Facebook, Instagram go down around the world in an apparent outage

Having trouble accessing Facebook or Instagram on Wednesday afternoon? You weren't alone.

The massively popular social network went down early afternoon with issues popping up across Facebook proper, Facebook Messenger and Instagram.

As with nearly every Facebook outage, users headed to Twitter with the hashtag #facebookdown quickly becoming the top trending topic in the United States.

Downdetector.com, which monitors websites, showed the company experiencing issues across a large portion of the U.S. and Europe in addition to issues in other areas in South America and Asia.

Facebook, Facebook Messenger both down. Instagram having issues. WhatsApp seems fine for now. #facebookdown

— Eli Blumenthal (@eliblumenthal) March 13, 2019

It is not immediately clear what caused the Wednesday issue. Some users reported seeing a message saying the site was down for "required maintenance."

"We’re aware that some people are currently having trouble accessing the Facebook family of apps," a Facebook spokesperson said in a statement provided to USA TODAY. "We’re working to resolve the issue as soon as possible."

Facebook-owned WhatsApp did not appear to be immediately impacted by the outage.

https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/2019/03/13/facebook-instagram-go-down-around-world-apparent-outage/3152505002/

Multiply (website)

{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2013}}
{{Infobox Website
|name         = Multiply
|logo         = [[File:Multiply (2013 logo).jpg|150px]]
|screenshot   = [[File:MultiplyNewMain.jpg|280px|Multiply screenshot as of August 23, 2008]]
|url          = http://multiply.com/
|commercial   = Yes
|type         = [[e-commerce]]
|language       = English, Indonesian, Japanese, Thai, Spanish, Portuguese<ref>http://multiply.com/languages</ref>
|registration = Free
|launch date    = December, 2003
|owner        = [[Stefan Magdalinski]]
|current status     = Defunct<br>Closed (as a company)
}}
'''Multiply''' was a [[social network service|social networking service]] with an emphasis on allowing users to share media – such as photos, videos and blog entries – with their "real-world" network. The website was launched in March 2004 and was privately held with backing by [[VantagePoint Venture Partners]], [[Point Judith Capital]], Transcosmos, and private investors.<ref>[http://www.redherring.com/Home/22757 Red Herring], "VCs Count on Multiply.com"</ref> Multiply had over 11&nbsp;million registered users.<ref>[http://multiply.multiply.com/journal/item/275/Happy_Thanksgiving_from_Multiply], "Multiply is Multiplying: Page Views Double to 600MM Year-over-Year"</ref> The company was headquartered in [[Boca Raton, Florida]] but moved to [[Jakarta, Indonesia]] early in 2012 and recently announced intentions to switch to e-commerce, dropping the social networking aspect entirely. Quantcast estimates Multiply had 2.47 million monthly U.S. unique visitors at their peak on July 30, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.quantcast.com/multiply.com |title=Multiply.com Traffic and Demographic Statistics by Quantcast |publisher=Quantcast.com |date=2014-02-21 |accessdate=2014-02-28}}</ref>

On Multiply, a user's network was made up of their direct contacts, as well as others who are closely connected to them through their first-degree relationships. Additionally, users were encouraged to specify the nature of their [[Interpersonal relationship|relationship]] with one another, making it possible to share content with their entire network of closely related people, or subsets thereof including friends, family, professional contacts, and so on.

May 31, 2013 officially marked the closing of their operations whilst expressing the hope that the website might reorganize, retain [[Jakarta, Indonesia]] as headquarters, and reopen as a [[social network service|social networking service]] in the future.<ref>[http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/04/26/13/multiplycom-close-may-6]</ref> However, the website is now shutting down for life anymore and the company is now closed.

==Blogging Paired with Media Sharing and Storage==
[[Image:Multiplylogo.png|thumb|right|Multiply Logo (2003-2013)]]
[[Image:MultiplyScreenshot082308.png|thumb|right|280px|Multiply screenshot as of August 23, 2008]]
Multiply tried to be the one-stop shop for a user's [[Web 2.0]] experience.<ref>[http://multiply.com/info/about Multiply Corporate Page], About Multiply</ref> Its bid is enhanced by the capabilities with which it empowers its users. There was a blog module, of course, but beyond that, users could upload videos, and host them on their pages rather than on third-party pages. Videos could also be added from major sites, notably YouTube. The user could also upload unlimited photos into their albums, hosted in the photo module. There were also modules for music, reviews, links, recipes, and a personal marketplace.

A blog traditionally followed a linear format (each entry rests above the other in chronological order regardless of the type of content that is included in the post). Though it is possible to have a traditional style blog on Multiply, content could also be organized according to the type of post (text, video, photo, etc.) or by topic (using tagged content boxes).<ref>[http://multiply.multiply.com/journal/item/158/New_tag_stuff_plus_bonus_video_option], "New tag stuff (plus bonus video option!)"</ref> By organizing posts based on topic or type of media, a user can essentially create a [[personal web page]].

Multiply provided blog [[Crossposting|cross-posting]]; blog entries posted to Multiply could be automatically posted to a [[LiveJournal]], [[Blogger (service)|Blogger]] or [[TypePad]] account. There was also an option to post via [[e-mail]] or [[Multimedia Messaging Service|MMS]], enabling posting from mobile phones. Users could also post reviews (of movies and books, for example), and share a calendar of events. Multiply also reintroduced the Marketplace and Recipes modules, which allowed users to share interests in purchases, and favorite foods and drinks.<ref>[http://multiply.multiply.com/journal/item/201/New_audiovideo_stuff._Better_alert_things._Generally_more_goodness. Multiply Corporate Blog], "New audio/video stuff. Better alert things. Generally more goodness"</ref>

Multiply was especially flexible in that users could choose to edit their background and theme colors, but the ability to incorporate CSS makes customizing more extensive.<ref>[http://multiply.com/setup/pages/upload-css CSS Interface], Customize Multiply Page CSS Interface</ref> Many users had pages far different from the base theme due to their mastery of [[Cascading Style Sheets|CSS]].

===Traditional Blogging===
Blog posts on Multiply included the ability to easily change font style, type, color or size. Photos could be added and moved about within the post.  A poll could be included and files could be attached.<ref>[http://multiply.multiply.com/journal/item/228/Featured_Feature_Blog_Attachments Multiply Staff Blog], "Featured Feature: Blog Attachments"</ref> Users could use Multiply's WYSIWYG blog editor or edit HTML directly.<ref>[http://multiply.multiply.com/journal/item/160/New_improved_HTML_editing Multiply Staff Blog], "New & improved HTML editing"</ref>

As with all types of posts on Multiply, users could set privacy settings on a per post basis, enabling a user to essentially run a private blog for friends and family right on top of, or embedded within, a public blog. (In other words, a user can post thoughts on politics to a public audience while reserving posts on the cute things the kids did for only friends and family.  Both types of posts were treated the same by Multiply in terms of alerts to the poster and the poster's contacts, but the privacy settings limit the content to only those that the user wants to give access to.)

===Unlimited Photo Sharing===
All accounts on Multiply included the ability to add an unlimited number of photos.<ref>[http://multiply.multiply.com/journal/item/74/No_more_limits], "No more limits"</ref>  In addition to being able to share photos with contacts on Multiply, users could also let non-Multiply members see even their private photos by using the "share" link.

Multiply offered limited editing capabilities for photos: Photos could be rotated and a variety of picture frames can be added.  Using the Multiply Media Locker users could crop photos, eliminate red eye, retouch photos, adjust contrast, exposure, and saturation.  There was also an Auto Fix function that adjusted photos with one click.  All of the adjustments were reversible until clicked to apply them.

Photos in albums could be embedded into other posts or replies on Multiply, or they could be [[Inline linking|hotlinked]] outside of Multiply, in which case a watermark is added.

Multiply had partnered with [http://www.qoop.com QOOP] for photo printing and other photo services.

Multiply had an Auto Uploading tool which automatically uploads your photos into your Media Locker where they are stored until you choose to share them.  For premium users the full size original was stored indefinitely.

===Videos===
Users could easily upload videos directly to Multiply, or they could pull video in from YouTube, Photobucket, Google Video, Metacafe, or myspacetv.com. Free users could upload up to 10 minutes (or 100mb of video footage). Premium members had a limit of 20 minutes (or 200mb).<ref>[http://multiply.multiply.com/journal/item/239/Introducing_the_Multiply_AutoUploader_Media_Locker_Premium_Service Multiply Staff Blog], "Introducing the Multiply AutoUploader, Media Locker, Premium Service"</ref>

===Calendar===
Users could post calendar entries for themselves, for their contacts, their network or even for public access (enabling users to keep personal entries, such as doctor appointments, private, while allowing a wider audience for such entries as a fund raising event that is open to the public).

Users had access to an aggregated calendar on their Inbox page that collects all of their calendar entries as well as those of their contacts and displays them in one calendar feed.

Calendar entries, as with all entries on Multiply, could be discussed within the calendar entry post, enabling members to not only announce an event, but discuss it as well.

===Reviews===
Users could add reviews to their website, not only rating and explaining their view on the product, but discussing it as well with friends and family. Reviews used a 5 star system so both those who post and those who reply can rate how well they liked a product.

===Recipes===
The recipe section was a component of Multiply at the time of its launch in 2004, but it was removed for a time. The recipe and marketplace sections were returned in 2007 due to popular demand.

===Marketplace===
The marketplace section was designed to be a way to showcase items that a person may want to pass on to contacts or to search for an item that a user's contacts may have.

===Music===
Since its inception the website had allowed users to upload music playlists to their profile page. Initially users could upload up to 10 songs at a time with an unlimited number of songs allowed on any given playlist (they could upload more songs after the first ten by starting a second upload and specifying that they should be added to a pre-existing playlist.) This brought the site initial popularity due to the ease with which people could share copyrighted digital music. Originally one could download each track individually in mp3 format.

In order to combat illegal music sharing (as the intent was for users to be able to share only music that they had the legal right to), the site cut the maximum uploads at one time to five, and then to three. They then removed the ability to easily right click and download each individual track and instead put a link to a *.m3u playlist file. However users could simply save that file and open it with a text editor, and then cut and paste the individual file links and save the mp3 files.

In July 2008, the site removed the ability to download the *.m3u playlist file and replaced it with an embedded music player. However users can still use third party software to obtain the original mp3 files (which are also stored in a computer's download cache.) Nonetheless, these changes (as well as the large number of users forcibly removed from the site due to copyright violations) have affected the size of the user base.

==Inbox newsfeed==
Multiply had a newsfeed since its inception, variously called the "Explore" page, "My Multiply" and the "Inbox".  This feed aggregates not only the user's posts, but those of the user's contacts, network and groups as well, using technology that Multiply has patented.<ref>[http://www.google.com/patents?id=KVeaAAAAEBAJ&dq=%22peter+pezaris%22 Google Patent Information], "Method and system for performing and sorting a content search"</ref>  The inbox alerts users not only to new posts by their contacts or within their network, but it also notifies users of new replies to posts that users have shown an interest in.  If a user ignores a post, then the post is not popped to the top of the page no matter how many new replies are made.  In this way, users don't need to "clean up" their inbox because uninteresting posts simply "drop off" the page.

The feed was highly customizable, allowing the user to set filters to show specific posts.  Filters could be saved and users can easily switch between them. In this way, users were only alerted to posts and replies that are interesting to them, though they can switch to a "wider" view of network or group activity when that is preferred.

==Groups==
In addition to networking with your "real life" friends and family, Multiply also provided a way to meet and socialize with other members through groups.

Registered users could create groups on Multiply. These groups exist outside of the "network" structure, enabling people with certain interests to share the aforementioned types of media with others who share their interests, but may not be closely connected to them through relationships.

Groups were categorized as Business, Computers & Internet, Cultures & Community, [http://multiply.com/search/groups?_charset_=UTF-8&usertoken=U2FsdGVkX19-LNHnvcJnJUZmnr58DHgvS3L4MUgABi6EbpdSLqfGyw%3D%3D&form%3A%3Agroup_search=group_search&form%3A%3Agroup_search%3A%3Acount=1&group_search%3A%3Astart=0&group_search%3A%3Alimit=10&group_search%3A%3Alanguage=1&group_search%3A%3Acat=entertainment&group_search%3A%3Asecure-token=3099%3AU2FsdGVkX19-LNHnvcJnJVYQXwGta.CPFntIXIjPrn8%3D&group_search%3A%3Atext=&omniture_submission=submitted Entertainment & Arts], Friends & Family, Games, Government & Politics, Health & Wellness, Hobbies & Crafts, Money & Investing, Places & Travel, Recreation & Sports, Religion & Beliefs, Romance & Relationships, Schools & Education, Science & History, and Other.

=== Migration from MSN Groups ===
{{Update|section|date=October 2009}}
In February 2009, MSN Groups closed to make way for the new Windows Live Groups. Communities hosted on the old MSN Groups service can not be migrated across to the new platform. As such MSN have worked with Multiply to create a tool which allowed group owners to move their MSN Groups community over to the Multiply service.

This move by MSN and Multiply succeeded in killing off a large number of MSN Groups communities. This was due to the fact that the migration process was rather complex, essentially creating a new group, importing content from the old one.

This meant that all existing MSN users had to re-join the new group, and if the old community located on MSN Groups was not closed by the owner after the migration process, any changes made afterward were to be lost when the service closed.

Details of the migration process could be found on the MSN Groups homepage which has subsequently been removed and now directs to a Microsoft Account log in page, however information regarding Groups' closure and migration to Multipy has been preserved on a Windows Live blog.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://windowslivearchive.wordpress.com/2008/10/23/changes-to-msn-groups/ |title=Changes to MSN Groups &#124; Windows Live team blog archive |publisher=Windowslivearchive.wordpress.com |date=2008-10-23 |accessdate=2014-02-28}}</ref>

With the announced closure of Multiply's social networking sites, members who used the site for that purpose are looking for alternatives offering similar features. While Multiply has not announced a partnership with any other web site or sites for the purposes of migration as MSN did, the CEO did promise to provide "easy ways for you to either download your stuff (photos, blogs, content, etc), or migrate it to other online services" with details to be announced at a later date.<ref>http://multiply.com/info/we-are-sorry</ref>

==Personal website==
Though Multiply did provide a profile page for users, that was not the main focal point of a user's Multiply presence.  Rather, each user had a home page where all of their recent content was aggregated.  The content boxes on this home page could be rearranged and could be aligned into a one or two column format (or a mixture of both). Tagged content boxes could also be added and unwanted boxes could be hidden.

Users could customize the overall look of their site using either one-click customization tools that Multiply provides or by adding customizations with CSS.

==Awards & recognitions==
In 2008, Multiply was named [[Open Web]] Awards finalist.<ref>[http://mashable.com/2008/11/19/openwebawards-voting-1/ 2nd Annual Open Web Awards]</ref>

==Headquarters moves to Indonesia==
As Multiply expanded to include e-commerce, the announcement was made that the company was moving from its headquarters in Florida to Indonesia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theindonesiatoday.com/latest-news/107-latest-news/18775-multiply-moves-headquarter-to-indonesia.html |accessdate=August 11, 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130507015136/http://www.theindonesiatoday.com/latest-news/107-latest-news/18775-multiply-moves-headquarter-to-indonesia.html |archivedate=May 7, 2013 }}</ref>

==Multiply announces closure of social networking site==
An official announcement by Multiply's CEO, Stefan Magdalinski, was made on August 9, 2012, that the social networking portion of Multiply would be discontinued, including hosted blogs, videos, photos and messaging, in order to focus solely on e-commerce.<ref>[http://multiply.com/info/we-are-sorry]</ref> Multiply International ceased its social network on March 23, 2013. One month later, Multiply announced that all services of both Indonesian and International would close, making the site entirely defunct, and the company is now closed.<ref>{{cite web|author=kompas cyber media |url=http://tekno.kompas.com/read/2013/04/26/14295497/Situs.Multiply.Indonesia.Akan.Ditutup |title=Situs Multiply Indonesia Akan Ditutup - Kompas.com Tekno |publisher=Tekno.kompas.com |date=2013-04-26 |accessdate=2014-02-28}}</ref> That the site will be fully re-opened their operations 100 days after [[United States]] [[President of the United States|President]] [[Barack Obama|Obama]] stepping down in the [[White House|office]] on January 20, 2017 at 12 noon ([[Eastern Time Zone|EST]]) and keeping [[Facebook]] as the sole social networking site. On April 30, 2017, the [[Indonesian Parliament]] approved the draft of re-opening Multiply.com, as well their operations, the international subsidiary Multiply International and the social networking portion including 55 million users with hosted blogs, videos, photos and messaging would recovered and also voted and approved the draft of re-opening this website.

==See also==
* [[E-commerce]]
* [[Social network service]]
* [[List of social networking websites]]
* [[Comparison of video services]]
* [[Multipers.com]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.multiply.com/ Multiply]
* [http://www.folksonomy.org/2006/09/interview_with_multiply.html Folksonomy.org Interview with Multiply Founder]
* [http://www.alexa.com/data/details/traffic_details?q=&url=multiply.com Alexa info] – Traffic and usage statistics
* [http://www.wptv.com/content/specialreports/story.aspx?content_id=6824b1e3-e60a-4be1-923c-4c88b0a93dd3 WPTV: West Palm Beach]
* [http://multiply.com/info/corp Multiply Corporate Info]
* [http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/09/06/multiply-lands-166-million-series-b/ Multiply Secures Second Round of Funding]
* [http://multiply.com/info/about Multiply's Multimedia and Networking Capabilities]
* [http://www.socialnetworkingwatch.com/2008/11/peter-pezaris-m.html/ Peter Pezaris, Multiply.com CEO Interview, November 2008]
* [http://tekno.kompas.com/read/2013/04/26/14295497/Situs.Multiply.Indonesia.Akan.Ditutup/ Accouncement to stop all its services, April 2013]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Multiply (Website)}}
[[Category:Blog hosting services]]
[[Category:Community websites]]
[[Category:Social networking services]]
[[Category:Internet properties established in 2004]]
[[Category:Internet properties disestablished in 2013]]
[[Category:Companies that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2016]]

Social Media Sites of the Past

Before Facebook rolled around, there were already a couple of social media services that Filipinos got hooked on. Of course, with technology rapidly developing, newer and better social networking websites began to thrive while the old social media services began to gather dust. Take a short trip down memory lane with us as we revisit a couple of social media platforms that thrived in the Philippines.

Friendster

Back in the day, when we say everyone, we mean every single one had a Friendster account. If you didn’t have one, you would have definitely signed up for one at the end of the day to get what everyone was talking about. Friendster was a social media networking site that thrived massively in the Philippines. Founded in 2002 by computer programmer Jonathan Abrams, Friendster had about 8 million-plus users during its peak. One of the site’s most significant features was the Testimonials feature, commonly referred to as “testi” locally. It was a part of a user’s profile where people could write things about the person, whether it’s an essay-length entry of how they met, how they became friends, how grateful they are for being friends, or shorter entries of endorsing the person to be added by others. In 2011, Friendster relaunched as a social gaming platform and by 2015, suspended all its services citing lack of engagement in the community. Three years later, on June 30, 2018, it closed down as a company and eventually dissolved.

MySpace

Similar to Friendster, MySpace allowed its users to build profiles and expand their network of friends. MySpace used to be the number social networking website in the entire world, peaking in 2009. It wasn’t as popular as Friendster in the Philippines but still, many signed up for it to be able to connect with the popular users, such as musicians, bands, and artists, on the platform. MySpace is, surprisingly, still up and running despite the sharp decline of its user base as a result of migrating to Facebook.

Multiply

Multiply was a social media platform that had its users writing blogs, uploading photos and videos, writing reviews, and even selling merchandise. Locally, Multiply was another one of those social media websites that you had to have an account on, otherwise, you’ll miss out on the blog entries and photo galleries made by your friends. Multiply had a feature that allowed users to specify their relationship with their contacts and share or restrict content depending on how close they are. On August 9, 2012, Multiply announced that it was closing down its social networking platform and continuing as an e-commerce website instead. On May 31, 2013, Multiply ceased its operations and shut down entirely.

On June 10, 2014, it has filed for corporate rehabilitation to seek protection from its creditors. The company filed the petition for rehabilitation before the Pasig City Regional Trial Court (RTC). At that time, the website's social networking portion had a network of 18 million users. Liquidity problems, however, affected earnings. Sales declined from their peak of P20 billion in 2013 to just about P1 billion in July 2020.

It had suffered from a drop in new orders amid a slump in the social networking sector. Multiply also reportedly laid off some 12,000 workers on February 28, 2014.

Plurk

Before Twitter, Plurk was the hot micro-blogging social network website. It featured horizontal timelines, with ‘plurks’ (user updates) posting in chronological order, and users may interact with each other underneath the thread of each plurk. Plurk is still up and running, with its users mostly based in Taiwan, its presence in the Philippines has long faded away when Twitter rose up in the social media ranks.

Google+

Google Plus (or Google+ or G+) was established to rival the more prominent social networks such as Facebook and Twitter. While it didn’t exactly catch a huge audience locally, there were people who preferred it over Facebook. It had a quieter community, and individuals were able to create smaller, refined friend circles in their accounts. In 2018, Google announced that it was shutting down the service for consumers, citing low engagement and security risks.

Do you remember using these social media sites when they were all active? Share your stories with us!

https://www.yugatech.com/feature/social-media-sites-of-the-past/

TV ratings war continues

RIVAL broadcasters GMA Network Inc. and ABS-CBN Corp. claimed on separate statements they led the ratings war last month, citing data from two different sources.

GMA Network, the Gozon-led network, claimed to have dominated in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement (Nutam) with a 38.4-percent average household audience share in February, ahead of ABS-CBN’s 34.6 percent by just a few percentage points, based on data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

It also claimed to have led Nutam’s morning block with a 33.9-percent audience share versus its rival’s 28.5 percent; the afternoon block with 39.2 percent, versus the competitor’s 34.7 percent; and the evening block with 39.5 percent, versus 36.9 percent of the competition.

GMA also claimed to have furthered its leadership position in Urban Luzon and Mega Manila, which account for 72 percent and 60 percent of all urban households in the country.

In Urban Luzon GMA won across all-day parts and registered an average household share of 42.1 percent, while ABS-CBN posted only 29.2 percent; in Mega Manila it posted an audience share of 43.9 percent, while its rival booked 26.6 percent.

Moreover, Kapuso shows also ruled the list of top-rating programs in NUTAM for the said period. Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS) solidified its position as the most-watched show among urban viewers nationwide, following its recent overnight people rating of 19.2 percent, which is its highest rating to date.

KMJS was followed by Onanay, Pepito Manaloto, Kara Mia, 24 Oras, Daddy's Gurl, Magpakailanman, Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, Studio 7, and Cain at Abel.

Included in the list as well were the political romantic comedy TODA One I Love, Bubble Gang, Saksi, The Boobay and Tekla Show, Amazing Earth, 24 Oras Weekend, Imbestigador, Wowowin, Unang Hirit, Eat Bulaga, Kapuso Movie Night, Tadhana, Asawa Ko Karibal Ko, Ika-5 Utos, Inagaw na Bituin, My Special Tatay and Wish Ko Lang.

GMA similarly dominated both Urban Luzon and Mega Manila lists, taking 9 spots out of the top 10 programs.

Lopez-led entertainment and multimedia conglomerate ABS-CBN claimed to have posted a higher national-average audience share in February. Citing data from Kantar Media, ABS-CBN said it recorded a solid 45-percent audience share nationwide, a 15-point lead over GMA’s 30 percent.

ABS-CBN also claimed leadership in Metro Manila, where it scored an average audience share of 43 percent, against GMA’s 23 percent. It also won in Mega Manila, where it scored 46 percent, ahead of the competition’s 29 percent.

The Lopez-led broadcaster likewise attracted more viewers than GMA in other areas. It won the ratings game in Total Luzon with an average total-day audience share of 40 percent, versus GMA’s 32 percent; in Total Visayas with 55 percent versus GMA’s 24 percent; and in Total Mindanao with 55 percent, versus GMA’s 26 percent.

ABS-CBN also claimed it fared better against GMA n the prime-time block, after it registered a 50-percent audience share, significantly higher than its rival’s 30 percent.

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

It posted a 48-percent audience share for the said block, a 16-point difference from the rival’s 32 percent.

Aside from prime time, ABS-CBN won in other time blocks nationwide that include the morning block with 37 percent, versus GMA’s 26 percent; noontime block with 44 percent, versus GMA’s 30 percent; and afternoon block with 46 percent, versus GMA’s 32 percent.

Long-running police drama Ang Probinsyano remained as the most watched show in February with an average television rating of 42.3 percent, while the variety show It’s Showtime is still the most watched noontime show in the country with a national TV rating of 40.6 percent on weekdays and 38.5 percent on Saturdays, against its rival Eat Bulaga which only got 37.5 percent on weekdays and 35.6 percent on Saturdays, ABS-CBN said.

Other most-watched Kapamilya shows are TV Patrol and World of Dance Philippines (31.3 percent each), The General’s Daughter (30.6 percent), Tonight with Boy Abunda (29.8 percent), Bandila (28.5 percent), Umagang Kay Ganda and Magandang Buhay (27.8 percent), Playhouse (27.9 percent), Kadenang Ginto (26.5 percent), Los Bastardos (25.7 percent), Maalaala Mo Kaya (25.1 percent), Pinoy Big Brother: Otso (24.8 percent), Gandang Gabi Vice (23.7 percent), Home Sweetie Home (22.9 percent), Wansapanataym (22.7 percent), Halik (22.3 percent), Rated K (21.6 percent) and Minute to Win It: Last Man Standing (20 percent).

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

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

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/03/05/tv-ratings-war-continues/

Bill extending TV5 franchise to be transmitted to Palace

THE BILL extending the franchise granted to ABC Development Corp., currently known as TV5 Network, Inc., for another 25 years will soon be transmitted to the Office of the President.

The House of Representatives concurred with the Senate amendments, eliminating the need to convene a bicameral conference committee.

The bill is being prepared for the signature of the Congress leaders before it is transmitted to President Rodrigo R. Duterte for enactment.

“No need to convene a bicam. Last I heard was that the bill was in the process of enrollment after which it’d be transmitted to the President for his signature,” Camiguin Rep. Xavier Jesus D. Romualdo, who wrote the bill, said in a phone message on Monday.

The network primarily broadcasts sports and news programs, through ESPN 5 and News 5. Its franchise was first granted in December 1994, under Republic Act No. 7831, and is set to expire on December 8, 2019.

If enacted, TV5 will be allowed to continue to “construct, install, operate, and maintain radio and television broadcasting stations in the Philippines.”

The Senate version, in particular, had included a provision requiring the grantee to inform Congress of “Any sale, lease, transfer, grant of usufruct, or assignment, of franchise or the rights and privileges acquired there under, or of the merger or transfer of the controlling interest,” which the House adopted.

The bill requires the network to provide the government with adequate public service time or a maximum aggregate of 10% of the paid commercials or advertisements.

The network is prohibited from broadcasting obscenity, indecent language, speech and the like, as well as deliberately disseminating false information. Broadcasting material that proposes or incites treason, rebellion or sedition will also be banned.

The bill also provides the President the right to temporarily take over and operate the network and its facilities; to temporarily suspend its operations in interest of public safety, security and public welfare; and to authorize the temporary use and operation of any government agency, in circumstances that involve “war, rebellion, public peril, calamity, emergency, disaster, or disturbance of peace and order.”

TV5 is required to conduct a public offering of at least 30% of its outstanding capital stock within five years from commencement of operations. — Charmaine A. Tadalan

https://www.bworldonline.com/bill-extending-tv5-franchise-to-be-transmitted-to-palace/

ABS-CBN maintains ratings lead in February 2019

ABS-CBN said on Monday it remained as the country's top television network in February after pulling more viewers.

The Kapamilya network averaged 45 percent audience share, 15 points higher than GMA's 30 percent, data from Kantar Media showed.

In Metro Manila, ABS-CBN had a 43 percent audience share against GMA's 23 percent. 

ABS-CBN also led in other areas with a 40 percent audience share in Luzon, and 55 percent each in Visayas and Mindanao.

Long-running police drama "Ang Probinsyano" remained as the most watched show in February with an average television rating of 42.3 percent, while the variety show “It’s Showtime” is still the most watched noontime show in the country with a national TV rating of 40.6 percent on weekdays and 38.5 percent on Saturdays, against its rival “Eat Bulaga” which only got 37.5 percent on weekdays and 35.6 percent on Saturdays, ABS-CBN said.

Other most-watched Kapamilya shows are “TV Patrol” and “World of Dance Philippines” (31.3 percent each), “The General’s Daughter” (30.6 percent), “Tonight with Boy Abunda” (29.8 percent), “Bandila” (28.5 percent), “Playhouse” (27.9 percent), “Kadenang Ginto” (26.5 percent), “Los Bastardos” (25.7 percent), “Maalaala Mo Kaya” (25.1 percent), “Home Sweetie Home” (22.9 percent), “Wansapanataym” (22.7 percent), “Halik” (22.3 percent), “Rated K” (21.6 percent) and “Minute to Win It Last Man Standing” (20 percent).

The Lopez-led network said it ruled the primetime block (6 p.m. to 12 m.n.) with 50 percent of audience share against GMA's 30 percent.

ABS-CBN also led in the other blocks: morning (37 percent), noontime (44 percent), and afternoon (46 percent).

As of February this year, ABS-CBN TVplus had sold 7 million boxes since its launch in 2015.

The network said it added 5 new channels to its current TVplus line-up, namely the 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 official news website of ABS-CBN Corp.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/03/04/19/abs-cbn-maintains-ratings-lead-in-february-2019

GMA Network increases nationwide lead in February

Leading broadcast company GMA Network posted better numbers in February, which resulted in increased margins over its competitor, based on the latest data from the industry's widely-trusted ratings service provider Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

For the month of February (with February 24 to 28 based on overnight data), GMA registered an average total day people audience share of 38.4 percent in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM), which topped ABS-CBN's 34.6 percent.

Per day part, the Kapuso Network got 33.9 percent people audience share in the morning block, versus rival's 28.5 percent.

GMA subsequently won in the afternoon block with 39.2 percent people audience share surpassing the 34.7 percent of ABS-CBN.

GMA also secured its leadership in the hotly contested evening block with 39.5 percent as against competition's 36.9 percent.

The Kapuso Network likewise maintained its stronghold in the viewer-rich areas of Urban Luzon and Mega Manila, which respectively account for 72 and 60 percent of all urban viewers in the country.

GMA registered an average total day people audience share of 42.1 percent in Urban Luzon, which was way ahead of ABS-CBN's 29.2 percent.

In Mega Manila, based on official data from February 1 to 23, the Network kept its dominance with an average total day people audience share of 43.9 percent, versus competition's 26.6 percent.

Moreover, Kapuso shows also ruled the list of top-rating programs in NUTAM for the said period. Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS) solidified its position as the most-watched show among urban viewers nationwide, following its recent overnight people rating of 19.2 percent, which is its highest rating to date.

KMJS was followed by Onanay, Pepito Manaloto, Kara Mia, 24 Oras, Daddy's Gurl, Magpakailanman, Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, Studio 7, and Cain at Abel.

Included in the list as well were the political romantic comedy TODA One I Love, Bubble Gang, Saksi, Amazing Earth, 24 Oras Weekend, Imbestigador, Wowowin, Eat Bulaga, Kapuso Movie Night, Tadhana, Asawa Ko Karibal Ko, Ika-5 Utos, Inagaw na Bituin, My Special Tatay and Wish Ko Lang!.

GMA similarly dominated both Urban Luzon and Mega Manila lists, taking 9 spots out of the top 10 programs.

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.

Nielsen TV Audience Measurement';s client pool covers a total of 32 clients/subscribers consisting of 6 local TV networks including ABS-CBN, TV5, Aksyon TV and CNN Philippines, among others; 3 regional clients; 2 blocktimers; and 21 agencies (17 media agencies, 3 consulting agencies, and 1 digital agency).

Meanwhile, GMA Network is investing over P1 billion to complete the second phase of its digitization project which encompasses the production, post-production, content management and distribution of GMA and GMA News TV's programs.

This phase includes the commissioning of the Digital Terrestrial Transmitters that now provide superior digital TV signal reach, enabling the viewership of Kapuso programs through digital-enabled TV sets and set-top boxes in various areas in the country including Mega Manila, North Central Luzon, Cebu, and Davao.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/news/48836/gma-network-increases-nationwide-lead-in-february/story

Senate OK’s renewed franchise for Mike Velarde’s network

THE SENATE has passed on third and final reading the bill extending for another 25 years the broadcasting franchise of Delta Broadcasting System, Inc., which is owned by El Shaddai leader Brother Mike Z. Velarde.

House Bill No. 7199 was approved with 18 affirmative and zero negative votes, with no abstention. It was sponsored in the Senate plenary by Senator Grace S. Poe-Llamanzares, chair of the Senate committee on public services.

The bill seeks to amend Republic Act No. 7723, which first granted the franchise to Delta Broadcasting System, Inc. for 25 years back in May 1994.

It allows the company to operate radio and television broadcasting stations in the Philippines. Delta Broadcasting System, Inc is the broadcast network of the El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Fellowship International, Inc. The company airs religious and commercial programs through its AM station, DWXI 1314.

The proposed measure requires the company to provide free public service time to enable the government to reach to audiences on important public issues and warnings concerning public emergencies and calamities.

The franchise is deemed “ipso facto” revoked if the company failed to operate continuously for two years. Any transfer of ownership or controlling interests in the company also needs congressional approval. The Senate has provided an amendment that such transfer must be notified within 60 days after the completion of the transaction.

The Senate also provided an amendment which requires the company to create employment opportunities and on-the-job trainings in their operations.

An annual report of the company’s compliance with the terms and conditions of the franchise must also be submitted to Congress. Failure to do so would lead to a penalty of P500 per working day of noncompliance. — Camille A. Aguinaldo

https://www.bworldonline.com/senate-oks-renewed-franchise-for-mike-velardes-network/

SM Prime allocates P80 billion for 2019 capex

SM Prime Holdings Inc., the property unit of the Sy family, earmarked P80 billion for 2019 capital expenditures to support the company’s provincial expansion and land banking activities.

SM Prime said in a presentation posted on its website this year’s capital spending program would be funded by a combination of local borrowings and internal funds.

This year’s spending plan is slightly lower than the P91 billion it spent in 2018.

SM Prime plans to open four new malls and complete the expansion of two this year.

The new malls set to open this year are SM Center Dagupan with 23,000 square meters of gross floor area, SM City Olongapo Central with 72,000 sqm, SM City Butuan with 48,000 sqm and SM Mindpro Citimall in Zamboanga City with 53,000 sqm.

SM Prime will also complete the expansion of SM Baguio to add 32,000 sqm in GFA and SM City Fairview which will add 46,000 sqm.

SM Prime said that by the end of 2019, the mall business unit would have 76 malls in the Philippines and seven malls in China with an estimated combined gross floor area of 10.5 million square meters.

Meanwhile, the group’s residential business under SM Development Corp. is scheduled to launch 15,000 to 18,000 residential units this year that include high-rise buildings, mid-rise buildings and single-detached house and lot projects.

These projects are located in Metro Manila and other key cities in the provinces.

SM Prime is also set to open two new hotels, Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo and Park Inn by Radisson North Edsa in 2019.

Offering 200 rooms, Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo is situated right next to SM City Iloilo in Mandurriao while the 239-room Park Inn by Radisson North Edsa will be connected to SM North EDSA in Quezon City.

By 2019, SM Prime will have 2,059 hotel rooms under its portfolio.

For office development, SM Prime will launch NU Tower in 2019 with 46,000 sqm of GFA. This will boost the group’s office to nine with total GFA of 681,000 sqm.

http://manilastandard.net/mobile/article/289140

List of lone-district provinces

Metropolitan Manila Area

Metro Manila, one (1) - Lone District: Manila, Quezon City, cities of Caloocan, Las Piñas, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Parañaque, Pasay, Pasig, San Juan, San Pedro, Taguig and Valenzuela and municipalities of Obando and Pateros.

Cordillera Administrative Region

Abra, one (1)

Apayao, one (1)

Benguet, one (1)

Ifugao, one (1)

Kalinga, one (1)

Mountain Province, one (1)

Region I

Ilocos Norte, one (1) - Lone District: Batac and Laoag Cities and municipalities of Adams, Bacarra, Badoc, Bangui, Banna, Burgos, Carasi, Currimao, Dingras, Dumalneg, Marcos, Nueva Era, Pagudpud, Paoay, Pasuquin, Piddig, Pinili, San Nicolas, Sarrat, Solsona and Vintar

Ilocos Sur, one (1) - Lone District: Cities of Candon and Vigan and municipalities of Alilem, Banayoyo, Bantay, Burgos, Cabugao, Caoayan, Cervantes, Galimuyod, Gregorio del Pilar, Lidlidda, Magsingal, Nagbukel, Narvacan, Quirino, Salcedo, San Emilio, San Esteban, San Ildefonso, San Juan, San Vicente, Santa, Santa Catalina, Santa Cruz, Santa Lucia, Santa Maria, Santiago, Santo Domingo, Sigay, Sinait, Sugpon, Suyo and Tagudin.

La Union, one (1) - Lone District: City of San Fernando and municipalities of Agoo, Aringay, Bacnotan, Bagulin, Balaoan, Bangar, Bauang, Burgos, Caba, Luna, Naguilian, Pugo, Rosario, San Gabriel, San Juan, Santo Tomas, Santol, Sudipen and Tubao.

Pangasinan, one (1) - Lone District: Cities of Dagupan, Alaminos, San Carlos and Urdaneta and municipalities of Agno, Aguilar, Alcala, Anda, Asingan, Balungao, Bani, Basista, Bautista, Bayambang, Binalonan, Binmaley, Bolinao, Bugallon, Burgos, Calasiao, Dasol, Infanta, Labrador, Laoac, Lingayen, Mabini, Malasiqui, Manaoag, Mangaldan, Mangatarem, Mapandan, Natividad, Pozorrubio, Rosales, San Fabian, San Jacinto, San Manuel, San Nicolas, San Quintin, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Santo Tomas, Sison, Sual, Tayug, Umingan, Urbiztondo and Villasis

Region II

Batanes, one (1) - Lone District: Municipalities of Basco, Itbayat, Ivana, Mahatao, Sabtang and Uyugan.

Cagayan, one (1) - Lone District: Tuguegarao City and municipalities of Abulug, Alcala, Allacapan, Amulung, Aparri, Baggao, Ballesteros, Buguey, Calayan, Camalaniugan, Claveria, Enrile, Gattaran, Gonzaga, Iguig, Lal-lo, Lasam, Pamplona, Peñablanca, Piat, Rizal, Sanchez-Mira, Santa Ana, Santa Praxedes, Santa Teresita, Santo Niño (Faire), Solana, Tuao, Rosario, Ninoy Aquino and Amulung West.

Isabela, one (1) - 

Nueva Vizcaya, one (1)

Quirino, one (1)

Western Isabela, one (1) - Lone District: Municipalities of Aurora, Benito Soliven, Burgos, Gamu, Mallig, Naguilian, Quezon, Quirino, Roxas, San Manuel and San Mariano.

Transfer of Antique capitol proposed

By Perla Lena

SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique -- Antique Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao on Wednesday bared plans to transfer the capitol building outside the busy business district of the provincial capital town of San Jose de Buenavista.

Cadiao said the plan to transfer the seat of the provincial government to Barangay Supa of San Jose de Buenavista would be carried out if she would be successful in her reelection bid in the May 2019 polls. The new site is about 5 km. from the present location of the capitol.

“We are looking for a wider space where to transfer the capitol,” she said.

The new Antique capitol, where the governor now holds office, is situated right at the heart of San Jose de Buenavista, which has become a busy business area with the many establishments surrounding the building.

The capitol building where Cadiao and most of the provincial government offices are situated is called the New Capitol Building although it was constructed in 1957 during the time of former governor Josue Cadiao, who is the father of the incumbent governor.

The New Capitol Building was constructed after the Old Capitol Building, which was constructed during the American period, was gutted by fire.

2,300 families to get socialized housing in Tondo

At least 2,300 informal settler families in Tondo, Manila will soon have their own houses after the House of Representatives opted to exercise its oversight powers, officials said yesterday.

District 1 Rep. Manny Lopez, who pushed for the in-city relocation of the families in his district, insisted that the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) be held in Parola so the beneficiaries of socialized housing units may witness the government at work.

“Finally, the hard work of Congress is becoming reality and can truly be felt by our countrymen who are most in need. They will now have their own home built on land and not over water. This is clear evidence of government working for the people,” he said.

Negros Occidental Rep. Albee Benitez, who heads the House committee on housing and urban development, said five-story buildings will be built on five hectares of land at Isla Puting Bato donated by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to the National Housing Authority.

The informal settlers will only pay P600 per month for the next 25 years for their units, he added.

Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had called on the oversight committee on housing after she expressed fears the families in slum areas may be displaced by the ongoing cleanup of Manila Bay.

Arroyo wanted the government and local officials to address the delays in the release of titles to recipients of social housing proclamations she issued in 2002 and 2004 when she was president.

She also asked the PPA to ensure that the informal settlers would not be deprived of their sources of livelihood.

An initial P1 billion was allocated for the construction of the low-rise buildings in Isla Puting Bato.

The PPA will assist in the project with the help of port operator International Container Terminal Services Inc.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade assured the families that the buildings will be completed quickly.

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada thanked Arroyo for spearheading the project, saying she is “God-sent.”

Isla Puting Bato barangay captain Bryan Mondejar said the residents have been worried about being informal settlers, but because of Arroyo “they were assured that they would have decent housing.”

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/02/27/1897015/2300-families-get-socialized-housing-tondo

Comelec requires sign language, Braille for political ads

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has required the use of the Filipino sign language in on-air advertisements and the Braille system in printed campaign materials of candidates and their political parties for the May elections.

"Candidates and parties are required to incorporate sign language interpreters and closed captioning in broadcast election propaganda intended for exhibition on television and/or the internet, and are encouraged to ensure the availability of their respective printed campaign materials in Braille," the Comelec said in Resolution No. 10488 dated January 30, 2019.

The Comelec included this rule under Section 6, or the lawful election propaganda, of the resolution signed by the en banc.

The same resolution set the correct size of printed campaign materials from leaflets, streamers, and other election paraphernalia not prohibited under the Omnibus Election Code.

The Comelec also encouraged candidates and their supporters to use sustainable materials, especially when there is a standing legislation from local government units.

"Parties and candidates are hereby encouraged to use recyclable and environment-friendly materials and avoid those that contain hazardous chemicals and substances in the production of their campaign and election propaganda," the Comelec said.

The Comelec started its crackdown on campaign materials that are oversized, placed in prohibited areas or both, after the deadline it imposed on candidates lapsed on February 14.

The commission said campaign advertisements in government-run infrastructures are also prohibited.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/686101/comelec-requires-sign-language-braille-for-political-ads/story/?utm_source=GMANews&utm_medium=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR0U9JxhyPzlHZvLssPaDN8N_OePxee5vQUWNP160o6pbj-YjsmMoAZe3CU

Cebu City to recognize late traffic czar Darza on 82nd Charter Day celebration

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The late Samuel “Sammy” Darza, Cebu City’s traffic czar, will be posthumously recognized by the Cebu City government during the celebration of the city’s 82nd Charter Day on Sunday, February 24 at the Plaza Sugbo.

Catherine Ysa, secretary of the mayor, said that Darza would be given a posthumous award for his contributions to the development of Cebu City during Sunday’s celebration.

According to a 2016 Cebu Daily News report, Darza passed away on August 9, 2016, at the age of 72.

He was known to have worked pro bono with the Cebu City government for P1 a year in the 80s.

Darza was also known to have played a big role in establishing the traffic management system and the computerized traffic signal for Cebu City.

Aside from that, the Cebu City government will also recognize board topnotchers, individuals, youth, and outstanding organizations.

Justin Lei Ramos, this year’s Architecture board topnotcher of the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) , will be one of the topnotcher awardees to be recognized by the Cebu City government.

Ramos topped 1,120 Architecture Board Passers with a score of 83.80 percent.

Read more: Cebuana Architecture topnotcher shares secret to success: ‘Dream big’

Ysa said that there would be three outstanding individuals that would be recognized during the Charter Day celebration on Sunday.

Ysa said that the charter day celebrations would start with a flag raising ceremony to be led by Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña followed by the awarding of outstanding employees and the board topnotchers at the Plaza  Sugbo.

The Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (Praise) will also be recognizing several outstanding youth in service on Sunday morning.

The outstanding organizations and outstanding individuals will also be awarded for their contribution to Cebu City’s development and stakeholders in a testimonial dinner at the social hall in the evening.

The Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission (CHAC) also said that at least two organizations would receive the outstanding organization award.

Yso said that the celebration of the Charter Day has been a weeklong activity for the City Hall starting last with it’s launching on Monday, February 18, when a medical mission was held at the City Hall grounds.

On February 19, an Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) break-out activities were held at the Plaza Sugbo. A job fair was held on February 20 while a livelihood training was held on February 21.

On Friday morning, February 22, a farmer-market day was held in Plaza Sugbo while simultaneously, the Charter Day quiz bowl was also held at the Social Hall where 21 groups of students all over the city competed with their wits.

The Cebu City became a charter city on February 24, 1937 by virtue of Commonwealth Act No. 58 authored by Senator Vicente Rama who was then representative of Cebu’s 3rd district.

Cebu City was granted its own charter allowing the city to be governed by its own charter document rather by state, provincial, or regional law./dbs

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/218613/cebu-city-to-recognize-late-traffic-czar-darza-on-82nd-charter-day-celebration

GMA Network investing over P1B in second phase of digitization project

Media giant GMA Network Inc. said Friday it is investing over P1 billion to complete the second phase of its digitization project.

The second phase of the project encompasses the production, post-production, content management and distribution of GMA and GMA News TV’s programs, the network said in a statement.

This will start commissioning the Digital Terrestrial Transmitters that now provide superior digital TV signal reach, enabling the viewership of Kapuso programs through digital-enabled TV sets and set-top boxes in various areas in the country, including Mega Manila, North Central Luzon, Cebu, and Davao.

The media company is also slated to complete the upgrade of its Electronic Field Production capabilities to further improve its High Definition (HD) image capture to Full 2K/4K HD, elevating GMA Network’s output to true global standards.

In anticipation, the requisite enhancements to the Network’s Media Asset Management and Broadcast Automation Systems have already been completed, the company said.

Post Production is likewise implementing full equipment and software upgrades coupled with increased storage and color grading capabilities to optimally process high-end 2K and 4K HD formats.

GMA’s Field News Gathering capabilities are being similarly upgraded to enable the transmission and delivery of HD-captured remote live events to GMA Network’s Technical Operations Center as they happen.

Parallel to upgrading the media asset management system is the commissioning of a new News Automation System (NAS) designed to provide the country’s most trusted news organization with even greater speed and agility in bringing viewers up-to-date news and information through the network’s eight news programs—Unang Hirit, 24 Oras, 24 Oras Weekend, Saksi, News To Go, Balitanghali, Balita Pilipinas Ngayon, Quick Response Team, and State of the Nation with Jessica Soho.

“All these state-of-the-art upgrades are part of GMA Network’s ongoing digitization project to bring world class programming to our viewers here and abroad. We are excited to unveil more innovative offerings that will not only maintain our position as the country’s leading broadcast network but will also revolutionize TV viewing experience in the Philippines,” GMA Network Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon said. —Ted Cordero/VDS, GMA News

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/companies/685860/gma-network-investing-over-p1b-in-second-phase-of-digitization-project/story/

Philippines launches tenders for Malolos – Clark line

THE Philippines Department of Transportation has issued a call for tender for a civil works contract for PNR Clark Phase 2 of the North-South Commuter Railway project, which will extend the line by 53km from Malolos to Clark.

The civil works contract for viaducts, structures, bridges and five stations is divided into three works packages, which need to be bid for separately, comprising sections which are around 17km, 16km and 12km long.

A pre-bid conference will be held on March 7 and the closing date for bids is May 10.

The Philippines Department of Finance has applied to the Asian Development Bank for a loan for Phase 2.

Work officially started on February 15 on PNR Clark Phase 1, a 38km elevated electrified line with 10 stations running from Tutuban in northern Manila north to Malolos. A third phase, PNR Los Banos, will involve building a 72km line from Manila to Los Banos, Laguna. When completed, the full network will be 146.6km long with 37 stations served by a fleet of 58 EMUs.

https://www.railjournal.com/news/philippines-launches-tenders/

Finally moving?

Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo delivered on President Duterte’s priorities as far as the House is concerned. No one could have expected the former Speaker, even if he is also from Davao, to deliver what Speaker Arroyo did.

On top of the list is the landmark reform of our rice industry. President Duterte deserves congratulations for showing real political will to embrace long needed change that will benefit rice farmers as well as rice consumers.

Despite resistance from his own agriculture secretary, the President signed the rice tariffication bill into law. He could have just allowed it to lapse and then pin responsibility on his economic managers and Congress. But he signed it to deliver a strong point that he wants a new system.

Starting March, NFA will no longer control rice importations. Instead, rice imports will be covered by new tariffs: 35 percent for rice imports sourced from ASEAN members; 40 percent for imports within the 350,000 metric ton minimum access volume (MAV) regardless of source country; and 180 percent for above-MAV imports from non-ASEAN country.

The tariffs are expected to raise between P7 billion to P11 billion in additional government revenues in its first year of implementation. Economic managers are also expecting a P7 per kilo drop in rice prices with the influx of imported rice and with it, result in a lower inflation rate.

Government will pass on the 35 percent tariff on imported rice to farmers to help them become more competitive. Under NFA trading restrictions, only 23 percent of the potential protection was passed on to farmers in 2017.

UP economist Ramon Clarete estimates that rice consumers in Metro Manila in 2017 paid on average 41 percent more than the landed price of rice imported freely from Vietnam or Thailand. But our rice farmers sold their rice at only nine percent above this free trade price. The difference, or 32 percent went to rice traders, millers, or were simply lost to market inefficiencies in the rice value chain.

By signing the rice tariffication bill into law, President Duterte kicks off the process of substantially reducing the inefficiencies and collusion in the rice market system. Clarete explained this old system made rice farmers poor over the last half century. Farmers will be better off as they capture more of the intended trade protection of the law from rice traders in collusion with corrupt NFA agents.

Indeed, Clarete pointed out, most of the rice farmers are also rice consumers during most part of the year. The new law benefits them, along with non-rice farmers in rural areas, fisherfolk, workers, and residents in urban areas.

The new law also opens the market to conglomerates like San Miguel whose experience and resources can provide the efficiencies that can bring down further the retail price of rice. It will also be easier to track import volumes and tax liabilities with San Miguel than it would be with Divisoria rice traders.

President Duterte also signed into law the Mobile Number Portability Act that allows cell phone users to switch networks without changing their numbers. This is in line with the President’s desire to have more competitiveness in the telco industry.

As the law itself pointed out in Section 3 (a), it wants “to promote consumer welfare as it fosters the freedom to choose and to respond to quality, price and other relevant considerations without the consumers having to change their mobile numbers whenever they change mobile service providers or subscription plans.”

Mobile number portability is the ability of a mobile postpaid or prepaid subscriber to retain an existing mobile number despite having moved from one mobile service provider to another, or to change subscription mode from postpaid to prepaid or vice versa. Under this law, telcos must act within 24 hours from the time a subscriber submits application.

I like this new law. NTC could have ordered this, but it had always been too scared or too much of a captive regulator of the telco industry to do so.

But then, we still have just two telcos to choose from. Many of us already have accounts in both, just to make sure. We still need the third, fourth, and possibly fifth telco to fully benefit from the law.

Still, it is a good start and the intentions of the Duterte administration in having this law is laudable.

But there could have been more laws delivered to promote our welfare as telecoms consumers… the Open Access bill for instance.

It is amazing how a single senator stood in the way of passing legislation that will speed up internet speed by introducing more competition through open access. That could have had more immediate effect on our lives than the third telco.

Then there is the law creating the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development. It consolidates the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB). Hopefully, this will give us a more comprehensive way of addressing the housing needs of people.

Good intentions, but with the same bureaucracy, we cannot expect much unless Duterte appoints a really good secretary. Will this mean we will have better planning and land use policies? I have my doubts, but hopeful.

Given the high rate of growth of our urban areas, we need better regulation and better regulators. The areas around Clark are booming and it will be a pity if the nearby towns end up like Metro Manila did.

Problems like congestion due to lack of planning and appropriate regulations can be observed in Angeles, Mabalacat, and San Fernando. Ayala is starting to develop virgin fields in Porac of 1,800 hectares and only 22 percent open space instead of the minimum 30 percent required by PD957. So much work to do for this new department.

There are many other new laws signed by the President in recent days. On the whole it is good to see some progress with these new laws. Interesting to see how the implementation side works out.

Boo Chanco’s e-mail address is bchanco@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @boochanco

https://www.philstar.com/business/2019/02/22/1895625/finally-moving

Instituto Cervantes celebrates Women’s Day

In celebration of Women’s this March, Instituto Cervantes de Manila, in collaboration with the Embassy of Spain, Intramuros Administration and the Film Development Council of the Philippines will be holding “Espacio Femenino: Spanish and Filipino Female Filmmakers,” featuring movies by female directors. The film cycle aims to highlight the contribution of women to the film industry.

The movies will be screened every Saturday at 4PM in Instituto Cervantes Intramuros, located at Plaza San Luis Complex, Intramuros.

Opening feature on March 9 is the Spanish film “Los amores cobardes” (2018) by Carmen Blanco. It tells the story of Eva, a strong and independent woman, who returns to her hometown to spend the summer holidays with her mother and Gema, her only true friend. She least expects to meet Ruben, her ex-boyfriend, who broke off with her unexpectedly years ago for no apparent reason without even saying goodbye.

The Galician film “A palabra xusta” (2016) will be shown on March 16. It had for protagonist a 92-year-old teacher who returns to a house that has seemingly stood still in time. There, she starts a conversation with her memories, reflections of a life trapped in old photographs, and the memory of the love of her life, Antonio Beiras.

On March 23, short films by female directors will be featured, such as “Café para llevar” (2014), “Una vez” (2015), “Camino de agua para un pez “(2016), “Einstein-Rosen” (2016), “Lucrecia “(2016), “Conservas” (2017), and a Filipino short film --“Gikan sa Ngitngit nga Kinaidlaman” (2017).

Finally, the film cycle will close with the movie “Con el viento” (2017) by Meritxell Colell, which is about a dancer and choreographer, Mónica, who receives a call informing that her father is seriously ill. Unfortunately, he dies before she gets to see him. Her mother asks her to stay and help her sell the house. However, they are like two strangers who will have to know more about each other and learn to live together.

FREE ADMISSION on a first-come, first-served basis. For further information please log on to Instituto Cervantes’ website (http://manila.cervantes.es), Instituto Cervantes Facebook page Instituto Cervantes de Manila.

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Catriona Gray’s homecoming

Miss Universe Catriona Gray is being accorded a grand homecoming as fit a queen that brought honor and pride to her country.

Coming from Novotel Manila Araneta Center, her homecoming parade will start at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, taking her and her entourage Roxas Blvd, Taft, Ayala and back to Araneta Center.

Catriona will be riding in a fabulous float designed by Fritz C Silorio who is an award-winning indie film director. Fritz said the float was inspired by Catriona’s lava gown.

Before she returns to New York, Catriona will be feted with a homecoming dinner by Bb. Pilipinas executives.

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Happy birthday greetings today, Feb. 21, go to Fiesta Tañada, Edward Eirone Nodora, Bobby M. Hernandez, Delia Rarela Barcelona, Des Robles Santos, Rey Cabiling, Richard Hinola, Chester Ocampo, Michael Alunan, Paul Sequitin Segui, Orlando Red Serrano II, Kagawad Helen Vargas Lara, Gerlie Nombre-Garcia, Cherry Regalado Mortel, Leabel Sanchez, Lilibet A. Amatong, Marielle Infantado - Kelly, Tony Gloria of United Pictures, Jinky Llamanzares, Maria Lourdes “Girlie” Guillen, Jim M. Fernandez, Mike Alunan, Lilia Duldulao, Beth Virtucio, Dr. Delia R. Barcelona, Paolo Perez, Doreen Belen of Hawaii, U.S.A., Gigi Paras, Severiano “Boy” Velasco, Jennifer Fong, Rangi Paula Mercado, Guy Burchett of United Kingdom, Richard Hinola, Rochelle Raki Vega-Siu and Don Morales, Jacob delos Reyes, Jon J Timmons and Love Anover Lianko of GMA Network... Belated happy birthday greetings to Honeylet Avancena, Rev. Fr. Rafael Quejada, O.P.; Ramir Rellora; Simon Bonto Billena; Ellen Raymundo; Socorro Musngi Tambuli; Commissioner Ermie Lagman Garon; Aries Ayos; Simon Leighton; Annamie Dacalos Villasan; Merarie Rocamora; Helen Ibardaloza Ventura; Nanay Mila Villamil; Fiona Liza Yao Bernardino daughter of Jocelyn Yao Bernardino; Leny Manalo; Atty. Vyva Aguirre; Adolf Azcuna, Ria NG; Dexter Estacio; Lisa Juliano; DENR Undersecretary Benny Antiporda; Allan Joseph Gamboa, Tim Tam, Benedict Exconde; Noy Jopson; Ernie Besinio; Menchie Larasan Escandalio; Noy Lauzon, Zsarlene Chua, Tere Militante, Kristina Muñiz, Shayne Mykaela Ubongen and Sean Matthew Benedict Ubongen son and daughter of Lee Rhyan Ubongen, Trisha Ilarde, Matt David, Ibs Undug husband of Jade Undug, Pareng Terry de Leon, Tita Elvie Yambao, Ricardo Vigilla, Clyde Sandia, Jasmin Almazan Lara, Jack Bunag, Ozzmack De Vera, Denfa Egera Quimat, Nica Glorioso, Helen Getizo, Ate Cherry Salac, Robert M. Young, Erlinda “Liding” Oledan, Julie Esguerra, Mark Lapid, Winston Marbella, Sonny Tanchanco, Josie Puzon, Bob Velasco, Jr., Lily A. Foronda, Tessie Luz, Jose Midas Marquez, Lily Fermin mother of Isaiah Fermin, Rhiza Pascua, Joseph Astrud Pineda, Lulu Reyes, Grace Ramirez, Thelma Matias, Rafael Aquino, Mary Jane Papin, Charlie Green, Jack Reid and Shermaine Santiago Macugay (Feb. 16); Jayren Mae Rafol Rones, Harvey Ong, Yumz Paulo, Aldea Flores and Francis “Jun” Posadas (Feb. 19); Mary Paul Quiamco, Brian Monaghan, Cheska Mikaela Kabiling, Lorenzo Leviste and Maria Tronqued-Lagniton, Sob Patrick Luis Pacia, Don Phopitz Malig Dungca, Jun Mendoza, Sockie Fernandez, Ken Alfonso, Marc Carlos De Leon, Hidilyn Diaz Oly, Nilo Divina, Elidel Estrada, Jamie Ortega, Rick Sanchez Subardiaga, Rolly Catanes, Jew-knee Junie Lay-low; Joey Ortega; Ed Tayag; Marie Valenzuela; Chari Bagatsing, Teresita “Tita” Abiva, Emy Rodriguez, Ditas Remulla, Lalaine Legasto, Enrico Castelo, Marina Calma Visaya, Perla Dungo, Tiffany Santos Red, Amelia Lopez, Mary Grace Agoncillo, Prof. Lulu Geslani, Dolly Bohol, US-based journalist Tony Antonio and Betty Luz Go Chua (Feb. 20). Space Jam: The Final Frontier featuring Soapdish, Unique, Mayonnaise, I Belong to Zoo, Ang Bandang Shirley, Lola Amour, Munimuni, Over October, Pasadena Freeway, Takipsilim, Why July, The Sandbox Project, BTP, Seizure Salad, Emanon, Bahay ni Reca, After 8, Noise Dive at The Quirks at the Ateneo Senior High School Field, this February 22 at 5:30 p.m. For more tickets, visit at tinyurl.com/spacejamticketreservations. Condolences to the family of Alfredo Jagoring, Jr. who passed away last February 18, he leaves his wife of 65 years, Joaquina, his 10 children Robert, Carmen, Rene, Carmelina, Edna, Joseph, Corazon, Boo and Eric and his 36 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Burial will be at the Manila Memorial Park Sucat on Sunday, February 24 at 4 p.m.

Addressing the housing backlog

On a visit to Singapore about 15 years ago, I had the chance to meet a number of key government officials, including senior people from Singapore’s public housing authority, the Housing Development Board (HDB). Many of the public condominium units in Singapore now were built and are currently managed by HDB.

The way it works is that those seeking public housing can make use or tap their mandatory savings with the Central Provident Fund, a compulsory comprehensive savings plan for working Singaporeans and permanent residents primarily to fund their retirement, healthcare, and housing needs. Both employers and employees contribute to the fund.

I cannot help but recall that trip in light of present developments here, particularly the recent creation of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development. This agency will now serve as the primary national government entity responsible for managing housing, human settlement, and urban development as it merges the present Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council and the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board.

Based on news reports, the new department will have administrative supervision over the National Housing Authority, National Home Mortgage Finance Corp., Home Development Mutual Fund, and the Social Housing Finance Corp. It will reportedly be composed of the Office of the Secretary, various bureaus, services and other regional offices.

The department’s creation is timely if not overdue. However, moving forward, crucial to its success will be appropriate, suitable policies; effective implementation; and support from all stakeholders. Otherwise, the department may just end up as another layer of bureaucracy that further slows housing development.

The new housing agency faces a tough challenge. To address the backlog or shortage in the supply of affordable housing from now until 2030, as estimated in a study by the University of Asia and the Pacific, we need roughly 11 million homes put up and sold to buyers in the next 11 years, or an average of one million homes every year.

I cannot help but point to Singapore, because I consider their public housing program a success. At the time of my visit to HDB way back, they were about to build new homes, and were going about refurbishing older developments. In short, other than new development, there was also redevelopment of older properties.

Today, anybody visiting Singapore will be amazed at how they have managed to provide decent public housing for their residents, and how they have also spruced up older HDB buildings to make them look more attuned to the times. Public housing units are well-built, clean, and well-maintained.

Started in 1 February 1960 to address a housing crisis, HDB was given the task of providing sanitary living conditions for Singapore residents, in place of what were deemed to be “unhygienic slums and crowded squatter settlements.” In three years, 21,000 flats or apartments were built. And by 1965, 54,000 flats were already up.

Information on the HDB website indicate that, to date, more than one million flats have been completed in 23 towns and three estates across the island. HDB flats are said to provide homes to over 80% of Singapore’s resident population, with about 90% of these resident households owning their home. And these are not cheap homes, mind you.

Moreover, if your HDB unit is already old, you can opt to remodel it with assistance from HDB. Data available indicate that the biggest proportion of residences in Singapore (about 32% of all homes) are four-room HDB flats with an area of about 90 square meters. And the average cost of home renovation, for an old flat, is about S$55,000 (about P2.1 million). That is just for renovation.

Over here, by government definition, “socialized housing” are units costing not more than P450,000; and, “economic housing” are homes costing P450,000 to P1.7 million. These two brackets cover mostly the lower-income class, and around 85% of the housing backlog. “Low-cost housing” are homes costing P1.7 million to P3 million. Mid-cost is anything above P3 million, while High-End is anything above P6 million.

As far as mid-cost and high-end are concerned, there is no backlog in the Philippines. There are plenty of developers and homes available in these segments. The biggest backlog is in the “economic” segment, or homes in the P450,000 to P1.7 million range, followed by the “socialized” segment, and then the “low-cost” segment.

Given the magnitude of the housing problem, one cannot help but wonder why from 2001 to 2014, as one research noted, HLURB issued Licenses to Sell for only about two million housing units, covering all housing segments, from socialized up to the open market group. This averaged about 130,000 housing units per year. Even if we averaged 250,000 units yearly until 2030, we will still have a backlog.

With the new Department of Human Settlements, one can only hope that things will start looking up for housing. However, the department needs to hear out all sectors, all stakeholders, and learn from best practices in public and private housing development here and abroad.

It needs to take time to study and learn, and to update its assessment of supply and demand, and to draft long-term plans as well as policies to put those plans into action. Proper planning, consistency and continuity in policy and action, and support from all stakeholders will all be crucial to the new department’s success.

Marvin Tort is a former managing editor of BusinessWorld, and a former chairman of the Philippines Press Council

matort@yahoo.com

https://www.bworldonline.com/addressing-the-housing-backlog/

Duterte signs law creating Human Settlements dept

President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law a bill seeking to consolidate all housing agencies into a new Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development.

Duterte approved Republic Act 11201 on Feb. 14 – a copy of which was released by Malacañang on Tuesday.

The law orders the consolidation of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council and the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) to create the new department.

The new department would be the sole and main planning and policy-making, regulatory, program coordination, and performance monitoring entity for all housing and urban development concerns, and would primarily be focused on the access to and affordability of decent, and secure shelter.

Under the law, the department would be composed of the Office of the Secretary, three undersecretaries and assistant secretaries each, and the Bureaus of Environmental, Land Use, and Urban Planning and Development; Housing and Real Estate Development Regulation; and Homeowners Association and Community Development.

The department will also have administrative supervision over the National Housing Authority, National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation, Home Development Mutual Fund and Social Housing Finance Corporation.

The measure also orders the creation of a National Human Settlements Board to address housing policies and plans, as well as the transfer of the adjudicatory function of the HLURB to the Human Settlements Adjudication Commission.

Government data showed that in 2018 alone, there was a need for more than two million housing units. The figure was projected to balloon to 6,571,387 by the end of 2022.

The law takes effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation. (With GMA News/PN)

https://www.panaynews.net/duterte-signs-law-creating-human-settlements-dept/

DPWH sets dry run for NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is set to conduct a dry run today on the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Harbor Link Segment 10 from Karuhatan, Valenzuela City to the new Caloocan Interchange on C3 Road, Caloocan City.

The dry run will be led by DPWH Secretary Mark Villar along with Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) president Rodrigo Franco and NLEX Corp. president Luigi Bautista.

“The NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10 will be a traffic game changer since this will drastically cut travel time from Port Area to NLEX. Once opened, around 30,000 vehicles daily will be diverted away from busy roads in Metro Manila,” Villar said.

The DPWH official added that the elevated expressway would greatly benefit truckers and freight forwarders because their cargo trucks would be spared the truck ban and lead to faster delivery of goods to and from the provinces.

Villar said that in a recent study by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, “traffic congestion in Metro Manila is costing the country P3.5 billion a day. This new road will be a big boost to our economy as billions of pesos will be saved annually with the improved travel time.”

Bautista said aside from connecting NLEX to key areas in Metro Manila, the segment “is seen to bring more opportunities in nearby communities such as generation of employment and increase in land values.”

Franco, on the other hand, said “Metro Pacific remains committed in supporting the government in its infrastructure projects to improve accessibility between airports, seaports, and growth corridors in both the north and south.”

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/02/20/1895066/dpwh-sets-dry-run-nlex-harbor-link-segment-10

Duterte signs into law measure creating Housing department

PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte signed a law creating the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development through the consolidation of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB).

Mr. Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11201, also known as the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Act, on Feb. 14. The law consolidates Senate Bill 1578 and House Bill 6775. The Senate and the House of Representatives passed their bills on Nov. 12 and Oct. 10, respectively.

Asked to comment after a briefing at the Palace, HUDCC Chairman Eduardo D. del Rosario told BusinessWorld that with this law, “we will have a more comprehensive determination on how we can address the housing needs of the people.”

The new department, according to the law, will act as the primary national government entity responsible for the management of housing, human settlement and urban development, which also means that it will formulate national housing and urban development policies, strategies and standards that are consistent with the Philippine Development Plan to promote social and economic welfare.

The department will be composed of the Office of the Secretary, and the various bureaus, services and regional offices. The law also said the Office of the Secretary will house the Office of the Department Secretary, the Offices of the Undersecretaries, the Offices of the Assistant Secretaries, and their immediate support staff.

Another function of the department is to formulate housing finance and production policies. — Arjay L. Balinbin

https://www.bworldonline.com/duterte-signs-into-law-measure-creating-housing-department/