Monday, November 12, 2018

Filipino Sign Language declared as nat’l sign language of Filipino deaf

By Genalyn Kabiling

The Filipino Sign Language (FSL) is the national sign language in the country based on a new law signed by President Duterte.

In Republic Act No. 11106, the Filipino Sign Language has been declared as national sign language of the Filipino deaf as well as the official sign language of government in all transactions involving the deaf.

The law, also known as the Filipino Sign Language Act, also mandated the use of the FSL in schools, broadcast media and workplaces.

“The FSL shall be recognized, promoted, and supported as the medium of official communication in all transactions involving the deaf, and as the language of instruction of deaf education without prejudice to the use of other forms of communication depending on individual choice or preference,” the law read.

“The State shall also take all appropriate measures to ensure that the Filipino deaf can exercise the right to expression and opinion. Accordingly, the State recognizes and promotes the use of sign languages embodying the specific cultural and linguistic identity of the Filipino deaf,” it added.

Under the law, the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and other national and local government agencies involved in the education of the deaf have been tasked to start using FSL as the medium of instruction in deaf education.

The FSL will also be taught as a separate subject in the curriculum for deaf learners. The reading and writing of Filipino, as the national language, other Philippine languages, and English shall also be taught to deaf learners.

To promote licensing of deaf teachers, the Professional Regulation Commission and other teacher education programs have been directed to employ alternative assessment procedures to consider the conditions, abilities and social barriers of deaf teachers.

The learning of FSL will also be a curricular in teacher education programs. Regular training and evaluation of deaf teachers have also been ordered.

The Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) has also been directed to establish a system of standards, accreditations and procedures for FSL interpreting.

RA 11106 also declared FSL as the official language of legal interpreting for the deaf in public hearings, proceedings and transactions of the courts, quasi-judicial agencies and tribunals.

It will also be the official language of the Filipino deaf employed in the civil service and in all government workplaces.

State hospitals and other health facilities must also provide access to health services, including free provision of FSL interpreters and accessible materials, to deaf patients and their families members. Private health facilities are also urged to extend the same service.

The new law also directed all national agencies and local government units to use FSL as the medium of official commutation in public transactions involving the deaf. FSL interpreters and accessible materials must also be provided whenever necessary.

To guarantee access to information and freedom of expression of the deaf, the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) and Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) would require FSL interpreter insets in news and public affairs programs within a year from the effectivity of the law.

The MTRCB has also been directed to take steps to promote the use of FSL in all other broadcasts and programming especially programs designed for children.

An Interagency Council has also been created to monitor and implement the new law.

The law signed on October 30, takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or newspaper.

New law mandates use of sign language

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law a measure mandating the use of Filipino sign language in all government transactions, schools, broadcast media, and workplaces in a bid to ensure deaf people's "full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms."

Republic Act (RA) 11106, or "The Filipino Language Act", declares Filipino sign language as the national language of the Philippines that should be "recognized, promoted, and supported as the medium of official communication in all transactions involving the deaf."

Duterte's new law directed the Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and other government agencies involved in the education of deaf learners to coordinate with each other on the use of sign language.

Under RA 11106, Filipino sign language should be taught as a separate subject for deaf students. Reading and writing of Filipino, other Philippine languages, and English should also be taught to deaf learners.

The learning of Filipino sign language should also be a curricular or co-curricular in teacher education programs, "as deemed appropriate," the new law noted.

In deaf teachers' case, the Professional Regulation Commissioner was tasked to employ "language-appropriate and culture-fair" procedures, an affirmative action measures that would consider the conditions, abilities, and social barriers of the hearing-impaired educators.

The new law also directed the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino, with the involvement of the deaf community and other stakeholders, to establish a national system of standards, accreditations and procedures for Filipino sign language interpreting, without prejudice to other forms of communication that respect the deaf person's right to accessibility.

Under the law, sign language should also be the official language of legal interpreting for the deaf in all public hearings, proceedings, and transactions of the courts, quasi-judicial agencies, and otehr tribunals.

RA 11106 thus ordered quasi-judicial agencies and other tribunals to ensure the availability fo a qualified sign language interpreter in all proceedings involving the deaf "to ensure effective access to to justice for the deaf on an equal basis with others and to facilitate their effective role as direct and indirect participants in the legal system."

The Filipino sign language should also be the official language of the Filipino deaf employed in the civil service and in all government workplaces, Duterte's newly-signed law emphasized.

All government offices were instructed to come up with "reasonable" measures to encourage the use of Filipino sign language among its deaf and hearing employees, which include the conduct of awareness and training seminars on the rationale and use of the sign language.

The new law also mandated state and private hospitals and health facilities to take steps to ensure access of the Filipino deaf to health services by providing free provision of sign language interpreters and other accessible materials.

All government agencies, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, were likewise directed to use Filipino sign language as the medium of official communication in all public transactions involving the deaf.

Qualified sign language interpreters and accessible materials should be prvided "whenever necessary or requested," during government agencies' fora, conferences, meetings, cultural events, sports competitions, community affairs, and acitivities.

The Filipino sign language should also be the language of broadcast media interpreting to "guarantee access to information and freedom of expression of the filipino deaf."

The Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) were instructed to require sign language interpreters insets, compliant with accessibility standards for television, in news and public affairs and religious programs.

Subsequently, the MTRCB should take steps to promote progressive use of Filipino sign language in all other broadcasts and programming, especially in educational television programs designed for children, in conjunction with the National Council for Children's Television and the DepEd.

Duterte's RA 11106 also created an inter-agency council, which should consist of one representative each from the Commission on Human Rights, Council for the Welfare of Children, the Philippine Commission on Women, the Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino, and the Filipino Sign Language organizations or institutions.

The inter-agency council was ordered to submit an annual report on the monitoring and implementation of the law to the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Duterte signed RA 11106 on October 30, but a copy of the law was released by MalacaƱang only on Monday, November 12. (SunStar Philippines)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1773638/Manila/New-law-mandates-use-of-sign-language

2019 budget, rice tariff bill top Congress priorities

THE GOVERNMENT’s proposed P3.757-trillion national budget for 2019 and a bill that will slash rice retail prices will be in the homestretch for approval by Congress, which resumes session today, according to lawmakers in separate interviews late last week.

The 17th Congress next takes a break on Dec. 15 to Jan. 21 and returns to work on Jan. 22 to Feb. 8 before adjourning for the May elections. It then resumes session for the last time on May 20-June 7.

Deputy Speaker Prospero A. Pichay, Jr. said in a telephone interview on Saturday that the 2019 “budget” will be first among priorities, adding: “By next week, we’ll pass it on third reading.”

The chamber had passed on second reading House Bill (HB) No. 8169, or the proposed national budget for 2019, before Congress adjourned on Oct. 13.

House Ways and Means Committee chairperson Estrellita B. Suansing of Nueva Ecija’s 1st district said next in her sights are the proposed tax amnesty and mining tax reform measures that should be approved by yearend.

She said much remains to be done with the tax amnesty proposal, however, saying by phone: “ibabalik ko sya sa (I will return the bill to a) technical working group” for refinement.

“Target na matapos siya sa third and final itong session na ‘to, so meaning up to December (The target is to approve the bill on third and final reading by Dec. 14),” she said, adding that the same deadline will be observed for HB 8400, which gives government a bigger share in mining revenues, which the chamber approved on second reading last month.

The proposed 2019 national budget also tops priorities in the Senate, with Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III saying via text that his chamber may “have to work overtime” to assure December approval if the House does not forward the measure soon.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel F. Zubiri said the Senate will also approve the rice tariffication bill — which the House approved in August — on final reading by next week. The bill replaces the current rice import quota system with one that frees up importation by the private sector in a bid to help ease overall inflation.

It is a key measure by the current administration of President Rodrigo R. Duterte to tame surging inflation that steadied at a nine-year-high 6.7% in October. The measure is expected to slash rice retail prices by P7 per kilogram and inflation by 0.7 percentage point.

“The rice tariffication (bill) is in the period of amendment. Hopefully by next or the next two weeks, we will approve the rice tariffication on third reading since it is a certified measure,” Mr. Zubiri told reporters at a media forum on Thursday last week.

He also committed to ratify the bicameral conference committee report on the universal healthcare bill once both chambers have will have reconciled their differences.

He also cited the Security of Tenure bill, which further restricts use of contractual modes of employment, and proposed Public Service Act amendments that will open up telecommunications to more foreign competition as Senate priorities.

Last week, Mr. Sotto enumerated other Senate priority measures as the proposed amendments to the Human Security Act, Medical Scholarship Act, Mindanao Railways Authority, General Tax Amnesty, Universal healthcare, Budget Reform Act, Rightsizing the National Government, Coconut Levy bill, Fair Elections Act amendments, Government Procurement Act amendments, traffic emergency powers and the Salary Standardization Law.

Mr. Zubiri said other priority measures include the Murang Kuryente (cheap electricity) and the Freedom of Information bills. — Charmaine A. Tadalan and Camille A. Aguinaldo

Budget, mining reform to top House agenda

AS Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo vowed to carry out the legislative agenda of President Duterte in the lower chamber, the House of Representatives is expected to resume its session on Monday with focus on several priority measures.

Arroyo said the House will focus to finish the administration’s legislative agenda, topped by the national budget, as the midterm elections in May 2019 is seen to cut their time frame.

Topping the list of pending key measures on the agenda for deliberations and approval are House Bill 8169, or the proposed “Fiscal Year 2019 General Appropriations Act,” and HB 8400, or “An Act Establishing The Fiscal Regime For The Mining Industry.”

House members have already approved on second reading HB 8169 or the Fiscal Year 2019 General Appropriations Bill (GAB), which provides for a national budget of P3.757 trillion for next year.

The House leadership said the timely approval of the budget ensures there will be no budget reenactment next year.

Mining
Also expected to be passed on third and final reading is HB 8400, seeking to establish the fiscal regime for the mining industry to ensure the government gets its rightful share in profits.

Arroyo led the list of the bill’s coauthors. She closely followed deliberations on the bill both in the committee and the plenary.

Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Rep. Estrellita Suansing of Nueva Ecija, citing Department of Finance data, said the government collected total taxes, fees and royalties from the mining industry in the amount of P32.76 billion in 2014, P30.07 billion in 2015 and P33.43 billion in 2016.

Presently, for large mines, mining contracts offer varying fiscal regimes and therefore fiscal burden is differentiated, Suansing said.

“Under this measure there is no more distinction on whether mining exploration is conducted outside or inside a mineral reservation and whether it is large scale or small scale. Equity dictates that fiscal burden should be shared equally by all who explore the natural resources of the country,” said Suansing.

Suansing said the bill shall significantly impact the government’s revenue generation effort, the mining industry’s growth, and the environment, which is under tremendous threat from certain destructive mining practices.

Federalism

Meanwhile, House Committee on Constitutional Amendments Chairman Vicente Veloso of Leyte said the lower chamber will still work hard toward federalism despite opposition of senators.

He said House leaders gave him the go-ahead to continue the Charter change deliberations as part of their job.

The lower chamber earlier adopted House Resolution (HR) 2056 authored by Arroyo, stating, “There is an urgent need to convene the Senate and the House of Representatives as Constituent Assembly in order to consider the proposed amendments to the 1987 Constitution.”

House members support a Constituent Assembly (Con-ass), saying convening Congress into an assembly will shorten the time needed for Cha-cha.

Arroyo also vowed to facilitate discussions on Cha-cha at the House of Representatives once Congress sits as a Con-ass.

Under the legislative calendar for the third regular session of the 17th Congress, Congress is expected to resume its session on November 12 and adjourn on December 14 for Christmas holidays.

The session will again resume on January 22 to February 8. But it will take another break on February 9 to May 19 for the midterm elections.

After the 2019 midterm elections, Congress will resume from May 20 to June 7 before its sine die adjourment from  June 8 to July 21, which is the end of the 17th Congress.

For Senate approval

The House approved on third and final reading and endorsed for Senate approval a total of 125 bills. These comprise 33 national and 91 local measures, and one joint resolution.

After the Senate approves these measures, bicameral conference committee meetings will be conducted to reconcile the differences between the Senate and House versions of the said bills.

Meanwhile, already pending at the bicameral conference are eight measures —five national bills and three local bills. The national bills are HB 7652, “The Mobile Number Portability Act”; HB 6769, “Prohibiting Discriminatory Acts Against Women on Account of Sex”; HB 5615 and SB 1716, “Establishing the National Sports Training Center”; HB 7449, “Appropriating the Sum of P1.161 billion as Supplemental Appropriations for Dengvaxia Vaccinees” which has been certified as urgent; and HB 5162, “Separating General Santos City from the First Legislative District of South Cotabato.”

778 processed measures

The House of Representatives has processed a total of 778 measures, or an average of 31 measures per session day, before Congress adjourned its session on October 10.

This translates to a total of 3,707 measures processed by the House from the opening of the 17th Congress on July 25, 2016.

Of the 778 processed measures during the third regular session, a total of 32 were enacted into law, eight of which were of national significance and 24 of local significance.

Meanwhile, 41 more measures are awaiting the President’s signature to become additional laws.

Apart from these landmark measures, the House ratified 10 bicameral reports, nine of which are of national importance and one of local significance.

Saturday, November 10, 2018

Duterte calls ABS-CBN a ‘thief’ and promises to block renewal of its license

Different time and place, same threat.

President Rodrigo Duterte yesterday threatened anew ABS-CBN Corporation, saying that he would block the renewal of their license which will expire on March 30, 2020. Duterte also accused the broadcasting company of fraud for failing to air his campaign ad in 2016, despite accepting payment for it.

Duterte has carried a grudge against ABS-CBN for quite a while. In March 2017, Rappler reported that Duterte said karma will catch up with ABS-CBN and the newspaper The Philippine Daily Inquirer for writing what he called “slanted” stories which painted him in an unflattering light.

Back then, the Inquirer was owned by the Prieto family. But eight months after Duterte made that speech, Ramon Ang, a businessman supportive of him, bought the newspaper.

The president’s hate for ABS-CBN resurfaced again yesterday during the ceremonial distribution of the certificates of land ownership in Malay, Aklan, reported CNN Philippines.

He accused ABS-CBN of broadcasting during the campaign his critic Senator Antonio Trillanes IV’s TV ad which he said called him a killer. The 30-second ad was noted for using child actors.

He also had a few choice words for Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III, ABS-CBN’s chairman emeritus.

CNN Philippines quoted him saying in English and Filipino: “You know what those fuckers are doing, you Gabby [Lopez]. You broadcast Trillanes’ advertisement. Children slammed me, [they said] ‘Duterte is a killer.’ According to the law, there was an injunction saying that’s not allowed, having child actors. And yet you went ahead with the show and made it public.”

He also accused them of acting like thieves.

ABS-CBN News quoted him saying: “I will let it (license renewal) pass. Your franchise will end. But let me ask you questions first. Because I will object to your renewal. You know why? Because you are thieves.”

Duterte claimed that his political ads in 2016 were not aired by ABS-CBN despite his camp having paid for it. ABS-CBN allegedly wanted to return the money to him but it was too late.

He also said Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero had the same experience with ABS-CBN. He said the network had committed fraud.

“They offered to pay and I refused to accept it because it was returned to me… proposed to return the money [but it] was too late after the election,” the Inquirer quoted him saying.

“When you do that to many people, it’s fraud. You’re actually a fraud when you actually received money and you don’t come up with your part of the bargain,” Duterte said.

ABS-CBN has not released a statement reacting to the president’s latest diatribe.

Back in April 2017 during the annual shareholders’ meeting, Lopez dismissed the president’s attacks.

He said: “Let me just say, we have not yet encountered an administration that at one point or another had not had some issue with the media in general, and ABS-CBN in particular.”

ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal remains pending in the House of Representatives. Unfortunately for the company even if Congress approves it, Duterte has the power to approve or veto it.

https://coconuts.co/manila/news/duterte-calls-abs-cbn-thief-promises-block-renewal-license/

Duterte to block ABS-CBN franchise renewal

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday renewed his threat to object to the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise, which will expire in 2020.

The President made the warning after again accusing the television network of not airing his campaign ad that was already paid during the 2016 presidential election.

“Kalakas ng loob… mukhang marami kami sila Chiz Escudero, tanggap nang tanggap. Niloko ninyo kami, marami hindi lang ako kaya kayo hindi ko kayo palusutin,” Duterte said in his speech during the distribution of land to agrarian reform beneficiaries in Boracay.

“‘Yung franchise ninyo matatapos na, but let me ask you (the) questions first, kasi ako talagang mag-object na ma-renew kayo,” he stressed.

Duterte also revealed that the television giant offered to return his payment but he refused to accept it because it was made after the election.

“They offered to pay and I refused to accept it because it was returned to me… proposed to return the money was too late after the election,” Duterte told reporters after the ceremony.

“When you do that to many people, it’s fraud. You’re actually a fraud when you actually received money and you don’t come up with your part in the bargain,” he added.

Duterte has repeatedly criticized ABS-CBN for the network’s alleged biased reporting, including on his supposed ill-gotten wealth and his controversial war on illegal drugs.

ABS-CBN’s franchise will expire on March 30, 2020 and its renewal remains pending in Congress.

In April last year, when Duterte first blasted the network, the owner of ABS-CBN Corp. brushed aside the President’s criticism of bias against the media giant, saying it came with the territory.


ABS-CBN fails standard—Duterte

ABS-CBN has failed to reach a standard of being a media outlet, President Rodrigo Duterte said Thursday as he renewed his threat to object to the renewal of the franchise of the TV network.

In his speech on Thursday evening, Duterte accused the network of refusing to air his campaign advertisement even if he had already paid for it during the 2016 presidential elections.

“F*** y**, you deceived us. There were many of us, not just me. That’s why I’m not going to let you slip past. Your franchise will end,” Duterte said in his speech during the distribution of land certificates to agrarian reform beneficiaries.

Duterte said that he gave his payment to ABS-CBN Corp. chairman emeritus Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez II to air his campaign ad.

“In the presidential debates, every intermission there were slides there. Me? I didn’t have [ad] because I don’t have money,” he said.

“But when I had it, I gave it to ABS-CBN and I told them, ‘Someone contributed a large money to me, for the first time I can pay you ABS-CBN.’ ABS-CBN received the payment, it was Gabby Lopez, but they never showed it,” remarked the President.

He was furious that the network appeared to have prioritized the airing of opposition Senator Antonio Trillanes IV’s campaign ad.

“My two million are still there with you. Now tell me why I should be angry,” he said.

“Your network ignores me up to now. I don’t need it, I’m not running you fools. But f***, when I hear it, I will tell every crowd ABS-CBN only wants money,” he added.

According to the president, he was not the only politician who experienced a problem with the network, adding even Senator Francis Escudero, and 20 other politicians, was in the same situation.

“I would really object that you would renew. You know why? You are thieves and swindlers,” he said, calling out the network’s commentators to review their own records.

During the media briefing after his speech, Duterte reiterated his tirade against the network.

The President said ABS-CBN even offered to return the money that he had paid but said it was “too late,” as he already labeled the network’s operations as a “fraud.”

“It’s fraud. You are actually a fraud if you received the money and you don’t come up with your part of the bargain... They have to answer for it. If they cannot explain to me why they should not be given an extension or how not to run an outfit,” he said.

He reiterated that he would oppose the “powerful” network’s franchise as ABS-CBN did not even apologize.

“They just offered and enclosed a check as a reimbursement. What reimbursement? It is not reimbursement. That money is the amount that they took from us and without returning it and without giving us the desired publication or the desired program that we pay them for,” Duterte said.

“I am just letting you know that ABS-CBN has not come up with a standard of being a media outlet or a medium of communication,” he added.

The President has repeatedly lambasted ABS-CBN for its alleged biased reportage on his supposed ill-gotten wealth and the crackdown on illegal drugs.

The television network’s franchise will expire on March 30, 2020, and its renewal still remains pending in Congress.

Friday, November 9, 2018

Senators wish Honasan well on DICT post

Senators on Friday congratulated their colleague, Senator Gringo Honasan, and wished him well after he accepted President Rodrigo Duterte’s offer to be the Secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

Honasan, who is set to be nominated to the post next week, said he decided to accept the President’s offer “for a better Philippines, a better government, for the Filipino people, and for a better future for our most precious children.”

Senate President Vicente Sotto III said while the former military officer would be missed by his fellow senators, he is confident that Honasan would do well in his new post.

“Although we will miss him in the Senate, I know he will be of great value to the executive department,” he said.

Senator Panfilo Lacson said he will definitely miss his friend for many reasons, particularly in committee hearings, where each automatically provided the other the quorum needed to conduct business.

“We wish him all the best in his new job. The DICT may be a young and small department in terms of personnel and budget but its role in national security and economic growth cannot be disregarded,” Lacson said in a text message to reporters.

Meanwhile, Senator Joel Villanueva said they trust in the capability of Honasan to lead the DICT.

“The Department needs a leader like Senator Greg who has consistently shown integrity and dedication to public service. We look forward to working with our fellow colleague soon to discuss plans and policies that will improve and promote our country's ICT agenda,” Villanueva said.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian expressed confidence that Honasan would be able to compel telecommunications firms to improve their services.

“I am very confident that with his long experience in government, he will be able to tear down the regulatory capture in DICT and improve the quality and service of the telecom operators in our country,” Gatchalian said.

Meanwhile, Senator Grace Poe said somebody like Honasan is needed to head the DICT.

I am confident that Senator Honasan will do his utmost to be an effective DICT head. I have known him to be efficient, fastidious and dedicated,” she said.

“We need such at the helm of the DICT to insure that that our country will continue to modernize and make technological advances that can support growth and development. Our telecommunications industry is crucial for our economy's competitiveness,” Poe said.

Senators Francis Escudero and Francis Pangilinan also sent their well wishes to Honasan.

“I congratulate him on his appointment and wish him well... will miss my kababayan in the Senate,” Escudero said.

“We wish him good luck in his new assignment,” Pangilinan said.

Honasan accepts DICT post

Senator Gregorio Honasan II on Friday said he is accepting the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) chief position.

"For a better Philippines, a better government, for the Filipino People, and for a better future for our most precious Children; I have decided to accept the offer of the President to help lead the DICT," Honasan said in a statement sent to the Philippine News Agency.

President Rodrigo Duterte, in a media interview in Boracay, Aklan on Thursday, confirmed he offered the post of DICT secretary to Honasan.

“I think he’s considering the possibility. Ako naman (On my part), I invited him. Sabi ko (I said),  if you are doing anything and if you will not run again. So why don’t you join me in a quest for a better Philippines and a better government. Yes, that is true,” he said. “I think he’s toying with the idea of joining but I’m not sure if he has decided to actually join.”

Senate President Vicente Sotto III earlier said the appointment of Honasan may come as early as Monday, November 12.

In the Kapihan sa Manila Bay media forum on Nov. 7, Sotto said Honasan’s impending appointment to the DICT has been discussed during a meeting with Duterte on October 29.

“It was discussed, napag-usapan yun na kung pwede, Nov. 12 na si Greg (if it is possible that Greg be appointed on Nov. 12),” Sotto said.

He said the date of Honasan’s appointment was discussed to avoid an ad interim appointment.

Honasan will replace DICT Acting Secretary Eliseo Rio Jr. (PNA)

KOKONTRAHIN | Franchise renewal ng ABS-CBN, kokontrahin ni PRRD

Kokontrahin ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ang pag-renew ng franchise ng ABS-CBN.

Nabatid na mapapaso na ang prangkisa ng broadcast network sa Marso 30, 2020 habang nakabinbin pa rin sa Kongreso ang renewal nito.

Panggagalaiti ng Pangulo – dapat masagot ng ABS-CBN ang mga ginawa nitong mga pandaraya at panloloko.

Kung hindi, hindi niya pagbibigyan ang network na mabigyan ng extension.

Muli ring inungkat ng Pangulo ang pagbayad nito sa ABS-CBN para sa political advertisements noong 2016 election campaign pero hindi ito umere.

Dagdag pa ng Pangulo – maging si Senador Francis Escudero ay nabiktima ng modus ng broadcast network.

Una nang inalok ng ABS-CBN na ibalik kay Pangulong Duterte ang kanyang bayad pero tinanggihan na niya ito dahil ginawa ito pagkatapos ng eleksyon.

Pangulong Duterte, muling nagbantang haharangin ang franchise renewal ng ABS-CBN

Muling nagbanta si Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na kanyang haharangin ang franchise renewal ng ABS-CBN na nakatakda nang mag-expire sa Marso 30, 2020.

Sa talumpati ng pangulo sa pamamahagi ng land titles sa agrarian reform beneficiaries sa Boracay, muling ipinahayag ng pangulo ang galit sa media network.

Ayon sa pangulo, hindi lang siya ngunit marami ang niloko ng ABS-CBN sa pagtanggap nito ng pera para sa campaign ads noong 2016 elections ngunit hindi naman ini-ere.

“Kalakas ng loob… mukhang marami kami sila Chiz Escudero, tanggap nang tanggap. Niloko ninyo kami, marami hindi lang ako kaya kayo hindi ko kayo palusutin,” ayon sa pangulo.

Dahil dito ay hindi niya anya palulusutin ang franchise renewal ng network.

“‘Yung franchise ninyo matatapos na, but let me ask you [the] questions first, kasi ako talagang mag-object na ma-renew kayo,” giit pa ni Duterte.

Isiniwalat din ng presidente na nag-alok ang ABS-CBN na ibalik ang kanyang ibinayad ngunit hindi niya ito tinanggap dahil ginawa ito ng network pagkatapos na ng eleksyon.

“They offered to pay and I refused to accept it because it was returned to me… proposed to return the money was too late after the election,” ayon sa pangulo.

Giit ng pangulo, ang hindi pagtupad ng ABS-CBN sa dapat nitong gawin sa kabila ng natanggap na bayad ay isang uri ng fraud o panloloko.

“When you do that to many people, it’s fraud. You’re actually a fraud when you actually received money and you don’t come up with your part in the bargain,”

Sa ngayon ay nakabinbin pa ang franchise renewal ng ABS-CBN sa Kongreso.

Makailang beses nang binanatan ng pangulo ang giant network dahil sa anya’y hindi patas nitong pamamahayag kabilang ang tungkol sa kanyang sinasabing ill-gotten wealth at kontrobersyal na giyera kontra droga.

https://radyo.inquirer.net/148022/pangulong-duterte-muling-nagbantang-haharangin-ang-franchise-renewal-ng-abs-cbn

Duterte slams ABS-CBN for ‘playing God’ in dealing with politikos: Wala man lang sorry!

President Rodrigo Duterte believes the day of reckoning has come for ABS-CBN over its preferential treatment of politikos.

Duterte on Thursday (November 8) said he will oppose ABS-CBN’s bid to renew its congressional franchise, which will expire on March 30, 2020.

In a speech in Boracay, Duterte shared that ABS-CBN refused to air his ad during the 2016 elections’ campaign season even if he paid for it.

Following the speech, the President told reporters that ABS-CBN offered to pay him over its failure to air his ad but he refused.

“Ang mahirap dito it’s playing God because it’s a network, a powerful one, without even saying sorry. Wala. Just offer — enclosed a check for — as a reimbursement,” he said.

Duterte said ABS-CBN’s offer of compensation cannot be considered a reimbursement since it failed to meet its end of the contract with him, which involved airing his campaign ad.

He said the network should answer for its actions when its officials face lawmakers to renew its franchise.

“I said they have committed so many frauds. They have to answer for it. If they cannot explain to me why they should not be given an extension o how not to run an outfit… I said I’m going to oppose it because I’m not the only one,” he said.

http://politics.com.ph/duterte-slams-abs-cbn-for-playing-god-in-dealing-with-politikos-wala-man-lang-sorry/

Duterte to 'object' to ABS-CBN franchise renewal

President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said he would "object" to the renewal of ABS-CBN Corporation's franchise, which will expire on March 30, 2020.

The President renewed allegations from the 2016 campaign that the network did not air an ad that he paid for and instead showed a TV spot that was critical of him and was paid by his critic, Sen. Antonio Trillanes.

“Hindi ko palusutin. Iyong franchise niyo matatapos. But let me ask you questions first. Kasi ako talaga mag-object na ma-renew kayo. Alam mo bakit? Magnanakaw kayo, estapador,” Duterte said.

(I will not let that pass. Your franchise will end. But let me ask you questions first, because I will really object to the renewal. You know why? You are thieves.)

The President mentioned ABS-CBN during a speech in Boracay, wherein he distributed land to its original inhabitants, the Ati tribe.

In the same speech, the President also spoke about his stand against casinos in Boracay, which reopened on Oct. 26 after a 6-month cleanup.

Duterte also slammed critics for linking state troops to the death of a human rights lawyer in Negros Occidental last month.

It was not first time that Duterte raised such allegations against ABS-CBN, the Philippines' largest media and entertainment company.

House Bill No. 4349, which seeks to renew ABS-CBN’s franchise for 25 years, is pending in Congress.

Duterte has also spoken against other news outlets that put out stories that are critical of him. News website Rappler battled the revocation of its business papers in court and its reporter was banned from covering him from inside Palace grounds.

News.abs-cbn.com is the official news website of ABS-CBN Corp.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/11/08/18/duterte-to-object-to-abs-cbn-franchise-renewal

Thursday, November 8, 2018

Duterte threatens to block ABS-CBN franchise anew

President Rodrigo Duterte brought up his grievance anew against broadcast network ABS-CBN and threatened to oppose the renewal of its franchise.

"I said they have committed so many frauds. They have to answer for it. If they cannot explain to me why they should not be given an extension how not to run an outfit. I said I’m going to oppose it," Duterte told reporters in Boracay island Thursday night.

He visited the newly-reopened resort island to distribute Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) to agrarian reform beneficiaries.

ABS-CBN's franchise will expire in 2020. A bill is pending in Congress for its renewal.

Duterte's gripe against the network had to do with political advertisements during the 2016 election campaign which he said were paid for but did not air.

He claimed that Senator Francis Escudero also fell victim to the same scheme.

The President said ABS-CBN had offered to return his payment but he rejected it because it was done "too late after the election."

"One thing is that, you know, when you do that to many people it’s fraud. You’re actually a fraud if you receive the money and you don’t come up with your part of the bargain," he said.

On several occasions in the past, Duterte has raised the issue and said that if he had his way, he would not hand the franchise renewal to ABS-CBN. — LDF, GMA News

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/674119/duterte-threatens-to-block-abs-cbn-franchise-anew/story/

Duterte says he will object to renewal of ABS-CBN franchise

(CNN Philippines, November 8) — President Rodrigo Duterte slammed TV network ABS-CBN anew, saying he would object to the renewal of its franchise.

In a speech Thursday during the ceremonial distribution of Certificates of Land Ownership Award to agrarian reform beneficiaries in Malay, Aklan, the President went on a tirade against the network and its chairman emeritus Gabby Lopez, saying they were thieves.

ABS-CBN's franchise is up for renewal in 2020, or two years before the end of Duterte's six-year term.

Duterte recalled how during the presidential campaign period in 2016, he gave money to the network to run his TV ads.

"Alam mo yung ginawa ng mga p*****g i*a kayo, ikaw Gabby. Inuna mo pa yung advertisement ni Trillanes na hindi ikaw. Pinaniraan ako ng mga bata, ay si Duterte killer yan. Sa batas, there was an injunction na hindi pwede yan kasi bawal na gamitin mo ang bata. And yet pumunta talaga kayo, went ahead with the show and made it public," he said.

[Translation: You know what you sons of b*****s did, you Gabby . You went ahead and showed Trillanes' advertisement. Children said, Duterte is a killer. There was an injunction in the law which said that was not allowed because it involved children. And yet you went ahead with the show and made it public.]

Duterte added ₱2 billion — which he said came from a contribution to his campaign — was still with the network.

The President went on to ask why he should not be mad at the network.

"Yung franchise ninyo, matatapos. But let me ask you questions first. Kasi ako talaga mag-object na marenew kayo. Alam mo bakit? Magnanakaw kayo. Estapador. Ginawa ninyo sa amin, marami kami," Duterte said.

[Translation: Your franchise will end. But let me ask you questions first. Because I will really object to your renewal. You know why? Because you're thieves. You're fraudsters. You did that to me, to a lot of us.]

There was no immediate reaction from ABS-CBN.

This is not the first time Duterte had harsh words to say against the network.

In August, he called out ABS-CBN and said he would resign if there was more than ₱40 million in his bank accounts.

cnnphilippines.com/news/2018/11/08/duterte-object-abs-cbn-franchise-renewal.html

Duterte renews threat to block ABS-CBN franchise renewal

President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday renewed his threat to object to the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise, which will expire in 2020.

The President made the warning after accusing the television network of not airing his campaign ad that was already paid during the 2016 presidential election.

“Kalakas ng loob… mukhang marami kami sila Chiz Escudero, tanggap nang tanggap. Niloko ninyo kami, marami hindi lang ako kaya kayo hindi ko kayo palusutin,” Duterte said in his speech during the distribution of land to agrarian reform beneficiaries in Boracay.

“‘Yung franchise ninyo matatapos na, but let me ask you questions first, kasi ako talagang mag-object na ma-renew kayo,” he stressed.

Duterte also revealed that the television giant offered to return his payment but he refused to accept it because it was made after the election.

“They offered to pay and I refused to accept it because it was returned to me… proposed to return the money was too late after the election,” Duterte told reporters after the ceremony.

“When you do that to many people, it’s fraud. You’re actually a fraud when you actually received money and you don’t come up with your part in the bargain,” he added.

Duterte has repeatedly criticized ABS-CBN for the network’s alleged biased reporting, including his supposed ill-gotten wealth and his controversial war on illegal drugs.

ABS-CBN’s franchise will expire on March 30, 2020 and its renewal remains pending in Congress.

In April 2017, when Duterte first blasted the network, the owner of ABS-CBN Corp. brushed aside the President’s criticism of bias against the media giant, saying it came with the territory.

“It’s part and parcel of our work being a media institution,” Eugenio “Gabby” L. Lopez III, ABS-CBN chair, told a worried shareholder during the company’s annual meeting on April 27, 2017.

“Let me just say, we have not yet encountered an administration that at one point or another had not had some issue with the media in general, and ABS-CBN in particular,” Lopez said.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1051965/duterte-renews-threat-to-block-abs-cbn-franchise-renewal

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

ABS-CBN, GMA continue fight for TV ratings



ABS-CBN Corp. and GMA Network, Inc. tussled over nationwide TV ratings as both claimed dominance in October, using data from different audience measurement providers.

In a statement, ABS-CBN said it recorded an average audience share of 44% in October versus GMA’s 31%, based on Kantar Media data.

Citing data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement, GMA said it posted an average total day people audience share of 41.1% in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM), while ABS-CBN’s share stood at 37.2%.

ABS-CBN said Kantar Media uses a nationwide sample size of 2,610 urban and rural homes, while GMA said Nielsen surveyed “approximately 900 more homes” than its rival.

The Lopez-led media company said it continued to lead in the primetime block (6 p.m. to midnight) with an average audience share of 48%, compared to GMA’s 31%.

ABS-CBN said it widened its lead in Metro Manila, with an average audience share of 42% against GMA’s 25%. Among Mega Manila households, ABS-CBN’ share reached 36% versus GMA’s 33%.

FPJ's Ang Probinsyano led the 10 highest rating programs in October with an average national TV ratings of 43.6 percent. Nine out of 10 shows were produced by ABS-CBN.

Also in the top 10 most watched programs are TV Patrol, Ngayon at Kailanman, The Kids’ Choice, Wansapanataym, Home Sweetie Home, Meteor Garden, Halik, Tonight with Boy Abunda, Bandila, Umagang Kay Ganda, Magandang Buhay, new late-morning drama series PlayhouseIt’s Showtime, the just-concluded drama series Sana Dalawa ang PusoAsintado and Araw Gabi, new afternoon drama series Kadenang Ginto and Los Bastardos, Ipaglaban Mo, MMK, Rated K, I Can See Your Voice and Gandang Gabi Vice.

Meanwhile, GMA said it dominated the evening block with 41.3% audience share versus ABS-CBN’s 39.3%.

GMA said it registered an average total day people audience share of 46.9% in Urban Luzon against ABS-CBN’s 30.9%. In Mega Manila, GMA saw an average total day people audience share of 49.1%, while its rival registered a 28.1% share.

GMA also kept its advantage in NUTAM's list of top-rating programs with Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho still reigning as the most watched Kapuso program nationwide and followed by Daddy's Gurl, which features the phenomenal father-daughter tandem of Vic Sotto and Maine Mendoza.

Consistent ratings drivers for the month were Pepito Manaloto, 24 Oras, Studio 7, Onanay, Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, Magpakailanman, Victor Magtanggol, Amazing Earth, Inday Will Always Love You, 24 Oras Weekend, Wowowin, Pamilya Roces, Bubble Gang, Saksi, Eat Bulaga, Imbestigador, Tadhana, My Special Tatay, Ika-5 Utos, The Stepdaughters and Asawa Ko Karibal Ko.

https://www.bworldonline.com/abs-cbn-gma-continue-fight-for-tv-ratings/

Tuesday, November 6, 2018

ABS-CBN leads October ratings, 'Halik' drives streaming traffic to record

ABS-CBN remained as the country's most watched TV network with an average audience share of 44 percent in October, 13 points ahead of rival GMA's 31 percent, data from Kantar Media released Tuesday showed.

The network's Metro Manila average audience share also grew to 42 percent against 25 percent of GMA. ABS-CBN also won Mega Manila households with 36 percent over GMA's 33 percent, data from 2,610 urban and rural homes showed.

On its streaming platform iWant TV, one of the top viewed TV series "Halik" racked up 2.5 million weekly views. This helped drive the number of active users on iWant TV to an all-time high of 1.2 million in 3 years, ABS-CBN said.

"FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano," "Ngayon at Kailanman," "Kadenang Ginto," and "Playhouse" were also among the most watched programs in October on iWant TV, the network said. 

In Luzon, ABS-CBN garnered an average audience share of 39 percent against GMA's 34 percent. In Visayas, ABS-CBN tallied an average of 53 percent against GMA's 24 percent and it hit 53 percent in Mindanao against GMA's 25 percent, according to the survey.

ABS-CBN's primetime block (6: p.m. to midnight) widened its lead against its rivals with a average audience share of 48 percent, compared to GMA's 31 percent.

"FPJ's Ang Probinsyano" led the 10 highest rating programs in October with an average national TV ratings of 43.6 percent. Nine out of 10 shows were produced by ABS-CBN.

Also in the top 10 most watched programs are "TV Patrol,” “Ngayon at Kailanman,” “The Kids' Choice,” “Wansapanataym,” “Home Sweetie Home,” “Meteor Garden,” “Halik,” “Tonight with Boy Abunda,” “Bandila,” “Sana Dalawa ang Puso,” “It’s Showtime,” new late-morning drama series "Playhouse,” “Asintado,” Araw Gabi,” new afternoon drama series “Kadenang Ginto” and “Los Bastardos,” “Ipaglaban Mo,” “MMK,” “Rated K,” “I Can See Your Voice” and “Gandang Gabi Vice.”

ABS-CBN also continue to draw viewers across all time blocks including the morning block (6 a.m. to 12 n.n.), noontime block (1 n.n. to 3:00 p.m.) and in the afternoon block (3 p.m. to 6 p.m.) where it scored 36 percent against GMA's 28 percent, 43 percent versus GMA's 32 percent and 44 percent compared to GMA's 33 percent, respectively.

ABS-CBN's TVplus sold 6.1 million boxes in October, giving Filipinos premium TV watching experience with 5 new channels: Asianovela Channel, Movie Central, MYX, Jeepney TV, and O Shopping in Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, and Metro Cebu.

News.abs-cbn.com is the online news website of ABS-CBN Corp.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/11/06/18/abs-cbn-leads-october-ratings-halik-drives-streaming-traffic-to-record

GMA Network beats rival in nationwide TV ratings anew

GMA Network remains as the nationwide television ratings frontrunner based on the latest data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement, the industry's widely-trusted ratings service provider.

For the whole month of October (with October 28 to 31 based on overnight data), GMA once again proved that it is the viewers' preferred channel, posting an average total day people audience share of 41.1 percent in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM). It won over rival network ABS-CBN, which only managed to register 37.2 percent.

The Kapuso Network consistently reigned across all dayparts including the evening primetime block. In the morning block, GMA registered 39.9 percent people audience share versus ABS-CBN's 32.0 percent.

Meanwhile, in the afternoon block, GMA tallied 41.7 percent people audience share, winning over ABS-CBN's 37.4 percent.

GMA further bested competition in the evening block with 41.3 percent people audience share as against ABS-CBN's 39.3 percent.

The Kapuso Network likewise dominated 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.

GMA posted an average total day people audience share of 46.9 percent in Urban Luzon versus ABS-CBN's 30.9 percent.

Similarly in Mega Manila (with official data from October 1 to 27), the Network posted an average total day people audience share of 49.1 percent, while the rival network only got 28.1 percent.

GMA also kept its advantage in NUTAM's list of top-rating programs with Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho still reigning as the most watched Kapuso program nationwide and followed by Daddy's Gurl, which features the phenomenal father-daughter tandem of Vic Sotto and Maine Mendoza.

Consistent ratings drivers for the month were Pepito Manaloto, 24 Oras, Studio 7, Onanay, Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, Magpakailanman, Victor Magtanggol, Amazing Earth, Inday Will Always Love You, 24 Oras Weekend, Wowowin, Pamilya Roces, Bubble Gang, Saksi, Eat Bulaga, Imbestigador, Tadhana, My Special Tatay, Ika-5 Utos, The Stepdaughters and Asawa Ko Karibal Ko.

Kapuso programs also took the lion's share in the list of top programs in both Urban Luzon and Mega Manila, respectively taking 22 and 24 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 2018, Nielsen TV Audience Measurement's client pool covers a total of 34 clients/subscribers consisting of 8 local TV networks including ABS-CBN, TV5, Aksyon TV, CNN Philippines, and Viva Communications Inc., among others; 3 regional clients; 2 blocktimers; and 21 agencies (17 media agencies, 3 consulting agencies, 1 digital agency).



Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Calamba lone district created, Aklan province divided into 2

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law two bills creating the lone legislative district of Calamba City in Laguna and dividing Aklan into two legislative districts.

Republic Act 11078, which Duterte signed on September 24, separated Calamba City from the second legislative district of Laguna.

Under the law, the incumbent representative of the second district of Laguna will continue to represent the new district until the new representative have been duly elected and qualified.

The Commission on Elections was tasked to issue the necessary rules and regulations to implement the measure within 30 days from the effectivity of the two laws.

Senator Juan Edgardo Angara, who sponsored the bill in the Senate, said the creation of the new legislative district of Calamba City would “focus on the needs of its constituents and bring them to the national government’s attention.”

“In consideration of the size and continued progress of the city, it is only right that we give them proper representation in the national government,” added Angara, who heads the Senate Committee on Local Government.

He pointed out that under the 1987 Constitution, “each city with a population of at least 250,000 shall have at least one representative” in Congress.

A 2015 census data showed the second legislative district of Laguna has 937,282 residents, almost half or 454,486 come from Calamba City, according to Angara.

Duterte also signed Republic Act 11077 on the same day creating the first district of Aklan composed of the towns of Altavas, Balete, Banga, Batan, Kalibo, New Washington, Libecao and Madalag.

The second district will complete the rest of Aklan towns–Buruanga, Ibajay, Lezo, Makato, Malay, Malinao, Nabas, Numancia and Tangalan.

Aklan Rep. Carlito Marquez will continue to represent the legislative district until new representatives will be elected.

The House of Representatives approved on third and final reading House Bill 7522 last May 28 authored by Marquez and passed by the Senate on August 28, 2018.

With a report from Ralph U. Villanueva

https://www.manilatimes.net/calamba-lone-district-created-aklan-province-divided-into-2/445197/

3 tulak patay sa drug ops

Patay ang tatlong pinaghihinalaang notoryus na drug pushers matapos kumasa sa mga otoridad sa magkakahiwalay na shootout sa isinagawang buy bust operation sa lalawigan ng Laguna at Bulacan kamakalawa ng gabi at kahapon ng madaling araw.

Sa ulat ng Laguna Provincial Office, dakong alas-11:55 ng gabi nang mapatay ang drug pusher na si Raymund Maquidato alyas Emon; nasa drug watchlist ng pulisya sa drug bust operation sa Purok 2, Brgy. Bayog, Los BaƱos, Laguna.

Narekober sa operasyon ang isang sachet ng shabu, isang scooter motorcycle na gamit nito sa transaksyon ng droga.

Napatay naman bandang alas-2:00 ng hapon ang drug pusher na si Apolinario Dimaano sa buy bust operation sa Brgy. Pansol, Calamba City, Laguna.

Habang naaresto ang mga kasama nitong sina Luis Marcelo, 51; Cherry Tarazona, 38; Cherry Ann Tarazona; Restituto Capucino, 39 at Rodelio de Leon, 42.

Nasamsam sa mga suspek ang siyam na piraso ng plastic sachet ng shabu, cal 38 revolver, tatlong mga bala at mga drug paraphernalia.

Dakong alas-12:50 ng madaling araw naman ng mapaslang ang drug suspek na kinilalang si alyas Apat sa operasyon sa Brgy. Tibag, Pulilan, Bulacan.

Nakumpiska ng mga otoridad sa crime scene ang isang cal. 38 revolver, dalawang plastic sachet ng shabu at mga bala.

Habang ang mga nasakoteng kasama ay sina Albert Deguia, 26; Jerry Trillana, 28; Noel Tayao, 21; Wilson Policarpip, 49; Evangeline Cruz, 38; Ian Fernandez at Jonathan Canoy.

https://www.philstar.com/pang-masa/police-metro/2018/09/26/1854726/3-tulak-patay-sa-drug-ops

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Aklan split into two congressional districts

President Duterte signs Republic Act 11077 reapportioning Aklan into two legislative districts. Their representatives will be elected in May 2019.


Aklan will soon have two legislators in the House of Representatives.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, September 24, signed Republic Act 11077 reapportioning the province into two congressional districts.

The first legislative district is composed of the towns of Altavas, Balete, Banga, Batan, Kalibo, Libacao, Madalag, and New Washington. These towns have a combined population of 297,318, based on the 2015 census.

The second legislative district is made up of the towns of Buruanga, Ibajay, Lezo, Makato, Malay (where Boracay Island is located), Malinao, Nabas, Numancia, and Tangalan. This new district has a population of 277,505.



The first ones to represent these reapportioned districts will be elected in the May 2019 midterm elections. Until then, incumbent Representative Carlito Marquez of Aklan's lone district will continue representing the entire province.

RA 11077 also ordered the Commission on Elections to come up with implementing rules and regulations within 30 days after the law's effectivity.

Aklan has a total population of 574,823, according to the 2015 census. It had 345,359 registered voters in 2016.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/212809-aklan-split-two-congressional-districts

Calamba City gets own congressional district

Republic Act 11078 carves the city out of the 2nd District of Laguna


Calamba City will have its own congressional district starting 2019.

Republic Act 11078, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, September 24, carved the city out of the 1st District of Laguna.

Cabuyao City and the towns of Los BaƱos and Bay will remain in the 2nd District of Laguna.

After the 2019 midterm elections, Laguna will have 6 representatives – one for each of the province's 4 districts, plus one each for the cities of BiƱan and Calamba.



Incumbent Laguna 2nd District Representative Joaquin Chipeco Jr will continue representing his district and Calamba City until the election of the new legislator for the city.

Calamba City has a population of 454,486 according to the 2015 census, while the remainder of the current 2nd District has 482,896 residents.

Meanwhile, in the 2016 polls, Calamba City had 268,283 registered voters. The rest of the current 2nd District had 268,628 voters.

RA 11078 also instructed the Commission on Elections to issue implementing rules and regulations within 30 days after the law's effectivity. 

Aklan split into two legislative districts, Calamba City becomes lone

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed two laws that split Aklan into two legislative districts and make Calamba City in Laguna a lone district.

Duterte signed Republic Act 11077 reapportioning Aklan into two legislative districts, which are divided as follows:

First Legislative District


  • Altavas
  • Balete
  • Banga
  • Batan
  • Kalibo
  • New Washington
  • Libacao
  • Madalag


Second Legislative District


  • Buruanga
  • Ibajay
  • Lezo
  • Makato
  • Malay
  • Malinao
  • Nabas
  • Numancia
  • Tangalan


Meanwhile, under RA 11078, the City of Calamba in Laguna has been separated from the province’s second legislative district to form its own.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/09/25/18/aklan-split-into-two-legislative-districts-calamba-city-becomes-lone

Sunday, September 23, 2018

Enchong Dee throws shade at politicians ‘entertaining’ instead of leading

For Enchong Dee, a country is condemned to destruction when its leaders are entertaining the nation instead of doing what’s supposed to be stated their job description.

“When our entertainers lead the nation and the leaders of our nation entertain… we are doomed,” Dee wrote in a post he shared via Twitter yesterday, Sept. 22. Apparently, he made his remark after comedian Vice Ganda stated his opinion on the subject of Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III’s suggestion to change the last line of the national anthem, during the “Tawag ng Tanghalan” segment of “It’s Showtime” on the same day.

Vice Ganda found it problematic that out of all the problems the country is currently facing — traffic, soaring prices of basic goods and National Food Authority’s “bukbok” (weevil-infested) rice — the politician chose to focus on the last line of “Lupang Hinirang” instead. He then poked fun at Sotto’s suggestion, saying the Senate may then want to change the ending of “Leron Leron Sinta” which is “humanap ng iba (find another one)” to “bigyan ng (give a) second chance.”

He suggested that Senators change the ending of two of the verses of the song “Sitsiritsit Alibangbang”. He also said that instead of changing the lyrics of the song “May Pulis sa Ilalim ng Tulay”, the government should fire the police officer who did nothing in the song.

While Dee’s reaction was spurred by Vice Ganda’s remarks, this was not the first time that the actor expressed his opinion about politicians. On Sept. 21, which is the anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law in 1972, the actor threw a jab at those who have positions in the government.

“Daming oras mag diskusyon sa pwesto di nalang atupagin yung lipunan… daming naghihirap oh,” he stated.

([They] have a lot of time to discuss while they hold their posts, when they should be focusing instead on the nation… so many are suffering.)


Yesterday, he also shared a photo of him holding old P1 and P2 coins.
“Hanggang kelan ba tayo ‘resilient’ mga kababayan? (For how long are we going to be resilient my countrymen?)” he asked. JB

Saturday, September 22, 2018

‘Lupang Hinirang’ changes just a suggestion, insists Sotto; celebs air mixed reactions

Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III recently made the suggestion that the last two lines of “Lupang Hinirang” be changed. Sotto referred last Sept. 18 to the lines “Aming ligaya na ‘pag may mang-aapi, ang mamatay nang dahil sa’yo” as having a defeatist attitude.

Sotto then offered an alternative to the last lines: “‘Aming ligaya na ‘pag may nang-aapi, ang ipaglaban kalayaan mo.'”

Sotto might be channeling his musician’s past. Before embarking on his political career, he rose to fame as a member of the ’70s Manila Sound disco group “VST & Co.” He also composed the song “Magkaisa” with Homer Flores and Ernie de la PeƱa back in the ’80s  in honor of the People Power Revolution that toppled the Marcos regime.

Reaction to Sotto’s suggestion may be mixed, but for comedian-talent manager Ogie Diaz, he didn’t seem to see the point of such. Diaz took to his Facebook last Sept. 19 to give his own take on the matter.

“Pag pinalitan na po ba ang linyang yon sa ‘Lupang Hinirang’, bababa na po ang inflation?” Diaz wrote. “Mababawasan na ba ang lumalagong bilang ng corrupt officials? Magkakaisa na ba ang DDS, Dilawan at yung mga worried at concerned lang naman?”

For Diaz, it seems that there are just other things to worry about. He, however, suggested that “Ama Namin” and “Hail Mary” be changed as well if the things he mentioned above would happen.

“Kung mangyayari po ito, nako, kahit po ‘Ama Namin’ at ‘Hail Mary’ palitan nyo na rin po ang mga linya.”

But while Diaz wasn’t so keen on Sotto’s suggestion, composer-conductor Chino Toledo suggested something else entirely.

Toledo took to Facebook on Sept. 20 to share the sheet music he worked on. The sheet music changed the last line of “Lupang Hinirang” with the last line of “Eat Bulaga’s” theme song.

“Ang mama-tay ng da-hil sa Eat Bu-la-ga! Pwede nga!” wrote Toledo in jest.

Thursday, September 20, 2018

Changing of our flag and national anthem ill-timed

Amid all the problems our country is currently confronted with and at a time when we are grieving over the loss of so many lives -- even as many are still missing, believed to have been buried alive during the mudslide in Itogon, Benguet -- as a result of the onslaught of Typhoon Ompong, some lawmakers are bringing up issues like changing the lyrics of our national anthem or the design of our flag.

Senate President Tito Sotto III had suggested to change the last line of the ‘Lupang Hinirang’ from ‘ang mamatay nang dahil sa ’yo (to die for you)’ to ‘ang ipaglaban ang kalayaan mo (to fight for your freedom).’
On the other hand, Senator Richard Gordon wants to incorporate into the national anthem the line made famous by the late Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. or ‘Ninoy’ Aquino: ‘The Filipino is worth dying for.’

He also proposes that from eight, the number of sun rays in the Philippine flag must be nine. While the eight rays represent the first provinces which revolted against Spain in the late 19th century, the ninth, according to him, will represent the Muslims who also fought against foreign invasion.

The last two lines of our national anthem goes, ‘aming ligaya na pag may mang-aapi, ang mamatay nang dahil sa ’yo.’ This means that as Filipinos, it would be our joy to give up our lives in defense of our country’s freedom. It is an expression of how far we are willing to go to defend our country and its sovereignty. That the ultimate sacrifice of death would give us joy if it would mean freedom for our country.

The last line was apparently meant to strike a patriotic note among us, Filipinos. Just like in a speech or a joke, it is the so-called ‘punch line’ so it has got to come on strong.

Using Ninoy’s famous line, as suggested by Sen. Gordon, has the same effect as the original lyrics. It is maybe worth pondering on why this line even became famous.

It’s simply because nothing is more patriotic than dying for one’s country.

Our elders of the past have put their heads together to come up with our national anthem and the design of our Philippine flag, taking into consideration the very events that led to our freedom and the conditions of the times then. We should maybe show the respect they deserve by leaving the national anthem and our flag alone.

Touching on the matter may even open the floodgates to a host of weird suggestions such as changing the tempo of the national anthem to pop or rap, just to make ‘Lupang Hinirang’ in keeping with the times.

As it is, several artists have come under fire for changing the tempo of our national anthem and for alerting or ‘playing’ with its tune. Some artists think that the national anthem is just like any other song that they can interpret the way they want.

Not because this is allowed in other countries like the United States, it means that the same can be done here, too. There are countless other songs to play around with, so why dwell on the national anthem which is expected to strike certain sensitive chords with many, if not majority, of Filipinos?

I don’t think this is gonna sit well with most of our countrymen, along with the proposals to change the lyrics of the national anthem and the design of the Philippine flag, specially during these times when the country is facing a host of other more pressing issues like inflation, surging prices of basic commodities and the ‘Ompong’ aftermath.

There is a time for everything. Simply put, the proposals just come at a ‘wrong timing.’

***

Beauty tip -- A mixture of lettuce and spinach juice is good to drink to induce hair growth.  (Source: Dr. Rosary May Canay-Diaz of Californian Bloom Aesthetic Institute and Medical Spa/4108424/4669596/09178038240/ 025053987)

***

Jokjok (from Maryann Crisologo of Sta. Rosa, Laguna) --PEDRO: Oy miss, iso-soli ko na ’tong DVD na nirentahan ko sa shop n’yo! Walang kwenta!/MISS: Baket po sir?/PEDRO: Walang picture, walang sound anu ba naman ’yan! Kala ko pa naman suspense thriller ’tong kinuha ko /MISS: Walang problema sir, palitan natin. Eh ano ho ba ang pamagat ng napili ninyong palabas?/PEDRO: Ayan oh, ‘HEAD CLEANER!’

***

Direct Hit entertains comments, suggestions or complaints. Please have them emailed to itchiecabayan@yahoo.com or text 0927-7169778.

http://www.journal.com.ph/editorial/opinion/changing-our-flag-and-national-anthem-ill-timed

Sotto suggests changing some lines in national anthem

Senate President Vicente Sotto III has raised the possibility of changing the last two lines of the national anthem, which he said sounds like a “defeatist attitude.”

Sotto was referring to the lines: “Aming ligaya na ‘pag may mang-aapi, ang mamatay nang dahil sa’yo [It is our joy to die because of you when oppressors come].”

“Patay na agad eh [It’s about death already]. I have thought of a line that could replace this: ‘Aming ligaya na ‘pag may nang-aapi, ang ipaglaban kalayaan mo [It is our joy to fight for your freedom when oppressors come],’” he said on Tuesday while interpellating on a bill seeking to add a ninth ray in the sun on the design of the Philippine flag.

The Senate leader said he has also been hearing sentiments from composers and writers about the last two lines of the national anthem.

According to Sotto, the Senate could also look into this possibility as they discuss the bill on the flag authored and co-sponsored by Senator Richard Gordon.

Historical records reveal that first President of the Philippine Republic General Emilio Aguinaldo commissioned Juan Felipe in 1898 to compose a “more stirring and majestic” march to inspire Filipinos to fight the enemy, according to the Official Gazette.

Jose Palma wrote the lyrics of the Philippine national anthem a year after. /jpv

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1034391/sotto-suggests-changing-some-lines-in-national-anthem

Quezon Ave., Cebu BRT get DoTr nod

The Department of Transportation on Wednesday said it would be proceeding with the implementation of two out of three Bus Rapid Transit systems—the Cebu BRT system and the Quezon Avenue BRT system.

DoTr Assistant Secretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark de Leon bared this following a recent inspection of both BRT systems’ routes with representatives from the DoTr, the National Economic and Development Authority, and the World Bank— which funds the project.

“The Bus Rapid Transit project of DoTr for Cebu and Quezon Avenue will push through,” De Leon told a press briefing in MalacaƱang.

“We conducted an inspection with World Bank team and also joined by NEDA, and evaluated conditions of the corridor of Cebu and also Quezon Avenue and we found it is possible to run the BRT in these corridors,” he added.

However, De Leon said the EDSA BRT system was “still undergoing evaluation “after its supposed funder backed out of the project.

“We’re undergoing evaluation of the BRT in EDSA,” De Leon said.

“The other two will push through because they have a different funder, it’s under World Bank,” he added.

De Leon said the DoTr had signed the contract for the technical service consultants for the Cebu BRT and had written the Department of Finance about its intention to proceed with the Quezon Avenue BRT.

“We just signed the contract for the TSC in Cebu so we’re already pushing for the BRT to push through. For Manila, we have signed a letter to DoF that we will push through with the program,” De Leon said.

Meanwhile, the agency is now working on the detailed engineering design of both BRT systems.

Last July, DoTr Secretary Arthur Tugade bared that only the implementation of the Cebu BRT would push through, considering Metro Cebu’s road profile and the need for efficient mass transport systems in interconnected cities.
The Cebu BRT is a 23-kilometer system, which will run through Bulacao, Ayala, and Talamban.

Two Metro Manila BTRs—Quezon Avenue and EDSA—were earlier scrapped since the DoTr considered it unfeasible on narrow and congested roads in urban areas.

The Quezon Avenue BRT will run 12.3 km from the Quezon Memorial Circle to Manila City Hall via Elliptical Road, Quezon Avenue and EspaƱa Boulevard.

Meanwhile, the EDSA BRT will run 48.6 km and will have four main corridors—a main line along Edsa and corridors along Ayala Avenue to World Trade Center, Ortigas to Bonifacio Global City, and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

The BRT systems are part of the DoTr’s integrated transportation system, one of the solutions to ease traffic. It dedicates lanes for specialized buses and stations.

It is estimated to cost P53 billion.

http://www.manilastandard.net/news/national/275947/quezon-ave-cebu-brt-get-dotr-nod.html