Finally, a good ban!

It seems that the tobacco industry's world just got smaller, at least over here in the Philippines. Last Tuesday saw the start of the ban on all tobacco/cigarette ads on radio, television and all forms of print media. The Philippines has followed other countries, decision to totally ban all forms of advertisements related to smoking. I was informed that in Formula 1 racing, tobacco ads on the race cars and on the track have been forbidden for years, delivering a blow to all the teams that compete as tobacco companies make up a large chunk of their sponsorship funds. We all know how Ferrari is associated with Marlboro, and McLaren-Mercedes with West cigarettes. Now, the places where you would normally see their logos are blank, with only hints of what they once were.

I believe that this move is a step in the right direction. Out of sight, out of mind. Tobacco smoking has long been blamed for an array of ailments, from a simple cough to the more deadly cancers. And it is not without basis. It has been proven that cigarette smoking is indeed hazardous to one's health, and to others as well. The latter part of the statement has been the strongest point of health advocates in furthering their cause, even crusade. Cigarette packs have long since carried the surgeon general's warning.  This latest move banning cigarette ads is another victory of sorts. Smoking has long been banned on commercial flights, in malls and practically all restaurants, even some bars like those in Makati. And all with good reason, as these particular ads more often than not, target the youth. Get them while they're young, so to speak.

Have you ever seen an ad wherein the smoker is approached by a not so pretty woman? Or does the smoker drive a jalopy, instead of a flashy, blood red sports car? Has he ever ridden a mule, instead of a thoroughbred? Or is he rowing a small boat, instead of standing on top of an 80-footer sailboat or speeding on a jet ski? Noooooo. The good, luxurious life has always been associated with smoking, at least that's what the ads want you to believe. And no minds are more susceptible to suggestion than that of the youth. Who doesn't want a life of a rugged cowboy, or a secret agent, or even a philandering, carefree billionaire? The youth are also often times influenced by their peers. This is also true with smoking. A smoking parent will more likely have a child who smokes.


Read more at https://www.philstar.com/opinion/2008/07/05/71025/finally-good-ban#lv0wyDFpzhxVslu5.99

Namfrel reiterates call for barangay, SK polls to push through

The House of Representatives has approved on second reading House Bill 5224 seeking to strengthen the rules on the proper use and display of the country’s national symbols, including the Philippine flag, and the rendition of the national anthem.

The bill seeks to repeal Republic Act 8491, also known as the “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines,” in light of contemporary changes in attitudes and idioms. It also aims to instill love of country and underscore the importance of complying with standard expressions of respect for the country’s national symbols.

Rep. Maximo Rodriguez, Jr. (2nd District, Cagayan de Oro City), a principal author of the bill, said despite the existence of RA 8491, many Filipinos do not accord the respect due the Philippine flag and the national anthem.

Rodriguez said RA 8491 provides that reverence and respect shall at all times be accorded the flag, the national anthem, and other national symbols which embody the national ideals and which express the principles of sovereignty and national solidarity.

“The national flag is the symbol of the country while the national anthem embodies and expresses the aspirations, dreams, ideals, longings, commitment and determination, nationalism and patriotism, sentiment and spirit of the people. One simple way to inculcate nationalism and patriotism, not just to the youth but to Filipinos of all ages, is to emphasize the importance of saluting the national flag and the singing of the Philippine national anthem,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez, chairman of the House committee on Mindanao affairs, said disrespecting the national anthem, which is a violation of the law, usually happens in cinemas where moviegoers do not even stand when the national anthem is being played.

House Bill 5224, also known as the proposed “Revised Flag and Heraldic Code” seeks to strengthen the rules on the proper use and display of the country’s national symbols and the rendition of the national anthem.

It declares it is a State policy that reverence and respect shall at all times be accorded the flag, the national anthem, and other national symbols which embody the national ideals and traditions and which express the principles of sovereignty and national solidarity.

The bill further declares that the heraldic items and devices shall seek to manifest the national virtues and to inculcate in the minds and hearts of the people a just pride in their native land, fitting respect and affection for the national flag and anthem, and the proper use of the national motto, coat-of-arms, and other heraldic items and devices.

One of the salient features of the bill is that it expands the coverage of the penal provision to include administrative penalties for administrative offenses. Any public official or employee who violates any of the provisions of the Act shall be punished, in accordance with Rule 10 of the Revised Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service, without prejudice to the filing of an appropriate criminal case, the bill provides.

The jurisdiction of a government agency or department over cases involving administrative offenses shall be in accordance with Rule 2, Section 9 of the Revised Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service.

Moreover, any person who, or entity which violates any of the provisions of the Act, shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of P50,000 to P100,000, or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both, at the discretion of the court.

For any second and additional offenses, both fine and imprisonment shall always be imposed. In case the violation is committed by a juridical person, its President or Chief Executive Officer shall be liable.

Meanwhile, those who fail or refuse to observe the provisions of the Act and violate the corresponding rules and regulations issued by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) shall, after probe, notice and hearing, be penalized by public censure to be published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation.

Likewise, the Department of Education (DepEd) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED), upon the recommendation of the NHCP and after the proper notice and hearing, shall cause the cancellation of the recognition or permit of any private educational institution which fails or refuses to observe the provisions of the Act for the second time.

The bill prescribes the design of the national flag such that the flag of the Philippines shall be blue, white and red with an eight-rayed golden-yellow sun and three five-pointed stars, as consecrated and honored by the people.

The flag shall be hoisted or displayed in all public buildings, official residences, public plazas, and institutions of learning every Monday to Friday throughout the year.

The flag should be permanently displayed or hoisted day and night, throughout the year, and in front of the following: Malacañang Palace; Senate of the Philippines building; House of Representatives building; Supreme Court building; Rizal Monument in Luneta; Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite; Barasoain Shrine in Malolos, Bulacan; Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; LIbingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City Metro Manila; all memorials dedicated to the veterans of the military, Musoleo de los Veteranos dela Revolucion in the North Cemetery, City of Manila; Marcela Agoncillo historical landmark in Taal, Batangas; Pinaglabanan historical Landmark in San Juan City, Metro Manila; all international ports of entry; and all other places as may be designated and marked by the NHCP.

The flag shall be flown also on all seafaring vessels of Philippine registry.

The bill also provides a standard protocol when the Philippine flag is flown or displayed with another flag. When the Philippine flag is flown with another flag, the flags, if both are national flags, must be flown on separate staffs of the same height and shall be of equal size.

The Philippine flag shall be to the left of the observer and hoisted first and lowered last.

The flag shall be replaced immediately by the concerned agency/institution/office when it begins to show signs of wear and tear. A flag that is worn out through wear and tear shall not be thrown away. It shall be turned over to the appropriate Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts Local Council Committee in the nearest school which shall in turn conduct proper disposal rites to avoid misuse or desecration of the worn-out flag. The manner of disposal of the worn-out flag shall be in accordance with the rules to be issued by the NHCP.

The bill also provides for the mandatory singing of the national anthem during flag ceremony in all government offices and educational institutions.

It expands the coverage of government officials and personnel wherein the flag shall be flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning on the day of official announcement of the death of any of the following officials: the President or a former President, the incumbent and former Vice President, Chief Justice, President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, the incumbent and former members of the Supreme Court, the Cabinet, the Senate or the House of Representatives, the incumbent and former elected LGU officials; and an incumbent public school teacher.

Other authors of HB 5224 are Reps. Christopher Vera Perez De Venecia (4th District, Pangasinan), Marlyn B. Alonte-Naguiat (Lone District, Biñan City) Victoria Isabel G.Noel (Party-list, AN WARAY), Jose Christopher Y. Belmonte (6th District, Quezon City), Deogracias Victor B. Savellano (1st District, Ilocos Sur), Sandra Y. Eriguel (2nd District, La Union), Pablo C. Ortega (1st District, La Union), Ana Katrina M. Enverga (1st District, Quezon),Lianda B. Bolilia (4th District, Batangas), Rosanna Vergara (3rd District, Nueva Ecija), Ron P. Salo (Party-list, KABAYAN), Mark O. Go (Lone District, Baguio City), Cecilia Leonila V. Chavez (Party-list,BUTIL), Luisa Lloren Cuaresma (Lone District, Nueva Vizcaya), Divina Grace C. Yu (1st District, Zamboanga del Sur), Vilma Santos-Recto (6th District, Batangas City), Giona Labadlabad (2nd District, Zamboanga del Norte), Ana Cristina S. Go (2nd District, Isabela) and Celso L. Lobregat (1st District, Zamboanga City). / ICY JR.

http://congress.gov.ph/press/details.php?pressid=10015

Fun-filled Sunday with ‘All-Star Videoke’

GMA Network launches tomorrow the new “All-Star Videoke” with Solenn Heussaff and Betong Sumaya as hosts. They promise to give a show that’s twice the fun and excitement.

Because of her love for music and singing, Solenn is eager for the show to begin. “Ito talaga ’yung first hosting gig ko sa GMA Entertainment so iba ’yung feeling kasi sobrang bongga ’yung preparations sa lahat. Nandu’n ’yung pressure but also the excitement kasi I really like music and singing so dito magagawa ko talaga ’yun.”

On the other hand, Betong said, “Natutuwa ako kasi kami ni Solenn ’yung pinagkatiwalaan ng GMA dito sa napakalaking project na ito. As we all know, inaabangan talaga ito ng viewers noon, ’di ba? Sobra ’yung excitement ko kasi following the footsteps of Allan K., Jaya and Arnell Ignacio, ang laki ng shoes to fill in so I feel blessed and challenged at the same time.”

 The game features six celebrity contestants vying to outwit one another by filling in the missing words on a song in a videoke-type presentation.

• • •

Going global, giving back

Now on its third year, World Class Excellence Japan Awards (WCEJA) will be held on Sept. 4 at the Hilton Fukuoka Seahawk Hotel. Founded by Filipino-Japanese multi-awarded performer, beauty queen and civic leader Emma Toba (Emma Cordero) in 2015, WCEJA) seeks to recognize personalities who have excelled in their respective fields in Japan, the Philippines, and other countries.

In WCEJA, Emma saw an opportunity to fuse her passion for recognizing great talents and helping out those in need.

All proceeds of the WCEJA will go to civic programs and scholarships granted by the Ai Wo Agetai (“I Wanna Give Love”) Foundation (also known as NPO Houjin in Japan); and to help the Voice of an Angel Foundation (VOAA) Philippines’ less-fortunate scholars at the Our Lady of Fatima de San Pedro School in San Pedro City

Some WCEJA awardees include Filipino singing icons Freddie Aguilar and Imelda Papin, Katrina Paula and Marjorie Jalosjos.

Just recently, Emma also established the King & Queen of  VOAA Universe International which will be held on Sept. 3 at the Sun Palace Hotel in Fukuoka.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Sept. 2, go to Gen. Alexander Aguirre, Rey “PJ” Abellana, Amado Tan, Ronnie Villar, Chit Javier Tmbang, Neneng Abaquin, Nona Panlilio, Steffi del Rosario, Prof. Noel de Guzman, Jessica Casas-Luzande, Timoteo Bernaldez of PCSO GM’s office, Dona Bayota, Fanny Blanco, Aly Nepomuceno of Doha, Qatar greetings from Jovy Hernandez-Alimon of San Pablo, Laguna, Kakai Bautista, Cecile Catalan Legaspi, Jonathan Morales, Carlo Guevarra and Ricky Carandang… Sept. 3: Sen. Mary Grace Poe-Llamanzares, Nonoy Zuñiga, Aristeo Demavivas, Malu Barry, Dr. Gary Sy, Lito Galang, Danny Mañalac, Cecille N. Bello, Romy Navarro, Ma. Cristina S. Timbol, Bong Panlilio, Mona Aquino Ventura, Nene Rogacion, Babot Armas of New York, Jam Morales of California, Patricia Evangelista, MB’s Ronniel de Guzman and Aris Ilagan and Daphne Cortes of Star Magic… Happy wedding anniversary to Rep. Jorge and Baby Banal…Belated b-day greetings to Fe Monalisa Chico, Mel Lopez, Ariel Rivera, Azenith Briones, Philip Cruz, Edd Baluyot, Dr. Jazmine V. Gongora, Dennis Mendiola, Jon Avila, Alex Pili and Emma Borja (Sept. 1)…Sept. 4: BB Gandanghari (formerly Rustom Padilla), Amanda E. Layug, singer Rowell Quizon, Stauro Punongbayan, Olay Rullan, Eirish Cheng, Lyndon Constantino Lim, Ashley Pauline S. Gatdula, Marilyn Legaspi, Liza Margarette B. Lumauig, Rizalino Fraga, Jong Fernandez, Jojo Jose and Ericson “Padz” Puduit…

http://entertainment.mb.com.ph/2017/09/02/fun-filled-sunday-with-all-star-videoke/

House approves national ID system

Written by Jester P. Manalastas

THE national identification system  (House Bill 6221) was passed at the end of period of debates at the plenary, according to House Committee on Population and Family Relations chair Laguna Rep. Sol Aragones.

It was former President now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who headed the technical working group in consolidating several version of national id system bills.

“Sa Section 14 po ng ating panukalang batas, inaatasan ang Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) na makipag-coordinate sa Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) at National Privacy Commission (NPC) para maisaayos ang implementasyon ng Fil Sys hinggil sa organizational, physical, and technical security measures na dinisenyo upang tugunan ang risks na involved dito.

“Magkakaroon po ng system para sa protection against natural dangers gaya ng accidental loss or destruction at human dangers gaya ng unlawful access, fraudulent misuse, alteration and contamination ng data,”  Aragones said.

Under the bill,  access to the FilSys shall be restricted to personnel of the PSA, DICT, NPC, and other implementing agencies that have the appropriate security clearance and shall be limited to the extent necessary for the performance of their respective functions relative to the FilSys.

During the interpellation, the issue on whether police authorities can access the database was also raised.
   
According to the oppositors of the measure, this can be exploited by authorities by prying into the lives of Filipinos registered under the FilSys through a continuous surveillance.
   
Aragones, who is also one of the principal authors of the bill, allayed fears surrounding the possibility of being profiled and unduly investigated by police authorities using the unified database system.
   
Aragones said information stored in the FilSys will not be given to third parties except for certain circumstances enumerated in the proposed bill.
   
“Walang probisyon sa panukalang-batas na nagbibigay sa kapulisan ng access sa Fil Sys dahil sa right to privacy na nakapaloob sa ating Saligang Batas.
   
“Ayon po sa Section 13, walang sinuman ang puwedeng mag-disclose o mag-disseminate o magbigay ng personal data na registered sa Fil Sys sa third parties kasama na po d’yan ang law enforcement agencies, national security agencies o AFP, maliban na lamang po sa mga sumusunod: una, kung nagbigay ng consent at inauthorize mismo ng holder ng Fil ID ang pagbibigay ng kanyang personal data; pangalawa, kung may accident, disaster, o fortuitous event, at kailangan malaman ang medical history ng isang tao gaya ng blood type at special medcial needs; ikatlo, kung ang interes ng public health or safety ang nakasalalay; at ikaapat, kung may kautusan na galing sa korte,” Aragones explained.

Aragones added that all applicable laws, including RA 10173 or the Data Privacy Act, will be fully observed in cases of unauthorized or unlawful processing and disclosure of any information registered with the FilSys.
   
She pointed out that any information obtained as a result of unlawful acts previously mentioned shall be inadmissible in any judicial proceedings and cannot be held against the holder of the FilID or the other person involved.
   
Under Section 16 of the proposed bill, [t]he biometric data shall be accepted in case a cardholder fails to present the FilID when transacting business with the government and shall not be a ground to deny or limit the grant of basic government service as long as such transaction allows the non-presentation of the FilID.
   
When passed into law, the FilSys shall prioritize the registration of Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICC/IPs), persons with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, and Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) beneficiaries.

http://www.journal.com.ph/news/nation/house-approves-national-id-system

DZRH New Logo

MRT 3 rehab pushed

The private shareholders of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 want President Duterte to step in and support their bid to rehabilitate the congested railway line along Edsa.

Metro Rail Transit Corp. (MRTC) said yesterday that it had directly written Mr. Duterte, prompted by the “inaction” of the Department of Transportation on an earlier $150-million offer to rehabilitate MRT-3, which is prone to breakdowns.

MRTC is led by a group of investors led by businessman Robert Sobrepeña. It also has government shareholders, which control a minority voting position.

The main objective of MRTC’s offer is to “fast-track” MRT-3’s rehabilitation and bring back long-time maintenance provider Sumitomo Corp. of Japan.

It was during the Aquino administration that Sumitomo was replaced by various other groups, including the current maintenance provider, Busan Universal Rail Inc., which MRTC said was partly to blame for MRT-3’s current condition.

“The solution submitted by MRTC is for the full rehabilitation and maintenance of the trains in order to restore the system to accommodate over 550,000 passengers per day and allow effective capacity expansion,” MRTC president Frederick Parayno said.

It said the letter to Mr. Duterte was prompted by the lack of action or response from the DOTr on its proposal submitted in April.

“Aside from acknowledging receipt of the letter proposal, DOTr has not given MRTC any reply,” Parayno said.

A DOTr official did not immediately comment on the issue. In a letter to the MRTC dated May 5, 2017, DOTr assistant secretary for legal affairs Leah Quiambao said the offer was under study.

She added that the DOTr’s review “shall be without prejudice to our position that the proposal shall not stall, delay or otherwise postpone” ongoing arbitration proceedings between MRTC and the government.

MRTC and the government are embroiled in various legal cases involving the late payment of equity rentals and the acquisition by the previous Department of Transportation and Communications of new trains from China’s Dalian Locomotive and Rolling Stock Co.

Dalian had completed the delivery of 48 train coaches. However, the DOTr said in March that most of these could not be deployed, citing power supply issues and the need to install a new signalling system required for the trains to operate safely.

In its letter to Mr. Duterte, MRTC said accepting its proposal would also aid accountability given the restoration of a “single point of responsibility” regime.

“The Single Point of Responsibility is an element of MRTC’s contract with Sumitomo that holds the maintenance provider liable for any and all breakdowns and glitches in the MRT-3 system, leaving no room for excuses or finger pointing,” MRTC said.

Part of the offer included the acquisition of spare parts worth $50 million. It added that the offer comes at no cost to the government and can be implemented rapidly since it was allowed under its build lease transfer agreement with the government.


Read more: http://business.inquirer.net/236117/mrt-3-rehab-pushed#ixzz4rdhu5L6B
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The road not taken

Uber is back.

On August 29, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) lifted the one-month suspension order on the operations of Uber, a transport network company (TNC), after the latter complied with the Php 190 million fine and other remuneration requirements.

LTFRB previously issued a show-cause order to Uber for violating its July 26 halt instruction on accepting new drivers. On August 1, the Board ultimately decided to suspended all operations of the TNC.

When news of the suspension broke, social media grew into a frenzy of agitated and confused Uber patrons. The suggestion of LTFRB officials for commuters to hail taxi cabs as a remedy only added fuel to the fire.

Regular customers of the TNC pointed out that picky drivers and arbitrary rates of taxis are the very reason why they avail of Uber’s services. Soon enough, the debate became a dichotomy between Uber and taxi drivers, as if one side was more deserving to earn than the other.

Pockets of discussions dragged on, but the bigger picture revealed itself in no time. While LTFRB has been riddled with an inept bureaucracy and TNC regulation has the government in talks, the fact remains that the Uber issue is just a minute detail of the public transportation conundrum in the country, particularly in the capital.

Undoubtedly, majority of the populace in Mega Manila cannot afford the services of ride-hailing applications, leaving them with no other option than to rely on mass transit despite issues on inefficiency and safety.

A study reported by Japan International Coordination Agency (JICA) shows that 69% of all the total trips in Metro Manila every day are aboard public transportation. In addition, buses and jeepneys account for 71% of these daily trips. The same JICA report suggests that the solution in easing the transportation dilemma is for railways to take up 41% of the overall transport system.

But with a Metro Rail Transit (MRT) that has proven itself more than capable of having three different trains experience similar glitches in just one day, it is only with hope that projects such as the long-delayed MRT-Light Rail Transit (LRT) Common Station will soon benefit the daily Filipino commuter, not just the pockets of officials.

It is one thing to hear about the dilemmas of riding the MRT, LRT, buses, jeepneys, and other forms of public transportation, it is another to experience them for ourselves. And admittedly, the latter is quite foreign to those who were very vocal on the Uber issue.

While everyone has the right to criticize the actions of the government and demand a better response from them, it may still be appropriate to examine and ask ourselves if we speak out only when we are inconvenienced.

Uber is back. But public transportation woes have never really left us. Why the sudden silence?

http://www.theguidon.com/1112/main/2017/10/road-not-taken/

Enchong and Anj Dee for arena and speedo swimwear

Catch Enchong Dee for arena swimwear and Anj Dee for speedo!

Catch Enchong Dee for arena Swimwear and TIMEX IRONMAN WATCH combo!

Enchong Dee

He was 2009 UAAP Swimming Championship Senior’s Division MVP and 2009 UAAP Swimming Champion – DLSU Green Tankers! Also, he was a member of Bodyworx Spa and Fitness Club!

Enchong Dee’s Arena Swimwear and Timex Ironman combo contains 2011 Nike DLSU Centennial Jacket and Pant, Nike DLSU Tee (White), ARN-4091-blk swimcap, AGL- 1400-EMBL goggle, Timex Ironman Triathlon 100-Lap Resin Strap Watch #T5F591 and ＡＲＮ-６０１４ 　ｎｕｘ-F　ニュークスＦ スパッツ  DGRNDグリーン　jammer!

2011 Nike DLSU Tee (White)

Another shirt added to my collection. Green and white all the way! #dlsugreenarchers #nike 💚

A post shared by Jerome Juarez (@jeromejuarez) on Mar 11, 2016 at 12:10am PST

Anj Dee

And his sister, Anj Dee for speedo FASTSKIN FS-PRO Recordbreaker!