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Probe into AI-enhanced posters ads urged
Election candidates trying to impress voters by using artificial intelligence could be a form of dishonest campaigning, Senator Francis Tolentino stressed on Saturday. “The issue of using artificial intelligence in the election campaign and propaganda materials and requested further study for future policy formulation as apps that change facial impressions of individuals proliferate that may violate the principle of truthfulness,” the senator lamented. Tolentino believes that using AI in campaign paraphernalia should be covered by the Commission on Elections. He said he looks forward to Comelec policy “regarding the use of AI in producing campaign and software materials for the elections, especially on the question of what picture must be allowed: The candidate’s looks at present or the looks the voters wanted to see.” The senator then cited the Department of National Defense memorandum, which was made public on Friday, prohibiting its employees and military personnel from using AI image generator applications. In his order, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr warned that AI-powered applications seemed “harmless and amusing” but could be “maliciously used” to create fake profiles that can lead to identity theft, social media engineering, phishing attacks, and other erring activities which compromise someone’s personal data. The post Probe into AI-enhanced posters ads urged appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Solon wants Comelec to look into AI-enhanced campaign materials
Election candidates trying to impress voters by using artificial intelligence could be a form of dishonest campaigning, Senator Francis Tolentino stressed on Saturday. The senator lamented, “The issue of using artificial intelligence in the election campaign and propaganda materials and requested further study for future policy formulation as apps that change facial impressions of individuals proliferate that may violate the principle of truthfulness.” Tolentino believes that using AI in campaign paraphernalia should be covered by the Commission on Elections. He said he looks forward to Comelec policy "regarding the use of AI in producing campaign and software materials for the elections, especially on the question of what picture must be allowed: the candidate looks at present or the looks the voters wanted to see.” The senator then cited the Department of National Defense memorandum, which was made public on Friday, prohibiting its employees and military personnel from using AI image generator applications. In his order, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr warned that AI-powered applications seemed “harmless and amusing” but could be “maliciously used” to create fake profiles that can lead to identity theft, social media engineering, phishing attacks, and other erring activities which compromise someone’s personal data. Comelec Commissioner Rey Bulay backed Tolentino’s suggestion, but he noted that the green light to impose the AI restrictions in the coverage of campaign materials will still be up to the consensus of the poll body’s chairperson and other commissioners. Bulay added that those guidelines and policies on the use of AI in producing election materials, whether printed or digital in form, could be put in place for the 2025 mid-term elections. He emphasized that AI usage might fall under the election guidelines on "misrepresentation" but also stressed that he doesn't "want to preempt my chairman and fellow commissioners.” “Pero napakaganda po ng iyong sinabi Pwede pong humabol yon sa 2025 (It can be timed in 2025),” Bulay told Tolentino. “The concept of misrepresentation is also included in the principle of truth in advertising…something along this line,” he added. The post Solon wants Comelec to look into AI-enhanced campaign materials appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Coops strengthens local rice production — PBBM tells DA
Cooperatives could be a fundamental tool of agricultural development to attain food security at farmer's level. This is how President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. who concurrently heads the Department of Agriculture, would like to see the agency develop in overall efforts to strengthen local rice production. The President said farmers as members of cooperatives have high participation in supporting their groups to make products or business activities. Let’s start the process of consolidating our farmers’ associations, all that up to the point that we could plant on larger tracts of land. That is what we are trying to do,” the president said while tapping the Cooperative Development Agency to consolidate rice farmers' cooperatives in enhancing local rice production. Marcos has instructed the DA to spearhead the provision of training in management, business planning, accounting, bookkeeping and other programs to rice farmers cooperatives. Farmers’ training “Give the farmers training, and let’s provide techno-demo; the farmers know how to plant but they don’t know management, business planning, accounting, bookkeeping” he added. This way, the President explained, farmers get benefits from the business activity of cooperative in the forms of inputs supply (fertilizer, pesticide, etc.), credit or loan provision; and collective marketing. Finding farmer leaders “Let farmers organize in places where there are no cooperatives. The most important thing is to find a farmer leader whom the cooperative members will follow,” the President ordered. “The cooperatives are going to play a large part because you cannot talk to each farmer, but you can talk to the farmer leaders,” he farther explained. Marcos said he believes that increased productivity should be taken by farmers through the application of recommended technologies. Technology practices could be managed under the farmers' cooperative. Cooperatives, according to the President, could respond to the market demand for production (certified seed) and the needs of farmers on agricultural inputs as he sees cooperatives have been successful in providing profit share with members aside from supporting food security through increased productivity. During his campaign, the President said he is a “great believer” in cooperatives, because they served as the fastest way for information, programs and benefits to reach the farmers. The post Coops strengthens local rice production — PBBM tells DA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Aplasca submits courtesy resignation to PBBM
The Office for Transportation Security (OTS) Administrator, Ma.O Aplasca, formally submitted his courtesy resignation to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday afternoon. It was in connection with the statement made by House Speaker Martin Romualdez that he would personally block the approval of the OTS budget and the Department of Transportation. According to Aplasca, he is not ready to sacrifice the agency but he considers it an honorable task in the interest of the majority. As the administrator of the OTS, he said he did not do anything wrong. He added that he just implemented the anti-corruption campaign in all the airports. Aplasca also believes that the men and women of OTS will not fail in their promise to clean up their ranks to realize a convenient and safe transportation system. The post Aplasca submits courtesy resignation to PBBM appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Total lawfare’: Ukraine’s other front in the war
On 26 February 2022, while Russian tanks were barrelling towards Kyiv, Ukrainian lawyers were fighting on a different front, submitting a case against Moscow at the International Court of Justice. The gilded halls of the Peace Palace in The Hague, where the court sits, are a world away from the trenches of Donbas but Ukraine believes its legal attacks on Russia are a critical part of the fight. What cases are open in Ukraine's campaign of all-out "lawfare" against Moscow and, with little chance of Russian compliance, what's the point? Where are the legal front lines? The Hague, Strasbourg, and Hamburg. Ukraine has dragged Russia before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which rules on disputes between nations, arguing that President Vladimir Putin abused the UN Genocide Convention when he used an alleged "genocide" in eastern Ukraine as a pretext for invasion. The final arguments in this case will be heard later Wednesday. Also in The Hague, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant for Putin, accusing him of unlawfully deporting Ukrainian children, a war crime. Neither of these courts, however, can try Russian leaders, including Putin, for the crime of "aggression", defined as an attack on one state by another in breach of the UN charter. So a special group of prosecutors from Ukraine, the EU, the United States, and the ICC has been set up in The Hague with a view to establishing a special tribunal to bring senior Russians to trial. Ukraine also has cases open at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg over alleged Russian human rights abuses. Finally, Ukraine also brought cases to the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea in Hamburg over what it says is Russia's disregard for international maritime law. Will Russia comply? It seems unlikely that Russia would comply with any ruling from an international court -- for example, in March 2022, the ICJ ordered Moscow to immediately halt its invasion. Russia didn't even turn up to the hearings in that case. But it's far from an academic exercise, said Cecily Rose, assistant professor of public international law at Leiden University. "There are examples of cases in which Russia has complied at least partially with an adverse ruling by an international court," Rose told AFP, citing a 2015 verdict in which Moscow reportedly stumped up half the cash it was ordered to. "It shows that non-compliance cannot be cynically assumed. Most of the time, states do comply with awards and judgments rendered by international courts and tribunals." What's the point? Even if Russia doesn't comply, Kyiv and most legal experts think the international community needs to draw a line in the sand. "Some countries do not comply with the law, including Russia. However, it is still important to call them out and to bring a case against them when they do breach the law," said Melanie O'Brien, assistant professor at the University of Western Australia Law School. "The case demonstrates that other countries do not view Russia's conduct as acceptable -- but rather, as unlawful," O'Brien told AFP. A ruling from the ICJ against Russia would be a further element in isolating Moscow and confirming it broke international law, she said. "It is also an important acknowledgment for victims of human rights abuses and international crimes such as war crimes that what happened to them and their loved ones was not lawful," she added. Proving that Russia's actions were in contravention of international law could also be key in future peace negotiations, including over potential reparations, noted Rose. How long will it take? The wheels of justice grind slowly. The ICJ "genocide" case is only about whether the court even has jurisdiction. A special tribunal is politically sensitive and will take a long time to establish. But the wheels of justice also grind exceedingly fine. "Just because Putin won't comply with a ruling now, he won't be in power forever," said O'Brien. "At some point, a change of regime will occur and may lead to compliance with international law." The post ‘Total lawfare’: Ukraine’s other front in the war appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BFP received an unmodified opinion from COA
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) received an unmodified opinion from the Commission on Audit (COA) for the first time in the fiscal year of 2022 and it got a perfect score of 20. According to the COA, the released report is based on the Financial Management Performance Rating based on the financial audit performed in this period of 2022 report by Michael R. Bacani Director Cluster 4, Defense and Security. Based on the COA report, BFP received a 93 percent score an excellent score from the first Financial Performance Rating report. Before this, it will be recalled that the COA approved the action of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) about the fact that the BFP should have a modernization program to keep up with the modern era. The COA report stated that there was nothing wrong with the actions taken by the BFP in placing the technical requirements that the Bureau of Fire needs to keep up with the BFP's modern methods and modernization program. Meanwhile, the COA report of the Financial Management Performance Rating said the BFP got an excellent rating this past period of 2022. In this regard, according to the COA report this past 2010, the BFP launched its Modernization Program by the government's Comprehensive Fire Code of 2008 so that the Bureau of Fire can adapt to modern times in the event of a fire. The report further stated that the main goal is for the government to upgrade its firefighting capability with adequate personnel and adequate firefighting equipment to protect people from dangerous fires. It was further noted in the COA report that the total funds of the Modernization Program amounted to P13.17 Billion from the year 2011 to 2017. Earlier this past 2019, Senator Bong Go filed a bill in the Senate requiring the BFP to implement the modernization program of the Bureau of Fire Protection. According to the COA report, there is nothing wrong with the technical requirements in requirements for the modernization program because it is in line with the COA report on the COA's performance audit. The Commission also believes that the government should strengthen its fire suppression campaign in conjunction with its ongoing modernization program. The post BFP received an unmodified opinion from COA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Central banks in no rush to cut interest rates
Investors were hoping to hear central banks finally signal this week that they were close to being done raising interest rates in their battle against inflation. Instead, policymakers indicated that high rates are here for a while yet, with more hikes on the cards and few, if any, cuts in the near future. The US Federal Reserve set the tone on Wednesday when it paused its rate-hike campaign but caused a stir by leaving the door open to another increase before the end of the year. The central bank also unsettled investors by saying that only two cuts were expected next year instead of four as anticipated. The Fed has more room to keep its "hawkish" stance as the US economy has performed better than feared despite the rate increases. This firm position is shared by other central banks. Norway's rate hike Thursday was anticipated, but it also warned further tightening was "likely" in December, while ruling out any easing before next year. Growth or inflation This firm tone came "as a surprise to the markets," which have "decided that the peak" of rate hikes is "happening right now," HSBC economist Fabio Balboni told AFP, even though "central banks' communications leave the door open to the possibility to further hikes". It leaves "real uncertainty about the level of inflation next year", he said. Their decision "reflects a compromise between growth and inflation", he added. The rate hikes raise the cost of credit for businesses and consumers, which theoretically in turn reduces demand and inflationary pressures. But if demand slows too much, it runs the risk of triggering a recession. Faced with this dilemma, the European Central Bank (ECB) chose inflation-limiting measures, with a 10th consecutive rate hike. That took its benchmark rate to 4.0 percent, the highest since 1999. "We can't say we have peaked," ECB president Christine Lagarde said, although other officials indicated that the cycle of raising rates might be coming to a close. "Our future decisions will ensure that the key ECB interest rates will be set at sufficiently restrictive levels for as long as necessary," the bank's chief economist Philip Lane said Thursday in New York. Return to lower rates There are other signs, however, that rates are reaching their peak. The Bank of England on Thursday announced its first pause on raising rates since December 2021, following a slight decline in UK inflation in August. Switzerland and Japan -- like half of all central banks -- have also chosen to halt raising rates in the past 10 days. "We expect no more rate hikes in the future" for the US, England and Europe central banks, said Balboni. Jennifer McKeown of Capital Economics said she expected the last hikes to come in the fourth quarter, and that the easing cycle would take hold as 2024 approaches. "By this time next year, we anticipate that 21 out of the world's 30 major central banks will be cutting interest rates," she wrote. Although Balboni, taking a more measured stance, said "in the context of weak growth, it will be very complicated to reduce rates" while inflation remains "too high". Instead, he believes reductions to US rates won't be seen until the third quarter of 2024, while the rest of the world will have to wait until 2025 for rate relief. The post Central banks in no rush to cut interest rates appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Padilla backing pro-charter midterm bets
Senator Robinhood “Robin” Padilla on Tuesday said he is willing to support the candidacy of anyone who would back his proposal to amend the economic and political provisions of the 1987 Constitution. In a television interview, Padilla, who is pushing for a federal type of government, stressed the need to have a unicameral and parliamentary system of government to ensure progress. “In the coming polls, I will campaign for candidates who may not be famous or don’t have money but believe that we need to amend our Constitution,” he said. “You need to help me. All of this will hinge on 2025 when the people will decide whether the country will move forward or backward,” he added. The lawmaker, who chairs the Senate panel on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes, urged Filipino voters to elect someone who may be “nameless, and penniless but believes that we need to amend the 1987 Constitution.” “So long as we have senators who believe only in the 1987 Constitution, we will remain dreamers,” he said. Padilla also said “it is time” to open the discussion on extending the term of presidents, as well as allowing them to run for a second term. “What is wrong with having a second term? I don’t understand the opposition to it because six years is too short for a good president, though too long for a bad one,” he said. Under the current charter, the president is limited to a single six-year term. During the first regular session of the 19th Congress, Padilla failed to gain enough support among his colleagues to amend the economic provisions of the Constitution through the Constitutional Assembly. The post Padilla backing pro-charter midterm bets appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Singapore ex-deputy PM Shanmugaratnam elected president
Singapore's former deputy prime minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam was elected president Friday, earning a landslide victory in the city-state's first contested vote for the largely ceremonial position in more than a decade. Singaporeans headed to the polls that were closely watched as an indication of support for the ruling party after a rare spate of scandals, but the longtime stalwart of the party won more than two-thirds of the vote over two rivals. "I believe that it's a vote of confidence in Singapore. It's a vote of optimism for a future in which we can progress together and support each other as Singaporeans," the former finance minister said in a speech before the results were announced. "I'm humbled by this vote. It is not just a vote for me, it is a vote for Singapore's future." He won 70.4 percent of the vote to win a six-year term. His main rival Ng Kok Song, a former chief investment officer of Singapore sovereign wealth fund GIC, which manages the country's foreign reserves, conceded after winning only 15.7 percent of the vote. "The result is clear," he told reporters, adding Shanmugaratnam "has indeed earned a mandate from the people of Singapore." Shanmugaratnam acknowledged the "changing and evolving" nature of Singapore, notably its diversity, and said he believes the election was seen as "another milestone in that process of evolution." There are stringent requirements for the position, which formally oversees the city's accumulated financial reserves and holds the power to veto certain measures and approve anti-graft probes. While the presidency is a non-partisan post under the constitution, political lines had already been drawn ahead of the election to replace incumbent Halimah Yacob, who ran unopposed for her six-year term in 2017. 'Decisive margin' Shanmugaratnam was widely viewed as the favourite for the position and had resigned as a member of the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) and as a senior minister in the cabinet ahead of the election as all presidential candidates must be independent. The 66-year-old economist is perceived as having the government's backing and was questioned about his independence during the campaign. The city-state's government is run by the prime minister, currently Lee Hsien Loong of the PAP, which has ruled Singapore continuously since 1959. "Singaporeans have chosen Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam to be our next President by a decisive margin," Lee said in a statement. Observers said the vote would indicate the level of PAP support ahead of general elections due in 2025 or discontent after recent scandals that include a corruption probe into the transport minister and the resignations of two PAP legislators over an affair. "What we want is a prosperous Singapore," self-employed worker Patrick Low, 70, told AFP after casting his vote. Shifting sentiments Another candidate, former insurance executive Tan Kin Lian, 75, had gained the support of several opposition leaders but only picked up 13.88 percent of votes. "The presidential election is increasingly being treated as a general election," said Mustafa Izzuddin, a political analyst with consultancy Solaris Strategies Singapore. Voting is compulsory for Singapore's more than 2.7 million eligible citizens. As of 5:00 pm local time (0900 GMT), more than 2.3 million Singaporeans, or about 85 per cent of eligible voters, had cast ballots, according to the Elections Department. Long but orderly lines snaked from polling centres absent the raucous environment that can accompany elections in other countries, where supporters chant or distribute flyers to lobby for last-minute votes. Izzuddin said an increase in protest voting had been expected but Shanmugaratnam secured an overwhelming win despite what experts had said was shifting opinions about the ruling party. The PAP suffered its worst-ever election performance in 2020 but maintained its more than two-thirds majority. Singapore requires presidential candidates to have served either as a senior civil servant or the chief executive of a company with shareholder equity of at least 500 million Singaporean dollars ($370 million). Perhaps the president's most crucial function is to serve as a custodian of Singapore's financial reserves, which can only be drawn upon in exceptional circumstances, such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the 2009 global financial crisis. The post Singapore ex-deputy PM Shanmugaratnam elected president appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Politics is addition’: Marcos says open to anyone ‘willing to help’
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday said that the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas is always open to welcome members from other political parties in the Philippines and that he is willing to work with anyone ready to help the government and the Filipino people. In a media interview in Zambales, Marcos said that he believes that "politics is a game of addition" and that he does not have any non-negotiables when it comes to forming a coalition. "Politics is a game of addition," Marcos said. "Whoever wants to join us as part of a coalition, whoever wants to support our candidates in the upcoming elections, is welcome." Marcos said he is not concerned about the political colors of potential new allies as long as they are willing to help the government improve the economy and address pressing issues such as inflation and rice supply. "Just as I mentioned during the election, during the campaign, anyone, no matter who they are, regardless of their political affiliation, if they are willing to help, why shouldn't we include them?," Marcos said. The President said those who care to join the PFP must support efforts to boost the economy and back the party's candidates in the 2025 midterm elections. "As long as they're willing to help the government, as long as they're willing to help us in pursuing and promoting the policies that we have created for our people, then of course they are welcome to join," Marcos said. Marcos recently welcomed 14 new governors as new PFP members last Thursday. In his speech during the oathtaking of the new PFP members, Marcos urged his political allies to forge coalitions with other political parties and look for support at the barangay level to bolster the PFP. The impending barangay elections, which are anticipated to have a "big impact" on the outcome of the 2025 midterm elections, are among the political cycles for which the PFP is preparing, Marcos said. The PFP was one of the founding members of Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte's UniTeam Alliance. The Lakas-CMD, Hugpong ng Pagbabago, Partido ng Masang Pilipino and a few visiting candidates from other parties were also members of the alliance. The post ‘Politics is addition’: Marcos says open to anyone ‘willing to help’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
MMDA, DepEd-Makati ink deal
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the Department of Education Division of Makati City forged an agreement to partner in providing students in select schools in the city with lectures on anti-smoking and anti-vaping. The memorandum of understanding, signed during the Brigada Eskwela 2023 Division Kick-Off held in Makati High School, seeks to implement a smoke-free and healthy environment among public schools. MMDA acting chairman Atty. Don Artes said one of the keys towards a smoke-free and healthy environment in the school is to educate and capacitate the learners. “We will teach the students the importance of health and the dangers of smoking, vaping, as well as second-hand smoke, to our wellbeing through social media and/or video conferencing platforms,” said Artes during the MoU signing rites. The MMDA Health, Public Safety and Environmental Protection Office will facilitate the anti-smoking lectures on the dangers of smoking and vaping to one’s health. An orientation on anti-littering will also be provided aimed at informing students on the effects of throwing small litters that may cause clogging of waterways leading to flooding. Likewise, the students will undergo a course on Basic First Aid and Disaster Management for incidents of fire, flooding and earthquake. The agency will capacitate the students on training that will enhance their skills in using the website as a platform for educating young people on the effects of smoking and vaping to a person’s health. “The MMDA believes that one of the keys to a successful implementation and sustainability of an integrated health program is the active involvement and participation of partner organizations and school communities in identifying problems brought about by smoking and vaping, seeking for feasible solutions and tapping into existing resources,” Artes added. DepEd Makati, for its part, is responsible for securing the health and wellness of students, thus enjoining the MMDA to serve as a major partner in its campaign for a healthy and smoke-free environment. Schools to be given lectures are: Makati High School, San Isidro National High School, San Antonio National High School, Gen. Pio del Pilar National High School, Bangkal High School, Maximo Estrella Senior High School, Fort Bonifacio High School, Benigno Ninoy S. Aquino High School, Makati Science High School, Pitogo High School, Tibagan High School and Nemesio I. Yabut Senior High School. The discussions, which will be done either online or face-to-face, will have a maximum of 50 students per session, per school. It will be a mix of junior and senior high school students. The project will be a continuing program and is set to end in June 2025. Also present in the MOU signing are Makati Vice Mayor Monique Lagdameo, officials from DepEd Makati, and their private partners such as China Bank Savings, and Young Men’s Christian Association. The post MMDA, DepEd-Makati ink deal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos’ anti-drug focus must improve
Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa hopes President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will put more focus on the drug problem during the remainder of his term. “Just a little attention. I hope the drug situation will be taken care of,” Dela Rosa said shortly before Marcos delivered his second State of the Nation Address. “It is different if the Chief Executive himself will pay attention to the drug problem,” he stressed. In his SoNA, Marcos said the battle against illegal drugs will continue after the government launched the “Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan” or BIDA program and will put up 102 Balay Silangan Reformation Centers nationwide. “The campaign against illegal drugs continues — but it has taken on a new face. It is now geared towards community-based treatment, rehabilitation, education, and reintegration, to curb drug dependence among our affected citizenry,” the President said. Marcos said the government will be relentless in the fight against drug syndicates by “shutting down their illegal activities and dismantling their network of operations.” “Unscrupulous law enforcers and others involved in the highly nefarious drug trade have been exposed. I will be accepting their resignations,” he said. The President vowed to install individuals of unquestionable integrity who will be effective and trustworthy in the task of eliminating the drug problem, which he described as a “dreaded and corrosive social curse.” “We cannot tolerate corruption or incompetence in government,” he added. Meanwhile, Dela Rosa believes Marcos will continue to support the push to revive the Reserve Officers Training Corps. “He already mentioned the ROTC [program] during his first SoNA. The ROTC bill is still pending, but I will continue pushing for it,” Dela Rosa said. Wowing ‘em all Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte wore a traditional Maguindanaon dress for the annual event. Her SoNA outfit was a Bangala paired with trousers and a flowing inaul or malong. It featured gold accessories that symbolize the wealth and abundance of Mindanao’s natural resources. The inaul is a Maguindanao fabric intricately handwoven using cotton and silk. It is a treasured cultural gem that profoundly reflects the pride, bravery, heritage, and history of the people of Maguindanao. During the first SoNA, Duterte wore a traditional Bagobo Tagabawa dress. She thanked Gov. Bai Mariam Mangudadatu of Maguindanao del Sur and Jearson Demavivas for their creative input that inspired her to wear a Maguindanaon traditional dress. Cotabato City-based designer Israel Ellah Ungkakay designed the dress. Ungkakay has been promoting the culture and tradition of the Moro people of Mindanao through his designs for 16 years after finishing college at the University of Southern Mindanao. He was recently recognized for his contributions to the promotion of Mindanao by the local government of Cotabato City. Travel sector highlighted Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco rated exceptional the President’s address as he highlighted the crucial role that tourism plays as a reliable pillar of economic growth, providing livelihood to more than 5 million Filipinos. “The President’s ‘whole-of-nation’ approach to development we take as an affirmation of his administration’s thrust towards strengthened tourism governance between and among all stakeholders of the tourism industry,” she said. “As an industry that banks and thrives on the scale of infrastructure development, we are elated to know the President’s continuing commitment to connect all prospective sites of economic development,” she added. Marcos said the stress on tourism will spur the sector’s development countrywide, and consequently, create more livelihood opportunities for Filipinos. The post Marcos’ anti-drug focus must improve appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos: War on drugs to continue — but with ‘new face’
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday said the country's fight against the illegal drug problem continues under his helm. "The campaign against illegal drugs continues—but it has taken on a new face. It is now geared towards community-based treatment, rehabilitation, education, and reintegration, to curb drug dependence among our affected citizenry," said Marcos during his second State of the Nation Address. Marcos mentioned that the government has effectively launched the "Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan" or BIDA Program, and established additional 102 Balay Silangan Reformation Centers nationwide. The government, he added, will relentlessly continue its fight against drug syndicates by "shutting down their illegal activities and dismantling their network of operations." "Unscrupulous law enforcers and others involved in the highly nefarious drug trade have been exposed. I will be accepting their resignations," the President said. Marcos vowed to install individuals with unquestionable integrity, and who will be effective and trustworthy in handling the task of eliminating the drug problem--which he described as a "dreaded and corrosive social curse." "We cannot tolerate corruption or incompetence in government," he added. Shortly before Marcos delivered his SONA, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa expressed hope that Marcos will pay attention to the illegal drug problem in the country during the remainder of his term. “Konting pansin lang. Sana mapansin lang ‘yung drug situation (Just a little attention. I hope the drug situation will be taken care of),” Dela Rosa said in an interview with reporters. Asked if the government is lacking the courage to fight the drug problem, Del Rosa said: “Iba talaga ‘yung manggaling sa pinaka-chief executive ‘yung pagpansin sa drug problem (It is really different if the chief executive himself will pay attention to the drug problem).” On the other hand, Dela Rosa said he believes Marcos will continue supporting the push for the mandatory revival of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps in the Philippines. “He already mentioned the ROTC [program] during his first SONA. The ROTC bill is still pending, but I will continue pushing for it,” he added. Newly installed Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff, Gen Romeo Brawner Jr. has expressed his full support for the revival of the mandatory ROTC. Brawner earlier vowed that ROTC will be implemented accordingly and professionally by well-trained military handlers should it becomes legally mandatory. The military chief said the AFP will make sure that the cases of hazing, as well as physical and verbal abuse and other malpractices related to the ROTC in the past, won’t happen again in the future. “The AFP is preparing for proper and relevant conduct of the program in the future,” said Brawner. The post Marcos: War on drugs to continue — but with ‘new face’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
P20/kilo rice promise achievable, says BBM
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has reiterated that his administration is doing everything in its power to achieve his campaign pledge of reducing the cost of rice to P20 per kilogram as he assured that the promise is on the right track. The President stressed that despite facing criticism from farmers’ associations and agricultural groups who argue that attaining such a promise is “unattainable,” he firmly believes that his administration was making significant progress towards reaching the objective. “We haven’t achieved our goal of having rice priced at 20 pesos per kilogram yet, but we are doing everything we can,” Marcos said in his speech during the signing of the memorandum of agreement on the establishment of Kadiwa ng Pangulo nationwide. According to Malacañang, the simultaneous launch of the Kadiwa centers saw participation from all 81 provinces in the Philippines as they established their centers in their respective localities. As one of Marcos’ critical initiatives during his tenure as Agriculture secretary, the program seeks to reduce the prices of agricultural products by facilitating direct interaction between farmers and consumers. He added that the program is “good” as the government established a system where the consumers could purchase cheaper goods. The post P20/kilo rice promise achievable, says BBM appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Frasco gets love amid video ad fiasco
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco received a bunch of love and support from various government officials after her department got involved in the brouhaha surrounding the “Love the Philippines” campaign video that featured tourist scenes that turned out to have been shot in other countries. On Wednesday, former Tourism Secretary Mina Gabor sent a letter of support to Frasco, saying that she was backing the “Love the Philippines” rebrand and that she “genuinely believes it is authentic and has the legs to go global.” “Keep on moving forward! This is just a tiny bump on the road,” said Gabor, the chairperson and president of the International School of Sustainable Tourism. Meanwhile, Cebu 5th District Board Member Andrei Duterte signed a resolution expressing Cebu officials’ support for the DoT’s tourism campaign slogan “Love the Philippines” and for Frasco, “a true-blooded Cebuana and former mayor of Liloan, Cebu.” Lawmakers’ backing For Senator Christopher Lawrence Bong Go, a member of the Senate Committee on Tourism, what is important is not to lose sight of what the campaign is all about — which is to love the Philippines and share the love that Filipinos are known for. “Being a member of the Senate committee on tourism, we must work together to correct any mistakes, improve our efforts to promote our country, and give our support to the efforts of the present administration to uplift our economy and the lives of the poor,” Go said in a statement. He said what is important is the sincerity to perform the duty well and to serve the nation by ensuring that no public funds go to waste. “With this, I continue to support Secretary Frasco and the rest of the DoT for their efforts to further improve our country’s tourism sector. I laud their immediate action in addressing the issue that the promotional video has caused and in ensuring that public funds are not wasted. Instead of dwelling on the problem, let us work together to provide solutions,” he said. Senator Sonny Angara said the video mess “should not diminish” the accomplishments of Frasco in promoting the country to the world. Angara commended Frasco for swiftly terminating the DoT’s contract with advertising agency DDB Philippines. “Clearly there were issues with what was presented by the advertising agency but what is important is that Secretary Frasco acted immediately to address the issue and ensure that no public funds were wasted for this purpose,” he said. Angara said Frasco should be given a chance to redeem herself, citing the latter’s efforts to revive the country’s tourism industry hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic. “What the DoT has done over the past two years following the pandemic has been remarkable and with Secretary Frasco leading the charge in declaring the Philippines open for tourists, I am confident that Philippine tourism will be able to reach new heights and the world will see the many reasons to love the Philippines,” he said. Records show the DoT has logged 2.67 million international visitor arrivals as of 29 June this year, 2.44 million of them foreigners. The DoT is targeting a baseline of 4.8 million international tourist arrivals. In 2022, the industry contributed 6.2 percent to the country’s gross domestic product, churning P1.87 trillion in tourism revenues. Limbo Meanwhile, Senator Nancy Binay said the campaign for the country’s new tourism slogan is now in “marketing limbo.” Binay said the DoT should “accept” that the enhancement of the Philippine tourism brand is going through uncertainties following the video mess of its contracted advertising agency. The DoT said an “exhaustive” investigation into the use of non-original video footage by the agency, DDB Philippines, is ongoing. The probe follows the DoT’s termination of the contract with the ad agency for more promotional tourism videos. “We appreciate the actions taken by the DoT against the ad agency. But the big question right now is whether or not to continue with the ‘Love’ campaign,” Binay said. Ending deal with DDB On Monday, the DoT announced it was terminating its contract with DDB Philippines, stating that they are one with Filipinos in expressing outrage and extreme disappointment at the use of non-original/stock footage purporting to be scenes from the Philippines as a component of the launch of the enhanced tourism branding campaign, “Love the Philippines.” Under the terms of the DoT’s contract with DDB Philippines, “material/s produced by the winning bidder should be original and aligned with the DoT’s advocacies.” “The DoT reserves the right to change, suspend, or discontinue temporarily or permanently the contract at any time should the DoT deem the agency incapable of the project,” the statement read. @tribunephl_raf @tribunephl_Lade The post Frasco gets love amid video ad fiasco appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Angara says Frasco deserves a chance after ‘Love the Philippines’ fiasco
Senators have differing opinions on the controversies surrounding the newly launched “Love the Philippines’ campaign by the Department of Tourism. Senator Sonny Angara said the recent video mess “should not diminish” the accomplishments made by Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco in promoting the country to the world. Angara also commended Frasco for swiftly terminating the DoT's contract with advertising agency, DDB Philippines, for more promotional videos. "Clearly there were issues with what was presented by the advertising agency, but what is important is that Sec. Frasco acted immediately to address the issue and ensured that no public funds were wasted for this purpose," he said. Angara added that Frasco should be given a chance to redeem herself, citing the latter’s efforts to revive the country’s tourism industry hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic. "What the DOT has done over the past two years following the pandemic has been remarkable and with Sec. Frasco leading the charge in declaring the Philippines open for tourists, I am confident that Philippine tourism will be able to reach new heights and the world will see the many reasons to Love the Philippines,” he said. According to Angara, the DoT recorded over 2 million international visitor arrivals in the country from January to the middle of May this year,—which already breached the department’s 1.7 million visitor target for the year. For the period of January to April, the DOT recorded P168.2 billion in inbound visitor receipts, which represents a 782 percent increase from the P19.1 billion in tourism revenues generated over the same period last year. Under the leadership of Sec. Frasco, Angara noted that the Philippines has received six nominations in the World Travel Awards Asia namely: Asia's Leading Island Destination; Asia's Leading Beach Destination; Asia's Leading Dive Destination; Intramuros as Asia's Leading Tourist Attraction; Cebu as Asia's Leading Wedding Destination; and the DoT as Asia's Leading Tourist Board. Angara also cited the move of the DoT to develop the Philippines as a health and wellness tourism hub—an idea that he has been pushing for some time already. The Philippines was also recently elected as vice president of the 25th General Assembly of the United Nations World Tourism Organization and chairman of the Commission for East Asia and the Pacific. Meanwhile, Senator Jinggoy Estrada lauded the DoT’s move against the advertising agency saying that its prompt response and responsible handling of the situation deserves recognition. “Mistakes happen but it is how we respond and rectify them that truly matters…The DOT exemplified accountability and commitment to learning from this incident,” he said. Estrada believes that the DoT’s acknowledgment of the gaffe and taking immediate steps to rectify the situation “demonstrated” the government’s dedication to maintaining the integrity of our tourism industry. “Understandably, any campaign of this magnitude may face criticisms and differing opinions. Yet, how Sec. Frasco's handling of the issues confronting the DoT is both admirable and necessary,” said Estrada. “It is through proactive measures that we can continue to promote the Philippines as a premier tourist destination while ensuring accuracy and responsible marketing practices," he added. The post Angara says Frasco deserves a chance after ‘Love the Philippines’ fiasco appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CoA favors BFP modernization thrust
The Commission on Audit report favored the action of the Bureau of Fire Protection about the fact that the BFP should have a modernization program to keep up with the modern era. According to the COA report, there is nothing wrong with the action taken by the BFP in placing the technical requirements that the Bureau of Fire needs to keep up with the modern methods and modernization program of the BFP. The COA report further stated that this past 2010 the BFP launched its Modernization Program following the Comprehensive Fire Code of 2008 of the government. The main goal is for the government to upgrade its firefighting capability with adequate personnel and equipment to protect people from dangerous fires. It was further noted in the COA report that the total funds of the Modernization Program amounted to P13.17 Billion from 2011 to 2017. Before this last 2019, Senator Bong Go filed a bill in the Senate requiring the BFP to implement the modernization program of the Bureau of Fire Protection, which includes purchasing modern fire equipment, hiring personnel, and conducting specialized training programs. It was added in the COA report that the technical requirements placed for the modernization program are correct because it is in line with the COA report in the performance audit of the COA. In this regard, based on the investigation conducted by Congress regarding the modernization program of the BFP, Congress did not find anything wrong with what the BFP did because it is said to be in line with the technical requirements stated in the COA. The COA further said that the main objective of the audit report is to identify the gap between the program's target and the achievement of the BFP to assess it. The COA also believes that the government should strengthen its fire suppression campaign with its ongoing modernization program. The report also said it is necessary to strengthen the information awareness campaign to educate people on fire prevention and what should be done to prevent it. In this regard, the COA is reviewing the program documents and accomplishment report conducted by the technical and visual inspections of the various fire protection services. The post CoA favors BFP modernization thrust appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SM Aura Celebrates All Facets of Beauty with Grand Opening of The “Prism Park”
SM Aura kickstarts its “Own Your Beautiful” campaign with the launch of Prism Park – a shimmering and futuristic playpark at the upscale mall’s Skypark, Level 5. Just as a prism refracts light into a mesmerizing array of colors and shapes, beauty is the same. A leader in bringing taste and beauty to its mall-going community, SM Aura believes in the understanding that, especially nowadays, the spectrum of what each person defines as “beautiful” is as varied as all the colors and shapes of a kaleidoscope. Whether one relishes in the beauty of fashion, the beauty of delectable dishes, or the beauty of fun, what is beautiful is deeply personal. Whatever that facet is in the prism of “beautiful”, one can find it, celebrate it, and “own” it at SM Aura. The Prism Park The Prism Park features a towering dichroic structure that is filled with interactive color-changing foot pads and inflatable balls, seesaws, and swings which are all colorfully lit and ready for mall-goers to play with and enjoy. As night comes and the Prism Park’s lights glow brighter, it transforms into a glowing beacon, bringing a different experience yet equally as mesmerizing. Each element of Prism Park celebrates the beauty of fun, in the little details and altogether. SM Aura’s campaign to highlight beauty, in all its forms, doesn’t stop there. The Taguig-based shopping mall is set to unveil more and more features to delight, excite and amaze its shoppers. For more information and updates on SM Aura’s Prism Park and “Own Your Beautiful” campaign, visit @SMAuraPremier on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok. The post SM Aura Celebrates All Facets of Beauty with Grand Opening of The “Prism Park” appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl Supreme Court disbars Marcos adviser over ‘misogynistic’ outburst
The Philippines Supreme Court said Wednesday it has stripped a new adviser to President Ferdinand Marcos of the right to practice law over a "misogynistic" outburst against a journalist. Marcos appointed lawyer Lorenzo Gadon as his adviser on poverty alleviation on Monday, highlighting his "legal expertise and extensive experience in various industries". The Supreme Court voted unanimously the next day to disbar Gadon over his "misogynistic, sexist, abusive and repeated intemperate language", the court's public information office said in a statement Wednesday. However, Marcos's top aide, Lucas Bersamin, said Gadon would remain in his position and the president "believes he will do a good job". The court cited a viral video in which Gadon "repeatedly cursed and uttered profane remarks" against a woman journalist before last year's election, which it described as "indisputably scandalous". "The Court pointed out that Gadon unfortunately failed to realize that lawyers are expected to avoid scandalous behavior, whether in their public or private life," the public information office said. Gadon, who backed Marcos's bid for the presidency but failed in his own attempt to win a Senate seat, was previously convicted and suspended from practicing law for three months for using "offensive and intemperate language", and faced 10 other administrative cases, the statement said. "Although these cases have yet to be decided, the volume of administrative complaints filed against Atty. Gadon indubitably speaks of his character," it said. Gadon said in a statement posted on Facebook he would appeal against the decision because the penalty was "too harsh". He claimed the reporter had been "blatantly spreading lies" against Marcos during the 2022 election campaign. The left-wing Akbayan Party described Gadon as a "buffoon" and called on Marcos to rescind his appointment. The post Phl Supreme Court disbars Marcos adviser over ‘misogynistic’ outburst appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DI emir meets end
ZAMBOANGA CITY — Authorities here on Wednesday reported that the alleged head or emir of the Dawlah Islamiya in the Philippines died after exchanging fire with state troops serving warrants of arrest in Marawi City. Joint Task Force ZamPeLan commander Maj. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete said that the emir — identified as Fahar Pumbaya Pangalian alias Abu Zacharia — died during the firefight. Also killed in the clash was Joharie Sandab alias Morsid, the DI-Philippines sub-leader for finance and logistics. Reports disclosed that police and military forces were about to serve warrants of arrest when Abu Zacharia and his men opened fire and lobbed improvised bombs toward government forces at 1:30 a.m. According to Nafarrete, a joint law enforcement operation was conducted at the safe house of Abu Zacharia in Barangay Bangon, Marawi City as government forces backed by armored personnel carriers were approaching Abu Zacharia’s location when his group resisted, triggering a firefight. Nafarrete added that Abu Zacharia threw a 60mm mortar and two hand grenades toward the troops’ position during a 10-minute heavy exchange of gunfire. While the soldiers were conducting a clearing operation in the area, they recovered the dead body of Abu Zacharia and two M16A1 rifles with ammunition. Nafarrete also reported that a soldier was wounded during the exchange of gunfire and is currently undergoing medical treatment in one of the hospitals in Marawi City. Meantime, Morsid was killed in the firefight against soldiers of the 103rd Infantry Brigade and the Philippine National Police. Armed Forces of the Philippines-Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido said that the death of the emir was a significant breakthrough in the campaign against the Daulah Islamiyah. He also believes that the death of Abu Zacharia will be the downfall of the IS-inspired group in our area of operation. “This achievement is attributable to the solidarity among various sectors. May we continue to walk the path leading to internal security with utmost sincerity and dedication,” Galido said. The post DI emir meets end appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»