In the mission to protect the people’s vote, there is no generation gap. From a first-time voter to an election veteran, spirited volunteers continue to power the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) in the tedious task of watching over the nationwide vote—a mandate unenviable amid technical glitches, resource constraints and criticisms from many, often unseen, corners.
Hours before the voting ended, the Commission on Elections had placed the number of counting machines that broke down and needed replacement Monday at between 200 and 300, or less than 1 percent of the total—something that the head of the Comelec’s service provider considered typical in any automated polls.
A Canadian program aims to make disaster preparedness “a way of life” in one of the country’s most hazard-prone provinces.
Recall is the name of the game. This measure of advertising effectiveness seems to be working for senatorial candidate Grace Poe, who is a leading contender from the administration coalition Team PNoy senatorial slate.
Seeking to expand voters’ knowledge, the Ateneo de Manila University has launched a program that discloses the position of senatorial candidates on issues ranging from public health, justice, access to information and the peace process.
He has been reluctantly thrust into the show biz limelight owing to an affair of the heart. But with just a month left before the midterm polls, Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero is hoping to train the electorate’s eyes back to the affairs of the state—a turf where he hopes to remain in the next six years and even beyond.
Generations of artisans have made a living out of the chisel in this town that carries the tool in its name. And the symphony of gouges carving faces and hands, shaping wood into laments or smiles, becomes ever more vibrant in months like these, when Catholics turn to the town’s shops to find pieces of art that symbolize their faith.
Despite aid funding gaps in the provinces hit hardest by Typhoon Pablo, the Philippines has shown “a model best practice” for coordination with the international community in responding to a disaster of such magnitude, a senior United Nations humanitarian official said this week as he appealed for more aid for the victims.
While criticized for his handling of the ongoing Sabah crisis, President Aquino continued to enjoy high approval ratings, the latest Pulse Asia survey showed.
Vice President Jejomar Binay will represent the Philippines in the installation of Pope Francis in the Vatican on Tuesday.
The head of the new contingent of Malaysian peace monitors in Mindanao is confident that the Sabah conflict will not affect peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) saying the talks were independent from the standoff.
The macho image notwithstanding, karate and arnis black belter former Rep. Juan Miguel Zubiri is a softy when it comes to his kumander—wife of seven years Audrey.
The Australian Embassy is accepting applications for the 2014 Australia Awards Scholarships until April 30.
