Commission on Elections (COMELEC) spokesperson James Jimenez bravely answers the issues on overpriced ballot secrecy folders, overpriced plastic fillers, and low quality indelible ink as he goes one-on-one with Boy Abunda on ‘The Bottomline’ this Saturday.

Bottomliners are concerned with the probable election glitches that may take place as the manual voting shifts to automated process. What are the basic do’s and don’ts in the new voting system? What are COMELEC’s back-up plans in the event of technical problems on Election Day? Is there any potential or risk that the machines may be manipulated?
On the ‘Garci’ controversy, Spokesperson Jimenez states his thoughts on the stigma that have stained COMELEC’s credibility.

Bottomline host Boy Abunda will also touch on the topics of early voting for media and Mindanao as spokesperson Jimenez spills out the truth this Saturday on “The Bottomline” after Banana Split’s primetime telecast on ABS-CBN.

Comelec’s James Jimenez Talks About Election Anomalies in ‘The Bottomline’ originally appeared on Starmometer on April 24, 2010.

Here’s what Section 6.6 of COMELEC’s Fair Election Act states:

“Any mass media columnist, commentator, announcer, reporter, on-air correspondent or personality who is a candidate for any elective public office or is a campaign volunteer for or employed or retained in any capacity by any candidate or political party shall be deemed resigned, if so required by their employer, or shall take a leave of absence from his/her work as such during the campaign period.”

Do you agree or disagree? Exercise your freedom of expression by voting below:

Meanwhile, the Queen of all Media Kris Aquino expressed her opinion about COMELEC’s Fair Election Act via Twitter. She said:

“The Comelec wants artists who are actively participating in the campaign to take a leave or be jailed. Since when has it been wrong to make a stand for what you believe? What is so wrong in wanting to take an active role in our democratic process? If it’s wrong to care about the Philippines & practice my constitutional rights to free speech & my freedom to vote then jail me and let’s go back to the dark days of Martial Law.”

Some of the stars who will be affected by the said ruling, in one way or another, are Dolphy, Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon, Michael V., Boy Abunda, Dingdong Dantes and Sarah Geronimo. But with the current development, it looks like only Kapuso stars will have to face this issue as their network is reminding them to take a leave of absence if they are campaigning for a certain politician.

Poll: Do You Agree with COMELEC’s Fair Election Act? originally appeared on Starmometer on February 12, 2010.

The COMELEC ruling that celebrities who endorse a political candidate should take a leave or resign permanently from their tv programs has stirred different views from the rival networks.

Section 6.6 of COMELEC’s Fair Election Act states:

“Any mass media columnist, commentator, announcer, reporter, on-air correspondent or personality who is a candidate for any elective public office or is a campaign volunteer for or employed or retained in any capacity by any candidate or political party shall be deemed resigned, if so required by their employer, or shall take a leave of absence from his/her work as such during the campaign period.”

ABS-CBN pointed out in an official statement yesterday (CLICK HERE TO READ ARTICLE) that the COMELEC ruling applies only to employees. Since talents are not exactly the network’s employees, their stars are exempted from the ruling.

GMA-7, on the other hand, supports the Fair Election Act in its entire context. The Kapuso network released a statement compelling their talents to stop campaigning for political candidates or they have to take a leave of absence.

Here’s GMA’s statement:

“GMA Network is advising its talents that they have to take a leave of absence if they continue to campaign for or endorse candidates or political parties during the campaign period, even if the taping of their participation in the promotion or plug of the candidate was done before the campaign period.

“GMA Network’s talents, who appeared in political ads or advocacy plugs before February 9, are advised to notify the candidates concerned or those responsible for placing these political plugs not to air them during the campaign period.”

GMA Releases Statement on COMELEC’s Fair Election Act originally appeared on Starmometer on February 12, 2010.

Here’s the official statement emailed by the kapamilya network to Starmometer for immediate release:

The call for ABS-CBN talents who endorse candidates to go on leave during the campaign period is not required by the Fair Election Act or its implementing rules and regulations. Section 36 of Comelec Resolution No. 8758 in relation to Section 1(4) thereof and the Fair Election Act merely requires that media practitioners such as talents “shall not use his/her time or space to favor any candidate.” In this regard, it is ABS-CBN’s policy that its talents may not use any program to endorse or promote any candidate. This policy is strictly enforced by the network.

The provision of law cited by the PPCRV and Comelec that requires media personalities to either resign or go on leave applies to employees only. Talents are not employees of the network and, therefore, the said provision does not apply to them.

Kapamilya stars known for endorsing a political candidate in the 2010 election are Kris Aquino, Boy Abunda, Willie Revillame, Korina Sanchez and Sarah Geronimo.

ABS-CBN Releases Official Statement on COMELEC and PPCRV Position on the Use of Talents originally appeared on Starmometer on February 11, 2010.

Kapamilya celebrities responded to the call for action in the coming 2010 elections by becoming active citizens in a special voter registration mounted by ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation in partnership with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).

“The special voter registration aims to encourage the people to register and exercise their right to suffrage,” said Bong Osorio, Head of ABS-CBN Corporate Communications Division.

Celebrities like Rayver Cruz, Rodjun Cruz, Cass Ponti, Princess Ryan, Josef Elizalde, Cris Pastor, Pokwang, Valerie Concepcion, Erik Santos, Mark Bautista, Angelica Panganiban, Shaina Magdayao, Mariel Rodriguez, Nikki, Gil, Enchong Dee, Kim Chiu, and Diether Ocampo took their time off their busy schedules to register and appealed to the public to do the same and make a difference In 2010.

Actress Nikki Gil, who stars in “Nagsimula sa Puso,” looks forward to casting her vote for the very first time next year. She stressed the importance of voting, especially in these times when the country is facing a lot of problems.

“Now, more than ever, we have to make a stand and move. No one else will do this for us and for our country,” said Nikki. “And on a personal level, I can say that I now have the right to complain because I feel that I actually have made a contribution to this nation by registering and voting,” she added.

Another first time voter, Enchong Dee, believes that there will always be hope for the country as long as people are willing to do their civic duties. The young actor of “Katorse” encouraged everyone, especially the youth, to register and vote.

“I hope everyone will go register and vote. And when you vote, make sure it will help our country. Choose your leaders wisely and let us always think of the common good,” Enchong said.

This special voter registration held in ABS-CBN’s main office in Quezon City was also part of ABS-CBN’s nationwide election campaign “Boto Mo, iPatrol Mo: Ako ang Simula,” which aims to mobilize new voters to register and help make the 2010 elections work.

Voter registration is until October 31. Go to your respective COMELEC offices to register.

Kapamilya Stars Registered to Vote originally appeared on Starmometer on October 29, 2009.