Maguindanao plebiscite: Gun ban starts August 16

A gun ban will be implemented from Aug. 16 to Sept. 24 as part of the security measures for the holding of a plebiscite in Maguindanao on Sept. 17.

In a resolution promulgated on Aug. 3, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said checkpoints would be set up in the province during the same period.

The plebiscite will ratify the division of Maguindanao into Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur, as provided under Republic Act 11550 signed by former president Rodrigo Duterte in May 2021.

The resolution was published in The STAR on Wednesday.

The poll body ordered its information department to furnish copies of the resolution to the Department of Justice, Cotabato City prosecutor’s office, Maguindanao provincial prosecutor’s office, Department of National Defense, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Cotabato City police officers and 36 local government units in Maguindanao.

The Comelec regional director in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, provincial election supervisor and election officers in the province should also be furnished copies of the resolution, the poll body said.

Comelec acting acting spokesman John Rex Laudiangco said Maguindanao allotted P89.14 million for the plebiscite.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2022/08/12/2202052/maguindanao-plebiscite-gun-ban-starts-august-16

Bill establishing Alcatraz-type 'heinous crime penitentiary’, other measures lapsed into law

Forty-one bills passed during the time of former president Rodrigo Duterte have lapsed into law, including measures seeking to establish an Alcatraz-like facility for prisoners convicted of heinous crimes and to strengthen the protection of minors against online sexual exploitation.

The measures lapsed into law last month, data released by Malacañang Wednesday showed.

The 1987 Constitution gives the president 30 days to sign a bill into law or veto it. If the chief executive does not act on the bill within 30 days, the measure would lapse into law.

Among the bills that have lapsed into law is the measure that aims to establish a separate facility for persons convicted of heinous crimes. Under the measure, the facility shall be built in a location away from the general population and other persons deprived of liberty, preferably within a military establishment or on an island separate from the mainland. The bill, which seeks to decongest jails and deter crimes, also directs the justice department to determine the location of the facility. The measure lapsed into law last July 30 and is now known as Republic Act No. 11929.

According to Encyclopedia Britannica, Alcatraz is a former maximum security prison located on Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, off the coast of California. Among the high-profile convicts who were imprisoned in Alcatraz were Al Capone and Robert Stroud.

In an earlier statement, Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri proposed that the maximum prison security compound may be built either at Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija or an island off Luzon.

Another measure that has lapsed into law is the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act or Republic Act No. 11930. The bill became law without the president's signature last July 30.

The law increases the responsibilities of social media platforms, electronic service providers and internet, and financial intermediaries by requiring them to block and preserve materials that promote sexual abuse and exploitation of children and to cooperate with law enforcers. The measure also forms a national coordinating center against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children that will be under the Inter-Agency Council against Trafficking.

Other bills that have lapsed into law include the measure penalizing willful and indiscriminate discharge of firearms; Sicogon Island Wildlife and Sanctuary Act; the measure creating the Metropolitan Baguio City, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba and Tublay Development Authority; Radio City Telephone Company Inc. franchise; Baliwag City charter; Philippine Digital Workforce Competitiveness Act; local measures related to Barangay Naibuan, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; Barangay Poblacion B, M'lang, South Cotabato; Barangay Tulalian, Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte; Barangay Tagukon, Kabankalan CIty, Negros Occidental; Barangay Songkoy, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte; Barangay Pangaylan-Ip, Santiago, Agusan del Norte; Barangay Panacan-2, Narra, Palawan; Barangay Crossing, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte; Barangay Batucan in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur; More Electric and Power Corporation franchise; Private Security Services Industry Act; and the bill increasing the social pension of indigent senior citizens.

Also in the list of measures that have lapsed into law are the National Music Competition for Young Artists Act; and Provincial Science and Technology Office Act; National Youth Day Act; the bill establishing a multi-species matine hatchery in Bagac, Bataan; the bill establishing a mangrove crab hatchery in Barangay Geratag, San Jose, Northern Samar; Summer Youth Camp Acy; Permanent Validity of the Certificates of Live Birth, Death and Marriage Act; Parent Effectiveness Service Program Act; Oro Broadcasting Network Inc. franchise; the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act; bills creating barangay Doña Maxima in San Luis, Agusan del Sur and the barangays Acma-Mariano Badelles Sr., San Roque, Luinab, Upper Hinaplanon and Ulbado Laya, Iligan province; the Agriculture Fisheries and Rural Development Financing Enhancement Act of 2022; the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act; the Second Congressional Commission on Education Act; Extended Producer Responsibility Act of 2022; National Baptist Day Act; the bill dividing Barangay Muzon in San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan into four independent barangays; the measure establishing a multi-species marine hatchery in Tibiao, Antique, the Unicorn Communications Corporation Telcommunications franchise; and the measure converting the Land Transportation Office extension office in San Jose City, Nueva Ecija into a regular district office.

Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles denied that President Marcos went on "veto spree," noting that he only vetoed five measures.

The vetoed bills were the measure creating the Bulacan Airport City Special Economic Zone; the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel charter; the bill seeking to expand the franchise area of Davao Light and Power Company Inc.; the Philippine Transportation Safety Board Act; and the measure exempting from income taxation the honoraria, allowances and other financial benefits of persons rendering service during elections.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/08/03/2200037/bill-establishing-alcatraz-type-heinous-crime-penitentiary-other-measures-lapsed-law

Solon files bill to restore Negros Island Region

BACOLOD CITY — A Negros Occidental congressman has filed a bill seeking to restore the Negros Island Region (NIR) nearly five years since it was abolished.

Rep. Alfredo Marañon III of Negros Occidental’s second district formally asked the House of Representatives on Friday, July 1, to bring back the NIR.

House Bill 330, he said, will likely be approved by the House of Representatives since ten Negros Island representatives and others from the Visayas are supporting it.

Rep. Francisco Benitez of Negros Occidental’s third district said he would also file a similar bill which includes Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor in the new region.

“All of the bills seeking the creation of the NIR will be consolidated at the committee level for deliberation,” Benitez said.

Members of the Visayan bloc in the House of Representatives earlier expressed support for plans to bring back the NIR.

Negros Occidental is currently under Western Visayas while Negros Oriental and Siquijor are under Central Visayas.

Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Benitez said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. might issue an executive order reestablishing the NIR ahead of the bill’s passage.

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri earlier said he would file a counterpart bill in the Senate.

Negros is the fourth largest and third most populous island in the Philippines, with a total land area of 13,309 square kilometers. As of the 2020 census, Negros has a total population of 4,656,945.

The whole island was governed as an administrative region officially named the NIR, which comprised the highly urbanized city of Bacolod and the provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental from May 29, 2015, to August 9, 2017.

It was created by virtue of Executive Order No. 183 issued by the late President Benigno Aquino III “to further accelerate the social and economic development of the cities and municipalities comprising the provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, and improve the delivery of public services in the aforementioned provinces.”

However, on August 9, 2017, former president Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order No. 38 dissolving the NIR for “competing with the government priority programs and projects for funding,” as the substantial appropriation is needed to be fully operational.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1623849/solon-files-bill-to-restore-negros-island-region

Magdalinski to break Multiply social network impasse

Within its first 100 days, the new administration intends to break the deadlock over the Multiply social networking site, according to Multiply CEO and owner Stefan Magdalinski.

To break the impasse, Magdalinski proposed to revive the dead website, the failing business, and reopen the social networking portion itself.

During the Duterte administration, Multiply remains closed when Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Tiktok, Tumblr, and Twitter remain operational.

It was supposed to feature actor and former UAAP swimming star Enchong Dee in the third issue of UAAP Magazine which did not materialize and the website has been in a blog shutdown ever since.

It has announced that it will cease operation on May 6, 2013.

In a statement, Multiply said that it will maintain normal site operations through May 6, 2013. It has assured its merchant's full payment for all transactions made through the platform. Also, a pro-rated refund will be given to merchants who availed of the site’s trust badges or premium accounts.

Despite its attempt to reinvent itself as an e-commerce platform, the cause of the decision is attributed to poor performance. “About a year ago, our local Multiply teams were given the mighty challenge of totally re-inventing the company,” said Stefan Magdalinski, Multiply CEO based in Jakarta, Indonesia in a statement sent to online news site DailySocial.

Magdalinski added that “After much effort, we are forced to admit that we were not able to pull it off. I’m proud of my team for their diligence and determination, despite the disappointing outcome.”

Multiply started as a blogging and social networking platform launched in 2003. Eventually, the site added an e-commerce platform offering individual merchants to sell products online. After its fall from popularity as a social networking site, Multiply moved its headquarters from Florida, U.S.A. to Jakarta, Indonesia. The move was made to attend to users in the region where it has remained popular, especially as an online marketplace.

Last August 9, 2012, Multiply announced that it would be ceasing its social networking platform by December 2012 and would be focusing on e-commerce. Early this year, the site has undergone refurbishing.

On Philippine E-Commerce

Shopping online is expected to become more popular in the country because goods online tend to be cheaper than those bought in commercial establishments. Despite this, stricter taxation will be implemented as the Palace announced in late 2012 its support for stricter taxation on online merchants. Early this year, the Bureau of Internal revenue said that it will go after buy-and-sell sites over its merchants who fail to issue receipts.

Multiply’s closing can have little effect on the country’s e-commerce industry. With its closing, online merchants have to change their platform or move to other sites. Since many merchants are already using other e-commerce and social networking sites as platforms, they shall retain their online presence.

Other major players in Philippine e-commerce, particularly group buying, online shopping, and buy-and-sell sites, can be utilized as other platforms for online trade.

This week, Magdalinski disclosed he has spoken to technology bloggers over the reopening of the Multiply social networking service website.

“I hope I can get the parties to agree in the first 100 days. We can tackle the issues in terms of policies and agreements, in the first 100 days,” he reiterated.

New SM Malls Logos

 

SM City Bataan was the most recent in the list of SM Supermalls.

Ilocos Norte LGUs host public viewing of Marcos inauguration

By Leilanie Adriano

LAOAG CITY – Ilocos Norte was at a standstill on Thursday as locals watched the live coverage of the inaugural ceremony of President Ferdinand “Bongbong" Marcos Jr. at the National Museum in Manila.

Employees of City Hall and the Capitol here took time out from their regular routine as they watched Marcos take his oath of office as the 17th President of the Philippines before Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo.

Early Thursday, various local government units in Ilocos Norte hosted public viewings of the event in their respective gymnasiums or auditoriums.

As soon as the Information and Technology Department of the Ilocos Norte government installed the big screen at the Capitol auditorium, Fe Siazon, provincial government human resource, and management officials said Thursday she rushed to the venue to get a front-row seat at the viewing party.

Having worked with the now-President when he was still the governor of Ilocos Norte, Siazon was elated over Marcos' assumption as the newly inaugurated chief executive and promised to promote unity and bring progress to the country.

“The President is determined to make a change but he will be needing our cooperation to make it happen,” she said.

Despite the choppy internet signal, Helen Abad, 75, from Barangay San Lorenzo, San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte still managed to listen to the President’s speech via her cellular phone.

“This is history in the making. I pray for the President’s good health and wisdom to make a difference in the lives of Filipinos,” she said in Ilocano.

Market vendors and salon workers in Laoag City also rejoiced as they witnessed another Ilocano lead the country for the next six years.

In Batac City, thousands of employees and students of state-run Mariano Marcos State University virtually watched at the University Review Center the turnover and oath-taking ceremonies of Marcos.

"Being the sole state university in the province from where our newest president hails, we are very much proud of our [President Bongbong Marcos], and optimistic of the greatness that will unfold for our country starting today," MMSU president Shirley Agrupis said.

On Wednesday, around 60 invited guests mostly composed of provincial, city, and municipal officials as well as some department heads from Ilocos Norte left for Manila to personally witness the inauguration.

The Ilocos Norte officials are expected to take their oath-taking in Malacañang with Marcos. (PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177924

Marcos Jr. sworn in as Philippines’ 17th President

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

Ferdinand Romualdez "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. took oath as the 17th President of the Republic of the Philippines, with a promise of promoting unity and bringing progress to the country.

Marcos, the son of the late former President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos Sr., was sworn in by Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo at the National Museum of the Philippines in the City of Manila.

In his inaugural address, Marcos vowed to fulfill his mandate to serve and protect fellow Filipinos.

"This is a historic moment for us all," he said. "You picked me to be your servant to enable changes to benefit all. I fully understand the gravity of the responsibility that you have put on my shoulders. I do not take it lightly, but I am ready for the task," he said.

Marcos, donning a rayadillo-inspired barong made by multi-awarded designer Pepito Albert, opted for a "very solemn and simple" inauguration.

Marcos' wife First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and their sons Sandro, Simon, and Vincent graced the formal inauguration ceremony.

Also present were Marcos' mother, former First Lady Imelda Marcos; and sisters, Senator Imee Marcos and Irene Marcos-Araneta; Vice President Sara Duterte; and former Presidents Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Joseph Estrada.

The 1987 Constitution mandates the President-elect to take oath at noon on June 30, a ceremonial event marking the commencement of his six-year term as the country's new chief executive.

Prior to the inauguration, Marcos met with his predecessor, outgoing president Rodrigo Duterte, at Malacañan Palace for the latter's departure honors.

After his inaugural rites, Marcos is expected to host a traditional Vin d'honneur for foreign dignitaries, diplomatic corps and other invited guests.

Marcos will also administer the mass oath-taking of his Cabinet Secretaries at Malacañan Palace. He is also set to host an inaugural dinner.

The so-called People's Concert, which is part of Marcos' thanksgiving activity, will also be held on Thursday night.

The country's leading orchestra Philharmonic Orchestra and world-renowned Cecile Licad were tapped by Marcos to perform in the concert.

Marcos won the presidential race after garnering 31,629,783 votes or 58.77 percent of the votes cast in the May 9 national and local elections.

No hitch

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) thanked its personnel for their hard work which resulted in the peaceful and orderly inauguration rites.

In a statement, PNP director for operations, Maj. Gen. Valeriano de Leon also thanked soldiers and personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Bureau of Fire Protection, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Department of Health, and other force multipliers from various government agencies.

"Indeed, all will be well if everything is planned well. The inauguration of our new President, Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., is peaceful, orderly, and successful. But we would not be able to do it without the hard work and sacrifices of everybody who took part as early as in the planning up to the last-minute implementation of the security measures," he added.

More than 15,000 policemen, soldiers, and other members of law enforcement and national and local government were deployed to secure the inauguration, which was attended by VIPs and foreign dignitaries.

De Leon also recognized the role of leaders, organizers, and members of various groups that held protests for policing their own ranks, which led to the peaceful programs.

Close to 1,000 protesters held a peaceful program at the Plaza Miranda in Manila, which was designated as a freedom park for the event.

Meanwhile, more than 5,000 Marcos supporters trooped to the public viewing area at the golf course in front of the National Museum of the Philippines in Manila before a lockdown was enforced in the area. (with Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177892

NegOcc city's neophyte mayor vows transparent gov't service

By Nanette Guadalquiver

BACOLOD CITY – Neophyte Javier Miguel Benitez has vowed to provide a responsive and transparent government service and lead by example as he assumes the post as the youngest-ever mayor of Victorias City, Negros Occidental on Thursday.

The 27-year-old son of Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, the new mayor of Bacolod City, took his oath before his uncle, reelected Third District Representative Jose Francisco Benitez, in ceremonies held at the Victorias City Sports and Amusement Center on Wednesday afternoon.

“I will be fair and just. I will lead by example. I will not demand what I will not do myself. I will set high expectations for each performance as I commit the same for myself,” the young mayor said.

He assured the people of Victorias that he will value their trust and will not let them down.

“I offer myself with full knowledge of the responsibilities that await me as a mayor. My youth will be my strength rather than my weakness,” said the former actor, who is in a relationship with television and movie actress Sue Ramirez.

A graduate of Political Science at the Santa Clara University in California, USA, Benitez said Victorias has been his childhood home, outside of Manila. When his father ran and served as congressman of the third district, he saw how it is like to lead and was inspired to join public service.

“During the time of the pandemic, I was able to reflect. I realized my purpose in life. I want to help others even in a small way, to alleviate their suffering,” he said.

Benitez said he will pursue an agenda that he introduced during the campaign, focusing on dignified human settlement, disaster resilience, the revival of the local economy, education, health, and responsive and transparent government service.

Acknowledging that he does not have all the solutions to the problems faced by the northern Negros city, he asked for help and welcomed suggestions from the various sectors on how to strengthen the delivery of government services to his constituents. (PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177904

Parliament passes controversial bills to create new provinces in Papua

The Indonesian parliament on Thursday approved the creation of three new provinces in the restive Papua region, despite opposition from many indigenous Papuans who fear an influx of outsiders, and criticism from rights groups that the move is a “divide-and-rule” strategy.

The action paves the way for the formation of South Papua Province, Central Papua Province, and Papua Highlands Province, in addition to the existing provinces of Papua and West Papua.

“The division is aimed at accelerating equitable development, the improvement of public services, people’s welfare and dignity,” lawmaker Ahmad Doli Kurnia Tandjung said in parliament.

The plans to carve up Papua have been widely opposed by indigenous people. Protests involving thousands of people against the plans have been held in Papuan cities including Jayapura, Wamena, Yahukimo, Timika, Nabire and Lanny Jaya.

Ika Mulait, an activist with Papuan People’s Petition, a group that organized rallies against the creation of new provinces, warned of worsening human rights violations with the presence of more security forces.

Jakarta granted special autonomy for Papua in 2001 to mollify desires for independence, but Indonesian security forces have been accused of human rights abuses during anti-insurgency operations there.

A special autonomy law for Papua, which was passed last year, allows Jakarta to create new administrative units in Papua without the approval of the provincial government and the Papuan People’s Assembly (MRP).

“These three new provinces will certainly result in more many military personnel entering Papua and the Papuan people are already traumatized by the presence of the security forces,” Ika told BenarNews.

Activists and Papuans said the bills were drafted without consulting the indigenous people who are represented through the MRP and the Papuan People’s Representative Council (DPRD).

“The government really has mastered the art of finding solutions to Papuan problems without listening to Papuans,” Ligia Giay, a Papuan studying in Australia, told BenarNews.

Legal challenge

Veronica Koman, an activist with Amnesty International Australia, said the creation of new provinces was a “divide-and-rule” tactic.

“New security bases and posts will be built in each new area, exacerbating conflicts and human rights violations through increased militarization,” she said on Twitter.

“As an Indonesian, I am deeply ashamed that a new chapter of Jakarta’s settler-colonialism project in West Papua has been officially legalized by the Indonesian parliament today,” she said.

Edho Gobay, director of the Papua Legal Aid Institute, said his organization would challenge the bills at the Constitutional Court in Jakarta.

“We will mount a legal challenge because Papuans also have constitutional rights guaranteed by the 1945 Constitution,” Gobay told BenarNews.

Meanwhile, Sebby Sambom, spokesman for the West Papua National Liberation Army, the armed wing of the separatist movement, said the creation of new provinces was to serve only the interests of the elite.

“We never asked for special autonomy or new autonomous entities. That’s what Indonesia wants through the Papuan elite,” Sambom told BenarNews .

“That is the nature of colonialism. Indonesia will impose its will on Papua using the hands of the indigenous Papuans,” he said.

Clashes between rebels and government forces have intensified since December 2018, after rebels killed 20 people who worked for a state-owned construction company building a road in Papua.

Papua has been home to a separatist insurgency since the 1960s. In 1963, Indonesian forces invaded Papua – like Indonesia, a former Dutch colony – and annexed the region that makes up the western half of New Guinea Island.

Papua was incorporated into Indonesia in 1969 after a United Nations-sponsored vote, which locals and activists said was a sham because it involved only about 1,000 people. However, the United Nations accepted the result, essentially endorsing Jakarta’s rule.

https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/indonesian/three-provinces-06302022133848.html

Blocktime radioman shot dead in CDO

By Nef Luczon

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—A radio commentator was killed by unidentified assailants Wednesday morning, police said.

The Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO) said Federico “Deng” Gempesaw was shot to death by an assailant who approached him outside his home in Sitio Macanhan, Barangay Carmen here.

Maj. Mario Mantala, COCPO Station 4 chief, said investigators found Gempesaw's body on a roadside between a parked taxi and pick-up truck.

Citing a witness, Mantala said the assailant wore a brown shirt, a black cap, and a face mask, who fled the scene on a motorcycle driven by another suspect.

Mantala said Gempesaw tried to seize the assailant's firearm despite being wounded, but the gunman shot the victim on the head, causing the latter to fall into a canal.

Gempesaw's children brought the body from the canal to the roadside before the police arrived, he said.

Prior to working as a radio commentator, Gempesaw held was the head of the City Economic Enterprises Department during the time of former mayor Vicente Emano.

Ronald Rufin, manager of the radio station where he worked, said Gempesaw was a blocktime commentator since 2019 but became a regular program anchor after the 2022 elections.

“He handled the regular program here (in the station) because of his issue-based and constructive commentaries, which I think I won't get in trouble with KBP (Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas) rules. He is also a licensed KBP anchor,” Rufin said.

Authorities are still investigating the incident.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177848

4 bills granting, renewing franchise of telcos lapse into laws

By Azer Parrocha

Four bills granting or renewing the franchise of telecommunications companies have lapsed into law.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte allowed the measures to lapse on May 27, 2022, sans his signature.

Republic Acts (RA) No. 11773, 11774, 11801 renew for another 25 years the franchises granted to Panay Telephone Corporation, Calapan Telephone System, Inc., and Victorias Telephone System, Inc., respectively.

RA 11775 grants the estate of Mr. Amado L. Ola, OPC, doing business as Amapola Broadcasting System, a franchise to construct, install, establish, operate, and maintain radio and television broadcasting stations in the Philippines.

All laws require the grantees to secure from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) a certificate of public convenience and necessity or the appropriate permits and licenses.

"In case of any violation of the provisions of this franchise, the NTC shall have the authority to revoke or suspend, after due process, the permits or licenses it issued pursuant to the franchise. The NTC may recommend to Congress the revocation of the franchise for any violation of the provisions of this franchise," the laws read.

Under the laws, the grantees must “conform to the ethics of honest enterprise and not use its stations or facilities for obscene or indecent transmission, or for dissemination of deliberately false information, or willful misrepresentation, or assist in subversive or treasonable acts.”

The laws also give the President of the Philippines a special right to temporarily take over and operate the stations, transmitters, facilities, or equipment of the grantees “in times of war, rebellion, public peril, calamity, emergency, disaster, or disturbance of peace and order.”

Grantees must also submit an annual report on their compliance with the terms and conditions of the franchise and on its operations to the Congress through the committee on legislative franchises of the House of Representatives and the committee on public services of the Senate on or before April 30 of every year during the term of its franchise.

Failure to submit the annual report to Congress will be penalized with a fine of PHP1 million for each working day of noncompliance.

Renaming roads

Meanwhile, Duterte also allowed two measures renaming roads to lapse into law on May 29, 2022 without his signature.

RA 11797 renames the Bogo-Curva-Medellin-Daanbantayan-Maya Road, stretching from Barangay Don Pedro Rodriguez in the City of Bogo, as Juan Macaraeg Highway.

RA 11798 renames the Marawi City-Kapai-Tagoloan II in Lanao del Sur Road, stretching from Barangay Banggolo Poblacion in the City of Marawi as Senator Ahmad Domocao Alangadi Alonto Sr. National Road.

The Department of Public Works and Highways must issue the necessary rules, orders, and circulars to implement the provisions of the laws within 60 days from effectivity.

Separating, converting schools

Five laws separating and converting schools also lapsed into law on May 29, 2022.

RA 11793 separates the Rodolfo V. Pamor Jr. Memorial National High School-Sagñay Southeastern High School Annex in Barangay Turague, Municipality of Sagñay, Province of Camarines Sur from the Rodolfo V. Pamor Jr. Memorial High School and converted into an independent national high school to be known as Turague National High School.

RA 11794 separates the Dulop National High School-Bag-ong Valencia Extension in Barangay Bag-ong Valencia, Municipality of Dumingag, Province of Zamboanga del Sur from the Dulop National High School and converted into an independent national high school to be known as the Bag-ong Valencia Agricultural National High School.

RA 11795 separates the Datu Danwata Elementary School-Agik-ik Extension in Barangay Datu Danwata, Municipality of Malita, Province of Davao Occidental from the Datu Danwata Elementary School and converted into an independent elementary school to be known as the Agik-ik Elementary School.

RA 11796 separates the Datu Danwata Elementary School-TFS of Balis Extension in Barangay Datu Danwata, Municipality of Malita, Province of Davao Occidental from the Datu Danwata Elementary School and converted into an independent elementary school to be known as the Balis Elementary School.

RA 11824 converts the Kinangan Elementary School in Barangay Kinangan, Municipality of Malita, Province of Davao Occidental into an integrated school to be known as Kinangan Integrated School.

The Department of Education Secretary must promulgate the rules and regulations implementing the provisions of the laws within 60 days after the approval of the laws.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177775

The comeback of the Multiply social media platform after the nine year blog portal shutdown

About Multiply: Multiply, Inc. is one of the world’s preeminent Social Shopping and Media Sharing companies and operates the largest online marketplace in the Philippines. With over 70,000 storefronts, and 20 million monthly unique users, Multiply is a fast-growing environment, and the company to watch in the Philippines.

The Multiply social media platform would be reopened soon, with job hiring, the groundbreaking and opening of a new Philippine headquarters with the data center, and start to recover and retrieve all blogs, photos, and videos from 2004 to 2013. Under CEO and owner Stefan Magdalinski, the website would reopen for former users and start downloading blogs, photos, and videos.

In 2022, following the presidential elections and following his own inauguration, Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. would re-establish and reopen the former social media platform and social shopping site Multiply. The legal name of the company would be called Multiply, Inc. based in Boca Raton, Florida, U.S.A., and local subsidiaries or units Multiply Philippines, Inc. based in Pasig City, the Philippines, and PT Multiply Indonesia based in Jakarta, Indonesia, the primary purpose of the company is the world’s preeminent Media Sharing company and operates the largest online marketplace in the Philippines.

On August 19, 2022, it finally agreed on the social networking portion of Multiply. According to Magdalinski, it has decided to reopen the website along with all business operations, the Multiply International site, and the social networking portion including 11 million users with hosted blogs, videos, photos, and messaging. It is set to sign the final agreement on August 31, according to Mon Jocson of UNTV.

On September 28, 2022, it forged a consensus with shareholders on the social networking portion of Multiply.

Prosus N.V. is set to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to finalize the agreement.

The website which has photos, videos, and blog entries from March 2004 to March 2013, will provide features similar to Facebook Live and Instagram.

Getting all parties to agree was among the targets set by CEO Magdalinski within the first 100 days in office of the new presidency, and it involved engaging all shareholders in meetings in order to reach a consensus.

Magdalinski, along with Multiply founder Pezaris and former country manager for the Philippines Jack Madrid will sign a term sheet for the Multiply social network ending a 9-year closure of the website.

With the planned reopening of Multiply is a social networking service website and application, Multiply Media LLC will cease to exist.

But it was restarted operating the website after the end of the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte on October 8, 2022, the only social networking site to do so. Technology bloggers said that Multiply to re-establish itself as a social networking site and restart operating after the end of the Duterte administration.

The resolution of the nine-year closure of the E-commerce marketplace Multiply, along with all business operations, the Multiply International site, and the social networking portion including 11 million users with hosted blogs, videos, photos, and messaging for the first 100 days of the Marcos, Jr. administration.

"When the Marcos, Jr. administration took office on June 30, 2022, We were greeted with numerous long-standing issues that have tormented the country for years, and even decades. I remember fully well when we were only starting to take on the challenge five (5) years ago. The Filipino people have pinned their hopes on the new administration – with eyes intently and critically watching us on what we would do next? It enumerated the real issues before such as the controversial non-renewal of the franchise of ABS-CBN and the shutdown of E-commerce marketplace Multiply"

Poe, chairperson of the Senate committee on public services, will hold a public hearing on February 13, 2023, on the reopening of the social networking site Multiply.

The hearing will be held at noon in the Laurel Room, Philippine Senate.

The committee has invited Magdalinski, Pezaris, Madrid, and concerned shareholders of the website.

Magdalinski quoted in his post: "Hope. Finally, we will 1 day be back online. Finally, we will re-open Multiply. Finally, we will 1 day start our 20th year!"

According to Isel Ramos: "Multiply is renovating and it will re-open in the next several months as an archive photo and video site with a new mobile application on Android and Apple IOS."

"There is no quibbling around it: one of the original sins of the previous administration has been the cancelation of the planned feature of Enchong Dee in UAAP Magazine"

The World Tonight Line-Up (June 30, 2022)

2022 Revamp

A new and improved The World Tonight was introduced in time for President-elect Leni Robredo's inauguration, on June 30, 2022, coinciding with the reopening of ABS-CBN. This includes the return of 1996-1999 studio and 1995-2012 theme music.

Pia Gutierrez and Tony Velasquez as the anchors for the weeknight edition, as well as Stanley Palisada is the anchor for the Saturday edition and Ron Cruz is the anchor for the Sunday edition.

The edition's stories are the inauguration of president Leni Robredo and the reopening of the network's broadcasting operations and featured statements by ABS-CBN president and chief executive officer Carlo Katigbak and chairman Mark López.

The newscast's content are News Headlines, Highlights, Financial News, Special Report every Monday is Medical, Wednesday is International Personnel Book, Sports News, PCSO Lotto Results and Final Word Tonight.

In the opening ident, Davila starts the day's headlines "Tonight," with clips from the specific news items, after which, the opening billboard with Peter Musngi provided the voice-over, "Live from the ABS-CBN News Center Manila, this is the World Tonight" to introduce the newscast, as Gutierrez began the pilot and subsequent episodes with her opening line, "Good evening, I'm Pia Gutierrez and I'm Tony Velasquez, this is the World Tonight." It ended with their closing line, "And that's the World Tonight, the (day) of (month), (year), I'm Tony Velasquez and I'm Pia Gutierrez, Philippines, thank you and good night, Mabuhay!" to end the newscast.

The on-screen graphics for The World Tonight seem to have changed a bit. Previously blue, now the background is red. TeleRadyo is hoping to adopt this style to the lower thirds of the ANC. Just change the color family of the lower third package.

Line-up

1. ABS-CBN Station ID (1989 version) (2022)

2. Headliners

3. OBB

4. On-Cam

5. Local, International, and Financial News

6. Tina: Intro to the first gap

7. Gap 1 (3 minutes)

8. Local, International, and Financial News

9. Tony: Intro to the second gap

10. Gap 2 (3 minutes)

11. Local, International, and Financial News

12. Sports News (Dyan Castillejo)

12. Final Word Tonight

14. Banter/Extro

15. CBB

Negrenses get Senate backing to reestablish Negros Island Region

By Nanette Guadalquiver

BACOLOD CITY – The provinces of Negros Occidental and Oriental and this lone highly urbanized city on the island has secured support from the incoming Senate leadership to legislate the establishment of the Negros Island Region (NIR).

In a statement on Monday, reelected Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said he will spearhead efforts to pass the NIR bill in the upper chamber.

“As someone with paternal roots in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, I am prepared to continue advocating for the NIR in the incoming Congress. I am committed to spearheading the bill for the continued growth of the region,” said Zubiri, who is poised to become the next Senate president.

He added that President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. also gave assurance of his support for the creation of the NIR.

In November last year, Zubiri filed Senate Bill 2453, or the NIR Act, which seeks to bring together Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Bacolod City, and establish these as a single administrative region called the Negros Island Administrative Region.

Lawmakers from Negros led by Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez also filed House Bill 10534 for the creation of the NIR “for greater economic coordination and more efficient delivery of public services to promote sustainable and inclusive economic development in Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental.”

The NIR was first formed on May 29, 2015 through Executive Order (EO) 183 signed by then-President Benigno Aquino III, separating Negros Occidental from Western Visayas and Negros Oriental from Central Visayas.

On Aug. 7, 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte issued EO 38 abolishing the NIR, stressing the need to ensure that priority government programs and projects are sufficiently funded.

“The abolishment of the NIR was a setback, but with the new administration’s support, I am very hopeful that we can finally reestablish the region, under the proper legislative framework this time,” Zubiri said.

He stressed that the establishment of the NIR will hasten the development of Negros Island by having its own dedicated regional offices.

“That is really the main point behind the establishment of the NIR -- making government services accessible to our people. With those in place, we will be able to lay down the groundwork to make Negros a center of commerce and tourism in the Visayas,” he added.

Currently, Negros Occidental and Bacolod City belong to Western Visayas or Region 6, along with Iloilo City, Iloilo Province, Antique, Aklan, Capiz, and Guimaras while Negros Oriental is under Central Visayas or Region 7, with Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, Cebu Province, Bohol, and Siquijor.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177089

Abolition of K-12 program ‘cannot be decided overnight’, says Sara Duterte

The push to abolish the K-to-12 education system is an issue that “cannot be decided overnight,” incoming education secretary and Vice President-elect Inday Sara Duterte said Monday.

Duterte said the proposal to scrap the K-12 program needs to be discussed.

“That is something na kailangan mapag-usapan. It cannot be decided overnight but initially it is something na napag-usapan namin ni President [Bongbong] Marcos,” Duterte said in a press briefing in Davao City.

(That is something that has to be discussed. It cannot be decided overnight but initially, it is something that President Marcos and I discussed.)

For now, Duterte said Marcos Jr. has instructed her to review the implementation of the K-12 education system.

“He already gave instructions with regard to the review of the implementation of the K-12 program of the Department of Education,” Duterte said.

In 2020, ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro said the K-12 “congested curriculum” was a failure, resulting in Grade 4 students from the Philippines recording the lowest scores among participants from 58 countries in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study 2019.

Similar calls to abolish the K-12 program were also pushed by other groups such as Kabataan Partylist. 

Meanwhile, the Duterte camp earlier denied that the incoming education chief is pushing for a K14+ basic education program.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1613352/abolition-of-k-12-program-cannot-be-decided-overnight-says-sara-duterte

Amid online buzz, clamor for provincial branches of Tropical Hut grows

Some Filipinos clamored for more branches of Tropical Hut in the provinces after the homegrown brand trended early this week.

The name “Tropical Hut” briefly trended on Twitter Philippines again as more Filipinos continued to reminisce their memories of the place back in the day.

They posted photos of the meals that they ordered and the outlets’ interiors to join in the online conversation about the fast food chain.

Jumping on the Tropical Hut bandwagon pic.twitter.com/OV2gC4EMtl

— mk_kvn (@mike_it_happen) June 15, 2022

 

Takang taka sila bakit biglang dumami order. HAHAHAHAHA Sabi ko trending kayo sa twitter. Mataas din sales nila! 💚 @tropicalhutph pic.twitter.com/hdvNyNkIHw

— Raffee 💫 (@whuaffee) June 15, 2022

Some online users, meanwhile, shared that they became first-time customers of Tropical Hut because of the trend.

My first ever Tropical Hut meal in my entire life. Yep. Masarap and sulit!!! pic.twitter.com/HNU79ehhif

— Petty Pats ; (@nawawalost) June 15, 2022

 Celso Santiago, Jr. with the Twitter handle @oslecjunior, a former government official, also promoted the fast food chain and posted an updated schedule of its branches to his followers.

“For your information and for your cravings,” Santiago tweeted.

For your information and for your cravings.

Thank you @dumidyeypee for reminding us what a treasure Tropical Hut is. 😊 pic.twitter.com/zpwR9hWGh1

— JR Santiago (@oslecjunior) June 14, 2022

Based on the list, most of the branches are located in Quezon City and other parts of Metro Manila.

The only stores outside the National Capital Region are in Rizal and in Pampanga.

Some online users who also live in other provinces noticed this. They expressed hopes that more stores of Tropical Hut will open near them in the future.

“Cebu please,” one Twitter user said with a pleading emoji.

“Soon in Cainta,” another user tweeted.

Twitter user @_pamelle also called on her fellow Cebuanos to make a local burger joint in the province “trendy.”

“Can Cebuanos make Orange Brutus trendy like how Manileños are making Tropical Hut trendy,” she said.

“I personally loooove the sizzling burger steak,” she added.

Orange Brutus claims to be the first hamburger chain in Cebu which opened in the 80s.

Meanwhile, the buzz on the long-established Tropical Hut started when market surveillance analyst John Paul Tanyag with Twitter handle @dumidyeypee shared his dine-in experience in a branch in Escolta, Manila last June 12.

He also shared photos of the place’s interiors and his meal on that day.

His tweet later induced nostalgia among social media users. They shared how much they missed the brand’s burgers and clubhouse sandwiches.

Patrons considered Tropical Hut as the “OG” or original burger joint.

In an update that followed the online buzz, Tanyag shared a screenshot of a chat he had with an officer from Tropical Hut who happened to be his classmate.

“Not sure paano nagcome up iyon but here is the reply today of one of their officers, who happens to be my schoolmate. And yes, may mga cumo-contact na from Tropical Hut,” he said.

In the screenshot, the person thanked him for being a huge help to the fast food chain.

https://interaksyon.philstar.com/trends-spotlights/2022/06/16/219697/amid-online-buzz-clamor-for-provincial-branches-of-tropical-hut-grows/

Civic leaders go to Supreme Court for a shot to void Marcos’ win

The legal fight has officially reached the last resort, the Supreme Court, as civic leaders backed by human rights lawyers, asked one last time to cancel the certificate of candidacy of Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and declare second placer Vice President Leni Robredo as the winner.

Having been denied by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc on May 10, the group of former Supreme Court spokesperson Ted Te filed a petition for certiorari before the Court on Monday, May 16, a copy of which was released to the media on Tuesday, May 17.

In a 70-page pleading, the group of Te with the backing of other human rights lawyers tried to convince the High Court justices to have a different appreciation of their arguments.

If the SC justices rule in their favor and cancel the COC of Marcos, Te’s petition said, citing a previous ruling, “The second-placer in the vote count is actually the first-placer among the qualified candidates.”

The formal request of the petition is actually to issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) or stop the canvass of votes for Marcos, grant their petition, and declare Marcos’ candidacy as void.

Congress is expected to declare Marcos the winner of the presidential election by the end of May if we were to follow the timeline for President Rodrigo Duterte in 2016. Marcos has a bigger victory margin than Duterte, leading with 31.1 million votes compared to Robredo’s 14.8 million votes in a partial unofficial count with 98.35% votes transmitted.

But the Supreme Court is on a writing break and is set to resume sessions only by June.

Election lawyer Emil Marañón, who was counsel for Robredo in the now junked vice presidential electoral protest filed against her by Marcos, said time is not an issue for the Supreme Court.

“Even if Marcos has already sworn and assumed office, the Supreme Court would still have residual jurisdiction to rule on whether or not he committed material misrepresentation in his Certificate of Candidacy and order its cancellation if it finds basis,” said Marañón.

“In that case, votes cast in Marcos’ favor will be treated as stray and not be counted. And whoever gets the highest number of votes after subtracting the stray votes, gets to be proclaimed President,” Marañón added.

The challenge is also to convince the Supreme Court full of Duterte appointees not to be passive on the issue, as one of the potential rulings could be to respect the “will of the people,” in short, to listen to the will of the 31 million voters.

Te’s petition said: “A candidate’s putative election victory cannot subsequently cure his ineligibility. Elections are more than just a numbers game such that an election victory cannot bypass election eligibility requirements.”

Arguments

The group’s main argument is this: Marcos’ conviction for failure to file income tax returns in 1997 has made him ineligible to run for public office, and knowing this, he still declared himself in his COC to be eligible which is a material misrepresentation.

The Comelec junked this case saying that the version of the tax law applicable to Marcos did not perpetually disqualify him from holding public office, and therefore Marcos did not misrepresent in his COC.

A contentious issue is the year 1986.

Marcos was convicted of failure to file ITRs from the years 1982 to 1985. The Comelec said the prevailing tax law at the time was the 1977 tax code which did not require mandatory prison time for offenders and did not impose automatic perpetual disqualification as a penalty. Prison time is important because the conviction of an offense with more than 18 months of imprisonment is a ground for disqualification.

But what about the taxable year 1985, the ITR of which was supposed to have been filed in March 1986? And by March 1986, there was already a new tax code that mandated prison time and imposed automatic perpetual disqualification.

The Comelec said by March 1986, Marcos was no longer a public officer because their family had fled to Hawaii in February that year.

Te’s group disagreed, saying in the petition, “Nowhere in Respondent Marcos, Jr.’s seven-page Answer is there a denial that he was a public official at the time the criminal violations of the [tax code] were consummated.”

“Marcos Jr.’s status as a public officer on March 18, 1986 is not only fact, it is judicial truth that he never questioned on appeal, and which may no longer be revised even by COMELEC without violating res judicata and the hierarchy of courts,” said the petition.

“It is ironic that Respondent Marcos, Jr. now claims that he was no longer a public officer after EDSA 1 when his own father Marcos, Sr. repeatedly insisted that he was still the sitting President of the Philippines and “denounced the Government of Corazon C. Aquino as ‘a plain and simple dictatorship,” said the petition.

Marcos or his spokesperson have not made any comments yet to the petition. – Rappler.com

https://www.rappler.com/nation/civic-leaders-go-supreme-court-shot-void-marcos-jr-win/

Why the fuss on Martin?

It’s lamentable that some narrow-minded purists, who are more popish than the Pope, are up in arms over singer Martin Nievera’s rendition of the national anthem “Lupang Hinirang” before the Manny Pacquiao versus Ricky Hatton fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas last weekend.

And singing “Bayang Magiliw” with fervor?

These purists are thinking of hauling Nievera to Congress for an investigation and threatening to fine and even jail the concert king for his interpretation of the National Anthem.

According the law, known as the Flag and Heraldic Code, it will be mandatory for employees and students to memorize the national anthem at hotels, shopping malls, public and private offices and schools.

After all those booboos, I feel that it’s about time the National Historical Institute train an official singer of the national anthem and commission him/her to any match, of sorts, whenever-wherever there’s the need to sing the patriotic hymn. It would be best for the NHI to tap a grader who looks up at his/her mentor as the bearer of the absolute truth; so, he/she executes as directed, and as expected.

As part of his or her preparation, she went to the office of the NHCP where she was given a CD and a book on how to sing the national anthem — the proper way.

Basically a march, he or she has to master the cadence on how the national anthem should be sung — in 55 seconds (that’s how fast it should be).

The NHI also suggested that it would be best for her to hold the microphone on his/her left hand — with the right hand on his or her chest. He or she was also taught how to hold the flag correctly, which actually does not concern her or him anymore, but she took all that in and appreciates the help extended by the NHI people to her.

Yes, this is very elementary. At grade one, children listen and sing the national song until they get familiar with it. Also, the children are taught the proper way of saluting the flag. At second grade, children are expected to read and sing along and able to identify “Lupang Hinirang” as a symbol of the Philippines.

As they move on to grade three, they are to perfectly sing the lyrics correctly: its melody, proper timing, and dynamics; to sing with proper expression and feelings. At grade four, children are now expected to understand the national anthem by heart and continue participating solemnly in singing the “Lupang Hinirang” with feelings.

As for the fifth grader, love of country is now deeply instilled through the song. And that it shows them how our heroes bravely fought and fearlessly died for our country’s independence so we could enjoy being FREEMAN.

At the sixth grade, children already view our national anthem in terms of nationalism and loyalty. And that we adults should have the initiative, at such crucial stages, to share and guide them in learning the song to heart.

Very elementary, indeed, as espoused by our Vibal-published books!

The claim is Nievera, by singing the anthem in a “different” style, violated Section 37, Chapter II of Republic Act Number 8491 or Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, which stipulates that “the rendition of the National Anthem, whether played or sung, shall be in accordance with the musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe, in 2/4 beat when played; and within the range of 100 to 120 metronome in 4/4 beat when sang.”

Felipe is the original music arranger of Lupang Hinirang in 1898. It has tune of march and the lyrics was adapted from the Spanish poem “Filipinas” written by Jose Palma only in 1899.

When the national anthem is played, the public is required to sing and do so "with fervor."

They are expected to sing while the right palm is placed over the left chest. Uniformed personnel, meanwhile, are to salute the flag as prescribed by their respective regulations.

Individuals whose faith prohibits them from singing "Lupang Hinirang" must still show full respect.

The national anthem, however, would not be allowed to be played preceding "events of recreation, amusement, or entertainment purposes."

But the anthem may be played during the following: international competitions where the Philippines is the host or has a representative, national or local sports competitions, during the “signing on” or “signing off” of radio and television broadcasting stations, before the opening and after the closing of work in government and private offices, before the initial and last screening of films and before the opening of theater performances; Provided, that the owners and management of the establishments shall be mandated to enforce proper decorum and implement the pertinent provisions of this act; and other occasions as may be allowed by the NHI.

The Oath of Patriotism (Panatang Makabayan) must be recited after the singing of the national anthem in basic, public and private educational institutions. The Pledge of Allegiance (Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat ng Pilipinas) may be recited as well, though the law did not specify who is required to do so.

It shall be committed to memory by all students of both public and private educational institutions and employees of officials and employees of the national and local governments, and any agency or instrumentality thereof, including government-owned or controlled corporations, privately-owned entities or offices, and rendered during the flag raising and lowering ceremony.

“We have to follow the law, and our law is very categorical (on this). In singing the national anthem, you have to follow the arrangement of Julian Felipe, in 2/4 beat when played; and within the range of 100 to 120 metronome in 4/4 beat when sang,” he said.

The Office of the Solicitor General, when asked for its legal opinion by the NHI in connection with the stylized rendition of singers Martin Nievera during the bout of Pacquiao and British national Ricky Hatton on May 2, 2009 and La Diva during the bout of Pacquiao and Puerto Rican national Miguel Cotto on November 14, 2009 at MGM Grand Garden Arena, MGM Grand, Paradise, Nevada, United States and Arnel Pineda during the bout of Pacquiao and Ghanaian national Joshua Clottey on March 13, 2010 at Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas, United States.

But de Lima said the NHI did not pursue the case because it was also told by the OSG there is a problem with jurisdiction since the alleged violation was committed in the US.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) chief also said he/she is not aware of any case wherein a person was charged and convicted for violating this law.

But de Lima clarified that there is no case filed yet against singers in the DOJ so he/she could not comment yet on the latter’s possible violation of law.

“I also haven’t watched,” she added.

Under Section 48 of RA 8491, “failure or refusal to observe the provisions of this Act and any violation of the corresponding rules and regulations issued by the NHI, after proper notice and hearing, shall be penalized by public censure which shall be published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation.”

The permit of private educational institutions which would violate any of RA 8491's provisions would be canceled by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), upon the recommendation of the National Historical Institute (NHI).

Public and private officials or employees who will violate the rules, meanwhile, would be punished in accordance with Rule 10 of the Revised Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service. They could also face criminal charges.

The NHI would be tasked to formulate the rules and regulations implementing the provisions of the law in consultation with the DECS, CHED, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino.

Amendment, as proposed by former Akbayan Rep. Ana Theresia “Risa” Hontiveros-Baraquel, to give way to artistic freedom, should make it a requirement that the singer cares primarily for history, for patriotic pride and sensitivity; for the blood of our forefathers poured to reclaim our homeland. A well-raised child knows how to live up to the expectation that Filipinos, in this modern age, are indeed worth dying for.

If found guilty of the violation, Nievera could be fined from P5,000 to P20,000 and/or imprisoned for not more than a year, upon the court’s discretion: provided, that for any second and additional offenses, both fine and imprisonment shall always be imposed: further that in case the violation is committed by a juridical person, it's President or Chief Executive Officer thereof shall be liable. Officials of the National Historical Institute are pushing to stuff a stocking in Nievera’s mouth as if he committed some earth-shaking crime.

The NHI may prescribe in the implementing rules and regulations of this act other acts or omissions which shall be deemed disrespectful, and thus prohibited, relative to the flag, national anthem, great seal, coat-of-arms, national motto and other heraldic items and devices.

Any citizen shall have the power to conduct a citizen's arrest if a person is actually violating of any provision of this act in officers to assist in conducting citizen's arrest. All security personnel and ushers in movie-houses are likewise authorized to arrest the violators.

Before throwing stones at Nievera, here are some questions to answer. Did Nievera desecrate the sanctity of the anthem? Did he make fun of it? Did he change the lyrics? Did he radically alter the “sound” of the anthem so that it became unrecognizable from the original? Did he irreverently sing the “Lupang Hinirang” like some trashy tune?

Why the fuss again? I’m fed up with our choices of “Lupang Hinirang” singers. If we “birit” the Lupang Hinirang, then why do we teach, in the first place, the youngsters to sing such in the so-called “proper manner” and “with fervor”? Why don’t we teach them then to do it the emo way; the hair rock fashion; the reggae-dub-ska?

Memorized ko yung Lupang Hinirang tsaka yung old version ng Panatang Makabayan. yung new version, hindi ko man lang alam. College na kasi ako nung napalitang yung Panatang Makabayan, eh hindi naman nirerecite yung nung college na ko.

Erna Delacruz “Noong elementary school kinakanta namin yang baayaang magiliw at lupang hinirang sa labas ng school nakatapat sa watawat ng pilipinas habang inaakyat ang watawat nakatingin ang mga bata at ang kamay kanan nakahawak sa baba ng puso sa kaliwa”

Winnie Banzuelo Hermo "Ako, tuwing nakakarinig ako ng tugtog ng Lupang Hinirang, ang Pambansang Awit ng Pilipinas, ako'y umiiyak. Marami na kaseng mga kabataan ngayon na hindi marunong gumalang sa ating bandila pag itinataas. Sana, maturuuan sila."

Justina Marcelo Winnie Banzuelo Hermo "pag nag Pambansang Awit na Lupang Hinirang lahat tumitigil at may paggalang ng nakalagay ang ating kanan kamay sa dibdib, at pagkatapos ang panunumpa dapat maibalik ang pagkilala natin sa ating bansang Pilipinas, maraming kabataan ang hindi na alam at nawala na rin paggalang at walang paki sa kalinisan, kalikasan. sana mabalik na rin ang GMRC”

Rey Caba Justina Marcelo “tama po kayo dati panahon ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Sr. kapag narinig ang bayang magiliw lahat humihinto pati sasakyan inaantay matapos ang awit bago uli aarangkada ang mga tao at sasakyan”

Ernie Abordo Jr. “Noong una kahit wala ka sa loob ng eskwelahan at napadaan ka lang kapag narinig mo ng kumakanta ng bayang magiliw titigil ka sa paglalakad at tatapusin mo muna ang kanta bago ka ulit lumakad yan ay bilang paggalang natin sa ating inang bayan”

John N. Retuerto: “buti pa sa sinehan... bago magsimula ang palabas... tatayo muna at kinakanta ang Lupang Hinirang...”

Founder Eagle Nelson Acompañado "Ibalik dapat ang dating kaugaliang pagkanta at pag awit ng (Lupang Hinirang), at ibalik din ang Panatang Makabayan... Kay ganda noong araw sa panahon ni late apo lakay marcos, pagtungtong ng mga epal at mga anay sa lipunang mga oligarkiya, mga aquino.. nawala na ang mga kagawiang kanta awit at panatang makabayan.. pati mga lessons ng history ay toloyan ng inalis nila, pura bulagin ang mga mag aaral maging mga guro sa tunay at diwa ng kalahagahan nito.. Sana ngayon new administration ay mabalik na ang dating nakagawian ang pagkanta araw-araw ng (Lupang Hinirang) at pagbigkas ng (Panatang Makabayan) at (Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat ng Pilipinas) sa mga paaralan tuwing umaga..at flag retreat naman sa tuwing hapon.."

Charline Villafuerte Founder Eagle Nelson Acompañado "at kapag napadaan ka sa eskwelahan na inaawit ang lupang hinirang kailangan huminto at magbigay galang habang inaawit ito"

Charline Villafuerte "korek po at tama po talaga kayo maam.. sagad sa mga pangaral ang mga kabataang mag aaral noong unang mga nakaraang panahon, kay gandang isipin at gunitaing muli... kaya ang panawagan ng ating bagong halal na pangulong BBM, ibalik at sama sama tayong babangun muli... at taas noo kahit kanino..."

Ronaldo Sigua "Sa elementarya ngayon hindi kinakanta yan lupang hinirang sa loob ng kwarto araw-araw sabi ng anak ko tuwing lunes na lang... Kaya mga elementarya dapat din kabisado ang lyrics until now. Sana sa mga guro kahit bawal mag flag ceremony sa labas kahit sa loob ng classroom na lang araw arawin sana ang pagkanta ng lupang hinirang..."

Anila De Juan "Dapat isabatas na kapag tumutugtog at tinataas ang watawat kahit saang ĺugar dapat huminto ang mga tao at mga sasakyan"

Mico Cangmaong "Araw-araw may flag ceremony at inaawit ang Pambansang Awit LUPANG HINIRANG pero sayang wala maintindihan ang message sa flag at awit, ngayon binaluktot na ang kanilang tungkulin sa bayan, Protect the People Secure the Sovereignty of the State and the Integrity of the National Territory, wala binuboli na ang ating bansa sa China"

Vikki Reyes Pornobi "Di nga nahinto ang mga tao sa paglakad at pati mga sasakyan tuwing flag ceremony... Hindii pinapansin in short nawala na ang paggalang"

Isaac Mamucud "noon kami ang nasa elementarya sa labas kinakanta namin ang lupang hinirang at yung panatang makabayan, kung nasaan ang flag pole sa umaga itaas ang bandila araw-araw"

Nenita Torres Isaac Mamucud "Umaga at hapon Yan kinakanta, at yong flag, hindi yan pinaulanan, tubing hapon ibinaba at ilagay sa lalagyan,"

Isaac Mamucud Nenita Torres "tama po kayo,pag tag ulan nakasabit sa harapan ng iskwelahan na di nababasa ng ulan"

Ronaldo Sigua Nenita Torres "ewan ko nga po bkit hindi na pinagagawa ng teacher ngaun yan... sila dapat nakaka alam ng ganyan para ipagawa sa ating mga anak,,hindi na tao dapat pang ipaaalala pa sa kanila matik na dapat..."

Jenneth Rojas Nenita Torres "pag hindi ka naka attend ng flag ceremony, late ka!"

Isaac Mamucud Jenneth Rojas "kaya nga po, maaga kming pumapasok noon 7 a.m. time na 6 a.m. nasa school na kami."

Ronaldo Sigua Isaac Mamucud "principal at guro po dapat ang nagpapatupad ngaun nian sa skwelahan,,mukang nkalimutan npo na nila yan pag galng na yan... Cguro nmn ung mga teacher na ngaun ay inabot pa nila ung mga gawain na yan... So bakit hindi nila pinagpapatuloy ang ganyang paggalang sa ating watawat."

Isaac Mamucud Ronaldo Sigua "principal at teacher lahat nasa harapan kasama mga styudante nila, napapansin ko ngayon may kinder, may prep pa may K-12 ang iq nila parang bumababa napapansin ko lang."

Ligaya Rivera "kami noon daily morning ang hapon... pag grade 6 schedule nang pupils magpataas at pababa nang saka pagfold fold nang bandera pupils assigned pagbeat ng pambansing awit (Lupang Hinirang) at iba naman ang sa panatang makabayan. Kaya almost 100 percent pupils summarized nila lahat. Grabe ang deciplina noon"

니노 Ligaya Rivera "baka memorized. Pero totoo"

Zenaida Leah Mateo "Tama Po sana ibalik yung pagkanta tuwing umaga ang pambansang awit at sa panatang makabayan. Kasi Hindi na alam ng mga bata kantahin. Nakakahiya!"

Joon Bena Ligaya Rivera "memorize po, tama po kayo"

If the purists have nothing better to do than to ring the alarm bells just so the public will know they exist, they should just shut up – instead of Nievera who did the country proud by singing a stirring rendition that drew a smile from Pacquiao himself in the dressing room, loud applause from the Filipino crowd in the stadium and a thumbs-up from ringside spectators Jack Nicholson and Mark Wahlberg.

You wonder if the US has a similar law “protecting” the Star Spangled Banner. I suspect there is but I haven’t heard a single US lawmaker challenging the rockers, jazz artists and rappers who’ve sung the American anthem in their own unique style during sporting events. I remember before one Pacquiao fight recently, an American singer was so irreverent that she held on to the top rope in the ring and stood like she was crooning in a bar lounge while mumbling the Star Spangled Banner. I don’t recall anyone screaming foul because there is such a thing as freedom of expression.

The late Jimi Hendrix even cut an album track where he played a noisy rock version of the Star Spangled Banner.

But of course, the Philippines isn’t the US.

Nievera spent over a month rehearsing how to sing the anthem. He even sang it during a recent Robinson’s Manila mall launch of his latest album, “For Always.” His rendition was on YouTube over a week before the fight – and there was no reaction from the National Historical Institute.

Nievera even emailed versions of his rendition to several people so he could get comments on how to improve his delivery. His whole idea was to sing it proudly within the atmosphere of a boxing event where national pride was on the line. Can anyone fault him for that?

The day after the fight, Nievera got a text from Pacquiao’s wife Jinkee thanking him for his appearance and congratulating him for his delivery. Last Monday, Nievera flew from Las Vegas to Los Angeles to be with Pacquiao in his victory party where they both sang “Kahit Isang Saglit” a capella in front of the GMA-7 cameras.

By far, Nievera’s delivery was the best yet for a Pacquiao fight. No one comes close.

Nievera said a few weeks before the fight, he heard a rumor that Lea Salonga had volunteered to sing the anthem and she would do the honors instead.

“Manny asked me to sing the anthem two months before but I told him if he wanted to ask somebody else to do it, I would back off and even assist whoever would sing in any way I could,” said Nievera. “But Manny phoned and told me I was his choice and that was that. I was even willing to do a duet if somebody else wanted to sing. I didn’t want to be a problem for anyone.”

Nievera said in the ring, that all he wanted to do was to show his pride as a Filipino. His earpiece and belt showed the Philippine flag. He wore a Francis Magalona-designed “Three Stars and a Sun” shirt. Even his idol, Welsh star Tom Jones who sang “God Save The Queen,” shook Nievera’s hand as if to say a good job. Before Jones’ turn came, he blew on a key pipe to make sure he was in tune – he was that nervous.

Instead of castigating Nievera, he should be commended for rallying all Filipinos behind the flag in an inspiring display of unity. The “Pambansang Awit” isn’t a funeral song. It’s a marching anthem that’s supposed to instill pride in every Filipino’s heart. I think Nievera achieved that purpose.

To put the controversy in perspective, Nievera sent this text yesterday:

“I can’t apologize for giving my all for my country. I can say the word ‘sorry’ but it would not mean the same thing. It would mean a hundred different things but it would not mean what ‘sorry’ means. But I can say it if it means to make things better.

“Even if the money value is not ridiculously steep to stay out of jail, I feel I owe the generations of artists that follow me their right to sing a song their song the way they feel it should be sung in order to move and inspire even if it means a little jail time. I mean if someone they call concert king can compromise then what will the future hold for tomorrow’s concert kings and queens?

http://www.philstar.com/sports/464762/why-fuss-martin, www.philstar.com/entertainment/623958/zyrenes-take-lupang-hinirang

Duterte signs law splitting Agusan del Norte into 2 legislative districts

By Prince Golez

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed Republic Act No. (RA) 11714, a measure seeking to reapportion Agusan del Norte.

Duterte signed RA 11714 on April 27, 2022.

The law states that the Province of Agusan del Norte will be reapportioned into the lone legislative district of the City of Butuan and the legislative district of the Province of Agusan del Norte.

The province shall consist of the City of Cabadbaran and the municipalities of Las Nieves, Buenavista, Carmen, Jabonga, Kitcharao, Magallanes, Nasipit, Remedios T. Romualdez, Santiago, and Tubay, it furthered.

“The incumbent representatives of the first and second legislative districts of the Agusan del Norte shall continue to represent their respective legislative districts until the expiration of their term of office,” RA 11714 said.

The Commission on Elections is tasked to issue the necessary rules and regulations to implement the law.

The reapportionment of the province will take effect in the 2025 national and local elections.

https://metromanila.politics.com.ph/2022/05/04/duterte-signs-law-splitting-agusan-del-norte-into-2-legislative-districts/

Duterte signs law reapportioning Agusan del Norte

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law a measure seeking to reapportion Agusan del Norte.

Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11714 on April 27, a copy of which was sent to reporters on Wednesday.

Under the law, the province of Agusan del Norte is reapportioned into the lone legislative district of the City of Butuan; and the legislative district of the Province of Agusan del Norte consisting of the City of Cabadbaran and the municipalities of Las Nieves, Buenavista, Carmen, Jabonga, Kitcharao, Magallanes, Nasipit, Remedios T. Romualdez, Santiago, and Tubay.

“The incumbent Representatives of the First and Second Legislative Districts of the Province of Agusan del Norte shall continue to represent their respective legislative districts until the expiration of their term of office,” the measure reads.

It also states: “The Commission on Elections (Comelec) shall issue the necessary rules and regulations to implement this Act.”

The reapportionment of the province will take effect in the 2025 national and local elections.

Currently, the first district of the province is composed of Butuan City and Las Nieves, while the second district is made up of Cabadbaran City and the rest of the municipalities.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1592267/duterte-signs-law-reapportioning-agusan-del-norte