COMELEC Sends Notice To Explain To Local Candidates

It doesn't look good for 19 local candidates as they were given notices to explain for vote buying and abuse of state resources, a very serious allegation.

Comelec Executive Director and Committee on Kontra Bigay lead Teopisto Elnas Jr. recently released these in a one page document that includes Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna, Marikina Rep. Stella Quimbo, former Rep. Romero Quimbo, Denver Chua of Cavite City, Marvin Venus of Baras Rizal, Ruben Talon, Butch Suspene and Zake Derequito of Dumangas, Iloilo, Zarah Rose Lara of Cagayan Province, Allan Martines de Leon and Kristofer Charles Esguerra of Taytay, Erwin Pastrana of Mauban, Quezon, Rhapsody Miguel Riveral of Cuartero, Capiz, Winfred Rivera of party list Kamalayan, Jeren Jude Bacas and Rolen Paulino Jr. of Olongapo, Dan Fernandez of Laguna and Romulo Avila of Quezon Province. Recent statements from Comelec on Thursday also included Isko Moreno and Sam Verzosa of Manila. They also admit on Tuesday how they have been overwhelmed in the Committee on Kontra Bigay as they are still receiving complaints til now for various local posts.

Add to that an anonymous group of public school teachers also filed complaints through Comelec and CSC against the running mayoralty candidate of Marikina Stella Quimbo of which according to their statement has allegedly used AICS funds (Aid to Individuals in Crisis Situation) of the DSWD. They say this is a misuse of government resources even when it's so close to elections (against DepED Memo and election code). They have submitted photo and video evidence to support their claim. Afraid of punishment or harm, they have sent this anonymously. They also included names of DepED personnel, and also stated how some of them were asked to also check ID's and documents to process, and to become recipients of AICS themselves. They asked for government agencies to investigate these allegations right away and didn't state their names for security reasons.

Much of them (politicians) would gladly answer these allegations in the proper forum. They also have said that most of them didn't get a copy of the complaint yet according to recent articles. I hope they (normal folks and public school teachers) also get the help they need without prejudice. 

QC's Belmonte and Arjo Atayde Opens 1st District Office

Quezon City's Councilor Charm Ferrer, Art Atayde, Sylvia Sanchez, Mayor Joy Belmonte, Representative Arjo Atayde and Councilor Doray Delarmente

 

 

It's a bit sad to see that some cities don't actually have offices for local government units. It irks me much because people don't have a place to go to, to look for their respective government officials to look for help with their concerns. Things have changed in Quezon City's 1st District as Congressman Arjo Atayde and honorable Mayor Joy Belmonte just opened a new multi function space at West Avenue, Quezon City. This will be dedicated to Arjo's constituents specifically to hold important events, medical missions and a hub for Congressman Atayde's administrative staff.

The blessing of the property was witnessed by various Barangay officials from Quezon City, fellow district members, Councilors Calalay, Ferrer, Delarmente and several of Atayde's Team Aksyon Agad. This wouldn't have been possible without the help of the office of Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte who also lauded the young Solon for his recent projects and services. Add to that the different long term assistance programs they put up that's proven to be sustainable during these times. Congressman Arjo Atayde was also flanked by his parents, multi awarded Actress and iconic Sylvia Sanchez and Businessman Art Atayde.

Arjo says "This office will be oen for everyone in my community and we will work hard to make all our plans for District 1 happen in the coming years. We would need your help in making sure we keep our promise, we'll make District 1 stronger, and thrive more than ever!"

This is a win for District 1 now that you've got a venue to go  to when you need help from your elected officials. Here's hoping you wouldn't need to, and just help other community members in your own capacity.

Quezon City to Kick Off Business Investment Summit

Quezon City has been doing quite good despite of the current challenges of the economy. With the pandemic happening, the various complications we get from EU war, the higher US interest rates and inflation, it's hurting us most where it hurts. This has raised prices of essentials, making it difficult for ordinary pinoys to put food on the table.

Not gonna take it without a fight, the Quezon City Government is slated to do a Business Investment Summit with the theme "QC is Future Ready" slated October 7th at Novotel Manila in Araneta, Quezon City. This would be an event where they'd present to various stakeholders how the city has been able to achieve phenomenal "ease of doing business" levels despite the business challenges encountered by the local government unit. They will also be presenting the different initiatives they have planned and currently implementing.

There is more to see in QC! 

This will also be the perfect venue to exchange views about programs and policies, with the aim of better managing LGU and private sector expectations, to help different sectors grow especially in Quezon City. Expected attendees include local and international investors, business leaders, government officials, various stakeholders. Mayor Joy Belmonte has put in reforms on her first term that has garnered 83 awards and recognition from different organizations. It is crucial that in the next few years, she would be able to address to bring more investments and help generate more jobs for her constituents as we all recover from recent years. Suffice to say, it's time to make Quezon City the paramount choice of building businesses. The city is benefiting from the automation and digitization efforts on services like registrations, assessments, tax payments which has been prioritized by the city. They also will continue with social services, the fight against corruption, educate and enhance skills of those who serve the people.

This is certainly a good step to an even better Quezon City, to make people feel progress especially at these very challenging times. It's time we take it to the next level!