Filipinos will get to exercise their right to vote again during the local elections.
Image: COMELEC Facebook Page
After the intense campaign period that lasted for weeks, the synchronized Sangguniang Kabataan (Youth Council) and barangay election day in Metro Manila and nationwide is finally happening on Monday, May 14. The day is declared by the Philippine government as a special non-working holiday to allow voters to participate in the election. In other news, a newly opened road aims to shorten the travel time from Manila to Bulacan. However those who will venture on a road trip will have to be careful with the weather as it ranges from very humid to chances of light thunderstorms.
Weather: Mostly cloudy skies with possibility of thunderstorms
The hot weather is still consistently reaching high temperatures with the week’s day temperature ranging from 34 °C up to 35 °C. There are chances of few light thunderstorms in some certain areas in Metro Manila more likely during the first days of the week, so bringing an umbrella when heading out is practical. Meanwhile, the summer nights will be cold with a night temperature ranging from 24 °C to 27°C [1]. During day time, be sure to wear sunscreen with large SPF protection and bring an extra umbrella for the unpredictable weather.
Traffic News: Newly opened road shortens Manila to Bulacan travel time
The Department of Public Work and Highways (DPWH) officially opened the Plaridel Bypass Road which was unveiled last May 5 [2]. The newly opened road will link Maharlika Highway to North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), resulting in approximately 45 minutes of travel from Manila to Bulacan and vice versa.
Travel Update: No passport application on May 14; PAL will start to stop Manila to Caticlan flights
No passport appointments on May 14
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will suspend its passport handling operations on May 14 after the government declared the day as a non-working holiday [3]. Those who have confirmed passport appointments on May 14 may be accommodated at the original DFA site from May 15 to 25. Meanwhile mall-based consular DFA offices will only entertain a limited number of walk-in applicants on the said dates as well.
Manila to Caticlan flights suspended until October 26
Philippine Airlines announced that from May 16 to October 26, 2018 they will be suspending Manila to Caticlan flights until Boracay is reopened to the public [4]. The airline will also open more flights to Cebu and other local tourist destinations in the country such as Puerto Princesa, Bacolod, Siargao, and Basuanga. Boracay is initially set to reopen on October 27.
Passed Law: COMELEC’s election rules and prohibitions implemented
To secure a more safe election process, the Commission on Election (COMELEC) imposed prohibitions on carrying deadly weapons such as knives and guns within a radius of one hundred meters on fixed hours and days during the entire election period. Carrying firearms outside residences or in places of business is also illegal unless given authorization by the commission. Exceptions are given to people authorized by the agency to carry firearms. Other rules, regulations, and prohibitions implemented by COMELEC can be found at their website.
References:
[1] https://bit.ly/2rBVlYT
[2] https://bit.ly/2IyjOZy
[3] https://bit.ly/2FQwk1m
[4] https://bit.ly/2KSJjmX
[5] https://bit.ly/2ryLhQz
About Denisse Shawntel Tan
Denisse Tan is currently a work in progress: she’s an aspiring writer, artist, and fashion designer! She’s trying to figure out how to manage her time in achieving all of her goals while also taking in life as humanly possible. Aside from art, she’s a big fan of the color pink, disco music, Bratz dolls, and Genshin Impact. By age 35, she plans to travel to New York City 🗽.
Disclaimer: All articles in the Consumers Magazine of Yoorekka are
for general information and entertainment purposes only. Although
careful research has been made in writing them, Yoorekka does not
make any warranty about the completeness and accuracy of all
information presented in our articles. Our content is not intended
to be used in place of legal, medical, or any professional advice.