“…‘The time has come,’ he said. ‘The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!’…” –Mark 1:15
If Vice President Leni Robredo remains at her post until 2022, the Liberal Party will have no other choice but to field her as their candidate for president. As the highest-ranking member of the party, she will surely find herself being pushed by allies.
A similar situation was encountered by former Vice President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. She became her party’s highest-ranking official after being installed as president following former President Joseph Estrada’s ouster, and was pushed to run for a full term in 2004.
In 2022, however, Robredo possibly faces competition from Senator Manny Pacquiao and Davao City Mayor Sarah Duterte Carpio. Hopefully, God’s chosen candidate will prevail.
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The Commission on Elections (Comelec) hesitation when it comes to pursuing candidates who engage in premature campaigning is understandable. According to Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez, “No good nor benefit will be given [to] the poll body if they decide to still pursue the candidates who engaged [in]premature campaigning with their very visible posters and tarpaulin signs.”
Even more undeniable is that the Comelec has no ability to scour the entire country for these violators. This fact will only give rise to the larger problem of politicians enticed to violate campaign rules even more as they know they cannot be held accountable due to the commission lacking capabilities.
The Comelec should leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of clean elections. Today, many believe the commission is fertile ground for dishonest elections and I cannot fault such thinking as anomalies in the electoral process either has the blessing of or is directly participated in by the Comelec.
Many believe voting machines are being manipulated to favor certain candidates, which is why there is a call for computerized voting to be shelved this year. The company running machines for the 2016 election has yet to clear itself of cheating accusations. However, there are reportedly those within the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte looking to use the same mechanisms for their own benefit.
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I invite everyone to watch and listen to “Ang Tanging Daan,” which airs on DXBR Bukidnon Radyo 100.1 Power FM, Bukidnon Bisdak Radio 94.3 FM, and Star Radio Catbalogan 90.1 FM every day at 5:00 a.m.; and on DWBL 1242 AM in Metro Manila every Sunday at 12:00 noon. The program also broadcasts live on Facebook at DBWL 1242 Live Streaming, Ang Tanging Daan, Anak ng Diyos Kadugo Ni Kristo, Batas TV, BATAS INTERNET RADIO, Atty. Batas Mauricio, Kakampi Mo Ang Batas, and Melanio Lazo Mauricio Jr./WDJ