MANILA, Philippines - The Senate committee on electoral reforms and people’s participation has started deliberations on the proposed bill that would define and outlaw political dynasties in the country.

While the bill is not expected to be approved in the 15th Congress, Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III said the conduct of committee hearings now and the possible release of the recommendations by the committee could provide the next Congress with a starting point for deliberations on the issue if such is revived.

MANILA (UPDATE 1) - The Supreme Court (SC) affirmed with finality the validity of the Commission on Elections' (COMELEC) P1.8 billion purchase of election systems provider Smartmatic-TIM's precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines for next year’s mid-term elections.

Well-placed ABS-CBN News sources bared that with a vote of 8 out of 11 justices present in its Tuesday en banc session, the high court junked the motion for reconsideration (MR) filed by the Automated Election Systems Watch (AES Watch), one of four petitioners that challenged the deal, thereby affirming its June 13 ruling.

The Supreme Court has affirmed with finality the legality of the Commission on Elections’ P1.8-billion deal for the purchase from Smartmatic-TIM of precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines to automate next year’s polls.

At an en banc session on Tuesday, majority of the justices voted to sustain their June 13 decision and dismiss the motion for reconsideration filed by the Automated Election System Watch led by former Vice President Teofisto Guingona Jr.

CANDELARIA, Quezon, Oct. 22 (PIA) -- The Quezon provincial government has allotted P25-million fund for a pipeline installation project in this town. 

The pipeline installation project will benefit thousands of residents who have been waiting for a better supply of potable water, Quezon Gov. David Suarez.

THE HOUSE of Representatives yesterday passed on second reading a priority measure that adds two years to the basic education system, known as K to 12.

“HB (House Bill) 6643 is approved on second reading,” Deputy Speaker Pablo P. Garcia (2nd district, Cebu) said yesterday after the chamber approved the measure by voice vote.