ABS-CBN executives lead the covenant signing with representatives of ‘Halalan’ partner organizationsABS-CBN News unites with the Commission on Elections (Comelec), “Manila Bulletin,” poll watchdogs, academic institutions, professional associations, advocacy groups, government agencies, YouTube and Twitter to give Filipinos a louder voice in the May midterm national elections through its “Halalan 2019” special election coverage.

ABS-CBN, led by Integrated News and Current Affairs head Ging Reyes, held a covenant signing with partner organizations in ABS-CBN on January 18.

Reyes said with over 20 partners that represent different sectors and fields of expertise, ABS-CBN News will be able to deliver an election coverage that is suited for the current sociopolitical climate and will maximize the available technologies in communication so that Filipinos have easy access to accurate news and information.

“… It warms my heart to see many long-term partners and friends and I am also ecstatic to welcome new ones particularly some of the biggest social m   edia organizations to bolster ABS-CBN News’ coverage of ‘Halalan 2019.’ Politics and debate can be healthy components within a society, which is why we must guard and protect against entities who seek to disrupt and cheat and be steadfast against all forms of political violence,” Reyes said.

In a message read by Comelec commissioner Socorro Inting, Comelec chairman Sheriff Abas expressed gratitude to ABS-CBN and underscored the importance of media during election season.

The following are also helping ABS-CBN News cover the 2019 elections: the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and the Department of Foreign Affairs Overseas, Voting Secretariat, Department of Education, news organization VERA Files, and election monitoring groups National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections, YouthVote, Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, and Kontra Daya.

Also providing support are the Anvil Business Club, Management Association of the Philippines, Finance Executives of the Philippines, Legal Network for Truthful Elections, Philippine Communication Society, and Philippine Computer Society.

Completing ABS-CBN News’ partners for “Halalan 2019” are the University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, University of Santo Tomas, Polytechnic University of the Philippines and STI Colleges, and nongovernment organizations The Asia FoundationFully Abled Nation, and Regional Emergency Assistance Communications Team Philippines. (Story/Photos by: Kane Choa)