Tropical Cyclone Alert for Philippine Area of Responsibility

"DOMENG" MAINTAINS ITS STRENGTH WHILE MOVING IN A NORTH –NORTHWESTWARD DIRECTION OVER THE PHILIPPINE SEA.

Location of eye/center : At 10:00 AM today, the center of Tropical Depression "DOMENG" was estimated based on all available data at at 805 km East of Catarman, Northern Samar (12.2, 132.0).

Strength : Maximum winds of 45 kph near the centerand gustiness of up to 60 kph.

Forecast movement : Forecast to move North Northwest at 15 kph

Forecast position :

• 24 Hour(Tomorrow morning): 715 km East Northeast of Virac, Catanduanes(14.8°N, 130.7°E)
• 48 Hour(Friday morning):835 km East of Casiguran, Aurora(17.2°N, 129.9°E)
• 72 Hour(Saturday morning): 1,030 km East of Basco, Batanes(21.3°N, 131.8°E)
• 96 Hour(Sunday morning):1,340 km East Northeast of Basco, Batanes (OUTSIDE PAR)(25.5°N, 133.8°E)
• 120 Hour(Monday morning):2,040 km East Northeast of Basco, Batanes (OUTSIDE PAR)(27.5°N, 140.5°E)

Estimated rainfall amount is from moderate to heavy within the 300 km diameter of the Tropical Depression.

This weather disturbance will bring moderate to occasional heavy rains over the regions of Eastern Visayas and Bicol today. Residents of these areas are alerted against possible flash floods and landslides and advised to coordinate with their local disaster risk reduction and management offices.

While "Domeng" is less likely to make landfall, it may trigger strong southwesterly windflow (Habagat) that will bring moderate to occasional heavy rains over MIMAROPA and Western Visayas beginning Thursday, and over the rest of the western section of Luzon, including Metro Manila, starting this Friday.

GMA Network strengthens digital platforms

GMA Network continued to increase its presence across various digital platforms, with more millennial users accessing its content. 

The Network’s efforts to produce exclusive materials online helped GMA’s main Facebook page become the fastest-growing in the industry, increasing by 29 percent in April 2018 versus the previous year. In comparison, rival network ABS-CBN’s FB followers grew by 17 percent in the same period.

Kapuso fans on Facebook were treated to a variety of content including interactive live chats with their favorite GMA stars via the Kapuso ArtisTambayan, weekly Kapuso Exclusive videos, as well as live music sessions and Q&A with Kapuso singers on Playlist Live.

Providing further support for the online programs, GMA Network’s Twitter and Instagram pages remain the leading entertainment accounts in the Philippines. As of May 2018, GMA has more than 1.02 million Twitter followers while ABS-CBN has almost 871,000. On Instagram, the Kapuso Network has more than 938,000 followers versus competition’s 676,000.

Moreover, GMA’s entertainment website experienced its all-time highest performing periods in March and April, generating 115 million and 119 million page views, respectively.

Meanwhile, the GMA Network mobile app now enables Kapuso viewers to watch full episodes of their all-time favorite GMA shows. Over 50 titles are available including Encantadia, Alyas Robin Hood, Destined to be Yours, My Faithful Husband, My Husband’s Lover, Mulawin, and many more.

For more updates on Kapuso stars and shows, follow GMA’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @GMANetwork or visit the official website at www.GMANetwork.com.

Lobregat: 'I will never abandon Zamboanga City' (Assures Zambo's interest already protected in BBL)

District 1 Congressman, Celso Lobregat assured yesterday that all of Zamboanga City’s major interests are already protected and included in the substitute House Bill 6475, known as ”AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE BASIC LAW FOR THE AUTONOMOUS REGION IN THE BANGSAMORO...”

This was Lobregat's reaction to the statement of District II Councilor Rommel Agan, son of the Lobregats' political nemesis, the late Mayor Vitaliano Agan, that Lobregat abandoned the interest of Zamboanga City when abstained from voting on the passage of the BBL.

In an interview with RMN-Zamboanga, Lobregat said that instead of having six (6) plebiscites, the 1st upon ratification, and every five (5) years thereafter for a period of 25 years in the original bill, he was able to change it in the Substitute HB6475 that was approved by Congress where only one (1) plebiscite will be held upon ratification of the BBL.

The substitute bill provides for the protection of and interest of not only  Zamboanga City, but the entire Mindanao, he said.

“What would have my perennial critic wanted? For me to vote NO? If I voted NO, that would mean I am in favor of six plebiscites in a period of 25 years which is definitely not what the Zamboangeños wanted. So, who is protecting Zamboanga City’s interest?” Lobregat asked.

The solon said that in the original HB6475, even a barangay that petitions to join Bangsamoro through the 10% provision and obtains a majority vote in the barangay, will be allowed to be part of the Bangsamoro. “I fought and made a stand. And in the substitute HB6475, a barangay cannot join without the expressed approval of the entire city. Isn’t this what the Zamboangeños want? That no barangay will become part of the Bangsamoro? Definitely in any plebiscite, the city will vote against any barangay being part of the Bangsamoro. So please do not distort the facts that I did not took a stand, I took a stand and many of the provisions in the original house bill were amended because of my stand,” Lobregat stressed.

One very important issue, Lobregat said, is the Cabatangan property issue. In the original HB6475, all properties of the ARMM will be AUTOMATICALLY transferred to the Bangsamoro upon its ratification. Lobregat said he took a strong stand, and in the Substitute HB6475, all properties of the ARMM will be transferred to the Bangsamoro EXCEPT THOSE THAT ARE LOCATED OUTSIDE THE AREA OF the ARMM (E.G. CABATANGAN WILL NOT BE TRANSFERRED TO BANGSAMORO).

“If I voted NO, it means to say that I am in favor for the automatic transfer of the Cabatangan properties to the Bangsamoro. So, I have definitely taken a stand and protected Zamboanga City’s interest on the Cabatangan issue,” Lobregat said.

He pointed out that even the City Mayor herself in the press conference held at city hall last Monday, she confirmed that a meeting occurred at the House of Representatives which was attended by Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and Majority Floor Leader Rodolfo Farinas and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, where the Cabatangan issue was discussed.

He said it was because of his constant prodding to Lorenzana about how strategically located Cabatangan is that the issue was discussed in the said meeting.

As a result of that meeting, Secretary Lorenzana asked the mayor to provide him the details of the Cabatangan properties. As there is now a proposal for the national government to purchase the Cabatangan properties and maintain it as a military facility.

“So, who has abandoned Zamboanga City? The said “sabiondo” wanted me to vote NO, then I would have to go against the very provisions I wanted amended to protect the city’s interest,” Lobregat added.

Lobregat said he is urging the “sabiondos” not to engage in false information to malign him and his efforts to protect and defend Zamboanga City’s interests in Congress.

“Who is telling the truth and who is misleading the people? Deficil disperta con el despierto, y tormento gayot hace entende con el serao el pensamiento. We are for peace, prosperity and development of the ARMM and the Bangsamoro. But I have led and will continuously lead the move for NO to Zamboanga’s inclusion in the ARMM, MOA-AD, and Bangsamoro.” Lobregat said. (Bhong Simbajon/RMN News)

House ends Session on high note

The House of Representatives under the leadership of Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez has worked faster and acted on a total of 2,929 measures from the opening of the 17th Congress in July 25, 2016 until the sine die adjournment on June 2, 2018.

In his acceptance speech at the opening of the 17th Congress Alvarez stressed the role of House members, which is to effect genuine change through enactment of laws that would give a better future for the Filipino nation.

With a total of 183 session days for the entire period, the House accomplishment translates to an average of 16 measures processed per session.

Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas submitted the House Accomplishment Report to the Speaker.

Of the 2,929 measures processed, a total of 96 measures were enacted into law, 30 of which are of national significance, 60 of local significance, while two are Joint Resolutions of Congress.

Additional measures are expected to be enacted into law in the coming days as 18 other measures have been transmitted to President Duterte for his approval and signature.

Meanwhile, a total of 9,826 House measures were filed since the start of the 17th Congress, consisting of 7,826 House Bills and 2,000 House Resolutions. In addition, 770 committee reports were filed.

A total of 164 resolutions were adopted, broken down as follows: 131 regular resolutions; 10 resolutions on inquiries, in aid of legislation; 15 concurrent resolutions; four Resolutions of Both Houses; one report on motu proprio inquiry; two resolutions on impeachment; and one resolution of the Committee of the Whole.

MAKING LIFE EASIER

However, while the quantity of measures the House has acted upon is considerable, Speaker Alvarez is even more proud of the quality of laws the chamber has helped to pass, particularly those that made life easier for many Filipinos.

Foremost in these laws is Republic Act No. 10931 entitled “Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act", which provides free tuition and miscellaneous fees in state universities and colleges, as well as in local colleges and in government run technical-vocational school.

The law gave every parent the hope to provide college education for their children.

Likewise, the enactment of RA 10969, also known as the “Free Irrigation Act” has lifted from the country’s small farmers—most of whom are already saddled with debts and high cost of farm inputs---the additional burden of paying irrigation fees.

By providing small farmers with free access to water, which is crucial in rice production, the law also unlocked the productivity potential of many of our country’s farmers that could provide them a way out of poverty.

Likewise, the House helped ensure indigent patients are accorded life-saving emergency medical treatment with the enactment of RA 10932, or “An Act Strengthening The Anti-Hospital Deposit Law” by increasing the penalties against hospitals or clinics that refuse to treat patients in emergency or serious cases unless they could provide a certain amount as deposit.

The House also helped ease the burden on Filipino travellers abroad and local motorists with the enactment of two separate laws. With RA 10928, or “An Act Extending The Validity Of Philippine Passports”, Filipino passport holders can use their travel documents for up to 10 years before they are required to renew their passports. Previously, Philippine passports are valid only up to five years.

Likewise, with the signing into law of RA 10930, “Extending the Validity Period of Drivers’ Licenses”, motorists can now use their licence for five years instead of the previous three-year validity period.

ENHANCING PRODUCTIVITY

The House also sought to cut red tape and encourage more people to get into business with the enactment of RA 11032 or the “Ease of Doing Business” law, which prescribes a uniform guideline for the processing of business documents.

Among others, the law requires government agencies to act on applications within 3 days for simple transactions, 7 days for complex ones, and 20 days for the highly technical.

It also requires the establishment of one-stop-shops in every city or town and encourages local government units to automate their permit and license processing systems.

As more and more transactions conducted online, the enactment of HB 5225, providing “Free Internet Access in Public Places” would also serve to further enhance productivity.

CARING FOR THE POOR

In two separate joint resolutions, the House and the Senate also worked together to ease the plight of the poor and the lowly-paid public servants.

With the enactment last May 9, 2018 of House Joint Resolution 15 and its counterpart SJR 8 as Joint Resolution No. 2, housing units intended for the uniformed services which remained unused were made available to qualified poor beneficiaries, giving them the opportunity to have a dignified shelter of their own.

On the other hand, the Joint Resolution No. 1 finally gave the military, the police and other members of the uniformed services in the country the increase in base pay that they have been hoping to receive for a long time.

Apart from these important legislations, the House also acted on the various reports of the bicameral conference committee during the Second Regular Session, ratifying a total of 12 bicameral conference committee reports, consisting of 11 national bills and one local bill.

These bicameral conference committee reports include the following measures: National Mental Health Policy, Anti-Hazing Act, Electric cooperatives Emergency and Resiliency Fund, National School Feeding Program, Occupational Safety and Health Standards, the Filipino Identification System, and Preservation and Management of Protected Areas.

IN THE PIPELINE

In addition to these accomplishments, the House has also approved on third and final reading various measure that are now awaiting action by the bicameral conference committee.

Topping the House bills pending at the bicam body is the historic HB 6475, also known as the Bangsamoro Basic Law, which the House approved with an overwhelming majority vote of 227-11 with two abstentions last March 31.

Passage of HB 6475, with Alvarez as the principal author, marks the end of uncertainty of the fate of the BBL which the previous Congress failed to pass.

It could be recalled that Pres. Duterte himself earlier appealed to both Houses of Congress to pass the BBL, saying it is necessary to stem the threat radical Islamist movement in Mindanao.

Other bills pending at the bicam include: HB 7436 or “ An Act Abolishing The Road Board”; HB 5777 entitled “Strengthening The National And Local Health And Nutrition Programs For Pregnant And Lactating Women, Adolescent Girls Of Reproductive Age And Teen-Age Mothers, Infants And Young Children”; and HB 5745 or “An Act Establishing The Coconut Farmers And Industry Development Trust Fund”.

In terms of plenary approval, The House approved on third and final reading a total of 429 bills and 29 bills on second reading before the sine die adjournment of the Second Regular Session.

Approved on third reading were 160 national bills, 268 local bills and one Joint Resolution.

Among the bills the House approved on third reading and final reading are :

• HB 7525 entitled “An Act Increasing The Monthly Pension Of Senior Veterans”
• HB 7449, or “An Act Appropriating P1,161,710,000 As Supplemental
Appropriations to Dengvaxia Vaccinees”
• HB 7303 entitled “An Act Instituting Absolute Divorce And Dissolution Of
Marriage”
• HB 7302 or the “Budget Reform Act”
• HB 3988 or the “Conjugal Partnership Of Gains”
• HB 7185 or “An Act Recognizing The Foreign Decree Of Termination Of Marriage”
• HB 7163 entitled “An Act Penalizing The Act Of Throwing Hard Objects At Motor Vehicles”
• HB 7193 entitled “An Act Providing A Framework For The Right To Adequate Food”
and
• HB 7233 entitled “An Act Requiring The Registration Of All Users Of Subscriber Identity Module Cards.”/ R. B. Bundang

Analyst: Original BBL version might not hurdle Congress

Lawmakers hope to ratify the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL)  on July 23, in time for President Rodrigo Duterte’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA).

But political analyst, Professor Edmund Tayao, doubts that  Congress will approve the original version of the BBL which was crafted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC).

He explained that Congress will have to amend the charter first before approving its provisions.

It can be noted that the Senate and the House modified some of the BTC’s proposal but asserted it is not a watered-down version and could withstand legal scrutiny.

However, he admitted that BBL is necessary for the advancement of the proposed federal form of government being pushed by the Duterte administration.

“That’s why the issue on federalism is important. This is a significant opportunity and it would be a shame if we let it pass,” said Tayao.

The one ID to rule them all

FOR as long as I can remember, it has always been a big question in my head why there are numerous government identification cards or IDs. All the more, as I forayed into the world of information technology and was exposed to numerous system integration projects. I was also awed when I saw Singaporeans in Changi Airport merely swiping their IDs as they arrive home evading the long immigration queues back when while our passports were still ‘handwritten.’

Amid the passage of the National ID System law, it seems we are a little closer to that scenario where I don’t need to bring two government issued IDs, and a utility billing statement whenever I want to open a bank account. That is, if banks would change their “at least two government issued ID rule.” Would all the other identification protocols change? Will the postal, voter, SSS, GSIS, Philhealth, Pag-Ibig, BIR, the last Unified ID attempt (UMID), driver’s license, and passport be retired by the “one true ID to rule them all”? (Ok, that last two maybe a stretch but a guy can dream, can’t he?)

The proponents of the national ID system profess that public safety, social inclusion, law enforcement, financial inclusion, and better delivery of and access to government services are the major benefits that can be derived from having such.

On the other hand, detractors and several developed countries including the US, Australia, and New Zealand do not want to go into this path for fear of privacy violations via surveillance, oppression by infringing on civil liberties and human rights, costs, unsanctioned increase in scope, and unproven effectiveness in fighting crime and terrorism.


While both sides can argue till they are blue in the face, a concern that will invariably persist in the event that the national ID would come to fruition is the protection of the personal data that will be collected by the government. While thankfully, we now have the Data Privacy Act that guarantees the rights of the data subject and the National Privacy Commission (NPC) to monitor violations, such an undertaking of this magnitude would proportionally require massive logistical and technical expertise to implement. Can you imagine collecting, using, retaining, sharing, archiving, and destroying millions of personal data? The complexity alone of planning, implementing, managing, and supporting such a system is surely one for the books. I tip my hat to the brave men and women who will be the project and service delivery managers of this project. Please do not forget, “people, process, technology” okay? Not one, or two but all three aspects in consideration and in that exact order please.

In one of the reactions during the announcement that the bill passed both houses of Congress, a well-known data privacy advocate and former government official posed the question ‘Will these reduce identity theft?’ My quick reply was – ‘If security systems, policies, and procedures are not properly implemented it could even increase it.’ Have we forgotten about the ComeLeak episodes and the other incidents of data leakages both here and abroad? And mind you, these are supposedly very secure systems.

Making the system operational is one thing but implementing information security is another much more complex and larger undertaking. There are just so many questions that pops up when considering the security of the national ID system.

What will be the security architecture? This is key as it will define what and where information security systems would be needed to be put in place. The firewalls, intrusion detection systems, network access controls, log collectors, and others will all depend on this.

What will be the security systems? Systems and devices that will be providing critical services like authentication, privacy, authorization, integrity, and non-repudiation.

What security standards should it conform to? The appropriate best practices, global standards, frameworks and security controls should be studied and applied.

Will there be sufficient human resource? Big challenge of them all in my opinion, as the capabilities and expertise needed to properly secure systems are quite scarce and expensive.

Who will monitor and provide incident responses (IR)? This should undoubtedly be a round-the-clock 24×7 operation. Security incidents will definitely occur and the timely discovery and remediation of such is imperative to its operation.

How will business continuity and disaster recovery be implemented? The design, implementation, and management of alternative facilities, systems, location, and personnel in the event of man-made or natural catastrophe.

These are just some of the security concerns that come to mind – and I’m fairly certain that there are more that I have missed. We haven’t even touched on policies, processes, and procedures!

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is the lead agency that will be tasked to implement the national ID system and as such it will also be the one to house and maintain the system associated with its operation. That is a big burden and responsibility and we hope and pray that sufficient planning and scenario testing will happen before it is eventually rolled out into production.

Mind you, this is very much not just a sorrowful fowl from a fast-food chain that became unavailable because of IT planning issues, we are talking about the safety and privacy of the personal information of what could be the entire population of the country.

GMA leads May numbers game—AGB Nielsen

GMA Network’s ratings success continued well in May based on the latest data from the industry’s widely-trusted ratings service provider Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

For the full month of May (with May 27 to 31 based on overnight data), GMA remained as the viewers’ preferred channel after posting a total day people audience share average of 39.8 percent in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM), beating ABS-CBN’s 38.3 percent.

From left: Juancho Trivino, Barbie Forteza, and Derrick Monasterio, stars of the top rating romcom, 'Inday Will Always Love You.'

The Network managed to top NUTAM’s morning block with 35.9 percent people audience share versus ABS-CBN’s 33.2 percent. GMA also led in the afternoon block with 42.1 percent; ahead of competition’s 38.8 percent.

GMA likewise ruled across all day parts in the viewer-rich areas of Urban Luzon and Mega Manila, which respectively account for 72 and 59 percent of all urban viewers in the country.

The Kapuso Network again tallied a higher share point lead in Urban Luzon with an average total day people audience share of 44.4 percent as against ABS-CBN’s 33.0 percent.

Similarly in Mega Manila (with official data from May 1 to 26), GMA continued its dominance with an average total day people audience share of 45.8 percent versus rival network’s 30.4 percent.


GMA maintained its stronghold in NUTAM’s list of top-rating programs with Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho still reigning as the most watched Kapuso show for the month of May and was followed by Kambal, Karibal.


Newly-launched Kapuso primetime series Inday Will Always Love You immediately entered the list as the third top-rating program from GMA. It was followed by consistent ratings drivers Magpakailanman, Pepito Manaloto, The One That Got Away, The Cure, 24 Oras, Lip Sync Battle Philippines, Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, and 24 Oras Weekend. Completing the list were The Stepdaughters, Contessa, Eat Bulaga, Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka, Tadhana, Bubble Gang, Saksi and Wowowin.


Kapuso programs also took the lion’s share in the Urban Luzon and Mega Manila lists, claiming 21 spots out of the top 30 shows in both areas.


Further, GMA’s flagship AM radio station Super Radyo DZBB was also hailed as the listeners’ number one choice in Mega Manila proving GMA’s dominance both in TV and radio.


Based on the most recent data from Nielsen Radio Audience Measurement. May ratings data show DZBB posting a total week average audience share of 38.9 percent, winning over DZMM’s 32 percent and DZRH’s 18 percent.


From Monday to Friday, DZBB’s ratings dominance was driven by its topnotch delivery of news and fearless commentaries through “Saksi sa Dobol B” anchored by Mike Enriquez; “Sino?” with Mike, Arnold Clavio, and Ali Sotto; “Super Balita sa Umaga Nationwide” with Mike and Joel Reyes Zobel; and “Dobol B Balitang-Balita” anchored by Melo del Prado.


Meanwhile, DZBB also kept listeners tuned to its weekend line-up through its public service program “MMDA sa GMA” hosted by Orly Trinidad in partnership with MMDA; “Super Balita sa Umaga Saturday and Sunday Edition” with Sam Nielsen and Cecil Villarosa; “Super Radyo Nationwide” with Francis Flores, “Buena Manong Balita” presented by Rowena Salvacion, “Boses ng Balita” with Benjie Alejandro, “I M Ready sa Dobol B” with Nathaniel Cruz and “Ladies Room” with Norilyn Temblor and Tootie.


Radio GMA’s flagship FM station Barangay LS 97.1 was hailed as the number one choice of listeners in Mega Manila according to the latest survey of Nielsen Radio Audience Measurement.


Barangay LS captivated the hearts of more listeners in Mega Manila for the month of May with an average audience share of 27.4 percent, which was driven by its variety of programs and wacky bunch of DJs.


Meanwhile, viewers can now enjoy a more colorful, more vibrant, and clearer viewing experience as GMA Network’s digital TV signal now covers all parts of Metro Manila as well as nearby provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Bulacan, Bataan, Nueva Ecija, and Pampanga. GMA-7 and GMA News TV’s digital broadcast can be accessed by simply rescanning the channels through their digital TV boxes.

Their sub-channels are available soon: Dobol B sa TV (News and Information), KiliTV (Airing reruns of GMA comedy shows or acquired (like John En Marsha, Iskol Bukol, etc.), airing originals and stand-ups), GMABest (reruns of GMA classics from 80s to 2010s), HOAtv (featuring asian drama shows, movies, reruns and acquired), GMAPlay (A dedicated channel for Kids and Teens; reruns of anime and cartoons), KMF (Kapuso Movie Festival) and QTV (All about lifestyle and women channel). QTV is also under CityNet Marketing and Productions, Inc.

Nielsen data is gathered through a greater number of sampled homes nationwide in comparison to Kantar Media. With approximately 900 more homes surveyed in Total Urban and Rural Philippines compared to Kantar, Nielsen data is statistically considered more representative of the total TV population.


In 2017, Nielsen TV Audience Measurement increased its client pool to a total of 41 clients/subscribers consisting of 12 local TV networks including TV5, Aksyon TV, CNN Philippines, Net 25, Solar Entertainment Corporation, Viva Communications Inc., among others; 5 regional clients; 2 blocktimers; 21 agencies (18 media agencies, 2 consulting agencies, 1 digital agency); and 1 advertiser.