ABS-CBN Halalan 2013 Most Watched, Most Tweeted Election Coverage

Most Filipinos nationwide got their latest election news from ABS-CBN on Monday (May 13) and went online to send their thoughts via Twitter that made ABS-CBN’s “Halalan 2013” coverage a trending topic on the social networking site.

Based on Kantar Media data covering national urban and rural homes, ABS-CBN’s “Bayan Mo, iPatrol Mo: Tayo Na Halalan 2013” coverage drew a cumulative average of national TV rating of 13.7% from 6 am to 12 midnight vs. GMA’s Eleksyon 2013’s 10%. 

ABS-CBN’s flagship newscast “TV Patrol,” anchored by Noli De Castro, Korina Sanchez, and Ted Failon, hit a 27% national TV rating or nine points higher than rival program “24 Oras” that only recorded 18.4%.

Filipino netizens also kept track of election news on Twitter where ABS-CBN’s “Halalan 2013” coverage became a trending topic. The hashtag #Halalan2013 was the only election coverage-based hashtag of a news organization to have landed among the social networking site’s trending topics.

ABS-CBN also highlighted the results in the hotly contested local races featured in its “KampanyaSerye” documentaries in areas like Manila, Masbate, Cavite, Cebu, Pampanga, Zamboanga, and Laguna to contextualize what the results mean to the electorate.

Aside from focusing on local election rivalries, ABS-CBN also delivered fresh updates on the results in overseas absentee voting through its international news bureaus stationed all around the world.

With the help of about half a million Bayan Patrollers and 221 reporters in the Philippines and key global cities scattered in 45 live points, ABS-CBN was not only able to deliver the most comprehensive news coverage on the elections but also report election irregularities in different localities through its different media platforms. It also had the most credible and authoritative analysts dissecting the issues and results on “Halalan 2013.”

“Halalan 2013” also marked the uninterrupted 48-hour election coverage for ANC and DZMM TeleRadyo for both cable TV and AM radio audiences. ABS-CBNNews.com provided the latest news, analysis of results, and as well as a social media tracker, launched in partnership with IBM Philippines, to monitor the social media buzz on the positive and negative commentaries and conversations about the candidates.

ABS-CBN also empowered citizens with its Comelec-Halalan 2013 mobile app for smartphones and tablets that helped them find their precinct on election day, provided a list and profiles of candidates and partylists, as well as the latest aggragated, partial and unofficial election results in national and local polls.

Also featured in ABS-CBN’s “Halalan 2013” coverage were the celebrity patrollers for “Bayan Mo, iPatrol Mo: Tayo Na” including Bianca Gonzalez, Valerie Concepcion, Melai Cantiveros, the Philippine Azkals’ Chieffy Caligdong, John Lapus, Sam Concepcion, and Jed Madela, who received inquiries and concerns on the elections via their personal Twitter accounts.

Moreover, ABS-CBN set up BMPM stations in key areas in the country to assist voters in finding their precincts, receive complaints and reports regarding the polls, and respond to medical emergencies.

ABS-CBN’s “Halalan 2013” coverage was launched a year before the May elections to provide information to voters so they can make informed choices based on their vision for the country.

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ABS-CBN Leads Halalan 2013 Coverage

ABS-CBN, the country’s largest broadcast news organization, will provide 360-degree news coverage on different media platforms and deliver public service on-ground on Monday (May 13) when millions of Filipinos troop to polling precincts to cast their votes and choose their next batch of leaders.

For the latest votes tally (from national to local elections), click here.

“It has become a company tradition for ABS-CBN to devote all of its resources to this important coverage. Technology has become more sophisticated through the years and we have utilized different tools in support of the coverage itself, but what hasn’t changed is our commitment to cover this political exercise and present all aspects of the polls as completely as possible,” said Ging Reyes, head of the ABS-CBN Integrated News and Current Affairs.

Viewers can rely on ABS-CBN to give them real-time updates from its team of seasoned broadcast journalists ‘Kabayan’ Noli De Castro, Korina Sanchez, Ted Failon, Ces Drilon, Karen Davila, Julius Babao, Lynda Jumilla, Tony Velasquez, Anthony Taberna, Bernadette Sembrano, Pinky Webb, and Prof. Randy David who will deliver up-to-date news stories, vote count, and in-depth analyses of reports from over 30 live points in the country from 5 AM on Monday (May 13) to noon on Tuesday (May 14).

ABS-CBN will also utilize augmented reality to help viewers understand reports better and an interactive map that will monitor the latest results and candidate information in key areas.

Aside from giving groundbreaking news coverage, ABS-CBN will also put up “Bayan Mo, iPatrol Mo” stations all over the country where voters can ask information about their precincts and other poll-related concerns. The BMPM team will then link them to the authorized government agencies and groups.

Moreover, the BMPM stations will serve as centers where voters in the area can file reports about election irregularities and problems and will have first aid personnel and equipment on stand-by to respond to medical emergencies.

This public service effort anchors on the influence of BMPM and its half a million Bayan Patrollers who are prepared to share election-related information from their areas to ensure honest and peaceful elections. 

“Citizen engagement and the movement for change are a constant. Both of them go on even without an election. That’s how dedicated we are to the idea of citizen involvement and that is the reason we start really early,” said Reyes, emphasizing why ABS-CBN’s “Halalan 2013” coverage and “BMPM Tayo Na” movement were launched a year before the May 13 polls.

ABS-CBN’s “Halalan 2013” coverage is also defined by its “KampanyaSerye” documentaries, which made voters more involved and informed on some of the hotly contested local races, and the “Harapan 2013” live debates that gave all senatorial candidates a platform to present what they stand for.

“KampanyaSerye” will swing into high gear on May 13, as ABS-CBN reporters reexamine the electoral rivalries featured in the series and highlight the results in areas like Manila, Masbate, Cavite, Cebu, among others. This aims to contextualize what the results mean to the electorate by putting the spotlight on the newly elected candidates to remind them of the promises they made during the campaign season.

ABS-CBN’s “Halalan 2013” coverage was launched a year before the May elections to provide information to voters so they can make informed choices based on their vision for the country.

Working hand in hand with ABS-CBN in this historic “Halalan 2013” coverage are the Commission on Elections, Department of Foreign Affairs Overseas Absentee Voting Secretariat, Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, Pulse Asia Inc., and Regional Emergency Assistance Communications System (REACT) Philippines, corporate sponsors Globe Telecom, STI College, Universal Motors Corporation, and MyPhone’s Solid Group, Inc. “Halalan 2013” also tapped The Philippine Star, Business World, Manila Bulletin, and Business Mirror as its print partners and Fully Abled Nation, Management Association of the Philippines, YouthVote Philippines, and Alternative Law Groups as its cause partners. Also joining ABS-CBN’s campaign for clean elections are educational institutions such as the University of the Philippines system, La Consolacion College, University of Sto. Tomas, Ateneo School of Government, and La Salle Institute of Governance.

For the latest election-related news, watch ABS-CBN, ANC (SKyCable Channel 27), DZMM TeleRadyo (SkyCable Channel 26), Stduio 23, tune in to DZMM Radyo Patrol 630, or log on to ABS-CBNNews.com, dzmm.com.ph,bmpm.abs-cbnnews.com, halalan2013.abs-cbnnews.com or follow @ABSCBN_Halalan.

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Harapan 2013: The Senatorial Debate Part 2 Airs Live on ABS-CBN Sunday's Best (April 28)

The second batch of senatorial candidates will address pressing issues and challenge each other in the second and final “Harapan 2013: The Senatorial Debate” on ABS-CBN on Sunday (April 28), live from La Consolacion College in Manila. 

Senatorial candidates Samson Alcantara, Rep. Sonny Angara, Greco Belgica, Baldomero Falcone, Richard Gordon, Jamby Madrigal, Ricardo Penson, Grace Poe-Llamanzares, Christian Seneres, and Bro. Eddie Villanueva will debate on different national concerns and engage in the “harapan” round where one candidate will face off with another. 

They will also be asked to respond to burning questions from panelists Lynda Jumilla, Tony Velasquez and Prof. Prospero de Vera, a political analyst from UP Diliman, representatives of different sectors, netizens on social media, ordinary citizens, and students in the live audience to be moderated by Doris Bigornia. 

“HARAPAN 2013: The Senatorial Debate” is part of ABS-CBN’s “Halalan 2013,” the election coverage of the country’s largest and most trusted broadcast news organization that was launched a year before the May elections. “Halalan 2013” aims to provide information to voters so they can make informed choices based on their vision for the country. 

Don’t miss “HARAPAN 2013: The Senatorial Debate,” to be anchored by Ted Failon, on Sunday (April 28) on ABS-CBN at 9:30 PM. It will be simulcast on Studio 23, ANC (SkyCable Channel 27), and via livestreaming on www.ABS-CBNNews.com. For comments and questions during the debate, use the hashtag #HARAPAN2013 on Twitter.

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Senatorial Bets Grilled on ABS-CBN Harapan 2013: The Senatorial Debate

Twelve senatorial candidates from different political parties grilled each other on national issues in the first round of ABS-CBN’s “Harapan 2013: The Senatorial Debate” last Sunday (April 21) live from the La Consolacion College in Manila. 

The debate trended on social networking site Twitter with the hashtag #Harapan2013 as viewers and netizens posted comments and questions while watching it on ABS-CBN, ANC, Studio 23, and ABS-CBNNews.com. 

Bam Aquino, Risa Hontiveros, Jun Magsaysay Jr., and Sen. Koko Pimentel of Team PNoy; Ernesto Maceda and Rep. Mitos Magsasay of the United Nationalist Alliance; Rep. Teddy Casiño of Makabayan; JC delos Reyes, Rizalito David, and Atty. Marwil Llasos of Ang Kapatiran Party; and independent candidates Mayor Edward Hagedorn and Ramon Montaño also explained their views on the divorce bill, the lowering of the age of discernment in juvenile justice law, and if religious groups should endorse candidates in the “paspasan” portions where they candidates were given 15 seconds to give and explain their stand. 

They also answered questions from panelists Lynda Jumilla, Tony Velasquez, and Prof. Prospero de Vera and ordinary citizens with problems on gut issues such as poverty and health. 

“Harapan 2013: The Senatorial Debate,” anchored by Ted Failon, will be replayed on ANC (SkyCable Channel 27) on April 27 at 10:30 PM and on April 28 at 1 PM. 

The second batch of candidates will battle in “Harapan 2013” to be aired live on ABS-CBN on April 28 at 9:45 PM. For more information, visit halalan2013.abs-cbnnews.com and follow @ABSCBN_Halalan on Twitter.

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Aga Muhlach's Speedboat Explodes, 1 Hurt in Explosion

Actor Aga Muhlach's speedboat exploded Saturday morning, March 30, in Caramoan, Camarines Sur. The explosion left one person hurt.

According to reports, the driver of the speedboat owned by Aga Muhlach sustained multiple injuries. Identified as Jerome Pervera, he was brought to the Caramoan emergency hospital and is expected to be released Sunday.

In a statement sent to Interaksyon by Atty. Michelle Juan, Aga's chief-of-staff, it said that the explosion happened at around 6 a.m. this morning. Aga and his family were not on board at the time.

Now in a secured but undisclosed location in the said province, the couple is closely monitoring the situation. They are relieved that no one was seriously injured, and are grateful for the outpouring of concern for their safety and security, according to the statement.

Initial reports said that the engine and the gas tank ignited and then exploded. However, police investigation is still underway to determine the real cause of the explosion.

The explosion occurred in the midst of Aga Muhlach's congressional bid in the 4th district of Camarines Sur.  The actor is running against Wimpy Fuentebella, son of incumbent Rep. Arnulfo Fuentebella. However, no link has been established yet between the said explosion and his political candidacy.

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Controversial Word War: Pimentel vs Zubiri Heats Up; Koko Threats to File Libel Case Against Migz

Watch the controversial debate between senatorial candidates Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III and Juan Miguel Zubiri that turned personal when Zubiri accused Pimentel of abusing his wife in Studio 23’s “Mano Mano ni Anthony Taberna” this Sunday (Mar 17).  

It was the first time for Pimentel and Zubiri to face each other in a TV debate since the campaign period started. Pimentel brought up Zubiri’s alleged involvement in the 2007 electoral fraud case. Zubiri reiterated that he was not involved in any form of cheating and that he had already proven his integrity when he resigned from his post in 2011. 

Towards the end of the debate, Zubiri dropped the bomb and made the controversial allegation against Pimentel. Zubiri revealed that Pimentel’s wife, Jewel Lobaton, allegedly recounted to him and his wife how she was abused by her husband. Pimentel belied Zubiri’s claims and said that it’s impossible for him to abuse his wife because her mother lives with them in one roof. He even threatened to file libel charges against Zubiri. 

Watch the full debate in “Mano Mano ni Anthony Taberna” this Sunday (Mar 17), 8 PM on Studio 23.

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Alfredo Lim and Erap Estrada 'Word War' Hot Topic on Social Networking Sites

The heated debate between incumbent Manila mayor Alfredo Lim and former president Joseph Estrada in the “Umagang Harapan” segment of ABS-CBN’s morning show “Umagang Kay Ganda” became a hot topic and went viral online as netizens watched the intense word war that transpired between the two Manila mayoral candidates. 

Erap and Lim traded barbs on national TV regarding their qualifications, capacity to maintain peace and order in the city, Estrada’s plunder conviction, and many more issues that drew cheers and jeers from the live audience at the studio. 

Erap was first to fire at Lim when he talked about the debt of the City of Manila to Meralco allegedly amounting to P872 million. Lim hit Estrada by highlighting the plunder charges against Estrada that removed him from presidency. 

Tension further built up when Estrada recounted how Lim visited him while he was on house arrest in Tanay, Rizal in 2004 and even “cried” while asking forgiveness from him. Lim belied Estrada’s claims and said he would never shed a tear for a criminal. 

“Umagang Harapan,” moderated by anchor Anthony Taberna, is regularly seen every Tuesday in “Umagang Kay Ganda” as part of ABS-CBN’s News and Current Affairs comprehensive, reliable, and engaging “Halalan 2013” coverage.

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Senatorial Bets Face Off in ANC's 'Harapan 2013' starting February 5

ANC, the country’s most influential and trusted cable TV news channel, will help viewers get to know the 33 senatorial candidates running in the May 13 elections, via its weekly election program “HARAPAN 2013,” which begins on Tuesday (Feb 5).

Join veteran political journalist Lynda Jumilla as she probes into the profiles and platforms of the candidates, and listens to their answers and opinions on the most pressing issues in the country today.

For its pilot telecast, Bayan Muna representative Teddy Casiño and former senators Ernesto Maceda and Ramon Magsaysay Jr. will face each other and answer comments and reactions from a live audience and social media.

Be the one to judge the senatorial candidates’ character and capabilities in charting the country’s future. Know them before you vote for them. Watch “HARAPAN 2013,” 7PM on Tuesday (Feb 5) on ANC (SkyCable Channel 27). For updates, follow @ANCALERTS on Twitter or like www.facebook.com/ANCalerts. 

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Annabelle Rama and Angelica Jones on ABS-CBN's 'KampanyaSerye'

Broadcast journalist Chiara Zambrano looks at celebrities running for public office in the coming elections and what they can offer that politicians can't in ABS-CBN's "KampanyaSerye" starting this Monday (Jan 28) within “TV Patrol.”

Chiara will profile controversial celebrities Annabelle Rama and Angelica Jones.

Get to know them off camera and find out what they can do and what they intend to do to serve the general public. Annabelle will run for congresswoman for the first time in the first district of Cebu while Angelica will run for re-election as provincial board member in Laguna.

Just like in showbiz where they both rose to fame, Angelica and Annabelle were hounded by intrigues in the world of politics. Annabelle is being questioned by her detractors on whether she can fulfill the responsibilities as a congresswoman despite her admission that she knows nothing about legislation. Angelica, on the other hand, faced allegations of stealing town funds intended for a particular project and that she failed to give salary to some of her employees.

Don’t miss the drama in the world of politics in newest KampanyaSerye, weeknights on “TV Patrol.” Watch the whole episode on ANC, the ABS-CBN News Channel (SkyCable ch 27), in a special Producer’s Cut version airing every Saturday, 2:30 PM, and every Sunday, 11 AM, and online via www.abs-cbnnews.com/KampanyaSerye. Tweet your thoughts and opinions using the hashtag #KampanyaSerye.

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Villafuerte Family Feud on ABS-CBN's 'KampanyaSerye'

ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs lets you witness the drama inside the world of Philippine politics in the teleserye-like documentary ”KampanyaSerye,” one of the highlights of ABS-CBN’s Halalan 2013 coverage that aims to educate voters who are set to elect a new batch of leaders this May.

”KampanyaSerye” will tackle and probe the stories behind campaign promises and rhetorics to bring out the issues that matter to the electorate and show the competencies of aspiring leaders.

It debuted last week in ”TV Patrol” with Alvin Elchico’s five-part report dubbed as ”Giyera sa Kabisera” that followed the much talked-about battle for the Manila mayoralty post between mayor Alfredo ”Dirty Harry” Lim and former president Joseph ”Asiong Salonga” Estrada. Viewers learned about the humble beginnings of Lim and Estrada in politics, how they first competed for a government seat, why the former best friends are now enemies, and many other angles of the controversial feud.

From frenemies to family feuds, ”KampanyaSerye” opens a brand new story this Monday (Jan 21) about the the ongoing rifts in the Villafuerte family in Ryan Chua’s report titled ”Ama, Anak, Apo.” The Villafuertes of Camarines Sur are currently divided by how they envision Camarines Sur.

Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Villafuerte Sr. proposed to divide Camarines Sur into two provinces, but his son Camarines Sur Gov. Luis ”LRay” Villafuerte Jr. is opposing it.

Tension further arose when LRay’s son, Migz, chose to run against his grandfather, Luis Sr., for governor. How will this family feud end? Will they choose to severe family ties for the sake of politics?

Dont miss ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs ”KampanyaSerye,” weeknights on ”TV Patrol.” Watch the whole episode on ANC, the ABS-CBN News Channel (SkyCable ch 27), in a special Producer’s Cut version airing every Saturday, 2:30 PM, and every Sunday, 11 AM, and online via www.abs-cbnnews.com/KampanyaSerye. Tweet your thoughts and opinions using the hashtag #KampanyaSerye.

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ABS-CBN Teams up with U.P. and REACT for Halalan 2013

ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs has partnered with the University of the Philippines system for the country’s first and biggest fact-checking project that will verify candidates’ claims in ABS-CBN’s “Halalan 2013” election forums and coverage, marking the first time a Philippine media organization will use the feature, which is standard in foreign news coverage and election debates.

Faculty and experts from UP will appear in fact-checking segments to air on ABS-CBN’s TV and online platforms, a part of the collaboration between the network and the university to promote transparency and public participation among voters.

To formalize the partnership, ABS-CBN Chairman and CEO Eugenio Lopez III, ABS-CBN President and COO Charo Santos-Concio, and ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs Head Ging Reyes, signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with UP President Alfredo Pascual and UP Vice President for Public Affairs, Prospero De Vera III on Wednesday (Dec 5).

Pascual called the partnership a new milestone for UP as it is the first time that the university system has officially partnered with a media organization to provide the media component for the elections.

Santos-Concio said, “We believe UP’s role in nurturing future leaders will be a boon to Halalan 2013’s ‘Tayo Na.’ With the UP system as our partner, ABS-CBN is ever confident and optimistic that the coming elections will again show our citizen journalists at their finest.”

Aside from fact-checking, the MOA will also create projects related to ABS-CBN’s election campaign “Bayan Mo, iPatrol Mo: Tayo Na” and voter information drives, including a microsite where overseas Filipino voters can get information on the 2013 elections.

The micro-site will be featured in the websites of all UP units, constituent campuses, and UP Alumni Associations all over the world. It will not only teach voters how to vote but also how to choose among candidates, said Pascual.

Aside from UP, ABS-CBN also signed a partnership with civic organization Regional Emergency Assistance Communications System (REACT) Philippines in gathering election-related news stories, including situational reports in the field from all over the country.

ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs head Ging Reyes, ABS-CBN head of newsgathering Chi Almario-Gonzalez, BMPM head Inday Varona were present at the MOA signing last Monday (Nov 3) with Richard Valdes, REACT National Chairman of Government Agencies and Media affairs and Felimon Tutica Jr., REACT National Executive Vice President.

REACT, which gathers and disseminates information to provide assistance during calamities and emergencies, has been ABS-CBN’s partner in news gathering since the 1992 national elections.

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ABS-CBN Partners with COMELEC to Offer Halalan 2013 Application for Android

Filipinos can now get election-related news and information such as precinct locations and voter registration status anytime and anywhere using their Android phones as ABS-CBN launches the new COMELEC Halalan 2013 application, now available for download via the Play Store.

A first of its kind in the country, the COMELEC Halalan 2013 application was developed by ABS-CBN in partnership with the Commission on Elections (Comelec). It allows voters to check the status of his/her registration and eligibility to vote via the “Registration Verification”.

Citizens can also find their precinct or polling place in the application.

Meanwhile, first time voters will be guided thoroughly as the application also provides pertinent details and information regarding the elections, such as what to bring during registration in its “Halalan 101” feature.

Other than providing practical voter guide and information, the COMELEC Halalan 2013 app also offers election-related news from abs-cbnNEWS.com and updates from www.mycomelec.tv.

Citizen journalists may also submit citizen journalism reports with photos or videos via the Bayan Mo, iPatrol Mo (BMPM) feature of the app.

ABS-CBN continues to improve the application’s features and will soon release updates to include additional functionalities such as a list of candidates for national and local positions including party-list organizations, and “Election Results,” which will provide the progress of vote tabulation from sources authorized by COMELEC.

To download, open Play Store on your Android devices and search for COMELEC created by ABS-CBN Interactive. Click ‘install’ and enjoy the services of this breakthrough application.

The IOS version of the application will be launched soon.

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