familiarize themselves with the school location.

CSC also emphasized that the “No I.D., No Exam” rule will be strictly implemented. For verification purposes, examinees should bring a valid I.D. with date of birth (preferably the same I.D. presented during the filing of examination; if I.D. has no date of birth, bring original copy of Birth Certificate), ONSA-generated notice of school assignment (if available), and application receipt with corresponding official receipt (if available).

Examinees must use dark lead pencils and erasers, and/or ball pens (black) in the answer sheets. Use of any aid in answering the test, such calculators, dictionary, cellular phones, tablets, etc., is strictly prohibited.

Gates of testing venues will be open to examinees as early as 6:00 a.m. and will close at 7:30 a.m. Examinees are also advised to wear proper attire during the examination day (i.e. not in sleeveless shirt/blouse, or in short pants, or in slippers).

CSC disclosed that the scope of examination for both the Professional and SubProfessional levels will include general information on the Philippine Constitution, Code of Conduct and Ethical for Public Officials and Employees (R.A. 6713), Peace and Human Rights Issues and Concepts, and Environment Management and Protection.

Failure to take the examination shall mean forfeiture of examination fee and slot. The rescheduling of examination date is now allowed, CSC added.

Check out the complete details of the reminders through CSC Examination Advisory No. 05, s. 2016:

Reminders Career Service Exam 2016

Note: This site will provide the probable release date of April 2016 civil service exam (CSE-PPT) results. Like Us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or subscribe to our e-mail list to receive updates.

Pacquiao, 5 other newbies enter senatorial 'Magic 12' - April 2016 SWS Survey

MANILA, Philippines - Re-electionists and returning senators topped the first quarter SWS survey for the 2016 elections, but 6 first-time senatorial aspirants – including the boxing icon and Sarangani Representative Manny Pacquiao – have made it to the Magic 12.

Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao and resigned Justice Secretary Leila de Lima in senatorial race Magic 12.

The April 2016 Social Weather Survey was conducted from March 30-April 2, 2016 using face-to-face interviews of 1,500 adults (18 years old and above) nationwide, 300 each in Metro Manila, North Luzon, South Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Of the 1,500 sample adults, 1,377 or 92% are validated voters, 268 in Metro Manila, 278 in North Luzon, 272 in South Luzon, 280 in Visayas and 279 in Mindanao (sampling error margins of ±3% for national percentages, and ±6% each for Metro Manila, North Luzon, South Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao).

Respondents were asked: “Kung ang eleksyon ay gaganapin ngayon, sino ang pinakamalamang ninyong iboboto bilang MGA SENADOR ng PILIPINAS?"

[If the elections were held today, whom would you most probably vote for as SENATORS of the PHILIPPINES?]

Twelve senators will be finishing their terms in 2016, thus the number of slots available.

Respondents were given the list of candidates in alphabetical order, and included nicknames, as practiced by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) on election day. Names of candidates are as officially registered with the COMELEC.

Due to statistical ties between some candidates, 14 names emerged as likely to make it to the so-called Magic 12 if the senatorial elections were held today.

Liberal Party (LP) and re-electionist Frank Drilon topped the senatorial race as he obtained 45% of votes followed by Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC) candidate Vicente Sotto with 42%. On 3rd to 4th place were returning candidates LP's Kiko Pangilinan and independent (IND) senatoriable Panfilo Lacson, each with 37%.

Senator Franklin Drilon tops latest SWS survey for senatorial positions. Photo Credit: Facebook/Frank Drilon

People's Champ Manny Pacquiao ( United Nationalist Alliance) and resigned Justice Secretary Leila de Lima (LP), ranked 5-7, got the highest votes among newbie senatorial aspirants who are likely to win if elections were held at the time of the survey.

RELATED STORY: Duterte leads latest SWS survey

The other first-time "senatoriables" are 12. Joel "Tesdaman" Villanueva (LP) 28%, 13. Win Gatchalian (NPC) 25%, 14. Francis Tolentino (IND) 24%, and 15. Martin Romualdez (LAKAS) 22%.

Other candidates on the Top 12 list are: Migz Zubiri (IND) on 5-7 slot, Risa Hontiveros (AKBYN), Sergio Osmeña III (IND), Ralph Recto (LP), and Dick Gordon (IND), each with 30% for 8-11 place.

With intended votes of at least 7 points below the 12th place are 16-17. Mark Lapid (AKSYON) and TG Guingona (LP), each with 21%, 18-19. Isko Moreno Domagoso (PMP) and Edu Manzano (IND), each with 16%, and 20. Carlos Jericho Petilla (LP) 10%.

Obtaining single-digit scores are Allan Montano (UNA) 7%, Neri Colmenares (MKBYN) 7%, Alma Moreno Lacsamana (UNA) 7%, Mel Chavez (WPPPMM) 6%, Rey Langit (UNA) 6%, Susan Ople (NP) 6%, Dionisio Santiago (IND) 6%, Getulio Napeñas (UNA) 5%, Roman Romulo (IND) 5%, Atty. Lorna Kapunan (AKSYON) 5%, Raffy Alunan (IND) 5%, Larry Gadon (KBL) 5%, Shariff Albani (IND) 4%, Samuel Pagdilao (IND) 4%, Romeo Maganto (LAKAS) 4%, Aldin Ali (WPPPMM) 4%, Jovito Palparan Jr. (IND) 3%, Walden Bello (IND) 3%, Greco Belgica (IND) 3%, Ina Ambolodto (LP) 3%, Princess Jacel Kiram (UNA) 3%, Godofredo Arquiza (IND) 3%, Sandra Cam (PMP) 3%, Mon Montaño (IND) 2%, Dante Liban (IND) 2%, Levito Baligod (IND) 2%, Ray Dorona (IND) 2%, Mr. Coop Paez (IND) 2%, Diosdado Valeroso (IND) 1%, and Eid Kabalu (IND) 1%.

Election 2016: Duterte leads latest SWS survey

MANILA, Philippines - The tough talking mayor of Davao City has surpassed Senator Grace Poe in the latest survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS).

The first quarter survey conducted last March 30 to April 2016 showed that 27% of the respondents preferred Mayor Rodrigo “Digong” Duterte, who was up by four points from the last survey held in early March. The results were obtained through face-to-face interviews of 1,500 adults.

Former consistent frontrunner Poe plunged to second place with 23% and is statistically tied with Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay who garnered 20% of the votes. Liberal party standard bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II came in third place with 18%.With three percent of the votes, Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago remained at the last place.

Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has overtaken consistent frontrunner Senator Grace Poe in the latest SWS survey. Photo Credit: SWS

On Monday, April 11, the camp of Duterte expressed its gratitude for the favorable results of the survey.

Duterte’s spokesman Peter Tiu Lavina told Inquirer: “We are grateful that the surveys are now reflecting what we have been witnessing and experiencing on the ground.The new SWS survey affirms the other surveys that have Duterte on the clear lead in the presidential race.”

Lavina also said that informal exit polls in the overseas absentee voting proved the overwhelming support of Filipinos abroad for Duterte. According to him, the rise in support is likely the result of efforts not just by their campaign teams and candidates but also by volunteers as well as support groups in and out of the country.

Still, Duterte’s campaign manager Leoncio “Jun” Evasco said their team will not be self-assured. He urged Duterte supporters to make sure the support and results of the survey will be turned into votes.

"It is not over until it is over,” Evasco said. 

Marcos tops vice-presidential race


The latest scores in the Vice-Presidential race are: Bongbong Marcos 26%, Chiz Escudero 21%, Leni Robredo 19%, Alan Peter Cayetano 13%, Gringo Honasan 5% and Antonio Trillanes IV 5%. 5% of the respondents said they are still undecided.
- Mini, The Summit Express