COMELEC chairperson George Erwin Garcia said the date, which falls on All Souls’ Day, is set by Republic Act 12232.

The law, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., moved the December 2025 BSKE to the first Monday of November 2026.

The COMELEC is expecting a higher voter turnout for the November elections compared to the previous BSKE polls as voters travel back to their hometowns  to visit the graves of their departed loved ones.

“Therefore, nandun yung chance na mabigyan ng halaga ang isang barangay. Huwag nating mamaliitin ang barangay and SK election, lagi nating sinasabi yan,” said Garcia.

“Lahat ng problema ng bayan nagsisimula sa barangay. Therefore, ang kahalagahan nyan ay doble sa kahalagahan ng ano pa mang halalan,” he added.

According to Garcia, the printing of officials ballots to be used in November has been completed and they are now in the process of verification.

“More or less that’s 95 million ballots, because we have 70 million ballots for regular voters and 25 million for the Sangguniang Kabataan,” he said.

Garcia was in Iloilo City on Friday, Feb. 20, to grace the the inauguration of the COMELEC Integrated Field Office -Western Visayas in Molo district.IMT

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The suspension, which covers all levels (from kindergarten to college) in public and private schools in the city, will start on Wednesday, Feb. 25, until Friday, Feb. 27.

According to Mayor Raisa S. Treñas, the three-day suspension was recommended by the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO).

“This proactive measure is intended to help ease traffic congestion and ensure the safety and security of delegates, residents, and our students during this high-level international gathering,” she said.

The mayor urged schools to “temporarily shift to online or alternative learning modalities to ensure that the education of our students continues uninterrupted.”

“We ask for the understanding and cooperation of parents, school administrators, and the entire academic community as we work together to ensure a safe, orderly, and successful hosting of this important event for our city and the country,” she said.IMT

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“It will not affect how the process will go in terms of hearing it, in terms of deliberations in the Committee on Justice. But I can tell you that it may affect how the voting will come out,” Defensor told reporters during an interview.

“It’s a strategic decision to strengthen her following. Lalo na may mga impeachment complaints na nakahain laban sa kanya. Mabuti din sa kanya para malaman niya kung sino talaga ang mga kakampi niya, kung sino ang hindi niya mga kakampi,” he added.

Defensor assured that the chairman and members of the Committee on Justice will be objective in hearing and deliberating the impeachment complaints based on the Constitution.

“As of right now, as of today, I cannot see getting one-third of endorsements from the members of the House of Representatives. But I can tell you right now that aabot ito sa Committee on Justice,” he said.

The Ilonggo lawmaker also dismissed suggestions that Duterte’s presidential bid would pressure lawmakers.

“No, hindi naman pinipigilan. I don’t see any reason to say na may pumipigil o may nag-influence,” Defensor said.

Duterte, the daughter of detained former president Rodrigo Duterte, made the declaration on Wednesday. Feb. 18. IMT

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Operatives from the regional intelligence operating unit (RIOU-6) of BI arrested Wang Jiabai, also known as Kevin Wang, 43, and Wang Libi, also known as Lisa, 46, on Feb. 13.

Wang Jiabai was found managing a business establishment in Balasan town despite having no valid visa extension.

“Records confirmed that he had overstayed his authorized period of stay,” BI said.

Meanwhile, Wang Libi was apprehended in Barotac Nuevo town after being found working in a company other than her petitioning employer and failing to present a valid passport or immigration documents during inspection.

The two were transported to Manila and are currently under the custody of the BI Warden Facility pending deportation proceedings.

The arrest, according to BI, is “in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen immigration enforcement and ensure that foreign nationals comply with Philippine laws.”

“Foreign nationals who choose to stay and work in the Philippines must comply with the conditions of their visas,” said BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado.

“We will not tolerate violations of our immigration laws. Those who disregard our rules will face arrest and deportation,” he added. IMT

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A man died and more than 50 houses were razed in two separate fire incidents that occurred in Jaro, Iloilo City on Monday, Feb. 16.

The first fire erupted in Barangay Balabago at 2:30 a.m., which resulted in the death of Rostom Ancita, 25.

The victim, based on the Bureau of Fire Protection’s initial investigation, was trapped in a burning talyer (vehicle repair shop).

The fire of still unknown origin also destroyed four motorcycles and a car.

Fire investigators estimated the damage to property at P65,000.

Meanwhile, a total of 58 houses were damaged after a fire hit a residential area in Barangay Benedicto in the afternoon, displacing 80 families.

According to Punong Barangay Abelardo Salting Jr., 53 of the affected houses were totally destroyed and five were partially damaged.

The estimated property damage from the fire was pegged at P672,000.

A thorough investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the fire, which was raised to fourth alarm before it was declared out.IMT

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The victim, identified as Rostom Ancita, was fast asleep when the fire broke out at 2:30 a.m based on the Bureau of Fire Protection’s (BFP) initial investigation.

Senior Fire Officer 2 Denmark Macoco, BFP-Iloilo City chief investigator, said Ancita may have died from suffocation or asphyxiation, a conditions that occurs when the body is deprived of oxygen.

The victim’s body was found a few meters away from his bed which, according to Macoco, indicates that he tried to escape.

In a radio interview, Ancita’s elder sister, Rhea, said his brother, a criminology graduate, appeared drunk when he arrived at their shop Sunday evening, Feb. 15.

The shop was made mostly of bamboo, allowing the fire of still undetermined origin to spread quickly.

The cost of damage due to the fire was pegged at P65,000.

Further investigation on the incident is ongoing.IMT

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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered on Saturday, Feb. 14, ordered Executive Secretary Ralph Recto to speed up the release of about P321 million for 34 provinces and eight cities.

“In his directive, the President said the recent weather disturbances have resulted ‘in the displacement of a significant number of people, casualties, and damage to infrastructure,’” the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said in a statement.

The assistance, according to Recto, “would allow these communities to recover as expeditiously as possible from the recent weather events.”

“It’s part of the President’s initiatives to support LGUs and their constituents,” he said.

The other areas identified as recipients are Capiz, Aklan, Negros Occidental, and Bacolod City, IMT

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Based on data from the Malay-Boracay Tourism Office, the world-famous island welcomed a total of 213, 281 tourists in January 2026.

Of the number, 159, 415 were domestic tourists; 47,276 were international visitors; and 6,590 were overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and overseas Filipinos (OFs).

Boracay, known for its crystal-clear waters, powdery white sand, and vibrant island life, is Western Visayas’ top tourist drawer.IMT

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“The youth are not weak. We are just disadvantaged by a system designed for us to fail,” Sarabia, who is a lawyer by profession, said in a statement.

“Our true strength is the determination to succeed despite the odds against us,” the councilor stressed.

Padilla made the statement during the hearing of the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media on the Children’s Safety in Social Media Act on Feb. 11.

“Ang mga bata po ngayon, sad to say, huwag kayong magagalit sakin, nako maraming batang magagalit siguro pero pasensya na kayo, you are weak,” the actor-turned-politician said.

“Hindi kayo katulad nung panahon namin na hindi kami iyakin. Natuto kami, natuto kami sa kalsada, natuto kami na huwag umupo, umiyak,” Padilla added.

According to Sarabia, the neophyte senator “might have honestly failed to understand how difficult it is for the youth of today compared to previous generations.”

The councilor enumerated several challenges being faced by the current generation, including the accelerating inflation, low pay, expensive education, and the soaring taxes.

“With all that, how can you not be depressed? So I beg to disagree with Robin,” Sarabia said.

“So instead of mocking us, why don’t you use your power and privilege to help us, because if you do, we will show you how strong we are,” he added.

In a Facebook post, Padilla explained that his statement was supported by studies and records.

“As the chairman of the Committee on Public Information and Mass Media, it is my mandate to be truthful to the people and not be plastic or pretentious in what I say, because that is the truth,” he said.

“It’s the suicide data we studied in our office that show today’s youth are weak; it is not merely the result of our suggestion or opinion,” the senator added.IMT

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The Philippine National Police’s regional office recorded 106 focus crimes in the first month of 2026, lower compared to 171 incidents recorded last year.

Focus crimes include murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, carnapping of motor vehicle, carnapping of motorcycle, cybercrime, and kidnaping.

PRO-6 Regional Director Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan attributed the decline to “sustained police visibility, intensified anti-criminality operations, and strengthened coordination with local government units and community stakeholders.”

“This significant decrease reflects the dedication of our police personnel and the strong support of our communities. We remain focused on sustaining these gains and further improving police service delivery,” he said.

According to Ligan, the PRO-6 continues to implement intelligence-driven and community-centered policing strategies while ensuring discipline, professionalism, and respect for human rights among police personnel.

He assured the public that crime prevention efforts will be further intensified to maintain peace and order and ensure safer communities across the region.IMT

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