“Good at the wrong place and time becomes evil; evil in the right place and time becomes good.”― Bangambiki Habyarimana, Pearls Of Eternity

NOW that the Holy Week is over, expect the “evils spirits” to come out firing on all cylinders in the resumption of campaign period for the May 12, 2025 Philippine election.

These evil spirits come from both the opposing parties and don’t obey elections laws.

Early in the campaign period (only between February 11-May 10), they have given the Commission on Elections (Comelec) tremendous headaches with their glaring violations of election laws as shown, for instance, by the arrest of many gun-toting rascals identified with the camps of some political titans in many so-called election “hotspots.”

Many candidates and their supporters were also seen campaigning discreetly on Maundy Thursday (April 17) and Good Friday (April 18), which was supposedly not allowed by the Comelec, and got away with it.

Some candidates, their spouses and relatives within the second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity, and their campaign managers, agents, and representatives were also reportedly seen giving donations in kind and in cash on various occasions, which was also a violation of Comelec directives.

Why weren’t they apprehended and disqualified?

Because some of them wield tremendous political power and influence in their respective territories and witnesses were adamant and afraid to report and cooperate with authorities for fear of reprisal and losing their moolah.

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They will continue to ignore and violate some directives provided by the Comelec, which has set January 12 to June 11, 2025 as the election period pursuant to existing laws as they are wont to do in the previous elections.

Several prohibited acts have already been implemented nationwide; and here are the important things supposedly not allowed during the election period:

-Bearing, carrying, or transporting firearms or other deadly weapons, unless authorized in writing by the commission;

-Using of security personnel or bodyguards by candidate, unless authorized in writing by the commission;

-Alteration of territory of a precinct or establishment of a new precinct;

-Transferring or detailing of officers and employees in the civil service, except upon prior approval of the commission;

-Organization or maintenance of reaction forces, strike forces, or similar forces.

-Suspension of elective provincial, city, municipal, or barangay officer without prior approval of the commission.

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TWO KINDS OF TRUTH. 1. Empirical, or factual truth: “There are more than 30 million Facebook users around the world.” This is true as a matter of fact.   2. Necessary truth: “5 + 5 = 10.” This is true and cannot be possibly false.

SMOKING makes us grow older. Early wrinkling occurs due to reduced levels of the oxygen needed to keep skin healthy. Smoking is the prime source of oxygen deprivation. If a smoker is in the process of quitting, he or she must drink lots of water.

STRESS CAN DESTROY OUR SKIN. A continual menu of stress causes the skin to become sensitive and prone to breakouts. Regular exercise and mediation will help diffuse its effects. Lying on a bed with our head hanging down off the side is a super destresser.

All the major religions have the same potential to help humanity. It’s not just Christianity, Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Judaism.

What facts will prove the existence of God? Theist’s proof: It is stated in the Bible. Atheist’s reply: Not all statements in the Bible are true. Theist’s proof: It experiences God in a vision. Atheist’s reply: Mere hallucinations, doesn’t prove anything.

Self-centeredness inhibits our love for others, and we are all afflicted by it to one degree or another. For true happiness to come about, we need a calm mind, and such peace of mind is brought about only by a compassionate attitude. (How to develop compassion, The Compassionate Life)

Alex P. Vidal, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two leading newspapers in Iloilo, Philippines.—Ed