DOST chief to resign if PAGASA, Phivolcs moved to disaster resilience department

Science Secretary Fortunato de la Peña says he would just return to private life if the two agencies are attached to the proposed Department of Disaster Resilience

Science Secretary Fortunato de la Peña said he will resign if two agencies under his department are moved to the proposed Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR).

De la Peña made the statement in a news briefing at the Bicol University College of Engineering on Wednesday, August 8, when asked about the impact of placing the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astrononical Services Administration (PAGASA) and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) under the supervision of the proposed department.

“If PAGASA and Phivolcs will be transferred to DDR, we will abide by the law but I will resign from my post as DOST (Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary and be with my family,” De la Peña said when asked about the possible impact of the transfer of the two agencies.

He said the question on the possible impact of the proposed transfer should be referred to Albay 2nd District Representative Joey Salceda, the author of the House bill seeking to create the DDR.

PAGASA Deputy Administrator Landrico Dalida, who was at the briefing, was also opposed to the proposal. He said a team from PAGASA may be integrated into the proposed DDR, but not the transfer of the entire agency, which is being modernized under the DOST.

“The modernization of PAGASA has been done under DOST....We can help and form part of the DDR but we don’t want to be under the DDR,” Dalida said.

Salceda said he found De la Peña's pronouncement "very disappointing"

"We appeal to him to review and reconsider his pronouncement,” Salceda said in a text message to Rappler.

“We value his opinion but the climate threat has more force than his personal threat. Ultimately it's the wisdom of the majority of Congress in the plenary that will decide this policy issue,” the lawmaker added.

Malacañang submitted to Congress its version of the DDR bill on July 31. It earlier said the DDR is envisioned to focus on natural disasters and effects of climate change such as cyclones, El Niño, earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions.

Under the Palace version of the bill, the department will be led by a disaster resilience secretary and at least 4 undersecretaries in charge of specific divisions, including a "support to operations with strong ICT (information and communications technology) cluster."

In his third State of the Nation Address, President Rodrigo Duterte called for the creation of a Department of Disaster Management, which was later renamed the DDR under the Palace bill submitted to Congress.

The bill was approved at the committee level following Duterte's SONA endorsement.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/209214-fortunato-dela-pena-resign-pagasa-phivolcs-transfer-department-disaster-resilience

Matteo G is ‘The One’

Matteo Guidicelli with Cherry Wong-Tan

Matteo Guidicelli is definitely “The One” for someone we all know. But now, Matteo G has also been proclaimed “The One” by Uratex.

At SM Cebu City recently, the triathlete, karting driver, singer, restaurateur and actor was introduced as the celebrity endorser for the 50-year old brand. It’s the first time that it has ever gotten an endorser and he shot for them a TV commercial too.

“Deep sleep is important, going home and laying home having the most comfortable time and waking up like a brand-new person,” said the “Bagani” and “Single/Single: Love Is Not Enough” star said.

Asked why they’ve launched an endorser this time, Cherry Wong-Tan, Marketing Director of Uratex Philippines, said: “As we celebrate our 50th year, we decided to expand awareness for Uratex in the Visayas and Mindanao regions. Uratex is an old brand but it is also for the young ones, the millenials.”

As a way of giving back to the community, they donated 50 mattresses each to their chosen public hospitals now numbering 57 and elderly homes all over the country including Jolo.

At the launch, SM Home, the mattress company’s partner of long standing, transformed the North Wing of SM Cebu City NRA into a bedroom showcase.

Said Tom Castañeda, SM Home Asst. VP for Marketing, “We congratulate them for continuing to serve as a leader in the production of high quality foams.”

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Aug. 9, go to Pocholo Romualdez, Bong Quintana, Firmo Liwanag, Tweetums Gonzalez, Philip Mangawang, Chit Montenegro, Atty. Arturo del Rosario, Tess Rigonan-Teo, Dona Nena Oreta, Dr. Larry Mallari, "TWBA" production manager Lani Gutierrez, Bong Quintana, Eduardo Gravoso, Ninebeth Crespo-Cagalawan and Ricardo Balbido Jr.…Belated b-day greetings to Jerk Ornillio (Aug. 2)…Condolence to the family of PGH Director Dr Gap Legaspi on the demise of his beloved mother-in-law… Aug. 10: Rep. Lito Atienza, Toni Daya, Criselda Lontok, Ruby Tiong, Ruby Tan, Ester Lomboy, Adela Gwiazda, John Derick Taperla, Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla, Prof. Danny Cruz, Lyka Ugarte, Bong Diga, Manny Freires, Baby Avril Carolino, Mark Bautista, and awarded broadcaster Mel Tiangco…

House version of tax reform bill could dampen expenditure

ECONOMIC MANAGERS warned of spending reductions due to weaker revenue prospects of the second tax reform package, amid attempts to keep military pensions under control and a Supreme Court ruling calling for more funding for local governments.

“TRAIN 2 is supposed to be revenue-natural,” Budget Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno said in a briefing on Wednesday, meaning that any foregone revenue needs to be offset by savings elsewhere, thereby preserving the spending program.

He was referring to the second package of the tax reform program, formerly known as Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) but now rebranded after modification in the House as Tax Reform for Attracting Better and High-quality Opportunities (TRABAHO).

Commenting on the apparent change in emphasis in the House to focus on jobs, Mr. Diokno said TRAIN 2 was already expected “to attract more workers.”

The version that the House committee on ways and means approved on Tuesday did not include the Finance department’s proposal to index corporate income tax cuts to the savings generated from streamlining fiscal incentives.

Finance Undersecretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua said that in the first year of implementing the measure would cost about P62 billion.

“We’re not sure if that will stick. If it’s revenue negative, that’s serious. So we will try to convince them to try to make it at least revenue neutral,” he said, noting that the proposal has yet to pass through the House plenary. Other opportunities to modify the legislation are in the Senate, which must also pass its own version, and the bicameral conference committee, where the two versions must be reconciled.

“That is a serious fiscal breach. It could result in a higher deficit. We don’t want that to happen or we will have to cut back on our expenditures, which we also do not want to happen,” he added.

The House bill proposes to cut the corporate income tax rate to 20% from 30% gradually, or a 2 percentage-point reduction every other year beginning 2021.

It also proposed to limit incentives to a single menu, with perks capped for five years. The menu will only be available to industries included in the annual Strategic Investments Priority Plan (SIPP), and those availing of the perks must satisfy performance targets as determined by the Board of Investments. The bill also includes a sunset period of two to five years depending on the contracts that firms enjoying incentives have with investment-promotion agencies (IPAs).

Mr. Chua said: “It would be better if (tax rate cuts) are conditional to ensure revenue neutrality. We are not sure the version passed will be revenue neutral, but we will try our best.”

Mr. Diokno said government revenue is already under pressure because of a Supreme Court ruling ordering the automatic and prospective release of local government claims on national government revenue. The claims are known as internal revenue allotments (IRAs), which the court ruled are based on all national government taxes, including those collected by the Bureau of Customs. The current practice is to share out taxes collected by the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

He said during a Senate hearing yesterday that complying with the ruling would cost the government P195 billion on top of the funds already allocated for local government units (LGUs) this year.

Mr. Diokno said that the government through the Office of the Solicitor General submitted yesterday its motion for reconsideration to the high court, seeking clarification on which taxes are to be included in the computation of the IRA.

He added that giving LGUs the expanded share of national revenue will expand the fiscal deficit to 4% of the economy from 3% currently. He said that in the event the ruling is final and executory, the government will devolve some functions to LGUs to keep its fiscal position intact.

“We cannot afford a higher deficit, we cannot risk it.”

Mr. Diokno also identified the growing pension liabilities for uniformed personnel as a fiscal risk.

Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III in the same Senate hearing said that economic managers will submit to Congress a draft that will create a new contributory pension scheme, as the government budget currently shoulders over P33 billion of retiree’s pensions annually.

“We will be presenting the package to the President for his approval (and proceed to) legislation… to address the pension issue. It’s a very difficult problem and I’m not sure we can solve it all, but at least we are going to start solving it,” Mr. Dominguez said.

“He gave us until the end of the month for the package,” he added.

He said that the government’s outstanding liabilities to military retirees are at P4 trillion.

“For every position, we are paying two and a half people who are retired. You have the guy who is doing the job, and there are two more guys who are retired, and getting the pay of this guy now,” he said, referring to the indexing of retiree pensions to the levels enjoyed by active-duty personnel. — Elijah Joseph C. Tubayan

http://www.bworldonline.com/house-version-of-tax-reform-bill-could-dampen-expenditure/

Speaker GMA: House to pass bill on rice tariffication soon

House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said that the House is close to passing the rice tariffication bill.

Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Arroyo said that the House passed the bill on its second reading Tuesday night, and that she expects it to be passed on its third and final reading within the week.

"I would imagine we will pass it in the House on third reading at the very latest three days after we passed it on second reading last night," the former President said.

Currently, private rice traders can ship 805,200 tons of rice annually without tariffs.

The bill aims to do away with this restriction, and instead, impose a general tariff on all rice imports, which will allow more rice imports to lower the price of rice.

Economic managers of the Duterte administration flagged rice prices as one of the main causes of last month's inflation, which reached another five-year high at 5.7 percent.

"Part of the supply problem is the country's declining rice stock inventory -- caused by weather disturbances in the country and in other rice-producing countries like Thailand and Vietnam -- which is taking a toll on the prices of rice," said Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia and Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno in a statement as the joint economic team.

They called for the amendment of Republic Act No. 8178 or the Agricultural Tariffication Act to bring down the price of rice.

The bill for rice tariffication is also one of the priorities stated by President Rodrigo Duterte during his 2018 State of the Nation Address.

The counterpart bill in the Senate is still pending at the committee level.

http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2018/08/08/gloria-macapagal-arroyo-house-bill-rice-tariff.html

Don’t deceive Ecijanos, Umali chides critics

FORMER Nueva Ecija governor Aurelio “Oyie” Umali on Wednesday called on his detractors to “not fool the minds and mislead the opinion” of their constituents for their self-serving agenda.

Umali reacted to the attacks on his persona and his family through the media over his supposed involvement in the Priority Development Assistance Fund or pork barrel scam.

He said he has not yet received any order from the Office of the Ombudsman denying his motion for reconsideration.

“I just don’t know where they (critics) got such interpretation that I can no longer run for any elective position. Clearly this is just another one of those dirty politicking by my detractors designed to condition the minds of my beloved Novo Ecijanos,” Umali said.

“This is nothing but a reflection of their desperation. They are hurrying up to discredit my name by making premature and sensational conclusions but their irrationality is glaringly seen,” he said.

The three-term governor, the husband of incumbent Nueva Ecija Gov. Cherry Umali, stressed that their family and their supporters “invested blood, sweat and tears” to bring change in Nueva Ecija thru sincere and honest public service to Novo Ecijanos.

“Politicking is yet too early. We should focus on how we could deliver true and faithful public service, instead of criticizing people left and right,” he said.

“What they are doing, using the media to spread lies and attack people, is just a waste of precious time and money that should had been better spent addressing the needs of our constituencies,” the former governor added.

The people themselves are aware of their “cheap black propaganda,” the latest of which is what Umali called a “bogus story” over the Ombudsman’s alleged denial of his plea.

“Don’t treat our constituents as ignorant of the law,” the ex-governor said.

He believes the Ombudsman would reverse its previous decision dismissing him from government service for lack of merit.

He said former vice governor Edward Thomas Joson has an axe to grind against him when he defeated the latter in the 2010 gubernatorial elections.

Umali said more than 20 cases had been filed by the Joson and Vergara clans against him and his family, of which “90 percent” had already been dismissed for insufficiency of evidence.

“They have not stopped their dirty politicking. Come hell or high water, they will do anything to besmirch our reputation,” Umali said. “But that will not discourage us from doing good for our constituents.”

“We will continue to give them the best of our public service,” he said.

http://manilastandard.net/mobile/article/272515

National ID law: Here's the law, plus quick summary

The Philippine Identification System will record every instance you use your national ID or number in a transaction, aside from any modification of personal information

Two days after President Rodrigo Duterte signed it, Republic Act No 11055 or the Philippine Identification System Act has been released to the public.

Here's a quick summary of its salient points:

What is the Philippine Identification System or PhilSys? It's a system that centralizes all personal information of Filipino citizens and resident aliens and generates a Philippine ID (PhilID) and PhilSys Number (PSN) that will be used to authenticate their identity in all government and private sector transactions. This includes applications for drivers' license, passport, tax-related transactions, voters' registration, application to schools, and bank transactions.

How does that affect lives of Filipinos, resident aliens? This means there will be no need to provide government offices or private establishments with multiple IDs (license, passport, TIN ID, etc) just to prove your identity. Providing your PhilID or PSN will be deemed as sufficient proof of identity, subject to verification.

How do I enter the system? One year from the effectivity of this law, citizens and resident aliens can register in person with any of the offices below. Registration is not mandatory. To speed up processing, you can provide a birth certificate (for citizens) or proof of residence (for resident aliens).

• PSA Regional and Provincial Offices
• Local Civil Registry Offices
• Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)
• Social Security System (SSS)
• Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth)
• Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF)
• Commission on Elections (Comelec)
• Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost)

Other government-owned and controlled corporations assigned by the Philippine Statistics Authority
What if I live abroad? Register with the Philippine embassy in your area or any registeration center designated by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

What type of information will I be asked to provide?

• Full name
• Sex
• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• Blood type
• Address
• Whether you are a Filipino or resident alien
• Front facing photograph
• Full set of fingerprints
• Iris scan

Other identifiable features as may be determined by the law's implementing rules and regulations
Optional information: marital status, mobile number, e-mail address

Will my personal information, data be secure? The law imposes penalties of fines or imprisonment for any person who illegally discloses any PhilSys information or uses it for unauthorized purposes. Personal data may only be disclosed to enforcement or security agencies in the interest of public safety and only upon court order. In such a case, the owner of the information must be notified within 72 hours of the disclosure.

Who's in charge? The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is the government agency tasked with implementing the law with the technical assistance of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). A council composed of officials from the National Economic and Development Authority, budget department, finance department, foreign affairs department, and more will create the policies.

Something to note: It's important to point out that the PhilSys will also record every instance you use your PhilID or PSN in a transaction, aside from any modification of personal information. Privacy experts have said this could lead to "dataveillance" or a comprehensive surveillance system that tracks a person's activities over an extended period.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/209083-national-id-law-summary

National ID System Law

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, August 6, signed Republic Act 11055 or the Philippine Identification System Act.

The law, a copy of which was released by Malacañang on Wednesday, seeks to harmonize, integrate, and interconnect the countless and redundant government IDs by establishing a single national identification system to be known as the Philippine Identification System or PhilSys.

The Phil-ID will contain information such as the PhilSys number, full name, facial image, sex, date of birth, blood type, and address.

Duterte allayed public fears regarding privacy and security, noting that the information included in the Phil-ID will be similar to the information already in the possession of the Philippine Statistics Authority, Government Service Insurance System, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG Fund, and the Commission on Elections.

He also said the PSA “will work closely” with the National Privacy Commission, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, and the multi-agency PhilSystem Policy and Coordination Council to address all concerns pertaining to privacy and security.

“There is therefore no basis at all for the apprehensions about the Phil-ID, unless of course that fear is based on anything that borders to illegal. If at all, the Phil-ID will even aid in our drive against the social menaces of poverty, corruption, and criminal issues, as well as terrorism and violent extremism,” Duterte said in his speech during the signing ceremony in the presidential palace.

An initial funding of P2 billion has been earmarked for the implementation of the national ID system under the 2018 national budget.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/663375/national-id-system-law/story/

Bishop Presto takes helm of San Fernando diocese

A special ceremony took place in San Fernando City on Aug. 2 to officially install the man Pope Francis selected to lead the Catholics throughout La Union province.

Most. Rev. Daniel Presto became the sixth bishop of the Diocese of San Fernando, having been appointed to the position by the Pope on May 9.

About a dozen other bishops and more than a hundred priests and religious attended the solemn ceremony held at St. William Cathedral.

The diocese serves roughly around 703,480 Catholics in 28 parishes, or about 86 percent of the province’s total population.

Presto had served as the administrator of the diocese of Iba for around three years, and at 55, is now among the 20 youngest Filipino bishops. He succeeds Bishop Rodolfo Beltran who died in office last year.

Born in 1963, Presto was ordained a priest for Iba diocese in 1990 and earned his mater’s in education from the De La Salle University in Manila.

Prior to becoming a bishop, he served different parishes and as director of the Saint Augustine School of Iba and president of the Magsaysay Memorial College of San Narciso.

“Bishop Presto is here… for only one reason: God sent him here. La Union is God’s will for him,” said Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan in his homily.

Presto then asked the faithful to support him in his huge responsibility with their prayers not only during difficult situations, “but even in good times”.

“We pray for one another. I ask you dear parishioners to pray for us priests and religious,” he said. “Pray that we become holy priests and religious in the same way we shall pray for you always.”

The new bishop also said that he will be a collaborative worker with diocesan personnel, government leaders and all those with responsibility in the diocese.

http://cbcpnews.net/cbcpnews/bishop-presto-takes-helm-of-san-fernando-diocese/

ABS-CBN-2 Schedule

Weekdays

• 3:55 am – Kape’t Pandasal
• 4 am – Gising Pilipinas!
• 5 am – Balita Alas-Singko ng Umaga
• 5:30 am – Alas Singko Y Medya
• 8:30 am - Yey!
• 10 am – Foreign Telenovela
• 10:30 am – Magandang Buhay
• 11:30 am – Drama
• 12 pm – Magandang Tanghali, Bayan!
• 1:30 pm – Showbiz News Ngayon (gusto ko ibalik ang show na to at tsaka gusto ko with timecheck na rin po instead na news ticker at gusto ko visible na rin po mula sa headlines hanggang sa matapos na ang showbiz news, may kasamang TWBA format)
• 2:15 pm – Drama
• 3 pm – Drama / STAR Music Video
• 3:30 pm – Telenovela
• 4 pm – Anime
• 4:30 pm – NCA Programs
• 5 pm – Failon Ngayon
• 5:30 pm – Rated K
• 6 pm - Drama
• 6:30 pm – TV Patrol (60-minute Filipino tabloid news program anchored by Ted Failon, Zen Hernandez, Bernadette Sembrano and Noli de Castro, alternate anchors are Julius Babao, Alvin Elchico, Jorge Carino and Henry Omaga-Diaz, with segment anchors Dyan Castillejo in Dyan Fit, Jeff Canoy in Red Alert, Gretchen Fullido in Star News)
• 7:30 pm –  Drama
• 8 pm –  Drama
• 8:30 pm – Drama
• 9 pm – Game Ka Na Ba?
• 9:30 pm – Weekly shows (Foreign and local general entertainment programming)
• 12:30 am  – The World Tonight
• 1 am –
• Mon: Kalye: Mga Kwento ng Lansangan
• Tuesday: The Correspondents
• Wednesday: Dong Puno Live!
• Thursday: Assignment
• Friday: S.O.C.O.: Scene of the Crime Operatives
• 2 am – Martin Late at Night
• 2:30 am to 3:55 am – O Shopping

Saturday

• 5 am –
• Rosary Crusade (ABS-CBN Manila only)
• PowerLine with Pastor Apollo C. Quibolloy (ABS-CBN Regional only)
• 6 am – Salamat Dok
• 7 am – Swak na Swak (ABS-CBN Manila Only)/Current Affairs Regional Programs (ABS-CBN Regional only)
• 7:30 am – CNBC's Managing Asia
• 8 am – MathDali
• 8:30 am – Team Yey!
• 9 am – Sarap TV
• 9:30 am – Bayani
• 10 am – Hirayamanawari
• 10:30 am – Feel at Home
• 11:30 am – Drama
• 12 nn – Magandang Tanghali, Bayan!
• 2:30 pm – Entertainment Live!
• 4 pm – STAR Magic Presents....
• 5 pm – GoKada Let's Go!
• 5:30 pm – TV Patrol Weekend
• 6 pm – Home Sweetie Home
• 7 pm – Magandang Gabi, Bayan
• 8:30 pm – Reality Show
• 9:30 pm – S.O.S.: Special on Saturday (featuring movies and specials)
• 11:30 pm – The Bottomline with Boy Abunda
• 12:30 am – Sports Unlimited 
• 1:15 am – The Weekend News
• 1:30 to 2:30 am – O Shopping

Sunday

• 5:30 am – Pluma
• 6 am – Sunday TV Mass: The Healing Eucharist
• 7 am – Swak na Swak
• 7:30 am – Salamat Dok
• 8:30 am – Team Yey!
• 9 am – Superbook Reimagined
• 9:30 am – Matanglawin
• 10 am – Mutya ng Masa
• 10:30 am – Gaby's Extraordinary Files
• 11:30 am – ASAP
• 2 pm – Your Song
• 3 pm – Love Spell
• 4 pm – The Buzz
• 5:30 pm – TV Patrol Weekend
• 6 pm – Goin' Bulilit
• 7 pm – The Sharon Cuneta Show
• 8:30 pm – Wansapanataym / Komiks, Agimat and Nginiig and Nagmamahal, Kapamilya (all new) and more (temporary replacement)
• 9:15 pm – Reality Show
• 10 pm – Sunday's Best
• 12 am – Oh Yes! It's Johnny
• 1 am – The Weekend News
• 1:15 am – Urban Zone
• 1:45 to 3:55 am – O Shopping

Palace on Duterte’s tirades vs ABS-CBN: He values press freedom

Malacañang on Tuesday stressed President Rodrigo Duterte values press freedom despite his tirades against several media outfits, including ABS-CBN.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte, having been in politics for a long time, knows that media is “an indispensable institution” in a democracy.

“Ang aking posisyon dyan, same way with how I deal with any media company, we have to work with them,” Roque said in a forum in Quezon City when asked to weigh in on the President’s tirades against ABS-CBN.

“In a democracy, media and the free press are there as indispensable parts,” he added.

Duterte on Friday vowed to “never intervene” in ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal but said he will not hand it to the network if he had his way.

“Now ABS-CBN, ’yang franchise nila is due for renewal. Sige padala emissary para kausapin ako. Pinaalis na nila si Gabby kasi nothing will happen,” Duterte said in a speech during the opening of a drug rehabilitation facility in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

“I will not talk to you, but I will also never intervene. Pero if I had my way I will not give it back to you,” he added.

Duterte has lashed out at ABS-CBN for supposedly not airing a political advertisement which he had already paid for.

But Roque believes Duterte acknowledges that ABS-CBN was once an indispensable part of his career as a politician, as he once had his own television show in the network’s local TV station in Davao, titled “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa.”

“Sa ABS-CBN, nagalit lang siya kasi parang nagpa-advertise siya at hindi in-air,” Roque said.

“Nine years siyang nagkaroon ng show sa ABS-CBN Davao and of course that was indispensable in his political career as well.”

Ie-extend pa rin ng Congress yan, unless talagang ilakad ni Duterte yan. And let's see if ang Pangulo pa rin siya by the time na i-deliberate ang franchise extension sa Congress.

PNP, AFP: National ID system will unmask terrorists, criminals

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) welcomed on Tuesday the signing of the national identification system by President Duterte, saying it will help in the campaign against criminals and beef up national security.

Military  Public  Affairs Office chief Col. Noel Detoyato said the new law will unmask criminals and members of lawless groups, thus helping the government identify them, while restricting their movements.

“The national ID is a very important aspect of national security. It removes the insurgents and criminals’ advantage of anonymity,” said Detoyato, noting that it came at a time while the AFP is in the middle of its campaign against the New People’s Army rebels and Moro terrorists.

“It will also restrict their movement and will have an effect on their recruitment and extortion activities,” Detoyato added.

On the other hand, PNP chief Director General Oscar D. Albayalde said the ID system will allow the police to share its crime record with the different agencies of the government.

“With the PhilSys law now in effect, the PNP can look forward to migrating our own National Crime Information System and the National Police Clearance System to a national database for sharing with other government agencies to optimize the operational potential of the entire national ID system,” Albayalde said.

Albayalde said while the National Identification System Act (PhilSys Act) assures access by 106.6 million Filipinos to a wide range of government services and privileges, it would also keep the country at pace with global trends of technology in governance.

“An efficient national ID system offers benefits to practical applications in census, taxation, election registration, banking, travel documentation, social security, social welfare and other transactions with government agencies,” the PNP chief said.

“All these government applications stand to benefit more than the quite limited law enforcement and internal security applications due to privacy and basic rights issues associated with gathering of personal information that need to be observed and upheld,” he added.

Meanwhile, human-rights group Karapatan called the ID system as a “wolf in a sheep’s clothing,” as it feared it could lead to a “wholesale rights violations, primarily of the people’s rights to freedom of movement and privacy, right against surveillance and right to unhampered and nondiscriminatory provision of social services.”

“The national ID system will be an underhanded maneuver to screen and monitor people. This law will be very much prone to abuse, considering that our bureaucracy is already littered with militarists and ex-generals who have proven their contempt for people’s rights,” said Kaparatan Secretary-General Cristina Palabay in a news statement.

“With billions already funneled to intelligence funds, this law will further fast-track government monitoring and even harassment of its citizens,” she added.

Beneficiaries

The National ID system project, estimated to cost taxpayers P25-billion, is seen to benefit over seven million Filipinos with no birth certificates.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph G. Recto on Tuesday said “that should be one of the outcomes” of the multibillion-peso project expected to be carried out soon by the Duterte administration.

“If there will be a mass list-up and registration, then perhaps we can use this activity to end the plight of those without birth certificates,” Recto said.

In a news statement, the Senator suggested that “we should use the national ID platform as an opportunity to solve the quandary of those who do not have birth documents.”

https://businessmirror.com.ph/pnp-afp-national-id-system-will-unmask-terrorists-criminals/

Quezon City councilors ask DoH to aid residents vaccinated with Dengvaxia

The 37-member Quezon City council has passed a resolution calling on the Department of Health to grant medical assistance to city residents inoculated with the Dengvaxia vaccine.

City Resolution 7469 stipulated that after the anti-dengue vaccine has been administered to school children, French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi Pasteur then announced that Dengvaxia could cause severe cases of dengue fever to those who had not been previously infected by the dengue virus.

“The city government with the aid of the Department of Health should extend medical assistance in order to alleviate the plight of the inoculated victims,” the resolution read.

In December 2017, as reported by Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, the latest data from the World Health Organization confirmed an “earlier hypothesis” that those inoculated with a dengue vaccine without prior infection could be at a higher risk of contracting more severe forms of the illness.

From April 2016, DoH reported more than 830,000 children have been vaccinated with Dengvaxia.

Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte backed the enactment into law of the Philippine Identification System Act, saying “innocent citizens have nothing to fear with the national ID system.”

“I’m in favor of the national ID system because I think that it is important that every citizen has proper identification and can be traced. When a citizen has not done anything wrong, there is nothing to fear,” she said.

President Duterte signed the law designed to wipe out corruption and red tape, speed up the delivery of government services and assist law enforcement for public safety, despite concerns the national ID system may pose risks to privacy and data security.

“With this drive of the president to eradicate criminal activity, to eradicate terrorism, and to discipline our police, our regular citizens don’t need to fear that law enforcement agencies will abuse power and do something that’s not good to the citizens,” Belmonte said.

She said the roll-out of the system would be “very timely.”

http://manilastandard.net/lgu/ncr/272439/quezon-city-councilors-ask-doh-to-aid-residents-vaccinated-with-dengvaxia.html

Lorenzana hails passage of nat’l ID law

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Tuesday welcomed the enactment of Republic Act No. 11055 or the Philippine System Identification Act.

"Based on our experience, armed conflicts and insurgencies are often rooted in poor governance and delivery of basic services. Having a national ID system in place will help government address the gaps in the identification of citizens entitled to receive government services, thereby making things more convenient for law-abiding Filipinos," Lorenzana said in a statement.

He added that a national ID system is beneficial to a country prone to disasters as the system would improve the distribution of aid to legitimate disaster victims.

"Matters such as this can now be better addressed because of the new law," the defense chief said.

While he welcomed the beneficial effects of the measure on law enforcement operations, Lorenzana assured the public that individual privacy will be respected.

Signed into law by Duterte on Monday, the measure seeks to integrate the various government IDs of all citizens and foreign residents in the country.

The President tasked the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to work closely with the National Privacy Commission, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, and the multi-agency PhilSystem Policy and Coordination Council to address all concerns pertaining to privacy and security.

DND welcomes passage of national ID system law

By Francis Wakefield

The Department of National Defense (DND) Tuesday welcomed the passage of the Philippine System Identification Act, which was signed by the President into law on Monday, August 6, 2018.

In a statement, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said that based on their experience, armed conflicts and insurgencies are often rooted in poor governance and delivery of basic services.

“Having a national ID system in place will help government address the gaps in the identification of citizens entitled to receive government services, thereby making things more convenient for law-abiding Filipinos,” Lorenzana said.

“For example, as a country prone to disasters, the system will allow improved distribution of aide to legitimate disaster victims. Matters such as this can now be better addressed because of the new law,” he added.

Lorenzana said while they welcome the beneficial effects of this law on law enforcement operations, they assure the public that individual privacy will be respected.

Malacañang earlier assured the public that it has nothing to worry about when their personal information is consolidated in one database because there are laws that would protect their data.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made the assurance as President Duterte signed the much-anticipated Philippine ID System (PhilSys) in Malacañang Monday afternoon.

Roque, in his Monday press briefing, expressed confidence that the PhilSys would pass the test of constitutionality.

“I would like to assure the people that unlike the national ID bill which was earlier declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court because, in Ople v Executive Secretary, because there were no safeguards to protect the database, this time around, there is a privacy law and in the law itself, it specified that the government has the obligation to promote the data gathered because of the national ID system,” he said.

“That’s why we are confident that this time around it will pass the test of constitutionality,” he added.

According to the Palace official, the signing of the PhilSys forms part of the common legislative agenda of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).

“As we all know, the President is averse to bureaucratic red tape. Through PhilSys, we hope to improve efficiency and transparency of public services and promote ease of doing business,” he said.

“The Palace is pleased that millions of Filipinos will soon enjoy the benefits of the Philippine Identification System Act,” he added.

Roque also lauded the signing of the PhilSys as it would mean that people would no longer have to present or carry multiple IDs to prove his identity.

“For the ordinary Juan de la Cruz, the signing of this Act means that he will no longer have to present multiple identification cards simply to prove his identity,” he said.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/08/07/dnd-welcomes-passage-of-national-id-system-law/

DND: Nat’l ID system to improve delivery of gov’t services

The Department of National Defense (DND) on Tuesday lauded the signing of the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) Act, saying that the government could now better deliver its services to the public, especially during natural disasters.

"The Department of National Defense welcomes the passage of the Philippine System Identification Act, which was signed by the President into law yesterday, August 6, 2018," Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a statement.

Lorenzana claimed armed conflicts and insurgencies in the past were caused by poor governance and poor delivery of basic services, which the national ID system is expected to address.

"Having a national ID system in place will help government address the gaps in the identification of citizens entitled to receive government services, thereby making things more convenient for law-abiding Filipinos," Lorenzana said.

"For example, as a country prone to disasters, the system will allow improved distribution of aide to legitimate disaster victims. Matters such as this can now be better addressed because of the new law," he added.

The DND also assured the public that "individual privacy will be respected."

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday signed into law the PhilSys Act to harmonize, integrate, and interconnect the countless and redundant government IDs by establishing a single national identification system,

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said there is a privacy law that will safeguard the database in the new system.

However, some left leaning groups, including the Makabayan bloc, had raised concerns against the measure, saying the data may be used against opponents of the government. — MDM, GMA News

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/663295/dnd-nat-l-id-system-to-improve-delivery-of-gov-t-services/story/

Christian Bautista on renewing his contract with GMA: "It wasn't hard to decide"

Muling pumirma ng exclusive network contract si Asia's Romantic Balladeer Christian Bautista nitong Martes, August 7.

Present sa kanyang contract signing sina GMA Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, GMA Senior Vice President for Entertainment TV Lilybeth G. Rasonable at ang kanyang manager na si Carlo Orosa.

Sa kanyang panayam sa GMA, sinabi ng The Clash judge na hindi naging mahirap ang desisyon niyang ipagpatuloy ang pagiging Kapuso.

"No, it wasn't [hard to decide]. GMA has been taking care of me for the last few years, and the growth is wonderful. I keep on going to the next level with them, and they really take good care of me and their artists."

Dagdag pa niya, "There's a wide range of opportunities. I'm doing a soap now, judging The Clash now, looking for another place to tour for Three Stars, One Heart, so it's very fulfilling."

Bukod sa kanyang showbiz commitments, abala din ang singer-actor sa kanyang nalalapit na kasal.

"Hands full in the next few months, and I wouldn't have it any other way. It's a happy problem. My partner is fantastic, we're organized, we have each other. We find time for the wedding preparations, for work, and for each other," nakangiti niyang ibinahagi.

Masaya din si Atty. Gozon sa pananatili ni Christian sa Kapuso network. "Talagang tayo ay nandito para magbigay ng opportunity for very good talents, so they can blossom and succeed in their art. At itong si Christian, kilala ko 'to, talagang talented. Siguro kailangan na niyang mag-branch out after perfecting his singing style."

Tuloy-tuloy naman ang pagbigay sa kanya ng projects ayon kay Ms. Rasonable.

"We are all happy for him, so definitely he will take a short leave for his wedding, pero tuloy ang lahat ng projects niya. We try our best to give him, well, definitely sa singing career niya. We've been doing the different legs of Three Stars, One Heart, also sa ibang musicals that we have, and now he has The Clash where he is gaining a lot of traction because of his very constructive comments. Of course alam naman natin na marunong siya umarte, so ngayon meron siyang Pamilya Roces under Direk Joel Lamangan. Kung ano man ang puwede nating ibigay para makakaganda sa kanyang career and makakatulong sa GMA, siyempre gagawin natin."

Congratulations, Kapuso!

Muling pumirma ng exclusive network contract si Asia's Romantic Balladeer Christian Bautista nitong Martes, August 7.

Nat’l ID’s to reduce corruption, create safer environment, says Duterte

The signing into law of the Philippine Identification System Act (PhilSys Act) will upgrade the lives of Filipinos as this brings forth improvement on government services, promotes safer environment, and lessens corruption, President Rodrigo Duterte said.

The Filipinos are set to get hold of their National ID’s after the Chief Executive signed the PhilSys Act, yesterday August 6. This seeks to “establish a single national identification system that will provide good governance, enhance governmental transactions, and create a more conducive environment for trade and commerce to thrive,” Duterte said.

The President stressed that the measure will “curtail bureaucratic red tape, promote the ease of doing business, avert fraudulent transactions and strengthen financial inclusion.”

He also viewed this as a means to create a more secure environment that can “aid in our drive against the social menaces of poverty, corruption, and criminal issues, as well as terrorism and violent extremism.”

(DAILY NEWS ROUND UP FOR 08/ 07 /18)

RSA deal over after Inquirer nets P215M loss

The Prietos have reportedly returned the P1 billion downpayment to its owner.

Philippine Star Columnist Victor Agustin said bilyonaryo Ramon Ang’s acquisition of the Philippine Daily Inquirer is officially botched after the Prieto family returned his initial payment.

This comes after the Inquirer ended 2017 in the red, bleeding with a P215-million net loss. In contrast, its top competitors ended the year in profit, with The Star netting P95 million and the Manila Bulletin with P49.8 million in the bag.

Agustin also said that the Inquirer is barely getting by with just P500 million in paid-up capital, a far cry from the amounts held by other broadsheets.

“One does not need a PhD in rocket science to project where the road is heading if Inquirer suffers another financial loss of similar magnitude this year and next,” Agustin said in his Aug. 6 Money-Go-Round column.

His recommendation: “The Inquirer broadsheet should just shut down and distribute whatever remaining capital to its shareholders while there is still left.”

Unsolicited advice aside, the newspaper needs some serious financial housekeeping to do this year especially with their white knight out of the picture.

http://bilyonaryo.com.ph/2018/08/06/rsa-deal-over-after-inquirer-nets-p215m-loss/

SM City Daet to open in 2019

DAET, Camarines Norte (Bicol Standard) – SM City Daet is expected to open its doors in 2019, according to the proposal presentation at the Sangguniang Bayan Session Hall in this town earlier this week.

The proposed site for the project is along Vinzons Avenue, a major thoroughfare on the north. Adjacent to the west side of the site is the United Daet Coliseum while residential structures can be found on the south side.

Spanning a land area of 48,590.00 sq. m., SM City Daet will have a ground level, level 2, level 3, and a roof deck level. There will also be 640 parking slots available, the presentation revealed.

Construction will commence later this year and will end on December 2019.

http://www.bicolstandard.com/2018/08/sm-city-daet-to-open-in-2019.html

Bishops support new ID system but wary of abuses

By Leslie Ann Aquino

It is the hope of a Catholic prelate that the newly signed national identification card system won’t be abused once it is implemented.

“Let us hope for the best that this law will not be abused,” Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo said.

Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos, on the other hand, is hoping that the national ID would also be beneficial to overseas Filipino workers.

“It is our hope that the national ID would be especially beneficial to our OFWs against bribery and red tape in different government agencies,” he said.

Santos expressed hope that through the ID, the OFWs would save time and money in getting necessary documents.

He added that OFWs should be given proper and primary assistance through the said ID.

“We support the national ID system,” said Santos.

Duterte tells Gabby Lopez: I won’t talk to you but I will also not intervene in ABS-CBN franchise renewal

President Rodrigo Duterte insists he is not dipping his fingers into ABS-CBN’s bid to renew its television franchise which will expire in 2020.

In a speech in Bukidnon, Duterte revealed that bilyonaryo Gabby Lopez has sent “emissaries” to his office hoping to iron out any misunderstanding between the two of them amid ABS-CBN’s application for a franchise renewal in Congress.

Duterte said he has no interest in meeting with Lopez who stepped down as ABS-CBN chairman last April. But he also assured that he would take a hands-off approach in the renewal process.

“Sige padala ng emissary kausapin ako. Pinaalis na nila si Gabby eh, kasi nila nothing will happen eh. I will not talk to you. But I will never also intervene,” said Duterte in a speech in Bukidnon.

“Pero if I had my way, I will not give it back to you. Magnanakaw kayo eh. Niloloko ninyo ‘yung maliliit,” he added.

Duterte’s beef with Lopez stemmed from ABS-CBN’s refusal to ran his campaign ad in the last few weeks of the 2016 campaign. Duterte’s ad was supposed to counter the negative campaign ad put up by Senator Antonio Trillanes against him.

“Tinanggap ‘yung two million ko, ang putang ina niya, hindi lang man lumabas… Marami kami. Marami kami. Most of the congressman. Kasi — putang ina itong ABS-CBN. Fuck you,” said Duterte.

“They could not even say, ‘We’re sorry but we could not find the appropriate space for your advertisements’. Kaya binabastos ko kayo. Kayong mga mayaman? Talagang binabastos ko kayo kasi bastos kayo numero uno eh,” he added.

http://bilyonaryo.com.ph/2018/08/04/duterte-tells-gaby-lopez-i-wont-talk-to-you-but-i-will-also-not-intervene-in-abs-cbn-franchise-renewal/

Duterte: Data privacy secure with national ID

NATIONAL IDENTIFICATION President Duterte describes the Philippine Identification System Act that he signed in the presence of lawmakers on Monday as a “monumental legislative measure.” —JOAN BONDOC

President Rodrigo Duterte signed the national identification system law on Monday, assuring Filipinos that their personal information would be kept secure with data privacy safeguards already in place.

Only those with illegal intentions should be afraid of the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) Act, the President said after the signing ceremony in Malacañang.

“There is therefore no basis at all for the apprehensions about the Phil-ID, unless of course that fear is based on anything that borders on illegal,” he said.

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He added: “If at all, the Phil-ID will even aid in our drive against the social menaces of poverty, corruption and criminal issues, as well as terrorism and violent extremism.”

The signing of the law coincided with the presentation and ceremonial signing of Republic Act No. 11054, or the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

PSA repository of data

Under the PhilSys Act, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) will manage the national ID system.

It will store a citizen’s common reference number, biometrics, voter’s ID, Philippine passport number, taxpayer’s identification number, Philippine Health Insurance Corp. number, Professional Regulation Commission number, driver’s license number and other information.

In his speech, the President pointed out that the information would not be different from that recorded in other agencies collecting personal data.

He said data privacy safeguards were in place to ensure that citizens’ personal data were secure against identity theft and fraud.

“The PSA will work closely with the National Privacy Commission, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, and the multiagency PhilSystem Policy and Coordination Council to address all concerns pertaining to privacy and security,” the President said.

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Calling the national ID law a “monumental legislative measure,” he noted that past administrations had tried but failed to introduce a national ID.

This was “partly because of the apprehensions peddled by some groups about privacy and data security,” the President said.

An opposition lawmaker, Akbayan Rep. Tom Villarin, for instance, said the passage of the law “casts a pall of gloom over privacy rights and an ominous threat to human rights.”

“The heavy hand of the state will now apply to getting a comprehensive profile of its citizens,” Villarin said in a text message to the Inquirer.

The Presidenty thought otherwise, stressing that a national ID system would, in fact, improve the delivery of services and cut down on fraud and bureaucratic red tape.

Citizens, resident aliens

He pointed out that the Phil-ID, a single ID to be issued to all citizens and resident aliens, would “dispense with the need to present multiple IDs for different government transactions.”

“This will not just enhance administrative governance but reduce corruption, curtail bureaucratic red tape, and promote the ease of doing business, but also avert fraudulent transactions, strengthen financial inclusion, and create a more secure environment for our people,” he said.

The President’s spokesperson, Harry Roque, said the implementation of a national ID would help protect Filipinos against identity theft.

Roque said the ID would help promote national security as it would become easier to verify one’s identity and single out criminals or terrorists.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson, principal sponsor of the measure in the Senate, said many Filipinos could expect an easier time transacting with the government.

Lacson noted that there were 33 different forms of “functional” ID cards issued by government agencies.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon thanked the President for signing the measure and likewise gave assurance that it had enough safeguards to protect an individual’s privacy.

Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano, principal author of the House measure, said the new law would benefit the poor and residents of far-flung communities who had been experiencing difficulties in securing proof of identity. —WITH REPORTS FROM LEILA B. SALAVERRIA AND MARLON RAMOS



Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1018388/duterte-data-privacy-secure-with-national-id#ixzz5NUA0ryxZ
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National ID signed into law; privacy fears allayed

President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law Monday a bill seeking to establish a single national identification system in the country.

“Today, I... signed the Philippine Identification System Act, a measure that will establish a single national identification system that will promote good governance, enhance governmental transactions, and create a more conducive environment for trade and commerce to thrive,” said Duterte in his speech during the presentation of the signed Republic Act no. 11054 or the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao at the Malacañan Palace.

The President asked the public to support the Philippine ID act as it seeks to promote the efficient delivery of services to the people through a single ID that will be issued to all citizens and resident aliens.

“This ID, which will be called the ‘Phil-ID,’ will dispense with the need to present multiple IDs for different [government] transactions,” said Duterte, adding that the national ID system also reduces corruption, curtails bureaucratic red tape, promotes the ease of doing business, averts fraudulent transactions, strengthens financial inclusion, and creates a more secure environment for the Filipinos.

Duterte noted that past administrations have already tried to come up with a national ID system, but they all failed to implement the measure because of the criticisms from several groups worried about data privacy and security.
The President, however, assured public apprehension.

“The information that will be included in the Phil-ID will not be any different from the information already in the possession of the Philippine Statistics Authority or the former National Statistics Office, Government Service Insurance System, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG Fund, Commission on Elections, and other agencies that gather personal data,” said Duterte, adding that the Philippine Statistics Authority will work closely with the National Privacy Commission, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, and the multi-agency PhilSystem Policy and Coordination Council to address privacy and security concerns.

“There is, therefore, no basis at all for the apprehensions about the Phil-ID, unless of course that fear is based on anything that borders [on the] illegal. If at all, the Phil-ID will even aid in our drive against the social menaces of poverty, corruption, and criminal issues, as well as terrorism and violent extremism,” Duterte said.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said the Phil-ID has three fundamental objectives.

“Number one, promote national security because we will have a database of all Filipinos. Number two, this will prevent identity theft. And number three, this will promote better delivery of goods and services from the government to the people,” said Roque in a press briefing in Malita, Davao Occidental.

“I would like to assure the people that unlike the National ID Bill which was earlier declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court because there were no safeguards to protect the database; this time around, there is a Privacy Law and in the law itself it is specified that government has the obligation to protect the data gathered because of the National ID System,” Roque said.

The Phil-ID is the Duterte administration’s central identification platform aiming to ease and simplify both public and private services.

Under this law, the Phil-ID will collect the demographic data of every Filipino such as full name, sex, date of birth, blood type, home address, and citizenship. Putting marital status, phone numbers, and even e-mail addresses is optional.

Additional details will also be recorded such as the biometric information, front-facing photograph, full set of fingerprints, other identifiable features, and even an iris scan.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon on Monday lauded the signing into law of the Philippine Identification System Act to ensure efficient delivery of service and ease transactions with government agencies.
“I wish to thank the President for signing it into law,” said Drilon, the law’s principal author.

Drilon said that with a national ID system in place, the identification of individuals seeking basic services from the government would be made faster and more accurate.

The law consolidates all existing government-initiated identification systems into an integrated and efficient identification system for citizens of the Philippines in order to help improve and speed up the delivery of public services in the country, Drilon said.

Drilon also said the law would not affect data privacy as the pertinent provisions of the Data Privacy Act will still apply. With Macon Ramos-Araneta

‘Ties of History’ opens Aug. 8

The Metropolitan Museum of Manila, along with Yuchengco Museum, UP Vargas Museum, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Dalubhasaan Para sa Edukasyon sa Sining at Kultura (DESK), and the Office of Senator Loren Legarda present “Ties Of History: Art In Southeast Asia” from Aug. 8 to Oct. 6, 2018.

Sen. Loren Legarda

The opening event will be held at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila. The exhibits will also be held at the Yuchengco Museum, and at the UP Vargas Museum.

Artists from 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian National (ASEAN) are participating. Among them: Anusapati (Indonesia), Chris Chong Chan (Malaysia), Roberto Feleo (Philippines), Amada Heng (Singapore), Kim Thein Sung (Myanmar) and Hoang Tuong (Vietnam).

Curator Patrick Flores will give the opening remarks and will introduce the artists. Messages will be given by Virgilio Almario, chairman of NCCA and Sen. Legarda.

• • •

Exclusive workshops

New York-based acting coach Anthony Vincent Bova returned to Manila recently to provide exclusive workshops for GMA Artist Center stars.

Antony Vincent Bova (center) and Ana Feleo with the GMA Artists Center stars who participated in the workshops

The international acting coach, who was here last February, and his co-teacher, actress Ana Feleo, conducted the “Empowerment” training, which focuses on the “emotional and psychological alignment for peak performance” of the artists.

Those who attended the workshops included Thea Tolentino, Andrea Torres, Chynna Ortaleza, Benjamin Alves, Gil Cuerva and Mikoy Morales.

Bova will come back on January 2019 to conduct the culminating activity, which will showcase what they have learned throughout the year from Bova’s training program.

Also an actor, writer, and artistic director, Bova is a protégé of famed acting coach Eric Morris, who has taught some of the best actors in the Philippines, including Laurice Guillen, Johnny Delgado, Leo Martinez, Michael de Mesa, and Joel Torre among others.

• • •

Global Pinoy Singing Idol

Anthony Carbonel won as the grand winner of the “DZMM Global Pinoy Singing Idol” (GPSI) 2018 held recently at the Gazi Music Hall in Athens. He won over nine other finalists and won a trophy plus USD 1,000 after his astounding rendition of “Writings On The Wall” by Sam Smith.

Anthony Carbonel

Named as first runner-up was Kleoniki Perikleous, while Eunice Manigbas was second runner-up. Manigbas was also The Filipino Channel’s (TFC) People’s Choice awardee.

They were chosen by a panel composed of ABS-CBN Integrated News and Current Affairs senior vice president Ging Reyes, ABS-CBN Europe Ltd. Country Manager Luis Bariuan, and DZMM “Usapang de Campanilla” anchor Maresciel Yao.

• • •

ABS-CBN, GMA clash over TV ratings in July

ABS-CBN Corp. and GMA Network, Inc. both claimed to lead in TV ratings in July, citing different audience management providers.

In a statement released on Friday, ABS-CBN said it recorded an average audience share of 44% versus GMA’s 33%, based on data from Kantar Media.

“ABS-CBN was also the TV network of choice for households in Metro Manila, where it scored an average audience share of 42% against GMA’s 28%, in Total Luzon, where it got 39% against GMA’s 37%, in Total Visayas where it garnered 51% against GMA’s 26%, and in Total Mindanao where it hit 53% against GMA’s 26%,” the Lopez-led media giant said.

Kantar Media data showed “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” was the most watched program in the country, with an average national TV rating of 42.8%.

Variety show “It’s Showtime” is still the most watched noontime show in the country with a national TV rating of 39.2% on weekdays and 35% on Saturdays, against its rival “Eat Bulaga” which only got 33.4% on weekdays and 23.4% on Saturdays.

ABS-CBN said it had 8 of the 10 highest-rated shows nationwide for July, including “Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids,” “TV Patrol,” “Bagani,” “Since I Found You,” “Tonight with Boy Abunda,” “Bandila,” “Umagang Kay Ganda,” “Sana Dalawa ang Puso,” “Asintado,” “Araw Gabi,” “The Blood Sisters,” “Ipaglaban Mo,” “MMK,” “Goin’ Bulilit,” “Wansapanataym,” “Home Sweetie Home,” “Rated K,” “I Can See Your Voice” and “Gandang Gabi, Vice.”

ABS-CBN said it garnered an average audience share of 47% in the primetime block (6 p.m. to 12 midnight), compared to GMA’s 33%.

In the morning block (6 a.m. to 12 noon), ABS-CBN recorded a 39% share versus GMA’s 30%, while in the noontime block (12 noon to 3 p.m.) it posted a 43% share against GMA’s 33%. In the afternoon block (3 p.m. to 6 p.m.), the media giant said it got 42% versus GMA’s 36%.

Kantar Media uses a nationwide panel size of 2,610 urban and rural homes, which it says represent 100% of the total Philippine TV viewing population. Local current subscribers include Peoples Television Network Inc., Viva Communications Inc., and Solar Entertainment Corporation, while international subscribers include Turner Broadcasting System Asia, Google Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, Home Box Office (Singapore) Pte Ltd, MTV Asia, and Fox International Channels.

Meanwhile, GMA said on Thursday it recorded an average total day people audience share of 41.8% in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM) in July against ABS-CBN’s 36.7%, citing data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

“GMA’s solid ratings performance was a result of the Network’s continued leadership across all dayparts. The Kapuso Network strengthened its lead in the morning block, registering 38.6% people audience share as against ABS-CBN’s 34.9%,” the company said in a statement.

GMA noted its average total day people audience share stood at 46.1% in Urban Luzon, versus ABS-CBN’s 31.3%. In Mega Manila (with official data from July 1 to 21), the comapny said its average total day people audience share stood at 47.2% against ABS-CBN’s 29.5%.

GMA said Urban Luzon and Mega Manila account for 72% and 59% of all urban viewers in the Philippines.

More GMA shows also made it to the list including “Magpakailanman,” “24 Oras,” “Lip Sync Battle Philippines,” “Pepito Manaloto,” “Kambal, Karibal,” “Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko,” and “The Clash.”

Completing the list were “The Cure,” “Amazing Earth,” “Inday Will Always Love You,” “24 Oras Weekend,” “Wowowin,” “Imbestigador,” “You’re My Destiny,” “Saksi,” “Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka,” “Unang Hirit,” “Kapag Nahati ang Puso,” “My Guitar Princess,” “Tadhana,” “The Stepdaughters” “Sunday Pinasaya,” “Eat Bulaga,” and “Contessa.”

More viewers nationwide also preferred GMA Network’s coverage of Manny Pacquiao’s fight last July 15 as well as President Rodrigo Duterte’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 23.

GMA’s coverage of the much-awaited bout between Pacquiao and Argentinian Lucas Matthysse garnered a people audience share of 49.1 percent in NUTAM which topped ABS-CBN’s 30.8 percent.

“SONA 2018: The GMA News Special Coverage” was likewise the most watched with 41.2 percent overnight people audience share in NUTAM versus ABS-CBN’s 32.6 percent.

The listed media company noted the Nielsen survey covered 900 more homes in the Total Urban and Rural Philippines compared to Kantar Media. Its clients include TV5, Aksyon TV, CNN Philippines, and Viva Communications.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Aug. 7, go to Justice Corazon Agrava, Ramon Isberto of Smart, Bonjin Bolinao, Susan Limjoco, Ed Ponceja, Henri Calayag, Mary Jane Velayo, Mala Jane Luga, Marichie Josue, Michelle Castaneda, Riz Rebaya, Dr. Susan Kapalungan, Nicole Cumagun, Cynthia dela Cruz, Mell Navarro, Nieves Bates, Nixon Sy, DPWH Usec. Roberto Bernardo and Chuckie Dreyfus…Condolences to the family of Jose Lim, Sr. who passed away last Aug. 5 Aug. 8: Gov. Baby Ortiz, Delia Razon, Carmi Martin, Nora Calderon, Homer Pili, Pal Rabina, Pamela Tuazon, Vesper Valdez, Nelson Canlas, Sonny Cortez, Amy Reyes Forthomme, and Arnel Ogie Paala…

Roque: Privacy protected in national ID system

MALITA, Davao Occidental - Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque on Monday said Filipinos have nothing to fear with the enactment of the national ID system, saying privacy rights will remain protected.

Roque said that the Philippine Identification System Act, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte into law Monday, the government is mandated to protect personal information that may be gathered in connection with the law.

Roque gave the assurance in a press briefing on the sidelines of the mass oath-taking of new members of the Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) here on Monday.

Roque said the current national ID system is unlike the previous proposal declared unconstitutional by Supreme Court for lacking data protection safeguards.

"This time around, there is privacy law and in the law itself, the government has the obligation to protect the data gathered because of the national ID system," he said

Roque expressed confidence the law will pass constitutional muster should it be challenged in the courts.

He also underscored the importance of the National ID in promoting national security, preventing identity theft and in promoting better delivery of services from the government to the people.

While getting a national ID is not compulsory, Roque said having one would make easy to verify identity and promote national security.

The National ID System seeks to integrate and interconnect some 30 redundant government IDs by merging these into a single national ID system, or PhilSys, which will have PhilSys Number or PSN, the PhilID and PhilSys Registry.

The PhilID will be a non-transferable card containing on its face the PSN, full name, facial image, date of birth, address and fingerprints of the individual. (Lilian C Mellejor/PNA)

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1043870

ABS-CBN income slumps in Q2

ABS-CBN Corp. reported a 61% drop in net income attributable to equity holders of the parent company during the second quarter, dragged by higher production costs.

In a regulatory filing, ABS-CBN said its attributable net income fell to P397.35 million during the April to June period, from P1.03 billion during the same period a year ago.

This brought the six-month attributable income to P849.88 million, 41% lower than the P1.45 billion posted a year ago.

Second quarter revenues inched up 1.6% to P9.925 billion, bringing the first half total to P18.936 billion — 2% lower than a year ago.

Advertising revenues went up 4% to P5.23 billion in the April to June period. For the first half, advertising revenues fell 3% to P9.57 billion, while consumer sales dipped 1% to P9.35 billion.

“Advertising revenues decreased by P302 million or 3.1% lower, attributable to fewer advertising placements from first half of 2018. Consumer sales decreased by P106 million mainly resulting from lower theatrical receipts from Global and ABS-CBN Films and lower revenue from Sky Cable’s cable business,” ABS-CBN said.

Expenses increased by 4% during the first half to P18.494 billion from last year’s P17.783 billion. This was mainly due to a 9% rise in production costs to P6.45 billion.

“The increase (in production cost) was due the growth in depreciation and amortization expenses by P10 million and P90 million, respectively, year-on year. The Company’s facilities-related expenses and employee related costs grew also by P271 million or 15% increase year-on-year,” the Lopez-led media giant said.

By business segment, ABS-CBN reported its media networks and studio entertainment business saw a 33% drop in net income to P1.01 billion during the first half, as operating revenues slipped by 3% to P13.45 billion.

On the other hand, the cable, satellite and broadband business under Sky Cable slumped to a net loss of P81 million, as operating revenues fell by 3.6% to P4.4 billion.

“The decrease in Sky’s performance was triggered by the decrease in cable subscriber count by 80,000. In total, subscriber count of Sky increased by 168,000, significantly attributable to direct-to-home subscribers,” the company said.

Shares in ABS-CBN added 15 centavos or 0.61% to P24.55 each on Monday. — D. A. Valdez

http://www.bworldonline.com/abs-cbn-income-slumps-in-q2/

House ensures P854M budget for BOL plebiscite

The House Committee on Appropriations, presided by Vice Chair Doy Leachon (1st District, Oriental Mindoro), ensured on Monday that the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) will get the P854 million budget for the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) plebiscite in January 2019.

Leachon gave the assurance, saying implementation of BOL is a priority mandate of the Duterte administration.

Rep. Antonio Tinio (ACT TEACHERS Party List) confirmed that President Duterte led the ceremonial signing of the BOL on Monday.

Meanwhile, the Committee also tackled the P2.069 billion COMELEC deficit in its 2019 National and Local Elections budget, which is intended for payment of teachers’ honorarium and other benefits as mandated by the Election Service Reform Act (ESRA).

Tinio, being the principal author of ESRA, wanted to ensure that the deficit be provided in full.

Leachon guaranteed that the concerns of House Members and the COMELEC will definitely be attended to by the Appropriations Committee.

Leachon also conveyed that the COMELEC may consider charging the deficiency from the 2019 preparatory activities budget. This has been stated in a letter of Budget and Management Secretary Benjamin Diokno to COMELEC Chairman Sheriff Abas.

“Would you also affirm to us how much the continuing appropriation is, because as we recognize under the Constitution, you have your fiscal autonomy. So with other allotments that remain unspent will form part of your continuing appropriation that can be reflected still for 2019,” explained Leachon.

COMELEC Finance Services Department Director Zita Buena-Castillon disclosed that the Commission now has a total of P850 million that can be appended to the 2019 budget -- P150 million from the continuing appropriation and P700 million excess allotment for the 2018 preparatory activities budget.

Tinio requested the COMELEC to formally relay to the Appropriations Committee the budget deficiency matter as soon as possible.

He said additional funds may be needed for the possible Charter Change national plebiscite. Abas said the plebiscite will require approximately P6 billion to P8 billion. Tinio noted that this will entail new appropriations.

“Paano po ‘yong sinasabi ng iba na isasakay na lang sa national and local elections? Pwede po bang gawin ‘yon kung sakali? Sabi nila, ‘we just attach an additional question.’ Would that still be possible given the timetable [for the preparations]?” asked Tinio.

COMELEC Deputy Executive Director for Operations Bartolome Sinocruz Jr. affirmed that including additional questions to the ballots may be feasible. However, Abas said that COMELEC has yet to verify the additional budget that will be needed for this.

Also present during the hearing were Reps. Frederick Siao (Lone District, Iligan City) and Ciriaco Calalang (KABAYAN Party List) as well as COMELEC Commissoner Rowena Guanzon and Deputy Executive Director for Operations Helen Aguilar-Flores./ Monel Gonzales

http://www.congress.gov.ph/press/details.php?pressid=10799

NPC assures public data privacy top priority in national ID system

National Privacy Commission Chief Raymund Liboro says they will 'continuously press for the adoption of internationally accepted data protection and privacy standards in the implementation of the national identification system'

The National Privacy Commission on Monday, August 6, assured Filipinos the protection of their data privacy rights is a top priority in the implementation of the national ID system.

In a statement, NPC Commissioner Raymund Liboro said they will work together with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and give them “advice and guidance to address the privacy risks identified at the early stage of project design.”

PSA is the implementing agency, tasked to handle and secure the information collected under the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys).

“The NPC supports the proper implementation of this law in accordance with its role in the technical working group led by National Economic Development Authority and PSA and in line with the Commission’s dual mandate to protect the fundamental human right of privacy, of communication while ensuring free flow of information to promote innovation and growth inscribed in the Data Privacy Act of 2012,” he said.

Signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, PhilSys will become the government’s central identification platform that aims to improve the delivery of social services.

Each person will be issued a number and an ID to use with national government agencies, local government units, government-owned and controlled corporations, government financial institutions, and the private sector. (READ: What you need to know about the proposed national ID system)

All Filipino citizens and registered aliens are required to register in the system which will collect demographic information and biometrics data.

Standards to be followed

While it is beneficial, data privacy experts are worried about the implications of the national ID system. (READ: 'Record history' casts cloud of doubt on proposed national ID system)

Liboro, however, assured that the privacy commission will be vigilant in ensuring the rights of Filipinos are protected in the implementation of the system.

“The public may rest assured that the NPC shall continuously press for the adoption of internationally accepted data protection and privacy standards in the implementation of the national ID,” he said.

Among these standards include the deployment of a Privacy by Design approach and the adoption and comprehensive application of the NPC’s Data Privacy Accountability And Compliance Framework, Liboro added.

Legislation for a national ID system was among the Duterte administration's priorities in its legislative agenda as the Philippines used to be one of the few countries in the world without it.

Attempts in past administrations were met with budget issues, legal troubles, and poor public support, among others.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/208983-data-privacy-priority-national-identification-system-philippines

PRRD signs national ID law

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday signed into law the Philippine Identification System Act which seeks to integrate the various government IDs of all citizens and foreign residents in the country.

Duterte affixed his signature on Republic Act 11055 on the same event that an equally important measure, the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), was presented to Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim at the Malacañang Palace.

“Today, I signed into law the Philippine Identification System Act, a measure that will establish a single national identification system that will provide good governance, enhance governmental transactions and create a more conducive environment for trade and commerce to thrive,” Duterte said in his speech.

At present, some of the government-issued IDs include the Unified Multi-Purpose ID or UMID issued to the members of the Social Security System (SSS) and Government Service Insurance System (GSIS); Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth); Tax Identification Number (TIN); and the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund).

Duterte appealed to support the National ID system or “Phil-ID” which also seeks to promote the efficient delivery of services and to lessen corruption and red tape in the government.

“This will not just enhance administrative governance but reduce corruption, curtail bureaucratic red tape, and promote the ease of doing business, but also avert fraudulent transactions, strengthen financial inclusion, and create a more secure environment for our people,” he said.

The President allayed fears peddled by some groups that the National ID would infringe privacy and personal data of the Phil-ID holders.

“Let me be very clear about this: The information that will be included in the Phil-ID will not be any different from the information already in the possession of the Philippine Statistics Authority or the former NSO, GSIS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG Fund, COMELEC, and other agencies that gather personal data,” Duterte said.

He said the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) will work closely with the National Privacy Commission, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, and the multi-agency PhilSystem Policy and Coordination Council to address all concerns pertaining to privacy and security.

“There is therefore no basis at all for the apprehensions about the Phil-ID, unless of course that fear is based on anything that borders to illegal,” Duterte said.

“If at all, the Phil-ID will even aid in our drive against the social menaces of poverty, corruption and criminal issues, as well as terrorism and violent extremism,” he added.

Duterte expressed his appreciation to the two houses of Congress, led by Senate President Vicente Sotto III and House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, for passing the Phil-ID and BOL.

He also thanked former Senate President Aquilino ‘Koko’ Pimentel III and former House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez for their active involvement in the passage of both measures.

“Indeed, the passage of these laws speak well of their able leadership and firm resolve to rise above divisive partisan politics,” Duterte said.

Both the Senate and the House of Representatives ratified the national ID system on May 29 and 30, respectively.

Senator Panfilo Lacson, chairman of the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs, spearheaded the passage of the Palace-backed bill.

“I ask everyone to join me as we decisively implement measures that will create an environment where our people’s concern will no longer be center on their safety and security, but on charting a future they can proudly bequeath to succeeding generations,” Duterte said.

Duterte signed the BOL or R.A. 11054 two days after his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 23. (PNA)