“Expelled, But Not Barred: COMELEC Chief Garcia Says Barzaga May Still Run Again”

The political spotlight remains on former Cavite 4th District Representative Kiko Barzaga following his expulsion from the House of Representatives, as COMELEC Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia clarified that the move does not automatically prevent him from seeking public office again.

Garcia explained that Barzaga may still file his Certificate of Candidacy, stressing that expulsion from Congress is not equivalent to a lifetime ban from politics.

“Yes, he can file his Certificate of Candidacy because his removal as a Congressman is not a perpetual disqualification to hold public office,” Garcia said.

The COMELEC chief emphasized that any challenge to Barzaga’s possible candidacy may still be elevated to the Supreme Court, but existing laws and jurisprudence do not consider expulsion as a permanent disqualification.

“Based on our laws, existing Supreme Court decisions, and legal provisions, this is not a ground for perpetual disqualification to hold public office. This expulsion is administrative in character,” Garcia added.

Meanwhile, COMELEC is preparing for a possible special election in the lone district of Dasmariñas, Cavite, following the vacancy created in the House.

Garcia said the poll body’s initial estimate places the cost of the special election at around ₱200 million, with Dasmariñas having a total voting population of 437,730 registered voters.

“The Constitution mandates us to conduct a special election not earlier than 60 days and not later than 90 days after a vacancy occurs in the House of Representatives,” Garcia said.

Based on the initial discussions of the COMELEC En Banc, the special election may be held on August 22 or August 29, 2026.

The issue surrounding Barzaga’s expulsion now highlights the balance between legislative discipline and the constitutional right of citizens to participate in public service, a matter that may continue to be tested in the legal arena.

Garcia's Battle Cry: 'Nobody Should Be Disenfranchised'

 

With confidence, clarity, and an unwavering commitment to democratic participation, COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Mojica Garcia delivered a powerful message to election stakeholders and the Filipino public: the 2028 National and Local Elections are moving forward, and nothing will stand in their way.

Speaking at the Stakeholders Forum and Presentation of the Draft Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Automated Election System, Garcia underscored the Commission’s commitment to transparency, stressing that public trust begins with an open and accountable electoral process.

“Ayaw natin na pinagdududahan ang ating proseso. Ayaw natin na may tanong ang ating mga kababayan. Gusto natin, as transparent as possible,” Garcia declared.

For the election chief, transparency is not just a policy, it is a promise. He assured stakeholders that every major step in the preparations for the 2028 elections will be made known to the public, reinforcing COMELEC’s commitment to credibility and integrity.

Garcia also highlighted the Commission’s determination to ensure that every eligible Filipino is given the opportunity to participate in the democratic process, regardless of budgetary or logistical challenges.

“So long as the voters are registering at nakikita natin ang init ng damdamin ng mga kababayan natin na bumoto, balewala po lahat ng challenges na ’yan. The COMELEC can always innovate,” he said.

“Kulang sa budget? Gagawa’t gagawan natin ng paraan. Nobody should be left behind. Nobody should be disenfranchised.”

The chairman likewise addressed speculation surrounding a possible “No Election” scenario linked to proposals for constitutional amendments. Garcia firmly dismissed such concerns, explaining that COMELEC’s rules on constitutional amendments remain suspended and that no active process currently exists that could disrupt the scheduled elections.

In clarifying issues surrounding candidate eligibility, Garcia pointed to existing jurisprudence, including the Jalosjos vs. COMELEC ruling, emphasizing the constitutional principle that every individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty by final judgment.

Most significantly, Garcia described the forum itself as COMELEC’s strongest public declaration that preparations for the 2028 polls are already in full swing.

“Ito po ang aming nagsusumigaw na announcement sa buong mundo, sa ating mga kababayan, na tuloy na tuloy po ang halalan sa 2028.”

With voter registration continuing to attract enthusiastic participation and preparations steadily advancing, Garcia’s message was unmistakable: COMELEC is ready to innovate, adapt, and safeguard every Filipino’s right to vote. Under his leadership, the Commission is sending a clear signal that transparency, inclusivity, and electoral integrity will remain at the heart of the nation’s democratic future.

*SiGMA Asia 2026 Day 1: Awards Gala Takes Center Stage at Conrad Hotel*

*Pasay City, June 2, 2026* – Day 2 of *SiGMA Asia 2026* shifted gears at the *SMX Convention Centre, Mall of Asia Complex* as the summit moved from expo floors to its marquee event: the *SiGMA Asia Awards Gala*. While the official opening ceremony kicked off June 2 at SMX MOA with Mr.Alejandro H.Tengco Chairperson and CEO of PAGCOR.

*SiGMA Asia Awards 2026* brought together operators, affiliates, tech providers, and regulators under one roof. The awards were adjudicated by *KPMG US*, adding weight to categories recognizing innovation, compliance, and growth across Asia’s gaming market.

The gala followed a full day of conference panels at SMX, including “Bet Big or Go Home: Why Asian Players Outspend the World” and “Prediction Markets in Asia: Event Contracts vs iGaming”. After the panels wrapped at 6:00 PM, delegates changed from business to formal for the evening ceremony.

*Day 2 Highlights at SMX MOA*

*1. Conference Depth*  

Day 2 panels doubled down on regulation, AI in gaming, Web3, and responsible gambling. With 40+ speakers on the SiGMA Asia agenda, SMX conference rooms were packed as C-level execs and PAGCOR representatives discussed Asia’s next phase of growth.

*2. Expo Still Active*  

The  expo floor remained open during the day. Booths from PG Soft, payment/AML firms, and platform developers continued demos and B2B matchmaking. The startup pitch competitions also ran sessions ahead of finals later this week.

*3. Networking Intensifies*  

With 15 networking dinners scheduled across the 4-day summit, Night 2 saw multiple VIP dinners around MOA Complex. The awards gala itself served as the biggest networking hub of the week.

 *PAGCOR & Manila’s Role*

PAGCOR Chairperson & CEO Alejandro H. Tengco’s endorsement framed both Day 1 and Day 2. Organizers reiterated that SiGMA Asia strengthens PH’s position as “Asia’s gaming hub” by bringing global SiGMA World delegates to SMX MOA. Venue access stayed 15-30 mins from NAIA, though traffic around MOA peaked as gala guests arrived.

*What’s Next*

SiGMA Asia 2026 runs through *June 3, 2026* at SMX MOA. Day 3 focuses on remaining conference tracks, final expo hours, and the last large party of the summit.

#SIGMAASIA2026

#SMXMOA

#SIGMAWORLD

*SiGMA World: SiGMA Asia 2026 Takes Over Manila May 31 – June 3*

SiGMA World, the global iGaming summit brand, is bringing its Asia flagship back to Manila. *SiGMA Asia 2026* runs *May 31 – June 3, 2026* at the *SMX Convention Centre, Mall of Asia Complex*, and it’s set to be the biggest edition yet.

*SiGMA World x SiGMA Asia: The Connection*

SiGMA World is the parent brand behind SiGMA’s global summits - Malta, Dubai, São Paulo, Cape Town, and Asia. Think of SiGMA Asia as the “World” tour stop focused purely on Asia-Pacific markets. It’s where SiGMA’s global network meets Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing gaming audience.

PAGCOR officially endorsed the event through Chairperson & CEO Alejandro H. Tengco, calling it “significant to the country’s regulated gaming and FinTech industries”. 

 *Manila 2026: Key Details*

- *Dates*: May 31 – June 3, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily

- *Venue*: SMX Convention Centre, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City

- *Expected turnout*: 20,000+ attendees from operators, affiliates, regulators, fintech, and Web3

- *Format*:  expo + conference + networking + awards.

*What’s on the Agenda*

*1. World-Class Expo Floor*

Two levels of exhibitors: land-based & online casino operators, gaming software/platform devs, payment + AML compliance, responsible gaming bodies, marketing, data analytics, and e-learning firms. Big brands like PG Soft are already booked with massive booths. 

*2. SiGMA World Conference*

Panels designed for SiGMA’s global audience but tailored to Asia. Day 2 highlights:

- “Bet Big or Go Home: Why Asian Players Outspend the World”

- “Prediction Markets in Asia: Event Contracts vs iGaming” 

Themes cover regulation, AI in gaming, Web3, esports, and responsible gambling. SiGMA World summits pull 2,600+ Reuters journalists worth of global context, but Asia edition focuses on APAC growth. 

*3. SiGMA World Networking*

This is what SiGMA is famous for:

- 15 networking dinners across Manila

- 2 large parties

- B2B/B2C matchmaking zones for deals

- Two startup pitch competitions for new iGaming tech 

*4. SiGMA Asia Awards Gala*

June 2, 2026 at SMX. Adjudicated by KPMG US, it recognizes top operators, affiliates, and tech providers in Asia. 

 *Why Manila for SiGMA World*

SiGMA chose Manila again because the Philippines is now “Asia’s gaming hub”. With PAGCOR’s regulatory framework + high digital adoption, Manila gives global SiGMA World delegates direct access to compliance, investors, and SE Asia’s player base. Venue is 15-30 mins from NAIA. 

 *Who Should Go*

If you’re part of SiGMA World’s ecosystem - operators, affiliates, payment providers, regulators, investors, content creators - SiGMA Asia 2026 is your APAC entry point. Sponsors include global regulators, industry associations, and major gaming brands. 

 *Tickets & Registration*

Register via the official SiGMA Asia organizer site. General delegate tickets are listed FREE on some platforms. VIP/Platinum gets you networking drinks + premium events. Most attendees stay near MOA for SMX + after-party access. Grab is the go-to transport. 

*Bottom line*: SiGMA World brings the global iGaming playbook to Manila every year. SiGMA Asia 2026 is that playbook applied to APAC - 4 days of panels, pitches, PAGCOR-backed networking, and parties that set the region’s agenda.

George Garcia's Election Equation: More Preparation Less Complication

 

As the September 14, 2026 Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections draw near, Commission on Elections Chairman George Erwin Mojica Garcia is leaving nothing to chance.

Demonstrating his trademark hands-on leadership, Garcia assured the public that the COMELEC is fully prepared for what is expected to be one of the most significant electoral exercises in the region’s history. His message is clear and unequivocal: every vote must count, every precinct must function, and every voter must be able to exercise their democratic right peacefully and securely.

“Handang-handa na po ang COMELEC para sa ating September 14, 2026 BARMM Parliamentary Election,” Garcia declared, emphasizing that election preparations are already in full swing.

Central to COMELEC’s strategy is the strengthening of election security. Garcia revealed that, if necessary, checkpoints throughout the region will be jointly manned by the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and other government agencies. However, he was quick to stress that security measures must always respect the rights of motorists and passengers.

According to Garcia, law enforcement personnel have been instructed to strictly observe the “plain view doctrine” and ensure that security operations do not infringe upon civil liberties.

Beyond security concerns, Garcia has set an ambitious but critical goal for the upcoming polls.

“Isa lang ang instruction natin: Walang failure of election sa kahit na anong presinto sa buong 5,212 na presinto sa buong Bangsamoro.”

The statement reflects Garcia’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that every one of the 5,212 polling precincts across the Bangsamoro region successfully conducts elections without disruption.

Recognizing the need for more accurate and unified reporting of election-related incidents, Garcia also called for the creation of a Technical Working Group composed of COMELEC, the PNP, and the AFP. The initiative aims to establish a common definition and methodology in classifying election-related violence, a long-standing issue that has often resulted in discrepancies between data reported by election authorities and security agencies.

By promoting inter-agency coordination, Garcia hopes to create a more transparent and reliable system for monitoring security threats and ensuring public confidence in the electoral process.

Meanwhile, COMELEC is also intensifying preparations on the technical side of the elections. Garcia disclosed that training and roadshow ballots are currently being printed at the National Printing Office. These ballots are designed to closely resemble the actual ballots that will be used during election day, allowing election personnel and teachers to familiarize themselves with the voting process and automated election equipment.

The initiative is expected to help identify potential operational issues early while giving teachers and election workers hands-on experience in setting up and managing voting machines.

Under Garcia’s stewardship, COMELEC continues to pursue a proactive approach that combines security, transparency, technological preparedness, and voter confidence. His leadership reflects a determination not only to conduct an election but to deliver a credible, orderly, and peaceful democratic exercise for the people of Bangsamoro.

As election day approaches, Chairman George Garcia’s message resonates across the region: preparation is the best guarantee of a successful election, and for COMELEC, failure is simply not an option.

“COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Mojica Garcia Mindful of rules and laws RE: Marcoleta Probe”

George Erwin Mojica Garcia clarified that the Commission on Elections remains ready to coordinate and extend assistance to the Ombudsman regarding matters involving Senator Rodolfo ‘Marco’ Marcoleta, but stressed that, on the part of the COMELEC, the motu proprio investigation against the senator has already been dismissed.

In a recent statement, Chairman Garcia explained that the poll body has not yet discussed any possibility of reviving the case, especially since no Motion for Reconsideration (MR) has been filed before the Commission.

The statement highlights COMELEC’s adherence to due process and procedural rules, emphasizing that any further action would depend on formal legal developments rather than speculation or public pressure.

Garcia likewise reiterated the agency’s openness to cooperate with other government institutions whenever necessary, reflecting the COMELEC’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and inter-agency coordination.

While political discussions continue to swirl around the issue, the poll chief made it clear that, for now, the case remains closed on the COMELEC’s end unless new legal remedies are officially pursued.

#GeorgeErwinMojicaGarcia

#RisingTigers

#TagMedia

How Sarah Deloraya-Mateo Turned Determination into Success, Elegance, and Legacy

Elegance is often seen in designer handbags, luxurious homes, refined style, and the confidence of a woman who has made her mark in the world. But for Sarah Deloraya-Mateo, true luxury was never handed to her, it was earned through sacrifice, sleepless nights, unwavering faith, and thirty years of relentless perseverance.

Today, the founder and CEO of SPD Jobs, Inc. embodies the image of a modern exquisite woman: accomplished, graceful, resilient, and deeply grounded in purpose. Behind the sophisticated lifestyle, elegant fashion choices, beautiful home, and successful career is a woman who once started with only ₱50,000, a dream, and the courage to believe in herself when few others did.

During SPD Jobs’ 30th Anniversary celebration, Sarah delivered an emotional speech titled “Legacy and Leap: A Story of 30 Years, Told from the Heart,” where she looked back on the struggles that shaped her remarkable journey from a young respiratory therapist to one of the country’s respected business leaders.

“While others were sleeping, I was working. While others were enjoying their weekends, I was working,” Sarah shared. “Not because I had to. But because I believed.”

Long before the designer clothes, luxury bags, and successful corporate life, Sarah spent countless nights balancing hospital work while quietly building a dream on the side. In a world where women in business were often underestimated, she pushed forward with quiet determination and extraordinary grit.

“I believed that hard work, perseverance, and faith could turn even the smallest dream into something that would one day outlive me,” she said.

One of the most pivotal moments in her life came after reading The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy, a book that transformed the way she viewed herself and her future.

“That book taught me that what the mind can conceive and the heart can believe, God can make possible,” she recalled. “I stopped asking, ‘Can I do this?’ and started declaring, ‘I will do this.’”

From humble beginnings inside a tiny office shared with her sister Abby and cousin Alyne, SPD Jobs slowly evolved into a nationwide company recognized for excellence, earning ISO 9001:2015 certification and the prestigious Philippine Quality Award (PQA) Level 2.

Yet despite her success and comfortable life today, Sarah remains deeply connected to her roots. She openly acknowledges that the life she now enjoys, the beautiful home, elegant lifestyle, and financial stability, was built not through privilege, but through discipline, resilience, and purpose.

For Sarah, fashion and success are not about vanity; they are reflections of a woman who refused to surrender to hardship. Every achievement she now enjoys symbolizes years of sacrifice, courage, and self-belief.

“Legacy is every single life that passed through our hands and left a little brighter than before,” she said during her speech.

In one of the most memorable moments of the evening, Sarah explained the true meaning behind SPD:

“S means Strength. P means Purpose. D means Destiny,” she proudly declared.

Today, Sarah Deloraya-Mateo stands as more than a successful CEO. She is an exquisite woman of substance, proof that elegance becomes more powerful when it is built on hard work, humility, faith, and the determination to rise above every obstacle life presents.