Marcos Fills Comelec with Loyalists? Meet the 2 New Power Players Shaping PH Elections!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a significant development for the Philippines' electoral system, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed two seasoned insiders to the Commission on Elections (Comelec), completing its seven-member en banc ahead of the May 12 national and local elections. The new commissioners, Maria Norina Tangaro-Casingal and Noli Rafol Pipo, bring decades of experience within the Comelec, promising continuity and expertise in the commission's operations.

Profiles of the New Commissioners

Maria Norina Tangaro-Casingal has dedicated 27 years to the Comelec, culminating in her role as the head of the Legal Department since 2016. Her extensive legal background and deep understanding of election laws position her as a valuable asset to the commission. Upon her appointment, Tangaro-Casingal took her oath before Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia and will serve in the First Division alongside Commissioners Aimee Ferolino-Ampoloquio and Ernesto Ferdinand Maceda Jr. 

Noli Rafol Pipo's tenure with the Comelec spans 32 years, beginning as an election officer in Bangued, Abra, in 1993. He advanced to become the provincial election officer for Ilocos Sur in 1996 and later served as the regional director for Region 1. Pipo's extensive field experience provides him with a comprehensive perspective on the electoral process. He is set to take his oath on Wednesday and will join the Second Division with Commissioners Rey Bulay and Nelson Celis. 

Implications of the Appointments

The appointments of Tangaro-Casingal and Pipo fill the vacancies left by the recent retirements of Commissioners Socorro Inting and Marlon Casquejo, respectively. Their inclusion means that five of the seven Comelec commissioners are now appointees of President Marcos Jr., following his earlier appointments of Chairman Garcia, Commissioner Celis, and Commissioner Maceda in 2022. By February 2027, the entire Comelec en banc is expected to consist of Marcos appointees. 

Chairman Garcia expressed gratitude to the President for the timely appointments, emphasizing the importance of a complete commission in making decisive rulings, especially with the upcoming elections. He noted that having insiders as commissioners boosts the morale of Comelec personnel and ensures that the appointees are well-versed in the intricacies of the electoral process. 

Looking Ahead

With the en banc now complete, the Comelec is poised to intensify its preparations for the May 12 elections. The commission has already made significant progress, having printed approximately 13 million ballots as of early February, surpassing its initial daily target. The inclusion of experienced insiders like Tangaro-Casingal and Pipo is anticipated to enhance the commission's efficiency and effectiveness in overseeing the electoral process. 

The appointments underscore the administration's commitment to strengthening the country's democratic institutions by entrusting leadership roles to individuals with proven track records and deep institutional knowledge. As the nation approaches the midterm elections, the reinforced Comelec en banc is expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring free, fair, and credible elections.

2025 Elections: Will Your Candidate Save the Planet or Destroy It?

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As the 2025 Philippine midterm elections commence, environmental advocacy groups are urging candidates to prioritize ecological issues in their platforms, emphasizing that genuine public service inherently includes environmental stewardship.

Environmental Watchdogs Call for Green Agendas

BAN Toxics, an environmental watchdog, has called on candidates to integrate robust environmental policies into their electoral agendas. Key areas of focus include addressing the waste crisis, mitigating plastic pollution, protecting the public from hazardous chemicals, and conserving natural resources through responsible practices in forestry and mining. Thony Dizon, BAN Toxics' Campaign and Advocacy Officer, stated, "Protecting the environment is synonymous with protecting the public from climate change-induced disasters and exposure to toxic chemicals. Candidates must recognize that environmental issues are not separate from public welfare—they directly impact health, livelihoods, and future generations." 

Echoing this sentiment, the EcoWaste Coalition has aligned with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in advocating for an ecological campaign that respects and cares for the environment. They urge candidates and their supporters to adhere to COMELEC guidelines to ensure that the midterm elections are environmentally responsible. 

COMELEC's Environmental Guidelines

COMELEC has issued guidelines encouraging the use of recyclable and environmentally friendly materials in campaign propaganda. Candidates are urged to avoid materials containing hazardous chemicals and substances, as outlined in Section 7 of COMELEC Resolution No. 11086. COMELEC Chairman George Garcia emphasized that the election season should not be an excuse for candidates to litter or dispose of garbage in public places. 

Legislative Advocacy for Environmental Action

Senator Loren Legarda has called for decisive action to tackle the mounting environmental crises facing the Philippines. She reaffirmed her commitment to addressing the "triple planetary crisis"—a term encompassing the interconnected environmental challenges of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. 

Recent Environmental Developments in the Philippines

The Philippines has been at the forefront of advocating for climate justice, pushing for accountability from major polluters due to its vulnerability to climate-related disasters. 

In a significant move towards sustainable energy, the Philippines and UAE's Masdar have signed a $15 billion renewable energy agreement to develop solar, wind, and battery storage systems, aiming to provide up to 1 gigawatt of clean power by 2030. This initiative aligns with the country's goal to reduce fossil fuel dependency and increase the share of clean energy in its power mix. 

Additionally, the Asian Development Bank has approved a $500 million loan to aid the Philippines in combating climate change. This funding aims to advance reforms for climate resilience and low-carbon adaptation in critical sectors such as agriculture, natural resources, energy, and transport. 

The Imperative for Environmental Commitment

As the campaign season unfolds, it is imperative for candidates to demonstrate a genuine commitment to environmental protection. This includes responsible use of campaign materials, adherence to environmental laws, and the integration of sustainable practices into their platforms. By doing so, they not only serve the people but also safeguard the environment for future generations.

BAN Toxics plans to release its own set of environmental agendas throughout the election period to guide candidates in integrating environmental protection into their platforms and to raise public awareness on pressing ecological issues that need urgent action. Their call is clear: serve the people, protect the environment.

Wazzup Pilipinas and AYAN PH: A Partnership for ASEAN Youth Empowerment

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Empowering the Future: An Invitation from AYAN PH to Wazzup Pilipinas

In a world where youth empowerment is key to driving social progress, organizations like the ASEAN Youth Advocates Network Philippines (AYAN PH) are leading the charge in creating a generation of changemakers. Recognizing the influential role of media in shaping narratives and amplifying advocacy, AYAN PH is extending an exclusive invitation to Wazzup Pilipinas to become a Perennial Partner for the fiscal year 2025.

This partnership offers a unique opportunity to work together in empowering young leaders, fostering ASEAN unity, and advocating for sustainable development. As the most credible source of news and stories, Wazzup Pilipinas is in a prime position to amplify the voices of Filipino youth and bring attention to groundbreaking initiatives that shape the future of ASEAN.

AYAN PH: Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders

As a youth-led, non-profit, and socio-civic organization, AYAN PH is dedicated to instilling passion for service, volunteerism, and innovation among young Filipinos. Their mission is to empower youth to take an active role in national and regional development, ensuring their voices are heard in critical conversations surrounding governance, sustainability, and cultural unity​

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Through strategic collaborations, AYAN PH aligns its programs with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that young people are not just participants but leaders in building a resilient, inclusive, and progressive ASEAN.

Why Wazzup Pilipinas? A Strategic Media Partner

Wazzup Pilipinas has long been recognized as a leading online news platform, bridging communities through impactful storytelling, advocacy journalism, and tourism promotion. With a strong presence in digital media and grassroots engagement, Wazzup Pilipinas has the power to elevate AYAN PH’s message of youth leadership and ASEAN unity.

Through this partnership, Wazzup Pilipinas can:

✅ Highlight AYAN PH’s advocacy programs and bring their impact to a wider audience.

✅ Engage with ASEAN youth leaders and share their inspiring stories.

✅ Promote sustainable tourism initiatives that align with Wazzup Pilipinas' mission.

✅ Drive meaningful conversations on governance, sustainability, and social change.

AYAN PH’s Key Initiatives for 2025

Wazzup Pilipinas is invited to be an integral part of AYAN PH’s high-impact projects and events for 2025. These include:

🔹 5Ps SDG Youth Summit (TBA)

A multi-installment summit focusing on sustainability, youth leadership, and SDG action plans.

🔹 ASEAN Youth Tourism Forum (August 2025, TBA)

A platform that encourages responsible tourism, environmental conservation, and youth engagement in the tourism industry.

🔹 National Indigenous People Youth Camp (October 2025, TBA)

A deep dive into indigenous culture, heritage preservation, and social justice, fostering inclusivity among ASEAN youth.

🔹 ASEAN Human Rights and Peace Camp (December 2025, National University - Clark, Pampanga)

A crucial event promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions, empowering youth to be catalysts for positive change in their communities​

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With Wazzup Pilipinas’ participation, these events will gain greater visibility and impact, reaching more young leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders across the region.

A Proven Track Record: AYAN PH’s Advocacy in Action

AYAN PH has already spearheaded numerous successful initiatives that demonstrate the power of youth advocacy, including:

ASEAN Youth Month 2024 – Focused on indigenous rights, reducing inequalities, and cultural preservation.

Tourism Week 2024 – Highlighted youth-driven eco-tourism and environmental sustainability.

National Nutrition Youth Summit 2024 – Addressed food security, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture.

National Council Assembly 2024 – Brought youth leaders together to align advocacy work with the SDGs.

By partnering with AYAN PH, Wazzup Pilipinas can actively shape the discourse on youth empowerment, sustainability, and leadership.

The Call to Action: Join AYAN PH as a Perennial Partner

AYAN PH is not just inviting Wazzup Pilipinas to cover its events—it is offering a chance to become a key player in a transformative movement. Through its Perennial Sponsorship Program, Wazzup Pilipinas can:

✅ Be a co-presenter of key youth events and initiatives.

✅ Engage directly with ASEAN’s next generation of leaders.

✅ Gain exclusive content and interviews with young changemakers.

✅ Enhance its CSR and advocacy footprint in ASEAN.

With shared goals of youth empowerment, sustainability, and impactful storytelling, this partnership can set a new standard for media-driven advocacy in ASEAN.

For further discussions on this collaboration, AYAN PH can be reached at:

📩 philippines@aseanyouthadvocates.org

📞 0919-250-3849 (Viber)

Together, Wazzup Pilipinas and AYAN PH can drive youth-led change—one story, one initiative, and one empowered leader at a time. The future of ASEAN begins with its youth, and the youth need platforms like Wazzup Pilipinas to amplify their voices.

Let’s build One ASEAN Youth Community, together!