Category: Government

MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is exploring the reintroduction of voter's identification cards, a service suspended since December 2017 due to the rollout of the national Philippine Identification System (PhilID). Comelec Chairperson George Garcia announced on Wednesday that the commission has initiated discussions on resuming the issuance of these IDs within the year, addressing the gap left by delays in the distribution of the national ID.

According to Philippines News Agency, the primary focus of the renewed initiative will be to provide IDs to overseas Filipinos, aiming to ensure the cards feature high security with 32 distinct security features while also being cost-effective. "In the case of our national ID, many are still unable to get them. Hopefully, before the end of the year, we can bring it back," Garcia stated, highlighting the commission's efforts to fill the void created by the slow rollout of the national ID system.

The suspension of the voter's ID issuance was originally implemented to avoid duplication of identification documents following the government's introduction of the PhilID. Despite this, the voter's ID from Comelec has been recognized as a valid form of identification, and its absence does not prevent registered voters from participating in elections. The proposed reintroduction of the voter's ID aims to provide an additional, secure form of identification for Filipinos, especially those living abroad, as the country navigates the challenges of fully implementing the national ID system.

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – The Ministry of Religious Affairs hosted the 123rd Munajat Night Program on the evening of February 3rd, focusing on the importance of self-improvement, knowledge acquisition, and the development of noble character in fulfilling one's purpose in life. The event aimed to inspire participants to act as leaders and enhance their religious practices.

According to Radio Television Brunei, the gathering was graced by Awang Haji Abdul Mateen Bolkini bin Haji Ahmad, Chairman of the Nationwide Mosque Youth Executive Committee, who led the recitation of Sayyidul Istighfar and Surah Al-Fatihah. The program also featured performances by Diploma 'Aliyah Qira'at undergraduates and students from the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Tahfiz Al-Qur'an Institute. Members of the Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam Mosque and Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque Takmir Committees, along with congregants from various mosques, suraus, and religious halls across the nation, contributed to the vibrant atmosphere of the night.

Mukim Sengkurong, Brunei - The villages of Kampung Tanjong Nangka and Kampung Lugu, located in Mukim Sengkurong, held elections for their respective village head candidates on January 28th. In Kampung Tanjong Nangka, 54-year-old Awang Rozan bin Haji Kaderi @ Haji Bujang stood as the sole candidate. The election was attended by a Member of the Legislative Council.

According Radio Television Brunei, the results will be forwarded to the Board of Appointments, Discipline, and Procedures for Mukim Penghulu and Village Heads at the Ministry of Home Affairs for further processing. Simultaneously, in Kampung Lugu and Katimahar, 39-year-old Abdul Hadi bin Haji Abdul Sani was the only candidate running for the village head position, with the presence of a Member of the Legislative Council being noted.

Mukim Sengkurong, Brunei - The villages of Kampung Tanjong Nangka and Kampung Lugu, located in Mukim Sengkurong, held elections for their respective village head candidates on January 28th. In Kampung Tanjong Nangka, 54-year-old Awang Rozan bin Haji Kaderi @ Haji Bujang stood as the sole candidate. The election was attended by a Member of the Legislative Council.

According Radio Television Brunei, the results will be forwarded to the Board of Appointments, Discipline, and Procedures for Mukim Penghulu and Village Heads at the Ministry of Home Affairs for further processing. Simultaneously, in Kampung Lugu and Katimahar, 39-year-old Abdul Hadi bin Haji Abdul Sani was the only candidate running for the village head position, with the presence of a Member of the Legislative Council being noted.

Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei - A Munajat Night, focusing on the theme of heart purification and self-reflection, was organized collaboratively by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Health. The event took place at the Kampung Salambigar Mosque. Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Doctor Awang Haji Mohammad Isham bin Haji Jaafar, the Minister of Health, led the congregation in reading Sayyidul Istighfar and Surah Al-Fatihah.

According Radio Television Brunei, the Munajat Night was attended by officials and staff from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Religious Affairs, State Mufti Department, the teaching staff of Pengiran Anak Puteri 'Aziemah Ni'matul Bolkiah Religious School, members of the Kampung Salambigar Mosque Takmir Committee, and the general public. Mosque takmir committees and congregants from 68 mosques, suraus, and religious halls across the nation also participated in the event.

VIENTIANE, LAO PDR – The 27th Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers, held from January 23 to 26, 2024, in Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic, concluded with a focus on enhancing collaboration for sustainable tourism. The meeting, which followed the 59th Meeting of the ASEAN National Tourism Organisations (NTOs), emphasized the need for closer cooperation among ASEAN Member States in various sectors to bolster the resiliency of ASEAN tourism.

According to Radio Television Brunei, the preliminary figures for 2023 indicated a significant increase in international arrivals to ASEAN countries, with a year-on-year growth of over 153%. Brunei Darussalam's delegation was led by Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Doctor Awang Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism. The meeting also acknowledged the ASEAN-China Centre, ASEAN-Japan Centre, and ASEAN-Korea Centre for their efforts in promoting people-to-people connectivity and cultural understanding. Additionally, the ASEAN-India Tourism Meeting and the ASEAN-Russian Federation Tourism Meeting were conducted. The ASEAN Tourism Standards Awards Ceremony saw Kuala Belait being recognized as the 4th ASEAN Clean Tourist City, with Brunei Darussalam receiving several other awards in various categories.

KUALA BELAIT — The 121st Munajat Night, organized by the Ministry of Religious Affairs on January 20th, emphasized the benefits of istiqamah in leading a positive life and receiving blessings in this world and the hereafter. The event was attended by members of the Mukim Kuala Belait Consultative Council, Mosque Takmir Committees, and congregants from various mosques, including Ar-Rahman Mosque in Kampung Tanjung Bunut and Mohammad Jamalul Alam Mosque in Kuala Belait.

According to Radio Television Brunei, The night also saw participation from the staff of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and their families, along with members of the Red Crescent Society from Ar-Rahman Mosque. Awang Abdul Khaliq bin Kamree, Assistant Religious Officer from the Belait District Da'wah Unit Office, delivered a tazkirah titled "Istiqamah Kunci Kejayaan Hidup" at the Mohammad Jamalul Alam Mosque.

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN — Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., also known as PBBM, is set to attend the wedding reception of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's son, Prince Abdul Mateen, in Bandar Seri Begawan.

According to Philippines News Agency, the President will return on Sunday. The wedding ceremony, which took place at the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Brunei's capital on Thursday, is part of a grand 10-day celebration that will conclude on January 16.

Local news sources report that the festivities will include a wedding reception and a parade around Bandar Seri Begawan on Sunday, culminating in a banquet attended by various heads of states. The wedding of Prince Abdul Mateen, who was once named Asia's most eligible bachelor and is sixth in line to the Bruneian throne, has garnered significant attention. Prince Abdul Mateen, the Sultan's 10th son, is a helicopter pilot, a major in the Royal Brunei Air Force, and an avid polo player.

The bride is a businesswoman who owns a fashion brand and a tourism company, further adding to the high-profile nature of the event.

The visit also underscores the long-standing diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Brunei. These relations were officially established on January 1, 1984, when the Philippine Consulate General in Bandar Seri Begawan was elevated to an Embassy. This was followed by the opening of the Embassy of Brunei Darussalam in Makati City.

Brunei, known for its significant Filipino workforce, is home to over 22,000 Filipino workers. The event highlights the cultural and diplomatic ties between the two nations.

Tokyo: His Majesty, along with Heads of State and Government of ASEAN and the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, attended a dinner hosted by His Excellency Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister of Japan and his spouse, Mrs. Yuko Kishida. The event took place at Geihinkan, The State Guest House, Akasaka Palace, in Tokyo on the night of 16th December. His Majesty was accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Mateen.

According to Radio Television Brunei, Upon arrival, His Majesty was welcomed by His Excellency the Prime Minister of Japan and his spouse. The dinner was held in honor of the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation and began with opening remarks by His Excellency the Prime Minister of Japan.

Tokyo: His Majesty departed from Tokyo on the afternoon of 17th December, marking the end of an official visit to Japan and participation in the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation. Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Mateen.

According to Radio Television Brunei, Prior to the departure, a Doa Selamat was recited by Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia, Doctor Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti. At Tokyo Haneda International Airport, His Majesty was bid farewell by His Excellency Maeda Toru, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Brunei Darussalam. Also present were Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd Yusof, Second Minister of Foreign Affairs, and His Excellency Haji Shahbudin bin Haji Musa, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Brunei Darussalam to Japan.

Tokyo: His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, emphasized the shared interests and the importance of regional peace and stability between ASEAN and Japan in a titah delivered at the Plenary Session of the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation.

According to Radio Television Brunei, During the summit held at Hotel Okura Tokyo, His Majesty underscored the significance of adopting the new Joint Vision Statement and its Implementation Plan to strengthen the ASEAN-Japan partnership, especially amidst current geopolitical uncertainties. His Majesty, accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Mateen, stated the importance of adhering to the principles of regionalism and multilateralism in ASEAN and Japan's relationship, based on the United Nations Charter and international law. Highlighting the potential for cooperation in promoting peace and stability for prosperity and development, His Majesty also acknowledged the close cooperation and mutual trust built over five decades between ASEAN and Japan. The summit, opened by His Excellency Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister of Japan, and a statement by His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia as Chairman of ASEAN, also included discussions on economic growth, climate change, and the establishment of the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. His Majesty welcomed Japan's support for initiatives like the ASEAN Junior Fellowship Programme, aimed at fostering relationships among young leaders, and recognized Japan's expertise in climate change policies and initiatives like the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC). The summit concluded with the adoption of the Joint Vision Statement on ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation and its Implementation Plan, 'Trusted Partners'.

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN - His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah of Brunei Darussalam arrived in Tokyo on the night of December 14th to participate in the Commemorative Summit marking the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation, scheduled from December 15th to 17th, 2023. Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Mateen.

According to Radio Television Brunei, Since the inception of ASEAN-Japan Dialogue Relations in 1973, the relationship has seen significant progress, including the establishment of the ASEAN-Japan Centre, the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF), and the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS). This year, designated as the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation, has been celebrated with various events and exchange programs in areas such as economy, culture, youth, and tourism. Upon arrival at Tokyo Haneda International Airport, His Majesty was welcomed by several Japanese dignitaries including His Excellency Masahiro Komura, His Excellency Takehiro Shimada, and His Excellency Maeda Toru, along with Bruneian officials Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Erywan and His Excellency Haji Shahbudin.

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN - His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam commenced his official visit to Japan with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. His Majesty was accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Mateen during the meeting.

According to Radio Television Brunei, The meeting focused on further strengthening the bond and friendship between Brunei Darussalam and Japan. The two countries have a history of cooperation in various sectors, including energy, trade, education, and people-to-people exchanges. This meeting signifies the ongoing commitment of both nations to enhance their bilateral relationship.