Comelec: Bayan Muna not disqualified, warns public against fake election news
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) clarified on Saturday that Bayan Muna party-list remains eligible to participate in the May 12 midterm elections, debunking circulating claims of its disqualification as 'fake news.'
Bayan Muna, a member of the Makabayan coalition, is eyeing a return to the House of Representatives after failing to win a seat in the 2022 elections.
Comelec said a falsified press statement, which mimicked the official format of the poll body's announcements, falsely claimed the disqualification of Bayan Muna. The misleading content has been posted on several platforms, including the Facebook page Kontra Baghak.
Online journalist Dominique Flores also denounced the use of her name in a fake news screenshot, urging the public to report the misleading posts.
'There is no resolution from the Commission En Banc disqualifying Bayan Muna Party-List in this election. They remain officially listed among party-list groups that can be voted for on Monday,' the Comelec emphasized.
The commission condemned the spread of disinformation, warning that fake announcements designed to look official undermine the public's right to truthful information—particularly during the critical election period. It reminded the public that circulating false and alarming claims is an election offense under Section 261(z)(11) of the Omnibus Election Code.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Today
31-05-2025
- Gulf Today
Germany plans to tax Google, Facebook
Germany's Culture Ministry is planning to bring a law to tax the American online giants like Alphabet of Google and Meta of Facebook. The rate of taxation is to be 10 per cent. The grounds on which taxation is to be imposed are interesting and even new. German Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer told the magazine, Stern, 'These corporations do billions in business in Germany with extremely high profit margins and benefit enormously from the country's media and cultural output as well as its infrastructure – but they pay hardly any taxes, invest too little, and give far too little back to the country.' There is more than an element of truth in Weimer's statement. Google and Facebook thrive much from the media content that populates their platforms, which is one of the reasons that millions of Net users throng them, to get the news in a jiffy as it were. Both Google and Facebook do not create an iota of their own content. They thrive on what they take from others, either directly or through their own users. Australia overcame the problem by giving in to the demand of newspapers and other old media, that Google should pay them for using their content. Weimer is stating the fact that the online platforms are using cultural output of the country – whether it be music, films, art – and they do not do anything to sustain the cultural events. Similarly, the Internet penetration in the country and the infrastructure that sustains it is what enables millions of Germans to use Google and Facebook, and it is on the large number of users that these online companies earn their revenues. It is but reasonable that the online companies should be made to pay taxes of some kind. Weimer has even suggested voluntary contribution on the part of Google and Facebook. But this may be impracticable. No company will be willing to make voluntary contribution in lieu of taxes. The American online platforms have an advantage over national players because they have worldwide footprint because of the investments they made in the search engines reaching the ends of the globe as it were. They are indeed reaping benefits from it. But do they have an obligation to the regions and countries in which they operate? Google and Facebook can argue that they have built the cyber bridges to connect the different places, and they are allowing a free use of it. The owners of these platforms would not let these sites remain free if they were not earning enough revenue in billions of dollars. If they did not make money, they would have imposed some user-charges from the thousands of millions who use them around the globe. They can say that they have boosted other businesses through the space they have opened up for other businesses. These arguments do not however discredit the demand for tax payments from national governments. That these online payers use national airwaves is a fact. It can be argued that it is the telecom companies in these countries which have the right to charge these companies. But the search engines with enormous Cloud or memory power which sustain these platforms do cost enough money, but the revenue generated by advertisers outstrips the investment and costs of maintenance. National governments have a legitimate right to demand tax from the online platforms because they operate within the sovereign territory of a country. Facebook and the Google do not have the solidity of an iPhone, but they are at the same time cyber-products. They can be treated as taxable products or services. The rate of taxation should remain flexible enough so that the thriving business of connecting people is not affected or dampened.
Filipino Times
27-05-2025
- Filipino Times
‘Tapat na serbisyo, sapat na benepisyo,' UAE-based OFWs ask of new senators
With the official proclamation of the 12 newly elected senators from the May 2025 midterm polls by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), millions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) across the globe are once again placing their hopes on the country's new leaders. Migrant workers, particularly those in the UAE, have voiced their long-standing calls for better governance and stronger protection of their rights, as well as support for the families they've left behind in the Philippines. Now, as the 20th Congress prepares to convene, all eyes are on this new batch of lawmakers, a mix of returning and first-time senators, who bring with them a range of promises and advocacies. OFWs and their families are watching closely, hoping these will soon be transformed into concrete policies and meaningful reforms. What OFWs really want Amid all the promises and platforms raised during the campaign period, many OFWs share a common plea: for elected officials to lead with transparency and genuine public service. In a recent Tanong ng Bayan post, the prevailing sentiments highlighted a strong desire for a cleaner government, streamlined systems, and more efficient public services. Key concerns included simplifying the process for returning workers, especially concerning the overseas employment certificate (OEC), which serves as an exit clearance for departing OFWs, as well as ensuring that government agencies uphold integrity and compassion in serving the Filipino people. 'Sana magtrabaho sila nang tama para sa mga mamamayang Pilipino,' an Abu Dhabi-based OFW said. 'Maging honest sila sa kanilang serbisyo,' another commenter wrote. Ahmad Taurac, an admin clerk and Dubai-based OFW, also captured what many others have been echoing for years. First on the list: scrap the OEC, a document many view as an outdated burden. He also called for easier access to government assistance, discounted airfare for migrant workers, and livelihood support for those returning home. 'Bigyan ng kabuhayan ang mga OFW na umuwing walang ipon upang hindi na bumalik pa sa abroad,' he said, adding that the newly elected leaders should also push for their families welfare, such as providing health insurance coverage and free education for their children. Ahmad Taurac, OFW for 13 years in the UAE As the 2025 midterm elections end, let's look back on how several senatorial candidates, now officially proclaimed senators, placed the rights and welfare of OFWs at the center of their platforms—commitments that were largely highlighted in public forums, media interviews, and campaign rallies. Expanding health and social benefits Erwin Tulfo/FB Senator-elect Erwin Tulfo wants to ensure that OFWs retire with dignity. He proposes a dedicated pension fund, separate from the Social Security System, where both the government and workers contribute. Tulfo highlighted the reality that many OFWs return home without savings and often depend on their children, underscoring the urgent need for long-term financial support. Kiko Pangilinan/FB Meanwhile, Senator-elect Francis 'Kiko' Pangilinan is pushing for stronger healthcare and social protection. He aims to expand PhilHealth insurance coverage for the migrant workers and improve government assistance for their urgent medical concerns through strategic partnerships with various host countries. Pangilinan also advocates for a comprehensive reintegration program to ease their transition back home after years abroad. Strengthening support, policies Camille Villar/FB Millennial Senator-elect Camille Villar also promised a more responsive government for Filipino workers abroad. She plans to establish a dedicated hotline for legal aid and repatriation, while also pushing financial literacy programs for OFWs and their families. Building on her father Manny Villar's legacy, she vows to continue initiatives like the 'Sagip-OFW Helpline,' which she deemed helpful in repatriating thousands of distressed Filipinos abroad. Ping Lacson/FB Sea-based OFWs were also given attention as Senator-elect Panfilo 'Ping' Lacson has pledged to ensure better protection for seafarers. He noted that Filipino seafarers deserve access to affordable education and training, suggesting that the government should provide subsidies similar to those offered under the Free Tertiary Education Act. Other newly elected senators have also voiced support for broader advocacies that could benefit not only OFWs but also their families, including affordable education, youth empowerment, law enforcement, government transparency, agriculture, and women's rights. Shared hopes Now that these senators have been officially elected, OFWs from different parts of the world are hopeful that their promises won't remain mere words. With millions of Filipino workers continuing to sacrifice and contribute to the nation's economy from abroad, they look to the new Senate to take real, lasting action that reflects the value of every modern-day hero.
Arabian Post
23-05-2025
- Arabian Post
Guinea's Media Future Debated Amid Ongoing Broadcast Bans
Guinea's media regulator concluded the 'Forum on the Future of the Press,' an event aimed at revitalising the country's media landscape. However, six prominent news outlets remain blocked, highlighting the ongoing challenges to press freedom under the military-led government. The Ministry of Information and Communications Technology revoked the broadcasting licences of FIM FM, Espace FM, Sweet FM, Djoma FM, Djoma TV, and Espace TV, citing 'non-compliance with the content of the specifications.' These outlets have been off the air since December 2023, when authorities initially suspended them for 'security reasons.' The Union of Press Professionals of Guinea reported that over 700 media workers have lost their jobs due to these closures. The SPPG described the government's actions as 'repressive' and warned of a 'social and humanitarian disaster,' threatening an indefinite general strike if the bans are not lifted. ADVERTISEMENT Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah defended the government's stance, referencing the role of partisan media in historical conflicts such as the 1994 Rwandan genocide and post-election violence in Ivory Coast. He emphasised the need to prevent mechanisms that could undermine national stability. The High Authority of Communication , Guinea's media regulator, has faced criticism for its handling of the situation. Djoma Média's director-general, Kalil Oularé, expressed surprise at the suspension, noting that no prior summons or explanations were provided. The HAC is traditionally expected to give prior notification and justification for such decisions. International organisations have condemned the government's actions. The Committee to Protect Journalists called for the immediate reinstatement of the affected media outlets, stating that the revocation of licences is an alarming effort to censor the news in Guinea. Reporters Without Borders reported that several radio stations have been jammed, with some broadcasting military music instead of regular programming. Access to social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, has also been restricted since November 2023, further limiting the public's access to information. These platforms are only accessible through virtual private networks . The government's crackdown extends beyond media outlets. Investigative journalist Habib Marouane Kamara was abducted in December 2024 by men in security forces uniforms in Conakry. Kamara, editor-in-chief of was beaten unconscious and taken away, with his whereabouts remaining unknown. This incident underscores the increasing media suppression under Guinea's military regime.
