HIGHLIGHTS: Inside the Con-com’s proposed federal charter

The Consultative Committee (Con-com) tasked by President Rodrigo Duterte to review the 1987 Constitution has crafted a 114-page proposal for a fundamental law of the land that would usher in a shift from a unitary to a federal form of government.

Within hours of Monday's formal turnover ceremony, Duterte approved the proposal for endorsement to Congress almost as a whole. The only change he reportedly wanted in the submission was a provision for a new elected leader during the country's envisioned, but still uncertain, transition to federalism.

He is "tired," his spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said, and would want to step down before any transition takes place, in an attempt to "remove all suspicions" that changing government systems would enable him to prolong his original six-year term, due to end in 2022.

But those rules, expected to be revised, are contained in only one of the 22 proposed provisions of the 22-member Con-com. Here are some highlights from the rest of them, some similar to their counterparts in the 1987 Charter.

The full document of the Con-com's proposal, whose main pitch is the distribution of state powers historically concentrated in the national government, could be viewed here.

Preamble

Envisions a sovereign Filipino people building a "permanent and indissoluble nation," a reference to an anti-secession provision

Article 1, National Territory

• The Philippines has sovereignty over its territory and even islands and features outside or archipelagic baselines "pursuant to the laws of the Federal Republic, the law of nations, and the judgments of competent international courts or tribunals" — a likely nod to the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling in 2012 that invalidated China's massive claims to the South China Sea
• Country has sovereign rights over maritime expanse beyond territorial sea to the extent reserved by international law, "as well as over its extended continental shelf, including the Philippine Rise."

Article 2, Declaration of Principles and State Policies

• The Philippines as a democratic and republic state; renounces war as an instrument of national policy; civilian authority "at all times" supreme over the military's;  observance of rule of law; inviolable separation of church and state
• The Philippines to pursue independent foreign policy; freedom from weapons of mass destruction in territory; steps against graft and corruption, etc

Article 3, Bill of Rights

• Additional demandable rights: prohibition against unreasonable searches and seizure through technological, electronic, or any other means
• Social and economic rights: adequate food, universal and comprehensive healthcare, complete, quality education, adequate and decent housing, livelihood and employment opportunities
• Environmental and ecological rights: protection from and seek compensation for damage to environment and ecology caused by illegal and unsustainable natural resource exploitation

Article 4, Citizenship

• Those with Filipino citizen parentage or naturalized in accordance with law are considered Filipino citizens
• Dual allegiance of citizens "is inimical to the national interest and shall be dealt with by law"

Article 5, Suffrage and Political Rights

• On political parties: All parties need to be registered with Federal Commission on Elections with required submissions;
• Religious sects and political parties which seek to achieve goals through "violence or unlawful means" or are supported by any foreigner or foreign government won't be registered
• Financial contributions from foreigners, foreign governments given to political parties and affiliated organizations "constitute interference in national affairs" and is an added ground for registration cancellation
• Political parties to provide "as far as practicable" for "equal representation of women candidates" in every election
• Campaign financial contributions from religious groups, foreigners, foreign governments and illegal sources are prohibited
• Democracy fund: repository of campaign funds
• Political party members banned from switching parties within their term of office; candidates or political party officials prohibited from switching parties two years after election and two years before next
• Ban on political dynasties — No persons related to incumbent elective official within second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity can run for same position in the immediately following polls

Article 6, People's Initiative, Plebiscite, and Referendum

• Power of the sovereign people to directly propose amendments or revisions of the Constitution and propose, enact amend or repeal laws, acts, ordinances or resolutions passed by any legislative body

Article 7, Legislative Department

• At least one senator
• Up to 400 members of the House of Representatives — 60 percent to be elected from legislative electoral districts; 40 percent proportional representation (half of 40 percent to come from labor, peasant, urban poor, indigenous peoples, and fisherfolk groups in the three elections following Constitution's ratification)
• Six-year terms (for senator), three-year terms (for representatives), more than two consecutive terms

Article 8, Executive Department

• President, vice president to be elected
• Vice president shall be appointed, without need for confirmation, as Cabinet member
• Six-year term, one-reelection
• Grounds for declaration of martial law: "invasion, rebellion, or lawless violence, when the public safety requires it"

Article 9, Judicial Department

• Judicial power to be vested in Federal Supreme Court, Federal Constitutional Court, Federal Administrative Court, Federal Electoral Court
• The current Judicial and Bar Council to be renamed to Judicial Appointments and Disciplinary Council and vested investigative powers over disciplinary cases against judiciary officials, members and employees

Article 10, Constitutional Commissions

• Federal Civil Service Commission, Federal Commission on Elections, Federal Commission on Audit, Federal Commission on Human Rights, Federal Ombudsman Commission, Federal Competition Commission

Article 11, Federated Regions, the Bangsamoro, and the Federated Region of the Cordilleras

• There will be 16 federated regions (these are the constituent political units of an imagined federal republic) + the Bangsamoro and the Federated Region of the Cordilleras
• Prohibition against advocacy, demand, and support for secession from the federal republic
• Each federated region to have regional legislature, executive, and judiciary branches of government

Article 12, Distribution of Powers of the Government

• Federal government to have exclusive power over defense, foreign affairs, international trade, customs and tariffs, elections, law and order, federal crimes and justice system, etc
• Federated region to have exclusive power over its own socio-economic development planning, creation of sources of revenue, financial administration and management, tourism, etc.

Article 13, Fiscal Powers and Financial Administration

• Delineation of taxing powers of federal government and federated regions
• No double taxation to be allowed
• Federated regions to be given a share of not less than 50 percent of all collected income, excise and value added taxes and customs duties of the federal government, to be divided among them "equally" for automatic release
• Federal Intergovernmental Commission to administer Equalization Fund and assist federated regions in need in order to attain economic viability and sustainability

Article 14, Accountability of Public Officers

• Impeachment of president, vice president, members of the three high courts and the Federal Electoral Court, and members of the Constitutional Commissions to be both a political and judicial process, meaning an impeachment committee would be formed in Congress, but the articles of impeachment, if any, would be filed before the Federal Constitutional or Administrative Court.

Article  15, National Economy and Patrimony

• Equitable distribution of opportunities, income, and wealth
• Private corporations whose shares of stocks are owned or controlled at least 60 percent by Filipinos may lease up to 1,000 hectares of alienable lands of the public domain for only up to 25 years, renewable for another 25.
• Exploration, development and utilization of natural resources to be a shared power of federal and regional governments
• Marine wealth of the Philippines which lies in its archipelagic waters, territorial sea and exclusive economic zone "is reserved exclusively to Filipino citizens."

Article 16, Social Justice

• No person to be denied employment by reason of age, gender, political or religious belief, ethnicity, status, physical appearance or disability, and other conditions that amount to discrimination
• Qualified Filipino citizens to be given employment preferences in all industries
• Agrarian reform — state to encourage and undertake the "just distribution of all agricultural lands" subject to reasonable limits prescribed by Congress
• Continuing program for urban land reform and housing
• Integrated and comprehensive approach to health development and availability of universal health care
• Protection of working women through provision of safe, healthful working conditions, considering maternal functions
• Respect for the role of independent people's organizations

Article 17, Education, Science and Technology, Arts, Culture and Sports

• Protection and promotion of all citizens' right to quality education at all levels, take appropriate steps to make education "accessible to all"
• All educational institutions required to teach the Federal Constitution, Philippine history and culture
• National language: Filipino; Official languages: Filipino, and until otherwise provided by law, English; regional languages to serve as auxiliary media of instruction

Article 18, The Family

• No reference to same-sex marriages or same-sex civil unions, only provides for the republic's defense of spouses' right to found a family in accordance with religious convictions, demands of responsible parenthood, rights of children, the family, etc.

Article 19, National Security and Public Order

• Tour of duty of Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Chief of the Philippine Federal  Police, and the Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard: No less than two years and no more than three years from time of appointment, "unless sooner removed by the president for loss of trust and confidence"
• In the event of a cyberattack that "clearly endangers the security of the Federal Republic," president to take "all necessary actions to repel and quell the attack"

Article 20, General Provisions

• "In case any region fails to comply with its obligation, as provided for in the Constitution, which seriously undermines the sovereignty, territorial integrity, economy, or the unity of the Federal Republic, the President may intervene and take all measures necessary and proper to address the failure;" then the president would report to Congress, which may in turn authorize him or her to "take further actions until the crisis is resolved."

Article 21, Amendments or Revision

• Amendments or revisions of Constitution may be proposed by people's initiative, the Federal Congress upon a vote of a third of all its members "voting separately," or a constitutional convention;
• "The democratic and republican character of the government, its federal structure, its indissolubility and permanence shall not be subject to amendments or revisions."
• No amendment or revision to the Constitution to be allowed within five years of its ratification. After that, no change will be allowed within five years from the plebiscite to amend or revise it.

Article 22, Transitory Provisions (subject to review and revision in accordance with Duterte's instructions)

• President to head a Federal Transition Commission, a 10-member body of experts in economy, law, fiscal management, governance or development
• All living past presidents may be consulted by this proposed commission
• The transition commission will be tasked to formulate, adopt, and execute a transition plan for the "orderly shift to the new system of government."
• It is proposed to have the power and duty to "exercise all powers necessary and proper to ensure a smooth, speedy, and successful transition."
• "The term of the President and Vice President, which shall end on June 30, 2022, shall not be extended."

Nationwide Round-Up

VP Robredo ready to head united opposition groups in 2019 polls

REUTERS

VICE PRESIDENT Maria Leonor “Leni” G. Robredo on Tuesday said she is ready to take on the role as the leader of opposition groups planning to unite ahead of the 2019 midterm elections. At a press briefing in Quezon City, Ms. Robredo, the opposition Liberal Party’s chairman, said she has been standing as an opposition leader, citing the instances where she voiced her statements against the policies of the Duterte administration. This time, she said, she wants to be the voice of the opposition groups united in dissent. “There are many groups that have the same beliefs. There are many groups voicing the same opinions against an issue. But because of the lack of discussion at one another, the voices are not united. And that is the role I want to take: to ensure that those voices are united so it would be listened to, to ensure that the message is understood clearly, and to urge those who believe the same sentiments to unite with us,” she said. — Camille A. Aguinaldo

List of experts to study Dengvaxia cases submitted to Palace

THE LIST of experts recommended to study the Dengvaxia cases in the Philippines has been submitted to the Office of the President, Presidential Spokesperson Harry L. Roque, Jr. said on Tuesday, July 10. Mr. Roque could not reveal the names of the experts yet, but he said there are four, one each from Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, and Sri Lanka. Mr. Roque also said that Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III reported the development during the Cabinet meeting last Monday. President Rodrigo R. Duterte is expected to choose three from the list. The spokesperson, speaking in Filipino at a press briefing in Indang, Cavite, also assured that the government has the budget to invite the experts who will study the “real effect of Dengvaxia.” — Arjay L. Balinbin

OSG defends decision to drop Comelec in voting threshold case

THE OFFICE of the Solicitor General (OSG) has defended its decision to not represent the Commission on Elections (Comelec) before the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET) in Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” G. Robredo’s motion to uphold a 25% voting threshold in her ongoing election recount against losing candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. Solicitor-General Jose C. Calida, in a manifestation submitted on Friday, dropped the Comelec as its client and urged the PET to uphold its earlier April 10 resolution to impose a 50% threshold as there “is no basis to impose a 25% threshold in determining whether a vote is valid.” He added that “the Comelec has no jurisdiction over vice-presidential election contests.” Mr. Calida also asked the PET to give the Comelec 10 days to submits its comment on Ms. Robredo’s petition. Responding to criticism of the agency’s decision, the OSG said in a statement released on Tuesday that “it is the Solicitor-General’s duty to present to the Presidential Electoral Tribunal the position he perceives to be in the best interest of the Republic, notwithstanding the stance of his client, specifically the Comelec, on the issue.” The OSG cited the Supreme Court’s ruling in Pimentel vs. Comelec which ruled, “the Solicitor-General may, as it has in instances, take a position adverse and contrary to that of the Government on the reasoning that it is incumbent upon him to present to the court what he considers would legally uphold the best interest of the government although it may run counter to a client’s position.” Ms. Robredo’s camp was sought for comment but did not respond as of writing. — Dane Angelo M. Enerio

Hazard pay, additional insurance coverage for journalists sought

Journalists and other media practitioners covering conflict and disaster areas should be given insurance coverage and hazard pay, according to a bill filed by Senator Leila de Lima.

De Lima, chair of the Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development, filed a measure mandating additional insurance benefits for journalists, including for disability, health and hospitalization.

Journalism and news reporting is a "dangerous profession," and it is "imperative" that the people involved be given these benefits, said De Lima.

"Journalists face the problem of contractual labor, with no job security and no law-mandated benefits… they often do double jobs and work double time for their media company. These pose harm to their physical well-being," she said in a statement released on Monday.

Under her proposal, journalists are to be given disability benefits of P350,000 if they will suffer total or partial disability sustained during performance of duty; death benefits of P300,000 if they die in the line of duty, and; reimbursement of actual medical costs up to P200,000 if they are to be hospitalized or shall require medical attendance for injuries sustained while in the performance of duty.

This is on top of the current insurance benefits provided to regular employees of media outfits.

De Lima also suggested that the Social Security System and the Government Service Insurance System create and offer a special insurance program for freelance journalists.

Persons deployed in "difficult, strife-torn and embattled areas," among others, should be also be given a hazard pay equivalent to at least 25 percent of their gross monthly salary for the duration of such deployment. This will not be subjected to tax, according to the measure.

De Lima cited media reports that at least 9 journalists were killed under the Duterte administration.

The report by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR), National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) and the Philippine Press Institute (PPI) also mentioned 16 libel cases, 14 cases of online harassment, 11 death threats, 6 slay attempts, 6 cases of harassment, 5 cases of intimidation, 4 cases of website attack, revoked registration or denied franchise renewal, verbal abuse, strafing, and police surveillance of journalists and media agencies.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/07/09/18/hazard-pay-additional-insurance-coverage-for-journalists-sought

PH movies make waves at New York Asian filmfest

Six Filipino films are competing in the 17th New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF), and these are twice as many Filipino features than last year.

The six Filipino films this time are “BuyBust” directed by Erik Matti, “Neomanila”(Mikhail Red), “On The Job” (Erik Matti), “Respeto” (Treb Monteras II), “Sid & Aya (Not A Love Story)” (Irene Villamor), and “We Will Not Die Tonight” (Richard Somes).

“Neomanila,” “On The Job” and “Respeto” have already earned nominations, and received accolades from prominent award-giving bodies in the Philippines. “BuyBust,” an action-thriller will make its world premiere at NYFF, along with “We Will Not Die Tonight.”

Representatives of the Filipino films will be supported by the FDCP’s International Film Festival Assistance Program (IFFAP), including Gawad Urian Best Actor Abra of “Respeto,” producer Dondon Monteverde, and directors Somes, Monteras II and Matti.

“All around the world, Filipino films continue to compete and be recognized by the most prestigious of film festivals and we are proud that NYAFF is doing its part in introducing Filipino Films – genre Filipino films especially – to the North American audience. We hope that this is the first step for more of our films to be recognized and distributed in that side of the world,” said FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño.

The 2018 NYAFF runs till July 15.

• • •

Ruru on ‘The Cure’

Ruru Madrid is the latest addition to the cast of the GMA series “The Cure.” He joins former “Encantandia”co-star Kylie Padilla who plays Adira.

According to the actor, he’s delighted to be working again with Kylie especially in action scenes. He certainly will enjoy doing the action scenes since it has been his dream to be an action star.

So what will be his role in the life of Adira and Charity (Jennylyn Mercado) and Greg (Tom Rodriguez)? Watch out for it.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, July 10, go to Rep. Evelio Leonardia, Marco Sison, Princess Revilla, Linda Dizon, Armand Brawn Jr., Philip Nazareno, Alex Timbol, Sally Ancheta, Millie Gurfinkel, Bert Agliam, Senedy Que, Vince Bersola and Wilma Doesnt… July 11: Sylvia Gala, Baby Monroy, Robert Roque, Eliseo Aurelio Jr., Charmaine Gail Pagente, Meynard Penalosa, Oliver Teves, Bex Vinaviles, Hannah Flores, Herminio Agunias, Editha Nacion, and Mercy Lejarde…

Bicam drops anti-dynasty provision in Bangsamoro bill

(UPDATED) The Bangsamoro Transition Commission, some members of which belong to political families, has strongly opposed the ban on dynasties, saying it is a 'clear violation' of a person's right to vote and be voted

ANTI-DYNASTY. The bicameral conference committee deletes the anti-dynasty provision in the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law. Photo from OPAPP

(UPDATED) – The joint panel finalizing the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law has deleted the measure's anti-dynasty provision.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon and 3 other members of the bicameral conference committee confirmed this to Rappler on Monday, July 9, during the first day of closed-door deliberations.

The contingent of the bicam initially discussed the deletion without Drilon, who pushed for it during the Senate discussions. Members, however, decided to wait for Drilon before finalizing the removal.

Drilon later on arrived and reportedly did not oppose the majority’s decision, supposedly saying he would not defend the provision in the Senate bill, as it is “absolutely nothing” and lacks teeth. There is no counterpart line in House Bill 6475. (READ: Experts suggest compromise for Congress: Regulate, not ban, dynasties)

In a separate text message, Drilon said he did not argue for the adoption as a sign of protest and because the provision is "useless."

"The adoption of the supposed anti-dynasty provision in the Senate version was strongly opposed by some members of the panel. As a form of protest, I did not argue and push for its adoption anymore because the provision, as crafted, is useless. It is a much weaker provision than that provided in the SK law," Drilon said in a text message, referring to the Sangguniang Kabataan law.

"Such provision will not really curb dynastic behaviors. In fact, it is a hypocritical provision, toothless to address the ill effects of dynasties. We might as well do away with it. What we need is a strong regulation of dynasties applicable to all public officers. I already signed a committee report regulating it," Drilon added.

Section 15 of Senate Bill 1717 states that “no Party Representative should be related within the second (2nd) civil degree of consanguinity or affinity to a District Representative or another Party Representative in the same Parliament.”

The Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), some members of which belong to political families, has strongly opposed it.

In a previous Senate hearing, members of the BTC opposed the inclusion, saying it is another “experiment” in the region. They said it is a “clear violation of equal protection clause” or the right of every person to vote and be voted.

They questioned why it would only be implemented in the Bangsamoro when it is mandated in the 1987 Constitution.

Politicians, not constituents, want dynasties

But Ateneo School of Government Dean Ronald Mendoza had said there is a need for an anti-dynasty provision in the draft BBL or else the Bangsamoro state would be another failure just like the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, which it seeks to replace.

Citing data, Mendoza earlier said 3 of the 5 poorest provinces in the country come from ARMM, and they have a high share of “fat dynasties” or political families whose members are in several elective positions all at the same time. These are Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, and Sulu.


Mendoza said the opposition to a dynasty ban does not come from the public but from politicians that would be directly affected.

“The people there can no longer challenge leaders because they have captured everything. Your education, healthcare, job – they're leaving everything up to traditional politics, political clans. So the people would not speak out and say they are against fat dynasty. We cannot expect them to fight. We must fight for them,” he said in mix of English and Filipino during a Senate hearing in February.

It is not the first time that such a provision would be introduced in a law, however. Republic Act 10742, or the Sangguniang Kabataan reform law, prohibits relatives of government officials up to the second degree of consanguinity or affinity from running for the youth councils.

Bicam removes ‘anti-dynasty’ provision in BBL proposal

The bicameral conference committee has removed the "anti-dynasty" provision in the final version of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

Two members of the panel — Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon and Senator Francis Escudero — confirmed the development on Monday, the first day of the bicameral conference committee meeting for the BBL proposal.

The anti-dynasty provision was stated in Article VII, Section 15 of Senate Bill 1717, the upper chamber's version of the BBL proposal.

It reads: "No Party Representative should be related within the second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity to a District Representative or another Party Representative in the same Parliament."

The House's version of the bill, however, has no such provision.

In a text message to reporters, Drilon said the adoption of the said provision in the Senate's bill was "strongly opposed" by some members.

He, however, did not argue and pushed for its adoption as a form of "protest," believing that it is "useless."

"It is a much weaker provision than that provided in the SK (Sangguniang Kabataan) Law. Such provision will not really curb dynastic behaviors," Drilon said.

"In fact, it is a hypocritical provision, toothless to address the ill effects of dynasties. We might as well do away with it," he said.

For his part, Escudero said the provision only applies to party-list representatives and not to other members of parliament or other officials of the Bangsamoro.

"It is, therefore, selective, discriminatory and ineffective per the bicam," he added.

Instead of an anti-policy provision, Drilon suggested for a strong regulation of political dynasties that is applicable to all public officials.

"I already signed a committee report regulating it," he said.

Once the bicameral conference committee reconciles the varying provisions of the versions of the two chambers, the Senate and the House will separately ratify the measure on the opening of the Third Regular Session on July 23.

The final version of the measure will then be submitted to President Rodrigo Duterte for signing later that day, in time for his third State of the Nation Address.

Duterte to sign Bangsamoro bill into law during SONA, Congress leaders say

THE proposed Bangsamoro Basic law (BBL) — a measure that abolishes the existing Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and replaces it with Bangsamoro Region – is constitutional and will be signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte during his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) on July 23, members of Congress said on Monday.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri and Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas of Ilocos Norte at the House of Representatives made the announcement on the first day of discussions of the bicameral conference committee on the BBL.

“In performing our duties, we should be guided with constitutionality. The Constitution is the supreme law of the land [and]sets both the latitude and delimitations of what we can incorporate in the BBL,” Zubiri said in his opening statement.

“We have to be guided by the Constitution because anything we do here will surely be questioned,” Fariñas said.

The proposed BBL provides that a duly-elected Bangsamoro Parliament will govern the Bangsamoro Region.

Under the 1987 Constitution, autonomous regions should be created in Muslim Mindanao and in the Cordilleras “consisting of provinces, cities, municipalities, and geographical areas sharing common and distinctive historical and cultural heritage, economic and social structures, and other relevant characteristics within the framework of this Constitution and the national sovereignty as well as territorial integrity of the Republic of the Philippines.”

Likewise, the 1987 Charter provides that the President will maintain general supervision over autonomous regions “to ensure that laws are faithfully executed”.

Fariñas called on his colleagues to pass the BBL in time for President Dutere’s third SONA.

“If we can come up with an acceptable version for both panels, we will present this to our respective chambers for ratification when we resume our Third Regular Session on July 23 so that the President can sign it into law in the afternoon of the same day,” Fariñas said. LLANESCA T. PANTI

Zubiri admits impediments in Congress on BBL proposal

By Vanne Elaine Terrazola

Senate Majority Floor Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri has admitted that there are certain impediments on the Congress’ discussion of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

He said this as the Congress bicameral conference committee started deliberating on the conflicting provisions of the Senate and House versions of the proposed BBL Monday.

In an interview at the sidelines of the closed-door bicam meeting in a Pasig hotel, Zubiri, chair of the Senate panel, said they are setting aside controversial provisions in the meantime to be able to finish the priority measure within the week so that President Duterte can sign it into law on July 23.

As of Monday afternoon, the bicam has finished discussing three articles of the Senate Bill No. 1717 and House Bill No. 6475, according to Zubiri.

The senator said they are looking to finish the bicam meeting on Wednesday.

Controversial provision

Zubiri said they deferred discussion on the territories of the proposed Bangsamoro Autonomous Region as concerns were raised over the differing provisions of the two chamber’s bills.

The Senate majority leader said members of the House bicameral panel warned that the Upper Chamber’s proposal to include the 39 barangays (villages) of North Cotabato and six municipalities of Lanao del Norte in the proposed Bangsamoro territory would be “unconstitutional.”

SB 1717 added the North Cotabato villages and Lanao del Norte municipalities in the proposed Bangsamoro region without the permission, through a plebiscite, of their mother province. HB 6475 did not have such a provision.

The Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) which submitted the draft BBL is supposedly favoring the House’s provision over the Senate’s in the subject. Zubiri, however, said the Senate contingent can defend its constitutionality.

Aside from the core territories of the proposed Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, the two Congress houses would also have to debate on their differences in their proposed territorial waters.

Power-sharing

Zubiri said the Senate panel will stick to its guns on clearly defining the powers of the proposed Bangsamoro government.

“We should only be discussing powers granted to the Bangsamoro government. Because in the ARMM (Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao) law, Republic Act 9054, it is also very clear [the] powers of the ARMM government. The powers of the national government are not defined there,” Zubiri said.

The House of Representatives approved the BTC proposal defining the reserved powers of the national government, the exclusive powers of the Bangsamoro government, and the concurrent powers of the two governments. The Senate removed such provisions in their approved bill.

“Our lawyers in the [Senate] panel feel that we should not define clearly the powers of national government because there would be confusion. Does that mean that what is not there can be interpreted as allowed to be done by the ARMM government? That would be difficult. Under our Constitution, powers that are not defined there is reserved to central government,” Zubiri explained.

He added that defining powers of the government “would also pose a constitutional challenge.”

Zubiri, on the other hand, assured the BTC that it can propose additional powers for the Bangsamoro government especially if these were granted already by the RA 9054.

Tax-sharing, block grant

While lawmakers disagreed on certain provisions, Zubiri reported that they are united in maintaining the contents of the ARMM law.

Zubiri said they agreed in a caucus before the bicameral meeting that they will retain the provisions of the RA 9054 in the proposed BBL so that it would not be “diminished” from the current ARMM.

Particularly, they will restore the 75-25 percent sharing between the Bangsamoro government and central government on the taxes collected from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

Senators approved a 50-50 sharing, while the House granted the BTC proposal of a 75-25 sharing.

“We should not diminish in any effect provisions of the ARMM law. These are already clearly indicated in the original ARMM law and we’re willing to restore in this version,” Zubiri said.

“We will accept the House version. The Senate panel will tend to accept the House version,” Zubiri said.

Apart from the wealth-sharing, Zubiri said the bicam has allowed the unconditional release of the block grant for the Bangsamoro region.

While the two houses agreed on a five-percent annual block grant, the Senate proposed a qualification on the block grant stating that when the national government incurs an unmanageable public sector deficit, the President of the Philippines is authorized, upon the recommendation of the Department of Finance and Department of Budget and Management, to adjust or suspend the block grant. The House version did not contain such a condition.

The BTC, Zubiri said, wanted to remove the conditions.

“We agreed that we should not impede the release of the block grant. Because there have been certain amendments that state that the block grant is subject to review and therefore before it is automatically appropriated it is reviewed. The problem there is, who reviews? If COA (Commission on Audit) reviews, we all know that COA takes several years before they actually come up with a finding. So, this wil actually impede the release of the block grant,” Zubiri said.

Zubiri assured to maintain the accountability and transparency measures in the proposed BBL.

BBL bicam to OK 75-25 Bangsamoro, central gov’t wealth sharing

Senate Majority Leader Miguel Zubiri says the Bangsamoro Transition Commission has disagreed with the Senate proposal to decrease the current wealth-sharing terms to 50-50

BICAM. Senate Majority Leader Miguel Zubiri (R) and Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon (L) during the bicam meeting on the BBL on July 9, 2018. Photo courtesy of OPAPP

Lawmakers are expected to increase the share in government tax revenues of the Bangsamoro region by 5% under the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

This was disclosed by bicameral conference committee chairperson and Senate Majority Leader Miguel Zubiri to reporters around two hours after their meeting on the BBL started on Monday, July 9. (READ: Final version of BBL must pass ‘test of constitutionality,’ say bicam members)

Currently, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) – which the new and more powerful Bangsamoro region will replace under the BBL – gets 70% of the collections of a province or city from national internal revenue, fees, and charges as well as taxes imposed on natural resources. Under Republic Act 9054 or the ARMM Law, the remaining 30% goes to the national government.

But the Senate version of the proposed BBL decreased this wealth-sharing terms to 50-50, while the House modified it to 75-25.

Zubiri said the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) disagreed with the Senate proposal because this would mean the Bangsamoro would receive less funds compared to the ARMM. (READ: Final version of BBL holds fate of Mindanao peace process)

“We'll accept the House version. The House version is 75-25. The Senate panel will tend to accept the House version,” said Zubiri.

The senator said the bicam has so far agreed the proposed BBL must “retain and enhance” the rights and benefits currently being granted to residents of the ARMM.

“We've reached consensus that whatever was in the ARMM Law, Republic Act 9054, we will retain and hopefully enhance. So, in other words, we do not want an ARMM minus. What we want is an ARMM plus,” said Zubiri.

Apart from the modified wealth-sharing terms, the bicam is also set to retain the territorial waters and in-land bodies of water that are already part of the region under RA 9054.

Zubiri said senators had agreed to remove a provision in the Senate version that would impede the release of the 5% block grant to the Bangsamoro region.

“What we want to happen here is continue the accountability and transparency measures that we've placed but without the stumbling blocks to the automatic release of the block grant,” said Zubiri.

BTC chairperson and Moro Islamic Liberation vice chairperson Front Ghazali Jaafar said they would only accept a version of the BBL that will not reduce any of the benefits the ARMM already enjoys.

“I don’t think people in the ground can accept at this point in time a BBL that is watered down,” he said.

Bicameral version of BBL likely to pass constitutional scrutiny

By Ben Rosario

Leaders of the bicameral conference committee on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law are confident that President Rodrigo Duterte will sign during his upcoming State of the Nation Address a law that will pass constitutional scrutiny.

This developed as Bangsamoro Transition Commission Chairman Ghazali B. Jaafar warned Monday that a watered down version of the proposed law should be expected to be rejected when it is presented to voters during a plebiscite.

Members of the Senate and House of Representatives sing the Philippine National Anthem during the bicameral conference for the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, July 9, 2018. (Mark Balmores / MANILA BULLETIN)

Jaafar stated that a watered down “BBL” is a law that falls short of what the law creating the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao already provides.

House Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Farinas, head of the House contingent, said the bicameral panel will have to be “guided by the Constitution” as it refines the House and Senate version of the measure.

On the other hand, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri aired confidence that the bill will pass a Supreme Court review on constitutionality.
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Of the 18 conferees sent to the bicameral panel, only six represent non-Mindanao congressional districts. They are Senior Deputy Majority Leader and Pampanga Rep. Rimpy Bondoc; Deputy Majority Leader and Iloilo Rep. Arthur Defensor Jr., Asst. Minority Leader and ABS Partylist Rep. Eugene Michael De Vera; Reps. Rodolfo Albano (NPC, Isabela); Romeo Acop (NP, Antipolo City) and Farinas.

The Senate sent a ten-man team headed by Zubiri.

“Hopefully, the agreement is if we come up and do away all the disagreements provisions and doubtful versions acceptable to both panels… we will present it to our chambers for ratification when we open the third regular session on July 23,” said Fariñas.

The House official said that if both houses of Congress agreed and ratified the version that will be decided during the bicam, they will submit it to President Duterte on the afternoon of that same day when the chief executive delivers his third SONA.

He noted that the BBL version of the House conformed with the proposals of the BTC and are constitutional.

“We have to be guided by the Constitution. We will have to ensure anything that we do here will be compliant with the Constitution,” said Farinas.

He said that the final version of the BBL should “past the test of constitutionality” since some groups will surely question the proposed measure before the Supreme Court (SC) once Duterte signs it into law.

As of press time Monday, the bicameral panel already reached an agreement on the first four provisions that included the Preamble and the territory, according to Lanao del Sur Rep. Mauyag Papandayan Jr., chairman of the House Committee on Muslim Affairs.

In an interview, Jaafar said a watered down version of the measure is what Mindanao Muslims want Congress to avoid.

Jaafar, vice chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, said a rejection of the law when presented for ratification should be expected if the measure fails to satisfy the expectations of an enhanced ARMM law version.

He disclosed that the MILF already has “several options” to pursue should the BLL fail.

“There are several options but I cannot say as of today what option to use. I can categorically assure you the best way to resolve the issue is through peace process, which is most civilized move,” Jaafar said. (Ben R. Rosario)

Senate, House meet to iron out proposed BBL

Members of the Senate and the House of Representatives on Monday began joint deliberations to iron out the differences in their respective versions of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law.

Heading the panels for the bicameral conference committee were Senator Juan Miguel ""Migz" Zubiri and Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas, both majority leaders for each chamber.

Both lawmakers emphasized that they have to be guided by the Constitution in addressing contentious provisions of the proposed law creating the Bangsamoro political entity.

"The constitution, being the supreme law of the land, sets both the latitude and the delimitations of what we can incorporate in this basic law," said Zubiri.

"It is our task to see to it that whatever we agree and come up here will have to pass the test of constitutionality," stressed Fariñas.

Bicameral Conference Committee meets today on the proposed BBL pic.twitter.com/DT1c1MFjai

— RG Cruz ABS-CBN News (@1rgcruz) July 9, 2018

Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III is confident the two panels will be able to come up with a consensus on the BBL provisions as they plan to ratify it when session resume in July 23.

This will be in time for President Rodrigo Duterte's State of the Nation Address later that day.

"My advice to the chairman of the Bicam, who is Senator Zubiri, i-tackle nila agad 'yung maaaring constitutional issues. As far as the issues are concerned, tingin ko 2-3 isyu lang ang matagal, di kaya ng isang araw," said Sotto.

Passing the BBL is among the requirements under the peace deal between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the government under former President Benigno Aquino III in 2014.

The BBL failed to pass under Aquino due to public outrage over the 44 police commandos in a botched anti-terrorism operation in the remote town of Mamasapano in January 2015.

The MILF hopes lawmakers would come up with a draft Bangsamoro Law that is close to the version proposed by the designated transition commission.

Final version of BBL must pass ‘test of constitutionality,’ say bicam members

Lawmakers forming the bicameral conference committee on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) gave assurances Monday, July 9, they would produce a final version that is constitutional.

Senate Majority Leader Miguel Zubiri and House Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas said this on Monday, July 9, at the start of their week-long bicam meetings on the BBL. (READ: Difficult work ahead to reconcile Senate, House versions of BBL)

“We will have to ensure that anything that we do and everything that we do will be compliant to the Constitution because, surely, this will be challenged. So it is our task to see to it that whatever we will agree [on] and come up here will have to pass the test of constitutionality,” said Fariñas.

Zubiri, who also chairs the bicameral conference committee on the BBL, gave the same sentiments: “In performing our duties, let the following be our guideposts: Constitutionality – the Constitution being the supreme law of the land sets both the latitude and delimitations of what we can incorporate in this basic law,” said Zubiri.

The senator said the bicam would also “give the widest latitude” in reconciling the House and Senate versions of the BBL “within the limits set by the Constitution and other laws.”

Zubiri said the bicam must also ensure the finalized version of the BBL would be acceptable to the Bangsamoro people and help bring about peace and development in the region. (READ: Final version of BBL holds fate of Mindanao peace process)

“This law must correct the injustices and prejudices against our Muslim brethren. It must accord them equal respect and opportunity in order to advance in life,” he said.

Questions have been raised against the possible constitutional violations of the BBL, including its proposed parliamentary system, implementation of Shariah laws, and giving cities and provinces sharing a common border with the Bangsamoro to join the plebiscite, among others.

The House and Senate already removed several provisions in the BBL version first crafted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission. But the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and other stakeholders want these provisions retained.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III suggested the constitutional issues must be tackled first during the bicam. The other contentious and controversials provisions can be treshed out later in the week.

“Basta importante, ’yong mga constitutional issues, ma-resolve. Sapagkat ’yon ’yong kinakabahan tayo na baka pumasa man sa amin, i-ratify man namin, i-question sa Supreme Court, nabaril. Mahirap naman,” he said.

(What’s important is for the constitutional issues to be resolved. That’s the part we are nervous about, because even if the bill gets our approval and we ratify it, the Supreme Court may shoot it down. That’s a problem.)

The bicam is being held closed-doors at the Grand Ballroom A of Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria. Reporters were briefly allowed to enter the hall to listen to the opening statements on Monday.

Bicam meet for BBL

By Francis Wakefield

The bicameral conference for the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) began Monday as lawmakers work to reconcile the Senate and House versions of the law at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria.

Nine Senators and 18 members of the House of Representatives compose the bicameral conference committee that will resolve the varying provisions of the House Bill 6475 and Senate Bill 1717.

Presidential peace adviser Jesus G. Dureza and deputy presidential peace adviser Nabil Tan are also present in the meeting.

In a statement, Guiamel Alim, chairperson of Bangsamoro Civil Society, said enacting a BBL that “addresses the root causes of the conflict and provides for meaningful autonomy is not only good for the Bangsamoro, it is also an opportunity for the Philippine government to show that it is able to address violent conflicts, such as that in Mindanao, through diplomatic means.”

Meanwhile, BTC Commissioner Maisara Damdamun-Latiph called on the lawmakers to strengthen the BBL on the following components:

• Fiscal autonomy by removing the conditions in the block grant, making it at par with the IRA of LGUs;
• Proper allocation of powers in accordance with CAB and not less than ARMM;
• Stronger policing in relation to normalization and decommissioning;
• Inland waters like Lake Lanao in relation to preservation, conservation, power generation, and regulation; and
• Territory on the plebiscite of 6 municipalities of Lanao del Sur and 39 barangays of North Cotabato in accordance with CAB, and;
• Bangsamoro identity.

The BBL was aggressively pushed by the previous Aquino administration, but its plethora of unconstitutional provisions coupled by the unfortunate January 2015 Mamasapano, Maguindanao siege doomed its passage.

To make the BBL successful, Dureza earlier challenged the Moro people to take an active role in the peace-building process.

Congressional leaders have earlier said the BBL is expected to be signed into law by President Duterte in time for his third SONA.

Bicam body starts work on harmonizing BBL provisions

The bicameral conference committee tasked to harmonize conflicting and controversial provisions of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) vowed to keep an eye on the constitutionality issues of the BBL as it begun its deliberations on Monday with an “upbeat” and hopeful spirit.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III, in an interview with reporters, said they were planning to zero in on easier provisions first before tackling the controversial provisions of the BBL.

“Napag-agreehan naman na ‘yung mga madaling provisions eh tanggapin na para makadaan na ‘run. I-table muna yung mga controversial o ‘yung mga issues na medyo makakapagpatagal ng usapin. On my part, my advice to the chair of the bicam, who is Senator (Juan Miguel) Zubiri, ay i-tackle agad ‘yung mga maaaring maging constitutional issues,” Sotto said.

The Senate leader specifically mentioned the opt-in provision of the BBL as one of the controversial provisions of the legislation.

“Everyone is upbeat. I hope in the next few days we would be able to satisfy the perspective and the sentiments of everyone,” he added.

Zubiri, for his part, said that with the weight on their shoulders, and the gravity of their tasks ahead, the 29 lawmakers from Senate and House of Representative should remember that “the Constitution, being the supreme law of the land, sets both the latitude and delimitations of what we can incorporate in this Basic Law.”

“Within the limits set by the Constitution and other laws, we will give the widest latitude in reconciling the two versions of the bill to achieve self-governance and real autonomy in the Bangsamoro,” Zubiri said during his opening speech.

House Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas meanwhile appealed to his colleagues to also be guided by the Constitution because the BBL would “surely be challenged.”

“I appeal to everybody that we work hand in hand. As senator Migz stated, we have to be guided by the Constitution. We have to make sure that everything that we do here will be compliant with the Constitution because surely this will be challenged,” Fariñas said.

“It is our task that whatever we agreed here will have to pass the test of constitutionality,” he added.

The committee will conduct its meetings from Monday, July 9, to Friday, July 13, at Crowne Plaza on Ortigas Avenue in Pasig City.

Both chambers of Congress aim to ratify the harmonized version of the BBL on the morning of July 23, and subsequently submit it to President Rodrigo Duterte in the afternoon for signing, in time for his third State of the Nation Address. /cbb

Tiffany I Saw Him Standing There

Duterte warns Villar on delayed, failed gov’t projects

By Argyll Cyrus Geducos

President Duterte said he will hold Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar responsible for delayed or failed projects of the national government.

Duterte made the statement after he bewailed about how government projects or programs end up getting investigated, and how these projects or programs are delayed due to graft and corruption.

In his speech during the opening ceremony of the National Science and Technology Week in Davao City, Duterte said that the Philippines will never progress in the next 30 years if graft and corruption will not be stopped.

“Wala akong nakitang p***** i**** daan dito sa Pilipinas na natapos on time na hindi produced ng (I have not seen a road in the Philippines that was completed on time and is not produced by) graft and corruption,” Duterte said Friday evening.

“Every program of the government ends up in an investigation,” he added.

The President said that he does not want any more delayed or failed projects under his administration, adding that he will hold Villar responsible if something of the sort happens.

“I’m exacting now something of like this. ‘Yang project mo pagka pumalpak (If your project fails), I will hold the Secretary responsible,” Duterte stated.

“Pag may highway diyan na palpak, the city engineer at itong (If there is a failed highway there, the city engineer, and the) project engineer or whatever, if there is delay or slippage, they call it, and it is about 20 percent perfect, you are out. I will cancel the contract,” he added.

Duterte then warned all Cabinet secretaries, particularly Villar, that he does not want to see any delayed national government projects starting Saturday. If not, the President said they would have to answer to him.

“So I would like to call the attention of the secretaries, especially Secretary Villar, that if there is any slippage of any work of any kind by the national government. If you delay or if I see tomorrow, beginning tomorrow… and you are all invited to see me in Malacañang,” he said.

Duterte also advised the public to sue the government if they get into an accident due to one of its projects.

“‘Yung dinadaan araw-araw ng tao, hindi inaayos. Marami nang nahuhulog diyan, marami nang namatay (They are not fixing the roads that people are using everyday. A lot of people met accidents died, a lot have died). It’s almost a nonchalant so make it a criminal issue,” he said.

“‘Pag nahulog ka diyan, nabunggo ka (If you fall in a hole there or get bumped) [because it is] unlighted, uncovered, ganoon (things like that), you sue the government. Pagka — siguradong manalo kayo diyan (You will surely win),” he added.

“Sue the government and I will sue the supervisor and maybe ask the Secretary, ‘Kindly explain to me kung bakit ganito ang sitwasyon (why is the situation like this),'” he continued.

The government has laid out 75 projects under its ambitious “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program spearheaded by the DPWH. The government is set to spend at least P8 trillion to fund the said projects until 2022, based on the program’s website.

Swiss challenge

Duterte then said that he now wants the Swiss challenge to be the main mode of procurement in government projects, instead of public bidding as the former is less prone to corruption.

“Lahat gusto ko Swiss challenge na lang (I want everything to be done under the Swiss challenge now). Swiss challenge, you produce the bridge and I’ll pay you. If you do not publish it in accordance with the specs, as my specifications, I will not pay you,” he said.

“Kasi lahat ng (Because every) highway acquisition or easements, to widen the shoulders of the road or to make it a full-length ends up in corruption… kung lahat itong p** — walang mangyari sa gobyerno (If everything will be like that, nothing will happen in this government),” he added.

The Swiss challenge is a form of public procurement where, in this case, the government publishes an unsolicited bid or proposal for third parties to match or exceed it.

The government earlier announced that the rehabilitation of the war-torn Marawi City in Lanao del Sur will undergo the Swiss challenge.

‘The Clash’ premieres tonight

‘The Clash’ host Regine Velasquez-Alcasid (Photo from ‘The Clash’ Facebook page)

Singing competition “The Clash” airs its first episode tonight on GMA Network. The show has 62 “clashers” chosen from auditions held in the three regions of the country – Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Host is Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, while the judges are Lani Misalucha, Christian Bautista and Ai Ai delas Alas. Andre Paras and Joyce Pring give updates on the aspirants’ quest for musical stardom.

Regine advised the contestants to “create your own mark, emulate but make your own identity.”

Lani is also excited to be working again with Regine, Christian and Ai Ai. “We’ll be working as a team to choose who will be the first champion,” she said.

Christian, on his part, added “for me they’ll get my vote if in terms of singing , they choose the right song and sing it properly. And of course, in terms of performance, they have to connect with us – the TV audience to make us feel their song.”

Ai Aicommended the uniqueness of the show and how it can give the contestants the chance to prove themselves.

“The Clash” airs Saturdays and Sundays.

• • •

Binondo Lineup

The acclaimed “Binondo, A Tsinoy Musical” will have it’s last two days today and tomorrow at The Theater of Solaire Resort and Casino.

For the 3.p.m. show today, the performers are Carla Guevara as Lily; David Ezra as Ah Tiong,!and Noel Rayos as Carlos. For the 8 p.m. show, the performers are Shiela Valderrama as Lily; Arman Ferrer as Ah Tiong and Floyd Tena as Carlos.

On July 8, the final performers are Carla, David and Floyd.

• • •

ABS-CBN, GMA hold on to ratings lead

Media giants ABS-CBN Corp. and GMA Network Inc. mainly held on to their respective leads in national and urban television ratings.

On Tuesday, the two companies announced ratings data for June 2018, citing data from different third-party research firms.

ABS-CBN said it had a nationwide ratings lead of 45 percent against GMA’s 32 percent, based on data from Kantar Media.

For its part, GMA said it had a total day people audience share average of 41.6 percent in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM) versus ABS-CBN’s 38.3 percent.

GMA uses data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

Between the two companies, GMA’s has historically highlighted its performance in heavily populated areas, in particular, urban Luzon and mega Manila.

In Urban Luzon, GMA posted an average total day people audience share of 46.4 percent, more than ABS-CBN’s 32.6 percent.

In Mega Manila, it cornered a share of 48.1 percent versus ABS-CBN’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, Celebrity Bluff, 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, Tadhana, and Contessa.

ABS-CBN, meanwhile, sought to underscore its lead in Metro Manila. ABS-CBN said it got an average audience share of 43 percent against GMA’s 29 percent.

It was also ahead in Total Luzon, with 41 percent against GMA’s 36 percent.

ABS-CBN also said that for June 2018, it cornered 54 percent in Total Visayas against GMA’s 24 percent. In Mindanao, it was 53 percent for ABS-CBN against 26 percent for GMA.

ABS-CBN also said it won the ratings war in the prime-time block, saying it got an audience share of 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), ASAP, 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.

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.


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

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, July 7, go to Dingdong Avanzado, Imelda Ilanan, Bong Chavez, Jack Teotico, Grace Figues, Bert Pasquin, Christian Wenceslao, Dr. Ben Dorado, Dr. Candy Apacible, Adela Martinez, Charles Owen, Venus Raj and John Lapus…July 8: Willie Nepomuceno, Ces Drilon, Sunny Ilacad, Priscilla Ty, Miloy Trinidad, Evel dela Cruz, Liza Velasco, Emylou del Castillo, Jude Bautista, Carmela Hobrado, Viz Bonalos, Nini Rubia-Enrique and Gardo Verzosa…July 9: Atty. Jessie Eustaquio, Baby Joson, Rod Ongpauco, Susan Banaria, Mark Tobias, Cristina Ablaza, Cheryl de Leon, Bam Romana, Loretta Lina, Vince Bersola and Empoy Marquez…

WATCH | Lacson kay Alvarez: Pirmahan na ang naipasang National ID system

Gov't on track to achieve growth goals: DOF

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said Friday that Filipinos have reason to remain confident in the Philippines’ growth story, given that economic indicators point to a positive direction as the Duterte administration continues to “do the right things at the right time.”

Dominguez said the government is well on its way to providing the inclusive development that the people have long aspired for now that the economy is on course to be among the region’s growth leaders.

Global developments such as increased protectionism and oil price swings could pose numerous challenges ahead to the country’s economic resurgence, he said, but the long-elusive inclusive growth and higher incomes that Filipinos deserve are "still within reach as the government will relentlessly push reforms to modernize all sectors of the economy with the same vigor that the Duterte presidency has demonstrated over the past two years."

While inflation was slightly elevated during the year’s first half, averaging around 4.3 percent, Dominguez said this is understandable for a fast-growing economy, and is expected to return within the target range set by the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) of 4.0 to 4.5 percent within the year with the likely consolidation of the peso’s exchange rate, easing of oil prices in the world market and stabilization of rice supply.

Dominguez said economies like the Philippines that are expanding at a fast pace tend to put pressure on supply, especially with a tax reform law--Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN)--that has now increased the purchasing power of Filipino consumers.

Along with an inflation uptick brought about by rising demand, Dominguez said the massive importation of capital goods needed for the “Build, Build, Build” program has also increased the trade deficit and weakened the peso, while the rice situation pushed prices of the grain to abnormal levels.

“None of these factors are permanent infirmities,” Dominguez said at the “Tatak ng Pag-Unlad” Pre-State-of-the- Nation Address (SONA) Forum of the Cabinet’s Economic Development Cluster that was held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) this morning.

“But without the tax reform and the infrastructure program that it is funding, we will continue to suffer from high cost of production and transportation,” he added. “With the tax reform and better infrastructure, the road to higher productivity, and thus lower and stable inflation is within reach.”

He said the bill that will liberalize rice imports by shifting trading from quantitative restrictions to tariffs is now in the final stages of legislation and when implemented into law would ensure adequate supplies of the grain, and thus normalize retail prices.

Moreover, the speedier implementation of the unconditional cash transfer (UCT) program for the poorest Filipino families will help ease inflation's impact, which will be further improved with the implementation of a national ID system, Dominguez said.

Mission Journal: Duterte leads tri-pronged attack on press amid condemnation of controversial policies

Pia Randa is in Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte's crosshairs. At presidential press conferences, Duterte has repeatedly singled out the reporter by name and referred to Rappler, the news site where she works, as "fake news" and her reporting as "corrupt" and "biased" against his administration.

Ranada told CPJ that Duterte has called her a "traitor," and not a "true Filipino," and threatened that "something" would happen to her if she traveled to Davao, a city where he served as mayor for over two decades and which is currently renowned as the nation's murder capital. She said she has also received anonymous rape, death and other threats in emails and via social media over her critical coverage.

In February, Duterte's government banned all Rappler journalists from reporting from Malacañang, the presidential palace. "Aside from making it extra emotionally draining and sometimes scary to write something critical about him, it also sends a message to other reporters that this could happen to them," Ranada said.

Reporters, editors and advocates told CPJ in May that the government is using a tri-pronged approach to intimidate the press via verbal assaults, social media attacks, and threats to withdraw media groups' licenses or hit their commercial interests to encourage self-censorship when reporting on sensitive issues. Those issues include Duterte's controversial drug war, a campaign that rights groups say has led to over 12,000 killings since he took office.

Ranada and Rappler are prime targets of Duterte's media intimidation tactics, a campaign of harassment to undermine the credibility of critical independent reporters and public confidence in the press.

The Securities and Exchange Commission ruled in January that Rappler violated constitutional provisions banning foreign ownership and control of media organizations and ordered its registration revoked. Rappler--whose founder and executive editor Maria Ressa is CPJ's 2018 Gwen Ifill Press Freedom awardee-has been allowed to continue operating while the ruling is under appeal.

The harassment sent a warning to other media organizations that they could be next if their reporting is perceived as overly critical of Duterte's government, journalists, editors and press freedom advocates said.

"Some media think we are getting what we deserve. In this manner [Duterte] has divided us," Ranada said. "The media who are supportive [of Rappler] are too scared to speak out for fear of reprisal. I don't blame them."

Duterte set a threatening tone from the start of his presidency, saying in reference to the case of a murdered journalist in his hometown of Davao: "Just because you're a journalist you are not exempted from assassination if you're a son of a bitch." At the same press briefing, he said, "Freedom of expression cannot help you if you have done something wrong."

"From day one, the president rationalized the killing of journalists," said Inday Espina-Varona, a reporter of over three decades and former chairwoman of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), a local press freedom group. "That set the tone for his relations with the media."

The stakes for controlling the narrative are high for Duterte's government. The Hague-based International Criminal Court said earlier this year it has started a preliminary inquiry into whether Duterte's drug campaign caused crimes against humanity.

Underscoring the sensitivity, police visited the Reuters' bureau in Manila to check reporters' credentials, in what local journalists and advocates described as an unprecedented act of intimidation. Earlier this year, Reuters won a Pulitzer Prize for its exposé on the drug war.

Duterte's antagonism towards the media is often perpetuated by pro-government supporters who frequently criticize and sometimes threaten reporters online and over social media, especially in response to their coverage of Duterte's war on drugs and other controversial policies.

Several journalists told CPJ they have received threatening messages via social media or online over their critical coverage.

"It's not 10 silly people, it's a flood, hundreds and thousands in a day," said Espina-Varona, a regular contributor to local broadcaster ABS-CBN. "It's bad enough that they highjack lucid [online] conversations on important news topics, but when the criticism turns to threats it also starts to take a psychological toll."

Felipe Villamor, a Manila-based reporter for The New York Times whose social media accounts are swarmed with critical comments, said he believes many of the comments are manufactured through an algorithm and disseminated on a loop under false user names to create the illusion of a mass pro-government response. "Many of the comments use the exact same language, but from different users," said Villamor. "It has the hallmarks of a state-funded troll farm."

Gemma Bagayaua-Mendoza, head of Rappler's research and content strategy, says the site's internal monitoring and analysis of the comments shows that many are spread via "sockpuppets", or fake online users. She said the site's comment boards and reporters' social media accounts are deluged with attack words, including "presstitutes," "biased," and the local language word for paid, in what they believe is an attempt to undermine Rappler's credibility.

Pro-Duterte social media "influencers" --some of whom now work as government spokespeople and advisers--often follow the president's lead by producing and disseminating online memes and other crude caricatures of reporters he singled out for criticism. One meme with nearly 250,000 views portrayed Ranada with a Hitler-like moustache as she asked a question of Duterte at a press conference.

The change in tone in online forums coincided directly with Duterte's rise to power in mid-2016 and caught many of the news group's reporters and administrators by surprise, says Stacy de Jesus, Rappler's head of social media. She said that some of reporters sought trauma counseling and others left the news group altogether due to fears for their safety.

Rappler's social media team spends much of its working time on "crisis management" to counter false claims and criticism spread online against its reporting. "It's meant to wear you out so can't do your job anymore," said Bagayaua-Mendoza. "It's really an attack on the entire media industry."

The political opposition is looking into whether the government may have diverted funds from public relations budgets allocated to Duterte's Communications Office to finance "covert pro-government trolling operations," opposition senator Antonio Trillanes said.

The call for an investigation comes in response to a Commission of Audit report released in May that found alleged anomalies in the allocation of a 1 billion peso (US$18.7 million) budget allocated to promote the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit held in in Manila in late 2017.

"The information that we are getting is that there are paid trolls, there is a troll farm that is operating covertly," said Trillanes. "They handle thousands of fake accounts to create impressions that are consistent with the interests of the Duterte administration."

Duterte's spokespeople have denied that the government maintains "troll farms" aimed at intimidating and harassing reporters. Calls from CPJ to government spokesperson Harry Roque went unanswered. The Secretary of the Presidential Communications Operations Office, Martin Andanar, did not immediately reply to CPJ's emailed request for comment.

Some journalists said they fear Duterte may move more overtly against big media groups as pressure builds on his administration. Duterte last year said he would ask Congress to block the renewal of local broadcaster ABS-CBN's franchise--due for renewal 2020--for allegedly failing to run his political advertisements.

Duterte has also dangled threats against the Philippine Daily Inquirer, the country's largest circulation independent English language daily. In public speeches, Duterte claimed the paper's owner, the Prieto family, failed to pay the full amount of taxes allegedly owed on a downtown Manila property and that the Inquirer owed 8 billion pesos (US$150 million) in back taxes.

Nestor Burgos, the Inquirer's presidential palace reporter, said the president's rhetoric makes his job more difficult because government workers and supporters, particularly those close to Duterte, have started to deny him access to sources and information. He has also come under threat on social media, with Duterte's supporters claiming to know where he lives and that he should "be careful with his life."

"Malacañang keeps on saying that the president's occasional tirades to the press-- to the Inquirer, to Rappler, to ABS-CBN-- has not violated press freedom because he has not detained any journalists, that it is just his casual language," said Burgos. "But we journalists, especially those who work for companies he has berated, are exposed to attacks from his defenders. We are under constant threat."

[Reporting from Manila]

Catching up

At a press conference last Wednesday in Clark, DOTr Secretary Art Tugade admitted the LRT-1 extension project to Cavite is delayed. But he assured, they have a catch-up program that would enable them to meet a 2021 completion deadline.

Sec. Tugade gave no details and expect the people to take his word that they will be, able to catch up. Or maybe, Tugade is saying he will be able to partially deliver by 2021 the segment between Baclaran and Dr. Santos in Sucat where there is no right of way problem.

The problem with the project as a whole is the lack of right of way. The Aquino administration bought land in Cavite intended for ROW that was about five kilometers away from the alignment.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez also spoke of the NLEX-SLEX extension road project during the press conference. But it seems he was talking of the other extension road project, the one being undertaken by Metro Pacific. Sec. Sonny is right to point out that he was able to give the project the green light almost as soon as he took office.

An unexplained animosity of P-Noy with Manny Pangilinan (“baka masyadong yumaman si Manny”) made that proposal sleep during P-Noy’s term. That is unfortunate because like the San Miguel version, the road will greatly alleviate traffic congestion in Metro Manila.

But Sec. Sonny is wrong to say that Metro Pacific’s project is going smoothly after his green light. I found out that it has suffered at least a couple of snags that government officials must fix now to avoid further delay.

For one, PNR is unhappy it is getting nothing out of the deal that will use PNR’s right of way. The contract apparently failed to give PNR anything for the use of its land.

The PNR head stopped the project while he negotiates something for the rail company. He may have a point since PNR needs all the money it can get from its assets to be able to improve its own services.

This is the problem with government. It has mini kingdoms that the top bosses aren’t even aware of. The mini sultans apparently have the power to stop big national projects as they protect their fiefdom’s interest.

PNR also caused problems with the San Miguel connector road project when it refused to allow NGCP to move their poles to PNR land, as requested by the Toll Regulatory Board. The problem between two agencies (PNR and TRB), both under Sec. Art Tugade, remained unresolved for a long time.

I guess Sec. Sonny also doesn’t know the Metro Pacific connector road project has another problem that will eventually slow its execution. This problem involves the common alignment it has with San Miguel’s connector road project.

Because government had been unable to get the ROW needed by San Miguel, the faster alternative was to move the alignment to pass over the San Juan River. San Miguel hired a French company to do this part of the project, taking a portion of the alignment out of DMCI’s hands.

The problem is that the new San Miguel alignment is further away from Metro Pacific’s alignment over the PNR tracks. Unless government steps in to reconcile the two projects’ alignment, there will be more delays.

I noticed during the Clark event that the economic managers looked worried and frustrated about the public perception of little or no progress on the infrastructure projects. They were particularly defensive about why projects are delayed, blaming rules meant to safeguard government funds.

That’s a good sign. But they must translate their worry to more attention to implementation details and greater transparency on status of projects.

It is also only half true to say PPP projects take longer to execute. Most of the time, it is government that takes long to approve PPP projects.

NEDA officials don’t like PPP and take their time processing proposals. DOF also took a decade to approve MRT 7. But when the go signal to construct is given, PPP delivers fast and the Mactan Cebu Terminal 2 is a good example.

The time for general and self serving statements on the BBB projects is over. We need a public listing of the status of each project approved by NEDA and how the current status affects delivery date.

It would really help government’s credibility if there is one BBB czar whose job is to get into the details of implementation and troubleshoot causes of delay. Unless there is close monitoring of projects, only a miracle will enable them to deliver as promised and on time.

PITC

PITC wrote to clarify its involvement in the procurement of PNP equipment worth over a billion pesos which COA said was badly implemented... with many items still undelivered.

PITC emphasized that it only acted as PNP’s procurement agent and is PNP’s supplier. PITC procured those items in accordance with established procedures under the R.A. 9184 and its revised 2016 IRR – otherwise known as the Government Procurement Reform Act.

PITC said it still has to rely on the PNP to provide clear, complete, sound, and updated terms of reference (TOR) for each project. PITC said it did not procure the Mahindra Patrol Jeeps for the PNP.

PITC also was unhappy about their experience as PNP procurement agent. PITC said it encountered various challenges and delays in the procurement of some of the equipment due to several revisions in the PNP TOR and failure of bidding due to non-compliant bidders.

PITC is washing its hands on the delayed delivery. It said that for those projects with clear and complete TOR, PITC successfully awarded and delivered Genetic DNA equipment, dental x-rays, 25 KVA gensets, 10 KVA gensets, laptops and computers. PITC claims they have been transparent in their transactions.

I guess the forthcoming Senate hearings will tell us the whole story.

Govt eyes Subic airport reopening

CAPAS, Tarlac: The Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) could return to operation in the second quarter of 2019 under a revival plan, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said on Wednesday.

“The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is proposing for the revival of airport,” Tugade said in a briefing at the site of the proposed New Government Administrative Center in New Clark City.

The airport fell into disuse after American logistics giant Federal Express closed its Subic hub in 2009. The SBMA last year proposed to spend P300 billion to upgrade the facility on top of a P540-million appropriation.

Tugade said the government would focus on fixing aviation facilities but declined to give a cost estimate.

Senator Richard Gordon, who used to be mayor of Olongapo and later SBMA chairman, has called on the government to consider reopening SBIA in a bid to decongest Metro Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).


Re-opening the Subic airport would complement the operation of nearby Clark International Airport, which is also being developed as and alternative to NAIA.

Tugade: Subic airport to reopen in H1 of 2019

CAPAS, TARLAC—The government plans to start passenger operations for the Subic Bay International Airport by the first half of next year, Transport Secretary Arthur P. Tugade said Wednesday.

“We’re closely looking at making the Subic airport operational again,” Tugade said during the economic managers’ press briefing on the “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program at the site of the soon-to-rise National Government Administrative Center in New Clark City.

The revival of the airport at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone will complement development at the Clark Freeport Zone, as these two economic zones will be connected by a railway, Tugade said.

The transport chief said the planned reopening of the airport was in response to the request of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, the investment promotion agency that administers the free port.

To recall, the airport was abandoned by courier FedEx in 2009 after it relocated its Asian hub to China.

Tugade said the airport’s structure was still sound, but in terms of aviation safety standards, new airport equipment had to be acquired.

The Department of Transportation-attached Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines will fund the provision of navigation equipment, he said.

Operations will start by the first or second quarters of 2019, Tugade said.

Later asked by the Inquirer if the airport would cater to commercial or passenger operations, he said it would serve air passengers.

Last year, the SBMA said the upgrade of the equipment of Subic Bay International Airport would cost about $40 million.—BEN O. DE VERA

Read more: http://business.inquirer.net/253528/tugade-subic-airport-reopen-h1-2019#ixzz5Kk3eXKqz
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Gov’t eyes reopening of Subic Int’l airport in Q2 2019 —Tugade

CAPAZ, Tarlac — The Duterte administration is planning to reopen for commercial operations the idle Subic Bay International Airport by the second quarter of 2019, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said Wednesday.

"We are now closely looking at making the Subic Airport operational once again. We are in serious talks with the Subic authorities," Tugade said during a press briefing at the site of the National Government Administrative Center here.

"I think, sa tamang panahon, magiging operational po iyan... siguro hindi aabutan ng first or second quarter next year," the Transport chief said.

The Cabinet official said if operations were to resume at the Subic Bay airport, its aviation instruments need to be upgraded first to ensure that aircraft will safely land.

"If you have to look at the infrastructure, walang problema diyan," Tugade said.

Asked for the cost of the Subic airport's rehabilitation, the Transport secretary refused to give estimates.

Tugade said the reopening of the Subic airport will complement the expansion of the Clark International Airport in Pampanga and may help ease air traffic congestion at the country's main gateway Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

In 2010, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Administrator had planned to convert the airport as it had been losing money after US logistics firm Federal Express transferred its Asia Pacific deliver hub to Guangzhou, China in 2009.  — MDM, GMA News

Borongan diocese reopens radio station after 13-year closure

Bishop Crispin Varquez leads the relaunching of the DYVW-AM radio station in Borongan City on June 26, 2018. ALREN BERONIO/ESTE NEWS

Thirteen years after it went off the air, the Diocese of Borongan’s radio station will be heard again over the air waves.

Bishop Crispin Varquez led the relaunching of the DYVW-AM station located on Baybay Boulevard in Borongan City on June 26.

With the use of social media and live streaming platforms, the station’s programs will also be broadcasted globally.

“With the use of our radio station and live streaming online, we can bring objective news and information to our people,” Varquez said.

The diocese has re-branded its media facilities as the Voice of the Word Media Network (VWMN) that includes a cable TV channel, an online news service, a local newspaper, a terrestrial AM Radio and an online FM radio which are intended to help, among others, arrest the spread of disinformation and fake news.

“This is a big challenge for us in the Church, how we counter the fake news done by irresponsible people who just want to advance their selfish goals and interests,” said Varquez.

Fr. Neil Tenefrancia, the assistant director of the Diocesan Commission on Mass Media and Social Communications, said “all programs will be on teleradio that can be viewed in the local cable TV, and will be streamed live on Facebook and Youtube.”

In his message, Papal nuncio Archbishop Gabriele Caccia lauded the project, saying that instruments for social communication are “great gifts from God” and should be utilized for the common good.

“The use of these media by the Church ought to be exemplary and reflect the highest models of truthfulness, while being at the same time instruments of hope,” Caccia said.

“I wish you many more years of service to the Gospel and to the truth it proclaims,” he added.

Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara of Pasig, head of the church’s Episcopal Commission on Social Communications, also hailed the diocese “for responding to the call to proclaim the Good News” through the media.

“A diocese that recognizes social communications as a tool for evangelization in the digital age
is truly commendable,” he said.

The diocesan radio station building and the 180-foot antenna tower that were built in 1991 were totally destroyed by super typhoon Yolanda in 2013.

The reopening of the radio station coincided with the relocation of the dioceses’ various other media initiatives within the old DYVW compound including the editorial office of its Este News Service and newspaper.

AUDIT AND ASSESSMENT OF MRT-3, NEW TRAINS COMPLETED; DOTR TO DISCUSS RESULTS WITH DALIAN

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade reported that the Independent Audit and Assessment for the entire MRT-3 system, including the 48 train cars from Dalian, China, has been completed.

In a press briefing at the National Government Administratove Center (NGAC) site in Capas, Tarlac earlier, Secretary Tugade said that the results of the third party audit conducted by TUV Rheinland, a certified certifier, will be further discussed with representatives from Dalian Corp.

"Tapos na po ang audit. The report will be discussed with Dalian at sana ho huwag nating pangunahan. Kapag tapos na ang mga pag-uusap, kakausapin ko kayo on the firm and final position on these trains," Tugade told members of the media.

The safety audit, which started on January 3, 2018, will determine the extent of rehabilitation works that needed to be done on the MRT-3. At the same time, it also looked into the condition of the new Dalian coaches, and whether they are in accordance with the Terms of Reference, among others.

"Is the evaluation showing that the submission is complete and in accordance to the TOR? Answer is no. Is the non-compliance substantive and prejudicial to safety and comfort of passengers? That we will find out during the discussion with Dalian. Abangan ang susunod na kabanata," said Tugade.

In addition, Secretary Tugade said that Japanese company Sumitomo-MHI are expected to return and come on board in the next couple of months as the maintenance provider of MRT-3. This comes after the exchange of Note Verbales in January 2018 between the governments of the Philippines and Japan, and advance discussions with Sumitomo-MHI on the MRT-3 Rehabilitation Project. Signing of a loan agreement is targeted to happen this month, to be immediately followed by the mobilization of Sumitomo as maintenance provider of the MRT-3.