ABS-CBN, GMA TV ratings war rolls on

RIVAL broadcasters ABS-CBN Corp. and GMA Network Inc. on Tuesday claimed dominance in the ratings war last month, citing different research companies as their sources.

The Lopez-led entertainment and multimedia conglomerate claimed to have posted a higher national-average audience share in June.

Citing data from Kantar Media, ABS-CBN said it recorded a solid 45-percent audience share nationwide, an 13-point lead over GMA’s 32 percent.

ABS-CBN also claimed it fared better against GMA in the prime-time block after it registered a 48-percent audience share, significantly higher than its rival’s 33 percent.

The prime-time block is the most important part of the day when most Filipinos watch TV and advertisers put a larger chunk of their investment in to reach more consumers effectively.

Aside from prime time, ABS-CBN won in other time blocks nationwide that included the morning block with 39 percent versus GMA’s 29 percent; noontime block with 47 percent versus GMA’s 31 percent; and afternoon block with 44 percent, versus GMA’s 36 percent.

The Lopez-led broadcaster also attracted more viewers than GMA in other areas. It won the ratings game in Total Luzon with an average total-day audience share of 41 percent versus GMA’s 36 percent; in Total Visayas with 54 percent versus GMA’s 24 percent; in Total Mindanao with 53 percent versus GMA’s 26 percent; and Metro Manila with 43 percent versus GMA’s 29 percent.

ABS-CBN said its most popular show remained FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano with an average national TV rating of 42.6%.

Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids at a distant 33.6%.

All but one show in the top 10 most-watched shows were from ABS-CBN, attesting to its stranglehold on nationwide ratings.

Bagani, TV Patrol and Maalaala Mo Kaya rounded up the top five.

Also included in the list were Home Sweetie Home, Wansapanatym, It’s Showtime (Saturday), Rated K, I Can See Your Voice, Gandang Gabi Vice, Sana Dalawa ang Puso, Asintado, Araw Gabi, The Blood Sisters, Since I Found You, Tonight with Boy Abunda and Bandila.

These claims were disputed by GMA, however, which cited data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

It claimed to have dominated in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM) with a 41.6-percent average household audience share, ahead of ABS-CBN’s 38.3 percent.

GMA, likewise, continued to dominate NUTAM’s morning block with a people-audience share of 37.2 percent beating ABS-CBN’s 37 percent, and the afternoon block with 42.9 percent as against ABS-CBN’s 38.6 percent.

The Gozon-led network also claimed to have furthered its leadership position in Urban Luzon, which accounts for 77 percent of all urban households in the country.

In Urban Luzon GMA won across all-day parts and registered an average household share of 46.4 percent, while ABS-CBN posted only 32.6 percent.

In Mega Manila GMA registered an average audience share of 48.1 percent, way ahead of ABS-CBN’s 29.5 percent.

GMA said its highest-rating show was Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS), but did not specify its rating.

Joining KMJS were Pepito Manaloto, Kambal, Karibal, 24 Oras, Magpakailanman, The Cure, Inday Will Always Love You, 24 Oras Weekend, and newly-launched program Amazing Earth.

Also included in the list were Lip Sync Battle Philippines, Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, GMA Blockbusters, Imbestigador, Wowowin, Sunday Pinasaya, Bubble Gang, Saksi, Eat Bulaga, Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka, My Guitar Princess, Tadhana, The Stepdaughters and Contessa.

ABS-CBN sources its data from Kantar Media, which uses a nationwide panel size of 2,610 urban and rural homes that represent 100 percent of the total Philippine TV viewing population.

GMA bases its claims to leadership from Nielsen data, which has a nationwide sample size of 3,500 urban and rural homes.

https://businessmirror.com.ph/abs-cbn-gma-tv-ratings-war-rolls-on/

GMA, ABS-CBN claim June TV ratings leadership

THE country’s two network giants continued to contest ratings dominance for June, with GMA Network Inc. claiming leadership among urban audiences and ABS-CBN claiming top ratings nationwide.

Based on market research firm Nielsen TV Audience Measurement, GMA was unbeatable in National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM) last month, recording 41.6 percent total day people audience share, versus the competitor’s 38.6 percent.

ABS-CBN, on the other hand, cited data from Kantar Media showing that it obtained 45 percent average audience share nationwide in June, 7 percent higher than GMA’s 32 percent.

The Kapamilya network said it remains the leader in the primetime block, noting it gained a 15-point lead against its rival, garnering 48 percent compared to GMA’s 33 percent.

FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano has been a constant favorite among Filipino viewers for close to three years now.

It proved to be no different this June, as the long-running top drama kept its crown as the most-watched program in the country with an average audience rating of 42.6% for the whole month.

Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids at a distant 33.6%.

All but one show in the top 10 most-watched shows were from ABS-CBN, attesting to its stranglehold on nationwide ratings.

Bagani, TV Patrol and Maalaala Mo Kaya rounded up the top five.

Also included in the list were Home Sweetie Home, Goin’ Bulilit, Wansapanatym, It’s Showtime (Saturday), Rated K, I Can See Your Voice, Gandang Gabi Vice, Sana Dalawa ang Puso, Asintado, Araw Gabi, The Blood Sisters, Since I Found You, Tonight with Boy Abunda and Bandila.


In Metro Manila, ABS-CBN said it had an audience share of 43 percent while GMA only recorded 29 percent; in Total Luzon it posted 41 percent against 36 percent of the competitor; in Total Visayas ABS-CBN secured 54 percent versus GMA’s 24 percent; and in Total Mindanao it got 53 percent against GMA’s 26 percent.

The Gozon-led GMA, meanwhile, said it “led across all day parts in NUTAM,” posting 42.6 percent in the evening block, 3.3 percent higher than ABS-CBN’s 38.3 percent.

GMA said it emerged as the winner in Urban Luzon and Mega Manila.

In Urban Luzon it said it recorded 46.4 percent audience share, ahead of the rival’s 32.6 percent. It garnered 48.1 percent in Mega Manila, a whopping 18.6-percent lead against ABS-CBN’s 29.5 percent.

GMA said its highest-rating show was Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS), but did not specify its rating.

Joining KMJS were Pepito Manaloto, Kambal, Karibal, 24 Oras, Magpakailanman, The Cure, Inday Will Always Love You, 24 Oras Weekend, and newly-launched program Amazing Earth.

Also included in the list were Lip Sync Battle Philippines, Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, GMA Blockbusters, Imbestigador, Wowowin, Sunday Pinasaya, Bubble Gang, Eat Bulaga, Tadhana, and Contessa.

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


Based on the most recent data from Nielsen Radio Audience Measurement. June ratings data show DZBB posting a total week average audience share of 39.6 percent, winning over DZMM’s 30.5 percent and DZRH’s 12.7 percent.


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


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

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


Barangay LS captivated the hearts of more listeners in Mega Manila for the month of June with an average audience share of 29.5 percent, which was driven by its variety of programs and wacky bunch of DJs.

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


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

On Tuesday, shares of GMA Network slipped one centavo to P5.39 each while ABS-CBN shares fell 20 centavos to P24.80 apiece.

http://www.manilatimes.net/gma-abs-cbn-claim-june-tv-ratings-leadership/415825/

GMA Network posts wider ratings lead in June

Media giant GMA Network increased its nationwide ratings lead in June after tallying strong ratings performance across all timeblocks based on the latest data from the industry’s widely-trusted ratings service provider Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

From June 1 to 30 (with June 24 to 30 based on overnight data), GMA posted a total day people audience share average of 41.6 percent in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM), which was ahead of ABS-CBN's 38.3 percent.

Further, the Network led across all day parts in NUTAM. In the morning block, GMA recorded a 37.2 percent people audience share versus ABS-CBN’s 37 percent.

GMA’s strong showing continued in the afternoon block with 42.9 percent, beating competition’s 38.6 percent.

In the evening block, GMA posted an average of 42.6 percent while its rival network only managed to get 38.6 percent.

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

In Urban Luzon, GMA registered an average total day people audience share of 46.4 percent; way ahead of ABS-CBN’s 32.6 percent.

Similarly in Mega Manila (with official data from June 1 to 23), GMA again dominated competition with an average total day people audience share of48.1 percent versus rival network’s 29.5 percent.

More Kapuso shows also made it to the list of top-rating programs in NUTAM with Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS) securing its spot as the most watched Kapuso program nationwide.

Joining KMJS were Pepito Manaloto, Kambal, Karibal, 24 Oras, Magpakailanman, The Cure, Inday Will Always Love You, 24 Oras Weekend, and newly-launched program Amazing Earth.

Also included in the list were Lip Sync Battle Philippines, Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, GMA Blockbusters, Imbestigador, Wowowin, Sunday Pinasaya, Bubble Gang, Eat Bulaga, Tadhana, and Contessa.

Kapuso programs also dominated the Urban Luzon and Mega Manila lists, respectively taking 23 and 25 spots out of the top 30.

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

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

'Ang Probinsyano' helps ABS-CBN retain ratings crown in June

Coco Martin and Yassi Pressman in an episode of 'Ang Probinsyano.' The show is now focusing again on their love story, and how Cardo (Martin) is trying to win back his wife. Dreamscape

Coco Martin's "Ang Probinsyano" has been a constant favorite among Filipino viewers for close to three years now.

It proved to be no different this June, as the long-running cop drama kept its crown as the most-watched program in the country with an average audience rating of 42.6% for the whole month.

This is according to Kantar Media, which pinned the second top-rated show for the month, "Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids," also aired on ABS-CBN, at a distant 33.6%.

The two fan-favorite programs helped the Kapamilya network maintain its dominance over its rival, garnering 45% of the total TV viewing population while GMA-7 only had 32%.

All but one show in the top 10 most-watched shows were from ABS-CBN, attesting to its stranglehold on nationwide ratings.

"Bagani," "TV Patrol," and "Maalaala Mo Kaya" rounded up the top five.

Here's the top 10 most-watched shows for June, according to Kantar Media

ABS-CBN, GMA both claim ratings lead in June

ABS-CBN Corp. and GMA Network, Inc. both claimed to dominate nationwide ratings during the month of June, citing data from two different TV ratings data providers.

In a statement on Tuesday, ABS-CBN said data from audience measurement provider Kantar Media showed it captured 45% of the average audience share nationwide, while rival GMA had a 32% share.

“ABS-CBN also remained undisputed in Metro Manila, where it scored an average audience share of 43% against GMA’s 29% and beat other networks in Total Luzon, where it got 41% against GMA’s 36%, in Total Visayas where it garnered 54% against GMA’s 24%, and in Total Mindanao where it hit 53% against GMA’s 26%,” the Lopez-led media company said.

Kantar Media uses a nationwide panel size of 2,610 urban and rural homes, which it says represent 100% of the total Philippine TV viewing population.

On the other hand, GMA said it recorded a total day people audience share average of 41.6% in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM) in June, citing data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement. It said ABS-CBN’s audience share stood at 38.3%.

“In Urban Luzon, GMA registered an average total day people audience share of 46.4%; way ahead of ABS-CBN’s 32.6%. Similarly in Mega Manila (with official data from June 1 to 23), GMA again dominated competition with an average total day people audience share of 48.1% versus GMA’s 29.5%,” the company said.

GMA said Nielsen surveys “approximately 900 more homes” in Total Urban and Rural Philippines compared to Kantar.

ABS-CBN said its most popular show remained FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano with an average national TV rating of 42.6%.

Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids at a distant 33.6%.

All but one show in the top 10 most-watched shows were from ABS-CBN, attesting to its stranglehold on nationwide ratings.

Bagani, Since I Found You, Tonight with Boy Abunda, Bandila, Sana Dalawa ang Puso, Asintado, Araw Gabi, The Blood Sisters, TV Patrol and Maalaala Mo Kaya rounded up the top five.

Also included in the list were Goin’ Bulilit, Home Sweetie Home, Wansapanatym, It’s Showtime (Saturday), Ipaglaban Mo and Rated K.

GMA said its highest-rating show was Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS), but did not specify its rating.

Joining KMJS were Pepito Manaloto, Kambal, Karibal, 24 Oras, Magpakailanman, The Cure, Inday Will Always Love You, 24 Oras Weekend, and newly-launched program Amazing Earth.

Also included in the list were Lip Sync Battle Philippines, Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, GMA Blockbusters, Wish Ko Lang, Imbestigador, Wowowin, Sunday Pinasaya, Bubble Gang, Saksi, Eat Bulaga, Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka, My Guitar Princess, Tadhana, The Stepdaughters and Contessa.


Kapuso programs also dominated the Urban Luzon and Mega Manila lists, respectively taking 23 and 25 spots out of the top 30.

The Lopez-led network said its digital terrestrial television (DTT) business continues to gain ground, as it sold 5 million digital boxes nationwide as of May.

ABS-CBN saw an increase in its attributable net income by 7% during the first quarter at P452.53 million despite a decline in advertising revenues due to lower gross expenses.

On the other hand, GMA reported a 49% fall in its net income at P426.3 million due to lower revenues from advertising. — D.A. Valdez

GMA Network posts wider ratings lead in June

Media giant GMA Network increased its nationwide ratings lead in June after tallying strong ratings performance across all timeblocks based on the latest data from the industry’s widely-trusted ratings service provider Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

From June 1 to 30 (with June 24 to 30 based on overnight data), GMA posted a total day people audience share average of 41.6 percent in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM), which was ahead of ABS-CBN's 38.3 percent.

Further, the Network led across all day parts in NUTAM. In the morning block, GMA recorded a 37.2 percent people audience share versus ABS-CBN’s 37 percent.

GMA’s strong showing continued in the afternoon block with 42.9 percent, beating competition’s 38.6 percent.

In the evening block, GMA posted an average of 42.6 percent while its rival network only managed to get 38.6 percent. 

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

In Urban Luzon, GMA registered an average total day people audience share of 46.4 percent; way ahead of ABS-CBN’s 32.6 percent.

Similarly in Mega Manila (with official data from June 1 to 23), GMA again dominated competition with an average total day people audience share of 48.1 percent versus rival network’s 29.5 percent.

More Kapuso shows also made it to the list of top-rating programs in NUTAM with Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS) securing its spot as the most watched Kapuso program nationwide.

Joining KMJS were Pepito Manaloto, Kambal, Karibal, 24 Oras, Magpakailanman, The Cure, Inday Will Always Love You, 24 Oras Weekend, and newly-launched program Amazing Earth.

Also included in the list were Lip Sync Battle Philippines, Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, GMA Blockbusters, Imbestigador, Wowowin, Sunday Pinasaya, Bubble Gang, Saksi, Eat Bulaga, My Guitar Princess, Tadhana, The Stepdaughters and Contessa.

Kapuso programs also dominated the Urban Luzon and Mega Manila lists, respectively taking 23 and 25 spots out of the top 30.

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


Based on the most recent data from Nielsen Radio Audience Measurement. June ratings data show DZBB posting a total week average audience share of 39.6 percent, winning over DZMM’s 30.5 percent and DZRH’s 12.7 percent.


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


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


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


Barangay LS captivated the hearts of more listeners in Mega Manila for the month of June with an average audience share of 29.5 percent, which was driven by its variety of programs and wacky bunch of DJs.


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


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

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

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

End of ratings war?

THE ratings war between network giants ABS-CBN and GMA has been going on for quite a while with both camps claiming nationwide leadership based on their respective ratings data providers.

ABS-CBN swears by the figures provided by Kantar Media, which supports its claim of nationwide ratings supremacy. Kantar, according to ABS-CBN, is a leading TV audience measurement provider.

GMA’s nationwide ratings leadership, on the other hand, is based on Nielsen Philippines data. Further, GMA has long been claiming that Nielsen is the more trusted ratings data provider in the industry. 

Will the ratings war end should rumors prove true that ABS-CBN will begin tapping the services of Nielsen? If that indeed happens, then will it mean the real ratings winner between the two warring networks will be known? Let’s wait and see

ODA not faster after all

While there is still time, President Duterte’s economic managers should eat humble pie and admit that depending on official development assistance or ODA for Build Build Build isn’t proving to be faster after all. Chinese funding, for example, isn’t getting beyond promises.

Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia admitted during a news conference last week that there are delays in some projects funded by ODA.

“There’s also a lot of red tape on the side of ODA (donor-) countries. We thought that things would move fast, but they are not moving as fast as we expected,” he said.

Expressing impatience, Dr. Pernia said the government is prepared to shift to other financing modes if ODA projects continue to be stalled. “We were also discussing among ourselves, that if there are too many delays from a particular funding source, we are going to give them a deadline.”

Dr. Pernia was particularly referring to China. He said: “We haven’t had much experience with them in the past. We thought it would be fast…”

Pernia also explained the government is “extra careful” in dealing with funding from China due to the negative experiences of countries whose major projects were funded by China.

“Given the various experiences already felt by the other countries that dealt with China, we are even more cautious — we are extra careful — in having projects funded by China,” said Dr. Pernia.

Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez, however, announced eyeing possible loan assistance from China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) for the construction of health care facilities, school buildings, and roads in the country.

China is already committed to finance the P4.37-billion Chico River Pump Irrigation Project with an interest rate of two percent per annum and 20-year maturity inclusive of a seven-year grace period.

China is supposed to finance the P10.9-billion New Centennial Water Source-Kaliwa Dam Project, the P151.3-billion Philippine National Railway South Commuter Line, the P57.6-billion Subic-Clark Railway, the P25.63-billion Davao City expressway, and the P27.16-billion Panay-Guimaras-Negros Inter-Island Bridge.
But implementation of projects financed by Japan ODA has also been slow. Actual groundbreaking will require Japanese technical experts to finalize plans and many of them are still busy building facilities for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Indeed, if our economic managers allowed ready-for- bidding PPP projects to proceed, like the bundled airports, they would have had something to show by now. Last I heard, DOTr has yet to do a new feasibility study for each of the five airports, something the private bidders already did.

The economic managers need a good reality check on BBB and the hindrances to the timely completion of vital projects. Only Secretary Pernia seems honest enough to tell us they have ODA problems. There are also other problems internal to the bureaucracy they can fix.

The LRT-1 extension to Cavite can’t proceed to actual construction because the wrong right-of-way was secured by the past administration.

LRT-2 extension to Masinag, Antipolo won’t be completed soon because of failed bids for the rail tracks, catenary, and signaling system. The estimated cost was circa 2012, failing to account for increased costs in the meantime. Budget Secretary Ben Diokno must look into it and give the additional budget required.

The NLEX-SLEX connector road project that will cut EDSA traffic by half is going on at a snail’s pace because of ROW problems in the Pandacan area, among others. DPWH Sec Mark Villar has not given it the kind of attention required. The DPWH ROW team is not enthusiastic because they say, they only inherited the assignment from the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB).

Sec. Pernia is claiming they will complete 32 of the 75 flagship projects by 2022. Pernia’s optimism is based on 16, or the 32 projects, having been given the final green light by NEDA to proceed to procurement stage.

It seems NEDA officials are under the impression that just because they were able to get some major projects approved relatively quickly, they have done their job and things will get going. But bottlenecks still exist on the ground. Talk about BBB is cheap.

Even unsolicited proposals where funding is not a problem, NEDA approval has not resulted in fast implementation. A case in point is the San Miguel proposal for a brand new international airport which is still awaiting Swiss challenge before getting final approval.

Yet, Sec. Pernia said “We must keep the infrastructure momentum and make sure there are no delays. We are determined to close the infrastructure gap.”

We can appreciate the good intentions expressed by Sec. Pernia but it is what happens on the ground that counts. We are seeing more bureaucratic inertia than momentum right now.

Unless we start to see some of their much ballyhooed flagship projects get started, it is difficult to believe they will be able to complete their projects before President Duterte ends his term in 2022. At the very least, cement needs curing time, so rushing at the homestretch isn’t possible.

So far, we are seeing the same narrative we saw with P-Noy’s Mar Roxas and Jun Abaya who had allowed valuable time to slip by. Indeed, two years of the Duterte watch has come and gone with no major infra project started by DOTr. They have yet to fast track private sector proposals that require no government funding or guarantees.

Hopefully the Duterte economic managers will not let hubris dictate their reaction to the very real problem of lack of speed in project execution. An early big shift to PPP may yet save the face of this administration that promised high and is in danger of delivering little.

Perhaps the only reason there seems to be an increase in infra expenditures is due to DPWH’s penchant for destroying still usable roads and repaving them, but delivering zero additional kilometers. Not only does this contribute to worsening traffic jams, but wastes scarce public resources.

Duterte, Robredo mark second year in office

By Arjay L. Balinbin, Reporter
and Charmaine A. Tadalan

ON PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte’s second year in office, the Filipino people now see more infrastructure and economic developments, laws signed, and social services, Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” T. Go said.

“We have seen numerous infra[structure] and economic development projects, laws signed and implemented and social welfare, health and education programs put into place in the last two years,” Mr. Go said in a statement over the weekend.

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He added: “This is a testament of what President Duterte clearly wants for the country and for the Filipinos.”

Mr. Go also said the administration has “no ambitions of clinging to power, neither will [it] push for laws that would result (in) such.”

He said his principal “will always want a clean and graft-free government, and he has proven this many times by firing officials he appointed.”

In December last year, Mr. Duterte signed into law the first package of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN). The government expects to generate around P130 billion in revenues from its implementation this year to fund Mr. Duterte’s “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program as well as his government’s social services.

In May this year, Mr. Duterte signed into law the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, which includes anti-red tape provisions and streamlines procedures and shortens processing time for government transactions.

In June, the President also signed into law the Balik Scientist Act, which offers incentives for eligible technology workers seeking to work in the Philippines, and the Philippine Mental Health Law that mandates the government to provide basic mental health services to Filipinos.

Also last month, Mr. Duterte witnessed the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MoA) between the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) and state and local universities and colleges to launch the implementation of Republic Act 10931, which provides for free tuition at these schools.

For her part, Vice-President Maria Leonor G. Robredo said more “laylayan” communities (communities in the outskirts) were reached during her second year in office.

“Ito iyong pinangako ko noong ako ay kumakandidato, noong aking inauguration-na iyong core talaga na magiging programa ng Office of the Vice-President (OVP) iyong pag-asikaso ng mga nasa laylayan ng lipunan. And over the course of two years, iyon iyong ginawa natin (This is what I promised during my candidacy, in my inauguration, that the core project of the Office of the Vice-President is to assist the marginalized. And over the course of two years, that has been our job),” she said in a statement Sunday.

The OVP reported as of June 30 that its Angat Buhay initiative has reached out to more than 155,000 families in 176 poor communities in the country. A total of P252 million worth of projects and programs were conducted in these communities. The Angat Buhay Program, launched in October 2016, establishes a link between the communities and local partners to help assist the poor in six key areas: food security and nutrition, universal health care, education, women empowerment, rural development, and housing and resettlement.

“Tingin ko iyong pinakamahalaga dito hindi lang iyong pagtulong, pero pinapakita natin iyong kahalagahan ng collaboration (I think what’s important here is not only helping, but also proving the value of collaboration),” Ms. Robredo said. In addition, the OVP, with pledges worth P14.3 million, said it was able to build 100 transitory shelters for residents displaced by the Marawi siege. This July, the office said it will turn over 60 completed houses to beneficiaries.

Sought for comment regarding these efforts in the context of next year’s election campaign season, former dean of the Ateneo School of Government Antonio G.M. La Viña said in a phone interview: “The chances of the opposition are as good as the candidates.”

“It’s all about having inherently strong candidates for (Ms.) Robredo because the endorsement value is not very big, unlike the President,” Mr. La Viña also said. He added that Ms. Robredo can be one of the strong candidates in the 2022 election. “I think (Ms.) Robredo comes as a strong candidate, if she decides to run, simply because (she’s the) current Vice-President, may (there is) name recall.”

Aston Residences

Aston Residences will be composed of one hi-rise buildings on a 6,083 Sqm lot area. The property will rise along 1874 Dominga St., Pasay City.

Aston Residences is a high-end, resort-inspired, high-rise condominium project of DMCI Homes—a company of innovative builders and engineering experts that develop modern day living solutions for urban families. Each of its developments is built with world-standard craftsmanship borne from D.M. Consunji Inc.’s almost 61 years of experience in the construction and development industry. DMCI Homes offers its customers the highest level of expertise and its strict adherence to global standards. Its corporate philosophy is anchored on a deep understanding that buying a home is more about investing in a better way of living. Aston Residences is the perfect validation of this timely proposition. Thanks to this feature-rich ideally located community, residents can finally enjoy a more comfortable and meaningful way of life where they can feel real good to be home.

Find the perfect combination of homey comfort and modern in city living only in Aston Residences Developed with the urban family in mind, Aston Residences offers the seamless blend of resort-like and country-club living. With approximately 70% of the total land area allotted to amenities and buildings infused with the Lumiventt design technology, be one of the few to experience first class cosmopolitan living right in the heart of Metro Manila.

More than just a home, Aston Residences is a sanctuary where daily living is a celebration of simply being you. It offers an escape from structured city living with its genuine resort and country-club feel.

Enjoy its numerous resort-inspired amenities and immerse yourself in the beauty of cascading pools and sunset lounges.

Here at Aston Residences, you’re never short of breathtaking moments.

Aston Residences bears the DMCI Homes Quality Seal, which represents our commitment to deliver homes that are built to last. Your new home is subject to our proprietary quality management system, and comes with a 2-year limited warranty. Terms and conditions apply. Property developers typically provide a one-year warranty. DMCI Homes’ 2-year limited warranty covers most unit deliverables, except operable items subject to daily wear and tear.

Palawan to be cut into 3 provinces

The House Committee on Local Government has approved a bill seeking to divide Palawan into three provinces.

The panel, chaired by South Cotabato and General Santos City Rep. Pedro Acharon, passed House Bill 7413, filed by Palawan Reps. Franz Alvarez, Frederick Abueg and Gil Acosta.

“The proposed division of Palawan into three provinces will be able to bring closer expanded services to areas not previously served. Resource management and delivery of basic public services will be more efficient as more government officials, both elected and appointed, will work on programs for the betterment of their constituents,” the authors of the bill said.

House Bill 7413 seeks the creation of provinces of Palawan del Norte, Palawan Oriental and Palawan del Sur.

Under the measure, Palawan del Norte shall be composed of municipalities of El Nido, Taytay, Coron, Linapacan, Culion, and Busuanga.

Palawan Oriental shall include San Vicente, Roxas, Dumaran, Cuyo, Agutaya, Magsaysay, and Cagayancillo.

Palawan Del Sur, shall group towns of Kalayaan, Aborlan, Narra, Sofronio Española, Brooke’s Point, Rizal, Quezon, Bataraza and Balabac.

HB 7413 proposes that future Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) will be allocated proportionately to the three new provinces, in accordance with land areas and population.

The appropriation for the 2018 IRA for the province of Palawan is P2.37 billion.

Alvarez said the Philippine Constitution allows the division towards the creation of the new province.

Citing the Local Government Code, he said a province may be created, divided, merged, abolished, or its boundary substantially altered, only by an act of Congress and subject to the approval by a majority of the votes cast in a plebiscite to be conducted by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the local government unit or units directly affected. The plebiscite shall be held within 120 days from the date of the effectivity of the proposed Act.

Alvarez expressed hope that the bill will be approved by the House plenary on third and final reading when Congress resumes session in July.

Breaking: MCIA’s new Terminal 2 to start operations tomorrow

Stakeholders of the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) gathered together at the airport’s new Terminal 2 on Saturday morning (June 30).

Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Dennis Villarojo led the mass and blessing of the P17.5 billion facility, which will start commercial operations tomorrow, July 1.

“Airports are convergence points for communities to grow. It’s here you witness two of the most profound emotions of persons — the pain of goodbye and the joy of welcoming loved ones,” Villarojo said in his homily.

Officials from the GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. (GMCAC), the MCIA Authority, and Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza were among those who attended the activity.

Spanning 65,500 square meters, Terminal 2 is dedicated to serving all international flights. The old Terminal 1 will be used solely for domestic flight operations.

Check-in process in Terminal 2 will start as early as 1 a.m. on July 1.

The first flight scheduled to arrive at MCIA’s new terminal is China Eastern Airlines MU 5023 from Shanghai Pudong Airport at 3:40 a.m.

On the other hand, the first flight scheduled to depart from Terminal 2 is China Eastern Airlines MU 5024 returning flight to Shanghai, China.



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Legarda lauds Whang-od for Dangal ng Haraya Award

Apo Whang-od

Apo Whang-od was conferred the title “Dangal ng Haraya” by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and for this she was congratulated by Sen. Loren Legarda.

Loren Legarda

“As a Dangal ng Haraya awardee myself, and an advocate of Philippine culture and living traditions, I would like to express my sincerest congratulations to Apo Whang-od for being conferred with the Dangal ng Haraya Award,” said Legarda.

The senator, who was awarded with the Dangal ng Haraya in 2016, acknowledged the contribution of Whang-od in trying to keep alive the age-old tradition of Kalinga’s form of tattooing, amid emerging modern techniques of this body art.

“Despite Whang-od’s old age and dwindling eyesight, she never stopped practising the age-old tradition of the Kalinga’s tattoo practice and its visual symbolisms that depict the province’s rituals – from childbirth, adulthood, marriage and death,” Legarda said.

“As the last known mambabatok, I somehow feel wistful that the intricate process of Kalinga’s tattoo tradition might soon be forgotten. I am still hoping that younger generations in Kalinga will take on the responsibility of keeping this custom alive, learn and obtain the skills and expertise of Whang-od, so that this symbolic Filipino art will never have to fade away.”

• • •

RADIO GMA listener Clemen Cadpa received R1 million check from RGMA Pres. Mike Enriquez (right) and RGMA Acct. Manager Junjie Alanis

Promo winner

Clemen Cadpa is the grand winner of the Payless Xtra Big Doble Dami Doble Sarap Promo, a proof-of-purchase promo presented by Payless Pancit Canton in partnership with Radio GMA (RGMA) through its FM stations Barangay LS 97.1 (Mega Manila), Barangay FM 92.7 (Baguio), and Barangay FM 89.3 (Tuguegarao).

Cadpa received the R1 million check from RGMA President Mike Enriquez and RGMA Account Manager for Payless Junjie Alanis during the turnover ceremony last June 4 in Quezon City.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, June 30, go to Oscar Maliuanag, Prof. Manny Geslani, Pablo Salangsang, Inday Novales, Joey Uy, Zeny Flores, Lenita Ramos, Nycie Lachica and Alfred Labatos…July 1: Ben Farrales, Susana Pichay, Pitang Tiongson, Zeny Eugenio, Queenie Savellano, Atty. Raul Gancayco, Bobby Novenario, Baby Linao, Lek de Castro, Dr. Lorraine Sanchez, Julius Nepomuceno, Arch. Reginald Yaneza, Julie Garcia and Precious Hipolito…July 2: Rep. Imelda Marcos, Baby O’Brien, Yvonne Salcedo, Tetchie Agbayani, Venus Salangsang, Red Samar, Ging Cruz, Dwight Morales, Ami Almirol, Bien Juan Navarro, Ramy Diez and Ciara Sotto...

Throwback: Back to back photo-ops

I forgot Kim Chiu, Gerald Anderson, Maja Salvador, Xian Lim, Arron Villafor, Zanjoe Marudo, Bea Alonzo, Inigo Pascual, Daniela Stranner, Monch Novales, Bob Novales, Danilyn Nunga, Edelweiss Abrenica, Diane Juntado, Mikki Gonzalez and Jaru Albert in the photo-op few years ago

Fire hits SM Megamall

Bureau of Fire Protection personnel respond to an incident at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City on Thursday night. The fire, which started at a construction site outside the mall, caused a portion of the mall to be engulfed in smoke, SM management said in a statement.

SM Megamall (Official Statement)

There is a fire incident happening in the construction site outside SM Megamall. Our Emergency Response Team, together with the Bureau of Fire Protection are already managing the situation. Only a portion of the mall is affected by smoke coming from the site. We are taking all precautionary measures to ensure the safety of everyone in complex.

Fire in Mandaluyong mall raised to third alarm

A fire inside the basement parking of SM Megamall Building B in Mandaluyong City was raised by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to the third alarm.

Thick smoke filled the insides of the mall and was also seen coming out of the affected area. According to a report from DZMM, cars have started to evacuate the scene as firefighters try to douse the flames.



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Fire in SM Megamall complex raised to third alarm

Fire trucks at the SM Megamall complex in Mandaluyong City. PHOTO courtesy of MMDA

A fire inside the SM Megamall complex in Mandaluyong City on Thursday was raised by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to the third alarm.

Thick smoke filled the insides of the mall, and was also seen coming out of the affected area. According to a report from Radyo Inquirer, the firefighters are currently trying to douse the flames, which started by 7:30 p.m.

According to SM Megamall’s statement, they are currently addressing the emergency concerns.

“Our Emergency Response Team, together with the Bureau of Fire Protection are already managing the situation,” SM Megamall said in a post on their Facebook page.

“We are taking all precautionary measures to ensure the safety of everyone in complex,” they added.

On the other hand, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) advised motorists to avoid the area.

“All vehicles please take Shaw (Boulevard) tunnel for alternate route,” MMDA said in a Twitter post.

This is a developing story; please refresh this page for updates.


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Fire hits building under construction at SM Megamall

The fire on Thursday evening, June 28, reaches the 3rd alarm

ON FIRE. A fire hits a building under construction at SM Megamall on June 28, 2018. Photo by Pocholo Felix

A fire hit a building under construction at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City on Thursday evening, June 28.

In a tweet at 8:16 pm on Thursday, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said the fire is already under the 3rd alarm.

The MMDA advised all vehicles to take the Shaw tunnel going northbound.

More to follow.

Hawak Kamay By: Yeng Constantino (w/ lyrics)

“Hawak Kamay”

• Songwriter: Yeng Constantino
• Album: Salamat, Yeng at 10

Minsan madarama mo kay bigat ng problema
Minsan mahihirapan ka at masasabing "di ko makakaya"
Tumingin ka lang sa langit
Baka sakaling may masumpungan
Di kaya ako'y tawagin
Malalaman mong kahit kailan

Hawak-kamay
Di kita iiwan sa paglakbay
Dito sa mundong walang katiyakan
Hawak-kamay
Di kita bibitawan sa paglalakbay
Sa mundo ng kawalan

Minsan madarama mo
Ang mundo'y gumuho sa ilalim ng iyong mga paa
At ang agos ng problema'y tinatangay ka
Tumingin ka lang sa langit
Baka sakaling may masumpungan
Di kaya ako'y tawagin

Malalaman mong kahit kailan
Hawak-kamay
Di kita iiwan sa paglakbay
Dito sa mundong walang katiyakan
Hawak-kamay
Di kita bibitawan sa paglalakbay
Sa mundo ng kawalan

Wag mong sabihin nag-iisa ka
Laging isipin meron kang kasama
Narito ako oh, Narito ako

Hawak-kamay
Di kita iiwan sa paglakbay
Dito sa mundong walang katiyakan
Hawak-kamay
Di kita bibitawan sa paglalakbay
Sa mundo ng kawalan
Sa mundo ng kawalan
Hawak-kamay, Hawak-kamay
Sa mundo ng kawalan

Eric Clapton - Tears In Heaven (Official Video)

Tears in Heaven

• Songwriters: Eric Clapton and Will Jennings
• Album: Rush: Music from the Motion Picture Soundtrack

Would you know my name
If I saw you in heaven?
Would it be the same
If I saw you in heaven?
I must be strong and carry on
'Cause I know I don't belong here in heaven
Would you hold my hand
If I saw you in heaven?
Would you help me stand
If I saw you in heaven?
I'll find my way through night and day
'Cause I know I just can't stay here in heaven
Time can bring you down, time can bend your knees
Time can break your heart, have you begging please, begging please
Beyond the door there's peace I'm sure
And I know there'll be no more tears in heaven
Would you know my name
If I saw you in heaven?
Would it be the same
If I saw you in heaven?
I must be strong and carry on
'Cause I know I don't belong here in heaven

Gala premiere of ‘Binondo, A Tsinoy Musical’ set

‘Binondo’ director Joel Lamangan

Synergy 88 Digital and Rebecca Chuaunsu Film Production’s “Binondo, A Tsinoy Musical” will have its premiere performances tomorrow, June 29, and July 1, at 8 p.m. at The Theatre of Solaire Resort & Casino.

“Binondo, A Tsinoy Musical” explores how love can triumph amid racial prejudice and political turmoil, years of waiting and absence; only to grow deeper and change the lives of everyone who dares to put their hearts on the line.

The musical features Shiela Valderrama-Martinez and Carla Guevara-Laforteza (Lily); Arman Ferrer and David Ezra (Ah Tiong); Floyd Tena and Noel Rayos (Carlos); Mariella Laurel (Jasmine); Ashlee Factor (Ruby); Ima Castro (Mrs. Dela Rosa); Ana Feleo and Jennifer Villegas dela Cruz (Lourdes); Dondi Ong (Mr. Chua); Kay Balajadia Liggayu (Mrs. Chua); Russell Magno (Mr. Zhang); Elizabeth Chua (Mrs. Zhang); Jonel Mojica and Joseph Billeza (Ge Lao); Jim Pebanco, Lorenz Martinez, Khalil Kaimo, Tuesday Vargas, Ellrica Laguardia, Rhapsody Li (Chorus); Philip Deles and Ivana Villanueva (Swing).

• • •

Against

Carmina Villaroel

It’s Carmina Villaroel versus Sunshine Dizon on the primetime series “Kambal, Karibal.”

Sunshine plays Maricar, the biological mother of Cheska (Kyline Alcantara) who is intent on getting back her daughter.

Geraldine (Carmina), however, won’t let that happen. As the adoptive mother, she loves Cheska just like she’s her true daughter. So, who has the right to the girl?

“Kambal, Karibal” is topbilled by Bianca Umali and Miguel Tanfelix.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, June 28, go to Princess Revilla, Maffi Papin Carrion, Perla Primicias, Lito Fernandez, Jahay Williams, Vilma Gaspar, Susan Calalay, Frederick Liwanag, Christine Aguilar, Rowena Alvarez, Robert Silverio and Boy Leonardo… June 29: Emily Marcelo, Pat-P Daza, Paula Peralejo, Dulce Catan, Edna dela Cruz, Silvia Malupeng, Pamela Ayson, Alnette Tan, Iggy Tensuan, Cita Luciano, Pete Manalo, Atty. Jon Lopez, Lesley Anne Tan, Ferdie Maglalang, Badette Martinez, Pauline Halili, Pabs Dadivas, Chx Alcala, Dr. Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial, Pinggoy Generoso, Danny Ventanilla, Pauline Fermin, Jong Arcano, Raymund Cui, Tessa Acuna, Dr. Pablo Santos, Alvin Suarez, Ben Ebrada, Sr., Boyet Alza, Elgin Jaenar, Fely Basilgo, Dodoy Flores, Jr., Manuel Cole, Jr., Godfrey Blanco, Japeth Geonzon, Makmak Edanyo, Ofelia Lagahit, Pablito Toledo, Pauline Rubio, Rico Lucena, Rolly Rodrigo, Sofronio Toleza and MB’s Girlie Capellan-Tan…Congratulations to GMA Network for their DTT in Metro Baguio, Metro Manila, Metro Cebu at Metro Davao, ang pinakahinihintay na lang natin yung sa Tagaytay based on their annual report, my question is if ever na matayo din nila ng DTT ang sa Tagaytay ano ang target areas nila? Batangas ba?

Dolly Anne Carvajal on 2007 Southeast Asian Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

Philippine Daily Inquirer Entertainment columnist Dolly Anne Carvajal she recalls watching the 24th Southeast Asian Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand on December 6 to 15, 2007.
ABS-CBN, GMA, ABC, Dream Satellite and Sky Cable have agreed to a multi-network partnership to air the "A Time for Heroes" where the 24th Southeast Asian Games held in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand on December 6 to 15.

Resident voice-over announcers Peter Musngi, Chinapaps and Al Torres are they doing the 100-day countdown promotional plug aired during the commercial breaks of programs from morning to late night.

Present at the contract signing at the Manila Golf and Country Club were ABS-CBN’s Group CFO Rolando Valdueza, COO for broadcast Cory Vidanes, ABC President Tonyboy Cojuangco, GMA Network vice president for entertainment Wilma Galvante and Sky Cable president Carlo Katigbak.

The Inquirer columnist hinted on covering the 24th Southeast Asian Games in Thailand when sportscasters Paolo Abrera, Dyan Castillejo at His Majesty the King's 80th Birthday Anniversary, 5 December 2007, Sports Complex, while Boom Gonzalez, TJ Manotoc, Migs Bustos and Mikee Reyes at Keelapirom Gymnasium, volleyball analysts Ian Laurel and Mozzy Ravena at Korat Chatchai Hall.

She said that no less than the Ambassador Marciano Paynor, Jr. at the International Media Center, Philippine International Convention Center, Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, Pasay City, because the 24th Southeast Asian Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand to be broadcast live on ABS-CBN channel 2 and GMA channel 7, with the pre- emption of daily mid-to-late morning and late-afternoon programming and pushing primetime drama series and weekend programs to 8:30 p.m. onwards.

Paynor told reporters that the 2007 Nakhon Ratchasima Southeast Asian Games coverage on television, just unlike the 1995 visit of Pope John Paul II for the 10th world youth day in Manila, Philippines.

At this time, the Philippines hosted the 23rd Southeast Asian Games held in Manila from November 27 to December 5, 2005.

The highlights of the 9-day regional sporting event, according to herself was the Opening Ceremonies live at 6:30 p.m. on these channels. It replayed at 8:30 a.m. of the next day, Friday, December 7.

She hinted that 4-time swimming gold medalist Miguel Molina was named the Most Valuable Male Player of the 2007 SEA Games, the third Filipino to bag the major award for outstanding SEA Games performance after Akiko Thomson in 1989 Kuala Lumpur Games and Eric Buhain in the 1991 Manila Games.

Aside from Molina is no other than Enchong Dee is competing in the men's 100-meter butterfly finals on Sunday, December 9 at 6:29 p.m. (7:29 p.m. local time), due to activists clashed with riot police in Manila and suburbs Quezon City, Rodriguez, San Mateo, Marikina, San Juan, Mandaluyong, Makati, Pasig, Pateros, Taguig, Antipolo, Cainta, Taytay, Angono, Binangonan, Pasay, Paranaque, Las Pinas, Muntinlupa and San Pedro.

It was caught live on national television when the riots take place near the entrance of Sofitel Philippine Plaza hotel to Star City when several park-goers and the policemen are they dispensed by people.

Another riot was started from the Quirino Grandstand, in Rizal Park, Manila to the One ECom Center in SM Mall of Asia complex in Pasay that close to more than 500,000 to 1 million people.

Digital transformation for Filipinos

Just last week, the National Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Summit was held, with a good mix of participants from the public and private sectors.

With the theme “Empowering the Filipino through Digital Transformation,” the event showcased the government’s ICT-powered programs. These included the National Cybersecurity Plan, the National Broadband Plan, Free Wi-Fi Access in Public Places, the National Government Portal, and the National ID system. These projects and initiatives show the accelerating adoption of new technologies that would transform the bureaucracy into an efficient, transparent, trusted, and citizen-centered service system.

But with the government’s limited ICT resources and talent, how can it fully roll out these programs? This is where the private sector will need to come in.

The summit showcased a decent number of technologies well aligned with the government’s digital transformation projects. The delegates got a more than adequate download of the latest technologies and trends applicable to the Philippine public-sector environment, including privacy and cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and a plethora of apps all within the context of the governments Cloud First policy.

The session on the National ID System (NIDS) expectedly got the full attention because of the strategic impact to the most productive sector of the population. The successful rollout of NIDS will spark a chain reaction of game-changing technologies that will enable government and private sector to retool services and processes to more cost-efficient and productivity boosting solutions.

One ID that rules them all would simplify public and private transactions en route to seamless service delivery and consequently, enhanced administrative governance, and ease in doing business. The National ID Bill, which was submitted to the President for signing on May 28, has yet to be either signed into law or lapse into law. A long overdue law still stuck in the bureaucracy.

At the summit, the Philippine Statistics Authority said it already has activities lined up for 2018 as well as long-term plans that would drive the full adoption of the system.

Even so, implementation would not be bereft of challenges. The collection and management of data and privacy issues are what can be considered as the most pressing issues, which can make or break the success of the initiative.

Fortunately, these can be addressed by innovative technological solutions. Although it remains to be seen how the government will support this initiative, whether through public-private partnership or other means, this is an area of development that presents an opportunity for the government to increase its potential absorptive capacity.

Connectivity, ubiquity, trust, and interoperability are key to digital transformation. Close collaboration and closer coordination not only within the government but with other stakeholders, such as the academe and industry players, remain to be indispensable in pursuing an effective Philippine ICT Ecosystem. The programs of the government should not be evaluated in isolation but should be viewed in the context of an evolving ecosystem

The DICT’s development of the National ICT Ecosystem Framework hopes to address the following strategic thrusts: participatory e-governance, industry and countryside development, resource sharing and capacity building through ICT, improved public links and connectivity, ICT user protection and information security, and enabling a sustainable ICT environment. It is envisioned for these to bridge the gaps between innovations and policies.

For anyone who has been to a well-developed, hi-tech country, the prosperity and benefits to citizens are obvious.

If we can overcome the bureaucratic and even cultural barriers to change, digital transformation will be the best thing to happen to our country.

To our ICT champions, may the force be with you.

Katrina Clemente-Lua is the Executive Director and Policy Lead for ICT, Stratbase ADR Institute.

After MRT deal, China trains should be next

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) should make public the result of the independent audit on the P3.8-billion Dalian trains that remain unused due to their incompatibility with the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) tracks, a militant group said yesterday.

The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) made the call after the Office of the Ombudsman ordered the filing of graft charges against former transportation secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya and 16 others in connection with the MRT-3 maintenance deal with Busan Universal Rail Inc. (BURI).

“After the ombudsman found probable cause to indict Abaya and other officials of the previous administration for the questionable MRT-3 contracts, the next issue to be resolved should be the Dalian trains from China,”Bayan secretary-general Renato Reyes said.

Reyes said the contract entered into by the previous administration with Chinese firm Dalian for the purchase of 48 coaches was questionable, citing legal and technical issues.

“Cases should be filed against those responsible for the Dalian contract,”he said.

“We worry if there is pressure from the Chinese government to push through with the questionable deal,” Reyes added.

Last April, the DOTr completed the weight testing of the 48 trains as part of the auditing process.

DOTr officials earlier considered the return of the Dalian trains due to problems regarding incompatible signaling systems.

Reyes said the DOTr should make clear its position on the matter.

“The trains should be returned to the Chinese firm,” he said.

The ombudsman found probable cause to indict Abaya for graft over the P4.25-billion contract awarded to BURI for the upgrade and maintenance of the MRT-3.

The anti-graft agency, however, cleared Abaya and his predecessor, Mar Roxas as well as seven other officials of the Aquino administration, of plunder.

PLDT to select site for new HQ by December

Telco giant PLDT Inc. is looking at two possible locations for its new headquarters and expecta to select one by the end of the year.

“Hopefully, we have one or two good leads and let’s see where those leads bring us,” said PLDT chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan.

The group is looking at a campus-style building similar to those of Google and Facebook as it puts more focus on digital services.

PLDT plans to redevelop its current head office at the Ramon Cojuangco Building along Makati Avenue and Makati General Office (MGO) in Legaspi to augment revenue.

Former presidents Erap, FVR and Cory at Inquirer Lifestyle "Fitness.Fashion" with Samsung

Former presidents Joseph Estrada, Fidel Ramos and Corazon Aquino are they attended for the first time at Inquirer Lifestyle Series of events with “Fitness.Fashion,” a catwalk team-up between some of the country’s top designers and best-selling activewear brands, at the Rigodon Ballroom of the Peninsula Manila in Makati City on July 31, 2008.

Mistulang inulit ang kasaysayan na mapatalsik ang isa na namang presidente si Joseph Estrada na pinalitan ng kanyang bise-presidente na si Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

EDSA People Power II, as it came to be known, was a series of protests held from January 16 to 20, 2001, against former president Joseph Estrada who was then facing plunder charges. The protests eventually triggered Estrada's downfall – and paved the way for Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, his vice president, to enter the spotlight in the political scene.

But Arroyo would later face her own share of troubles during her administration. Both former presidents seemed to follow the same track in politics: they were both vice presidents before assuming the highest seat of the land, and both have been accused of criminal offenses.

On the last day of the protest, January 20, Arroyo took her oath in the presence of clamoring crowds on EDSA as the 14th president of the Republic of the Philippines. Estrada released a letter about Arroyo’s proclamation, saying he had strong doubts about the legality and constitutionality of her proclamation as president. However, he said he would step down to allow national reconciliation.

Estrada left Malacañang Palace together with his family.

He was convicted of plunder on September 12, 2007.

On October 19, 2007, an explosion in Glorietta 2 left eleven people dead and injured more than a hundred. Initially, authorities said that it was caused by a liquefied petroleum gas explosion at a restaurant, but later began investigating the possibility that the explosion may have been a C-4 bomb.

Six weeks after Estrada was found guilty and sentenced to reclusion perpetua, Macapagal-Arroyo granted him presidential pardon on October 26, 2007.

On March 24, 2008, television presenter and actress Kris Aquino, disclosed that former President Corazon Aquino was diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

Typhoon “Frank” battered the Philippines on June 21, 2008, leaving up to 229 dead.

At the height of Typhoon Frank’s devastation of Central Visayas in June that year, among the ships caught in its path was the MV Princess of the Stars, a 23,000-ton passenger ferry owned and operated by Sulpicio Lines.

But, the following day, the typhoon suddenly changed course, passing through Masbate and Romblon. The ferry, which had barely reached the Jintotolo Channel between Masbate and Panay, turned back but was overwhelmed by huge waves off San Fernando town in Sibuyan Island and capsized.

The ship’s 862 passengers and crew, only 48 survived, while 67 were confirmed dead and 747 remain missing.

On this day, July 31, 2008, when the Inquirer Lifestyle Series of events with “Fitness.Fashion,” a catwalk team-up between some of the country’s top designers and best-selling activewear brands, at the Rigodon Ballroom of the Peninsula Manila in Makati City.

Her Excellency, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the guest of honor in the occasion, gave her greetings and message to the crowd. The President was with First Gentlemen Atty. Jose Miguel Arroyo. In attendance also were some members of the cabinet; former presidents Joseph Estrada, Fidel Ramos and Corazon Aquino; several senators led by Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile; several congressmen led by House Speaker Prospero Nograles; and friends of El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde from the business, entertainment, media, legal, and religious sector.