These Were the Social Networking Sites We Used to Love

Back when Facebook was not as popular as today, we used to frequent these sites for our daily dose of social media.

What can you remember about visiting your old accounts on old social network sites? Does “testi” still ring a bell? Here are some of the social network sites that we used to frequent before Facebook became the social network.

Multiply

Multiply was a platform where people uploaded various media such as photos, videos, and blog entries, but its real charm among many users was its unlimited photo sharing. With the unlimited photo sharing feature, people upload massive amounts of photos without losing so much of the photos’ quality. People had these photos sorted into different albums, segregated into different dates.

Multiply was launched in 2003. At its peak, it had 11 million users, a chunk of which came from the tech-savvy, digicam-wielding Filipino youths in their late teens to early twenties. When Facebook gained popularity in the Philippines from 2007 to 2010, Filipinos just forgot about Multiply, which became like a storage space for old photos.

Finally, on May 31, 2013, Multiply announced that it was closing shop and that all photos on its site will be deleted. It posed a huge problem for people, who had trouble downloading their thousands of high-resolution photos on Multiply for preservation.

On June 10, 2014, it has filed for corporate rehabilitation to seek protection from its creditors. The company filed the petition for rehabilitation before the Pasig City Regional Trial Court (RTC).

At that time, the website's social networking portion had a network of 18 million users. Liquidity problems, however, affected earnings. Sales declined from their peak of P20 billion in 2013 to just about P5 billion in 2017.

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

Myspace

Myspace is credited for creating the concept of social media and laying the foundations for the digital marketing of today. Although it was not as popular in the Philippines as in the US, there were still many Filipinos who used Myspace as an alternative social networking site to Friendster in the early 2000s. When YouTube became popular in 2005, people started embedding music videos into their Myspace accounts.

Myspace was launched in 2003 and was the largest social networking site in the world from 2005 until 2008 when Facebook overtook it in terms of the number of worldwide users.

One thing that attracted users to Myspace was its niche in pop culture and the music industry. When you visit someone’s page on Myspace, you can see that person’s favorite playlists or artists and even listen to songs on these pages. The profiles in Myspace can also be customized to match a person’s interests.

Despite its decline, Myspace still had an impressive 50.6 million unique monthly visitors in 2015 according to the Wall Street Journal.

Myspace still exists today but has lost its former glory as the go-to social networking site for finding people with similar interests in pop culture and music.

Google+

Google+ was a very late player in the social network game, launching only in 2011. There was a lot of buzz around its launch, and many people were curious about it when it came, especially those who were dissatisfied with some of Facebook’s frequent layout user interface changes at the time.

Despite the fact that the social network was powered by tech giant Google, it was no surprise that Google+ failed to lift off the ground against the much more established and entrenched Facebook, which it was aiming to take on.

Google+ offered a feature called Circles, in which users can organize the people they interact with into different circles which have different levels of access to the things you shared. For example, one of your circles could be named “Close Family and Friends,” with whom you can share most of your activities and uploads.

Another great thing about Google+ was that it had no ads. According to Vanity Fair, Google+ wanted to create a better user experience by eliminating ads, which it subsidized easily.

Google+ finally shut down in April 2019 after years of failing to attract more users.

Vine

We loved Vine’s short-form videos that lasted only six seconds. It was brief and entertaining. Vine was founded by Twitter in 2012, launched in 2013, and was the popular alternative to Instagram. Vine enabled its users to shoot and upload six-second videos using its in-app camera, allowing them to edit videos. Vine’s charm is in its camera’s user interface: the camera would only record if a person touches the screen. This allowed users to create crafty, stop-motion animation on Vine. Vine’s own social network was shareable on Facebook and Twitter.

Unfortunately, in 2016, Twitter decided to pull the plug on Vine. Vine had 200 million active users worldwide.

Friendster

Friendster was one of the original social networking sites in the world. It was established in 2002 and became a social networking site in Asia. The Philippines is where some of its largest number of users came from.

Aside from connecting friends and family, Friendster was also designed to connect people through the discovery of interests, interacting through games, blogs, and posts, and joining groups by activity or interest.

One of the cheesiest things you probably remember about Friendster was the cringe-worthy testimonials you left for other people in exchange for them writing you back with a similar “testi”. A profile page on Friendster has a section where users could view testimonials left on the page by contacts of the page’s owner.

But wait. If you think testimonials were cringe-worthy, you probably forgot about how Friendster allowed you to know who your stalkers were! Friendster profiles had a corner that showed you the people who visited your page. Conversely, people can also know if you’ve visited their profile pages. But this only works if you’ve activated the feature allowing you to know the persons who visited your site.

Friendster became a nearly forgotten piece of history when Facebook saw popularity in the late 2000s. In 2009, satirical site The Onion published a takedown on Friendster, claiming that Internet archaeologists discovered a site of incredible archaeological relics.

Friendster officially shut down its operations as a social network in 2011, opting to rebrand itself as a social gaming site.

In 2015, the gaming site shut down, and in 2018, its domain was no longer accessible.

For many of us, Friendster represented a part of us that was not as filtered, not so private, and not so refined as who we are today on Facebook, and that’s part of what we loved about it.

https://www.esquiremag.ph/culture/tech/these-were-the-social-networking-sites-we-used-to-love-a00293-20190628-lfrm

Two-way speakership race shaping up

By Ben Rosario

The speakership race in the House of Representatives is slowly emerging as a tight contest between congress­men Lord Allan Velasco (PDP-Laban, Marinduque) and Martin Romualdez (Lakas-CMD, Leyte).

The ruling PDP-Laban, which boasts of 84 members in the Lower House, has already decided to nominate Velasco as the party’s bet for speaker after Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales, one of his rivals for the party support, pulled out and instead declared that he is backing Velasco.

PDP-Laban campaign manager Senator Emmanuel Pacquiao bared the selection of Velasco in a teleconference with reporters in Quezon City Wednesday. Gonzales said 60 of 84 PDP-Laban congressmen have committed to sup­port Velasco.

Velasco has also received written pledges of support from 1Pacman Par­tylist Rep. Michael Romero, president of the Partylist Coalition Foundation, Inc.; the Nationalist People’s Coalition, represented by Reps. Michael John Duavit of Rizal and Wesley Gatchalian of Valenzuela City; and Kristine Singson Meehan, representing the Northern Luzon Alliance.

On the other hand, at least 40 con­gressmen gathered at a Quezon City hotel on Wednesday to declare their support for Romualdez.

Among those present were House Majority Leader and Capiz Rep. Fre­denil Castro, president of the National Unity Party (NUP).

Castro’s presence and declaration of support for Romualdez diluted the NUP’s vow of solid backing for incoming Taguig City Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano.

NUP secretary general Reginald Velasco said the fourth largest political group in the Lower House has decided to allow its members to make individual choice for speaker.

“We have decided to cross par­tylines and band together to press for the speedy congressional approval of the President’s priority bills. A single party cannot do it alone,” said Castro.

“This is just the beginning of the spark needed to unite the 18th Con­gress,” he added.

Reps. Joey Salceda of Albay and Wilter Palma of Zamboanga Sibugay were among the PDP-Laban members who joined the caucus called by Ro­mualdez.

Salceda admitted that his support for Romualdez imperils his member­ship in the ruling PDP-Laban.

“Right now we are here to express support (for Martin),” stated Palma.

But when informed that the PDP-Laban leadership has threatened to impose sanctions against members who will not support Velasco, Palma said he attended the meeting to get oriented of Romualdez’s leadership proposals.

The Velasco-Romualdez rivalry has caused the emergence of a splinter group within the formidable Parytlist Coalition Foundation, Inc., the second largest political bloc in the Lower House headed by 1Pacman Partylist Rep. Mikee Romero.

Romualdez’s wife, incoming Tingog Party-list Rep. Yedda Romualdez, and Anakalusugan’s Michael Defensor, are leading the Romualdez faction in the PCFI.

“If the election for speaker will be held today, Cong. Martin, definitely has the numbers,” said Defensor.

Romualdez, for his part, thanked the multi-party coalition for their words of inspiration and encouragement for his speakership bid, saying he was “over­whelmed by the outpouring of support” from his colleagues in Congress.

“I am fortunate to be surrounded by peers who served as an inspiration and encouragement in the many years that I served in Congress. It is an honor to represent them as one of their lead­ers in the 18th Congress,” the veteran lawmaker said.

In a statement, Velasco assured PDP-Laban members that their trust and confidence will serve as his inspi­ration in “bringing about meaningful changes and much needed unity to the bigger chamber.”

More importantly, however, their support will inspire us to focus on crucial pieces of legislation that we need to pass in order to sustain the achievements of the Duterte Adminis­tration, surpass the economic growth of the country and provide better social services to the people,” stated Velasco, chairman of the House Committee on Energy.

“If elected speaker of the 18th Congress as representative of the single most dominant party in Congress and the political party of President Rodrigo Duterte, I assure them that I will remain a consultative and a listening leader, who welcomes his fellow lawmakers regardless of their political colors and affiliations,” he added.

LP weighing option

As this developed, the opposition Liberal Party (LP) is still weighing its options regarding who to support in the speakership race.

This was learned by Manila Bulletin Wednesday despite the eye-catching presence of staunch LP stalwarts Caloocan City 2nd District Rep. Edgar Erice and Quezon City 6th District Rep. Jose Christopher “Kit” Belmonte at the meeting held by Romualdez at Seda Hotel in Quezon City.

“We’re still exploring,” Erice said in an interview after the meeting. “Kailan­gan acceptable yung mga advocacies namin [sa candidates for Speaker] (Our advocacies must be acceptable to the candidates for Speaker).”

“We [previously] had a caucus and the majority of us decided that our preference is to join the Majority pro­vided that we are allowed to express our views, to vote for our advocacies… gaya nung (like the) President’s agenda on death penalty, lowering of minimum age of criminal liability, Charter change, federalism… yan yung mga major is­sues (those are the major issues),” he explained.

Erice echoed this position during the Romualdez-led meeting, where LP and several other representatives of political parties in the upcoming 18th Congress – as well as local leaders from the provinces – gathered under a palpable sense of camaraderie.

In short, all in the room are friends.

Belmonte, secretary-general of LP, left during lunch break while Erice joined Romualdez’s table for the meal upon the insistence of the Visayan.

Erice confirmed that the 18-mem­ber LP bloc has already met with the Velasco camp and raised the same set of conditions. “They both said they will respect our position.”

Meanwhile, the Makabayan bloc is fielding Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate as their bet for speaker, stressing the bloc’s desire to have an “independent” Lower Chamber.

It was ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio who formally announced Wednesday that their candidate for speaker is Zarate after their bloc re­jected moves to support the speaker­ship bids of Velasco, Romualdez, and Cayetano.

Zarate said they are quite aware that they do not have numbers to win the speakership race, citing that his gesture to run for the fourth highest post in the land is “symbolic” and is “an assertion of the voice of our people.” (With reports from Vanne P. Terrazola, Ellson A. Quismorio, and Charissa L. Atienza)

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/06/26/two-way-speakership-race-shaping-up/

ABS-CBN imposibleng maipasara — kalihim ng KBP

Imposibleng maipasara ang media korporasyong ABS-CBN sa expired na prangkisa lamang matapos ang 66 taon nito sa ere, ayon sa kalihim ng Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas na si Lito Yabut.

Sa panayam sa One News nitong Martes, ipinahayag ni Yabut na wala pang naipasasarang istasyon sa kasaysayan ng Pilipinas dahil lamang sa napaso ang prangkisa.



“There never was a broadcast station that was shutdown because the franchise expired — never in the history of the Philippines. My father knows that, Gabby Lopez’s father knows that. Wala, wala. No such thing,” ani ni Sec. Yabut.

(Wala pang istasyong naipasara dahil lamang sa isang expired na prangkisa, wala pa sa kasaysayan ng Pilipinas. Alam ‘yan ng tatay ko, alam ‘yan ng tatay ni Gabby Lopez. Wala, wala. Walang ganyan.)

Si Eugenio "Gabby" L. López III ang chairman emeritus ng ABS-CBN.

Pag-uungkat ng Pangulo

Sa isang talumpati ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte noong Nobyembre 2018, inilutang na niya na nais niyang harangin ang pagbabago ng prangkisa ng istasyon sa alegasyong “magnanakaw” at “estapador” ito.

Sa parehong talumpati, inungkat din ng pangulo ang hindi raw pagpapalabas ng kanyang TV ad noong pambansang halalan ng 2016 habang ipinalabas naman ang isang patalastas na kritikal sa kanya na binayaran ng kritikong si dating Senador Antonio Trillanes IV.

“You know politics or not politics, shutting down ABS-CBN will never happen. You’ve got the audience who’s going to defend ABS-CBN if it really is a problem. Why are you stopping a network that’s been existing for 65 years?” dagdag ng kalihim.

(Politikal man o hindi, hindi mangyayari ang pagpapasara ng ABS-CBN. Andyan ang mga manunuod na ipagtatanggol ito kung magiging problema nga. Bakit mo pipigilan ang isang network na tumagal na ng 65 taon?)

Noong ika-5 ng Hunyo lamang, hindi lumusot sa Kamara ang pagpapasa ng panukalang nagre-renew ng prangkisa ng ABS-CBN.

Maaaring maghain muli ng franchise renewal ang istasyon sa ika-18 Kongreso na unang magpupulong sa ika-22 ng Hulyo.

Huling naipasara ang ABS-CBN noong kapanahunan ng diktadurya, kung saan dinakip ng militar ang mga brodkast networks matapos ang pagdeklara ng Martial Law ni dating Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

Muli itong nagbalik sa operasyon noong ika-24 ng Pebrero 1986, isang araw bago napatalsik si Marcos sa Malacañang.

“May kita o wala, they’re on-air. When the typhoons come, they’re their even ahead of government institutions. 'Di ba tulungan yan eh? A broadcast media really helps,” sabi ni Sec. Yabut. — Philstar.com intern Blanch Marie Ancla

ABS-CBN to redeem P6B in bonds early

ABS-CBN Corp. is exercising the option for the early redemption of its P6-billion bond issuance due in February 2021.

“ABS-CBN intends to exercise its option for early redemption of ABS-CBN’s seven-year bonds (due February 2021), five years and six months from issue date, at the early redemption price of 101.0%,” the Lopez-led media giant said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Monday.

It added that the company has already notified BDO Unibank, Inc., the trustee in the bond issuance, of ABS-CBN’s intention to redeem the bond ahead of schedule.

The listed broadcasting giant listed P6 billion worth of retail bonds in the Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corp. on Feb. 10, 2014 with a fixed interest rate of 5.335% per annum.

This is the first tranche of the company’s P10-billion debt securities offering that was approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission in January 2014. ABS-CBN tapped BDO Capital & Investment Corp., BPI Capital and Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp. as joint-issue managers for the issuance.

When the company issued the first tranche of bonds in February 2014, Philippine Rating Services Corp. (PhilRatings) gave the company a PRS Aaa issue credit rating, which is the highest rating given by the agency.

During the first quarter of the year, ABS-CBN grew its attributable net income by 89.2% to P856.35 million, driven by a 24.4% increase in advertising revenues at P5.4 billion.

The company said it wants to focus on boosting its digital business this year, as it faces the possibility that its legislative franchise which expires in 2020 would not be renewed. President Rodrigo R. Duterte has been vocal about his opposition to the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise, which was not passed by the 17th Congress. — Denise A. Valdez

https://www.bworldonline.com/abs-cbn-to-redeem-p6b-in-bonds-early/

Salute the flag

In response to my column entitled “With Fervor” (4/6/2019), the National Historical Commission invited me to attend the private sector coordinating meeting to prepare for National Flag Day on May 28, specifically the Salute to a Clean Flag Project, a nonpolitical citizen initiative that aims to spark renewed respect and love for the Philippine flag through the reeducation of the private sector on proper and visible flag management. The project is currently supported by major mall owners and real estate developers such as Ayala Land, Aseana Holdings Inc., Federal Land, Oakridge Business Park, Rockwell Land, BGC, Macea, Ortigas Center and Arthaland; as well as by Landbank and Honda, among others.

The proponents of Salute to a Clean Flag, led by Monique Pronove, dream of seeing thousands of pristine, brilliant flags proudly waving across the country. For them, the flag is the only symbol that unifies our country. Indeed, during these times of “administration versus opposition,” “tayo versus sila,” “mahirap versus mayaman” and other distinctions that divide us, the flag is possibly the only sign of nationhood we can rally behind.

History tells us that the Philippine flag was first formally unfurled during the declaration of independence on June 12, 1898, in Kawit, Cavite. But based on Presidential Proclamation No. 374 of then President Diosdado Macapagal, the Philippine flag was first flown in battle on May 28, 1898, in Alapan, Imus, Cavite—hence, the (little-known) commemoration of National Flag Day on May 28.

Specifically for May 28, the call was to stop whatever we are doing at exactly 8 a.m. to salute the flag. For civilians, this simply means standing at attention and putting your hand on your chest as when singing the national anthem. The planned exercise was inspired by the yearly remembrance by the people of Turkey of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the revolutionary statesman and founder of the Republic of Turkey, who served as their first president from 1923 until he died in 1938.

Every year since his death in 1938, on Nov. 10, life stops in Turkey at the exact moment of his death at 9:05 a.m., regardless of where people are. Pedestrians and vehicles all come to a halt for a full minute to pay respect. It is amazing that even 81 years later, the Turkish people still give their long-departed leader such proper respect. Stirring videos of this commemoration in Turkey may be viewed on YouTube, and are a solemn reminder that we must truly honor the past if we hope to reap the rewards of the future.

In addition, the participating companies are urged to obtain flags from accredited manufacturers that observe all the proper specifications for the flag; display the flag in all their premises in accordance with the Heraldic Code; install flags along the street islands of their areas from May 25 to June 30; conduct a flag ceremony on May 28 with the recitation of the “Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat ng Pilipinas”.

Unfortunately, I was away on May 28 and could not personally participate, but was heartened to note that from five locations last year, over 600 private sector locations simultaneously raised the flag on Flag Day this year. The Bureau of Fire Protection and the PNP blared horns in the vicinity of the major flag-raising locations using a common tone to urge all to stop. The Philippine Coast Guard also blared horns along the coastlines, particularly Manila Bay. All radio and television stations under the KBP played the National Anthem at exactly 8 a.m. And Imus, where the Philippine flag was first flown, marked the 121st anniversary of the Battle of Alapan.

I still cannot get over the fact that, 81 years after his death, Ataturk remains relevant to modern Turkey, and its citizens still regard him as the greatest Turk. Back here, we are in dire need of heroes to look up to and rally behind. While the annual commemoration of Flag Day may indeed only be symbolic and observed by a minority, we nevertheless need to be reminded in these chaotic times of unity, respect and national pride.

Patricia A. O. Bunye is a senior partner at Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia (www.cruzmarcelo.com), focusing on intellectual property, mining and energy.

Business Matters is a project of Makati Business Club (makatibusinessclub@mbc.com.ph).

https://opinion.inquirer.net/122120/salute-the-flag

Cainta on the rise

From a prosperous agricultural town, the municipality of Cainta has since transitioned into a highly urbanized, competitive gateway to the East.

Said to be the oldest settlement in Rizal, Cainta is now a first class municipality and is considered one of the richest in the province, given the influx of property developers and other businesses and investors.

Beginnings

Cainta became a town of Rizal when the province was created in 1901. After being merged in 1903 with the towns of Angono and Taytay, Cainta was converted into a separate, independent municipality in 1914.

It is politically subdivided into seven barangays: Sta Rosa, Sto. Domingo, Sto. Nino, San Andres, San Roque, San Juan and San Isidro. These barangays are named alter Catholic saints, a reminder of the town’s highly religious culture and heritage.

Cainta is known to many for its traditional and modernized versions of rituals especially during the Lenten season. These include the Cenaculo (a stage play of the passion and death of Christ) and the Pagpapako or Penetencia (a re-enactment of the crucifixion of Christ).

Potential economic boom

The last several years however had seen the start of what could be an economic boom.

In 2017, Cainta generated a total revenue of P1.2 billion from local taxes, permits and licenses, service, business and other income up from the previous year’s P1.1 billion. For the same year, it received P1.2 billion in appropriations under the General Fund and P148 million under the Special Education Fund. Total assets reached P4 billion in 2017, up by 13.6 percent from P3.5 billion in 2016.

Cainta on the rise

Cainta is considered as one of the commercial and industrial centers in the Rizal province.

For the two consecutive years of 2016 and 2017, Cainta likewise ranked first overall, as the Most Competitive among first and second class municipalities in the country, under the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI).

The National Competitiveness Council earlier explained that the said index gave the private sector a basis for studying cities and determining where to locate their investments in the country. For the CMCI, the NCC measures the competitiveness of a municipality or city based on three pillars namely economic dynamism, government efficiency, and infrastructure. Each pillar has several indicators which provide a more detailed view of the economic status of the locality. It is in terms of these pillars that Cainta has remained highly competitive.

In terms of economic dynamism, Cainta ranked first in the 2018 index. It also ranked third in Infrastructure and 11th in government efficiency. Cainta has to build its competitive strength in terms of resiliency.

Strategic advantage

Location, perhaps, gives Cainta a highly strategic advantage. With the many major thoroughfares linking the municipality to the rest of Metro Manila, Cainta currently serves as one of gateways to the rest of Rizal province. The Cainta Junction, a major busy intersection, adjoins the Metropolitan Highways—Imelda Avenue at the North, A Bonifacio Avenue to the South, and Ortigas Avenue on its East and West Bounds—and connects Metro Manila and Rizal province.

Since it is also situated at the doorstep of the fast growing Calabarzon Region, it stands as the perfect haven for investments and a top location for housing developments.

Housing boom

Its population according to the 2015 Census stood at 322,128, making it one of the highly populated municipalities in the country. Its population rate is high because it has served as an important overspill area of the population from Metro Manila.

As it is near various employment hubs in Metro Manila, Cainta has thus become a strategic residential place for average income families working in the metropolitan area.

Cainta on the riseThe construction boom in the mid 1980s was heavily felt in Cainta where residential subdivisions mushroomed. Today, there are about 186 establishments classified as real estate, which include realtors and developers, agents and appraisers, lessors of real property, planners, brokers, operators and managers and builders, suppliers and contractors.

The Housing Land Use Regulatory Board lists licenses to sell issued for the building of open market homes, residential condominiums, residential and commercial condominiums and economic housing since 2000.

Among these are the Charm Residences by SM Development Corp., Greenwoods Executive Village and Cainta Green Land by Sta. Lucia Land Inc. Cainta will also soon have the 24-ha Empire East Highland City township, which will consist of 38 residential towers, a 58,000-sqm lifestyle mall, a church with a 500 seating capacity, and an 8,000-sqm green park. 

Commercial, retail, industrial

According to its web page, Cainta is considered as one of the commercial and industrial centers in the Rizal province. There were about 6,525 establishments in Cainta in 2016, which include Teletech Customer Care anagement Phils., Inc., Monde M.Y. San Corp. and Ginebra San Miguel Inc.

The municipality’s One Cainta website stated: “If the lifeblood of Cainta’s entire economy is commerce, then the backbone of the municipality’s commercial sector is retail trade.”

Retail activities in the municipality included cars, furniture, heavy machinery and equipment, glass and aluminium, computers and computer parts, tools, appliances, medicines, photo supplies, auto parts, household products, school and office supplies and basic goods, among others.

Cainta on the rise

Infrastructure building is top priority in Cainta.

To facilitate ease of doing business and to build the municipality’s resiliency from natural disasters, infrastructure building is top priority in Cainta.

Among the infrastructure projects here are the LRT Line 2 project which will connect East Metro Manila to the Metro Manila subway. This P9.5 billion-project is expected to be completed by the end of 2020.

The Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project (Phase 4) will meanwhile provide Cainta with a new floodgate. This is a joint partnership with DPWH and Japan International Cooperation Agency.

Another ongoing project is the construction of the East-west Bank Bridge 2 in Cainta, Rizal. ADB will fund the project which has a target date of implementation in 2020 and is expected to end in 2023. The project is part of the Pasig-Marikina and River Manggahan Floodway Bridges Construction. With research from Zathea Kate L. Dela Pena, Martha Pangilinan, Andrea Rose D. Gregorio, Inquirer Junior Interns

Sources: Inquirer Archives;  COA, HLURB webpages, cainta.gov.ph, dti.gov.ph, build.gov.ph, jica.go.jp

https://business.inquirer.net/273058/cainta-on-the-rise

PIOLO PASCUAL, COCO MARTIN, OTHER CELEBRITIES, WORKERS SIGN PETITION URGING CONGRESS TO RENEW ABS-CBN’S FRANCHISE

• 1000 artists and workers signed a petition urging the House of Representatives to renew the franchise of ABS-CBN.
• The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), Altermidya and Let’s Organize for Democracy and Integrity (LODI) Arts and Media Alliance held a Black Friday protest against the Duterte administration.

House Bill No. 4349 seeks to renew the Network’s franchise is pending since November 16, 2016.

On June 12, a newspaper report said the lower legislature “froze” House Bill 4349, which sought to renew ABS-CBN’s franchise that will expire on March 20, 2020.

This means the company would not be able to operate should lawmakers in the 18th Congress fail to pass it.

With this unfortunate situation, almost 1000 artists and workers signed for a petition to urged the House of Representatives to renew the franchise of television giant ABS-CBN on June 14 during the Black Friday protest at the Commission on Human Rights.

Among those who signed were led by Piolo Pascual, Coco Martin, Lea Salonga, Pinky Amador, Jaime Fabregas, John Arcilla, Butuin Escalante, Angel Aquino, Ricky Lee, Rody Vera, Lav Diaz, Joel Lamangan and Mae Paner and other TV personalities.

The petitioners also included writers, music composers, cinematographers, lighting directors, production designers, art directors, producers, staff and crew from the Lopez-owned television and film industry.

Malou Maniquis of Concerned Artists of the Philippines and Let’s Organize for Democracy and Intergrity (LODI), read the position paper signed by the petitioners during the protest which stated:

“Consider the greater good while upholding the right of media/art organizations to decide the path it should take as part of its constitutional right to freedom of speech, of expression and of the press.”

However,President Rodrigo Duterte said on many occasions that he will oppose the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN in Congress.

Duterte slammed ABS-CBN for allegedly refusing to run his paid advertisement during the 2016 election campaign and showing instead an ad critical of him paid for by his staunch critic, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV.

The petitioners said this issue regarding the TV ad should have been resolved legally without affecting the entire organization.

“Losing one of just a few national Mass Media Organizations (TV/Radio) that we have will impact on the very reason why information and communication is vital to the building of a great nation. It will deprive people of choices, of another source of FREE access to information, knowledge and entertainment,” the petition read.

The signatories pointed out that many Filipinos still do not have access to the Web or have the budget, which is due to widespread poverty, to spend hours browsing in on the Internet shop and television and radio are their only means to connect with the rest of the nation and the world.

The petitioners said the non-renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise will have implications on their very source of livelihood and will affect their families.

House Bill No. 4349 seeks to renew the radio-television network’s franchise for another 25 years. It has been pending with the committee on legislative franchises since November 16, 2016. It was filed on November 10 of the same year by Nueva Ecija 2nd District Rep. Micaela Violago and by former Davao City Congressman and now Cabinet Sec. Karlo Alexei Nograles under House Bill No. 8163.

Pending bills will have to be refiled at the next Congress, which will be on July 22, 2019.

The Commission on Human Rights was concerned upon knowing the reported move of the House of Representatives to “freeze” the franchise renewal of the said network.

In a statement on Friday June 14, Commission on Human Rights spokesperson Jacqueline De Guia said the services provided by the Lopez-owned broadcasting firm are “beyond the whims of politics.”

“If the Network has committed any violation, it must be tackled through due process,” De Guia said.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), Altermidya and Let’s Organize for Democracy and Intergrity (LODI) Arts and Media Alliance held the Black Friday protest to call out the Duterte administration to stop harassing ABS-CBN and also to demand justice for veteran journalist Margarita Valle, who was abducted and held incommunicado for 12 hours.

The arrest of Valle, a Davao Today columnist on June 9, was said to be a case of mistaken identity, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The journalist group then blamed the Duterte administration for Valle’s arrest and other recent attacks on journalists.

https://www.lionheartv.net/2019/06/abs-cbn-artists-workers-sign-petition-urging-congress-to-renew-the-networks-franchise/

Andanar looks forward to gov’t TV shift from analog to digital

MANILA -- Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar is looking forward to the Philippine government television station’s migration from analog to digital broadcasting.

This, as he paid a visit to the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT) in Bangkok on Wednesday.

Andanar was impressed with the digital broadcasting of the NBT as he has been pushing the same for the Philippine government's television station.

The visit is part of the implementation mechanisms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the PCOO and the Public Relations Department (PRD) of Thailand signed last January 17.

Both camps renewed their mutual commitment to advance the fight against the proliferation of fake news in the ASEAN region.

PRD Deputy Director-General Tassanee Pholchaniko welcomed the PCOO chief during the visit.

This trip marks Andanar's second visit to Thailand in 2019.

In January, Andanar attended the launch of the Press Freedom caravan in Bangkok where he highlighted the government's response to the call for transparency through the Freedom of Information (Executive Order No. 2, signed in 2016), a major program of the Duterte administration. (PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1072976

ABS-CBN nganga: Prangkisa ni Bro mike extended ng 25 taon

Ni Aileen Taliping

PINALAWIG pa ng 25-taon ang lisensiya ng Delta Broadcasting System Incorporated na pag-aari ni El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde makaraang pirmahan ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ang Republic Act Number 11303.

Ang Delta Broadcasting­ Systemn Inc. ang nag-ooperate ng DWXI 1314khz na ginagamit ni Velarde sa kanyang mga religious program at lingguhang pagtitipon ng El Shaddai.

Sa ilalim ng batas, pinapayagan ang Delta Broadcasting na magtatag, magmantina at mag-operate ng radio at television broadcasting station sa Pilipinas.

Gayunman, kaila­ngan munang kumuha ang kompanya ng mga kaukulang permit sa National Telecommunications Commission o NTC.

Abril 17 pa inaprubahan ni Pangulong Duterte ang prangkisa ng Delta Broadcasting subalit ngayong Huwebes lamang inilabas ng Malacañang ang dokumento.

Taliwas ito sa pagkakabinbin ng prangkisa ng ABS-CBN Corporation matapos na hindi umabante ang House Bill 4349 sa 17th Congress.

Ang prangkisa ng ABS-CBN ay epektibo hanggang sa Marso 30, 2020.

Matatandaang tinuligsa ni Pangulong Duterte ang ABS-CBN dahilsa umano’y hindi pagpapalabas ng isa nitong campagin ad noong 2016.

https://www.abante.com.ph/abs-cbn-nganga-prangkisa-ni-bro-mike-extended-ng-25-taon.htm

Japan commitment to Philippine rail projects: P625 billion

The Japanese government, through its aid arm Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica), has promised to lend the Philippines at least P620 billion for more railways that Philippine government planners hope would ease road gridlock, which Jica had estimated costs the Philippine economy at least P3.5 billion a day.

Kiyo Kabawuchi, Jica Philippine senior representative, said at a press conference on Thursday (June 20) that Jica had already committed financing for rail projects through official development assistance (ODA) loans, which carry low interests.

In a statement, Jica said these projects now enjoy Jica financing: Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT1) Cavite Extension, LRT Line 2 East Extension, Metro Manila Subway, Metro Rail Transit Line 3 Rehabilitation and North-South Commuter Railway.

Kawabuchi said Jica would have to add more than P400 billion more to its loans for the Philippines to complete railway projects.

The amount being lent to the railway sector, Kawabuchi said, “is in itself quite a huge amount.”

She said the result that Jica wanted to see was the development of areas outside Metro Manila, “seamless mobility and better quality of life for many Filipinos.”

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is rolling out railway projects that would more than triple Metro Manila’s only 79-kilometer worth of railway lines at present to 244 kilometers, while also extending them to the Clark Freeport Zone up north and the Bicol Region down to the east.

“Major cities in the world like Tokyo, Seoul, New York, and London have as much as 400-800 kilometers of railways to keep up with urbanization and enhance mobility,” the Jica statement said.

“The Philippines’ ongoing railway projects could therefore help address growing passenger demand and attract relevant investments into the country,” Jica said.

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/176692/japan-commitment-to-philippine-rail-projects-p625-billion

Duterte renews franchise of Mike Velarde’s broadcast firm, three others

By VIRGIL LOPEZ, GMA News

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed a law  extending the franchise of Mike Velarde-owned Delta Broadcasting System, Inc. for another 25 years.

Duterte signed Republic Act 11303 which pertains to Delta Broadcasting System’s franchise extension on April 17.

The network operates the AM radio station 1314 KHZ DWXI which airs programs of Velarde-led El Shaddai, an influential Catholic charismatic group which endorsed several administration-backed senatorial candidates in the 2019 midterm elections.

The President also approved the 25-year franchise extension for Filipinas Broadcasting Network, Inc. (RA 11300),  Ultrasonic Broadcasting System, Inc. (RA 11301) and Peñafrancia Broadcasting Corporation (RA 11302).

Pasig City-based Ultrasonic Broadcasting System owns Energy FM. — MDM, GMA News

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/698372/duterte-renews-franchise-of-mike-velarde-s-broadcast-firm-three-others/story/

Velarde’s media firm, 3 others get 25-year franchise extension

President Rodrigo Duterte approved the 25-year franchise extension of four media companies, including Delta Broadcasting System, Inc.,  owned by El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde.

Duterte signed Republic Act 11303, extending the franchise of Delta Broadcasting System, Inc. last April 17, a copy of which was released to the media on Thursday.

The religious group endorsed 10 pro-administration senatorial candidates in the recent midterm elections.

Delta broadcasting operates DWXI 1314 kHz AM, an AM radio station which  started operations in 1981, and DBS TV Channel 35, an ultra high frequency (UHF) television station.

Duterte also signed RA 11301 extending the franchise of Ultrasonic Broadcasting System, Inc.

Ultrasonic Broadcasting is a Pasig City-based radio network  owned by the SYSU Group of Companies, which distributes imported food products.

It was founded in 1991 with the launch of K-LOVE 1494. In 1996, Energy FM, UBSI’s FM radio network, was launched in Davao.

The President likewise approved the franchise extension of Filipinas Broadcasting Network, Inc. and Peñafrancia Broadcasting Corporation on April 17. /gsg

President Duterte approves the franchise extension of the following media companies to another 25 years: @inquirerdotnet

-Filipinas Broadcasting Network, Inc.
-Ultrasonic Broadcasting System, Inc.
-Peñafrancia Broadcasting Corporation
-Delta Broadcasting System, Inc. pic.twitter.com/WR1ItEWFqW

— Darryl John Esguerra (@DJEsguerraINQ) June 20, 2019

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1132326/velardes-media-firm-3-others-get-25-year-franchise-extension

Duterte signs law requiring free Internet, clean restrooms in transport terminals

President Duterte has signed into law a measure improving land transportation terminals, stations, stops, rest areas, and roll-on and roll-off terminals, requiring owners to provide adequate facilities for the comfort of passengers.

Republic Act No. 11311, a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 1749 and House Bill No. 725, was signed by Duterte last April 17 and a copy of which was released yesterday.

Based on the law, transport terminals are now required to have free Internet service, clean sanitary facilities, adequate ventilation, and lactation stations.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology, in coordination with the Department of Transportation, is mandated to ensure that free Internet is provided to transport terminals.

The owner, operator, or administrator of the transport terminals shall provide clean sanitary facilities for passengers, including separate restrooms for male and female passengers, and persons with disabilities; safe and adequate water supply; flush system; toilet seat with cover; toilet paper, mirror, soap, hand dryers, and door lock; waste bin; and exclusive space for diaper-changing. (Argyll Geducos)

http://tempo.com.ph/2019/06/19/duterte-signs-law-requiring-free-internet-clean-restrooms-in-transport-terminals/

Neda supports division of Palawan

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY –– The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) supports the provincial government as it pushes to divide Palawan into three provinces.

NEDA Undersecretary for Regional Development Adoracion M. Navarro, said Wednesday that the agency posed no objection on the move to divide the province into Palawan del Norte, Palawan Oriental, and Palawan del Sur.

“We recognize the objectives of the proponents to manage Palawan better—to ensure that the far-flung LGUs are reached by government services,” she said.

Navarro also acknowledged the side of the opposition and said that their fears might have stemmed from previous experience.

“The premise (of the proponents) is management, not extraction. The opposition’s premise comes from distrust, so I guess what’s better for the people of Palawan—seeing there are conflicting views—is to have more discussions so there could be clarifications on each side and address the fears of those who distrust,” she added.

On April 5, President Duterte signed Republic Act 11259 dividing Palawan into three provinces. The plebiscite would be held on the second Monday of May 2020.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1132096/neda-supports-division-of-palawan

ABS-CBN shares hit 52-wk low on frozen franchise bill

SHARES of ABS-CBN Corp. slumped to a new 52-week low last week following news that a bill aimed at renewing its legislative franchise did not make it through the 17th Congress.

The listed media conglomerate’s stock price hit its lowest price of P16.80 last Friday before paring losses to end at P16.90.

The Lopez-led firm’s stock declined by 8.45 percent week-on-week from its P18.46 finish on June 7 and by 16 percent since the start of the year.

“ABS-CBN was heavily battered [in] the latter part of the week due to the” House of Representatives’ inaction on the franchise-renewal measure, Philstocks Financial Inc. research associate Japhet Louis Tantiangco explained.

“The selloff was accompanied by a spike in the volume of transactions, showing…that investors really feared the possible nonrenewal of the franchise,” he said.

On June 12, a newspaper report said the lower legislature froze House Bill 4349, which sought to renew ABS-CBN’s franchise — set to expire on March 20, 2020 — by another 25 years. This means the company would not be able to operate should lawmakers in the 18th Congress fail to pass it.

The broadcasting giant was said to be a critic of President Rodrigo Duterte, who has repeatedly threatened to block its franchise renewal since 2017.

Looking ahead, Tantiangco still expressed optimism that ABS-CBN’s might bounce back this year despite posting a 40-percent decline in its net income for full-year 2018 on account of weak advertising sales.

The company saw its net profit jump by 97 percent to P808.4 million in the first three months of 2019 from P410.6 million in the same period last year, with advertising income increasing by 24 percent partly due to political advertisement placements.

“[This] showed that the midterm elections would help in the firm’s financial performance for the year,” Tantiangco said.

On the flip side, he also also the company’s stock price was expected to keep tracking a downward trajectory as investors are seen to continue pricing in the franchise reneweal freeze.

“It could make a turnaround if it could still [get its franchise renewed]. But for that we’ll have to see if it makes progress in the [forthcoming] congress,” he added, saying “time is ticking for ABS-CBN.”

ABS-CBN produces a variety of entertainment programs in multiple genres and news programs that are aired on free-to-air television. It is also a radio broadcaster, operating 19 radio stations throughout key cities in the Philippines, and also provides news and entertainment programming for nine channels on cable TV.

ABS-CBN also owns cinema and music production and distribution outfits in the country and brings its content to worldwide audiences through cable, satellite, online and mobile.

https://www.manilatimes.net/abs-cbn-shares-hit-52-wk-low-on-frozen-franchise-bill/570601/

HOUSE SPEAKER GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO GIVES CRYPTIC COMMENT ABOUT ABS-CBN’S FRANCHISE RENEWAL

• House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo gave a cryptic comment about the fate of the franchise of ABS-CBN Corp.
• House Bill No. 4349, which seeks to renew the network’s franchise has been pending and will have to be refiled in the next Congress
• However, President Rodrigo Duterte may oppose the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN in Congress

Former President and outgoing House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo only gave a cryptic comment about the fate of the franchise of broadcasting giant ABS-CBN Corp. which will expire in March 2020.

“I have no comment. Congress is finished. Our sessions are over,” Arroyo said in an ambush interview following the unveiling of the “No. 1” sculpture outside of the Legislative Library, Archives and Museum Building at the House of Representatives on June 13.

House Bill No. 4349, which seeks to renew the radio-television network’s franchise for another 25 years, has been pending with the committee on legislative franchises since November 16, 2016. It was filed on November 10 of the same year by Nueva Ecija 2nd District Rep. Micaela Violago and by former Davao City Congressman and now Cabinet Sec. Karlo Alexei Nograles under House Bill No. 8163.

Pending bills will have to be refiled at the next Congress, which will be on July 22, 2019.

Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel, who is a member of the House Committee on Legislative Franchises, said Congress has no intention of freezing any franchise application.

“What happened was that deliberations on the franchise were not completed until adjournment of the 17th Congress, so it has to be filed again in the 18th Congress,” he added.

A legislative franchise committee member, however, revealed that no actions have been made to renew ABS-CBN franchise since President Rodrigo Duterte has complaints against the station.

“They have to thresh out and resolve their issues with the President. That’s the key to get the bill moving,” the anonymous lawmaker said.

Duterte has said on many occasions that he will oppose the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN in Congress.

Duterte has slammed ABS-CBN for allegedly refusing to run his paid advertisement during the 2016 election campaign and showing instead an ad critical of him paid for by his staunch critic, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV.

Duterte said in November 2018 that he will likely not sign a bill renewing ABS-CBN’s broadcast franchise.

“ABS-CBN’s franchise has been there for 25 years. The law said it’s okay, only if you adhere to journalistic standards. What did you do to us? Estafa, swindling, not only me, but Chiz Escudero, many of us. Son of a bitch, you collected outright then you commit estafa,” Duterte said.

ABS-CBN’s competitor GMA Network Inc.’s franchise, however, was renewed as Duterte signed Republic Act No. 10925 into law in April 2017.

https://www.lionheartv.net/2019/06/house-speaker-gloria-macapagal-arroyo-gives-cryptic-comment-about-abs-cbns-franchise-renewal/

CHR concerned on reported ‘freezing’ of ABS-CBN’s franchise bill

The Commission on Human Rights expressed deep concern on the reported move of the House of Representatives to “freeze” the bill that seeks to renew the legislative franchise of media and entertainment giant ABS-CBN Corp.

In a statement Friday, CHR spokesperson Jacqueline De Guia said the services provided by the Lopez-owned broadcasting firm are “beyond the whims of politics.”

“If the network has committed any violation, it must be tackled through due process,” De Guia said.

She added: “Non-renewal can be tantamount to shutting down the network. If an entire media giant would be toppled down due to a political caprice, it could signal the beginning of a bleaker state of press freedom in the country and a catapult to the wave of previous assaults to media.”

The STAR reported that House Bill 4349, which proposes to extend the Lopez-owned broadcasting firm’s franchise by another 25 years, had been pending at the committee level since November 2016. The franchise of ABS-CBN expires on March 30, 2020.

The STAR added the House Committee on Legislative Franchises did not submit a report on the franchise bill before the 17th Congress adjourned its third and last session.

ABS-CBN said Thursday it cannot comment on speculations surrounding the bill.

In August last year, President Rodrigo Duterte said he was personally against the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise as he accused the media company of swindling him.

In 2017, Duterte slammed ABS-CBN and newspaper The Philippine Daily Inquirer for their supposed “unfair” and “slanted” reporting of his administration.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/06/14/1926407/chr-concerned-reported-freezing-abs-cbns-franchise-bill

Full migration to digital TV doable by 2023, says DICT

The Philippines is on track with its full migration to digital television, Information and Communications Technology Acting Secretary Eliseo Rio said.

Rio is satisfied with the progress he is seeing so far from all stakeholders involved.

“So far there are no major complaints or anyone saying that it is not doable. So we are really on track. Now, almost all the television sets in the market are digital-ready,” Rio said.

Rio admitted the country’s digital shift is behind most countries, mostly due to its late start and the lack of availability of digital-ready TV sets in the past.

According to the DICT chief, broadcast stations are also embarking on their respective initiatives to comply with the full migration plan by 2023.

ABS-CBN Corp. is so far one step ahead of the competition with its continuing digital transformation initiatives.

As of February, the company sold seven million ABS-CBN TVplus units since its launch in 2015.

It also unveiled early this month a mobile version of ABS-CBN TVplus in the form of a dongle, called the ABS-CBN TVplus Go, which allows Filipinos on-the-go to watch shows available on networks broadcasting in digital anytime and anywhere.

GMA Network, for its part, signed last January a technology, content, and distribution agreement with PLDT and Smart Communications which will involve the launch of game-changing innovations that will power the TV network’s digital transformation.

GMA plans to launch its own digital device in the second half.

The affordable and compact end-user device called MyGMA Go  can act as a digital TV receiver when connected to an Android smartphone.

Complimentary to this device is a mobile application that can be downloaded from the Google Play Store where users can watch GMA’s exclusive channels and other free-to-air channels without a need for an active internet connection.

The DICT launched in 2017 its digital terrestrial television broadcasting migration plan which aims to have 95 percent of the country’s households switch to digital television by 2023.

By 2023, the analog system would be switched off completely and would be replaced by digital television transmission.

https://www.philstar.com/business/2019/06/14/1926140/full-migration-digital-tv-doable-2023-says-dict

GMA News anchor Mike Enriquez asked about ABS-CBN franchise renewal woes

Hindi maiwasang tanungin ang GMA-7 broadcast journalist na si Mike Enriquez tungkol sa isyung namimiligrong hindi ma-renew ang franchise for broadcast ng kanilang rival network, ang ABS-CBN.

Kaugnay ito ng balitang inupuan ng Kongreso ang House Bill 4349 na naglalayong muling mabigyan ng prangkisa ang broadcast giant sa susunod na 20 taon.

"Ehhh! No comment!" bulalas ni Mike nang tanungin hinggil sa isyu.

"Hindi naman kami ang nagbibigay ng franchise, Kongreso!"

Humarap si Mike at iba pang batikang broadcast journalists ng GMA-7 sa presscon ng Dobol B Sa News TV, Huwebes ng hapon, June 13, sa 17th Floor ng GMA Network Center sa Quezon City.

Sabay tinawag ni Mike ang nakatokang GMA-7 news reporter sa Kongreso na si Divine Reyes.

"Nasaan si Divine? Eto yung reporter namin sa Congress, si Divine.

"Divine, ano ba nangyari? Inupuan yung franchise? Naka-operate tayo, e.

"Serious, update mo nga kami."

Paliwanag ni Divine tungkol sa House Bill 4349: "Kailangan pong i-refile kasi nagsara na po yung 17th Congress. So ire-refile siya sa 18th po." 

Ang session para sa 18th Congress ay magbubukas sa July 22, 2019.

Sa March 2020 nakatakdang mag-expire ang prangkisa ng ABS-CBN. 

Dagdag na paliwanag ni Mike, "Yung Congress, hindi inaksiyunan yung franchise.

"That means kailangan i-refile yun. Yun ang sistema."

Pero giit ni Mike, wala siyang personal na komento hinggil dito. 

"Hindi ba, meron turo sa atin na huwag tayong magbunyi sa kamalasan o sa kasamaang-palad ng iba?"

Nagtanong pa si Mike sa katabing broadcast journalists sa presidential table ng presscon kung ano ang eksaktong "salawikain" sa Ingles na nagsasabing hindi dapat "mag-rejoice" sa "misfortune" ng ibang tao. 

"So, ayaw naming magkuwan," saad ni Mike kung bakit umiiwas siya sa isyu.

Bago pa naungkat ang tungkol sa franchise renewal ng ABS-CBN, una nang sinabi ni Mike kung bakit hindi siya nakikialam kapag nasasangkot sa kontrobersiya ang kapwa niya media practitioners.

"Kami as practicioners, meron kaming patakaran nung araw, na kapag merong kontrobersiya na parang sumusulpot na, hindi pa talaga sumasabog, e, huwag naman sasagutin sa himpapawid...

"Marami pang ibang problema na dapat pagtuunan ng pansin, e—kahirapan, korupsyon, gutom, edukasyon, pabahay, pagpapagamot.

"Sayang ang oras."

https://www.pep.ph/news/143877/gma-news-anchor-mike-enriquez-abs-cbn-franchise-renewal-woes-a716-20190613

Ridon: Congress can’t freeze ABS-CBN’s franchise

By JOHN CARLO M. CAHINHINAN

Former Presidential Commission on Urban Poor chair Terry Ridon clarified there was no such thing as freezing a franchise of a television network.

Ridon’s statement came as a reaction to a newspaper report that the House of Representatives has frozen the renewal of the congressional franchise of network giant ABS-CBN.

Ridon, a former Kabataan Party-list congressman and member of the House Committee on Legislative Franchises during the 16th Congress, explained that the Lower House can’t just freeze an existing franchise of a media entity. He said lawmakers simply did not act on the franchise renewal application of the Kapamilya network.

“In simple terms, Congress simply did not act on the franchise renewal bill during the 17th Congress, especially with only a few weeks to go until the present term of office ends,” said Ridon.

ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal bills were filed by Nueva Ecija Rep. Violago under House Bill No. 4349 and by former Davao City Congressman and now Cabinet Sec. Karlo Alexei Nograles under House Bill No. 8163.

Article 12 Section 11 of the 1987 Constitution states that “Neither shall any such franchise or right be granted except under the condition that it shall be subject to amendment, alteration, or repeal by the Congress when the common good so requires.”

Under the present charter, the application for franchise is done through a normal legislative process in both the Lower House and Senate and is still need to be signed by the President after its Congressional approval.

The former PCUP chair said the news item “diminishes Congress as a supposedly separate and independent institution from the President, particularly on matters relating to legislative franchises which is constitutionally determined as the province of the legislature.”

“If the ABS-CBN franchise ends without renewal on March 30, 2020, it should not be because of the reasons stated by the anonymous source in the article,” said Ridon.

President Rodrigo Duterte on many occasions vowed that he will oppose the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN in Congress.

Ridon, who is a currently hosting Haybol Pinoy on DZMM, said the franchise renewal bill can be re-filed again this coming 18th Congress.

https://politics.com.ph/ridon-congress-cant-freeze-abs-cbns-franchise

12-ha. cyberpark, biz district soon to rise in Bulacan

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan -- A 12-hectare business district, which is seen to provide job opportunities not only to Bulakenyos but also to residents from nearby provinces, will soon rise in this city.

Senator Cynthia Villar, together with Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado and Vice Gov. Daniel Fernando and Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC) president and chief executive officer Frederick Go, led Wednesday the groundbreaking ceremony for the start of the construction of the Bulacan Cyberpark and Business District Project.

The soon-to-rise business district, which is located in Barangay Bulihan this city, will have deluxe hotels, convention center, shopping malls, and business process outsourcing (BPO) buildings.

In her message, Villar congratulated the provincial government of Bulacan and RLC for the project that will be beneficial to Bulakenyo businesses and entrepreneurs.

"Ninety-five percent of all the businesses in the Philippines are micro and small enterprises providing 65 percent of employment in the Philippines, and this is the key to getting Filipinos out of poverty. So we need to encourage more people to venture into businesses," the senator said.

Alvarado, for his part, expressed his elation over the realization of his dream for the province of Bulacan that he believed will be continued by Governor-elect Fernando.

"This is the beginning of freedom from poverty. This project will be beneficial especially to our poor people," the governor said.

Meanwhile, Go said he is grateful to be a partner of the province of Bulacan in a world-class and mixed-use development that will be put up in the province.

"The BPO buildings will attract American, international business process outsourcing companies such as call centers, transcription companies, and third-party BPOs that will provide thousands of jobs to the people of Bulacan. If I say, these are not ordinary jobs because the jobs the BPO industry provide are high paying jobs. These are the kind of jobs that help our people create more skills," Go said.

Also witnessing the event were 1st District Rep. Jose Antonio R. Sy-Alvarado and 3rd District Rep. Lorna Silverio,

Implemented under the Bulacan Public Private Partnership Code through Provincial Ordinance No. 18-2015 and its corresponding implementing rules and regulations, the project is one of the program initiatives under the Bulacan Program for Rapid Industrialization and Development (PRIDE) -- an economic program of the province that envisions to transform Bulacan into an engine of economic growth. (PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1072228

Top celebs attend Equality Ball

Some of the country’s most recognizable personalities from the field of show business, pageantry, and fashion attended the MEGA Equality Ball last night.

Among them were actress Heart Evangelista with her husband, newly-elect Sorsogon Governor Chiz Escudero; singer Aicelle Santos with fiance, GMA News reporter Mark Zambrano; singing couple Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez; reel and real-life partner James Reid and Nadine Lustre; newlyweds Billy Crawford and Coleen Garcia; and rumored boyfriend-girlfriend Jake Cuenca and Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa.

Other beauty queens who graced the event were Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, Miss World Philippines 2017 Laura Lehmann, and Miss Intercontinental Philippines 2017-turned-Miss World Philippines 2018 Katarina Rodriguez.

Here’s more: Ruffa Gutierrez, Vice Ganda, Lovi Poe, and Tim Yap.

The event was timed for Philippine Independence Day. The theme was “pride and equality.”

“Regardless of gender, race, status, and beliefs — we are all equal. True freedom is about equality,” MEGA wrote on their Instagram account.

The #NewPH trophies honoring trailblazers were also given out.

Among winners are beauty queens Catriona and Kylie; fashion designers Francis Libiran, Carlyle Nuera, and Fanco Laurel; actresses Lov and Aicelle; LGBTQIA+ superstars Paulo Castro and Peabo Orilla of Nectar; Angkas founder Angeline Tham and husband George Royeca; She Talks Asia’s Iza Calzado and Vicky Herrera; and singers Careless Music Manila.

https://entertainment.mb.com.ph/2019/06/13/top-celebs-attend-equality-ball/

ABS-CBN: We can't comment on speculations about franchise renewal

Media and entertainment giant ABS-CBN Corp. said Thursday it cannot comment on speculations surrounding the bill that seeks to renew the company’s legislative franchise that the 17th Congress did not pass before adjourning.

ABS-CBN issued the statement to “clarify” a report by The STAR that the House of Representatives “has frozen” the Lopez-owned broadcasting firm’s franchise bill.

"ABS-CBN is unable to clarify or comment on the article as it is neither the source of the said news article nor is it privy to any claims expressed therein," the company told the Philippine Stock Exchange.

Shares in ABS-CBN fell 4.33% or 80 centavos to close at P17.66 apiece on Thursday, the lowest in 10 years.

ABS-CBN’s franchise expires in 2020.

House Bill 4349, which proposes to extend the media giant’s franchise by another 25 years, had been pending at the committee level since November 2016, The STAR reported on Wednesday.

The STAR added that the House Committee on Legislative Franchises did not submit a report on the franchise bill before the 17th Congress adjourned its third and last regular session on Tuesday.

Pending bills will have to be refiled in the next Congress.

In August last year, President Rodrigo Duterte said he was personally against the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise as he accused the media company of swindling him.

Duterte first expressed his opposition to the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise on April 27, 2017, which came days after he signed a law extending the franchise of GMA Network Inc. — ABS-CBN’s rival.

In 2017, Duterte hit ABS-CBN and newspaper The Philippine Daily Inquirer for their supposed “unfair” and “slanted” reporting of his administration, adding that “corrupt” media “ails the Philippine society.”

Congress, or the legislature, is a separate branch of government from the Executive branch. — Ian Nicolas Cigaral

https://www.philstar.com/business/2019/06/13/1926117/abs-cbn-we-cant-comment-speculations-about-franchise-renewal

Arroyo on ABS-CBN franchise: ‘Our sessions are over’

“Our sessions are over.”

That was what Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said on Thursday when asked about the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN Corp., which will expire on March 2020.

During nine years as president when she assumed the presidency from embattled Joseph Estrada, the channel airs the daily morning shows "Alas Singko Y Medya", "Magandang Umaga Bayan", "Magandang Umaga Pilipinas" and currently "Umagang Kay Ganda", the noontime show "Magandang Tanghali Bayan" and controversial "Wowowee," the drama series "Recuerdo de Amor," "Pangako Sa'yo," "Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan," "Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay," "Bituin," "Darating ang Umaga," "Basta't Kasama Kita," "Sana'y Wala Nang Wakas," "It Might Be You," "Marina," "Hiram," "Krystala," "Spirits," "Till Death Do Us Part," "Mga Anghel na Walang Langit," "Vietnam Rose," "Gulong ng Palad," "Sa Piling Mo," "Ang Panday," "Bituin Walang Ningning," "Crazy for You", "Sana Maulit Muli", "Maria Flordeluna", "

“The [17th] Congress is finished,” the outgoing Pampanga 2nd District representative also said in an interview after the unveiling of the 10-foot steel sculpture dubbed “No. 1” in front of the library, archives, and museum building of the House.

House Bill No. 4349, which seeks to renew the radio-television network’s franchise for another 25 years, has been pending at the committee on legislative franchises since November 16, 2016. It was filed on November 10 of the same year by Nueva Ecija 2nd District Rep. Micaela Violago.

“In acknowledgment of ABS-CBN’s accomplishments… the immediate renewal of its original franchise which expires on March 30, 2020, is recommended to ensure the uninterrupted and improved delivery of its services to the Filipino people,” Violago said in her bill, which was also filed by former congressman Georgidi Aggabao in the 16th Congress.

The committee did not act on the measure until the 17th Congress adjourned sine die last week.

Therefore, the franchise bill needs to be refiled when the 18th Congress opens on July 22.

President Rodrigo Duterte had repeatedly launched threats against media outfits critical of his administration like the Lopez-owned ABS-CBN, the broadsheet Philippine Daily Inquirer, and online news site Rappler.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1130011/arroyo-on-abs-cbn-franchise-our-sessions-are-over

House of Representatives freezes ABS-CBN franchise renewal

Namimiligrong hindi ma-renew ang franchise for broadcast ng ABS-CBN.

Ito ay matapos upuan ng Mababang Kapulungan ng Kongreso ang House Bill 4349 na naglalayong muling mabigyan ng prangkisa ang broadcast giant sa susunod na 20 taon.

Nakatakdang mag-expire ang license to broadcast ng ABS-CBN Corporation sa Marso 30, 2020 o siyam na buwan mula ngayon.

Ayon sa ulat ng PhilStar Online ngayong Miyerkules, June 12, hindi inaksiyunan ng Committee on Legislative Franchises ang bill na naipasa pa noong November 2016 na naglalayong ipalawig ang prangkisa ng ABS-CBN hanggang sa mag-adjourn ang huling session ng 17th Congress noong June 5.

Nangangahulugang kailangang muling i-refile ang nasabing batas sa 18th Congress upang maaksiyunan ito.

Magsisimula sa July 22 ang 18th Congress.

Ayon pa sa isang source ng ulat, hindi raw aaksiyunan ng committee ang anumang panukalang batas na may kaugnayan sa franchise renewal ng ABS-CBN hanggang hindi naaayos ang reklamo ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte laban sa istasyon.

Saad sa report, "They have to thresh out and resolve their issues with the President.

"That's the key to get the bill moving."

Hayagang sinabi ng Pangulo sa ilan sa kanyang mga talumpati na haharangin niya ang franchise renewal ng ABS-CBN dahil ginantso diumano siya ng network noong 2016 presidential elections.

Hindi raw kasi inere ng network ang kanyang political ad kahit bayad na ito.

Hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa tumutugon ang ABS-CBN sa alegasyong ito ni Duterte.

Ang rival network ng ABS-CBN na GMA Network ay noon pang April 2017 naaprubahan ang franchise renewal na tatagal sa susunod na 25 taon.

https://www.pep.ph/news/143850/house-of-representatives-freezes-abs-cbn-franchise-renewal-a718-20190612

ABS-CBN nanganganib: Renewal ng prangkisa binakuran sa Kongreso

Siyam na buwan na lang epektibo ang prangkisa ng ABS-CBN network, kapag hindi nakapag-renew ay posibleng mawala sa himpapawid kapag nag-expire ang franchise sa March 30, 2020.

At ayon sa report ng Philippine Star, nabakante sa 17th Congress ang bill ng pagre-renew ng franchise ng TV network, kakailanganin ulit mag-file ng bill para sa susunod 18th Congress para muling matalakay ang isyu.

Matatandaan na sinabi ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte noong nakaraang taon na kanyang sasaraduhan ang pagpasa ng renewal ng ABS-CBN dahil aniya ay ‘magnanakaw’ umano ang TV network.

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

Ang ibang malaking TV network naman ay nakakuha ng 25-year franchise renewal noon lamang Abril 2017.

Sa ngayon, mapapansin na pinalalakas ng ABS-CBN ang kanilang online platform at nagkakaroon din ng kasunduan sa mga ibang production at TV network sa ibang bansa para sa kanilang mga content.

http://tnt.abante.com.ph/191418-2/

Coming soon: ABS-CBN movies to air in China

ABS-CBN Corp. said its locally produced movies will soon hit TV screens in China, as it inked a deal with a Chinese media company to allow the airing of its content in the country.

In a statement Tuesday, the Lopez-led media giant said it entered an agreement with Phoenix Satellite Television Co. Ltd. which would allow Phoenix Movie Channel to air 16 local films starting September.

“Hit Filipino movies from ABS-CBN will soon make its way to China for the first time via Phoenix Movie Channel, after the network successfully inked a milestone deal with Phoenix Satellite Television, a leading entertainment group that aims to provide Chinese everywhere with high quality content,” it said.

In its website, Phoenix Satellite Television said it operates several channels across the world, namely the Phoenix Chinese Channel, the Phoenix InfoNews Channel, the Phoenix Chinese News and Entertainment Channel, the Phoenix American Channel, the Phoenix Movie Channel and the Phoenix Hong Kong Channel.

Among the films covered by the company’s deal with ABS-CBN are Barcelona: A Love Untold, Four Sisters and a Wedding, My Ex and Whys and Can’t Help Falling In Love.

It also includes titles such as You’re My Boss, Everything About Her, Love You To The Stars and Back and Always Be My Maybe.

First Love, Kasal, Hihintayin Kita sa Langit and The Achy Breaky Hearts are also part of the agreement.

“…ABS-CBN International Distribution commits to add to its first line-up of high-caliber programs and movies with cast and storylines that appeal to various cultures,” it said.

Last year, the company also signed deals with Viet Content from Vietnam, S&E Syndication Co. Ltd. from Myanmar and JKN Global Media Public Co. Ltd. from Thailand and Laos for the syndication of its shows.

The listed firm posted an 89.2% increase in attributable net income to P856.35 million during the first quarter, driven by a 24.4% increase in advertising revenues at P5.4 billion. — Denise A. Valdez

https://www.bworldonline.com/coming-soon-abs-cbn-movies-to-air-in-china/

House freezes ABS-CBN franchise, firm takes movies to China market

The House of Representatives has frozen the bill, which seeks to renew the legislative franchise of broadcasting giant ABS-CBN Corp. The franchise expires in nine months or on March 30, 2020.

Without a franchise renewal, the radio-television network may have to close shop.

There are speculations that the  Lopez-owned broadcasting firm is strengthening its online service in preparation for that possibility.

The Committee on Legislative Franchises, where House Bill 4349 bill had been pending since November 2016, did not submit a report on it before the outgoing 17th Congress adjourned its third and last regular session yesterday.

This means that the renewal measure would have to be re-filed in the 18th Congress, which convenes on July 22.

A key member of the legislative franchises committee said no action on any bill seeking to renew the ABS-CBN franchise would be taken as long as President Duterte has complaints against the network.

“They have to thresh out and resolve their issues with the President. That’s the key to get the bill moving,” said the lawmaker, who did not want to be named.

Duterte has repeatedly criticized ABS-CBN for allegedly refusing to run his advertisement during the 2016 election campaign and showing instead an ad critical of him which his staunch critic, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, paid for.

In November last year, he said he would object to the station’s franchise renewal.

The President has criticized not only the Lopez network, but also other media organizations critical of him as well.

House Bill 4349 was filed by Nueva Ecija Rep. Micaela Violago on November 10, 2016.

Violago urged the House to approve the measure “in acknowledgement of ABS-CBN’s accomplishments…and to ensure the uninterrupted and improved delivery of its services to the Filipino people.”

Unlike ABS-CBN, the legislative franchises of its rivals have already been renewed.

Meanwhile, Filipino movies produced by ABS-CBN will be shown in China for the first time via Phoenix Movie Channel.

ABS-CBN signed a milestone deal with Phoenix Television, an entertainment group that offers channels with Mandarin and Cantonese-language content.

Under the agreement, a total of 16 Star Cinema titles will premiere starting September on the Phoenix Movie Channel, including some of its popular drama and romantic-comedy movies.

The company announced in April its entry in Turkey after signing a deal with content production company Limon Yapim for the adaptation of one of its crime suspense drama shows.

In March, Indonesian television network MNCTV began airing its own version of ABS-CBN’s noontime show “It’s Showtime.”

The deal is ABS-CBN’s first non-narrative format franchise buy by a foreign company and solidifies its position as a reliable content provider in the international arena.

ABS-CBN programs are currently present in over 50 territories all over the world, selling over 50,000 hours of content worldwide. – With Richmond Mercurio

https://www.philstar.com/business/2019/06/12/1925627/house-freezes-abs-cbn-franchise-firm-takes-movies-china-market

EDITORYAL - ‘Lupang Hinirang’

Ang multa sa mga nagpapalit ng tono sa “Lupang Hinirang” ay P5,000 hanggang P20,000 lamang.

Napapanahon ang pagpapasa ng batas na ito sapagkat marami na sa mga kabataan ngayon ang hindi na pinahahalagahan ang Pambansang Awit. Marami ang hindi kabisado o memoryado ang “Lupang Hinirang” at basta sumusunod na lamang sa agos kapag kinakanta. Wala na ring epekto sa kanila ang pagkanta nito na para bang karaniwan lang at hindi na pinahahalagahan. Tiyak na kung may magbibigay ng exam at ipasusulat o ipakakanta ang “Lupang Hinirang” marami ang hindi makakapasa.

Isang paraan kung paano tatangkilikin o mamahalin ang “Lupang Hinirang” ay sa pamamagitan ng pagbabalik nang araw-araw na flag ceremony sa mga paaralan at opisina. Sa kasalukuyan, tuwing Lunes na lang ginagawa ang flag ceremony at saka uulitin ng Biyernes, kung kailan ibababa ang watawat.

Kung araw-araw na kakantahin sa umaga ang “Lupang Hinirang”, tiyak na makakabisado ito ng mga mag-aaral. Napapanahon na para ibalik ang da­ting nakaugalian nang pag-awit sa “Lupang Hinirang” para naman hindi mawala ang pagmamahal sa bansa. Malaki ang naidudulot nang sama-samang pagkanta sa Pambansang Awit. Naisasapuso at nadarama ang labis na pagkamakabayan.

SAMAR PROVINCIAL SANGGUNIAN APPROVES RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT TO AN ACT CREATING NORTHWEST SAMAR PROVINCE

CATBALOGAN CITY - The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Samar, in its regular session today, June 11, 2019, passed and approved a Resolution expressing support to House Bill No. 8824 passed in Congress by Samar's First District Representative Edgar Mary Sarmiento.

House Bill No. 8824 is "An Act Creating the province of Northwestern Samar."

Authored by SP Member Julius Mancol, the Resolution gathered favorable votes from five SP Members as against four not favoring its approval.

The 4 incumbent SP Members of Samar's first district (SP Members Julius Mancol, Regina Rabuya, Mike Ayong & Alfredo Serrano) and one from the second district (SP Member Alma Uy) succeeded in resolving support to the creation of another province inclusive of one city and the municipalities of Samar's first congressional district.

https://www.facebook.com/calbayogjournal.news/posts/2244726145646319?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARArlnBl3AD5IFq7MU2m5MYTSkJuobA8H1nr_V5gKKvxoaURcK7FkgRcyUSrRWZ65mliso_9Apyq46YGynAfFKnscQAV2qAzvsQIZWhExznhxYZBvXhrGy3QyOsik5NqLc9e7DPRP-3VqWmakftSEQu_HUxAuduIpvQjT7JeOWFX9O97kVl8yk5YdQ79En3kYIkDa7f-QMUaQeCDDEp5Fp33waVxcBfAHIFx0opqJ3vEaxcbxkL8L1MujffeHXSIJg73PhoWdUPsKSGbs7RaQvc0K_Z7mFP0wg6BLUrPs4iSnXE5Rm_yU8r3ymzjvOmEJjArZ22UGS10q6tKx4Bb7taIQw&__tn__=-R