By Mario Casayuran and Vanne Elaine Terrazola
Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III, delivering his year-end accomplishment report at the Senate regular session last Wednesday night, said the bills authored and backed by Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go now become part of the achievements of the 18th Congress.
In his speech, Sotto cited two Go bills passed by the 18th Congress and enacted into law by President Rodrigo Duterte, namely the postponement of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections and the Malasakit Center Act of 2019.
Both measures are important items on the legislative agenda promised by Go during the 2019 election campaign period. They were filed in July, right after Go assumed office.
Seeking to complement the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law, Republic Act (RA) No. 11463, known as the Malasakit Center Act of 2019, provides for the establishment of Malasakit Centers in 73 hospitals all over the country run by the Department of Health (DOH), and in the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) in Manila.
“With the Malasakit Center Act in place to complement the Universal Health Care Law, we are a step closer towards making quality health care more accessible and affordable for all Filipinos, especially the indigent and poor patients in need of medical assistance from the government,” Go said.
The center consolidates the medical and financial assistance that patients may apply for from four government agencies — DOH, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
Meanwhile, RA 11462 moves the next barangay and SK elections from the second Monday of May 2020 to December 5, 2022, and then on the first Monday of December 2025 and every three years thereafter.
The law extends the term of the current barangay and SK officials from two years to four and a half years.
Explaining his reason for backing the measure in past interviews, Go said that village officials should be given enough time to implement their programs.
Sotto also cited three bills already approved by the Senate on third and final reading. These are the bill increasing the excise tax on alcohol, heated tobacco and vapor products; the Go-backed Separate Facilities for Heinous Crimes Act; and the Salary Standardization Law (SSL) 5 which Go also co-authored.
Lauding neophyte senators, including Go, for their “fresh and dynamic ideas,” Sotto ended his speech by saying that he is optimistic about the coming year.
“We had a great start, which can be attributed to the efforts of all the senators. This is just the beginning of our commitment to the people we serve. We are looking forward to a more fruitful 2020 as we intend to perform better for our beloved Filipino families,” Sotto said.
As part of his legislative agenda aimed at helping the Duterte administration achieve positive genuine change felt by all Filipinos, Go has already filed 21 Senate resolutions and authored thirty bills in his first six months as senator, two of which have already been signed into law; and four committee reports he sponsored or co-sponsored in the Senate plenary.
Senate goes on holiday break
Meanwhile, the 24-member Senate goes on a month-long Christmas break beginning Thursday, resuming on Jan. 20, 2020.
Before adjourning past 7 p.m. Wednesday, the Senate ratified the bicameral conference committee report on the proposed sin tax bill seeking higher excise taxes on alcoholic beverages and the imposition of excise tax on heated tobacco products and vapor cigarettes.
Senators also moved to enroll for President Rodrigo Duterte’s signature the proposed Salary Standardization Law that will modify and increase the basic salaries of civilian government employees, including public school teachers. The adjusted salary rates are expected to take effect starting January.
For Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, however, the timely passage of the P4.1-trillion proposed 2020 national budget topped the list of the Senate’s accomplishments in the first five months of the first regular session of the 18th Congress.
The Upper Chamber ratified and adopted the final version of the proposed General Appropriations Act last week.
“The budget is the most important law of the land. By approving it well ahead of the Christmas break, we will be spared the difficulties arising from a re-enacted budget as had happened earlier this year. The re-enacted budget delayed projects and, worse, delayed salaries of national and LGU (local government unit) employees for the first quarter of 2019,” Zubiri said in a statement.
Passed on third and final reading were Senate Bill No. 1122, proposing the declaration of a National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims; Senate Bill No. 643, seeking the grant of night shift differential pay to government workers; Senate Bill No. 1077, proposing the creation of the National Transportation Safety Board Act; Senate Bill No. 1155, seeking to extend the validity of the License to Own, Permit to Carry, and Registration of Firearms; and Senate Bill No. 1055, pushing the establishment of a separate facilities for heinous crime convicts.
Also approved by the Senate was House Bill No. 5437 extending the availability of the 2019 appropriations for maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) and capital outlays.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/12/19/sotto-cites-go-for-his-malasakit-center-as-senate-fast-tracks-passage-of-bills-before-holiday-break/
Friday, December 20, 2019
Senate adjourns session for 1-month break, cites bills tackled
THE Senate adjourned its session Wednesday, December 18, to go on a one-month legislative break during the holidays. Regular sessions will resume on January 20, 2020, Monday.
Topping the list of the Senate’s accomplishments in the first four months of the First Regular Session in the 18th Congress, is the passing of the P4.1-trillion 2020 General Appropriations Act, which it ratified and adopted last week.
“We opened the First Regular Session of the 18th Congress with a new batch of senators raring and eager to buckle down to work, and I am happy to note that we were able to file a record number of bills and resolutions, foremost of which is the P4.1-trillion 2020 budget,” Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said.
“The budget is the most important law of the land. By approving it well ahead of the Christmas break, we will be spared from the difficulties arising from a reenacted budget as had happened earlier this year.
“The reenacted budget delayed projects and, worse, delayed salaries of national and LGU employees for the first quarter of 2019,” he added.
From the start of the 18th Congress last July 22 until December 17 of this year, the senators had filed a total of 1,241 bills and 281 resolutions.
The Senate successfully passed Republic Act 11462, the first law passed by the 18th Congress, principally sponsored by Sen. Imee Marcos. It postponed the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections formerly scheduled for next year and moved these to December 5, 2022, for which the government would have allocated P5.77 billion, according to the Commission on Elections.
This was followed by the Malasakit Center Act (RA 11463), principally sponsored by Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, that will establish Malasakit Centers in all government-owned hospitals—of which 54 have been established, the most recent was in
Antipolo, Rizal.
The Senate passed the following on Third and Final Reading: the National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims Act (SB 1122); the Night Shift Differential Pay (SB 643); the National Transportation Safety Board Act (SB 1077); an Act Fixing the Validity Period of the License to Own, Permit to Carry and Registration of Firearms (SB 1155); the Salary Standardization Law 5 (SB 1219); and Establishment of Separate Facilities for Prisoners Convicted of Heinous Crimes (SB 1055); Amending the National Internal Revenue Code by Increasing the Excise Tax on Alcohol, Heated Tobacco and Vapor Products and for other purposes (SB 1074); among others. Also approved by the Senate was House Bill 5437 extending the availability of the 2019 appropriations for maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) and capital outlays (CO).
It also adopted 35 resolutions, noteworthy of which is Senate Resolution 22 that expressed the sense of the Senate opposing liberalization of the sugar industry in order to protect the livelihood of millions of sugar workers and agrarian reform beneficiaries; SR 18 recognizing the 70th anniversary of the Philippines and Republic of Korea relations;
SR 8, reconstituting the special committee on Marawi City Rehabilitation.
“We went head-on against negative issues by steadfastly tackling serious issues afflicting the country’s jails, the illegal drugs problems, rising HIV cases and the decline in incomes of rice farmers and hog raisers due to calamities, diseases and import liberalization. However, the first four months also saw the Senate positively united in support of the stellar performance of our athletes with resolutions filed to honor athletes in windsurfing, arnis, weightlifting, wushu, among others, during the recently concluded Southeast Asian Games hosted by the Philippines. Indeed, it was a productive six months of 2019,” concluded Zubiri.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/12/20/senate-adjourns-session-for-1-month-break-cites-bills-tackled/
Topping the list of the Senate’s accomplishments in the first four months of the First Regular Session in the 18th Congress, is the passing of the P4.1-trillion 2020 General Appropriations Act, which it ratified and adopted last week.
“We opened the First Regular Session of the 18th Congress with a new batch of senators raring and eager to buckle down to work, and I am happy to note that we were able to file a record number of bills and resolutions, foremost of which is the P4.1-trillion 2020 budget,” Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said.
“The budget is the most important law of the land. By approving it well ahead of the Christmas break, we will be spared from the difficulties arising from a reenacted budget as had happened earlier this year.
“The reenacted budget delayed projects and, worse, delayed salaries of national and LGU employees for the first quarter of 2019,” he added.
From the start of the 18th Congress last July 22 until December 17 of this year, the senators had filed a total of 1,241 bills and 281 resolutions.
The Senate successfully passed Republic Act 11462, the first law passed by the 18th Congress, principally sponsored by Sen. Imee Marcos. It postponed the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections formerly scheduled for next year and moved these to December 5, 2022, for which the government would have allocated P5.77 billion, according to the Commission on Elections.
This was followed by the Malasakit Center Act (RA 11463), principally sponsored by Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, that will establish Malasakit Centers in all government-owned hospitals—of which 54 have been established, the most recent was in
Antipolo, Rizal.
The Senate passed the following on Third and Final Reading: the National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims Act (SB 1122); the Night Shift Differential Pay (SB 643); the National Transportation Safety Board Act (SB 1077); an Act Fixing the Validity Period of the License to Own, Permit to Carry and Registration of Firearms (SB 1155); the Salary Standardization Law 5 (SB 1219); and Establishment of Separate Facilities for Prisoners Convicted of Heinous Crimes (SB 1055); Amending the National Internal Revenue Code by Increasing the Excise Tax on Alcohol, Heated Tobacco and Vapor Products and for other purposes (SB 1074); among others. Also approved by the Senate was House Bill 5437 extending the availability of the 2019 appropriations for maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) and capital outlays (CO).
It also adopted 35 resolutions, noteworthy of which is Senate Resolution 22 that expressed the sense of the Senate opposing liberalization of the sugar industry in order to protect the livelihood of millions of sugar workers and agrarian reform beneficiaries; SR 18 recognizing the 70th anniversary of the Philippines and Republic of Korea relations;
SR 8, reconstituting the special committee on Marawi City Rehabilitation.
“We went head-on against negative issues by steadfastly tackling serious issues afflicting the country’s jails, the illegal drugs problems, rising HIV cases and the decline in incomes of rice farmers and hog raisers due to calamities, diseases and import liberalization. However, the first four months also saw the Senate positively united in support of the stellar performance of our athletes with resolutions filed to honor athletes in windsurfing, arnis, weightlifting, wushu, among others, during the recently concluded Southeast Asian Games hosted by the Philippines. Indeed, it was a productive six months of 2019,” concluded Zubiri.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/12/20/senate-adjourns-session-for-1-month-break-cites-bills-tackled/
‘2020 budget signing likely to happen in early January’
PRESIDENT Duterte will not be able to sign the P4.1-trillion national budget for 2020 before the year ends, given the time constraints as it has to undergo the required review by the Office of the President and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
Acting Budget Secretary Wendel E. Avisado said in an interview on Thursday that the 2020 budget is now scheduled to be signed by the President by the first week of January.
He said there will also a ceremonial signing of the 2020 General Appropriations Act in Malacañang.
“Given [the] time constraints, [because of the] holiday…so probably [it will be] first of January. But that’s okay. The new year has just started, and there won’t be so many activities that time,” Avisado told the BusinessMirror, in a mix of English and Filipino, on the sidelines of the public launch of the Philippine Open Government Partnership National Action Plan 2019-2021.
The President earlier expected to sign the budget before year-end.
Asked if the pushback in schedule of the signing of the 2020 national budget had something to do with the alleged last-minute insertions as claimed earlier by Sen. Panfilo Lacson, Avisado said: “Hindi naman po [Not really]. It’s really the process that has to be undertaken [where a review is to be done].”
The budget chief also refused to comment on the alleged insertions as they have yet to get hold of a copy of the enrolled bill.
“Hindi ko pa po masasabing insertion kasi wala naman po ako doon. At hindi ko naman alam kung ano ’yung proseso [I can’t say it’s an insertion because I wasn’t there, and I don’t know what process they took]. But we’re saying that we’ll be able know that once we get hold of the enrolled bill [because then we can compare the] NEP [National Expenditure Program] as submitted versus the enrolled bill.”
Lacson earlier skipped the signing of the bicameral report on the money measure because of his concerns on the alleged last-minute insertions.
The senator claimed that there are still “lump sums” and “vaguely described” projects in the bicameral report.
The senator’s office reportedly received a USB flash drive containing a list of 1,253 budget items worth P83.219 billion that was allegedly used as the congressmen’s “source” of their “list” of 742 projects worth P16.345 billion that were inserted in the bicameral report.
Section 5 (7), Article VI of the 1987 Constitution reads: “If by the end of any fiscal year, Congress failed to pass the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) for the ensuing year, the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for the preceding year shall be deemed reenacted and shall remain in force and in effect until the GAB is passed by Congress.”
This year, the government was forced to operate on a reenacted budget for months since the passage of the 2019 national budget got delayed due to a number of issues, including alleged last-minute insertions and realignments by lawmakers.
The President was only able to sign the budget on April 15 this year.
Due to the budget impasse, new and continuing infrastructure projects were not started earlier in the year when the weather conditions were better. On top of that, the government also had to comply with the election ban from March 29 until May 12.
The delay in the passage of the budget was also blamed for the slower GDP growth for the first quarter and second quarter at 5.6 percent and 5.5 percent, respectively. This is lower than the 6.6 percent and 6.2 percent recorded last year.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/12/20/2020-budget-signing-likely-to-happen-in-early-january/
Acting Budget Secretary Wendel E. Avisado said in an interview on Thursday that the 2020 budget is now scheduled to be signed by the President by the first week of January.
He said there will also a ceremonial signing of the 2020 General Appropriations Act in Malacañang.
“Given [the] time constraints, [because of the] holiday…so probably [it will be] first of January. But that’s okay. The new year has just started, and there won’t be so many activities that time,” Avisado told the BusinessMirror, in a mix of English and Filipino, on the sidelines of the public launch of the Philippine Open Government Partnership National Action Plan 2019-2021.
The President earlier expected to sign the budget before year-end.
Asked if the pushback in schedule of the signing of the 2020 national budget had something to do with the alleged last-minute insertions as claimed earlier by Sen. Panfilo Lacson, Avisado said: “Hindi naman po [Not really]. It’s really the process that has to be undertaken [where a review is to be done].”
The budget chief also refused to comment on the alleged insertions as they have yet to get hold of a copy of the enrolled bill.
“Hindi ko pa po masasabing insertion kasi wala naman po ako doon. At hindi ko naman alam kung ano ’yung proseso [I can’t say it’s an insertion because I wasn’t there, and I don’t know what process they took]. But we’re saying that we’ll be able know that once we get hold of the enrolled bill [because then we can compare the] NEP [National Expenditure Program] as submitted versus the enrolled bill.”
Lacson earlier skipped the signing of the bicameral report on the money measure because of his concerns on the alleged last-minute insertions.
The senator claimed that there are still “lump sums” and “vaguely described” projects in the bicameral report.
The senator’s office reportedly received a USB flash drive containing a list of 1,253 budget items worth P83.219 billion that was allegedly used as the congressmen’s “source” of their “list” of 742 projects worth P16.345 billion that were inserted in the bicameral report.
Section 5 (7), Article VI of the 1987 Constitution reads: “If by the end of any fiscal year, Congress failed to pass the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) for the ensuing year, the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for the preceding year shall be deemed reenacted and shall remain in force and in effect until the GAB is passed by Congress.”
This year, the government was forced to operate on a reenacted budget for months since the passage of the 2019 national budget got delayed due to a number of issues, including alleged last-minute insertions and realignments by lawmakers.
The President was only able to sign the budget on April 15 this year.
Due to the budget impasse, new and continuing infrastructure projects were not started earlier in the year when the weather conditions were better. On top of that, the government also had to comply with the election ban from March 29 until May 12.
The delay in the passage of the budget was also blamed for the slower GDP growth for the first quarter and second quarter at 5.6 percent and 5.5 percent, respectively. This is lower than the 6.6 percent and 6.2 percent recorded last year.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/12/20/2020-budget-signing-likely-to-happen-in-early-january/
Thursday, December 19, 2019
Against independence
President Rodrigo Duterte’s repeated threats against ABS-CBN — the latest his declaration that he will “see to it” that it will be “out” once its franchise to operate expires — must be challenged and opposed, quite simply because it is wrong.
It is wrong for its pettiness and narrow, self-serving, and vindictive partisanship. But it is equally wrong for its pro-people and anti-oligarchy pretensions.
Mr. Duterte would not only shut down the country’s biggest radio and television network, which employs over 11,000 men and women all over the country, on no other basis than his claim that it did not air his propaganda materials during the 2016 campaign for the Presidency. He would also enable his cronies — one of whom is only too eager to add the network to his vast range of recent acquisitions — into taking control of it in a reprise of the crony capitalism of the Marcos dictatorship. Once that happens, one of the most influential media organizations in the Philippines will become no more than a regime mouthpiece and the platform from which its purveyors of false information will dominate public discourse.
His arrogant certainty that the House of Representatives will do as he wants also underscores once more the demise of that body’s supposedly co-equal status and independence, and its lethal impact on the tattered remains of Philippine democracy. But Mr. Duterte’s threat is even more fundamentally wrong for being an attack on a media organization for airing reports on the thousands of killings in his so-called “war on drugs” and for some of its anchors’ and reporters’ being critical of his China and West Philippine Sea Policy. Mr. Duterte wrongly presumes that he is lord and master of all he surveys and has the prerogative to allow only those media organizations that pander to him and his regime to exist and to continue to function despite Article III Section 4 of the Constitution.
This latest threat against the media is so obviously meant to intimidate not only the independent press but also every truth-teller, whether human rights defender or rural missionary. It is an assault on media freedom and the right to free expression and information from the multiplicity of sources citizens need to exercise their sovereign power to decide on matters that concern them.
The shutdown of any media organization, whether big or small and whatever its views, reduces the number of contending voices on which citizens depend to get at the truth. All media and journalists’ organizations, media advocacy groups, civil society, and everyone else who still believes in media freedom, free expression, and democracy must expose the Duterte threat for the brazenly tyrannical scheme to intimidate the media that it is, and demand that the House of Representatives renew ABS-CBN’s franchise.
As in the case of regime attempts to silence the online news site Rappler, a threat against one is a threat against all. Once ABS-CBN is shut down on the say-so of a president who despises criticism and truth-telling, every other media organization can be similarly silenced by denying or withdrawing its franchise, or through some other nefarious means.
And yet, despite Mr. Duterte’s threats and his subaltern Alan Peter Cayetano’s repeatedly echoing of them, the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) found that much of the media, including ABS-CBN itself, have chosen to keep silent about it, apparently because of the cutthroat rivalry in the broadcasting industry, and ABS-CBN’s hesitation in reporting on something in which its self-interest is involved. But there is also the mistaken belief that despite Mr. Duterte’s attacks on press freedom and free expression, it is still possible to negotiate and reason with him.
Among the broadcast organizations, only CNN Philippines and TV5’s Aksyon have so far aired any report on ABS-CBN’s problem with Mr. Duterte. Print was more forthright. The three Manila newspapers of general circulation did report on it in addition to Mr. Duterte’s rant, and so did some columnists. Some reports also pointed out that despite Cayetano’s assurance of “due process,” he himself has been criticizing ABS-CBN for being allegedly anti-regime.
It was on social media — on Twitter and Facebook — where there was more attention paid to it, and where most Netizens expressed their opposition to the shutting down of ABS-CBN. But the prospects for the renewal of its franchise are not encouraging. There is a bill pending in the House renewing the ABS-CBN franchise when it expires on March 30, 2020. Cayetano earlier assured the public that the House would discuss it before yearend. But he is now saying that they have enough time to do next year, when, if its franchise is not renewed, the network will have to cease operations.
Mr. Duterte’s most recent tirade against ABS-CBN was his fourth in the last two years. He accused the network of unfair reporting in 2017, and of refusing to run political ads that he said he had paid for. In May of the same year, he also threatened to file charges against it for allegedly “swindling” him. He said the same things and made the same threats a year ago, in November 2018.
Not only for the possible loss of employment of thousands of men and women should the threat to shut down the country’s biggest broadcasting network have made the six o’clock news and aroused citizen concern. It would also send to the rest of the media and everyone else the unmistakable message that the Duterte regime will not relent in its campaign to silence its perceived critics, including any entity that dares show some semblance of independence.
Mr. Duterte has used the powers of his office as well as his control over the other two supposedly independent and co-equal branches of government to harass and silence his critics in and out of the media. Not only has he threatened online news site Rappler and the Philippine Daily Inquirer newspaper; he has also made good on those threats. Rappler has had to defend itself from 11 complaints and court cases meant to intimidate and silence it, even as its reporters are prevented from covering public events in which Mr. Duterte is present. The regime’s keyboard army of trolls and its print media hacks also demonize the Inquirer at every opportunity.
The threatened and impending shutdown of ABS-CBN is part of the same assault aimed at intimidating not only the critical press, but also anyone and anything else that takes seriously the democratic need to monitor and hold government to account.
But because he has not placed the entire Philippines under martial law as Ferdinand Marcos did in 1972, there is the mistaken belief that Mr. Duterte’s rule is not as oppressive as that of his idol and mentor. His implementation of what amounts to de facto martial rule without the benefit of a declaration has lulled the citizenry into the mistaken belief that he won’t go as far.
It explains why much of the news media, including ABS-CBN, seem unable to understand the urgency of bringing the issue to the public’s attention as a threat not only to the entire press but also to free expression and the plurality of voices democracy needs to survive. Make no mistake about it: Mr. Duterte and his accomplices are as focused on silencing anyone and anything with any glimmer of independent thought as the Marcos terror regime was.
Luis V. Teodoro is on Facebook and Twitter (@luisteodoro).
https://www.bworldonline.com/against-independence/
It is wrong for its pettiness and narrow, self-serving, and vindictive partisanship. But it is equally wrong for its pro-people and anti-oligarchy pretensions.
Mr. Duterte would not only shut down the country’s biggest radio and television network, which employs over 11,000 men and women all over the country, on no other basis than his claim that it did not air his propaganda materials during the 2016 campaign for the Presidency. He would also enable his cronies — one of whom is only too eager to add the network to his vast range of recent acquisitions — into taking control of it in a reprise of the crony capitalism of the Marcos dictatorship. Once that happens, one of the most influential media organizations in the Philippines will become no more than a regime mouthpiece and the platform from which its purveyors of false information will dominate public discourse.
His arrogant certainty that the House of Representatives will do as he wants also underscores once more the demise of that body’s supposedly co-equal status and independence, and its lethal impact on the tattered remains of Philippine democracy. But Mr. Duterte’s threat is even more fundamentally wrong for being an attack on a media organization for airing reports on the thousands of killings in his so-called “war on drugs” and for some of its anchors’ and reporters’ being critical of his China and West Philippine Sea Policy. Mr. Duterte wrongly presumes that he is lord and master of all he surveys and has the prerogative to allow only those media organizations that pander to him and his regime to exist and to continue to function despite Article III Section 4 of the Constitution.
This latest threat against the media is so obviously meant to intimidate not only the independent press but also every truth-teller, whether human rights defender or rural missionary. It is an assault on media freedom and the right to free expression and information from the multiplicity of sources citizens need to exercise their sovereign power to decide on matters that concern them.
The shutdown of any media organization, whether big or small and whatever its views, reduces the number of contending voices on which citizens depend to get at the truth. All media and journalists’ organizations, media advocacy groups, civil society, and everyone else who still believes in media freedom, free expression, and democracy must expose the Duterte threat for the brazenly tyrannical scheme to intimidate the media that it is, and demand that the House of Representatives renew ABS-CBN’s franchise.
As in the case of regime attempts to silence the online news site Rappler, a threat against one is a threat against all. Once ABS-CBN is shut down on the say-so of a president who despises criticism and truth-telling, every other media organization can be similarly silenced by denying or withdrawing its franchise, or through some other nefarious means.
And yet, despite Mr. Duterte’s threats and his subaltern Alan Peter Cayetano’s repeatedly echoing of them, the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) found that much of the media, including ABS-CBN itself, have chosen to keep silent about it, apparently because of the cutthroat rivalry in the broadcasting industry, and ABS-CBN’s hesitation in reporting on something in which its self-interest is involved. But there is also the mistaken belief that despite Mr. Duterte’s attacks on press freedom and free expression, it is still possible to negotiate and reason with him.
Among the broadcast organizations, only CNN Philippines and TV5’s Aksyon have so far aired any report on ABS-CBN’s problem with Mr. Duterte. Print was more forthright. The three Manila newspapers of general circulation did report on it in addition to Mr. Duterte’s rant, and so did some columnists. Some reports also pointed out that despite Cayetano’s assurance of “due process,” he himself has been criticizing ABS-CBN for being allegedly anti-regime.
It was on social media — on Twitter and Facebook — where there was more attention paid to it, and where most Netizens expressed their opposition to the shutting down of ABS-CBN. But the prospects for the renewal of its franchise are not encouraging. There is a bill pending in the House renewing the ABS-CBN franchise when it expires on March 30, 2020. Cayetano earlier assured the public that the House would discuss it before yearend. But he is now saying that they have enough time to do next year, when, if its franchise is not renewed, the network will have to cease operations.
Mr. Duterte’s most recent tirade against ABS-CBN was his fourth in the last two years. He accused the network of unfair reporting in 2017, and of refusing to run political ads that he said he had paid for. In May of the same year, he also threatened to file charges against it for allegedly “swindling” him. He said the same things and made the same threats a year ago, in November 2018.
Not only for the possible loss of employment of thousands of men and women should the threat to shut down the country’s biggest broadcasting network have made the six o’clock news and aroused citizen concern. It would also send to the rest of the media and everyone else the unmistakable message that the Duterte regime will not relent in its campaign to silence its perceived critics, including any entity that dares show some semblance of independence.
Mr. Duterte has used the powers of his office as well as his control over the other two supposedly independent and co-equal branches of government to harass and silence his critics in and out of the media. Not only has he threatened online news site Rappler and the Philippine Daily Inquirer newspaper; he has also made good on those threats. Rappler has had to defend itself from 11 complaints and court cases meant to intimidate and silence it, even as its reporters are prevented from covering public events in which Mr. Duterte is present. The regime’s keyboard army of trolls and its print media hacks also demonize the Inquirer at every opportunity.
The threatened and impending shutdown of ABS-CBN is part of the same assault aimed at intimidating not only the critical press, but also anyone and anything else that takes seriously the democratic need to monitor and hold government to account.
But because he has not placed the entire Philippines under martial law as Ferdinand Marcos did in 1972, there is the mistaken belief that Mr. Duterte’s rule is not as oppressive as that of his idol and mentor. His implementation of what amounts to de facto martial rule without the benefit of a declaration has lulled the citizenry into the mistaken belief that he won’t go as far.
It explains why much of the news media, including ABS-CBN, seem unable to understand the urgency of bringing the issue to the public’s attention as a threat not only to the entire press but also to free expression and the plurality of voices democracy needs to survive. Make no mistake about it: Mr. Duterte and his accomplices are as focused on silencing anyone and anything with any glimmer of independent thought as the Marcos terror regime was.
Luis V. Teodoro is on Facebook and Twitter (@luisteodoro).
https://www.bworldonline.com/against-independence/
D.M. Wenceslao submits proposals for Parañaque, Cavite reclamation projects
Integrated property developer D.M. Wenceslao & Associates, Inc. said Tuesday submitted new proposals to the Philippine Reclamation Authority to undertake reclamation projects in Parañaque City and Cavite.
In a disclosure to the stock exchange, DMW said the project in Parañaque is an additional 400 hectares of land in front of Aseana City and Entertainment City.
The proposal contains two reclamation areas where the government is expected to receive 200 hectares at zero cost to it.
Meanwhile, the project in Cavite is for the reclamation of approximately 335 hectares of offshore island in Sangley in preparation for the development of the Sangley International Airport. The proposal is undergoing review by the Office of the President, Department of Transportation and the Department of Finance.
“We look forward to continuing our work with the government to strengthen the country’s development activities,” DMW Chairman Delfin Wenceslao Jr. said.
“We look forward to demonstrate once again our expertise in land reclamation. Over the last 50 years, we have reclaimed more than 2,400,000 square meters of land across the Philippines,” Wenceslao added.
DMW is the master developer and primary owner of Aseana City, a development project with a total land area of 107.5 hectares located along the coastal waters of Manila Bay.
Since 1965, DMW has reclaimed more than 2.4 million square meters of land, leased or developed 250,000 square meters of land and buildings, and completed over 140 construction and infrastructure projects.
On Thursday, shares in DMW were down 1.01% to close at P9.80 each. — Ian Nicolas Cigaral
https://www.philstar.com/business/2019/12/19/1978313/dm-wenceslao-submits-proposals-paraaque-cavite-reclamation-projects
In a disclosure to the stock exchange, DMW said the project in Parañaque is an additional 400 hectares of land in front of Aseana City and Entertainment City.
The proposal contains two reclamation areas where the government is expected to receive 200 hectares at zero cost to it.
Meanwhile, the project in Cavite is for the reclamation of approximately 335 hectares of offshore island in Sangley in preparation for the development of the Sangley International Airport. The proposal is undergoing review by the Office of the President, Department of Transportation and the Department of Finance.
“We look forward to continuing our work with the government to strengthen the country’s development activities,” DMW Chairman Delfin Wenceslao Jr. said.
“We look forward to demonstrate once again our expertise in land reclamation. Over the last 50 years, we have reclaimed more than 2,400,000 square meters of land across the Philippines,” Wenceslao added.
DMW is the master developer and primary owner of Aseana City, a development project with a total land area of 107.5 hectares located along the coastal waters of Manila Bay.
Since 1965, DMW has reclaimed more than 2.4 million square meters of land, leased or developed 250,000 square meters of land and buildings, and completed over 140 construction and infrastructure projects.
On Thursday, shares in DMW were down 1.01% to close at P9.80 each. — Ian Nicolas Cigaral
https://www.philstar.com/business/2019/12/19/1978313/dm-wenceslao-submits-proposals-paraaque-cavite-reclamation-projects
[ANALYSIS] Duterte’s foul attacks on big business: What is he up to?
The Duterte government has shown a propensity to disrespect contracts, ignore property rights, and harass businesses
This year Newsbreak, Rappler’s investigative and in-depth section, is capping off 2019 with a series of stories threaded by the theme of lawlessness. (READ: 2019: Lawlessness in the Philippines under Duterte)
Whether in the halls of Malacañang, in our streets, or in our open seas, the Duterte government has demonstrably and consistently disdained the rule of law and our Constitution.
But in this piece I argue there’s one more type of lawlessness that has plagued us in recent years: economic lawlessness.
You might take this to mean situations where private firms take matters into their own hands and disregard laws and regulations.
But here I’m talking about the fact that the Duterte government has shown a propensity to disrespect contracts, ignore property rights, and harass businesses.
Duterte, of course, is no stranger in antagonizing the private sector. (READ: Look back: Duterte’s tussles with big business)
In this piece let’s focus on Duterte’s recent attacks on 3 big corporations – Manila Water, Maynilad, and ABS-CBN – and try to glean what he’s up to.
Water firms thrown in the deep end
Duterte’s attacks on Metro Manila’s two water concessionaires – Manila Water and Maynilad – are a perfect example of economic lawlessness.
More than a week ago the two firms were shocked to learn that their concession agreements, which allow them to operate as Metro Manila’s water distributors, were cut short by their regulator (the Manila Waterworks and Sewerage System) from 2037 to 2022.
That’s 15 years earlier than stipulated in their concession agreements with government.
This revocation is a huge blow. Both firms are already strategizing and laying out capital for the next 18 years, only to realize all their plans have rested on shifting sand.
Maynilad’s Vice Chairman Isidro Consunji even hinted that both companies may go bankrupt if negotiations break down.
This terrible plot twist was the culmination of attacks from Duterte himself.
Earlier Duterte fumed at the water firms because the Permanent Court of Arbitration in Singapore ordered the Philippine government to pay Manila Water P7.39 billion. This was because the government had unjustly blocked the firm from raising water rates before.
In the wake of this decision, Duterte branded the water firms’ owners as “oligarchs” and “economic saboteurs.” Later Duterte even warned he might order a military takeover of such firms.
Unsurprisingly, the stock prices of both Manila Water and Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, which owns much of Maynilad, recently nosedived (Figures 1 and 2). Manila Water’s stock price even dropped to its lowest level in 12 years.
It’s bad enough that these plummeting stock prices represent billions of losses for shareholders in both companies. But it also threatens the pensions of millions of private employees enrolled in the Social Security System, which has substantial investments in Manila Water.
Above all, the revocation sends a bad signal to investors (here and abroad) that the Philippine government cannot keep its long-term contracts with the private sector and can capriciously change the rules in the middle of the game.
This cannot be. Imagine a basketball game where the referee suddenly announces traveling is permissible and each team can now have more than 5 players at a time.
Just as basketball rules can’t change in the middle of a game, so rules between the government and the private sector can’t change on a whim.
With our business sector enveloped by a thick fog of uncertainty, which investors will now dare to strike deals with the government?
ABS-CBN’s fight for survival (again)
The Duterte administration is also flexing its muscle toward another big business, namely ABS-CBN.
Next year ABS-CBN’s 25-year franchise to operate as a media firm – specifically to “construct, operate and maintain…television and radio broadcasting stations in and throughout the Philippines” – will be up for renewal by Congress.
But for years now Duterte has repeatedly threatened to rally lawmaker friends and block said renewal.
Most recently Duterte said, “Ang iyong franchise mag-end next year. If you expect ma-renew ‘yan, I’m sorry. (Your franchise will end next year. If you expect it to be renewed, I’m sorry.) I will see to it that you’re out.”
As a result of this latest presidential threat, ABS-CBN’s stock price also dipped (Figure 3), albeit nowhere near the nosedive of Manila Water and MPIC’s stock prices.
Of course it’s entirely within Congress’s discretion to renew ABS-CBN’s franchise or not.
But Duterte’s ostensible reason for attacking ABS-CBN seems unreasonably shallow. Duterte once claimed the station committed swindling for failing to air some of his ads during the 2016 elections.
More important, Duterte’s attack on ABS-CBN brings to mind similar bullying by the Marcos regime against the Lopezes.
Recall that former president Ferdinand Marcos, absent formal charges, had ordered the arrest of Eugenio “Geny” Lopez Jr. in 1972, shortly after martial law was declared, in a bid to neutralize the political power of the Lopez clan.
In exchange for Geny’s release, Geny’s father (Don Eugenio Lopez) was forced to give up many of their businesses – including Meralco and the progenitor of ABS-CBN – to enrich Marcos and his cronies.
Even with Don Eugenio’s capitulation, Geny was in fact not released and only managed to escape prison in 1977, five years after his arrest.
Marcos’s forcible takeover of the Lopezes’ businesses and assets was clearly a predatory act. Fast forward to present day, Duterte is repeating history by attacking ABS-CBN.
Whether Duterte’s attack is predatory, too, remains to be seen. Yet his actions show just how the state could use its might to intimidate, corner, and beat to a pulp a private company – just because it can.
Ulterior motives
A number of people speculate Duterte’s slew of attacks against big businesses is part and parcel of a larger strategy to prop up his own cadre of budding oligarchs.
That is, by attacking big companies and devaluing their stocks, Duterte might be opening an opportunity for his wealthy friends to take over these embattled companies.
By “friends” we mean, for instance, Davao tycoon Dennis Uy and former senator Manny Villar. Both are multibillionaires and their business empires have noticeably expanded of late.
Just when ABS-CBN’s fate is hanging by a thread, Dennis Uy is reportedly eyeing an expansion into media and telecom. Some even go on to say Uy may be the “white knight” who will ultimately save ABS-CBN next year.
Meanwhile, amid the impending exit of the current water concessionaires, the Villars are venturing into water what with Prime Water. Duterte was even quoted as saying the Villars might one day enter water distribution in Metro Manila.
If these speculations turn out to be true, then Duterte’s purported hatred towards oligarchs proves merely illusory. He’s just weeding out the old to make way for the new.
The author is a PhD candidate at the UP School of Economics. His views are independent of the views of his affiliations. Follow JC on Twitter (@jcpunongbayan) and Usapang Econ (usapangecon.com).
https://www.rappler.com/thought-leaders/247501-analysis-duterte-foul-attacks-on-big-business
This year Newsbreak, Rappler’s investigative and in-depth section, is capping off 2019 with a series of stories threaded by the theme of lawlessness. (READ: 2019: Lawlessness in the Philippines under Duterte)
Whether in the halls of Malacañang, in our streets, or in our open seas, the Duterte government has demonstrably and consistently disdained the rule of law and our Constitution.
But in this piece I argue there’s one more type of lawlessness that has plagued us in recent years: economic lawlessness.
You might take this to mean situations where private firms take matters into their own hands and disregard laws and regulations.
But here I’m talking about the fact that the Duterte government has shown a propensity to disrespect contracts, ignore property rights, and harass businesses.
Duterte, of course, is no stranger in antagonizing the private sector. (READ: Look back: Duterte’s tussles with big business)
In this piece let’s focus on Duterte’s recent attacks on 3 big corporations – Manila Water, Maynilad, and ABS-CBN – and try to glean what he’s up to.
Water firms thrown in the deep end
Duterte’s attacks on Metro Manila’s two water concessionaires – Manila Water and Maynilad – are a perfect example of economic lawlessness.
More than a week ago the two firms were shocked to learn that their concession agreements, which allow them to operate as Metro Manila’s water distributors, were cut short by their regulator (the Manila Waterworks and Sewerage System) from 2037 to 2022.
That’s 15 years earlier than stipulated in their concession agreements with government.
This revocation is a huge blow. Both firms are already strategizing and laying out capital for the next 18 years, only to realize all their plans have rested on shifting sand.
Maynilad’s Vice Chairman Isidro Consunji even hinted that both companies may go bankrupt if negotiations break down.
This terrible plot twist was the culmination of attacks from Duterte himself.
Earlier Duterte fumed at the water firms because the Permanent Court of Arbitration in Singapore ordered the Philippine government to pay Manila Water P7.39 billion. This was because the government had unjustly blocked the firm from raising water rates before.
In the wake of this decision, Duterte branded the water firms’ owners as “oligarchs” and “economic saboteurs.” Later Duterte even warned he might order a military takeover of such firms.
Unsurprisingly, the stock prices of both Manila Water and Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, which owns much of Maynilad, recently nosedived (Figures 1 and 2). Manila Water’s stock price even dropped to its lowest level in 12 years.
It’s bad enough that these plummeting stock prices represent billions of losses for shareholders in both companies. But it also threatens the pensions of millions of private employees enrolled in the Social Security System, which has substantial investments in Manila Water.
Above all, the revocation sends a bad signal to investors (here and abroad) that the Philippine government cannot keep its long-term contracts with the private sector and can capriciously change the rules in the middle of the game.
This cannot be. Imagine a basketball game where the referee suddenly announces traveling is permissible and each team can now have more than 5 players at a time.
Just as basketball rules can’t change in the middle of a game, so rules between the government and the private sector can’t change on a whim.
With our business sector enveloped by a thick fog of uncertainty, which investors will now dare to strike deals with the government?
ABS-CBN’s fight for survival (again)
The Duterte administration is also flexing its muscle toward another big business, namely ABS-CBN.
Next year ABS-CBN’s 25-year franchise to operate as a media firm – specifically to “construct, operate and maintain…television and radio broadcasting stations in and throughout the Philippines” – will be up for renewal by Congress.
But for years now Duterte has repeatedly threatened to rally lawmaker friends and block said renewal.
Most recently Duterte said, “Ang iyong franchise mag-end next year. If you expect ma-renew ‘yan, I’m sorry. (Your franchise will end next year. If you expect it to be renewed, I’m sorry.) I will see to it that you’re out.”
As a result of this latest presidential threat, ABS-CBN’s stock price also dipped (Figure 3), albeit nowhere near the nosedive of Manila Water and MPIC’s stock prices.
Of course it’s entirely within Congress’s discretion to renew ABS-CBN’s franchise or not.
But Duterte’s ostensible reason for attacking ABS-CBN seems unreasonably shallow. Duterte once claimed the station committed swindling for failing to air some of his ads during the 2016 elections.
More important, Duterte’s attack on ABS-CBN brings to mind similar bullying by the Marcos regime against the Lopezes.
Recall that former president Ferdinand Marcos, absent formal charges, had ordered the arrest of Eugenio “Geny” Lopez Jr. in 1972, shortly after martial law was declared, in a bid to neutralize the political power of the Lopez clan.
In exchange for Geny’s release, Geny’s father (Don Eugenio Lopez) was forced to give up many of their businesses – including Meralco and the progenitor of ABS-CBN – to enrich Marcos and his cronies.
Even with Don Eugenio’s capitulation, Geny was in fact not released and only managed to escape prison in 1977, five years after his arrest.
Marcos’s forcible takeover of the Lopezes’ businesses and assets was clearly a predatory act. Fast forward to present day, Duterte is repeating history by attacking ABS-CBN.
Whether Duterte’s attack is predatory, too, remains to be seen. Yet his actions show just how the state could use its might to intimidate, corner, and beat to a pulp a private company – just because it can.
Ulterior motives
A number of people speculate Duterte’s slew of attacks against big businesses is part and parcel of a larger strategy to prop up his own cadre of budding oligarchs.
That is, by attacking big companies and devaluing their stocks, Duterte might be opening an opportunity for his wealthy friends to take over these embattled companies.
By “friends” we mean, for instance, Davao tycoon Dennis Uy and former senator Manny Villar. Both are multibillionaires and their business empires have noticeably expanded of late.
Just when ABS-CBN’s fate is hanging by a thread, Dennis Uy is reportedly eyeing an expansion into media and telecom. Some even go on to say Uy may be the “white knight” who will ultimately save ABS-CBN next year.
Meanwhile, amid the impending exit of the current water concessionaires, the Villars are venturing into water what with Prime Water. Duterte was even quoted as saying the Villars might one day enter water distribution in Metro Manila.
If these speculations turn out to be true, then Duterte’s purported hatred towards oligarchs proves merely illusory. He’s just weeding out the old to make way for the new.
The author is a PhD candidate at the UP School of Economics. His views are independent of the views of his affiliations. Follow JC on Twitter (@jcpunongbayan) and Usapang Econ (usapangecon.com).
https://www.rappler.com/thought-leaders/247501-analysis-duterte-foul-attacks-on-big-business
Fire hits residential area in Malate, Manila
By MB Online and Erma Edera
A fire hit a residential area in Leveriza Street, Malate, Manila on Thursday afternoon.
According to the police, an argument among siblings led to a fire that affected hundreds of families in Malate, Manila.
Manila Police District Special Mayor’s Reaction Team chief Major Rosalino Ibay Jr. identified the person of interest as Cocoy Soriano, who was allegedly caught in the act of arson in Malate fire.
Soriano is now under the custody of Manila Police District Station 9.
Ibay also described the alleged motive as “away ng magkapatid (sibling rivalry).”
The cause of the fire is still under investigation but the fire broke out on the 4th floor of a four-story residential building located along 2288 Int. 29, Leveriza Street, Malate, Manila.
Fire authorities have declared a fifth alarm for the blaze at around 12:35 p.m.
The fire has reached first alarm at 12:14 p.m. It is declared under control at 1:57 p.m.
Around 230 families were brought in the barangay’s basketball court for temporary shelter, the Manila Public Information office said.
No casualty was reported as of press time. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said damage to property is still under investigation.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/12/19/fire-hits-residential-area-in-malate-manila/
A fire hit a residential area in Leveriza Street, Malate, Manila on Thursday afternoon.
According to the police, an argument among siblings led to a fire that affected hundreds of families in Malate, Manila.
Manila Police District Special Mayor’s Reaction Team chief Major Rosalino Ibay Jr. identified the person of interest as Cocoy Soriano, who was allegedly caught in the act of arson in Malate fire.
Soriano is now under the custody of Manila Police District Station 9.
Ibay also described the alleged motive as “away ng magkapatid (sibling rivalry).”
The cause of the fire is still under investigation but the fire broke out on the 4th floor of a four-story residential building located along 2288 Int. 29, Leveriza Street, Malate, Manila.
Fire authorities have declared a fifth alarm for the blaze at around 12:35 p.m.
The fire has reached first alarm at 12:14 p.m. It is declared under control at 1:57 p.m.
Around 230 families were brought in the barangay’s basketball court for temporary shelter, the Manila Public Information office said.
No casualty was reported as of press time. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said damage to property is still under investigation.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/12/19/fire-hits-residential-area-in-malate-manila/
DLSU cancels classes, office work due to fire
By MB Online
De La Salle University Manila cancelled classes and work due to a fire on Thursday afternoon that hit a residential area in Leveriza Street, Malate, Manila which is near the university.
In a Facebook post, the university said it is calling off scheduled exams and office work on their Manila campus on Dec. 19, starting at 1:00 p.m.
“Due to the fire on Leveriza Street, and for the safety and security of the academic community, we are calling off scheduled exams and office work on the Manila Campus today, December 19, starting at 1:00 pm. Respective colleges will announce separately the rescheduling of exams to tomorrow morning. Access to said campus shall be restricted,” the post read.
De La Salle University Manila cancelled classes and work due to a fire on Thursday afternoon that hit a residential area in Leveriza Street, Malate, Manila which is near the university.
“Due to the fire on Leveriza Street, and for the safety and security of the academic community, we are calling off scheduled exams and office work on the Manila Campus today, December 19, starting at 1:00 pm. Respective colleges will announce separately the rescheduling of exams to tomorrow morning. Access to said campus shall be restricted,” the post read.
The fire, which reached the fifth alarm, started at around 12:00 noon, the radio station DZMM reported. No casualty was reported as of this posting.
The cause of the fire and damage to property are yet to be determined by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
Benguet lawmaker Fongwan dies
Neophyte lawmaker Nestor Fongwan of Benguet died on late Wednesday night, according to his son, Nestor Fongwan Jr., on Thursday.
Fongwan was 68 years old.
The younger Fongwan made the announcement in a Facebook post, saying “My father is now with his creator.”
In another Facebook post, Fongwan’s son said that his father’s remains will be brought to Guadayan, Puguis in La Trinidad on Thursday night.
“We are expected to arrive before sunrise tomorrow, December 20, 2019,” he said.
Rep. Fongwan served as Benguet governor from 2007 to 2016 before returning to politics in the May 2019 elections, successfully winning a seat in the House of Representatives. —Llanesca T. Panti/KBK, GMA News
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/719606/benguet-lawmaker-fongwan-dies/story/
Fongwan was 68 years old.
The younger Fongwan made the announcement in a Facebook post, saying “My father is now with his creator.”
In another Facebook post, Fongwan’s son said that his father’s remains will be brought to Guadayan, Puguis in La Trinidad on Thursday night.
“We are expected to arrive before sunrise tomorrow, December 20, 2019,” he said.
Rep. Fongwan served as Benguet governor from 2007 to 2016 before returning to politics in the May 2019 elections, successfully winning a seat in the House of Representatives. —Llanesca T. Panti/KBK, GMA News
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/719606/benguet-lawmaker-fongwan-dies/story/
Palace to get ‘sin’ tax bill next week
THE MEASURE increasing the excise tax on alcohol products, electronic cigarettes and other vapor products made it out of the bicameral conference committee on Wednesday, in time for its ratification on the same day ahead of Congress’ Dec. 21, 2019-Jan. 19, 2020 Christmas-New Year break.
The tax measure is expected to generate P22.2 billion in the first year of implementation, of which 60% will be earmarked for Universal Health Care programs, 20% for Health Facilities Enhancement Program and 20% for attaining Sustainable Development Goals.
House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jose Ma. Clemente S. Salceda confirmed that the measure would be ratified “in the House (of Representatives)” that same day, while his counterpart, Senator Pia S. Cayetano said the same of the Senate. The two were speaking in a briefing with reporters during which they held up a copy of the signed committee report.
Mr. Salceda told reporters later that the measure will be transmitted “next week” for President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s signature.
The Finance department has been pushing approval of this measure in time for implementation starting Jan. 1.
The measure forms part of the administration’s comprehensive tax reform program, which Mr. Duterte asked Congress to prioritize during his fourth State of the Nation Address on July 22.
The Senate approved its version, Senate Bill No. 1074, on second and third reading last Monday, while the House passed House Bill No. 1026 on Aug. 20.
The reconciled version provided to increase the specific tax on distilled products to P42 per proof liter in 2020 from P23.40 currently; P47 in 2021; P52 in 2022; P59 in 2023; P66 in 2024. This is on top of a 22% ad valorem tax on net retail price, compared to 20% currently.
The bicameral conference committee retained the amendment proposed by Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph G. Recto to impose a P50 per liter single rate on all types of wine, after he said the industry makes up just one percent of the alcoholic drinks market.
At present, sparkling wines costing up to P500 and those costing more than P500 are levied P316.33 and P885.72, respectively, while still wines and carbonated wines are charged P37.96 for bottles with up to 14% alcohol content and P75.92 for those with more than 14%.
The panel also retained the Senate proposal to raise the tax on fermented liquor to P35 in 2020, which will increase by P2 every year until it reaches P43 in 2024. Fermented liquors are currently levied P25.42 per liter.
The measure also amends Republic Act (RA) No. 11346, which will increase excise tax on tobacco products to P45 per pack beginning 2020 from P35 currently. It will then increase by P5 per year until it reaches P60 in 2023.
The same law introduced a P10 per pack rate on heated tobacco products in 2020; and a P10 rate for 10 milliliter vapor products, P20 for 20 ml, P30 for 30 ml, P40 for 40 ml, P50 for 50 ml and so on.
If the new “sin” tax bill is enacted, it will increase rates on heated tobacco products to 25 in 2020, P27.50 in 2021, P30 in 2022 and to P32.50 in 2023.
Vapor products with salt nicotine will be charged a P37 specific tax in 2020, increasing by P5 annually until it reaches P52 in 2023; while vapor products with conventional nicotine will be taxed at par with conventional cigarettes.
The bicameral conference committee also adopted the Recto amendment to exempt the sale and importation of prescription drugs for diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol from value-added tax in the law’s first three years of implementation. After those three years, such exemption will extend to medicines for kidney diseases, tuberculosis, cancer and illness related to mental health.
Other tax reform packages awaiting approval by Congress are measures that seek to reduce corporate income tax and overhaul fiscal incentives; provide a uniform framework for real property valuation and assessment; and simplify the tax structure for financial investments.
Besides RA 11346, the government has so far enacted RA 10963, which slashed personal income tax rates and increased or added levies on several goods and services — the main component of the tax reform package — and RA 11213, which grants estate tax amnesty and amnesty on delinquent accounts left unpaid even after being given final assessment. — Charmaine A. Tadalan
https://www.bworldonline.com/palace-to-get-sin-tax-bill-next-week/
The tax measure is expected to generate P22.2 billion in the first year of implementation, of which 60% will be earmarked for Universal Health Care programs, 20% for Health Facilities Enhancement Program and 20% for attaining Sustainable Development Goals.
House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jose Ma. Clemente S. Salceda confirmed that the measure would be ratified “in the House (of Representatives)” that same day, while his counterpart, Senator Pia S. Cayetano said the same of the Senate. The two were speaking in a briefing with reporters during which they held up a copy of the signed committee report.
Mr. Salceda told reporters later that the measure will be transmitted “next week” for President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s signature.
The Finance department has been pushing approval of this measure in time for implementation starting Jan. 1.
The measure forms part of the administration’s comprehensive tax reform program, which Mr. Duterte asked Congress to prioritize during his fourth State of the Nation Address on July 22.
The Senate approved its version, Senate Bill No. 1074, on second and third reading last Monday, while the House passed House Bill No. 1026 on Aug. 20.
The reconciled version provided to increase the specific tax on distilled products to P42 per proof liter in 2020 from P23.40 currently; P47 in 2021; P52 in 2022; P59 in 2023; P66 in 2024. This is on top of a 22% ad valorem tax on net retail price, compared to 20% currently.
The bicameral conference committee retained the amendment proposed by Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph G. Recto to impose a P50 per liter single rate on all types of wine, after he said the industry makes up just one percent of the alcoholic drinks market.
At present, sparkling wines costing up to P500 and those costing more than P500 are levied P316.33 and P885.72, respectively, while still wines and carbonated wines are charged P37.96 for bottles with up to 14% alcohol content and P75.92 for those with more than 14%.
The panel also retained the Senate proposal to raise the tax on fermented liquor to P35 in 2020, which will increase by P2 every year until it reaches P43 in 2024. Fermented liquors are currently levied P25.42 per liter.
The measure also amends Republic Act (RA) No. 11346, which will increase excise tax on tobacco products to P45 per pack beginning 2020 from P35 currently. It will then increase by P5 per year until it reaches P60 in 2023.
The same law introduced a P10 per pack rate on heated tobacco products in 2020; and a P10 rate for 10 milliliter vapor products, P20 for 20 ml, P30 for 30 ml, P40 for 40 ml, P50 for 50 ml and so on.
If the new “sin” tax bill is enacted, it will increase rates on heated tobacco products to 25 in 2020, P27.50 in 2021, P30 in 2022 and to P32.50 in 2023.
Vapor products with salt nicotine will be charged a P37 specific tax in 2020, increasing by P5 annually until it reaches P52 in 2023; while vapor products with conventional nicotine will be taxed at par with conventional cigarettes.
The bicameral conference committee also adopted the Recto amendment to exempt the sale and importation of prescription drugs for diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol from value-added tax in the law’s first three years of implementation. After those three years, such exemption will extend to medicines for kidney diseases, tuberculosis, cancer and illness related to mental health.
Other tax reform packages awaiting approval by Congress are measures that seek to reduce corporate income tax and overhaul fiscal incentives; provide a uniform framework for real property valuation and assessment; and simplify the tax structure for financial investments.
Besides RA 11346, the government has so far enacted RA 10963, which slashed personal income tax rates and increased or added levies on several goods and services — the main component of the tax reform package — and RA 11213, which grants estate tax amnesty and amnesty on delinquent accounts left unpaid even after being given final assessment. — Charmaine A. Tadalan
https://www.bworldonline.com/palace-to-get-sin-tax-bill-next-week/
Senate adjourns session for the holidays
The Senate adjourned its Session Wednesday, December 18, to go on a one-month legislative break during the holidays. Regular sessions will resume on January 20, 2020, Monday.
Topping the list of the Senate's accomplishments in the first four months of the First Regular Session in the 18th Congress, is the passing of the P4.1 trillion 2020 General Appropriations Act, which the Upper Chamber ratified and adopted last week.
"We opened the First Regular Session of the 18th Congress with a new batch of senators raring and eager to buckle down to work, and I am happy to note that we were able to file a record number of bills and resolutions, foremost of which is the P4.1-trillion 2020 budget," Senate Majority Leader Migz Zubiri said.
"The budget is the most important law of the land. By approving it well ahead of the Christmas break, we will be spared from the difficulties arising from a re-enacted budget as had happened earlier this year. The re-enacted budget delayed projects and, worse, delayed salaries of national and LGU employees for the first quarter of 2019," he added.
From the start of the 18th Congress last July 22 till December 17 of this year the senators had filed a total of 1,241 bills and 281 resolutions.
The Senate successfully passed Republic Act No. 11462, the first law passed by the 18th Congress, principally sponsored by Sen. Marcos. It postponed the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections formerly scheduled for next year and moved these to December 5, 2022 for which the government would have allocated P5.77 Billion, according to the Commission on Elections. This was followed by the Malasakit Center Act (R. A. No. 11463), principally sponsored by Sen. Bong Go, that will establish Malasakit Centers in all government-owned hospitals of which 54 have been established, the most recent was in Antipolo, Rizal.
The Senate passed the following on Third and Final Reading: the National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims Act (SBN-1122), the Night Shift Differential Pay (SBN 643), the National Transportation Safety Board Act (SBN 1077), an Act Fixing the Validity Period of the License to Own, Permit to Carry and Registration of Firearms (SBN 1155), the Salary Standardization Law 5 (SBN 1219) and Establishment of Separate Facilities for Prisoners Convicted of Heinous Crimes (SBN 1055), Amending the National Internal Revenue Code by Increasing the Excise Tax on Alcohol, Heated Tobacco and Vapor Products and for other purposes (SBN 1074), among others.
Also approved by the Senate was House Bill No. 5437 extending the availability of the 2019 appropriations for maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) and capital outlays (CO).
It also adopted 35 Resolutions, noteworthy of which is Senate Resolution No. 22 that expressed the sense of the Senate opposing liberalization of the sugar industry in order to protect the livelihood of millions of sugar workers and agrarian reform beneficiaries; SRN 18 recognizing the 70th anniversary of the Philippines and Republic of Korea relations; SRN 8, reconstituting the special committee on Marawi City Rehabilitation.
"We went head on against negative issues by steadfastly tackling serious issues afflicting the country's jails, the illegal drugs problems, rising HIV cases and the decline in incomes of rice farmers and hograisers due to calamities, diseases and import liberalization. However, the first four months also saw the Senate positively united in support of the stellar performance of our athletes with Resolutions filed to honor athletes in windsurfing, arnis, weightlifting, wushu, among others, during the recently concluded South East Asian Games hosted by the Philippines. Indeed, it was a productive six months of 2019," concluded Zubiri.
Topping the list of the Senate's accomplishments in the first four months of the First Regular Session in the 18th Congress, is the passing of the P4.1 trillion 2020 General Appropriations Act, which the Upper Chamber ratified and adopted last week.
"We opened the First Regular Session of the 18th Congress with a new batch of senators raring and eager to buckle down to work, and I am happy to note that we were able to file a record number of bills and resolutions, foremost of which is the P4.1-trillion 2020 budget," Senate Majority Leader Migz Zubiri said.
"The budget is the most important law of the land. By approving it well ahead of the Christmas break, we will be spared from the difficulties arising from a re-enacted budget as had happened earlier this year. The re-enacted budget delayed projects and, worse, delayed salaries of national and LGU employees for the first quarter of 2019," he added.
From the start of the 18th Congress last July 22 till December 17 of this year the senators had filed a total of 1,241 bills and 281 resolutions.
The Senate successfully passed Republic Act No. 11462, the first law passed by the 18th Congress, principally sponsored by Sen. Marcos. It postponed the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections formerly scheduled for next year and moved these to December 5, 2022 for which the government would have allocated P5.77 Billion, according to the Commission on Elections. This was followed by the Malasakit Center Act (R. A. No. 11463), principally sponsored by Sen. Bong Go, that will establish Malasakit Centers in all government-owned hospitals of which 54 have been established, the most recent was in Antipolo, Rizal.
The Senate passed the following on Third and Final Reading: the National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims Act (SBN-1122), the Night Shift Differential Pay (SBN 643), the National Transportation Safety Board Act (SBN 1077), an Act Fixing the Validity Period of the License to Own, Permit to Carry and Registration of Firearms (SBN 1155), the Salary Standardization Law 5 (SBN 1219) and Establishment of Separate Facilities for Prisoners Convicted of Heinous Crimes (SBN 1055), Amending the National Internal Revenue Code by Increasing the Excise Tax on Alcohol, Heated Tobacco and Vapor Products and for other purposes (SBN 1074), among others.
Also approved by the Senate was House Bill No. 5437 extending the availability of the 2019 appropriations for maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) and capital outlays (CO).
It also adopted 35 Resolutions, noteworthy of which is Senate Resolution No. 22 that expressed the sense of the Senate opposing liberalization of the sugar industry in order to protect the livelihood of millions of sugar workers and agrarian reform beneficiaries; SRN 18 recognizing the 70th anniversary of the Philippines and Republic of Korea relations; SRN 8, reconstituting the special committee on Marawi City Rehabilitation.
"We went head on against negative issues by steadfastly tackling serious issues afflicting the country's jails, the illegal drugs problems, rising HIV cases and the decline in incomes of rice farmers and hograisers due to calamities, diseases and import liberalization. However, the first four months also saw the Senate positively united in support of the stellar performance of our athletes with Resolutions filed to honor athletes in windsurfing, arnis, weightlifting, wushu, among others, during the recently concluded South East Asian Games hosted by the Philippines. Indeed, it was a productive six months of 2019," concluded Zubiri.
Is Christmas both gladiatorial and pastoral?
JUSTICE Secretary Menardo Guevarra said the government was not entertaining new players for the country’s water distribution business. The Department of Justice confirmed it found 12 onerous provisions in the concession agreements and advised President Rodrigo Duterte to scrap the old contracts and rescind the agreement extending their validity.
Although he clarified that the concession agreements still stand — unless no agreement is reached with the two water concessionaires. I think this is the correct move. That’s the way it should be. His footsteps are always in accordance with the law and not a bit on emotions.
China procured its first aircraft carrier from Ukraine and refurbished it as it was bought secondhand. It is now commissioning the second one, officially named Shandong. President Xi Jinping is making sure that the carrier is stuffed with noodles and dimsum to make its crew happy. Sorry, no McDonald’s burger and Starbucks coffee because of the trade war.
No one can blame Sen. Richard J. Gordon frowning on the Sandiganbayan’s dismissal of the Presidential Commission on Good Government’s P200-billion forfeiture case against the Marcoses. I think he is worried, not about the name but by the way graft cases are being handled by our courts. He is also worried about the prosecution’s competence in pursuing their cases, which can make other crooks avoid jail easily. The Palace is saying that it will continue to be hands off on Sandiganbayan’s decision. Huh? Can they at least investigate the prosecution team to find out how it failed?
Globe Telecom Inc. has signed a P5-billion loan agreement with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) to partly fund its spending budget. The Ayala-led telecommunications giant said the loan “would be used to finance the company’s capital expenditures and general corporate requirements,” and refinance its “maturing obligations.” In text messages, this development usually ends with “ha-ha-ha!” My question to DBP Chairman Alberto G. Romulo and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Herbosa: Did you not read the memo?
Former undersecretary Abigail “Abi” Valte confirmed that the former president Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino 3rd has been discharged from the Makati Medical Center since being confined December 9. She said it was just a routine check-up. It must be a very comprehensive check-up considering the confinement period lasted nine days. I think I should quit smoking fast.
Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello 3rd said yesterday that the possible resumption of peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines is a result of back-channeling negotiations. Bello said that upon the instructions of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (PRRD), he has been negotiating after the peace talks bogged down. Similar to this, I heard from the grapevine that some senators and congressmen are “back-channeling” as well for ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal. Too many channels if you ask me. Not enough time to watch.
Madame Tussauds-Hong Kong has announced the addition of the Filipino wax figure of boxing champ and senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao. I think Senator Manny will be quite comfortable in the company of Pia Wurtzbach. I assume Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan will be jealous of the new tandem.
I am confident that the triumvirate of Mayor Benjamin Magalong, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’s Roy Cimatu and the Department of Tourism’s Bernadette Romulo Puyat will be a formidable team to rehabilitate and regain the stature of our country’s summer capital. Key factor to success is the partnership of both locals and tourists.
Whenever I paint, I intend to please myself and not anybody. I paint to express myself, my dreams and how I view a particular subject, be it a portrait or a landscape. I guide my brush not to be factual but to depict my wish to romance anything I see with my heart and soul. Much like photography and music. Maybe selfish to some but my happiness comes first above everything. Creativity is not reportorial or about being truthful but a state of mind that always scouts for any fantasyland that can give me the freedom to sing and dance like crazy. With no one watching. An eternal sovereignty on a concept that is both sensual and erotic.
I keep asking myself these questions:
Why do I have to pay parking fees for patronizing a mall or a supermarket?
Why do I have to shell out money to use a clean toilet in malls? If I don’t pay, will they just leave them dirty?
Why do grocery cashiers and sales attendants never stop chatting as if they haven’t seen each other for years?
Why are the items that I usually like out of stock, and the saleslady seems to take pride in telling me, savoring my moment of disappointment?
Why am I paying road user’s tax when I can barely move going anywhere?
Why do restaurants have items in their menu that are not available?
Why are waiters and waitresses always engaged in deep conversation that they can’t see me jumping up and down to ask for my bill?
Why do some waiters stand close to me and stare while I eat as if waiting for me to burp or choke?
I am not trying to be funny. Maybe I am just an old fool or just plain crazy.
We discovered National Book Store now owns 9.28 percent in Philodrill. This shift to oil exploration is one for the books.
* * *
Good work, good deeds and good faith to all.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2019/12/19/opinion/columnists/is-christmas-both-gladiatorial-and-pastoral/665616/
Although he clarified that the concession agreements still stand — unless no agreement is reached with the two water concessionaires. I think this is the correct move. That’s the way it should be. His footsteps are always in accordance with the law and not a bit on emotions.
China procured its first aircraft carrier from Ukraine and refurbished it as it was bought secondhand. It is now commissioning the second one, officially named Shandong. President Xi Jinping is making sure that the carrier is stuffed with noodles and dimsum to make its crew happy. Sorry, no McDonald’s burger and Starbucks coffee because of the trade war.
No one can blame Sen. Richard J. Gordon frowning on the Sandiganbayan’s dismissal of the Presidential Commission on Good Government’s P200-billion forfeiture case against the Marcoses. I think he is worried, not about the name but by the way graft cases are being handled by our courts. He is also worried about the prosecution’s competence in pursuing their cases, which can make other crooks avoid jail easily. The Palace is saying that it will continue to be hands off on Sandiganbayan’s decision. Huh? Can they at least investigate the prosecution team to find out how it failed?
Globe Telecom Inc. has signed a P5-billion loan agreement with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) to partly fund its spending budget. The Ayala-led telecommunications giant said the loan “would be used to finance the company’s capital expenditures and general corporate requirements,” and refinance its “maturing obligations.” In text messages, this development usually ends with “ha-ha-ha!” My question to DBP Chairman Alberto G. Romulo and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Herbosa: Did you not read the memo?
Former undersecretary Abigail “Abi” Valte confirmed that the former president Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino 3rd has been discharged from the Makati Medical Center since being confined December 9. She said it was just a routine check-up. It must be a very comprehensive check-up considering the confinement period lasted nine days. I think I should quit smoking fast.
Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello 3rd said yesterday that the possible resumption of peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines is a result of back-channeling negotiations. Bello said that upon the instructions of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (PRRD), he has been negotiating after the peace talks bogged down. Similar to this, I heard from the grapevine that some senators and congressmen are “back-channeling” as well for ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal. Too many channels if you ask me. Not enough time to watch.
Madame Tussauds-Hong Kong has announced the addition of the Filipino wax figure of boxing champ and senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao. I think Senator Manny will be quite comfortable in the company of Pia Wurtzbach. I assume Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan will be jealous of the new tandem.
I am confident that the triumvirate of Mayor Benjamin Magalong, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’s Roy Cimatu and the Department of Tourism’s Bernadette Romulo Puyat will be a formidable team to rehabilitate and regain the stature of our country’s summer capital. Key factor to success is the partnership of both locals and tourists.
Whenever I paint, I intend to please myself and not anybody. I paint to express myself, my dreams and how I view a particular subject, be it a portrait or a landscape. I guide my brush not to be factual but to depict my wish to romance anything I see with my heart and soul. Much like photography and music. Maybe selfish to some but my happiness comes first above everything. Creativity is not reportorial or about being truthful but a state of mind that always scouts for any fantasyland that can give me the freedom to sing and dance like crazy. With no one watching. An eternal sovereignty on a concept that is both sensual and erotic.
I keep asking myself these questions:
Why do I have to pay parking fees for patronizing a mall or a supermarket?
Why do I have to shell out money to use a clean toilet in malls? If I don’t pay, will they just leave them dirty?
Why do grocery cashiers and sales attendants never stop chatting as if they haven’t seen each other for years?
Why are the items that I usually like out of stock, and the saleslady seems to take pride in telling me, savoring my moment of disappointment?
Why am I paying road user’s tax when I can barely move going anywhere?
Why do restaurants have items in their menu that are not available?
Why are waiters and waitresses always engaged in deep conversation that they can’t see me jumping up and down to ask for my bill?
Why do some waiters stand close to me and stare while I eat as if waiting for me to burp or choke?
I am not trying to be funny. Maybe I am just an old fool or just plain crazy.
We discovered National Book Store now owns 9.28 percent in Philodrill. This shift to oil exploration is one for the books.
* * *
Good work, good deeds and good faith to all.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2019/12/19/opinion/columnists/is-christmas-both-gladiatorial-and-pastoral/665616/
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
House ratifies bill on higher ‘sin’ taxes
The House of Representatives on Wednesday night ratified the bicameral conference committee report on a bill seeking to raise the excise tax rates on alcohol products as well as heated tobacco and vapor products in the country.
The proposal seeks to amend the Republic Act No. 8424 or the “National Internal Revenue Code of 1997”. This is part of the Package 2+ of the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program.
Once ratified by both Houses, the bill will be sent to Malacañang for President Rodrigo Duterte's signature.
The reconciled version proposes that distilled spirits shall have an ad valorem rate of 22 percent of the retail price, as well as an additional specific tax of PHP42 per proof liter in 2020, PHP47 in 2021, PHP52 in 2022, PHP59 in 2023, and PHP66 in 2024. The specific tax shall be increased by 6 percent every year thereafter.
Meanwhile, still wines and sparkling wines shall have an excise tax of PHP50 and shall eventually be raised by 6 percent every year thereafter.
Fermented liquors shall be taxed with PHP35 per liter in 2020, PHP37 in 2021, PHP39 in 2022, PHP41 in 2023, and PHP43 in 2024. Also, the rates of tax imposed shall be increased by 7 percent every year afterward.
The measure stipulates that heated tobacco products shall be levied with an excise tax rate of PHP25 per pack in 2020, PHP27.50 in 2021, PHP30 in 2022, and PHP32.50 in 2023. The tax imposed shall increase by 5 percent each year after that.
While for vapor products, salt nicotine shall have an excise tax of PHP37 per milliliter in 2020, with an incremental increase of PHP5 thereafter until 2023. It shall be enlarged by 5 percent every year effective in 2024.
Revenues from these proposed taxes shall be earmarked as follows: 60 percent for the implementation of the Universal Health Care Law, 20 percent to the Health Facilities Enhancement Program, and 20 percent for the attainment of the sustainable development goals.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089102
The proposal seeks to amend the Republic Act No. 8424 or the “National Internal Revenue Code of 1997”. This is part of the Package 2+ of the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program.
Once ratified by both Houses, the bill will be sent to Malacañang for President Rodrigo Duterte's signature.
The reconciled version proposes that distilled spirits shall have an ad valorem rate of 22 percent of the retail price, as well as an additional specific tax of PHP42 per proof liter in 2020, PHP47 in 2021, PHP52 in 2022, PHP59 in 2023, and PHP66 in 2024. The specific tax shall be increased by 6 percent every year thereafter.
Meanwhile, still wines and sparkling wines shall have an excise tax of PHP50 and shall eventually be raised by 6 percent every year thereafter.
Fermented liquors shall be taxed with PHP35 per liter in 2020, PHP37 in 2021, PHP39 in 2022, PHP41 in 2023, and PHP43 in 2024. Also, the rates of tax imposed shall be increased by 7 percent every year afterward.
The measure stipulates that heated tobacco products shall be levied with an excise tax rate of PHP25 per pack in 2020, PHP27.50 in 2021, PHP30 in 2022, and PHP32.50 in 2023. The tax imposed shall increase by 5 percent each year after that.
While for vapor products, salt nicotine shall have an excise tax of PHP37 per milliliter in 2020, with an incremental increase of PHP5 thereafter until 2023. It shall be enlarged by 5 percent every year effective in 2024.
Revenues from these proposed taxes shall be earmarked as follows: 60 percent for the implementation of the Universal Health Care Law, 20 percent to the Health Facilities Enhancement Program, and 20 percent for the attainment of the sustainable development goals.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089102
A lack of media attention: Duterte’s threat against ABS-CBN
TIME IS running out for broadcast giant ABS-CBN. With only three months left before its franchise expires, its fate is in the hands of its two loudest critics: House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and President Rodrigo Duterte. Both have accused the country’s biggest network of partiality during the 2016 presidential elections.
Broadcast franchises are approved by Congress. ABS-CBN got its 25-year franchise on March 30, 1995 and must receive a new one March 30 next year. If Congress fails to pass the bill for its renewal, ABS-CBN will have to cease its radio and television operations.
Cayetano earlier pledged that the House would discuss the franchise renewal before the end of the year. Recently, he said it will be discussed next year. While he reassured the broadcast giant that the House would strictly observe “due process” in its deliberation, some reports were quick to point out that, as a loyal Duterte ally, the Speaker has repeated the same threat to shut down ABS-CBN.
In a recent tirade against ABS-CBN, Duterte said, “If you are expecting na ma-renew ‘yan (franchise), I am sorry. I will see to it that you are out,” he said last December 3 during the oath-taking of newly appointed government officials in Malacañang.
Duterte first accused ABS-CBN of unfair reporting and for failing to run political ads which had already been paid for during his campaign – in April 2017. The following month, he threatened to file estafa charges against the media company for allegedly “swindling” him. In November 2018, he repeated these threats and allegations.
The shutdown of the biggest broadcast network in the country would render more than ten thousand people jobless. The threat in itself sends a chilling effect on all media. The news hardly caused a stir, with media organizations limited to single reports unlike their coverage of the earlier cases against Rappler.
CMFR monitored the leading Manila broadsheets Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer and The Philippine Star; four primetime newscasts (ABS-CBN 2’s TV Patrol, CNN Philippines’ News Night, GMA-7’s 24 Oras and TV5’s Aksyon) and some online news sites from December 3 to 9, 2019.
Underreported
The issue barely made it to the primetime newscasts. And the reports that did make it merely quoted government officials without any context. During the monitor period, only News Night and Aksyon aired reports on it. ABS-CBN did not report it, and neither did its archrival, GMA-7.
Although print coverage did considerably more than broadcast, analysis of job loss and press freedom issues were limited to quotes, relying on sources from Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (ALU-TUCP) and Defend Jobs, as well as the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) for a critical perspective.
Weaponizing the franchise
Expressed anger has proven a most effective tool when the president chooses to exert his power and to silence his critics in and out of the media.
He had threatened online news site Rappler and the Philippine Daily Inquirer — and made good on those threats. PDI offered to sell the newspaper to a businessman supporter of the president. Rappler has had to defend itself in court. At least 11 cases including cyber libel, foreign ownership and tax evasion have been filed against its CEO Maria Ressa, its executives and staff.
In concert with the digital trolls on social media, the president’s threat to shut down ABS-CBN is part of the same sustained assault against a critical press.
Not surprisingly, Duterte has weaponized the TV franchise, another armament used by Ferdinand Marcos against an independent press.
Media’s failure to call more public attention to this move against ABS-CBN is deeply disturbing. The Philippine press has held up a stunning record of defending itself, speaking truth to power and standing up against government abuse. But this obsequiousness recalls how Marcos created his crony press. Maybe Duterte has succeeded in doing the same.
https://cmfr-phil.org/media-ethics-responsibility/journalism-review/a-lack-of-media-attention-dutertes-threat-against-abs-cbn/
Broadcast franchises are approved by Congress. ABS-CBN got its 25-year franchise on March 30, 1995 and must receive a new one March 30 next year. If Congress fails to pass the bill for its renewal, ABS-CBN will have to cease its radio and television operations.
Cayetano earlier pledged that the House would discuss the franchise renewal before the end of the year. Recently, he said it will be discussed next year. While he reassured the broadcast giant that the House would strictly observe “due process” in its deliberation, some reports were quick to point out that, as a loyal Duterte ally, the Speaker has repeated the same threat to shut down ABS-CBN.
In a recent tirade against ABS-CBN, Duterte said, “If you are expecting na ma-renew ‘yan (franchise), I am sorry. I will see to it that you are out,” he said last December 3 during the oath-taking of newly appointed government officials in Malacañang.
Duterte first accused ABS-CBN of unfair reporting and for failing to run political ads which had already been paid for during his campaign – in April 2017. The following month, he threatened to file estafa charges against the media company for allegedly “swindling” him. In November 2018, he repeated these threats and allegations.
The shutdown of the biggest broadcast network in the country would render more than ten thousand people jobless. The threat in itself sends a chilling effect on all media. The news hardly caused a stir, with media organizations limited to single reports unlike their coverage of the earlier cases against Rappler.
CMFR monitored the leading Manila broadsheets Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer and The Philippine Star; four primetime newscasts (ABS-CBN 2’s TV Patrol, CNN Philippines’ News Night, GMA-7’s 24 Oras and TV5’s Aksyon) and some online news sites from December 3 to 9, 2019.
Underreported
The issue barely made it to the primetime newscasts. And the reports that did make it merely quoted government officials without any context. During the monitor period, only News Night and Aksyon aired reports on it. ABS-CBN did not report it, and neither did its archrival, GMA-7.
Although print coverage did considerably more than broadcast, analysis of job loss and press freedom issues were limited to quotes, relying on sources from Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (ALU-TUCP) and Defend Jobs, as well as the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) for a critical perspective.
Weaponizing the franchise
Expressed anger has proven a most effective tool when the president chooses to exert his power and to silence his critics in and out of the media.
He had threatened online news site Rappler and the Philippine Daily Inquirer — and made good on those threats. PDI offered to sell the newspaper to a businessman supporter of the president. Rappler has had to defend itself in court. At least 11 cases including cyber libel, foreign ownership and tax evasion have been filed against its CEO Maria Ressa, its executives and staff.
In concert with the digital trolls on social media, the president’s threat to shut down ABS-CBN is part of the same sustained assault against a critical press.
Not surprisingly, Duterte has weaponized the TV franchise, another armament used by Ferdinand Marcos against an independent press.
Media’s failure to call more public attention to this move against ABS-CBN is deeply disturbing. The Philippine press has held up a stunning record of defending itself, speaking truth to power and standing up against government abuse. But this obsequiousness recalls how Marcos created his crony press. Maybe Duterte has succeeded in doing the same.
https://cmfr-phil.org/media-ethics-responsibility/journalism-review/a-lack-of-media-attention-dutertes-threat-against-abs-cbn/
ABS-CBN has other media platforms other than TV, radio
By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
Local media giant ABS-CBN Corporation can still run its other media platforms, in the event that it fails to secure a fresh 25-year congressional franchise for the operation of its television (TV) and radio broadcasting stations, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said on Wednesday.
Andanar clarified that the operations of ABS-CBN’s other businesses, such as its magazine and movie production, will not cease, in case Congress and President Rodrigo Duterte turn up or down the renewal of the broadcast network’s franchise for another 25 years.
“I will comment on the business model of the entire broadcast company. Remember, we are talking about the franchise. Franchise is given by the government. Actually, hindi naman mahal ang franchise eh. Kung tutuusin, halos ibigay na ng gobyerno iyan para makapag-operate ka (Franchise is not expensive. In fact, the government grants it so you can operate),” the PCOO chief said during the Kapihan in Manila Bay.
“We are talking about the franchise. We are forgetting that the ABS-CBN is not in the business of franchise or TV alone. They are in the business of content production. Meron silang content online. May content sila sa magazine. Meron silang movies (They have content online. They have a magazine. They have movies),” he added.
ABS-CBN’s 25-year franchise expires on Mar. 30, 2020, unless Congress and the President grant its renewal.
A legislative franchise bill needs to be first approved by the House of Representatives before it can be transmitted to the Senate.
The measure, once approved by both chambers, will then be submitted to the President for its signing into law.
The President, however, can exercise his power to veto measures that have been passed by Congress.
On Dec. 3, Duterte said he would make a way to ensure that ABS-CBN would be “out” of business, when its license to operate expires.
The President’s pronouncement came as he admitted that he was still irked by the local broadcast firm’s unfair reporting and failure to run his paid political advertisements during the 2016 presidential race.
Andanar, however, said ABS-CBN still has other options, should it fail to renew its congressional franchise.
“I’m sure ABS-CBN can find a way how to distribute their content if they lose their franchise,” he said.
“Remember that ang dami pa namang TV network na available eh. Ang dami pang channels na available, frequencies na available. In fact, nabebenta nga nila ang kanilang movies sa Southeast Asia, nabebenta nila sa America (Remember, there are other available TV networks There are many available channels, frequencies. In fact, they can sell their movies in Southeast Asia and America),” Andanar added.
ABS-CBN is primarily involved in content creation and production for television, online, and over-the-top (OTT) platforms, cable, satellite, cinema, live events, and radio for domestic and international markets, according to its website.
It also operates various platforms, including domestic television, radio networks, worldwide OTT, and online platforms.
It also has interests in Philippine cable, satellite, and broadband systems; music and music publishing; consumer products and licensing; multimedia services; magazine and book publishing; product and post production services; telecommunication services; money remittance; cargo forwarding; TV shopping services; food and restaurant services; theme park development and management; property management; and cinema management.
House legislative franchises committee chairperson Franz Alvarez earlier said his panel has no scheduled hearings on the renewal of ABS-CBN's franchise until Congress adjourns for the Christmas break on Dec. 20.
But House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, who earlier admitted he has "personal" objections to renew ABS-CBN's franchise, had ensured that congressmen have "more than enough time" to discuss the proposed granting of franchise renewal to the local media giant.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089029
(Update) ABS-CBN's flagship FM station MOR 101.9 My Only Radio For Life would return to the original name WRR 101.9 For Life next year.
Local media giant ABS-CBN Corporation can still run its other media platforms, in the event that it fails to secure a fresh 25-year congressional franchise for the operation of its television (TV) and radio broadcasting stations, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said on Wednesday.
Andanar clarified that the operations of ABS-CBN’s other businesses, such as its magazine and movie production, will not cease, in case Congress and President Rodrigo Duterte turn up or down the renewal of the broadcast network’s franchise for another 25 years.
“I will comment on the business model of the entire broadcast company. Remember, we are talking about the franchise. Franchise is given by the government. Actually, hindi naman mahal ang franchise eh. Kung tutuusin, halos ibigay na ng gobyerno iyan para makapag-operate ka (Franchise is not expensive. In fact, the government grants it so you can operate),” the PCOO chief said during the Kapihan in Manila Bay.
“We are talking about the franchise. We are forgetting that the ABS-CBN is not in the business of franchise or TV alone. They are in the business of content production. Meron silang content online. May content sila sa magazine. Meron silang movies (They have content online. They have a magazine. They have movies),” he added.
ABS-CBN’s 25-year franchise expires on Mar. 30, 2020, unless Congress and the President grant its renewal.
A legislative franchise bill needs to be first approved by the House of Representatives before it can be transmitted to the Senate.
The measure, once approved by both chambers, will then be submitted to the President for its signing into law.
The President, however, can exercise his power to veto measures that have been passed by Congress.
On Dec. 3, Duterte said he would make a way to ensure that ABS-CBN would be “out” of business, when its license to operate expires.
The President’s pronouncement came as he admitted that he was still irked by the local broadcast firm’s unfair reporting and failure to run his paid political advertisements during the 2016 presidential race.
Andanar, however, said ABS-CBN still has other options, should it fail to renew its congressional franchise.
“I’m sure ABS-CBN can find a way how to distribute their content if they lose their franchise,” he said.
“Remember that ang dami pa namang TV network na available eh. Ang dami pang channels na available, frequencies na available. In fact, nabebenta nga nila ang kanilang movies sa Southeast Asia, nabebenta nila sa America (Remember, there are other available TV networks There are many available channels, frequencies. In fact, they can sell their movies in Southeast Asia and America),” Andanar added.
ABS-CBN is primarily involved in content creation and production for television, online, and over-the-top (OTT) platforms, cable, satellite, cinema, live events, and radio for domestic and international markets, according to its website.
It also operates various platforms, including domestic television, radio networks, worldwide OTT, and online platforms.
It also has interests in Philippine cable, satellite, and broadband systems; music and music publishing; consumer products and licensing; multimedia services; magazine and book publishing; product and post production services; telecommunication services; money remittance; cargo forwarding; TV shopping services; food and restaurant services; theme park development and management; property management; and cinema management.
House legislative franchises committee chairperson Franz Alvarez earlier said his panel has no scheduled hearings on the renewal of ABS-CBN's franchise until Congress adjourns for the Christmas break on Dec. 20.
But House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, who earlier admitted he has "personal" objections to renew ABS-CBN's franchise, had ensured that congressmen have "more than enough time" to discuss the proposed granting of franchise renewal to the local media giant.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089029
(Update) ABS-CBN's flagship FM station MOR 101.9 My Only Radio For Life would return to the original name WRR 101.9 For Life next year.
ABS-CBN can manage even if it loses broadcast franchise – Andanar
Broadcast giant ABS-CBN can manage even if it ends up losing its legislative franchise amid President Rodrigo Duterte’s repeated threat to block its renewal, Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said Wednesday.
Andanar explained that ABS-CBN can simply distribute its contents to other channels if it loses its franchise when it expires on March 30, 2020.
“We are forgetting that ABS-CBN is not in the business of TV alone. They are in the business of content production,” Andanar said at the weekly Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum in Malate, Manila.
“Meron silang contents online, meron silang magazine, meron silang iba pang mga investment (like) movies. (They have contents online, they are into magazine, they have other investments like movies.) I’m sure ABS-CBN can find a way how to distribute their content if they lose their franchise,” he added.
Andanar, however, conceded that ABS-CBN’s fate is up to Congress.
Republic Act No. 3846 requires radio and television broadcasters in the Philippines to obtain a franchise from Congress.
Since he assumed office, Duterte has repeatedly threatened ABS-CBN’s franchise because the network allegedly ran an advertisement against him when he campaigned for President in 2016 and for refusing to air his own campaign advertisements.
Earlier this month, the President said “he will see to it” that ABS-CBN won’t have its franchise renewed.
“If you are expecting na ma-renew ‘yan, I am sorry. I will see to it that you are out,” Duterte said.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1202742/andanar-says-abs-cbn-can-manage-even-if-it-loses-braodcast-franchise
Andanar explained that ABS-CBN can simply distribute its contents to other channels if it loses its franchise when it expires on March 30, 2020.
“We are forgetting that ABS-CBN is not in the business of TV alone. They are in the business of content production,” Andanar said at the weekly Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum in Malate, Manila.
“Meron silang contents online, meron silang magazine, meron silang iba pang mga investment (like) movies. (They have contents online, they are into magazine, they have other investments like movies.) I’m sure ABS-CBN can find a way how to distribute their content if they lose their franchise,” he added.
Andanar, however, conceded that ABS-CBN’s fate is up to Congress.
Republic Act No. 3846 requires radio and television broadcasters in the Philippines to obtain a franchise from Congress.
Since he assumed office, Duterte has repeatedly threatened ABS-CBN’s franchise because the network allegedly ran an advertisement against him when he campaigned for President in 2016 and for refusing to air his own campaign advertisements.
Earlier this month, the President said “he will see to it” that ABS-CBN won’t have its franchise renewed.
“If you are expecting na ma-renew ‘yan, I am sorry. I will see to it that you are out,” Duterte said.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1202742/andanar-says-abs-cbn-can-manage-even-if-it-loses-braodcast-franchise
ABS-CBN kayang mabuhay kahit walang TV franchise – Andanar
Malabong maglaho nang tuluyan ang ABS-CBN kahit pa hindi ma-renew ang kanilang broadcasting franchise dahil sa pagbakod ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte.
Ayon kay Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar, pwedeng idaan na lang sa iba nilang channel tulad ng sa kanilang online, magazine at iba pa.
“We are forgetting that ABS-CBN is not in the business of TV alone. They are in the business of content production,” ayon kay Andanar sa Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum.
“Meron silang contents online, meron silang magazine, meron silang iba pang mga investment (like) movies. I’m sure ABS-CBN can find a way how to distribute their content if they lose their franchise,” aniya pa.
Sa ngayon ay nakatengga pa sa Kongreso ang bill para sa franchise renewal ng ABS-CBN.
Ito’y matapos na hinayag ni Duterte na kanyang haharangan ang renewal nito dahil sa hindi umano pag-air ng kanyang mga campaign materials noong 2016 presidential elections.
https://tnt.abante.com.ph/abs-cbn-kayang-mabuhay-kahit-walang-tv-franchise-andanar/
Ayon kay Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar, pwedeng idaan na lang sa iba nilang channel tulad ng sa kanilang online, magazine at iba pa.
“We are forgetting that ABS-CBN is not in the business of TV alone. They are in the business of content production,” ayon kay Andanar sa Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum.
“Meron silang contents online, meron silang magazine, meron silang iba pang mga investment (like) movies. I’m sure ABS-CBN can find a way how to distribute their content if they lose their franchise,” aniya pa.
Sa ngayon ay nakatengga pa sa Kongreso ang bill para sa franchise renewal ng ABS-CBN.
Ito’y matapos na hinayag ni Duterte na kanyang haharangan ang renewal nito dahil sa hindi umano pag-air ng kanyang mga campaign materials noong 2016 presidential elections.
https://tnt.abante.com.ph/abs-cbn-kayang-mabuhay-kahit-walang-tv-franchise-andanar/
Taking down the oligarchs
President Duterte vowed to object to the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise for another 25 years. This comes on the back of his allegation that the TV network purposely failed to air his TV ads (duly paid for) but instead aired ads that were critical of him and paid for by Senator Antonio Trillianes. ABS-CBN is the crown jewel of the Lopez family.
Meanwhile, the President also said he would defy the ruling of a Singaporean Court to pay Maynilad P3.6 billion and MWC P7.4 billion over losses due to a delayed rate increase. He further ordered Solicitor General Jose Calida to craft a new water contract that will be “favorable to the public”. If not an outright cancellation of Maynilad and MWC’s concessionaire’s agreement, a revision of its terms to one that is more stringent is certain. This, on top of the threat to take down the owners of the water companies, the Ayala family and Manny Pangilinan, for plunder.
President Duterte is hitting the three families where it hurts. The Ayalas and Manny Pangilinan each invested close to P200 billion in their water ventures. Even if the market value of Ayala Corp. and Metro Pacific (Pangilinan’s holding company) stands at P488 billion and P85 billion, respectively, the specter of not being able to recover P200 billion will surely grind-down their market values.
As far as the Lopez family is concerned, ABS-CBN is one of the family’s cash cows and base of political power. To withhold its franchise is akin to defanging it, politically.
In a double strike maneuver, the President is taking down three of the country’s “oligarchs.” Over the years, he has been vocal about his resentment of these powerful families, even going on record to say that they have stunted the development of the county by monopolizing sectors of the economy.
Look, before the systematic attack on conglomerates and old families (“oligarchs”) escalates, we should all take a step back and be circumspect about it.
First of all, we should understand that oligarchs are a natural result of a laissez faire economy. They are families who have done well over decades on the back of hard work, smart investments and good strategy. Sure, some have prospered from political favors, but this too is a part of a free market system. In Korea, large conglomerates are known as chaebols. Among them are Hyundai and Samsung, owned by the Ju-yung and Byung-chul families. In Japan, they are called Zaibatsus. Marubeni and Hitachi are some of them, owned by the Itoh and Odaira families.
Chaebols and Zaibatsus are industrial powerhouses whose size gives them control over parts of the economy. They have sway over the political landscape and can influence national policy. But Chaebols and Zaibatsus are not evil – they are in fact strategic allies of government in nation building. They are purposely supported by their governments in exchange for making massive investments in pioneering industries, research and development and in in high risk industries that are essential to industrialization (eg. Petrochemical plants). They lead the charge in job generations and raising revenues for government by way of exports and taxes.
In short, conglomerates with political gravitas are not parasites, per se. They can be national assets just like the Chaebols and Zaibatsus are. To take them down for the wrong reasons will do the country a disservice and potentially set us back in our industrialization.
What are the wrong reasons? Political revenge and racism are among them.
We must make a distinction between good oligarchs and bad oligarchs, being blind to their political biases. After all, every Filipino, oligarch or not, has the right to their own political beliefs. To attack them for not being in your side is not only petty but an affront to their democratic rights.
As for racism, I find it suspect that the oligarchs under siege today are of Spanish-Filipino heritage. Those of Chinese decent have been immune to the attack – so far, at least. Maybe its my imagination, but I would like to think that racism does not figure in this equation.
So how does one distinguish between good and bad oligarchs?
Bad oligarchs are those who are engaged in illegal or immoral activities; those who have amassed their wealth through illegal means but have not been held accountable; those involved in extracting natural resources but not paying the appropriate excise taxes for them; those whose operations damage the environment; those who oppress the weak; those who are usurious and opportunistic; those who evade taxes (tax avoidance is acceptable); those who give back to the community only up to the extent of tax breaks; those who make their money in the Philippines but park their money abroad.
Who are the good oligarchs? Those who invest in pioneering and capital intensive industries; those who invest in infrastructure; those that come to the support of government when its resources and talent falls short; those who adhere to the principles of good governance (as evidenced by audit reports from audit firms of high repute); those with philanthropic activities that go over and beyond tax benefits.
As far as the Ayala and Metro Pacific are concerned, both have invested billions to upgrade the country’s water system, telecommunications, power generation and distribution and infrastructure. Their services may not be perfect but they stepped-up when government could not. They are listed in the stock exchange, hence, conform to the strict scrutiny of the SEC.
As for Ayala Corp., I appreciate them for their commitment to the development of heavy industries even when conditions in the Philippines are not conducive for it. They invested billions in Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc. as well as a string of companies that manufacture auto parts.
ABS-CBN’s situation is more complicated. They too are a publicly listed, thus, governed professionally. They invest in corporate social responsibility programs like Bantay Bata.
What I take exception to is their programming. While they claim to be “in the service of the Filipino,” their programming suggest otherwise. For decades they have dumbed-down the Filipino by feeding them shows bereft of intellectual value. Let’s be honest, they feed the public trash. And I must agree with the President, they have used their media platform to build up (and take down) certain politicians.
The President’s ire should serve as a wake up call for the management of ABS-CBN.
I don’t have a problem with taking down bad oligarchs. I do have a problem if they are taken down for the wrong reasons.
https://www.philstar.com/opinion/2019/12/18/1977866/taking-down-oligarchs
Meanwhile, the President also said he would defy the ruling of a Singaporean Court to pay Maynilad P3.6 billion and MWC P7.4 billion over losses due to a delayed rate increase. He further ordered Solicitor General Jose Calida to craft a new water contract that will be “favorable to the public”. If not an outright cancellation of Maynilad and MWC’s concessionaire’s agreement, a revision of its terms to one that is more stringent is certain. This, on top of the threat to take down the owners of the water companies, the Ayala family and Manny Pangilinan, for plunder.
President Duterte is hitting the three families where it hurts. The Ayalas and Manny Pangilinan each invested close to P200 billion in their water ventures. Even if the market value of Ayala Corp. and Metro Pacific (Pangilinan’s holding company) stands at P488 billion and P85 billion, respectively, the specter of not being able to recover P200 billion will surely grind-down their market values.
As far as the Lopez family is concerned, ABS-CBN is one of the family’s cash cows and base of political power. To withhold its franchise is akin to defanging it, politically.
In a double strike maneuver, the President is taking down three of the country’s “oligarchs.” Over the years, he has been vocal about his resentment of these powerful families, even going on record to say that they have stunted the development of the county by monopolizing sectors of the economy.
Look, before the systematic attack on conglomerates and old families (“oligarchs”) escalates, we should all take a step back and be circumspect about it.
First of all, we should understand that oligarchs are a natural result of a laissez faire economy. They are families who have done well over decades on the back of hard work, smart investments and good strategy. Sure, some have prospered from political favors, but this too is a part of a free market system. In Korea, large conglomerates are known as chaebols. Among them are Hyundai and Samsung, owned by the Ju-yung and Byung-chul families. In Japan, they are called Zaibatsus. Marubeni and Hitachi are some of them, owned by the Itoh and Odaira families.
Chaebols and Zaibatsus are industrial powerhouses whose size gives them control over parts of the economy. They have sway over the political landscape and can influence national policy. But Chaebols and Zaibatsus are not evil – they are in fact strategic allies of government in nation building. They are purposely supported by their governments in exchange for making massive investments in pioneering industries, research and development and in in high risk industries that are essential to industrialization (eg. Petrochemical plants). They lead the charge in job generations and raising revenues for government by way of exports and taxes.
In short, conglomerates with political gravitas are not parasites, per se. They can be national assets just like the Chaebols and Zaibatsus are. To take them down for the wrong reasons will do the country a disservice and potentially set us back in our industrialization.
What are the wrong reasons? Political revenge and racism are among them.
We must make a distinction between good oligarchs and bad oligarchs, being blind to their political biases. After all, every Filipino, oligarch or not, has the right to their own political beliefs. To attack them for not being in your side is not only petty but an affront to their democratic rights.
As for racism, I find it suspect that the oligarchs under siege today are of Spanish-Filipino heritage. Those of Chinese decent have been immune to the attack – so far, at least. Maybe its my imagination, but I would like to think that racism does not figure in this equation.
So how does one distinguish between good and bad oligarchs?
Bad oligarchs are those who are engaged in illegal or immoral activities; those who have amassed their wealth through illegal means but have not been held accountable; those involved in extracting natural resources but not paying the appropriate excise taxes for them; those whose operations damage the environment; those who oppress the weak; those who are usurious and opportunistic; those who evade taxes (tax avoidance is acceptable); those who give back to the community only up to the extent of tax breaks; those who make their money in the Philippines but park their money abroad.
Who are the good oligarchs? Those who invest in pioneering and capital intensive industries; those who invest in infrastructure; those that come to the support of government when its resources and talent falls short; those who adhere to the principles of good governance (as evidenced by audit reports from audit firms of high repute); those with philanthropic activities that go over and beyond tax benefits.
As far as the Ayala and Metro Pacific are concerned, both have invested billions to upgrade the country’s water system, telecommunications, power generation and distribution and infrastructure. Their services may not be perfect but they stepped-up when government could not. They are listed in the stock exchange, hence, conform to the strict scrutiny of the SEC.
As for Ayala Corp., I appreciate them for their commitment to the development of heavy industries even when conditions in the Philippines are not conducive for it. They invested billions in Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc. as well as a string of companies that manufacture auto parts.
ABS-CBN’s situation is more complicated. They too are a publicly listed, thus, governed professionally. They invest in corporate social responsibility programs like Bantay Bata.
What I take exception to is their programming. While they claim to be “in the service of the Filipino,” their programming suggest otherwise. For decades they have dumbed-down the Filipino by feeding them shows bereft of intellectual value. Let’s be honest, they feed the public trash. And I must agree with the President, they have used their media platform to build up (and take down) certain politicians.
The President’s ire should serve as a wake up call for the management of ABS-CBN.
I don’t have a problem with taking down bad oligarchs. I do have a problem if they are taken down for the wrong reasons.
https://www.philstar.com/opinion/2019/12/18/1977866/taking-down-oligarchs
Bougainville votes for independence from Papua New Guinea
The result of the independence vote on the islands which make up Bougainville, a semi-autonomous region of Papua New Guinea (PNG), was announced on December 10. Polling took place over two weeks with voters asked to choose between continued autonomy within PNG or becoming independent.
The Bougainville Referendum Commission chairman, former Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern, announced that 176,928 of a total 181,067—a 98.3 percent majority—chose independence. Only 3,043 voted for greater autonomy within PNG. The overwhelming result was achieved with a turnout of 85 percent of those enrolled.
The non-binding referendum was part of the 2001 Bougainville Peace Agreement which ended a protracted and bloody civil war that claimed some 15,000 lives. It was the culmination of a process initiated in 1997 by Australia, the former colonial power, after the PNG military failed to defeat an insurgency led by the self-styled Bougainville Revolutionary Army (BRA).
The Australian and PNG governments regarded crushing the uprising militarily as critical to secure mining interests on Bougainville and throughout PNG. Australian companies were at the forefront of plundering the country’s natural resources through highly profitable mining projects. After it became obvious that PNG could not defeat the BRA, Canberra changed tack to impose a settlement through the peace deal.
Under the agreement, the referendum vote must now be ratified by PNG’s parliament. A joint task force of the PNG and Autonomous Bougainville (ABG) governments is required to consult over the next phase of the process, without a fixed timeline. PNG Minister for Bougainville Affairs Puka Temu said he would not formally present the result to parliament until after consultation has taken place.
The PNG cabinet is reported to be considering up to ten years for a possible transition. Prime Minister James Marape assured the people of Bougainville the government had “heard” them, but did not explicitly commit to backing independence. He said the two governments must develop “a road map that leads to a lasting political settlement that the National Parliament can consider.”
Temu told Radio NZ last month that the national government will seek to ensure the vote does not trigger a break-up of PNG. In response to explosive social tensions across PNG created by the austerity measures and police-state policies of successive governments, opposition sentiment and separatist movements have erupted in East New Britain, Central Province, Lae, the Highlands and Northern (Oro) Province.
At the same time, expectations have been raised in Bougainville that the referendum will lead to independence. ABG President John Momis said both governments must “negotiate in good faith… with the aim of getting an outcome that is acceptable to both sides.” Radio NZ reported that within Bougainville, “security fears” will emerge if the result is not implemented quickly.
Sections of the pro-independence movement, such as the former militant group Me’ekamui, boycotted the poll claiming Bougainville is already independent following a 1990 Universal Declaration of Independence by late secessionist leader Francis Ona. Referendum security chairman Patrick Nisira, warned that “if we allow a gap in there, these people might come in and might actually convince people that the national government and the ABG are not genuine in what they’re doing.”
At the same time, a contest is underway, both within rival sections of the local elite and between various global mining companies over control of Bougainville’s single major asset, the huge Panguna gold and copper mine.
Following PNG’s formal independence in 1975, the mine provided 45 percent of the country’s export income. Panguna was operated by one of the world’s largest mining companies, the Anglo-Australian Rio Tinto group, but has been mothballed since the Bougainville crisis erupted. It is estimated to contain $US58 billion worth of mineral reserves.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported on December 11 that the tussle for Panguna had already “sparked a race to promise the best deal and the highest royalties to landowners while stemming the environmental degradation that has ravaged Bougainville.” The race had set off “intense political disagreement between rival groups on the island.”
Overtures by Australian-led multinational mining companies have seen “intense politicking” among local landowner groups and political players on Bougainville. Momis initially supported a moratorium on mining at Panguna to avoid reigniting conflicts between landowner groups. The moratorium was established in early 2018, but the Bougainville government now appears to favour opening up the mine to underwrite independence.
Landowners are guaranteed rights under a 2015 Mining Act, but in order to raise funds for the referendum the government proposed in January to abolish those rights while allocating “near monopoly” rights to an Australian company, Caballus Mining. The legislation was rejected by the government’s legislative committee illustrating, according to the Herald, just “how politically contentious this issue will be in an independent Bougainville.”
The regional imperialist powers, Australia and New Zealand, which regard PNG as being on the front line of great power competition with China, will view any change to the geo-strategic order following any move to independence with hostility. As allies of Washington’s build up to war with Beijing, they allege China is aggressively seeking influence and economic power across the Pacific and are actively moving to counteract it.
In the lead-up to the referendum the Sydney-based Lowy Institute declared that whatever the outcome, Canberra must “step up its engagement” with Bougainville if it wished to remain “a trusted peace and security broker in Melanesia.” If the ABG is unable to reach agreement with PNG over future independence, the institute warned, “the Bougainville issue may precipitate another regional crisis.”
Australian media is already stirring up fears of purported Chinese designs on Bougainville. The Herald reported a “rumour” that in 2018 a Chinese delegation offered $US1 billion to help finance a transition to independence. The proposed “master plan” included a highway, airport, port, bridges and a luxury resort. The report alleged that China plans to use Bougainville’s mineral wealth as “collateral” for the deal.
In fact, it is Australian mining giants that are, in the words of the Herald, “slugging it out” to take first advantage of any opportunities. Besides Caballus, the list includes mining magnate Andrew Forrest’s company, Fortescue, another chaired by former Liberal Party defence minister David Johnston and one by luxury goods dealer Jeff McGlinn. Rio Tinto’s former subsidiary BCL is also involved as well as ASX-listed companies RTG Mining Inc. and Kalia Ltd. The latter has already been granted permits to explore the northern tip of Bougainville.
Ordinary people will gain nothing from this wheeling and dealing. Under limited autonomy the majority of the population has led a subsistence existence in rural hamlets and villages with widespread illiteracy and no funds for education, health and infrastructure. If “independence” does take place, a tiny elite layer will enrich itself on the crumbs from the profits of transnational miners, while most people continue to live in abject poverty and economic backwardness.
https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2019/12/17/boug-d17.html
The Bougainville Referendum Commission chairman, former Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern, announced that 176,928 of a total 181,067—a 98.3 percent majority—chose independence. Only 3,043 voted for greater autonomy within PNG. The overwhelming result was achieved with a turnout of 85 percent of those enrolled.
The non-binding referendum was part of the 2001 Bougainville Peace Agreement which ended a protracted and bloody civil war that claimed some 15,000 lives. It was the culmination of a process initiated in 1997 by Australia, the former colonial power, after the PNG military failed to defeat an insurgency led by the self-styled Bougainville Revolutionary Army (BRA).
The Australian and PNG governments regarded crushing the uprising militarily as critical to secure mining interests on Bougainville and throughout PNG. Australian companies were at the forefront of plundering the country’s natural resources through highly profitable mining projects. After it became obvious that PNG could not defeat the BRA, Canberra changed tack to impose a settlement through the peace deal.
Under the agreement, the referendum vote must now be ratified by PNG’s parliament. A joint task force of the PNG and Autonomous Bougainville (ABG) governments is required to consult over the next phase of the process, without a fixed timeline. PNG Minister for Bougainville Affairs Puka Temu said he would not formally present the result to parliament until after consultation has taken place.
The PNG cabinet is reported to be considering up to ten years for a possible transition. Prime Minister James Marape assured the people of Bougainville the government had “heard” them, but did not explicitly commit to backing independence. He said the two governments must develop “a road map that leads to a lasting political settlement that the National Parliament can consider.”
Temu told Radio NZ last month that the national government will seek to ensure the vote does not trigger a break-up of PNG. In response to explosive social tensions across PNG created by the austerity measures and police-state policies of successive governments, opposition sentiment and separatist movements have erupted in East New Britain, Central Province, Lae, the Highlands and Northern (Oro) Province.
At the same time, expectations have been raised in Bougainville that the referendum will lead to independence. ABG President John Momis said both governments must “negotiate in good faith… with the aim of getting an outcome that is acceptable to both sides.” Radio NZ reported that within Bougainville, “security fears” will emerge if the result is not implemented quickly.
Sections of the pro-independence movement, such as the former militant group Me’ekamui, boycotted the poll claiming Bougainville is already independent following a 1990 Universal Declaration of Independence by late secessionist leader Francis Ona. Referendum security chairman Patrick Nisira, warned that “if we allow a gap in there, these people might come in and might actually convince people that the national government and the ABG are not genuine in what they’re doing.”
At the same time, a contest is underway, both within rival sections of the local elite and between various global mining companies over control of Bougainville’s single major asset, the huge Panguna gold and copper mine.
Following PNG’s formal independence in 1975, the mine provided 45 percent of the country’s export income. Panguna was operated by one of the world’s largest mining companies, the Anglo-Australian Rio Tinto group, but has been mothballed since the Bougainville crisis erupted. It is estimated to contain $US58 billion worth of mineral reserves.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported on December 11 that the tussle for Panguna had already “sparked a race to promise the best deal and the highest royalties to landowners while stemming the environmental degradation that has ravaged Bougainville.” The race had set off “intense political disagreement between rival groups on the island.”
Overtures by Australian-led multinational mining companies have seen “intense politicking” among local landowner groups and political players on Bougainville. Momis initially supported a moratorium on mining at Panguna to avoid reigniting conflicts between landowner groups. The moratorium was established in early 2018, but the Bougainville government now appears to favour opening up the mine to underwrite independence.
Landowners are guaranteed rights under a 2015 Mining Act, but in order to raise funds for the referendum the government proposed in January to abolish those rights while allocating “near monopoly” rights to an Australian company, Caballus Mining. The legislation was rejected by the government’s legislative committee illustrating, according to the Herald, just “how politically contentious this issue will be in an independent Bougainville.”
The regional imperialist powers, Australia and New Zealand, which regard PNG as being on the front line of great power competition with China, will view any change to the geo-strategic order following any move to independence with hostility. As allies of Washington’s build up to war with Beijing, they allege China is aggressively seeking influence and economic power across the Pacific and are actively moving to counteract it.
In the lead-up to the referendum the Sydney-based Lowy Institute declared that whatever the outcome, Canberra must “step up its engagement” with Bougainville if it wished to remain “a trusted peace and security broker in Melanesia.” If the ABG is unable to reach agreement with PNG over future independence, the institute warned, “the Bougainville issue may precipitate another regional crisis.”
Australian media is already stirring up fears of purported Chinese designs on Bougainville. The Herald reported a “rumour” that in 2018 a Chinese delegation offered $US1 billion to help finance a transition to independence. The proposed “master plan” included a highway, airport, port, bridges and a luxury resort. The report alleged that China plans to use Bougainville’s mineral wealth as “collateral” for the deal.
In fact, it is Australian mining giants that are, in the words of the Herald, “slugging it out” to take first advantage of any opportunities. Besides Caballus, the list includes mining magnate Andrew Forrest’s company, Fortescue, another chaired by former Liberal Party defence minister David Johnston and one by luxury goods dealer Jeff McGlinn. Rio Tinto’s former subsidiary BCL is also involved as well as ASX-listed companies RTG Mining Inc. and Kalia Ltd. The latter has already been granted permits to explore the northern tip of Bougainville.
Ordinary people will gain nothing from this wheeling and dealing. Under limited autonomy the majority of the population has led a subsistence existence in rural hamlets and villages with widespread illiteracy and no funds for education, health and infrastructure. If “independence” does take place, a tiny elite layer will enrich itself on the crumbs from the profits of transnational miners, while most people continue to live in abject poverty and economic backwardness.
https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2019/12/17/boug-d17.html
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Mercado back as Southern Leyte congressman
By JOHN CARLO M. CAHINHINAN
Lawyer Roger Mercado has finally reclaimed his seat in the House of Representatives as congressman of Southern Leyte.
Mercado was sworn in during Tuesday’s session before House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano.
Mercado, former chair of the House Committee on Constitutional Amendments, was originally elected congressman of his home province during the midterm polls last May but was prevented from reclaiming his seat since Southern Leyte has been split into two congressional districts last February 1 by virtue Republic Act No. 11198.
Under R.A. 11198, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has been mandated to conduct special elections to determine the those who will represent the first and second district of Southern Leyte.
The first congressional district of Southern Leyte is composed of Maasin City and the municipalities of Machrohon, Padre Burgos, Limasawa, Malitbog, Tomas Oppus, and Bontoc while the second district consists of the Municipalities of Sogod, Libagon, Liloan, San Francisco, Pintuyan, San Ricardo, Saint Bernard, Anahawan, San Juan, Hinunduyan, Hinunangan, and Silago.
Mercado will represent the province first district.
Last August, Mercado was one of those who bolted the ruling PDP Laban party and took their oath as new members of the National Unity Party (NUP).
https://politics.com.ph/mercado-back-as-southern-leyte-congressman/
Lawyer Roger Mercado has finally reclaimed his seat in the House of Representatives as congressman of Southern Leyte.
Mercado was sworn in during Tuesday’s session before House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano.
Mercado, former chair of the House Committee on Constitutional Amendments, was originally elected congressman of his home province during the midterm polls last May but was prevented from reclaiming his seat since Southern Leyte has been split into two congressional districts last February 1 by virtue Republic Act No. 11198.
Under R.A. 11198, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has been mandated to conduct special elections to determine the those who will represent the first and second district of Southern Leyte.
The first congressional district of Southern Leyte is composed of Maasin City and the municipalities of Machrohon, Padre Burgos, Limasawa, Malitbog, Tomas Oppus, and Bontoc while the second district consists of the Municipalities of Sogod, Libagon, Liloan, San Francisco, Pintuyan, San Ricardo, Saint Bernard, Anahawan, San Juan, Hinunduyan, Hinunangan, and Silago.
Mercado will represent the province first district.
Last August, Mercado was one of those who bolted the ruling PDP Laban party and took their oath as new members of the National Unity Party (NUP).
https://politics.com.ph/mercado-back-as-southern-leyte-congressman/
Appro panel okays funding provisos in OFW department bill
The House committee on appropriations approved on Monday the funding provisions of a substitute bill creating the Department of Filipinos Overseas and Foreign Employment.
The committee chaired by Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab approved the appropriations provisions of the proposed “Department of Filipino Overseas Act of 2019,” authored by Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano.
Section 23 of the bill states that the amount needed for the initial implementation of the proposed measure shall be taken from the current year’s appropriations of the agencies, entities, divisions, sections or bodies subsumed or transferred to the Department by virtue of the proposed Act.
Thereafter, such sums, as may be necessary for its continued implementation, shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
Batangas Rep. Mario Vittorio Mariño sponsored and defended the substitute bill in his capacity as chairman of the House committee on government reorganization.
He said the additional fund to create the Department of Filipinos Overseas and Foreign Employment is estimated at P5 billion.
https://politics.com.ph/appro-panel-okays-funding-provisos-in-ofw-department-bill/
The committee chaired by Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab approved the appropriations provisions of the proposed “Department of Filipino Overseas Act of 2019,” authored by Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano.
Section 23 of the bill states that the amount needed for the initial implementation of the proposed measure shall be taken from the current year’s appropriations of the agencies, entities, divisions, sections or bodies subsumed or transferred to the Department by virtue of the proposed Act.
Thereafter, such sums, as may be necessary for its continued implementation, shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
Batangas Rep. Mario Vittorio Mariño sponsored and defended the substitute bill in his capacity as chairman of the House committee on government reorganization.
He said the additional fund to create the Department of Filipinos Overseas and Foreign Employment is estimated at P5 billion.
https://politics.com.ph/appro-panel-okays-funding-provisos-in-ofw-department-bill/
#CHOOSEDAY
Ano ang pangmalakasang caroling song ng inyong barkada? #ChooseDay
Jobert Sauran Agdahan Pasko na naman oh kau tulin ng araw Paskong nagdaan
Tila ba kung kailan lang
Ngayon ay Pasko, dapat pasalamatan
Ngayon ay Pasko, tayo ay mag-awitan
Koro:
Pasko (Pasko), Pasko (Pasko)
Pasko na namang muli
Tanging araw nating pinakamimithi
Pasko (Pasko), Pasko (Pasko)
Pasko na namang muli
Ang pag-ibig, naghahari
🎶 O bakit kaya tuwing pasko ay dumarating na
Ang bawat isas para bang namomroblema
Di mo alam ang regalong ibibigay
Ngayong kay hirap na nitong ating buhay
Meron pa kayang karoling at noche Buena
Kung tayo naman ay kapos at wala nang pera
Nakakahiya kung muling pagtaguan mo
Ang yong mga inaanak sa araw ng pasko
Ngunit kahit na anong mangyari
Ang pag-ibig sanay mag-hari
Sapat nang si Hesus ang kasama mo
Tuloy na tuloy pa rin ang pasko
Mabuti pa nga ang pasko nuong isang taon
Sa ating hapag mayroong keso de bolat hamon
Baka sa gipit happy new year mapo-postpone
At ang hamon ay mauuwi sa bagoong
Ngunit kahit na anong mangyari
Ang pag-ibig sanay mag-hari
Sapat nang si Hesus ang kasama mo
Tuloy na tuloy pa rin ang pasko
Oh oh oh ooh, oh oh oh ooh
Oh oh oh oh oooh
Oh oh oh ooh, oh oh oh ooh
Oh oh oh oh oooh
Sabay sa pagdating ng hanging malamig
Lalong umiinit ang ating pagibig
Bawat regalong ibinibigay
Hatid ang sayang walang kapantay
Oh oh oh ooh, oh oh oh ooh
Oh oh oh oh oooh
Sa himig ng mga nangangaroling
Sumasabay ang tibok ng puso natin
Ang pagkislap ng ilaw na makulay
Nagbibigay saya sa ating buhay
Ang sarap talaga kapag kapaskuhan
Damang dama mo ang pagmamahalan
Ang tanging wish ko para sa'kin para sayo
Sana maGMAhalan tayo ngayong pasko
Oh oh oh ooh, oh oh oh ooh
Oh oh oh ooh, oh oooh
Oh oh oh ooh, oh oh oh ooh
Oh oh oh ooh, oh ooh
Mas masarap ang handaang pagsasaluhan
Kung panulak ay malakas na tawanan
Ang pagbati ay lalong tumatamis
Kapag may kasamang hug at kiss
Ang sarap talaga kapag kapaskuhan
Damang dama mo ang pagmamahalan
Ang tanging wish ko para sa'kin para sa'yo
Sana maGMAhalan tayo ngayong pasko
Ito ang ating pinakahihintay na panahon
Gawin nating pasko ang buong taon
Ang sarap talaga kapag kapaskuhan
Damang dama mo ang pagmamahalan
Ang tanging wish ko para sa'kin para sa'yo
Sana maGMAhalan tayo ngayong pasko!
Oh oh oh ooh, oh oh oh ooh
Oh oh oh oh ooohhh! (Ang sarap talaga)
Kapag kapaskuhan
Damang dama mo ang pagmamahalan
Ang tanging wish ko para sa'kin para sa'yo
Sana maGMAhalan tayo ngayong pasko
Lucy Dee Joy to the world na wla sa lyrics tas papunta sa we wish you a merry christmas....😂😂😂😂...
Nedy Malones Burgos Ang pasko ay sumapit...
Vilma Atencio Fulguerinas YYong kay sigla nang gabi!
Tapos yong peyborit nang mga bata sa amin....ang,
Jinggumbel, jinggumbel, jinggum ol da weyyy..
Oh wats pan in ets to rayd,
In da wan hors open swey..
Heyyyyyyy... 😂 🤣 😂 🤣 😂
Soft as the voice of an angel breathing a lesson unheard
Hope with a gentle persuasion whispers a comforting word
Wait till the darkness is over wait till the tempest is done
Hope for the sunshine tomorrow after the darkness is gone
Whispering hope oh how welcome Thy voice making my heart any sorrow rejoice
Pasko na sinta ko hanap-hanap kita
Bakit magtatampo't nilisan ako
Kung mawawala ka sa piling ko sinta
Paano ang Pasko, inulila mo
Sayang sinta ang sinumpaan
At pagtitinginang tunay
Nais mo bang kalimutang ganap
Ang ating suyuan at galak
Kung mawawala ka sa piling ko sinta
Paano ang Paskong alay ko sa'yo
Ronald Villasanta Reyes may bahay ang aming bati
merry christmas na mawalhati
ang pag ibig ay syang naghari
araw araw ay nagiging pasko lagi
ang sanhi po nang pagparito
hihingi po ng aguinaldo
kung sakali kamiy perwisyo
pasensya na kayot kamiy namamasko
we wish you a merry christmas
we wish you a merry christmas
and a happy new year
John Micallef Happy Xmas war is over.💕✌
Reynold Mandap Simbang gabi
Brenith Roxas IBIGAY NYO NA ANG AMING CHRISTMAS BUNOS...BY:: AEGIS. 🤣🤣🤣
Alex Rebato Fernandez Lagi kong naririnig d2 smin na kinakanta ng mga Bata Family is Forever..pati mga anak ko un lng kinakanta.😄😍
Reyched Ondoy kay sadya ni taknaan
Minette Pablo Kay sigla ng gabi ang lahat ay kaysaya, iyan ang nagpanalo saamin sa isang christmas party singing contest.m
Cat Zymonezylerzuri Maceda Whenever i see girls and boys selling lantern on the streets, etc ,etc...😜😜😜...
Kevin Silva "Sa Shopeeeeeeeeeee.... ang damiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii.... Pasko naaaaaaaaaaa..... sa Shopeeeeeeeeeeee" #PaskoNaSaShopee
Jhoven Romero Y Cañizo Maligayang Pasko - Curse One.
Leozandro Hernandez filis nabidad. original version,,,,, BILIS ANG BIGAY,,, BILIS ANG BIGAY,, BILIS ANG BIGAY PAG HINDI BIGAY,,,,,,, SUNOG BAHAY, a wanna wish you a merry Christmas
Cha Cha Bong Sa may bahay ang aming bati ...
Noel Abecia Bayron Ang babastos na ng mga nanacorolling ngayon. Nagmumura paghindi nabibigyan hindi tulad noon kahit walang maiibigay at kahit Minsan walang Tao yung bahay kinakantahan namin.
Juday Ann Pasko nnman o ky tulin ng araw😅
Ricky R. Estrada Jingum bell,jingum bell,jingel all the way
Gerald Choy Columna Ibigay mo na ang aming christmas bonus..... 😂 😂 😂
Clinton Maghanoy Lumbatan Whenever i see boys and girls and lgbts selling lanterns on the streets i remember the child and the child remembers me .
Rebecca Anthony Ang aking buhay ay nagbago nang marami mula noong sinimulan ko ang online na kalakalan na ito, tinawag itong bitcoin na binago nito ang aking buhay mula sa zero hanggang sa bayani, hindi ko ito magawa nang walang tulong ng isang mapagkakatiwalaang mana…See More
Roldan Boco Mga bata dito malii"... O kay tuliii ng araw"?🤔😅😆😂😂😂😂 Ayun pla tulin"...ng araw...😅😆😂😂😂😂
John Paul Herrera Boom tarat tarat at pikpiripikpik
Rosalinda Arabit Ang pasko ay sumapit.
Raffy Anobia Camulat Aldamar #1
Handab Handab Kay sarap ng gicing sa umaga kung ganitong balita ang iyong mababasa. Walang halong politika. Tuloy tuloy niyo na yan para d na makansela ang prangkisa😊
Connie Yip Well i wouldn't lie i thought Filipinos were all useless until i came across Mrs Christina Dalisay and she proved me wrong about filipinos both in investments and intelligence too I end this write up by imploring all filipinos or anyone seeing this to start bitcoin mining this festive season Contact Mrs Dalisay she's one of your own contact her on whatsapp …See More
Dreyfus Gillan thank you thank you ang babarat ninyo thank you. yan ang pang malakasan
Mark Gd Balderosa Pasko ay sumapit.
Llana L Villa #AngPaskoAySumapitTayoAyMagsiawitHide or report this
Niño Cruz Jingom bell jingom bell jingol all the wayHide or report this
Bernie Pelobello Pasko ay sumapit syempre.Ito talaga pangmalakasang kanta tuwing nangangarol kame 😂🤣👍😊
Eddie Jeru the best song for crishtmas ever para sa mga pilipino.ANG PASKO AY SUMAPIT TAYO AY MAMAGSI AWIT.Napakaganda ng minsahe.napakasarap pakinggan kahit kunti lang ang handa sa mga paskong dumarating."AMEN"
Lucaban Larribel Pasko na naman o kay tulon ng araw sa aming seniors party
Jheng Wyne Ang Pasko ay sumapit at Sa.may bahay ang aming bati......sa mga nagkakaroling na mga bulilit.
Pati na ang:
1. 🎶 “Kung kailan pinakamadilim ang mga tala ay mas nagniningning gaano man kakapal ang ulap sa likod nito ay may liwanag ang liwanag na ito nasa 'ting lahat may sinag ang bawat pusong bukas sa init ng mga yakap maghihilom ang lahat ng sugat ang nagsindi nitong ilaw walang iba kundi ikaw salamat sa liwanag mo muling magkakakulay ang pasko salamat sa liwanag mo muling magkakakulay ang Pasko! (Forever, forever, family is forever)” 🎶
2. 🎶 “Salamat sa pag-ibig na subok ng panahon... Dala nito'y liwanag lalo na sa ngayon! 🎶
Mash-up:
🎶 “Tuwing Pasko (oh woah, oh woah) mas ramdam mo (oh woah, oh woah!) Dama sa ating tinig, ang init ng pag-ibig! (oh, woah, woah) Na na nanana nanana thank you, thank you for the love! Na na nanana nanana thank you, Thank you for the love! 🎶
🎶 “Ngayong Pasko’y pag-ibig ang kailangan ng daigdig kay ganda ng lahat if we will just love, ngayong Pasko’y pag-ibig ang kailangan ng daigdig kay ganda ng lahat if we will just love if we will just love!” 🎶
🎶 “Sa mundong maingay ikaw ang aking pahinga sa yakap mo kumakalma lahat ay nagiging payapa lagi akong uuwi sa’yo sa puso mo kung sa’n laging Pasko Pag-ibig, pag-asa at saya ‘yan ang lagi mong dala sa pamilya mo ang tunay na Pasko family is love, family is love say we just love, love, love just love, love, love family is love, family is love just love! Ang pamilya ay bunga ng pagmamahal Niya ibalik natin sa Kanya magmahal din ng kapwa ang isa’t isa ang ating lakas kahit anong pagod pa sa ngiti mo’y may himala may panibagong umaga” 🎶
Jade Caday Jingle bell jingle bell tae ni isabel gi putos ug papel gipusil pusil🎵🎶😊
Oilerua S Notsil "Thank you ang babarot ninyo" yan malakas yan😜😜😜
Leann B. Basa " kay sigla ng gabi ang lahat at kay saya "
Koné Sali Yet , here comes another great opportunity to invest little and make more money without regrets join Christina Dalisay her services has been tested and trusted contact on whatsapp +639090328357
Thamos Herrison Thinking about the past always makes you neglect what the future has for you. But all the same i still just can't believe that binary option trade profit payment is real. After so many lost in the past i decided to give up in binary online trade. Not u…See More
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Josie Lerin
Josie Lerin "Pasko na naman natuli ang araw,pasko ang daan,ibalik ang daan hahaha
Lyn Cruz Jingambel
Carl Jeric Gonzaga Bro, ikaw ang star ng pasko
Najie Omabe Di Mag Bigay Sabog Bahay Bali Bali Buto ..
Guess Dela Cuesta Macho na si Santa
Arnida Devilles The last song...kc masigla at nkka ingganyong sabayan at pwede png sabayan ng sayaw ayun s tono nh kanta
Kyuhie Takano Binalewala po
Youngjb Oyangorin Bata Manok na pula😂🤣
Alphie Pujeda Peñamante Avellano Kamiy nananapat....
Rezzie Lagrimas-Ajoul Pasko n nman.....
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Gemma Bersano
Gemma Bersano Pasko n nmn o Kay tulin ng araw ung lging kinanta ng mga batang nmmasko
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Lee Mei
Lee Mei Ang pasko ay sumapit 😍
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Rhaph C Silud
Rhaph C Silud Pasko na naman oh kay tuli na arawp😂👌este tulin pala, ahhaa paborito lang, xmas song!
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Reynalyn Romero
Reynalyn Romero lahat po 😂
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1 Reply
Marinoyco Lim
Marinoyco Lim Tayo na giliw, magsalu-salo tayo, merong tinapay at kesooooo!!!!
- Cong
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Andine Tica Pason
Andine Tica Pason Pasko na nman ukay tulin ng araw
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Ma Theresa Carrera
Ma Theresa Carrera Ang pasko ay sumapit....🎄☃️❄️
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Joseline T Galleta
Joseline T Galleta Ang pasko ay sumapit...
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Ichiram Ponce Juliano
Ichiram Ponce Juliano Pasko n naman
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Shanen Borla
Shanen Borla "Pasko ang daan...ibalik ang daan" ang ultimate pinoy caroling na kanta.😂
Laling Natong Ang pasko ay sumapit 😃
Steve Barcelon Bañadera neseye ne eng lehet
Lilac Lor Ani a kami!
Maki Rex Lex Ang Pasko ay Sumapit! Ang Manila Waters ay Maysabit! Ang Maynilad nasa Gilid! At c Manang Grace Poe ay Tahimik!
Nathan Santos Padoru song
Ramil Jardin Di Kita Malilimutan
Carlo Fernandez KAY SIGLA NG GABI ANG LAHAT AY KAY SAYA.
Ramil Jardin May Bukas Pa
JEssie NOmije sa may bahay ang aming bati
Dorothy Narcida Morales Ang pasko ay sumapit
Lea Sina-on Ang pasko ay sumapit
Zenie Concepcion Lahat😊😊😊
LLoyd Lecciones Pasko na naman magpatuli tang tanan babaeng lakatan dali ra makayatan
Celso Fortes Garniel pasko ay sumapit.
March IIamu We wish u a merry christmas..... Sabay abot sa pera!😂🤣🤣
Jaysee Aquino Sa may bahay ang aming bati...
Kam Yel Sa may bahay ang aming bati 😂😂
Dhell Zulueta Bura Ang pasko ay sumapit
Lovelove Estal Espejon Pasko na naman
Makoy Cabugs Boom tarat tarat
Janiero Cruz 🎵Just Love ngayong Christmas 🎵
LorEnz AB Christmas in our hearts ang ultimate pinoy xmas song
Shine Madee Roxas Doon ako sa Nagluto ng Tinula. 😁
Christy Juachon Ang pasko ay sumapit tau ay mangagsiawit
Janiero Cruz 🎵Family Is Forever🎵
Catriona En Pia 3rd
Ton Mañosa Abs cbn christmas ID
Luzviminda Asuncion Bernardino Ang pasko ay sumapit
Miles Medina Feliciano Lahat! Haha I can’t choose, lahat masarap kantahin pag pasko!
Meg Hann pasko na naman
Arnold SJ Beltran Sa may bahay ang aming bati.
Nicholai Claus owaspan erestawran😁
Jobert Sauran Agdahan Pasko na naman oh kau tulin ng araw Paskong nagdaan
Tila ba kung kailan lang
Ngayon ay Pasko, dapat pasalamatan
Ngayon ay Pasko, tayo ay mag-awitan
Koro:
Pasko (Pasko), Pasko (Pasko)
Pasko na namang muli
Tanging araw nating pinakamimithi
Pasko (Pasko), Pasko (Pasko)
Pasko na namang muli
Ang pag-ibig, naghahari
🎶 O bakit kaya tuwing pasko ay dumarating na
Ang bawat isas para bang namomroblema
Di mo alam ang regalong ibibigay
Ngayong kay hirap na nitong ating buhay
Meron pa kayang karoling at noche Buena
Kung tayo naman ay kapos at wala nang pera
Nakakahiya kung muling pagtaguan mo
Ang yong mga inaanak sa araw ng pasko
Ngunit kahit na anong mangyari
Ang pag-ibig sanay mag-hari
Sapat nang si Hesus ang kasama mo
Tuloy na tuloy pa rin ang pasko
Mabuti pa nga ang pasko nuong isang taon
Sa ating hapag mayroong keso de bolat hamon
Baka sa gipit happy new year mapo-postpone
At ang hamon ay mauuwi sa bagoong
Ngunit kahit na anong mangyari
Ang pag-ibig sanay mag-hari
Sapat nang si Hesus ang kasama mo
Tuloy na tuloy pa rin ang pasko
Oh oh oh ooh, oh oh oh ooh
Oh oh oh oh oooh
Oh oh oh ooh, oh oh oh ooh
Oh oh oh oh oooh
Sabay sa pagdating ng hanging malamig
Lalong umiinit ang ating pagibig
Bawat regalong ibinibigay
Hatid ang sayang walang kapantay
Oh oh oh ooh, oh oh oh ooh
Oh oh oh oh oooh
Sa himig ng mga nangangaroling
Sumasabay ang tibok ng puso natin
Ang pagkislap ng ilaw na makulay
Nagbibigay saya sa ating buhay
Ang sarap talaga kapag kapaskuhan
Damang dama mo ang pagmamahalan
Ang tanging wish ko para sa'kin para sayo
Sana maGMAhalan tayo ngayong pasko
Oh oh oh ooh, oh oh oh ooh
Oh oh oh ooh, oh oooh
Oh oh oh ooh, oh oh oh ooh
Oh oh oh ooh, oh ooh
Mas masarap ang handaang pagsasaluhan
Kung panulak ay malakas na tawanan
Ang pagbati ay lalong tumatamis
Kapag may kasamang hug at kiss
Ang sarap talaga kapag kapaskuhan
Damang dama mo ang pagmamahalan
Ang tanging wish ko para sa'kin para sa'yo
Sana maGMAhalan tayo ngayong pasko
Ito ang ating pinakahihintay na panahon
Gawin nating pasko ang buong taon
Ang sarap talaga kapag kapaskuhan
Damang dama mo ang pagmamahalan
Ang tanging wish ko para sa'kin para sa'yo
Sana maGMAhalan tayo ngayong pasko!
Oh oh oh ooh, oh oh oh ooh
Oh oh oh oh ooohhh! (Ang sarap talaga)
Kapag kapaskuhan
Damang dama mo ang pagmamahalan
Ang tanging wish ko para sa'kin para sa'yo
Sana maGMAhalan tayo ngayong pasko
Lucy Dee Joy to the world na wla sa lyrics tas papunta sa we wish you a merry christmas....😂😂😂😂...
Nedy Malones Burgos Ang pasko ay sumapit...
Vilma Atencio Fulguerinas YYong kay sigla nang gabi!
Tapos yong peyborit nang mga bata sa amin....ang,
Jinggumbel, jinggumbel, jinggum ol da weyyy..
Oh wats pan in ets to rayd,
In da wan hors open swey..
Heyyyyyyy... 😂 🤣 😂 🤣 😂
Soft as the voice of an angel breathing a lesson unheard
Hope with a gentle persuasion whispers a comforting word
Wait till the darkness is over wait till the tempest is done
Hope for the sunshine tomorrow after the darkness is gone
Whispering hope oh how welcome Thy voice making my heart any sorrow rejoice
Pasko na sinta ko hanap-hanap kita
Bakit magtatampo't nilisan ako
Kung mawawala ka sa piling ko sinta
Paano ang Pasko, inulila mo
Sayang sinta ang sinumpaan
At pagtitinginang tunay
Nais mo bang kalimutang ganap
Ang ating suyuan at galak
Kung mawawala ka sa piling ko sinta
Paano ang Paskong alay ko sa'yo
Ronald Villasanta Reyes may bahay ang aming bati
merry christmas na mawalhati
ang pag ibig ay syang naghari
araw araw ay nagiging pasko lagi
ang sanhi po nang pagparito
hihingi po ng aguinaldo
kung sakali kamiy perwisyo
pasensya na kayot kamiy namamasko
we wish you a merry christmas
we wish you a merry christmas
and a happy new year
John Micallef Happy Xmas war is over.💕✌
Reynold Mandap Simbang gabi
Brenith Roxas IBIGAY NYO NA ANG AMING CHRISTMAS BUNOS...BY:: AEGIS. 🤣🤣🤣
Alex Rebato Fernandez Lagi kong naririnig d2 smin na kinakanta ng mga Bata Family is Forever..pati mga anak ko un lng kinakanta.😄😍
Reyched Ondoy kay sadya ni taknaan
Minette Pablo Kay sigla ng gabi ang lahat ay kaysaya, iyan ang nagpanalo saamin sa isang christmas party singing contest.m
Cat Zymonezylerzuri Maceda Whenever i see girls and boys selling lantern on the streets, etc ,etc...😜😜😜...
Kevin Silva "Sa Shopeeeeeeeeeee.... ang damiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii.... Pasko naaaaaaaaaaa..... sa Shopeeeeeeeeeeee" #PaskoNaSaShopee
Jhoven Romero Y Cañizo Maligayang Pasko - Curse One.
Leozandro Hernandez filis nabidad. original version,,,,, BILIS ANG BIGAY,,, BILIS ANG BIGAY,, BILIS ANG BIGAY PAG HINDI BIGAY,,,,,,, SUNOG BAHAY, a wanna wish you a merry Christmas
Cha Cha Bong Sa may bahay ang aming bati ...
Noel Abecia Bayron Ang babastos na ng mga nanacorolling ngayon. Nagmumura paghindi nabibigyan hindi tulad noon kahit walang maiibigay at kahit Minsan walang Tao yung bahay kinakantahan namin.
Juday Ann Pasko nnman o ky tulin ng araw😅
Ricky R. Estrada Jingum bell,jingum bell,jingel all the way
Gerald Choy Columna Ibigay mo na ang aming christmas bonus..... 😂 😂 😂
Clinton Maghanoy Lumbatan Whenever i see boys and girls and lgbts selling lanterns on the streets i remember the child and the child remembers me .
Rebecca Anthony Ang aking buhay ay nagbago nang marami mula noong sinimulan ko ang online na kalakalan na ito, tinawag itong bitcoin na binago nito ang aking buhay mula sa zero hanggang sa bayani, hindi ko ito magawa nang walang tulong ng isang mapagkakatiwalaang mana…See More
Roldan Boco Mga bata dito malii"... O kay tuliii ng araw"?🤔😅😆😂😂😂😂 Ayun pla tulin"...ng araw...😅😆😂😂😂😂
John Paul Herrera Boom tarat tarat at pikpiripikpik
Rosalinda Arabit Ang pasko ay sumapit.
Raffy Anobia Camulat Aldamar #1
Handab Handab Kay sarap ng gicing sa umaga kung ganitong balita ang iyong mababasa. Walang halong politika. Tuloy tuloy niyo na yan para d na makansela ang prangkisa😊
Connie Yip Well i wouldn't lie i thought Filipinos were all useless until i came across Mrs Christina Dalisay and she proved me wrong about filipinos both in investments and intelligence too I end this write up by imploring all filipinos or anyone seeing this to start bitcoin mining this festive season Contact Mrs Dalisay she's one of your own contact her on whatsapp …See More
Dreyfus Gillan thank you thank you ang babarat ninyo thank you. yan ang pang malakasan
Mark Gd Balderosa Pasko ay sumapit.
Llana L Villa #AngPaskoAySumapitTayoAyMagsiawitHide or report this
Niño Cruz Jingom bell jingom bell jingol all the wayHide or report this
Bernie Pelobello Pasko ay sumapit syempre.Ito talaga pangmalakasang kanta tuwing nangangarol kame 😂🤣👍😊
Eddie Jeru the best song for crishtmas ever para sa mga pilipino.ANG PASKO AY SUMAPIT TAYO AY MAMAGSI AWIT.Napakaganda ng minsahe.napakasarap pakinggan kahit kunti lang ang handa sa mga paskong dumarating."AMEN"
Lucaban Larribel Pasko na naman o kay tulon ng araw sa aming seniors party
Jheng Wyne Ang Pasko ay sumapit at Sa.may bahay ang aming bati......sa mga nagkakaroling na mga bulilit.
Pati na ang:
1. 🎶 “Kung kailan pinakamadilim ang mga tala ay mas nagniningning gaano man kakapal ang ulap sa likod nito ay may liwanag ang liwanag na ito nasa 'ting lahat may sinag ang bawat pusong bukas sa init ng mga yakap maghihilom ang lahat ng sugat ang nagsindi nitong ilaw walang iba kundi ikaw salamat sa liwanag mo muling magkakakulay ang pasko salamat sa liwanag mo muling magkakakulay ang Pasko! (Forever, forever, family is forever)” 🎶
2. 🎶 “Salamat sa pag-ibig na subok ng panahon... Dala nito'y liwanag lalo na sa ngayon! 🎶
Mash-up:
🎶 “Tuwing Pasko (oh woah, oh woah) mas ramdam mo (oh woah, oh woah!) Dama sa ating tinig, ang init ng pag-ibig! (oh, woah, woah) Na na nanana nanana thank you, thank you for the love! Na na nanana nanana thank you, Thank you for the love! 🎶
🎶 “Ngayong Pasko’y pag-ibig ang kailangan ng daigdig kay ganda ng lahat if we will just love, ngayong Pasko’y pag-ibig ang kailangan ng daigdig kay ganda ng lahat if we will just love if we will just love!” 🎶
🎶 “Sa mundong maingay ikaw ang aking pahinga sa yakap mo kumakalma lahat ay nagiging payapa lagi akong uuwi sa’yo sa puso mo kung sa’n laging Pasko Pag-ibig, pag-asa at saya ‘yan ang lagi mong dala sa pamilya mo ang tunay na Pasko family is love, family is love say we just love, love, love just love, love, love family is love, family is love just love! Ang pamilya ay bunga ng pagmamahal Niya ibalik natin sa Kanya magmahal din ng kapwa ang isa’t isa ang ating lakas kahit anong pagod pa sa ngiti mo’y may himala may panibagong umaga” 🎶
Jade Caday Jingle bell jingle bell tae ni isabel gi putos ug papel gipusil pusil🎵🎶😊
Oilerua S Notsil "Thank you ang babarot ninyo" yan malakas yan😜😜😜
Leann B. Basa " kay sigla ng gabi ang lahat at kay saya "
Koné Sali Yet , here comes another great opportunity to invest little and make more money without regrets join Christina Dalisay her services has been tested and trusted contact on whatsapp +639090328357
Thamos Herrison Thinking about the past always makes you neglect what the future has for you. But all the same i still just can't believe that binary option trade profit payment is real. After so many lost in the past i decided to give up in binary online trade. Not u…See More
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Josie Lerin
Josie Lerin "Pasko na naman natuli ang araw,pasko ang daan,ibalik ang daan hahaha
Lyn Cruz Jingambel
Carl Jeric Gonzaga Bro, ikaw ang star ng pasko
Najie Omabe Di Mag Bigay Sabog Bahay Bali Bali Buto ..
Guess Dela Cuesta Macho na si Santa
Arnida Devilles The last song...kc masigla at nkka ingganyong sabayan at pwede png sabayan ng sayaw ayun s tono nh kanta
Kyuhie Takano Binalewala po
Youngjb Oyangorin Bata Manok na pula😂🤣
Alphie Pujeda Peñamante Avellano Kamiy nananapat....
Rezzie Lagrimas-Ajoul Pasko n nman.....
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Gemma Bersano
Gemma Bersano Pasko n nmn o Kay tulin ng araw ung lging kinanta ng mga batang nmmasko
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Lee Mei
Lee Mei Ang pasko ay sumapit 😍
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Rhaph C Silud
Rhaph C Silud Pasko na naman oh kay tuli na arawp😂👌este tulin pala, ahhaa paborito lang, xmas song!
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Reynalyn Romero
Reynalyn Romero lahat po 😂
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1 Reply
Marinoyco Lim
Marinoyco Lim Tayo na giliw, magsalu-salo tayo, merong tinapay at kesooooo!!!!
- Cong
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Andine Tica Pason
Andine Tica Pason Pasko na nman ukay tulin ng araw
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Ma Theresa Carrera
Ma Theresa Carrera Ang pasko ay sumapit....🎄☃️❄️
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Joseline T Galleta
Joseline T Galleta Ang pasko ay sumapit...
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Ichiram Ponce Juliano
Ichiram Ponce Juliano Pasko n naman
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Shanen Borla
Shanen Borla "Pasko ang daan...ibalik ang daan" ang ultimate pinoy caroling na kanta.😂
Laling Natong Ang pasko ay sumapit 😃
Steve Barcelon Bañadera neseye ne eng lehet
Lilac Lor Ani a kami!
Maki Rex Lex Ang Pasko ay Sumapit! Ang Manila Waters ay Maysabit! Ang Maynilad nasa Gilid! At c Manang Grace Poe ay Tahimik!
Nathan Santos Padoru song
Ramil Jardin Di Kita Malilimutan
Carlo Fernandez KAY SIGLA NG GABI ANG LAHAT AY KAY SAYA.
Ramil Jardin May Bukas Pa
JEssie NOmije sa may bahay ang aming bati
Dorothy Narcida Morales Ang pasko ay sumapit
Lea Sina-on Ang pasko ay sumapit
Zenie Concepcion Lahat😊😊😊
LLoyd Lecciones Pasko na naman magpatuli tang tanan babaeng lakatan dali ra makayatan
Celso Fortes Garniel pasko ay sumapit.
March IIamu We wish u a merry christmas..... Sabay abot sa pera!😂🤣🤣
Jaysee Aquino Sa may bahay ang aming bati...
Kam Yel Sa may bahay ang aming bati 😂😂
Dhell Zulueta Bura Ang pasko ay sumapit
Lovelove Estal Espejon Pasko na naman
Makoy Cabugs Boom tarat tarat
Janiero Cruz 🎵Just Love ngayong Christmas 🎵
LorEnz AB Christmas in our hearts ang ultimate pinoy xmas song
Shine Madee Roxas Doon ako sa Nagluto ng Tinula. 😁
Christy Juachon Ang pasko ay sumapit tau ay mangagsiawit
Janiero Cruz 🎵Family Is Forever🎵
Catriona En Pia 3rd
Ton Mañosa Abs cbn christmas ID
Luzviminda Asuncion Bernardino Ang pasko ay sumapit
Miles Medina Feliciano Lahat! Haha I can’t choose, lahat masarap kantahin pag pasko!
Meg Hann pasko na naman
Arnold SJ Beltran Sa may bahay ang aming bati.
Nicholai Claus owaspan erestawran😁
ABS-CBN President Carlo Katigbak on franchise renewal: “Tuloy ang laban!”
ABS-CBN Chairman Mark Lopez and President Carlo Katigbak announced, “Mag-recharge kayo kasi pagbalik ng 2020, marami tayong gagawin. Dito sa ABS-CBN, family is forever, tuloy ang laban.”
Last December 13, 2019, ABS-CBN held their company Christmas Party and two top executives grabbed the opportunity to advise the Kapamilya actors and actresses and other employees to recharge themselves, as they are about to work on multiple projects and the renewal franchise issue will not stop them from doing what they have loved for decades.
ABS-CBN Chairman Mark Lopez and President Carlo Katigbak announced, “Mag-recharge kayo kasi pagbalik ng 2020, marami tayong gagawin. Dito sa ABS-CBN, family is forever, tuloy ang laban.”
It can be recalled that even when President Rodrigo Duterte warned the giant network that he would not renew the franchise, Sen. Tito Sotto, and Sen. Ralph Recto expressed their support towards the network by reiterating that there’s still time.
Sen. Sotto stated: “Yes, there’s enough time, if we receive it by (February), it can be passed within that month.”
Sen. Recto firmly announced that he supports ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal as they have served the Filipino.
He said, “Yes, it can be done. I support its renewal. I also understand the concerns of the President. Overall, ABS-CBN deserves a renewal of its franchise. They have served the Filipino well. They employ people, pay taxes, they do a lot of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) inform the public and have done public service well. They are part of the Filipino household.”
https://www.lionheartv.net/2019/12/abs-cbn-president-carlo-katigbak-on-franchise-renewal-tuloy-ang-laban/
Last December 13, 2019, ABS-CBN held their company Christmas Party and two top executives grabbed the opportunity to advise the Kapamilya actors and actresses and other employees to recharge themselves, as they are about to work on multiple projects and the renewal franchise issue will not stop them from doing what they have loved for decades.
ABS-CBN Chairman Mark Lopez and President Carlo Katigbak announced, “Mag-recharge kayo kasi pagbalik ng 2020, marami tayong gagawin. Dito sa ABS-CBN, family is forever, tuloy ang laban.”
It can be recalled that even when President Rodrigo Duterte warned the giant network that he would not renew the franchise, Sen. Tito Sotto, and Sen. Ralph Recto expressed their support towards the network by reiterating that there’s still time.
Sen. Sotto stated: “Yes, there’s enough time, if we receive it by (February), it can be passed within that month.”
Sen. Recto firmly announced that he supports ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal as they have served the Filipino.
He said, “Yes, it can be done. I support its renewal. I also understand the concerns of the President. Overall, ABS-CBN deserves a renewal of its franchise. They have served the Filipino well. They employ people, pay taxes, they do a lot of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) inform the public and have done public service well. They are part of the Filipino household.”
https://www.lionheartv.net/2019/12/abs-cbn-president-carlo-katigbak-on-franchise-renewal-tuloy-ang-laban/
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