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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The suspension of the validity of all Permits to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR) in the city  took effect at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, February 20, and will last until 11:59 a.m. on March 1.

The gun ban aims to ensure the utmost safety and preserve peace and order during the high-profile diplomatic gathering, which will see numerous foreign delegates arriving in the city.

For the duration of the ban, civilians are strictly forbidden from carrying firearms in public spaces.

Only on-duty personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and other official law enforcement agencies (LEAs) in proper uniform are permitted to bear arms.

Law enforcement officials urged the public to fully cooperate during the period.

“We seek the public’s understanding and cooperation as we work together to make ASEAN 2026 safe and secure,” read the PNP’s official statement.

Those caught violating the firearm suspension risk severe legal penalties, including the possible cancellation of their gun licenses.IMT

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Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. personally handed a P9-million check to Badiangan Mayor Suzette Mamon to fund a slope protection project and the expansion of its weaving center in Barangay Cabayogan.

Of the amount, P6 million will be used to construct a slope protecture structure for the steel bridge in Barangay Calansanan, and the remaining P3 million will go to the expansion of the town’s production and display center not only for Hablon but for all local products supported by the local government.

Mamon said the project showcases their local craft process and provides a convenient and secure work place.

“Tourism and local economic driver ang hablon and our local products. The infra is vital support for marketing, linkages and strengthen collaboration with our local loom weavers since they will have a production center conducive to work,” she added.

The provincial government also funded a water project, which benefited more than 2,400 students and faculty members of Maasin National Comprehensive High School.

The school has now access to potable water supply following the completion of its P2.2 million water system project, which was inaugurated on February 16.

Under its Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project, the provincial government aims to reduce diseases related to water.

Meanwhile, Provincial Administrator Dr. Raul N. Banias and Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO) chief Cesar Emmanuelle P. Buyco, Jr., also released P3.2 million to Tigbauan for the installation of a 60-kW Grid-Tie Rooftop Solar PV System at the Town Hall.

The amount was sourced from Defensor’s renewable energy subsidy fund which serves as a financial aid to local government units for the completion of their proposed renewable energy projects – a main component to ensure compliance with the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP) under Republic Act 11285 known as the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act of 2019.IMT

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In his message during the deployment ceremony, ASEAN STG Iloilo commander and Police Regional Office (PRO-6)Director, Brig. Gen. Josefino Ligan, said the occasion recognizes the weight and honor of the responsibility the security forces are about to carry.

“You stand at the front line of our nation’s commitment, not only to regional cooperation, but to international stability and progress. This is more than a deployment – it is a mission that reflects our country’s professionalism and credibility on the global stage,” he said.

He said their vigilance and dedication will create a secure environment where delegates can focus on meaningful dialogue on policies and economic strategies.

The security forces consisted of 1,547 police personnel and 160 from the Philippine Coast Guard, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Bureau of Fire Protection.

Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas, in her message delivered by Councilor Sedfrey Cabaluna, said that while the city is on full alert for the upcoming Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival, they are also intensifying readiness for the ASEAN-related meetings that Iloilo City will proudly host.

“Over the past few months, we have been preparing thoroughly – from planning to coordinating, conducting meetings, and fine-tuning our systems. Because of all that hard work, I can honestly say I am confident in our readiness. I know that Iloilo City is in capable hands,” she said.

She said Iloilo City is not just hosting as a local government, but is representing the Philippines on the international stage.

“We are known as an emerging Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions or MICE destination, and the way we ensure safety and order will speak volumes about who we are as a city and as a country,” the city mayor said.

In a previous interview, Iloilo City Police Office officer-in-charge Col. Wilbert Parilla said they are expecting delegates to start arriving on Saturday and Sunday.PNA

The post 1.7K personnel to secure ASEAN meeting in Iloilo City first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

Secretary Lotilla underscored that, while large-scale infrastructure projects remain important, household-level interventions such as rainwater harvesting can play a significant role in alleviating pressure on city drainage systems during periods of heavy rainfall.

“Harvesting rainwater at the household and community level provides an immediate way to reduce the pressure on clogged city drains. Every volume helps. By capturing rain from rooftops before it hits the ground, the total volume of water entering the streets is reduced, and the moment when drainage pipes are most likely to burst or overflow is significantly delayed,” he said.

The DENR recommended that residents regularly inspect and clean gutters to maintain unobstructed rainwater flow.

Installing a diverter or downspout bypass enables the collection of rainwater in storage containers, such as a 200-liter drum or rain barrel positioned on a stable base.

Covering the container with fine mesh prevents mosquito breeding and debris accumulation.

A hose attached to the base of the container allows for the use of stored water in non-potable applications, including watering plants, cleaning outdoor areas, and flushing toilets.

By diverting rainwater from drainage systems during storms, households can both reduce the risk of urban flooding and conserve water for routine domestic purposes.

“Rainwater harvesting, in simple terms, is one way to prevent heavy rainwater from flooding our streets. It also helps us conserve water for better utilization. It may not be best for drinking but it can surely help in chores, such as watering plants and washing vehicles,” said Raul Lorilla, Regional Executive Director of DENR VI, echoing Secretary Lotilla’s message.

Lorilla also highlighted the importance of practicing rainwater collection year-round.

“Climate change and the intensity of sun rays have a big impact on our daily activities, especially in water resources. Let us practice rainwater collection not just during El Niño but all year round,” he said.

The DENR’s promotion of household-level rainwater harvesting is intended to complement ongoing infrastructure initiatives and to encourage proactive environmental management within urban communities.IMT

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This milestone represents a dramatic leap from the initial baseline, when just 28 percent—or about three in every ten students—were reading at grade level in English at the start of the program.

Much of this progress is attributed to the Proof of Concept (POC) model, launched in collaboration with the Synergeia Foundation.

The pilot program spanned communities from Barotac Viejo to Iloilo City, uniting diverse LGUs in a shared mission.

LGU-driven literacy reform

Through the POC framework, Iloilo embraced a whole-of-government strategy for literacy, engaging communities in needs assessments and empowering LGUs to lead tailored reading initiatives that complemented national education efforts.

The province guaranteed every teacher and student had the resources they needed, pairing this with robust monitoring from classrooms to the provincial capitol.

Mayors were inspired to champion literacy as a cornerstone of community development.

“We treat education as a core responsibility and function, notwithstanding that it is not a devolved function,” Defensor said during the summit.

‘Bulig Eskwela sang Probinsya‘

The governor also spotlighted Bulig Eskwela sang Probinsya (BES Probins), the province’s flagship reform that aims to bridge literacy gaps, fortify school facilities, and boost student growth through dynamic LGU involvement.

The initiative’s impressive outcomes captured national interest. Senator Bam Aquino, who was present at the summit, voiced plans to invite Defensor to a Senate hearing to discuss bringing the Iloilo model to the entire country.

Iloilo’s story now stands as a powerful example of how committed local leadership, strategic planning, and ongoing monitoring can close learning gaps and achieve real progress in basic education.IMT

The post Iloilo’s literacy reform yields 98% reading proficiency first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

“It is the sense of the Senate… to protect all Filipinos against extraordinary rendition and guarantee them a reasonable time… to seek redress from the courts,” the resolution read.

The move follows debates over former President Rodrigo Duterte’s surrender to the ICC, which the bloc said undermined due process and national sovereignty under Republic Act No. 9851. 

It also cited reports naming incumbent Senators Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa Ang Christopher “Bong” Go as “co-perpetrators” in an ICC document.

“Due process and the rule of law should not be sacrificed at the altar of a blind pursuit of justice,” the resolution stressed.

Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano said the Constitution is clear and that Filipinos facing accusations have the right to seek relief before local courts prior to any international action.IMT

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“Natanggap na ang gantimpala nang nagsampa ng disbarment case sa akin,” Roque said in a Facebook post.

Matibag, a former Duterte Cabinet official, filed the complaint before the Supreme Court in September 2024, accusing Roque of spreading false claims about a video that allegedly showed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. using illegal drugs.

Roque, now seeking asylum in the Netherlands, dismissed the case as a “desperate act of attention” and said his posts were protected free speech on a matter of public interest.

Matibag cited lawyers’ ethical rules against spreading unverified claims, saying the complaint was not politically motivated.

The NBI’s digital forensic exam later found that the person in the viral video was not Marcos Jr.IMT

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The suggestion is good but needs careful evaluation to ensure it will truly benefit young users, according to Palace Press Officer Claire Castro.

“Kung ito po ay makakatulong sa ating mga kabataan, pag-aaralan po ito para kung anuman ang kanilang maibibigay na suhestiyon ay maaaring maipatupad,” she said.

Several bills have been filed seeking to restrict minors’ social media use, with varying minimum age requirements. 

Experts said any framework should balance child protection and freedom of expression, noting that childhood development varies.

Some countries abroad have started imposing restrictions on minors’ access to social media.IMT

The post Palace eyes study on minors’ social media use  first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.