Moviegoer arrested in Cavite for flag code violation

A moviegoer was arrested after failing to stand up as the Philippine National Anthem was being played at the City Mall Cinema here Thursday evening, September 6.

Senior Superintendent William Segun, the Cavite police director, identified the offender as Ria Chua Bautista, 28, food technologist and resident of Perpetual Village 7 in Barangay Mambog 5 in Bacoor City.

Bautista was the lone offender based on video footage and screenshot during the Cavite police’s simultaneous implementation of “Implan Bandila” across cinemas in the province.

Segun said their “Implan Bandila” is enforced in pursuit of the implementation of Republic Act No. 8491, or the “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines” on orders of Police Regional Office (PRO)-Calabarzon Director Chief Superintendent Edward Carranza.

Carranza directed the Calabarzon police to enforce the law in all theaters, cinemas, and public events across the region to instill a culture of patriotism and sense of duty.

According to Segun, the police operatives observed that most of the audience in movie theaters respected the singing of the Philippine National Anthem.

Only Bautista was the reported offender of the “Flag and Heraldic Code” and was accosted by the authorities after their “Implan Bandila” operation.

Earlier on September 5, 34 moviegoers arrested for ignoring national anthem

Lemery municipal police chief, Chief Insp. Alfie M. Salang, reported to Batangas police director, Senior Supt. Edwin Quilates, that the local police operation “Oplan Bandila” was conducted in the movie house at a mall in Barangay Malinis. (PNA)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1763412

Philippine police nab 34 moviegoers for not standing up to national anthem

Philippine police have arrested 34 Filipino moviegoers for sitting out when the Philippine national anthem was played in a cinema, a police report released on Friday said.

The report said the Filipinos went to see the screening of the movie "The House of Us" at a cinema inside a mall in Lemery, a town in Batangas province south of Manila, on Thursday.

The national anthem called "Lupang Hinirang" is played before every screening in cinema but the 34 reportedly remained seated while the anthem was being played.

The 34 were detained at the town's police station while appropriate charges were prepared for filing in a local court.

Police said the 34 violated RA 8491 or an Act Prescribing the Code of the National Flag, Anthem, Motto, Coat-of-Arms and other heraldic items and devices of the Philippines. It is also known as the "Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines."

"As a sign of respect, all persons shall stand at attention and face the Philippine flag, if there is one displayed, and if there is none, they shall face the band or the conductor," it said.

According to the law, any person or judicial entity which violates any of the provisions of the law shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not less than 5,000 pesos (roughly 93 U.S. dollars) not more than 20,000 pesos (roughly 371 U.S. dollars), or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both such fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court.

All citizens to stand at attention and sing with fervor, as a sign of respect, when the National Anthem is played at public gatherings.

Even moviegoers who do not stand up when the National Anthem is being played in cinemas will be sanctioned, as it empowers the security personnel and ushers in movie houses to arrest a violator and summon law enforcement officers to assist in conducting citizens' arrest.

http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-09/07/c_137451514.htm

34 arrested in movie house for disrespect of 'Lupang Hinirang'

For failing to stand up while the national anthem was played, at least 34 people were arrested inside the Cinema 2 of Xentro Mall in Lemery town in Batangas, according to a report on Unang Balita.

A video showed people standing up when "Lupang Hinirang" was played.

Some movie goers ignored the national anthem and remained seated. Some were seen texting while others continued eating and others were even locked in an embrace.

However, after the song was played, those seated were arrested.

Among the persons arrested were the spouse of a barangay chairman and a child of a mayor of a town in Batangas, for allegedly violating Republic Act 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.

The penalty for violating the law is a fine for P5,000 up to P20,000 or imprisonment of up to one year. — BAP, GMA News

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/666913/34-arrested-in-movie-house-for-disrespect-of-lupang-hinirang/story/

34 moviegoers nabbed for ignoring PH anthem

For ignoring the national anthem played inside a theater in Batangas province, 34 moviegoers are now in trouble, facing fines or a year in prison.

Chief Insp. Alfie Salang, police chief of Lemery town, said policemen took videos and photos of the moviegoers shortly before the screening of a romantic flick at a shopping mall on Wednesday afternoon.

After the national anthem was played and the movie was about to start, the police began arresting those who did not stand up.

Respecting PH flag

The 20-year-old Republic Act No. 8491, or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, requires the public to sing with fervor the national anthem, “Lupang Hinirang,” during public gatherings, such as at the initial and last screening of films or theater performances.

Upon conviction, the penalties include a fine of not less than P5,000 but not more than P20,000 or one year imprisonment.

Netizens were quick to chime in, as some said the arrest ought to teach the “basic duties of Filipinos.”

Others, however, described it as a prelude to a “state-enforced nationalism.”

“The arrest is overkill. It would be better if they (offenders) were reminded, rather than arrest them at once,” said Renato Reyes of the militant Bagong Alyansang Makabayan.

Supt. Chitadel Gaoiran, spokesperson for the Calabarzon police, said “Oplan Bandila” only enforced what was stated in the law that people seemed to had long ignored. —MARICAR CINCO

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1029348/34-moviegoers-nabbed-for-ignoring-ph-anthem

Disrespect ‘Lupang Hinirang’, get arrested

Thirty-four cinemagoers were arrested on Wednesday night for not standing during the singing of “Lupang Hinirang,” the Philippine national anthem, inside Cinema 2 of Xentro Mall in the town of Lemery in Batangas.

According to Inspector Hazel Luma-ang, information officer of the Batangas Provincial Police Office, members of the Lemery Police Station apprehended violators of Republic Act (RA) 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines in Cinema 2 at 2 p.m.

“The operation resulted in the arrest of the suspects for not standing at attention and for disrespecting the Philippine national anthem while it was being played prior to the showing of the movie titled “The How’s of Us,’” Luma-ang said.

The suspects were identified as: Kenneth Mendoza, John Aldrin Castro, Jerson Catapat, Mark Anthony Cabrera and Mark Gil Mercado, Michael Bautista, Reymundo Hernandez, Ron Jeric Ribot, Kent Vincent Amor, and Klen Aljohn Montenegro, Joshua Noche, Amony de Sogon, John Mark Villastas, Domingo Agojo And Juan Aldovino 2nd, Karen Decepeda, Angola Marie Dimayuga, Marie Joy Reyes, Cashmere Kyra Montenegro and Leny Jane Villanueva, Cathsien de Castro, Rose Ann de Castro, Mary Jane Lausa, Kimberly Martinez and Justine Mercado, Cynthia Mae Vergara, Donna Mae Catapang, Aileen Sinag, Marinette Cacanlalay, Maria Marcellana, Catherine Liday, Kyra Mae de Castro, Melody Megallon and Gladys Montenegro.

They are detained at the Lemery police station while appropriate charges are being prepared for filing in court today.

Section 38 of the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines mandates that when the national anthem is played in a public gathering, the attending public shall sing the anthem with fervor.

“As a sign of respect, all persons shall stand at attention and face the Philippine flag, if there is one displayed, and if there is none, they shall face the band or the conductor. At the first note, all persons shall execute a salute by placing their right palms over their left chests,” the code reads.

The national anthem, however, would not be allowed to be played and sung 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; local competitions; during the “signing off” and “signing on” of radio broadcasting and television stations; before the initial and last screening of films and before the opening of theater performances; and other occasions as may be allowed by the Institute.

The Oath of Patriotism (Panatang Makabayan) must be recited after the singing of the national anthem in basic education 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.

Section 20 of the law also states: “The observance of the flag ceremony in official or civic gatherings shall be simple and dignified and shall include the playing or singing of the anthem in its original Filipino lyrics and march tempo.”

Penalties for any person who violates any of the provisions of RA 8491 shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not less than P5,000.00 but not more than P20,000.00, or by imprisonment for not more than one (1) year, or both such fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court.

All citizens to stand at attention and sing with fervor, as a sign of respect, when the National Anthem is played at public gatherings.


Even moviegoers who do not stand up when the National Anthem is being played in cinemas will be sanctioned, as it empowers the security personnel and ushers in movie houses to arrest a violator and summon law enforcement officers to assist in conducting citizens' arrest.

34 nabbed for disrespecting anthem in Batangas

Police officers conducting a surprise inspection inside a movie theater arrested 34 moviegoers who refused to stand up while the Philippine national anthem was being played before a film showing at a mall in Lemery, Batangas on Wednesday.

Batangas police director Senior Supt. Edwin Quilates said the violators were nabbed for disrespecting the national anthem and would be charged with violating Republic Act 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.

The incident happened at Xentro Mall in Barangay Malinis at around 2 p.m., according to a police report.

The 15 males and 19 females were about to watch the movie “The Hows of Us” starring Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla when “Lupang Hinirang” started playing.

Instead of standing up to acknowledge the country’s national anthem, Quilates said the moviegoers stayed in their seats.

“They did not stand in attention and disrespected the Philippine national anthem,” he said.

He said the violators were immediately accosted for their act and brought to the police station for investigation.

According to Insp. Hazel Luma-ang, Batangas police information officer, the Lemery policemen were conducting an operation against violators of RA 8491 inside the movie house.  

“The operation resulted in the arrest of the suspects for not standing at attention and for disrespecting the Philippine national anthem while it was being played prior to the showing of the movie entitled "The Hows of Us,” Luma-ang said.

Luma-Ang said the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, under Section 38, states that when the national anthem is played at a public gathering, whether by a band or by singing or both, or reproduced by any means, the attending public shall sing the anthem. The singing must be done with fervor.

She also said as a sign of respect, all persons should stand at attention and face the Philippine flag, if there is one displayed, and if there is none, they shall face the band or the conductor.

At the first note, all persons shall execute a salute by placing their right palm over their left chest. – With Ed Amoroso, Arnell Ozaeta

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/09/07/1849394/34-nabbed-disrespecting-anthem-batangas

34 moviegoers arrested for ignoring national anthem

THIRTY-FOUR individuals were arrested after they refused to stand up for the national anthem prior to the showing of a movie in a Batangas mall cinema on Wednesday, September 5, a police official said.

Batangas Police Chief Edwin Quilates said the 34 persons were arrested before the 2 p.m. screening of the movie “The Hows of Us” at the Xentro Mall, Barangay Malinis in Lemery, Batangas.

"Operatives of the police station conducted operation against violators of Republic Act (RA) 8491 at said place that resulted in the arrest of the suspects wherein they did not stand in attention and disrespected the Philippine National Anthem while it was being played prior to the showing of movie film entitled The Hows of Us," the police said in its report.

They were brought to the Lemery police station for proper disposition.

Quilates said charges for violation of the RA 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines will be filed before the court on Thursday, September 6.

Section 38 of RA 8491 states that the singing of the national anthem “must be done with fervor.”

“As a sign of respect, all persons shall stand at attention and face the Philippine flag, if there is one displayed, and if there is none, they shall face the band or the conductor. At the first note, all persons shall execute a salute by placing their right palms over their left chests. Those in military, scouting, citizen’s military training and security guard uniforms shall give the salute prescribed by their regulations. The salute shall be completed upon the last note of the anthem,” the law read.

Violating the said law is punishable by a fine of P5,000 to P20,000, or by up to a year in prison, or both depending on the discretion of the court.

Even moviegoers who do not stand up when the National Anthem is being played in cinemas will be sanctioned, as it empowers the security personnel and ushers in movie houses to arrest a violator and summon law enforcement officers to assist in conducting citizens' arrest.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1762933

34 nabbed for disrespect to National Anthem inside Batangas cinema

LEMERY, Batangas -- Police arrested 34 moviegoers here Wednesday afternoon for showing disrespect while the Philippine National Anthem was being played before a film screening in a local cinema.

Lemery municipal police chief, Chief Insp. Alfie M. Salang, reported to Batangas provincial police director Senior Supt. Edwin Quilates that the local police operation “Oplan Bandila” was conducted in the movie house at a mall in Barangay Malinis.

Salang said the movie goers were arrested after they failed to stand up while the National Anthem was being played prior to the showing of the movie, “The How’s of Us”.

He said “Oplan Bandila” aims to net persons found violating Republic Act No. 8491, or the “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines”, and is implemented in all theaters, cinemas and public events across the region at the initiative of Police Regional Office 4-A (Calabarzon) Director, Chief Supt. Edward Carranza.

Quilates said that Carranza’s directive to all police units in the region, which issued last month, aims to instill in all Filipinos, especially in Calabarzon, a culture of patriotism and sense of duty.

He said the order to the region’s provincial police directors is to dispatch law enforcers every time there are film screenings in cinemas to check public viewers who do not stand when the National Anthem is played.

Based on a surveillance video and photos taken at the cinema, the 32, whose names have been withheld, were found to have violated RA 8491.

“This serves as a stern warning to everyone that we shall at all times give due respect to the Philippine National Anthem while being played, as stated in Sec. 38. Chapter 2 of RA 8491,” Quilates warned.

He referred specifically to Section 38 of the law, which states that “when the National Anthem is played at a public gathering, whether by a band or by singing or both or reproduced by any means, the attending public shall sing the anthem. The singing must be done with fervor.”

The Flag and Heraldic Code specifies that “as a sign of respect, all persons shall stand at attention and face the Philippine flag, if there is one displayed, and if there is none, they shall face the band or the conductor. At the first note, all persons shall execute a salute by placing their right palms over their left chest.”

The Code also stipulates that those in the military, scouting, citizen’s military training, and security guard uniforms shall give the salute prescribed by their regulations. The salute shall be completed at the last note of the anthem.

The national anthem, however, would not be allowed to be played and sung 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; local competitions; during the “signing off” and “signing on” of radio broadcasting and television stations; before the initial and last screening of films and before the opening of theater performances; and other occasions as may be allowed by the Institute.

The Oath of Patriotism (Panatang Makabayan) must be recited after the singing of the national anthem in basic education 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.

Section 20 of the law also states: “The observance of the flag ceremony in official or civic gatherings shall be simple and dignified and shall include the playing or singing of the anthem in its original Filipino lyrics and march tempo.”

Failure to observe the National Anthem rules shall be a ground for administrative discipline in the case of government officials and employees, without prejudice to the provisions of Section 50 of the Code.

The penalty consists of a fine of PHP5,000 to PHP20,000, or imprisonment of not more than one year, or both, at the discretion of the court.

All citizens to stand at attention and sing with fervor, as a sign of respect, when the National Anthem is played at public gatherings.

Even moviegoers who do not stand up when the National Anthem is being played in cinemas will be sanctioned, as it empowers the security personnel and ushers in movie houses to arrest a violator and summon law enforcement officers to assist in conducting citizens' arrest. (Jojo C. Magsombol/PNA)

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1047158

34 moviegoers arrested for not standing up to sing “Lupang Hinirang” inside cinema

Batangas — Thirty-four moviegoers were arrested Wednesday night for not standing up to sing the Philippine national anthem inside the cinema of a mall in Lemery, Batangas.

Inspector Hazel Luma-ang, information officer of the Batangas Provincial Police Office, said operatives of the Lemery police station conducted an operation at Cinema 2 of Xentro mall against violators of Republic Act 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines law.

The operation happened at 2 p.m.

"The operation resulted to the arrest of the suspects for not standing in attention and for disrespecting the Philippine National Anthem while it was being played prior to the showing of the movie film entitled 'The Hows of Us,'" Luma-ang said.

They are currently detained at the Lemery police station while appropriate charges are being prepared for filing in court Thursday.

Section 38 of the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines mandates that when the national anthem is played at a public gathering, the attending public shall sing the anthem with fervor.

“As a sign of respect, all persons shall stand at attention and face the Philippine flag, if there is one displayed, and if there is none, they shall face the band or the conductor. At the first note, all persons shall execute a salute by placing their right palms over their left chests,” the code reads.

The national anthem, however, would not be allowed to be played and sung 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 and local sports competitions, during the “signing off” and “signing on” of radio broadcasting and television stations, 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 NHCP.

The Oath of Patriotism (Panatang Makabayan) must be recited after the singing of the national anthem in basic education 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.

Penalties stated in the code for any person that violates any of the provisions of RA 8491 shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not less than P5,000 but not more than P20,000, or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both such fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court.

All citizens to stand at attention and sing with fervor, as a sign of respect, when the National Anthem is played at public gatherings.

Even moviegoers who do not stand up when the National Anthem is being played in cinemas will be sanctioned, as it empowers the security personnel and ushers in movie houses to arrest a violator and summon law enforcement officers to assist in conducting citizens' arrest.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2018/09/06/1849213/34-moviegoers-arrested-not-standing-sing-lupang-hinirang-inside-cinema

34 moviegoers arrested for not standing up for PH national anthem

The Batangas Police arrested 34 moviegoers who did not stand up while the Philippine national anthem was being played before the screening of the film “The Hows of Us” in Lemery town in Batangas on Wednesday.

According to Batangas police chief Senior Superintendent Edwin Quilates, the operatives of the station conducted “OPLAN Bandila” which led to the arrest of the suspects for violation of Republict Act 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.

“This serves as a stern warning to everyone that we shall at all times give due respect to the Philippine national anthem while it is being played,” said police senior inspector Hazel Luma-Ang Suarez.

As stated under Section 38 of RA 8491: “When the national anthem is played at a public gathering, whether by a band or by singing or both, or reproduced by any means, the attending public shall sing the anthem. The singing must be done with fervor.”

“As a sign of respect, all persons shall stand at attention and face the Philippine flag, if there is one displayed, and if there is none, they shall face the band or the conductor,” it added.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/09/06/34-moviegoers-arrested-for-not-standing-up-for-ph-national-anthem/

34 arrested for sitting out national anthem at 'The Hows of Us' screening

(UPDATED) The operation at a moviehouse in Lemery, Batangas, is part of Calabarzon cops' Oplan Bandila

(UPDATED) – Refusing to stand up and face the flag could land you in jail during the singing of the national anthem.

Around 34 movie-goers learned this lesson in Lemery town in Batangas after cops arrested them for not standing up when "Lupang Hinirang" was played before the 2 pm screening of The Hows of Us at Cinema 2 in Xentro Mall on Wednesday, September 5.

"Operatives of the police station conducted operation against violators of Republic Act 8491 at said place that resulted in the arrest of the suspects wherein they did not stand in attention and disrepect[ed] the Philippine National anthem while it was being played prior to the showing of movie film entitled The Hows of Us," said the police report obtained by Rappler.

They were detained at the Lemery police station while appropriate charges were prepared for filing in court on Thursday, September 6.

Why the arrest? RA 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines mandates "reverence and respect" for the Philippine flag at all times.

Under Section 38 of RA 8491 states: "When the National Anthem is played at a public gathering, whether by a band or by singing or both, or reproduced by any means, the attending public shall sing the anthem. The singing must be done with fervor."

"As a sign of respect, all persons shall stand at attention and face the Philippine flag, if there is one displayed, and if there is none, they shall face the band or the conductor."

The national anthem, however, would not be allowed to be played and sung 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 and local sports competitions, during the “signing off” and “signing on” of radio broadcasting and television stations, 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.

In addition to the Pledge of Allegiance to the Philippine Flag, the Oath of Patriotism (Panatang Makabayan) shall also be recited in its original form while standing with the right hand with palm open raised shoulder high, and shall be recited in all basic education institutions after the singing of the National Anthem.

Section 20 of the law also states: “The rendition of the flag ceremony in official or civic gatherings shall be simple and dignified and shall include the playing or singing of the national anthem in its original Filipino lyrics and march tempo.”

Violating the rules set by the flag code is punishable by a fine of P5,000 to P20,000, or by up to a year in prison, or both.

It's part of Oplan Bandila: According to Batangas police chief Senior Superintendent Edwin Quilates, the arrest was part of Oplan Bandila.

Oplan Bandila was initiated by Calabarzon police regional director Chief Superintendent Edward Carranza.

"[Aside from cinemas], it also includes flag raising in public schools and other occasions," Quilates told Rappler in a text message. – With a report from Tina Ganzon-Ozaeta/Rappler.com

https://www.rappler.com/nation/211293-persons-arrested-sitting-out-national-anthem-hows-of-us-showing

34 arrested for not standing up for ‘Lupang Hinirang’ in Batangas cinema

Police arrested 34 moviegoers for not standing up during the playing of the Philippine national anthem in a film showing in Lemery, Batangas on Wednesday.

Police said in a report on Thursday that the 34 were about to watch “The How’s of Us” starred by Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla in Cinema 2 of Xentro Mall. “Lupang Hinirang” was then played before the film, according to the report.

Authorities said the suspects showed “disrespect” to the national anthem by not standing.

The arrested moviegoers will be facing charges for violation of Republic Act No. 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, police said. /muf

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1028995/34-arrested-for-not-standing-up-for-lupang-hinirang-in-batangas-cinema

Moving on from the Marcos dictatorship

PAPER VIEW

On August 21, we  commemorated  Senator Ninoy Aquino’s assassination.  Imee Marcos was reported to have  said “the millennials have moved on, and I think people at my age should also move on as well.” And vice-presidential candidate-loser Bongbong Marcos  defended her, saying: “There are so many problems na hinaharap ng taong bayan, na hinaharap ng Pilipinas. Bakit natin pinag-aaksayahan pa ‘to? Tapos na ito eh.”

And then Imee Marcos   later   reportedly  said: “I said on many, many occasions that for those who were inadvertently pained, certainly, we apologize.” She continued : “But what I heard is that there are calls for an apology tantamount to an admission, which we would never do.”

They still do not get it.

The Marcos regime was one of the darkest periods in Philippine history. It was not about  the late Senator Ninoy Aquino against the dictator Marcos, but rather about a nation plundered and mangled  by that regime.  No less than the three great branches of the Philippine government have  unequivocally recognized this.

On the executive branch’s part,  the late President Corazon Aquino  issued Executive Order No. 1  creating  the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG). Its main mission was “the recovery of all ill-gotten wealth accumulated by former President Ferdinand E. Marcos, his immediate family, relatives, subordinates and close associates, whether located in the Philippines or abroad, including the takeover or sequestration of all business enterprises and entities owned or controlled by them, during his administration, directly or through nominees, by taking undue advantage of their public office and/or using their powers, authority, influence, connections, or relationship.”

At least  P170 billion of ill-gotten wealth (assets, monies, and properties) have  been recovered. And the PCGG is still trying to recover millions, if not billions, more.

For  the Supreme Court’s part, declared  in  its  1989 Marcos et al vs. Manglapus case  (GR No. 88211  September 15, 1989):

“We cannot also lose sight of the fact that the country is only now beginning to recover from the hardships brought about by the plunder of the economy attributed to the Marcoses and their close associates and relatives, many of whom are still here in the Philippines in a position to destabilize the country, while the government has barely scratched the surface, so to speak, in its efforts to recover the enormous wealth stashed away by the Marcoses in foreign jurisdictions. Then, we cannot ignore the continually increasing burden imposed on the economy by the excessive foreign borrowing during the Marcos regime, which stifles and stagnates development and is one of the root causes of widespread poverty and all its attendant ills. The resulting precarious state of our economy is of common knowledge and is easily within the ambit of judicial notice.”

Finally,  Congress by enacting  Republic Act 10368 (Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act of 2013)  acknowledged  the horrors of the Marcos administration. It provided:

” … it is hereby declared the policy of the State to recognize the heroism and sacrifices of all Filipinos who were victims of summary execution, torture, enforced or involuntary disappearance, and other gross human rights violations committed during the regime of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos covering the period from September 21, 1972, to February 25, 1986, and restore the victims’ honor and dignity. The State hereby acknowledges its moral and legal obligation to recognize and/or provide reparation to said victims and/or their families for the deaths, injuries, sufferings, deprivations, and damages they suffered under the Marcos regime.”

Truly,  while an “apology tantamount to an admission” will be a remarkable development, it does not matter if one is not forthcoming. For all intents and purposes, history has already made its judgment.  And that judgment has been   affirmed by no less than the   executive, legislative, and judicial departments of the government — an unprecedented recognition of the atrocities  — not merely  “inadvertently ” inflicted — and plunder of the Marcos era.

And the  only way  for the people to “move on”   is to remember the evils of that  Marcos rule,  continue learning  from them  and make sure  that   the plundering and the mangling suffered by the nation under that despicable  regime will not be repeated.  This becomes especially important today when revisionists  are returning and    some high government officials  exhibit  Marcos-like autocratic tendencies.

Contrary to the Bongbong Marcos’ “tapos na to eh” suggestion, the crusade for  justice  will not be over until the last stolen centavo is recovered and the last victim vindicated.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/09/07/moving-on-from-the-marcos-dictatorship/

Rival networks keep ratings lead

Television broadcast giants GMA Network Inc. sustained its lead in viewer-rich urban areas around Luzon while ABS-CBN said it was the No. 1 across the country.


Both companies, citing different third-party research companies, released their audience share numbers for August 2018 showing each media group managed to protect leadership in their respective markets.


In a statement, GMA Network noted that for the month, it registered an average total day people audience share of 42.6 percent in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement (Nutam) versus ABS-CBN’s 36.2 percent.


GMA uses data provided by Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.


For its part, ABS-CBN announced its nationwide dominance, with an average audience share of 44 percent against GMA’s 32 percent. ABS-CBN’s figures come from Kantar Media.


Viewerships scores are linked to the bottomline as these are closely followed by advertisers.


GMA has touted its leadership in urban areas, mainly in Urban Luzon and Mega Manila. It said these areas accounted for 72 percent and 59 percent of all urban viewers in the country.


Its average total day audience share in Urban Luzon stood at 48 percent versus ABS-CBN’s 30.2 percent in August. For Mega Manila, GMA said its audience share was at 49.4 percent against ABS-CBN’s 27.7 percent.

In NUTAM’s list of top-rating programs, GMA bagged 7 spots out of the top 10 with “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” (KMJS) still reigning as the most watched Kapuso program.

Following KMJS were “Kambal, Karibal,” “Pepito Manaloto,” “24 Oras,” “Victor Magtanggol,” “Onanay,” and “Magpakailanman.”

Completing the Network’s list of ratings drivers for August were “The Clash,” “Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko,” “Amazing Earth,” “Inday Will Always Love You,” “Bubble Gang,” “Saksi,” “24 Oras Weekend,” “Contessa,” “The Stepdaughters,” “Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka,” “Wowowin,” “Tadhana,” “Imbestigador,” “Kapag Nahati ang Puso,” “Eat Bulaga,” “Sunday Pinasaya,” and “Kapuso Movie Night.”

ABS-CBN, meanwhile, claimed leadership across a wide variety of areas, including Metro Manila— a crucial component of Mega Manila. It was also far ahead of competition in Visayas and Mindanao.

In its statement, ABS-CBN said ratings leadership in Metro Manila stood at 41 percent against GMA’s 28 percent. In total Luzon, ABS-CBN cornered 40 percent while GMA got 36 percent.

ABS-CBN’s lead in Total Visayas was at 51 percent versus GMA’s 26 percent. In Mindanao, the figure stood at 52 percent compared to GMA’s 26 percent.

ABS-CBN also sought to highlight its lead in primetime, which runs from early evening through midnight. The slot was coveted since advertisers allocated huge chunks of their placements during these hours.

ABS-CBN’s primetime ratings were at 48 percent versus GMA’s 32 percent, according to Kantar Media data.

The long-running drama “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” continued to be the country’s most watched program with an average national TV rating of 41.7%, followed by the reality show “Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids” (34.8%).

Also part of the top fifteen list are “TV Patrol,” new Kapamilya primetime drama series “Ngayon at Kailanman,” “Bagani,” “Halik,” “Since I Found You,” “Tonight with Boy Abunda,” “Bandila,” “MMK,” “Rated K,” “I Can See Your Voice,” “Gandang Gabi Vice,” “Goin’ Bulilit,” “Wansapanataym,” “Home Sweetie Home,” “Sana Dalawa ang Puso,” “It’s Showtime,” “ASAP,” “Asintado,” “Araw Gabi,” “Star Hunt: The Grand Audition Show” and “The Blood Sisters”.

http://business.inquirer.net/256706/rival-networks-keep-ratings-lead

ABS-CBN, GMA both claim Aug ratings lead

Media giants ABS-CBN and GMA Network both claimed the lead in the national ratings game for the month of August.

Citing data from Kantar Media, the Lopez-led Kapamilya network said it bested GMA in nationwide TV ratings with a 44-percent average audience share, 12 points higher than rival GMA’s 32 percent.

GMA, meanwhile, said it remained unbeatable last month, citing data from market research firm Nielsen TV Audience Measurement. GMA said it garnered a 42.6-percent total day people audience share in National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM) in August versus ABS-CBN’s 36.2 percent.

ABS-CBN said it was the leader in the primetime block with a 48-percent audience share compared to GMA’s 32 percent.

In Metro Manila, ABS-CBN said it had an audience share of 41 percent while GMA only recorded 28 percent; in Total Luzon it posted 40 percent against 36 percent of the competitor; in Total Visayas, 51 percent versus 26 percent; and in Total Mindanao, 52 percent against 26 percent.

The long-running drama “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” continued to be the country’s most watched program with an average national TV rating of 41.7%, followed by the reality show “Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids” (34.8%).

Also part of the top fifteen list are “TV Patrol,” new Kapamilya primetime series “Ngayon at Kailanman,” “Bagani,” “Halik,” “Since I Found You,” “Tonight with Boy Abunda,” “Bandila,” “Ipaglaban Mo,” “MMK,” “Rated K,” “I Can See Your Voice,” “Gandang Gabi Vice,” “Goin’ Bulilit,” “Wansapanataym,” “Home Sweetie Home,” “Sana Dalawa ang Puso,” “It’s Showtime,” “Asintado,” “Araw Gabi,” “Star Hunt: The Grand Audition Show” and “The Blood Sisters.”

GMA, on the other hand, said it led “across all day parts in NUTAM,” posting a 43-percent audience share in the evening block versus ABS-CBN’s 37.9 percent.

GMA said it also led ratings in Urban Luzon and Mega Manila, with a 48-percent audience share in Urban Luzon versus the rival’s 30.2 percent and 49.4 percent in Mega Manila against ABS-CBN’s 27.7 percent.

In NUTAM’s list of top-rating programs, GMA bagged 7 spots out of the top 10 with “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” (KMJS) still reigning as the most watched Kapuso program.

Following KMJS were “Kambal, Karibal,” “Pepito Manaloto,” “24 Oras,” “Victor Magtanggol,” “Onanay,” and “Magpakailanman.”

Completing the Network’s list of ratings drivers for August were “The Clash,” “Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko,” “Amazing Earth,” “Inday Will Always Love You,” “Bubble Gang,” “Saksi,” “24 Oras Weekend,” “Contessa,” “The Stepdaughters,” “Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka,” “Wowowin,” “Tadhana,” “Wish Ko Lang,” “Imbestigador,” “Eat Bulaga,” “Sunday Pinasaya,” and “Kapuso Movie Night.”

On Wednesday, GMA Network shares were up 0.36 percent at P5.50 each while ABS-CBN shares fell 2.10 percent to P23.30 each.

https://www.manilatimes.net/abs-cbn-gma-both-claim-aug-ratings-lead/438691/

Ratings war: ABS-CBN, GMA both claim lead in August

THE ratings war continued in August as rivals ABS-CBN Corp. and GMA Network, Inc. both claimed the lead in nationwide ratings, citing different audience measurement providers.


In a statement, ABS-CBN said it kept its nationwide ratings lead with an average audience share of 44% in August, versus GMA’s 32%, according to Kantar Media data.


On the other hand, GMA Network said it recorded an average total day people audience share of 42.6% in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM), against ABS-CBN’s 36.2%, based on data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.


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


The Lopez-led multimedia company said it posted an average audience share of 41% in Metro Manila against GMA’s 28%; 40% in Total Luzon against GMA’s 36%; 51% in Total Visayas against GMA’s 26% and 52% in Total Mindanao against GMA’s 26%.


For the primetime block (6 p.m.-12 midnight), ABS-CBN said it posted an average audience share of 48%, compared to GMA’s 32%. It also dominated the other time blocks — morning (6 a.m. to 12 noon) with 41% share against GMA’s 32%; noontime (12 noon to 3 p.m.) with 43% versus GMA’s 33%; and afternoon (3 p.m. to 6 p.m.) with 43% against GMA’s 36%.


The long-running drama “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” continued to be the country’s most watched program with an average national TV rating of 41.7%, followed by the reality show “Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids” (34.8%).

Also part of the top fifteen list are “TV Patrol,” new primetime drama series “Ngayon at Kailanman,” “Bagani,” “Halik,” “Since I Found You,” “Tonight with Boy Abunda,” “Bandila,” “MMK,” “Rated K,” “I Can See Your Voice,” “Gandang Gabi Vice,” “Goin’ Bulilit,” “Wansapanataym,” “Home Sweetie Home,” “Sana Dalawa ang Puso,” “It’s Showtime,” “ASAP,” “Asintado,” “Araw Gabi,” “Star Hunt: The Grand Audition Show” and “The Blood Sisters.”

Meanwhile, GMA said in the morning block, it recorded 38.9% people audience share compared to ABS-CBN’s 34.2%, while in the afternoon block, it had a 44.3% share versus ABS-CBN’s 34.9%. For the evening block, GMA said it had an average of 43% compared to ABS-CBN’s 37.9%.

GMA said the Nielsen ratings were gathered from Aug. 1 to 31, with Aug. 26 to 31 based on overnight data.

For Urban Luzon, the network said it posted an average total day people audience share of 48% against ABS-CBN’s 30.2%; and 49.4% in Mega Manila versus its rival’s 27.7%. GMA said Urban Luzon and Mega Manila account for 72% and 59% of all urban viewers in the country.

In NUTAM’s list of top-rating programs, GMA bagged 7 spots out of the top 10 with “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” (KMJS) still reigning as the most watched Kapuso program.

Following KMJS were “Kambal, Karibal,” “Pepito Manaloto,” “24 Oras,” “Victor Magtanggol,” “Onanay,” and “Magpakailanman.”

Completing the Network’s list of ratings drivers for August were “The Clash,” “Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko,” “Amazing Earth,” “Inday Will Always Love You,” “Bubble Gang,” “Saksi,” “24 Oras Weekend,” “Contessa,” “The Stepdaughters,” “Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka,” “Wowowin,” “Tadhana,” “Wish Ko Lang,” “Imbestigador,” “Kapag Nahati ang Puso,” “Eat Bulaga,” “Sunday Pinasaya,” and “Kapuso Movie Night.”

GMA Network likewise dominated the list of top programs in Urban Luzon by taking 9 out of 10 spots while GMA swept Mega Manila’s top 10 list.

http://www.bworldonline.com/ratings-war-abs-cbn-gma-both-claim-lead-in-august/

GMA takes lion’s share of August TV viewership

GMA Network kept its dominance in the nationwide television ratings competition based on the latest data from industry’s widely-trusted ratings service provider, Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

Alden Richards' 'Victor Magtanggol' joins the list of GMA Network's most watched shows.

From Aug.1 to 31 (with Aug. 26 to 31 based on overnight data), the media network registered an average total day people audience share of 42.6 percent in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM), beating ABS-CBN’s 36.2 percent.

Viewers continued to prefer GMA more than its rival network as the Network widened its lead anew across all day parts. In the morning block, GMA garnered 38.9 percent people audience share versus ABS-CBN’s 34.2 percent. 

GMA’s biggest lead was in the afternoon block as it tallied a 44.3 percent audience share, which toppled ABS-CBN’s 34.9 percent.

Continuing well in the evening block, GMA posted an average of 43 percent as against ABS-CBN’s 37.9 percent.

The Kapuso Network also remained as the ratings frontrunner in the viewer-rich areas of Urban Luzon and Mega Manila, which respectively account for 72 and 59 percent of all urban viewers in the country.

GMA recorded an average total day people audience share of 48 percent in Urban Luzon, while ABS-CBN only managed to get 30.2 percent.

With official data from August 1 to 25, the Kapuso Network gained an average total day people audience share of 49.4 percent in Mega Manila which was way ahead of competition’s 27.7 percent.

In NUTAM’s list of top-rating programs, GMA bagged 7 spots out of the top 10 with Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS) still reigning as the most watched GMA program, followed by Kambal, Karibal, Pepito Manaloto, 24 Oras, Victor Magtanggol, Onanay, and Magpakailanman.

Completing the Network’s list of ratings drivers for August were The Clash, Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, Amazing Earth, Inday Will Always Love You, Bubble Gang, Saksi, 24 Oras Weekend, Contessa, The Stepdaughters, Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka, Wowowin, Tadhana, Imbestigador, Eat Bulaga, Sunday Pinasaya, and Kapuso Movie Night.

GMA Network likewise dominated the list of top programs in Urban Luzon by taking 9 out of 10 spots while GMA swept Mega Manila’s top 10 list.

Nielsen data is gathered through a greater number of sampled homes nationwide in comparison to Kantar Media. With approximately 900 more homes surveyed in Total Urban and Rural Philippines compared to Kantar, Nielsen data is statistically considered more representative of the total TV population.

In 2018, Nielsen TV Audience Measurement’s client pool covers a total of 34 clients/subscribers consisting of 8 local TV networks including ABS-CBN, TV5, Aksyon TV, CNN Philippines, and Viva Communications Inc., among others; 3 regional clients; 2 blocktimers; and 21 agencies (17 media agencies, 3 consulting agencies, 1 digital agency). 

ABS-CBN broadens nationwide ratings leadership

ABS-CBN’s TV offerings continue to draw more viewers nationwide as the TV network launched three new top-rating shows and ruled in national TV ratings in August, with an average audience share of 44%, or 12 points higher than GMA’s 32%, according to data from Kantar Media.

The Kapamilya network remained victorious in both urban and rural homes, particularly in Metro Manila where it recorded 41% versus GMA’s 28%. ABS-CBN also ruled in Total Luzon with 40%, compared to GMA’s 36%; in

Total Visayas with 51% versus GMA’s 26%; and in Total Mindanao with 52%, beating GMA’s 26%.

Multinational audience measurement provider Kantar Media uses a nationwide panel size of 2,610 urban and rural homes that represent 100% of the total Philippine TV viewing population.

“FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” (41.7%) once again topped the list of most watched programs, followed by “Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids” (34.8%).

Also part of the top fourteen list are “Rated K” (33.5%), “TV Patrol” (31.2%), new Kapamilya primetime series “Ngayon at Kailanman” (29.9%), “Bagani” (29.6%), “Halik” (28.9%), “Tonight with Boy Abunda,” (27.6%), “Bandila” (26.4%), “MMK” (25.1%), “I Can See Your Voice (23.6%), “Gandang Gabi Vice” (22.2%), “Wansapanataym” (22.4%), “Home Sweetie Home” (20.8%), and “The Blood Sisters” (18.6%).

ABS-CBN also ruled across all timeblocks, particularly in primetime as it scored an average audience share of 48%, or a 16-point lead against GMA’s 32%. The primetime block is the most important time of the day when most Filipinos watch TV and advertisers put a larger chunk of their investments in to reach more consumers effectively.

The Kapamilya network also led the morning block (6 AM to 12 NN) with an average audience share of 41% versus GMA’s 32%; the noontime block (12 NN to 3 PM) with 43%, compared to GMA’s 33%; and the afternoon block (3 PM to 6 PM) with 43%, beating GMA’s 36%.

Plebiscite on Bangsamoro Organic Law set for January 2019

The Commission on Elections schedules the plebiscite on January 21, 2019, when voters will decide on the creation of a new Bangsamoro territory

The plebiscite on the landmark Bangsamoro Organic Law is set to take place on January 21, 2019, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced on Wednesday morning, September 5.

"The Commission on Elections en banc, pursuant to the authority granted by Republic Act 11054, has set the date for the Bangsamoro Organic Law plebiscite on 21 January 2019," said Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez.

"The plebiscite period shall run from 7 December 2018 to 5 February 2019, while the campaign period begins on 7 December 2018 and ends on 19 January 2019," Jimenez added.

"The public is further reminded that special registration activities in the Bangsamoro Core Territories will be conducted from 11 to 13 September 2018," he also said.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/211191-plebiscite-bangsamoro-organic-law-january-21-2019

GMA Network’s nationwide TV ratings success continues in August

GMA Network kept its dominance in the nationwide television ratings competition based on the latest data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement, the industry’s widely-trusted ratings service provider.

From August 1 to 31 (with August 26 to 31 based on overnight data), the Kapuso Network registered an average total day people audience share of 42.6 percent in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM), beating ABS-CBN's 36.2 percent.

Viewers continued to prefer GMA more than its rival network as the Network widened its lead anew across all day parts. In the morning block, GMA garnered 38.9 percent people audience share versus ABS-CBN’s 34.2 percent.

GMA’s biggest lead was in the afternoon block as it tallied a 44.3 percent audience share, which toppled ABS-CBN’s 34.9 percent.

Continuing well in the evening block, GMA posted an average of 43 percent as against ABS-CBN’s 37.9 percent.

The Kapuso Network also remained as the ratings frontrunner in the viewer-rich areas of Urban Luzon and Mega Manila, which respectively account for 72 and 59 percent of all urban viewers in the country.

GMA recorded an average total day people audience share of 48 percent in Urban Luzon, while ABS-CBN only managed to get 30.2 percent.

With official data from August 1 to 25, the Kapuso Network gained an average total day people audience share of 49.4 percent in Mega Manila which was way ahead of competition’s 27.7 percent.

In NUTAM’s list of top-rating programs, GMA bagged 7 spots out of the top 10 with “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” (KMJS) still reigning as the most watched Kapuso program.

Following KMJS were “Kambal, Karibal,” “Pepito Manaloto,” “24 Oras,” “Victor Magtanggol,” “Onanay,” and “Magpakailanman.”

Completing the Network’s list of ratings drivers for August were “The Clash,” “Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko,” “Amazing Earth,” “Inday Will Always Love You,” “Bubble Gang,” “Saksi,” “24 Oras Weekend,” “Contessa,” “The Stepdaughters,” “Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka,” “Wowowin,” “Imbestigador,” “Eat Bulaga,” “Sunday Pinasaya,” and “Kapuso Movie Night.”

GMA Network likewise dominated the list of top programs in Urban Luzon by taking 9 out of 10 spots while GMA swept Mega Manila’s top 10 list.

Nielsen data is gathered through a greater number of sampled homes nationwide in comparison to Kantar Media. With approximately 900 more homes surveyed in Total Urban and Rural Philippines compared to Kantar, Nielsen data is statistically considered more representative of the total TV population.

In 2018, Nielsen TV Audience Measurement's client pool covers a total of 34 clients/subscribers consisting of 8 local TV networks including ABS-CBN, TV5, Aksyon TV, CNN Philippines, and Viva Communications Inc., among others; 3 regional clients; 2 blocktimers; and 21 agencies (17 media agencies, 3 consulting agencies, 1 digital agency).

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/chikaminute/666454/gma-network-s-nationwide-tv-ratings-success-continues-in-august/story/

Why DMW is limiting exposure to PHL offshore gaming operators

By Arra B. Francia, Reporter

D.M. WENCESLAO & Associates, Inc. (DMW) is limiting its exposure to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) to around 30% of the company’s tenant mix in the Bay Area.

“We’re in the entertainment area, we’re focusing at somewhere between 30%. We just don’t want to be exposed to one specific industry,” DMW Chief Executive Officer Delfin Angelo C. Wenceslao told reporters after a tour of the company’s mixed use estate called Aseana City in Parañaque last Friday.

Mr. Wenceslao noted majority of their tenants are traditional companies, consisting of shipping, logistics, manning, and banks. These types of firms occupy around 50 to 60% of DMW’s existing office space in Aseana City.

Meanwhile, Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) firms account for around 20-30%. Mr. Wenceslao said the buildings in the pipeline in Aseana City are mostly targeted towards BPOs, since they are built with the highest specifications and provisions for telco, data, and back-up power, among others.

DMW will be developing nine projects in Aseana City in the next five years. This includes three residential developments with a total saleable floor area of 88,000 square meters (sq.m.), the first of which called Pixel Residences is due for completion in October 2019. The other six projects will be commercial areas spanning 280,000 sq.m.

DMW previously disclosed that it will be spending P11 billion until 2020 for these projects.

To-date, DMW has seven completed projects in Aseana City, with a total leasable floor area of 59,027 sq.m. Among these are commercial projects called Aseana One, Aseana Two, Aseana Three, Aseana Town Center, and Aseana Square, all of which are already fully leased out.

The company recently broke ground for its fourth office building, 8912 Aseana Avenue which will offer around 68,900 sq.m of gross leasable area. The 15-storey building will have retail, office, and parking components.

For the residential segment, DMW is set to launch its next project with a total of 670 units offering units ranging from studio to three-bedroom units.

Aside from its own projects, the company has also leased out parcels of land in Aseana City to other companies, including Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI).

The Ayala-led property developer is currently developing 9.5 hectares of land in the area for Ayala Malls Bay Area, which will house a mall with supermarket operator Landmark, ALI’s homegrown hotel brand Seda, as well as office spaces. The project stands across integrated resort and casino City of Dreams Manila.

DMW has asked locators and developers inside Aseana City to build arcade walkways and canopies where necessary, for their employees and the public.

Senate approves bill converting LTO extension offices in Lapu-Lapu City into regular centers

By Hannah Torregoza

The Senate has approved on third and final reading the measure that seeks to convert the Land Transportation Office (LTO) extension office in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu into a regular district office.

Sen. Grace Poe, who sponsored House Bill No. 6155, said the conversion of the LTO extension office into a regular district office would help speed up the issuance of the new driver’s licenses under Republic Act No. 10930.

The bill was approved with 17 affirmative votes, zero negative vote and no abstention.

Poe said the latest data from the LTO showed that there were at least 6.67 million registered private vehicles in the country “all of which would need their papers and licenses renewed at some point.”

The senator said this, is in addition to the 192,000 vehicles sold as of June 2018.

Soon, Poe said residents in the area would not have to travel long distances to get their drivers’ licenses.

“The issue of lack of personnel would also be resolved once the extension office would be converted into a regular district office,” she said.

The bill mandates the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to include the funding of the conversion in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA).

It also directs the DOTr Secretary to issue the necessary implementing rules and regulations within 90 days from the effectivity of the Act.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/09/03/senate-approves-bill-converting-lto-extension-offices-in-lapu-lapu-city-into-regular-centers/

Senate OKs new legislative districts for General Santos City, Southern Leyte and Isabela

More congressmen will grace the halls of the House of Representatives after the Senate approved on third and final reading a set of bills on the creation of new legislative districts for General Santos City, Southern Leyte and Isabela.

At present, the Upper House has 299 members and this number is expected to increase once these bills are signed into law by President Duterte and after the mid-term 2019 national and local elections.

The House membership includes party-list representatives.

House Bills (HB). 5162, 6331 and 7778 were authored and sponsored by Senator Juan Edgardo Angara, chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Government. HB 5162 and 7778 were approved with 17 affirmative votes and zero negative vote and abstention, while HB 6331 was approved with 18 affirmative votes and zero negative vote and abstention.

HB 5162 sought to separate General Santos City from the first legislative district of South Cotabato to constitute the lone legislative district of General Santos City.

“Now that more opportunities in tourism and agriculture are opening in this city, it was important for GenSan (General Santos) to have a strong voice in the national government, as well as a new and separate representative who would serve the city’s interests,” Angara said.

HB 5162 was also co-sponsored by Senator Emmanuel D. Pacquiao.

Pacquiao said that it was “high time to create a legislative district for General Santos City and grant the sole highly-urbanized city in SOCCSKSARGEN with a voice in the Philippine Congress.”

HB 6331, in turn, sought to reapportion the Southern Leyte, which currently has a lone legislative district, into two legislative districts.

Under the bill, the first legislative district for Southern Leyte would be composed of Maasin City and the municipalities of Macrohon, Padre Burgos, Limasawa, Malitbog, Tomas Oppus and Bontoc.

The second legislative district would be composed of the municipalities of Sogod, Libagon, Liloan, San Francisco, Pintuyan, San Ricardo, Saint Bernard, Anahawan, San Juan, Hinundayan, Hinunangan and Silago.

“In consideration of the size of the province, it was only right that Southern Leyte has proper representation in Congress which would focus on its constituents’ concerns and relay these to the national government,” Angara said.

Likewise, HB 7778 sought to reapportion Isabela – the largest province in Luzon – into six legislative districts from the existing four.

Angara said that under the bill, the province would be divided into the first legislative district (Ilagan City and municipalities of Cabagan, Delfin Albano, Divilacan, Maconacon, Tumauini, San Pablo, Santa Maria, Sto. Tomas), the second legislative district (the municipalities of Benito Soliven, Palanan, Naguilian, Reina Mercedes, San Mariano, Gamu), the third legislative district (municipalities of Alicia, Cabatuan, San Mateo, Ramon and Angadanan), the fourth legislative district (Santiago City and municipalities of Cordon, Dinapiguie, San Agustin and Jones), the fifth legislative district (municipalities of Aurora, Burgos, Luna, Mallig, Quezon, Quirino, Roxas and San Manuel) and the sixth district (Cauayan City and municipalities of Echague, San Guillermo and San Isidro).

“By increasing the number of legislative districts in the province, the people of Isabela would be given more opportunities to participate and be heard in issues of public importance,” he said.

Angara noted that according to Article VI, Section 5 of the 1987 Constitution, “Each city with a population of at least 250,000 shall have at least one representative.”

Citing the 2015 census, Angara said that General Santos City has a population of 594,446 while Isabela province has a total population of 1,593,566. He added that Southern Leyte’s population too has doubled “in the intervening years.”

“It is clear that the aforementioned had met the constitutional requirements to have their own representation in Congress,” he said.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/09/03/senate-oks-new-legislative-districts-for-general-santos-city-southern-leyte-and-isabela/