On track for a nat’l ID system

The Asian Development Bank noted in a 2016 report that “for nearly two decades, the government of the Philippines has attempted to establish a national ID system. However, these attempts have faced opposition on constitutional and privacy grounds.”

The report was about the unified multipurpose ID (UMID) system that was put in place in 2005 by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo through an executive order, which required “all government-owned and -controlled corporations to streamline and harmonize their identification systems.” It was a good start to a national ID system but, according to the ADB, still a weak one, since it was merely based on an executive order and not a law from Congress. It also had very limited coverage—less than 8 percent of the population as of 2015. “In the current UMID system, groups such as the self-employed, the unemployed, minors and those working abroad have not been enrolled,” the report pointed out.

Congress has attempted many times to push for a national ID law, only to meet sustained and fierce opposition from privacy advocates and progressive groups who feared that such a system might result in the invasion of privacy and violation of civil liberties and human rights. Supporters of the system, on the other hand, point to its potential benefits: It would streamline government databases and make official transactions more efficient, while sparing citizens the inconvenience and cost of having to carry around multiple IDs. It could also help battle terrorism and crime.

President Fidel Ramos batted for such a system during his term as part of his administration’s security and counterinsurgency measures, but the proposal was disallowed by the Supreme Court in 1998, ruling that it posed a “clear and present danger” that would violate the right to privacy guaranteed by the Constitution.

That long-elusive law now appears closer to becoming a reality with the news that the Senate and the House of Representatives have agreed on a common version of the latest measures to push for a national ID system. Apparently to allay the fears of privacy and human rights advocates, the bicameral version has done away with the House bill’s more detailed information requirements, such as the cardholder’s parents’ names, permanent address, height and weight. The reconciled bill now on track to become law requires only the cardholder’s full name, sex, birthdate, birthplace, address and nationality, as well as biometric information. As reported in this paper: “Besides serving as official proof of identity, the ID card may be presented in requesting social welfare, services and benefits from government agencies, applying for passports and driver’s licenses, opening bank accounts, registering as a voter, and getting admitted to schools and hospitals.”

Still, apprehensions remain. The Makabayan bloc in the House has warned that the bill poses a serious threat to privacy and the right against surveillance. “For a regime that holds a record of criminalizing dissent and silencing vocal critics, this could be an additional arsenal for further espionage and repression,” said Kabataan Rep. Sarah Elago. Added martial law victim and former Commission on Human Rights chair Etta Rosales: “Under more humane conditions where people are free to walk the streets and enjoy the comfort of police protection, I would say ‘yes’ because this facilitates government services to the public. But conditions are not healthy and safe.”

The proposed ID system is said to have included stringent safeguards against, and penalties for, the unwarranted disclosure of private information. But before this measure gets passed and forwarded to Malacañang to be signed into law by President Duterte, the public does need to know: Will they be safe with an all-knowing ID in hand? Anything less, and this critical project needs to be reconsidered.

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PRRD will sign nat’l ID system into law: Palace

President Rodrigo Duterte will sign into law a bill seeking to establish a single Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) once ratified by the two houses of Congress, Malacañang said on Thursday.

“We welcome the approval of the National ID System by the House and Senate bicameral conference committee,” Roque said in a press statement.

“This landmark bill is part of the legislative priority agenda of the Duterte administration to improve the delivery of government services; thus, once ratified, the President will sign this into law,” he added.

Both the Senate and the House of Representatives are expected to ratify the bicameral report on Monday.

The proposed bill seeks to integrate and interconnect some 30 redundant government IDs by coming out with one national ID system, or PhilSys.

The PhilSys will have three key components: the PhilSys Number or PSN, the PhilID and PhilSys Registry.

The PhilID will be a non-transferable card containing on its face the PSN, full name, facial image, date of birth, address and fingerprints of the individual.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is mandated to act as the PhilSys Registry, a repository and custodian of all data including the PSN, registered records, and information of all persons registered in the PhilSys.

Under the proposed bill, PhilSys Policy and Coordination Council (PSPCC) will be created with a mandate to formulate policies and guidelines to ensure effective coordination and implementation of the PhilSys

National ID will ensure access to, delivery of public service–solon

THE establishment of the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) will enable more Filipinos to access vital services, such as education, social protection, health care, banking and finance, according to one of the principal authors of the measure creating a national identification system in the country.

“The PhilSys is particularly important for vulnerable sectors of our population, like those who are marginalized and living in poverty and those living in remote areas. Once they have the means to prove their identity, people will be empowered to exercise their rights and privileges and access basic services,” Rep. Xavier Jesus D. Romualdo of the Lone District of Camiguin said.

According to the Identification for Development initiative of the World Bank, over 16.3 million Filipinos do not have proof of identity and are hindered from availing themselves of government and financial services.

The bicameral conference committee report reconciling the House of Representatives and Senate versions of the measure is set to be ratified by both chambers before Congress adjourns next week.

Allaying concerns raised by critics that the national ID system will infringe on the rights and privacy of citizens, Romualdo, who was a member of the bicameral conference committee, said Congress has ensured that only basic personal information will be stored in the PhilSys and that such information will be protected and kept confidential.

“Only one’s name, sex, address, date and place of birth, blood type and biometric data, such as facial photo and fingerprints, are required to be entered in the PhilSys. Furthermore, disclosure of and granting access to stored data and information to anyone, even to law-enforcement agencies and the military, is prohibited and penalized,” Romualdo explained.

The reconciled version of the bill provides that disclosure of information is allowed only when  the registered person has given his or her consent, specific to the purpose prior to the processing, or, upon order of a competent court, when the compelling interest of public health or safety so requires, provided that the risk of significant harm to the public is established and the owner of the information is notified within 72 hours of the fact of such disclosure. Information obtained as a result of any unauthorized or illegal disclosure is inadmissible in any judicial, quasi-judicial, or administrative proceeding.

Who’s afraid of a national ID system?

A CONGRESSIONAL bicameral conference committee approved early this week the consolidated version of a bill establishing a national identification system. The ratification of the proposed law by both houses of Congress is set for Monday. Once ratified the bill will then be forwarded to the Office of the President for executive action.

The primary objective of this planned national ID system (NIDS) is to provide a valid proof of identity for all citizens and resident aliens as a means of simplifying public and private transactions. It likewise aims to eliminate the need to present other forms of identification when transacting with the government and the private sector, subject to appropriate authentication measures. It is also envisioned to be a social and economic platform which will ensure seamless delivery of government services.

There is nothing in the soon-to-be-law that mentions the use of the national ID system as a precautionary measure to prevent a terrorist attack. However, I read some media reports saying that the issuance of ID cards can guard against terrorists and suspected criminals.

It was also reported that the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is tasked to implement the ID system, maintain the centralized database and issue the “tamper-proof” cards to every Filipino. These cards would contain basic information about the cardholders, including some biometrics data.

There is no doubt that the issuance of a national ID to every citizen is “doable.” However, is the collection of the individual’s private data safe?

Way back in August 2016, I wrote about the proposed national ID system in this column. I am reproducing portions of that write-up which are relevant to the current issue.

Previous attempts to establish NIDS

President Fidel V. Ramos, way back in 1996, issued Administrative Order (AO) 308, implementing a National Computerized Identification Reference System. However, the Supreme Court struck it down on July 23, 1998, in the notable case of Blas F. Ople v. Ruben D. Torres, et al.

Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno wrote the decision and even commended then Senator Ople in his effort to “prevent the shrinking of the right to privacy, which the revered Mr. Justice Brandeis considered as ‘the most comprehensive of rights and the right most valued by civilized men’.” In that petition, Ople prayed to invalidate Administrative Order 308 on “two important constitutional grounds, viz: one, it is a usurpation of the power of Congress to legislate, and two, it impermissibly intrudes our citizenry’s protected zone of privacy.” The Supreme Court granted the petition and declared AO 308 null and void for being unconstitutional.

What are these constitutional issues? First, the Supreme Court held that, “AO 308 involves a subject that is not appropriate to be covered by an administrative order.” Basically, Congress could have passed a law relative to the national ID system, instead of the President issuing an AO. Second, “because facially it violates the right to privacy.” Simply put, it breached the people’s zone of privacy, which is recognized and enshrined in several provisions of our Constitution.

On April 13, 2005, then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued Executive Order 420, requiring all government agencies and government-owned and-controlled corporations to streamline and harmonize their identification (ID) systems. Again, this was challenged by various groups and petitions were filed before the Supreme Court. Likewise, the same two issues were raised: first, it was a usurpation of legislative power by the President and; second, it infringes on the citizens’ right to privacy.

Collection of private data into one repository

A typical information Technology (IT)-based infrastructure for the NIDS would entail a central computerized database system, remote online access points and telecommunications facilities.

All of the data that would be provided by the citizens – name, address, birth date, civil status, (even biometrics data) etc. – would be stored in one huge repository, the central computerized database. This would be under the care of the PSA.

Various government agencies, for example the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), would then have their own remote access facility, normally a computer workstation. In the course of its daily operations the DFA would access the central computerized database online, query the same and check the authenticity of a passport applicant, download the personal information of the applicant, and make some data updates if necessary (say, passport number issued to the applicant). Over time, the central database would contain complete dossiers of each and every Filipino.

Considering that the government does not have its own national broadband network, most probably the remote access can be effected by using the existing commercial telecommunications facilities. This is where the danger lies. A commercial telecommunications facility is designed for public use. Couple this with inadequate network security on the part of the government agencies and you have a recipe for disaster.

With such vulnerabilities, it opens up the possibility that “would-be-hackers” might be interested in getting through the NDIS for their own personal gain.

Exposure of private data to the public

Will this centralized database of the NIDS be secured? Is there a risk that our private data will be exposed to the public? What are the technical and internal controls to prevent data leakage?

As I have mentioned in my other published articles, all information technology systems and computer devices can be compromised. No software application is perfectly written. Any software system would tend to have bugs, which could be exploited.

I said before that, “the reality is that the government does not have an established and effective security mechanism to protect its computer systems and communications networks from determined hackers.”

And I say it again now – the proposed NDIS is doable, but, in the hands of an incapable and technically clueless implementing government agency (probably together with their not sufficiently expert personnel), there is a great risk that the unsuspecting citizens’ private data would not only be exposed to the public, but be under the complete control of some unscrupulous individuals and politicians – putting our fundamental right to privacy at risk. The potential for misuse of our private data, collectively gathered through time, would always be there.

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Yes to a national ID

A LITTLE more than a month before the May 9, 2016 national elections, hackers broke into the database of the Commission on Elections and dumped the personal data of millions of Filipino voters on the Internet. “ComeLeak,” as the biggest-ever private data leak in the country came to be known, was supposedly pulled off by homegrown hackers belonging to Anonymous Philippines and Lulzsec Pilipinas, in order to highlight the lack of security measures in place to protect the voters’ data collected by the Comelec.

Ultimately, the hackers dumped 340 gigabytes of purloined data online. This represented the personal information of most of the country’s 55 million registered voters, including those of 1.3 million Filipino overseas voters (complete with their passport data), 15.8 million sets of fingerprints and a list of candidates in all elections held since 2010, when automation of the electoral system was first implemented, according to the Web security outfit Trend Micro.

The Comelec quickly went on damage-control mode, saying that both its data and the elections had not been compromised by the cyber-attack. Two hackers – both of them young IT students – were arrested in Sampaloc, Manila and Muntinlupa by the National Bureau of Investigation shortly after the data dump was discovered, and that seemed to be the end of that.

The ComeLeak scandal was eventually buried by stories on the elections itself, as expected. Not a lot of people even remember it anymore.


But the cyber-attack on Comelec two years ago highlights the single most important concern being raised about the national ID system, which seems about ready to be rolled out nearly two decades after it was first proposed during the Ramos years. Can government be entrusted with our private data, which should never fall into the hands of malicious hackers and other people with criminal intent?

The question is important because unlike most personal data submitted online, registered voters and Filipinos who sign up for the national ID program do not do so voluntarily. Their data submissions are unlike those, say, of people applying for bank loans or credit cards or who go on social media or visit other Web sites, who give up private information willingly even if they know that it could end up with third parties that buy them from companies that collect and sell them.

The security of submitted data is about the only valid objection to the national ID system, which got a big boost after both chambers of Congress hammered out a common version of the proposed law on the scheme this week. The National Statistics Authority, as the repository of the data collected from the citizenry who will be given IDs, should make sure that it has learned from the sad experience of Comelec in 2016, in its bid to rationalize the chaotic system that we have at present.

If only because a unified ID system will provide relief and convenience to Filipinos who can’t access vital services without it, we should agree to the plan. And I don’t know of anyone who’s ever been asked to produce at least two government-issued ID cards or to submit a birth certificate to prove being born every time he or she renews one of the 30-plus mostly- redundant IDs issued by an equal number of government agencies will disagree.

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Security concerns aside, all the other objections to the national ID system are unfounded, paranoid and just plain stupid. Take, for instance, the opposition by left-leaning groups to the scheme on the ground that it violates personal privacy.

This is fear-mongering that cannot outweigh the benefits of having a system that provides convenience to millions who suffer every time they have to transact business with government and private entities that require proper identification.

Nearly all well-run countries rely on some sort of unified ID system (say, the personal social security number in the United States) in order to provide services to the public. By itself, having such a system in place cannot constitute a violation of privacy, unless the data is illegally accessed or used.

Which leads me to another objection to the scheme that has been voiced by leftist Kabataan party-list Rep. Sarah Elago. This lawmaker said:

“This is additional ammunition for the Duterte administration, which likes to silence critics, trample on human rights and criminalize dissent. [The national ID system] may be used for spying and more surveillance.”

This is just the sort of outdated thinking that presumes bad faith and worse motives on a government that merely wants to make the delivery of services more efficient and effective. Besides, Elago, a Janey-come-lately-communist, forgets that all the totalitarian states that she and her leftist buddies are enamored with – assuming that they still exist, of course – were the most assiduous implementors of national ID systems, nationwide surveillance programs and oppressive campaigns to stifle human rights.

I guess Elago and other leftists are convinced that what few supporters they have remaining, particularly among the poorest, most underserved communities of the country, would rather have their right to privacy protected than be able to enjoy services like food and other subsidies, medical treatment, housing, education and documentation that they could get more easily from government with a national ID system.

Elago’s objection, of course, is part and parcel of the bigger campaign against President Rodrigo Duterte himself, who has promised to approve the Congress proposal as soon as it lands on his desk. As another rabid critic of Duterte’s, former Aquino administration official Etta Rosales, explained it, they really have no problem with a national ID scheme, except that it will be implemented by Duterte.

“Under more humane conditions where people are free to walk the streets and enjoy the comfort of police protection, I would say ‘yes’ because this facilitates government services to the public. But conditions [under Duterte]are not healthy and safe,” Rosales, a diehard Yellow, said.

All of which, of course, leads me to the familiar territory claimed by those hard-wired to oppose the current president. They can accept that Duterte is doing the right things, but they just don’t want him to succeed.

And this, ultimately, is the biggest reason why we should have a national ID system. It’s the right thing to do – and it irritates the hell out of those who think they have a monopoly of doing the right thing.

‘Show Dogs’ movie for the whole family

Fantasy film buffs will surely find Viva International Pictures and MVP Entertainment’s latest offering “Show Dogs” an exciting watch.

Directed by Raja Gosnell (“The Smurfs,” “Beverly Hills Chihuahua,” “Never Been Kissed,” “Home Alone 3”), the movie focuses on Max, a Rottweiler police dog who has to go undercover for a mission against animal traffickers. Much to his annoyance, he is partnered with Frank, an accomplished FBI agent who considers this assignment a little bit beneath him.

Max is voiced by actor and Grammy award-winning rap artist Ludacris. According to producer Deepak Nayar, “We needed somebody who has New York tough accent, so Ludacris is the one we wanted to play the tough dog.” Comedic actor Will Arnett plays Frank, a dog-lover in real life.

“Show Dogs” features the voices of Shaquille O’Neal as Karma, Stanley Tucci (“Devil Wears Prada”) as Philippe, Alan Cumming as Dante, Gabriel Iglesias as Sprinkles, and “American Idol” winner Jordin Sparks as Daisy, the love interest of Max. It also stars Natasha Lyonne (“American Pie”) as Mattie, a dog groomer tasked with assisting Frank and Max to blend into a show dog world.

A movie for the whole family that shows the value of trust and teamwork, “Show Dogs” promises to be “a tail you won’t forget.” It is now in cinemas nationwide.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, May 26, go to Comm. Fe Aldava Lim, Dr. Jo Catapang, Evelyn Recio Cruz, John Rex Tiu, Noemi Sandiko, Cely Cabalza, Iking Araneta, Nerissa dela Cruz, Brig. Gen. Raul Imperial, Karen Cabrera, Liza Rodriguez, and Josephine Elicano… May 27: Mae Binauhan, Coney Reyes, Cherry Pie Picache, Gino Sotto, Michael de Vera, Col. Rody Tensuan, Lolita Camagun, Angie Duran, and Rufa Mae Quinto… May 28: Lupita Kashihawara, Edgar Aquino, Girlie Pleyto, Alice Marcelo, Mark Dayrit, Christian Jeirezze G. Martinez, Elijah Montealegre, Dr. Nancy Ordona, Rick Valenzuela, Jomar Bautista, Ali Uy, Joselita Sandigan, Edna Luzon,  and Zsa Zsa Padilla… Happy wedding anniversary to Aga and Charlene Muhlach, and Ronald and Agnes Manalili…Condolences to the family of Espie Bruno was 70 years old, who passed away last May 23…Get well soon to Annalyn Bautista… 

Editorial: Media woes

IT was very devastating to learn that broadcast giant ABS-CBN has terminated some of its employees due to network woes, which is redundancy.

Its local station in Bacolod laid off more than 20 regular workers and talents.

There are also reports that other stations from different provinces sacked their employees, too.

But in the City of Smiles, it was never a happy day for the affected media workers when they were informed about their separation on Tuesday, May 22.

Their employment is until June 30.

They will also get a substantial separation pay.

While the TV network has yet to issue a statement on the issue, this is really demoralizing news, perhaps callous.

One of the many media woes.

Media workers do not mind if they are underpaid and overworked, as long as they get the job done – that is to get the truth out there; to the public; to the listeners; to the viewers,; and to the readers.

It is a shame we have sitting president who will do everything to discredit the media, which had helped shaped our history.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier threatened to block the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise, which will expire on March 30, 2020.

The president claimed that the network did not show his political ads during the 2016 campaign even if they already accepted the payment.

Last March, TV5 Network Inc. also shut down the operations of its online news portal, InterAksyon while some employees of CNN Philippines were also laid off in January.

This is just one of the many media woes. But still, we move on. Let us continue to seek for the truth.

Police state in the making? Groups alarmed over passage of PH ID system

Various groups expressed dismay over the recommendation of the bicameral conference committee of the House of Representatives and the Senate to proceed with the implementation of the National Identification (ID) system in the country.

The committee, on Tuesday evening, May 22 adopted the Senate version of the proposed Philippine Identification System Act of 2018, which was authored by Senator Panfilo Lacson.

The lawmakers are now eyeing to implement the law by the end of June this year.

ACT Teachers Representatives Antonio Tinio and France Castro said the measure will become a tool of the Duterte administration in “signing away the right of Filipinos to privacy and is another step closer for the Philippines to become a police state.”

In a statement they issued on Thursday, ACT Partylist said the national ID system mandates the establishment of a Filipino Identification System and requires all Filipino citizens to provide personal information to the government in exchange for the so-called Filipino ID Card.

“The bill empowers the government to collect and retain from each and every Filipino citizen their personal information of exceptional scope and interest,” Tinio pointed out.

He added that information that the government will gather from individuals will include not only the basic personal data but also sensitive personal information such as biometrics by facial scan, fingerprints and other identifiable features.

Tinio said the sensitive information will be included upon the crafting of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the ID system law.

Castro said the bill is a threat to the right of privacy and will provide the government a powerful tool of surveillance, control, and repression over all citizens.

“With President Duterte’s emerging dictatorial rule, the deteriorating human rights situation, the increasing number of extrajudicial killings, martial law in Mindanao, a total war in the countryside, and the Duterte regime’s tyrannical rule, the bill may be used against those who criticize and oppose his policies,” she added.

The proposed law will also result to the deprivation of the basic social needs and discrimination against those who do not have the ID once the law is implemented, Tinio said.

Castro dismissed the claim that the ID system will provide easier access for the people to transact with the government.

She said delays in government transactions are caused by rampant corruption and red tape.

Tinio raised serious concerns about the country’s sovereignty and security when the ID system will push through.

“What is also alarming is that the proposed custodian of the giant database of sensitive personal information is the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) that entered into a questionable contract with a US-based firm called Unisys,” Tinio said.

A draconian measure

Human rights group Karapatan also condemned the passage of the National ID system at the bicameral committee of Congress, saying it is a “draconian” measure and should not be used to deny basic social services to all Filipinos.

In a statement on Thursday, the group said the proposed measure is designed to infringe on the citizens’ right to privacy, the right against surveillance and the right against government witch hunts against its so-called enemies and critics.

For its part, the the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) slammed the passage of the National ID system.

The group expressed fear that the law, once implemented, will turn out to be an additional ammunition in Duterte’s arsenal of tyrannical policies.

“The government wants to put a collar on every Filipino,” the KMP said in a statement on Thursday.

The group emphasized that progressive sectors and civil libertarians have long opposed and blocked the attempts of previous administrations to implement the National ID system.

“Now, under Duterte, all Marcosian policies are making a convenient resurrection,” KMP said. (davaotoday.com)

#AweSM Weekend Party

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Lacson: National ID system in place by June

By HANNAH TORREGOZA

Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson yesterday confirmed that the bicameral conference committee has approved the proposed law establishing a Philippine Identification System.

Lacson, chair of the Senate committee on public order and author and sponsor of the bill, said the House of Representatives agreed to adopt the Senate version “with minor amendments.”

The bicam approved the final version of the measure on Tuesday night.

“The House contingent just wanted to remove the word ‘foundational’ and ‘functional’. It has been removed. But the content, the substance, foundational pa rin,” Lacson told reporters in an interview.

“Remember that during our floor deliberations, there are only two important questions that need to be answered: Who are you? And are you who you claim to be?”

“So the other additional requirements are no longer important because after all, we have these functional IDs that can be used to back up your national ID,” he said.

The national ID will serve as legal proof of identity for multiple purposes and will be a non-transferable card containing the very basic demographic and biometric data of every Filipino citizen and resident alien.

Holders of a PhilID can present these in their transactions whether in government agencies and or private institutions.

“For example, when you go to a bank, or Pag-IBIG, or LTO (Land Transportation Office), all you have to do is show your ID and or your number. They can easily check either online or offline if you really are the one in the ID. So the transactions would be faster, whether it’s with government, public or private,” he added.

Once the enrolled bill has been ratified by both houses of Congress, the measure will immediately be transmitted to Malacañang for President Duterte’s approval.

“It must be signed within 30 days. If he does not sign it in 30 days, it will lapse into law. So, give or take by June end or before end of June, this is already a law,” he said.

Lacson said he hopes that President Duterte will report on the national ID law in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) set in the last Monday of July.

“I hope so. This is a landmark legislation. It’s been languishing in both Houses for 18 years. This was controversial during the time of then President Fidel V. Ramos because it was struck down by the Supreme Court as unconstitutional simply because it needs to be legislated and an executive order is insufficient,” the senator pointed out.

Bicam panel approves natl ID bill

The bicameral conference committee has approved the proposed Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) bill, which will allow the government to collect each individual’s demographic data and biometrics information, a lawmaker said on Thursday.

Rep. Alfredo Garbin of Ako Bicol party-list, a member of the bicameral panel that reconciled the House and Senate versions of the measure, noted that the bill is expected to be ratified this afternoon.

Under the bill, the government will be authorized to issue a card as well as collect and store demographic data of the public, including full name, sex, date of birth, blood type, address and status as to whether a person is a Filipino citizen or a resident alien.

The measure also authorizes the government to collect biometrics information, including individuals’ front facing photograph, full set of fingerprints, iris sen and other identifiable features as may be determined by the Implementing Rules and Regulations.

The collection of data on marital status, mobile number and email address, however, is optional.

“All the data that will be registered under the PhilSys will be absolutely confidential. Likewise, the issuance of any information without consent of the registered person has penal provisions,” Garbin pointed out.

In case of visual or physical impairment that renders the capturing of the biometrics information of the person impossible, biometrics exceptions will be allowed by the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Rep. Karlo Nograles of Davao City, chairman of the House appropriations panel, welcomed the passage of the National ID System.

“This new ID is designed to replace all other government-issued identification cards so that we would only have to carry just one card for all our transactions. This will save the cardholder and the government itself time and money from having to deal with multiple ID cards,” Nograles, who is eyeing a P2-billion budget for the measure, said in a statement.

“It is comforting that the government is on its way to enforcing a law that will augment our existing security mechanisms,” he added.

But for Rep. Arlene Brosas of Gabriela party-list, the PhilSys is a systematic attack on people’s freedom and privacy.

“This is a devious tactic to spy on critics and keep tabs on citizens. Threats to life and basic freedoms are real under status quo, and these threats are elevated several notches higher with the national ID [system],” Brosas said in a statement.

“Putting all of people’s information in one database puts everyone at risk. It will be lotto’s grand prize for online criminals and identity theft,” she added.

On top of a possible breach, the proposed ID system will exclude and disenfranchise marginalized sectors, including indigenous communities, which could have no means to register themselves under the system.

“The presence of [such system] will not answer people’s lack of access to services simply because the government continues to fail in providing these services in the first place,” Brosas said.

CCP celebrates 86th death anniversary of Huseng Batute

A special production by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) titled “Pagbabalik Tanaw Sa Unang Hari Ng Balagtasan” commemorates the 86th death anniversary of Jose Corazon de Jesus. It’s on May 26 at the Huseng Batute Theater, a black box intended for experimental performances, which was named after the Filipino poet’s pen name Huseng Batute. CCP Pres. Nick Lizaso, a relative of the famous poet, said the event is free and open to the public.

Batute, who was born on Nov. 22, 1894, wrote his “Buhay Maynila” column in verse for the Taliba newspaper for 10 years. His poems were published in six books: “Mga Dahong Ginto,” “Gloria,” “Mga Itinapon Ng Kapalaran,” “Sa Dakong Silangan,” “Ilaw Sa Kapitbahay” and “Maruming Basahan.” He also penned lyrics for songs, most of which were kundimans. He translated the song “Nuestra Patria” into “Bayan Ko,” considered the second (unofficial) national anthem of the country.

Batute also excelled in performing in the “balagtasan,” named after Francisco Balagtas who also wrote “Florante At Laura” and “Orosman At Zafira.” It is a Filipino literary form of debate where rhymed verses were created in spontaneity under topics ranging from politics to culture.

“Pagbabalik Tanaw Sa Unang Hari Ng Balagtasan” is in cooperation with the Provincial Government of Bulacan. It will be hosted by awarded writer and performing artist Vim Nadera and Louise O. Lopez.

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Sexier than ever

Jennylyn Mercado’s sexiness is in full view on Instagram, where she posted this photo taken on Balesin Island. Why, even her colleagues Mikee Quintos, Nar Cabico and Yasmien Kurdi couldn’t help but express their admiration. As of this writing, the photo has racked up 200,000 likes.

Jennylyn is one of the lead stars of the Kapuso Primetime series “The Cure” co-starring Tom Rodriguez. The character she plays wants to find out how someone gets infected even if he isn’t bitten by a zombie with the Monkey Virus Disease.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, May 24, go to Darren Espanto, Michael de Mesa, Mila Baylon, Susan Alonte, Susan Laudico, Ma. Lourdes Blanco, Ma. Victoria Aurelio, Sharon Samarista, and Susan Enriquez of GMA Network’s “Unang Hirit”…May 25: Ms. Beth Day Romulo, Tacloban Mayor Cristina Gonzalez-Romualdez, Alma Moreno, George Sison, Bechay Nakpil, France Bonnin, Bobbit Avila, Anessa Fiona Caalim, Willy Baranda, Loida Navarro Bernardez, Anita Magsaysay, Rosette Siongco, and Gelli de Belen…

With Digong’s blessing ‘Bato’ will join politics

BUREAU of Corrections (BuCor) Director Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has admitted he is inclined to joining politics.

In a chance interview at the Senate, Dela Rosa said he is 50% convinced about running for a position next elections.

“Nakaka-engganyo rin eh, tao lang tayo, tao ka lang naman, that’s normal na human instinct na matutuwa ka na merong tao o grupo ng mga tao na gustong patakbuhin ka. So ibig sabihin meron ka pang pwedeng ma-contribute,” said Dela Rosa.

The former Philippine Natiinal Police (PNP) chief added that his interest in joining politics was somehow influenced by unknown supporters, particularly those who put up the huge tarpaulin on EDSA egging him to seek public office.

But Dela Rosa stressed that the biggest encouragement to finally join the race will come from President Rodrigo Duterte.

“I am open to everything. I am open, sabihin ni Presidente na wag ka sa Senate, dun ka sa Davao Sur na mag-governor so dun ako, sabihin niya na wag ka tumakbo sa pulitika magtrabaho ka muna sa BuCor then tuloy tuloy ako kahit sa’n,” he said.

In case he ends up in the Senate, Dela Rosa wants to pass laws involving safety and security, including the reimposition of death penalty for illegal drug offenders, national ID system as well as doing away with prepaid cellphone use.

“Isang taon nang tinatanong sa akin eh,  dapat prepared ka nang sumagot baka naman sabihin nila (na)paka-bobo nitong, si Bato walang alam na gagawin sa Senado kung maging senador,” said Dela Rosa when asked why he already has plans if he becomes a lawmaker.

The government official further said that his family does not want him to join politics, but his final decision would still depend on the order of the President.

“Malaki utang na loob ko sa kanya (Pangulong Duterte), there’s no Bato without Digong,” he said.

Bicam approves PHL ID system bill

The bicameral conference committee approved Tuesday night the bill seeking to establish the Philippine Identification System.

Senator Panfilo Lacson said the bicam-approved version of the bill does not differ much from the version approved by the Senate.

"Not much difference. In fact substantially, the HOR (House of Representatives) adopted the Senate version," Lacson said in a text message to GMA News Online Wednesday.

He expressed hope that the reconciled version will be ratified by both Senate and House before Monday so it can be signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Malacañang welcomed the development.

"That’s good news! It’s a priority administration bill," presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a message to reporters.

Senate bill

The Senate-approved bill seeks to harmonize, integrate, and interconnect the countless and redundant government IDs, around 33, by establishing a single national identification system to be known as the Philippine Identification System or PhilSys.

Unlike policies in the past which were bereft of security measures, the proposed bill will plug the loopholes and provide better safeguards.

Under the bill, PhilSys will have three key components: the PhilSys Number or PSN, the PhilID, and the PhilSys Registry.

With a foundational ID, which shall serve as a legal proof of identity for multiple purposes, possibilities for more functions without the need for limitless data will be opened.

“The bill will allow every Filipino and resident alien of the country to be identified with the use of a PhilSys Number or PSN, a randomly generated, unique and permanent identification number which shall be the standard number assigned to each individual to be incorporated in all identification systems of government agencies,” Lacson earlier said.

The PhilID will be a non-transferable card containing on its face the PSN, full name, facial image, date of birth, address and fingerprints of the individual.

Under the proposed measure, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is mandated to act as the PhilSys Registry, a repository and custodian of all data including the PSN, registered records, and information of all persons registered in the PhilSys.

The bill also creates a PhilSys Policy and Coordination Council (PSPCC), with the mandate to formulate policies and guidelines to ensure effective coordination and implementation of the PhilSys.

Lacson said an important feature of this proposed legislation was the concept of authentication or the process of verifying, whether online or offline, the identity of an individual against the registry information in the PhilSys or PhilID. — with Virgil Lopez/RSJ, GMA News

Proposed ID system free from constitutional issues

By Ben Rosario

The bicameral panel tasked to fine-tune the Senate and House of Representatives versions of the proposed Filipino Identification System has assured the constitutionality of the measure.

Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin, a member of the House contingent in the bicameral panel, said the consolidated version of the measure was approved Tuesday, with voting for ratification scheduled last night.

“We don’t see any problem with the constitutionality of the provisions in the bill,” Garbin said, saying that this the assurance of the panel.

He recalled that the national ID system that was implemented during the administration of former President Fidel V. Ramos was struck down by the Supreme Court as unconstitutional for containing budgetary provisions that did not pass Congress.

The bicameral panel agreed to adopt mostly the provisions in the Senate version but the Lower House provided the list of personal information to be that will have to be given by the applicant.

Under the approved bill, the following information shall be provided by the holder of the identification card: full name; sex, date of birth, place of birth, blood type, address and biometric information that will include photograph and full set of fingerprints.

Marital status and mobile or other contact numbers are optional information.

Applicants will undergo an iris scan which can be a vital replacement in case the holder loses or fails to bring the ID to transact government business.

The House version consolidated 19 different bills , including those authored by Reps. Arnolfo Teves Jr. (PDP-Laban, Negros Oriental); Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
(PDP-Laban, Pampanga); Maximo Rodriguez (PDP-Lban, Cagayan de Oro City); Gary Alejano (Magdalo Partylist); Rozzano Rufino Biazon (PDP-Laban, Paranaque City); Sol Aragones (NPC,Laguna) and Garbin.

The Filipino Identification System mandates all Filipino citizens, whether residing in the Philippines or abroad, to register personal data to be included in the National Identification Database System upon reaching 18 years old.

A national ID shall be issued the citizen and this will serve as the principal identification in dealing with government agencies.

The bill imposes stiff penalties of imprisonment and fine against persons found guilty of using false information or for procuring a card through fraud and utilizes it in legitimate transactions.

Garbin said the Philippine Statistics Administration will take the lead in promulgating the rules and regulations of the measure. It will coordinate with the National Privacy Commission, Department of Information and Communications Technology and other relevant government agencies.

Garbin said budget for the implementation of the national ID system may reach billions of pesos but will be proposed by the PSA.

Progressive solons slam bicam approval of national ID bill

Progressive lawmakers from the House of Representatives on Wednesday slammed the approval of the measure establishing an identification system that provides official national ID for all Filipinos on the bicameral level.

In a statement, ACT Teachers party-list Representative Antonio Tinio pointed out that the measure empowers the government to collect personal information of "exceptional scope and interest" from every Filipino.

"The information includes, not just the basic personal data, but also 'sensitive personal information,' including biometrics and other identifiable features of an individual that would be included later in the crafting of an implementing rules and regulations," he said.

Fellow ACT Teachers party-list Representative France Castro said the bill is a threat to the Filipinos' right to privacy and gives the government a powerful tool for surveillance, control and repression.

"With President Duterte's emerging dictatorial rule, the deteriorating human rights situation, the increasing number of extrajudicial killings, martial law in Mindanao, a total war in the countryside, and the Duterte regime's tyrannical rule, the bill may be used against those who criticize and oppose his policies," she said.

Tinio added that the measure will become a tool to deprive others who do not have it of basic social services, and discriminate against them.

"The bill will subject those who do not have an ID to a rigid identification and verification procedure that may hinder the person from getting the social services provided by the government," he said.

"With the tedious process and requirements needed to avail of this ID, there would be people who would not be able to process and afford the Philippine ID like the indigenous people and those in far flung areas," he added.

"We strongly oppose the passage of this legislative measure into law and we urge the public to do the same," Tinio said.

For her part, Kabataan party-list Representative Sarah Elago said the government should instead provide more funds for quality social services than for a national ID.

"The people's demand is better access to quality social services. What good is an ID, if there are not enough public hospitals, schools and facilities to cater our people who need these services the most," she said.

"Our public services have been deliberately made dysfunctional to justify privatization which makes these inaccessible and unaffordable to many poor and struggling middle class families," she added.

Following the approval on the bicameral level, the bill is now set to be signed by Duterte into law. —KBK, GMA News

National ID system approved in Bicam

THE bicameral conference committee has approved the proposed Philippine Identification System (PhilSys), which would allow the government to collect each individual’s demographic data and information via biometrics, a lawmaker said on Wednesday.

Rep. Alfredo Garbin of Ako Bicol party-list, a member of the bicameral panel, which reconciled the versions of the Senate and House of Representatives said the bill was expected to be ratified by Congress later in the day.

Under the measure, the government is mandated to collect and store demographic data of citizens like: full name, sex, date of birth, blood type, address and status as to whether a person is a Filipino citizen or a resident alien.

As for biometrics, a technological and scientific method of authenticating identities, the bill authorizes the government to collect photographs taken from the front, full set of fingerprints, iris scans, among others, as may be determined by the Implementing Rules and Regulations.


The collection of data on marital status, mobile number and email address, however, is optional.

“All the data that will be registered under the PhilSys will be absolutely confidential. Likewise, the issuance of any information without consent of the registered person has penal provisions,” Garbin said.

In case of visual or physical impairment that makes it impossible to capture information on biometrics, the Philippine Statistics Authority will allow exceptions.

TIffany HEARTS NEVER LIE 1988 Hold An Old Friends Hand

Too good together to be so apart these days
and now more than ever
we need to talk face to face
we stopped moving forward
and now we're some place else
but the more we fool each other
the less we fool ourselves

Cause our hearts never lie
they just feel the love
Try so hard to deny
There's no reason to act like we don't care
when the truth is always there
Oh hearts never lie
Why should we

This whole thing is crazy
Building walls to keep out the pain
when there's no changing
mistakes already made
So let's start all over
one emotion at a time
Beginning with this feeling
that we've never lost inside

Cause our hearts never lie
they just feel the love
Try so hard to deny
There's no reason to act like we don't care
when the truth is always there
Oh hearts never lie
Why should we

Does the word love scare you away
Does forever seem too long to stay
Now it's time we end this nowhere charade
and a real good place to start
is to listen to your heart

Cause our hearts never lie
they just feel the love
Try so hard to deny
There's no reason to act like we don't care
when the truth is always there
Oh hearts never lie
Why should we

Can't You See - Tiffany

Can't You See

• Songwriters: Monte Brinkley, John Duarte, Tim James, Steven McClintock
• Album: Dreams Never Die 

You took me wrong just because we kissed
And now I don't know how to say goodbye
I know it's wrong when you're holding me like this
Still won't you stay, let me love you for awhile
You know I'm not that strong when I see you smile 

Can't you see
This is all a big mistake
I should try and walk away
But I need someone to hold me
And I know there's no way that this can last
Still I know that if you ask me to
I know I would stay
Tonight, just for tonight 

You look at me and you don't understand
You know I'm not the one that could fill your dreams
I can't believe that this is how I am
Still won't you stay, let me love you for awhile
You know I'm not that strong when I see you smile 

Can't you see
This is all a big mistake
I should try and walk away
But I need someone to hold me
And I know there's no way that this can last
Still I know that if you ask me to
I know I would stay
Tonight 

I love the way you watch me
I love you the way we move
But in my heart I know
I'll never be in love with you
Can't you see 

Can't you see
This is all a big mistake
I should try and walk away
But I need someone to hold me
And I know there's no way that this can last
Still I know that if you ask me to
I know I would stay
Tonight, just for tonight

Lacson sees implementation of national ID system this year

The national ID system may be implemented this year after the bill proposing it hurdled bicameral conference, Senator Panfilo Lacson said on Wednesday.

Lacson said the bicameral committee has agreed to adopt the Senate’s version of the Philippine Identification System Act with minor amendments and suggestions from the House of Representatives.

Once ratified by both chambers, the bill will pass into law by the end of June or even earlier as it was an enrolled bill, according to Lacson.

“Kasi ‘pag ‘di pinirmahan in 30 days mag-lapse into law. So give or take by June end or before end of June, batas na ‘yan,” he said.

The country’s first national ID system has an initial funding of P25 billion.

Lacson said he hopes President Rodrigo Duterte would mention the national identification law in his third State of the Nation Address in July.

“This is a landmark legislation. It’s been languishing in both Houses for 18 years,” he said.

Lacson said the national identification card would be beneficial to Filipinos as it could serve as a “back up” ID.

“At least mababawasan ang katakot-takot na ID sa bulsa at bag ninyo. Pag transact ng business it will be very convenient,” he said. /muf

Palace welcomes approval of PH ID system bill

Malacañang welcomed the approval by the bicameral conference committee of the bill seeking to establish the Philippine Identification (ID) system

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a text message that the Palace finds the recent development a good news.

“That’s good news! It’s a priority administration bill,” Roque said in a text message to Palace reporters Wednesday afternoon.

The bicameral committee approved the Senate version of the bill Tuesday night. According to Senator Panfilo Lacson, only minor amendments were made to Senate Bill 1738 or the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) Act of 2018.

“They agreed to adopt the Senate version with minor amendments. May suggestion sila. Basta substantially Senate version yan (They have suggestions. But, substantially it is the Senate version),” Lacson said.

“Ie-enrol. Enrolled bill. Then pag enrolled ang bill, punta sa Malacañang. Within 30 days kailangan pirmahan (The bill will be enrolled. Then it will go straight to Malacañang where it needs to be signed within 30 days,” he added.

Lacson said that the implementation of the bill will be this year. It has an initial funding of P25 billion. He also hopes that Duterte will report about the National ID law during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July.

“I hope so [it gets mentioned in the SONA]. This is a landmark legislation. It’s been languishing in both Houses for 18 years,” he said.

In March this year, Roque said he believes that President Duterte will most likely sign the bill due to the overwhelming support for a national ID system.

“I believe so, because in the last Cabinet meeting, there was an overwhelming consensus for the need for the national ID system,” the Palace official responded when asked if the President will approve the law.

“And there’s already a budget allotted in the 2018 national budget for the national ID,” he added.

Duterte, during his visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia last year, addressed the desire of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) for the Philippines to have a national identification system just like in Saudi Arabia. He said then that it would be “good” to have a national ID in the country.

The proposed Filipino Identification System will consolidate all government-issued ID systems into one to improve government services and limit red tape in government transactions. It is also seen to lower costs, streamline transactions, and provide ease and convenience.

The first time it was proposed was during the time of former President Fidel Ramos in 1996 through Administrative Order 308 but was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court (SC).

In 2005, former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo mandated government agencies, through Executive Order 420, to streamline and harmonize their ID systems under a Unified Multi-Purpose Identification System. The SC this time upheld the legality of the said EO.

However, the opposition to the proposal revolves on the perceived threat to security and violation of privacy by the government’s collection of personal information. (Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos)

Marriott makes Cebu comeback

AFTER ending its two-decade partnership with the Ayala group last year, international hotel chain Marriott will be back in Cebu.

Marriott International and Intercontinental Resort and Lifestyle Inc., a subsidiary of Cebu’s Tanchan Corporate Group, signed an agreement early this month to open a 241-room Courtyard by Marriott Cebu.

Construction of the new property is expected to begin later this year and will be completed by the second quarter of 2021, in time for the celebration of the 500th anniversary of Ferdinand Magellan’s arrival in Cebu.

This will be the second Courtyard by Marriott-branded hotel in the Philippines after Courtyard Iloilo, which is opening this month.

Paul Foskey, Asia Pacific chief development officer of Marriott International, said they are excited about the brand’s return to Cebu, having had a successful run in the past two decades.

“The signing of Courtyard by Marriott Cebu marks an exciting new chapter for us in expanding our presence in the Philippines, adding to our robust pipeline, as we anticipate the needs and expectations of the next generation of trailblazing business leaders and travelers whose work and life are fueled by their passions, and who are always moving forward in pursuing their personal and professional successes,” said Foskey, in a statement.

The new Courtyard by Marriott Cebu will be located in downtown Cebu City.

It will be part of a new, 31-storey mixed-use property with retail and residential facilities, and will have easy accessibility to major corporate demand generators such as business process management (BPM) services, banks and other companies.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Marriott International to bring the Courtyard by Marriott to Cebu,” said Giovanni Carlo Tanchan Ong, in behalf of the shareholders of Intercontinental Resort and Lifestyle Inc.

“In this project, we are combining our decades of experience in the Philippine market with the prestige and global brand recognition of the Marriott International name to offer business travelers to Cebu a hotel like no other. We are excited to be bringing the Courtyard by Marriott brand name to Cebu because of its stellar international reputation as being an established brand that’s fueled by passion,” he added.

The Courtyard by Marriott Cebu will showcase the brand’s signature modern-classic interior design, with spaces and amenities that allow for interaction, collaboration, and exploration.

Guests will enjoy spacious, well-appointed guestrooms and suites, a 24/7 fitness center and seamless, intuitive technology throughout the hotel.

It will also feature an array of food and beverages—the 100-seat Cebu Kitchen / Momo Cafe, which will feature a semi-open kitchen with live stations and a display buffet; The Market that will offer guests the convenience of grab-and-go facilities, and; The Courtyard that will offer traditional dining options.

The hotel will also have a pool bar that will offer refreshments in the hotel’s outdoor swimming pool and sun deck area.

Besides the F&B, Courtyard by Marriott Cebu will also feature a 400-square-meter ballroom, as well as two multi-purpose meeting rooms complete with state-of-the-art facilities for casual and formal events, functions, and business meetings.

The Courtyard by Marriott is a new addition to the growing number of foreign brands that are coming to Cebu—Ascott Limited (Citadines and lyf), Dusit Thani Princess, Radisson Red, Sheraton, and Holiday Inn.

Members of the Hotel, Resort, and Restaurant Association of Cebu (HRRAC) said they welcome the entry of big hotel players as their presence would lift Cebu’s image in the global map.

“When tourists Google Cebu and see these international hotel chains, it increases the value of Cebu as a destination,” said HRRAC president Carlo Suarez.

Courtyard by Marriott is present in 1,100 locations.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1744645

‘Lakay’ Macalma appointed DZRH VP and station manager

Deo Macalma, the broadcaster popularly known for his “Espesyal na Balita” over DZRH, has been appointed vice president and station manager of the country’s oldest surviving AM radio station. Macalma, also known as “Lakay Mayor” to listeners, has been with DZRH since 1980, fresh from his journalism course at the Lyceum of the Philippines.

He made his mark as a field reporter during the 1986 EDSA Revolution, primarily chasing tanks as instructed by then news director Rey Langit. Through the years, he evolved into a radio commentator, tackling current issues with his inimitable comic flair. But it was with his light-hearted guessing game on “Espesyal na Balita” that Macalma and his bubuwits gained legendary status, with first-hand reports on clandestine activities of showbiz celebrities and political figures coming from roomboys, waiters, security guards, and hospital personnel, with his tipster crew later expanding to include senators, congressmen, generals, and cabinet members themselves. It was through the titillating satire, aired to a public with a penchant for gossip, that Macalma helped the general populace become mobilized and socially aware – a style now replicated by rival stations. Since the death of DZRH top honcho Joe Taruc, Macalma has steered the news and public affairs team amid the oft-turbulent seas of radio broadcasting.

A Gloria Diaz-starrer at Cannes Classics

The restored 1982 French-Filipino film “Cinq Et La Peau (Five And The Skin)” starring Gloria Diaz, Bembol Roco, Philip Salvador, and Joel Lamangan was screened at Cannes Classics in the just-concluded 71st Cannes Film Festival. The film was entirely shot in the Philippines and was featured in the Cannes’ Un Certain Regard 36 years ago.

FDCP’s Liza Diño Seguerra with Pierre Tissien

The director, Pierre Rissien, whom they call the “Man Of Cannes,” passed away last May 5, 2018 days before he was supposed to introduce the film during Cannes Directors’ Fortnight. He is a Cannes adviser, an influential cinephile and Cannes film scout before he died.

Rissien was also a known supporter of Philippine cinema and is responsible for a number of Filipino films making it to Festival de Cannes, including Lino Brocka’s “Insiang.” He also visited the Philippines to attend several of FDCP’s events, the last event being the World Premiere Film Festival in 2016.

• • •

GMA execs join jurors in Global Excellence Awards

Two GMA Network officers were invited to judge in the prestigious 2018 PromaxBDA Global Excellence Promotion, Marketing, and Design Awards in New York this June 3.

GMA Network’s first VP for Corporate Strategic Planning and Concurrent Head for Program Support Regie C. Bautista and Asst. VP for Creative Services Eduardo B. Garcia are joining an exclusive group of most accomplished executives, creatives, and production professionals to decide and recognize the finest works in television and promotion marketing worldwide.

Bautista oversees GMA’s corporate strategic planning as well as the multi-platform marketing promotions, creative services, media and on-air continuity, and digital media divisions. Garcia, on the other hand, heads the Network’s division in charge of developing and executing branded and integrated promotional campaigns for GMA and its platforms, channels and programs.

Joining this year’s PromaxBDA Global Excellence Awards are television and streaming networks from all over the world including HBO, Fox, Netflix, AMC, Hulu, and CNN. Aside from the global level, PromaxBDA also has awarding events in Asia, North America, and Europe.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, May 22, go to Sam Milby, Tillie Moreno, Awee Abayari, Dr. Leticia de Guzman, Marijo Ferraren, Joe Santos, Mitchi de Castro, Romeo Pajarillo, Francis Sanchez, Col. Charlie Batayola, Sr. Capt. Reynaldo Velasco, Loreza Yaneza, Vivian Grace Hubag, Nadine Urbano, Oliver Quinto, Ella Quintana, Echivas Cruz, Nancy Yabut, and Corazon Ugalde-Armenta…Happy 27th wedding anniversary to Bong and Mozzy Ravena…Belated happy birthday to ABS-CBN Chief Operating Officer for Broadcast Cory Vidanes (May 15)… May 23: Elizabeth Chang, May Villarica, Nelia Lim, Vida Vanez, Pia Pascua, Bingle Limjuco, Rita Carlos, Butch Francisco, Maita Gomez, Joan Banaga, Genevieve Marcos, Blanche Balamides, Marlon Escalona and Rochelle Pangilinan…Congratulations to US-based Princess Dheimee Lagana for graduating Summa Cum Laude in their school in San Diego California USA…Condolences to Dolores Barcelona passed away last May 21. Her remains lie in state at St. Alphonsus Mary de Ligouri, Magallanes Village, Makati City. Interment will be at Loyola Memorial Park, Marikina City on May 31 after the 9 a.m. mass.

NSCR part 2-3

https://doc-00-60-docs.googleusercontent.com/docs/securesc/87nap1dpva1o5kvp6mksjuo5dmvk26t8/5cu2j0ln676uqo9ke65elkneh3ts342q/1526896800000/05972239914119331404/00821029561859237996/1sgQIfBS22fRoM8OqJMmJC15r-Ah15ZYh, https://doc-00-60-docs.googleusercontent.com/docs/securesc/87nap1dpva1o5kvp6mksjuo5dmvk26t8/5i5jh7gs8si2ro6glodb4n2m5tfpuif0/1526904000000/05972239914119331404/00821029561859237996/1TMIsZZd0bKbGuMw3-wznKYninomf8jIj

Enchong Boystown

Tiffany - I Saw Him Standing There

Neo de Padua returns to inspire

Neo de Padua popularly known as Kuya E is back in the entertainment scene. He was discovered in 1986.

“Kaya lang hindi pa uso ’yung pangit noon. Hindi pa uso ’yung ganitong itsura kaya hindi tayo siguro nabigyan ng chance,” he shared. “Pero kahit papaano marami tayong nagawa. Meron tayong mga commercials at may mga na-endorso noon.”

Now a successful businessman and motivational celebrity, his is a rags-to-riches story people can learn from. He started working at five years old selling carioca, banana cue and pandesal. He was even a vendor in wet markets in Pasig and Parañaque.

Kuya E has combined his knack for speaking and singing on a TV show called “RYTS (Rule Yourself To Success)” which started airing last May 12 on Eagle Broadcasting Corporation Net 25. His first celebrity guest was Lani Misalucha.

“We talked about the back stories of our guests and how they made it in their respective careers,” he explained.

The hour-long talk show is composed of four segments. “All About Success” is a 10 to 12 minute segment on CEOs, business or corporate personalities sharing their success stories. “Shine Bright Like A Diamond” focuses on celebrities. “E-Balance” is on health professionals to shed light on health and wellness concerns. “Tulong Ni Kuya E” is on his charity works.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, May 19, go to former Caloocan Councilor Marjorie Barretto, Rajo Laurel, Lynn Abanilla, Yvonne Dayrit, Pinky Ramos-Ochoa, Aileen del Rosario, Joseph Alonzo, Catherine Mora, and Joe Astete… May 20: Pilita Corrales, Remy Bicomong, Yolanda Alvarez, Lolita Solis, Peter Timbol, Relly Elipano, Joriz de Guzman, Onehaunch Landingin, Miriam Pantig, Nathalie Tomada, Reily Santiago and Carla Humphries… May 21: Nora Aunor, former DOLE Sec. Nieves Defensor, Lulu Tinio, Ray Orosa, Ana Co Puno, Baby Cruz, Estela Mendoza, Evangeline Eugenio Sebastian, Rene Garcia, Bala K.T. Bala, Ruth Jaranilla, Odie Jose and Rinia Marquez…

Tokyo Metro training railway personnel in Philippines

Tokyo Metro Co. has begun helping train railway operation personnel in the Philippines as part of the bilateral government efforts to develop urban railroad networks in the Southeast Asian country, according to the subway operator.

Tokyo Metro and two Japanese consulting firms -- Oriental Consultants Global Co. and Almec Corp. -- have jointly taken on a technical cooperation project led by the Japan International Cooperation Agency to establish and run the Philippine Railway Institute, a training center planned under the country's Department of Transportation.

The three Japanese firms are responsible for drawing up a personnel training scheme and programs as well as nurturing skilled local instructors through June 2023, aiming to enable locals to smoothly operate and maintain city railroad networks, Tokyo Metro said.

Tokyo Metro "intends to provide a wide range of support to build a safe and convenient city railroad system," a spokesman told NNA.

Japan's development aid agency has discussed with the Philippine government setting up a governmental training institute designed to boost local expertise and skills such as train operation, railway building and wiring technologies, according to JICA.

Along with a large infrastructure development plan by President Rodrigo Duterte's administration, including projects for the Metro Manila Subway and Manila commuter railways, JICA has offered soft loans through its development aid program.

Aliw Awards marks 40th anniversary

(from left): Freddie Santos, Grace Bondad Nicolas, Alice Reyes, Jun Polistico and Andrea Nicolas

Aliw Awards Foundation, Inc. (AAFI) caps its 40th anniversary celebration with a concert featuring at least 10 Entertainers of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Awardees at the Aliw Theater on Oct. 4, 2018.

The Ruby Anniversary Concert is in partnership with Tag Media and the Star Parks Corp. of the Elizalde Group of Companies. It will be directed by Hall of Famer Freddie Santos.

Tag Media is the company that co-produced the successful “Best of Aliw” 2016 at Resorts World Manila. It has joined hands with AAFI and Star Parks Corp. for this first-of-its-kind production.

“Acknowledging the best Filipino talents nationwide has been one of our objectives from the start. For us, they promote the Philippines and call the attention of international investors who can help more Filipinos get jobs and attract more tourists to the Philippines,” said Engr. Grace Nicolas, Tag Media co-founder.

Those who have confirmed their participation in the concert are Pilita Corrales, Rico J. Puno, Imelda Papin, Jun Polistico, Hajji Alejandro, Lisa Macuja and the Halili Cruz Dance Company. It is expected to draw a record crowd to fill the 2,350 seats at the Aliw Theater.

Part of the proceeds will go to the Aliw’s Welfare Fund for ailing, unemployed live entertainers, according to Ms. Alice H. Hernandez, founder and president of AAFI.

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JMartin of REtroSPECT goes solo

JMartin

Seasoned singer JMartin who is also a dancer, composer, producer and front man of the multi-awarded and renowned retro pop group REtroSPECT has released his first solo album “JMARTIN Hiwaga.”

It features original compositions and classic songs in the making like “Mula Ngayon” by songwriter Vehnee Saturno and “Ikaw Lang Ang Kulang” written by JMartin himself with Ogie Ramos and arranged by his album’s co-producer Miguel Cortes. The songs are played on MOR 101.9, Wish 107.5 and Pinas FM 95.5 in the Philippines and Megamixx 101.9 in Guam USA.

The other tracks are “Hiwaga,” “Respeto,” “Ikaw Pa Rin,” and “Umaasa” now on iTunes, Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music through ABS-CBN Star Music under JARO Productions and Godspeed Music label.

JMartin’s album tour will be in July and August 2018.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, May 17, go to Kris Bernal, Alice H. Reyes, Toni Gregory, Zita Feliciao, Cynthia Yu, Boy Gan, Silvia Abacan, Raphie Rivero, Esperanza Guntang, Ryan Fortaleza, Atty. Aileen Lizada and Julie Ann San Jose…  May 18: Virgie Ramos, Emmie Velarde, Aleck Bovick, Julie Ong, Sonia Bautista, Richard Joseph, Jimmy Williams, Col. Ben Kagaoan, Stephen Barua, Armando Santocildes, Gregoria Baterna, Vic Lactaoen, Joyce Fernandez, Rachel Tan, and Richard Yap…Happy wedding anniversary to Popoy and Rachel Los Baños; Boy and Lita Velasco, and Julio and Aning Sy…Belated b-day greetings to Rachel Krael from Angie Santamaria who is based in Singapore (May 16)…