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Confidential funds: Case for transparency
The allocation of confidential funds in the national budget has been a long-standing practice aimed at providing the government with the flexibility to address unforeseen circumstances and sensitive issues. However, recent controversies in Congress have ignited a debate on whether these confidential funds should be scrutinized and possibly scrapped in the pursuit of greater transparency and accountability. Confidential funds have historical roots in the need for the government to respond swiftly to emergencies and delicate situations without compromising national security. These funds are often earmarked for intelligence activities, diplomatic initiatives, and crisis response. The inherent secrecy surrounding these allocations has traditionally been justified as essential for the effective functioning of government in critical times. The recent controversies in Congress, however, have cast a spotlight on potential abuses of confidential funds. Allegations of misappropriation, lack of oversight, and misuse of these funds have fueled calls for their elimination. In fact, militant groups have called on the government to stop what they termed a confidential fund spree that it fears has become a tradition in the Philippine budget system that deprived Filipinos of better living conditions. Critics argue that the secrecy surrounding these allocations fosters an environment ripe for corruption and undermines the principles of transparency and accountability. The confidential nature of these funds makes it challenging to establish a robust system of checks and balances. Without adequate oversight, there is a risk that these funds could be misused or diverted for purposes other than that originally intended, leading to a lack of accountability. The lack of transparency can create an environment conducive to corruption. The clandestine nature of confidential funds may tempt individuals to exploit these resources for personal gain, away from the scrutiny of auditors and oversight mechanisms. As recent controversies have demonstrated, public trust in government institutions can be severely eroded when mismanagement or corruption occurs. The perception that public funds are being used inappropriately can damage the relationship between citizens and their government. In weighing the advantages and disadvantages of retaining or scrapping confidential funds in the national budget, a delicate balance must be struck. Now that Congress is mulling realigning the confidential funds of multiple government agencies toward national security, lawmakers should ensure that the confidential funds of agencies that have nothing to do with national security would be realigned to public services. While the need for flexibility in crisis response and the imperative to safeguard national security remain compelling arguments in favor of maintaining confidential funds, the recent controversies in Congress highlight the risks associated with their lack of transparency and accountability. Rather than an outright elimination, a more prudent approach may involve instituting reforms to enhance oversight mechanisms and ensure the responsible use of confidential funds. Implementing robust auditing processes, increasing transparency in reporting, and involving independent bodies in overseeing these allocations could help strike a balance between the need for confidentiality and the imperative of public accountability. Ultimately, the debate over confidential funds should be approached with the recognition that the challenges faced by the government are dynamic and multifaceted. Striking the right balance between secrecy and accountability is crucial to ensuring that confidential funds serve their intended purposes without compromising the principles of good governance and public trust. As societies evolve, so too should the mechanisms in place to ensure that the allocation and utilization of public funds align with the values of transparency, accountability, and the common good. The post Confidential funds: Case for transparency appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PCSO provides Caloocan lotto shares
The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office on Sunday announced that it has turned over checks amounting to P13 million to the Caloocan City government as its share of lotto revenues from July 2022 to June this year. The agency said that PCSO general manager Melquiades Robles handed over the check to Mayor Dale ‘Along’ Malapitan at the Office of General Manager, PCSO main office in Sun Plaza Building, Mandaluyong City last 14 September. Malapitan said the amount will augment the funds of the city government for its charity and health programs. “The city of Caloocan will do the right thing, which means enjoying PCSO’s gaming products because it helps us from our Lotto and STL shares we receive,” Malapitan said. Robles, meanwhile, extended gratitude to all lotto patrons and those who patronize all PCSO games in the city and urged the public to keep on patronizing PCSO games to generate more funds for health programs, medical assistance and services and charities. Local government units receive a percentage of the total revenues of PCSO operations in their areas and these shares can be used for their respective projects as the PCSO is mandated to set aside 30 percent of its revenue for charity, 55 percent for prizes, and 15 percent for its operation. All balances of any funds in the PCSO will form part of the charity fund. The post PCSO provides Caloocan lotto shares appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
The Advantage of Adopting the Right Digital Tools for your Business
Amid the uncertainty in customer behaviors and trends from the crisis, this much is clear: updating the business for a digital-first world, led by purpose, is now a must for almost every company. To do so, they must determine where new business value exists in the new normal, what digital business models will capture it, and which tools and behaviors will support the adaptability and resilience that these models require. On this section, we talked to the creators behind the award-winning platform made for businesses like yours. The Digital Advantage Companies need an understanding of 3rd Platform technologies to capitalize on improved decision-making and to deliver enhanced, customized experiences to stakeholders. The rapid acceleration of 3rd Platform technology adoption means that corporates need to actively be looking for ways to improve their operational efficiency and customer service, otherwise, they will be in danger of falling too far behind digitally-native competitors to ever catch up. Efficiency Past recessions show that controlling costs by improving operational efficiency—a task for which digital solutions are perfectly suited for—is more effective in sustaining businesses through financial turbulence than traditional cost-cutting measures alone. The biggest efficiency play is automation. Streamlining operations and automating manual processes result in greater speed, less waste and more focus on revenue-generating activities. The economics of automation is simple: the same work is performed faster and with fewer mistakes, while human capital resources can be redeployed to higher-value tasks or to fill critical gaps. Convenience Company bank accounts are available in any device, the only things you need are internet connection and a few taps on the screen. This brings about an increase in customer satisfaction as they are able to constantly keep track of their account balances and manage the information on their personal profile (i.e. add new mailing address, e-mails, telephone numbers, etc.). In addition to this, there is no need to go to the bank to get checks as they can be instantly sent via email. 24/7 Reliability Online banking services are available 24/7 all year round, even on weekends. There is no need to line up and wait for the bank to open in order to conduct certain operations. This is a huge advantage that comes with digital solutions Security With all the recent news about data breaches, you might be wondering about the security of mobile and online banking. Security is top priority for banks when choosing whether or not to offer online banking. All banks use “Pentagon-grade” encryption technology and sophisticated firewalls. Mandatory security upgrades are required by bank regulators, so you can be confident that keeping your information secure is one of your bank’s utmost priorities. As digital transactions increase and productivity grow, companies must take proactive steps to protect their data privacy and security and adopt models that give them governance over their data. Today’s Platform Driven Solutions Self-service account management, bills payment and electronic fund transfers are considered the basic banking functions that each business should have. Account management allows viewing of account balances and transaction history without going to the bank. All these were made easy and accessible, by just logging into UnionBank’s The Portal app. Bills Payment, on the other hand, gives businesses access to a large list of billers. They can pay their water, electricity, telco, and other utilities online. BIR ePayment is also available, allowing users to pay taxes online. If the company is an accounting firm, they can also pay for their client’s taxes on The Portal app. Electronic fund transfers save companies time and reduce their risk exposure. Just upload the batch crediting file on the platform and it automatically disburses it to their recipients. Clients can also set up their recipients in UnionBank Business Banking so they receive email and SMS notifications every time they are credited. All these are made possible without stepping inside a branch. Batch Electronic Funds Transfer is also now made available for UnionBank Transfers and PESONet. This enables the streamlining of bulk account to account transfers to another UnionBank account or to other bank accounts. This has highlighted the ease and convenience of going digital to corporate clients versus processing transactions through the traditional way of banking over-the-counter or paying via cheques. Going beyond the basic functions of a normal digital banking tool, The Portal’s self-enrollment feature allows businesses to conveniently self-enroll their nominated accounts and users through the simple enrollment steps. Once completed, access to The Portal is granted and clients may enjoy the convenience of processing their funds transfer instructions online. In addition, there is an option to initiate the enrollment of the beneficiary accounts individually or in bulk. This can be essential for clients that need a payee maintenance feature to ensure that the initiated transactions are only credited to enrolled account. With the convenient, hassle-free and straight-through processing in The Portal, businesses can easily push fund transfers in the comfort of their own homes or offices. This pandemic serves as a widespread test case for the effectiveness of these digital solutions, many of which will be permanent fixtures and lead to long-term changes for many businesses. Organizations that embrace digital solutions have greater resiliency in the face of adversity and are way ahead of the competition, which will enable them to recover faster and pivot from playing defense to chasing growth. While many believe it is too idealistic to have a good workplace culture and excellent compensation, many jobseekers significantly consider these two factors when applying for a job, according to two studies. The 2021 Employee Experience Survey by Willis Towers Watson reported that 89 percent of respondents believe a positive employee experience is a crucial driver of engagement, while a 2023 survey from the online recruitment platform JobStreet found that 53 percent of Filipino job seekers would like to know the salary range offered while still in the recruitment process. Aside from great benefits and compensation, employees in the IT industry pointed out that a good work culture and environment, as well as training programs, are the top priorities of job seekers. Vanessa Liwanag, business development director at Yondu, acknowledged the company’s role in her growth, “Yondu has helped me develop my leadership, decision-making, and communication skills through its effective leadership training programs. The company also helped me grow personally because of its hybrid setup. This allows me to have a work-life balance. I can still care for my family and health while contributing to the organization.” Leather, who specializes in securing networks from vulnerabilities, noted that training programs are essential as trends continuously evolve. IT professionals need to keep up in order to be efficient. Steph, a software solutions engineer, echoed this, adding that since the industry is highly competitive and fast-paced, getting equipped with the right skills and knowledge is essential. Grace, a malware researcher, said that one advantage in the IT field is that since it’s a broad industry, there is always much to learn and room for improvement. Yondu, an IT solutions company wholly owned by Globe, offers all these benefits and compensation, a good working environment, and training programs to Yondudes, a nickname for its employees. Competitive pay and benefits are OK for Yondu as the company ensures this through regularly benchmarking market data and best practices. There are also tailor-fitted rewards programs according to talent segments. Yondu also ensures its employees remain competitive and well-equipped by industry standards through various training, reskilling, and upskilling programs to hone their skills in the constantly changing tech industry. Despite the fast-paced sector continuously evolving, Yondu still values work-life balance and provides programs to support Yondudes’ well-being further. “What sets Yondu apart from other organizations is its genuine focus on understanding and supporting its employees,” said Javen Babac, lead application support specialist at Yondu. “The company recognizes that employees perform their best when they feel valued and supported, and this philosophy sets Yondu apart by fostering a positive and inclusive work environment. The organization’s commitment to understanding its employees and providing the necessary resources demonstrates its dedication to employee well-being and sets a strong foundation for professional growth and job satisfaction.” The post The Advantage of Adopting the Right Digital Tools for your Business appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
EDITORIAL - Confidential public funds
The three branches of government are supposed to provide checks and balances to each other, minimizing mistakes as well as preventing the misuse, abuse and centralization of power......»»
Israel parliament clips Supreme Court powers
Israel’s parliament defied a tense session, pressure from thousands of demonstrators and boycott by opposition lawmakers to pass a controversial bill limiting the powers of the Supreme Court on Monday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his coalition allies approved the bill with 64 votes in the 120-seat chamber. The vote took place hours after Netanyahu, 73, returned to the Knesset only a day after undergoing surgery to have a pacemaker fitted. The premier justified the decision to press ahead with the vote as a “necessary democratic step.” “We passed the amendment on reasonableness so that the elected government can carry out policy in line with the decision of the majority of the citizens of the country,” he said in a televised address. Critics charge that the judicial revamp limiting the powers of the High Court in striking down government decisions which the judges deem “unreasonable,” could open the way to more authoritarian government by removing checks and balances on the Israeli executive. Netanyahu’s coalition government, which includes far-right and ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties, argues that the proposed changes are needed to ensure a better balance of power. Division among Israelis remain as the Histadrut trade union confederation threatened a nationwide strike in response to the passage of the bill, urging the government to resume negotiations with the opposition. “Any unilateral progress of the reform will have serious consequences,” Histadrut chairman Arnon Bar-David warned in a statement. A walkout staged by Histadrut in March within hours prompted Netanyahu to halt the legislative process, paving the way for cross-party talks which ultimately collapsed. Rallies continued into the evening on Monday in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, the country’s commercial hub, while demonstrators blocked roads. Police used water cannon and mounted officers were deployed against the crowds. with AFP The post Israel parliament clips Supreme Court powers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tourism ad fiasco: Who’s to blame?
There are a few points to consider before blaming the Department of Tourism for the controversial audio-visual presentation that included non-original footage taken in other countries. When creating an advertisement, it is typically the responsibility of the advertising agency or production company to ensure that the content used, including footage, is original or properly licensed. These external entities are often hired by the Department of Tourism to handle the creative aspects of its campaigns. The department may collaborate with them to provide guidelines and objectives, but it may not be directly involved in the selection or verification of the ad’s content. DDB Philippines, the agency commissioned to do the rebranding campaign, has owned up to having used non-original footage and has apologized, although belatedly. An outraged DoT, which has drawn flak for the ill-fated campaign, has terminated its contract with the ad producer following the public outcry. Of course, the DoT could be the wrong target here, considering that the whole fiasco could be seen as a failure on the part of the advertising agency or production company. They had a responsibility to conduct due diligence in securing proper permissions and licenses for all the materials used in the advertisement. In such cases, the blame may lie more with the agency rather than the Department of Tourism itself. The DoT usually reviews and approves the final ad before it is released to the public. However, the level of scrutiny it exercises over the content may vary. If the non-original footage was used without its knowledge or if it failed to properly review the content, some blame could potentially be attributed to the department. The DoT is expected to maintain certain quality standards in its promotional materials. These include ensuring that the content is original, engaging, and accurately represents the destination or experiences being advertised. If non-original footage was used, this could be seen as a failure in quality control, and the department might share some responsibility. It is the department’s responsibility to establish guidelines and standards for its advertising campaigns. It should have measures in place to verify the authenticity and originality of the content used, as well as to evaluate the overall quality of the advertisement. If it did not have adequate checks and balances in place, it may be held accountable for the ad fiasco. However, it’s important to note that mistakes can happen, and sometimes even with proper oversight, issues may arise. In such cases, it is crucial to assess the department’s response to the fiasco. Did it take prompt action to rectify the situation, issue an apology, or take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future? Its reaction and efforts to address the issue can influence how much blame could be heaped on it. Ultimately, the extent of blame that should be attributed to the DoT would depend on the specific circumstances of the fiasco and the degree of its involvement or oversight in the creation of the ad. It would be important to gather all the relevant facts and information before making a judgment. Public scrutiny and accountability play a vital role in ensuring that government departments strive for excellence and transparency in their promotional efforts, including the content they use in their advertisements. The post Tourism ad fiasco: Who’s to blame? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Napolcom
The National Police Commission or Napolcom and the Philippine National Police have filed criminal raps against 50 active police officers in connection with the 990-kilogram drug haul in October 2022. Per Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Benhur Abalos, Napolcom and the PNP filed complaints around two weeks ago against the erring cops with the Military and Other Law Enforcement Offices, the police, as well as with the military Ombudsman. Based on this news, it is worth asking and discussing the role of Napolcom. Napolcom is the agency mandated by the 1987 Constitution and the Major Police Reform Laws — Republic Act 6975, otherwise known as the Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990, and Republic Act 8551, also known as the Philippine National Police Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998 — to administer and control the PNP. The Napolcom is separate and distinct from the PNP. However, there has always been a misconception that both are the same. Among the administrative control and operational supervisory powers over the PNP exercised by Napolcom — the one pertinent to this article — is the power to monitor and investigate police anomalies and irregularities. The PNP’s mission is to enforce the law, prevent and control crimes, maintain peace and order, and ensure public safety and internal security with the active support of the community. Given this very substantial and crucial mission where a lot is at stake on a national and local level, it makes sense that there should be an entity to maintain the checks and balances. As difficult as it is and given that police officers are involved, the responsibilities bestowed upon Napolcom leaders should not be ignored by the public. Rather, they must be understood and appreciated. Its vision is: “The National Police Commission shall be a competent and responsive overseer of an effective police service.” An incompetent police force will make peace and safety impossible to maintain as chaos will rule the streets; whereas a competent one will ensure laws and regulations are strictly obeyed and followed. A nonresponsive police unit will destroy the confidence of the citizenry in our uniformed personnel; while a responsive force will instill faith that our needs in times of danger and despair are going to be responded to. An inefficient police service will cause our country to decay at an unprecedented rate; on the contrary, an efficient police service will correct and address the wrongs that will guarantee progress and prosperity for the country. Its mission is: “To exercise administrative control and operational supervision over the PNP, with the end in view of ensuring a highly capable, effective, and credible police service.” This mission of Napolcom was on full display when the filing of the aforesaid cases was undertaken. The investigation process was conducted fairly and completely to showcase the capability of the police. The way the alleged wrongdoers cooperated during the conduct of the investigation showed the effective discharge of the powers of the police superiors. Last, but certainly not least, the filing of the cases with the appropriate judicial body showed that the credibility of the PNP is of utmost importance. The function and role of the Napolcom were and still are not understood by most. But based on these developments and outcomes, it will be inappropriate to let the misconceptions continue. Restoring confidence and instilling credibility in the PNP is paramount currently when we are under a new administration and leadership. This will ensure and promote that we are aligned with the plans and programs of the government. An environment where there is no peace, order and safety will deter us from implementing the plans and programs that are meant only for our improvement. Let us continue to wish Napolcom and the PNP success. The post Napolcom appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Fierce Tribune, year’s best paper
As a publication that adheres to the truth and goes the extra mile outside of its comfort zone to fulfill it, Daily Tribune was cited as Outstanding Newspaper of the Year during the Rotary Club of Manila’s 2023 Pro Patria Journalism Awards ceremony yesterday. According to the Awards committee, Daily Tribune’s recognition stems from its exposure of anomalies and irregularities both in the public and private domain while keeping true to its mantra, “Without Fear, Without Favor.” Given distinction along with the Daily Tribune were “Executive Session,” of the Manila Broadcasting Company’s DZRH, which was named Talk Show of the Year, while GMA 7’s Integrated News program was conferred the TV News Reporting Award. “The Daily Tribune was chosen due to investigating and reporting fairly and truthfully to enable citizens to be vigilant and participatory in forming collective censure and judgment to influence responsible acts and shape the national discipline,” the citation read. The Daily Tribune was feted by RCM as Newspaper of the Year in 2017 and 2021. [caption id="attachment_145142" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Winners all Sharing the honors during the Rotary Club of Manila’s Pro Patria Journalism Awards ceremony were (from left) RC Manila Pres. Hermie Esguerra, Willie Fernandez (Daily Tribune, Newspaper of the Year), Ed Javier (Panelist, Executive Session, Talk Show of the Year), Deo Macalma (Station Manager, DZRH for Executive Session), former Congressman Jonathan dela Cruz (Panelist, Executive Session), Sen. JV Ejercito (Panelist, Executive Session), Usec. Brigido Dulay (Panelist, Executive Session), Paolo Capino (Panelist, Executive Session) and RC Manila Journalism Awards 2023 chairman Amado Valdez.[/caption] ‘Icons Series’ Daily Tribune’s president Willie Fernandez received the award with a message using an analogy. He likened the recognition to “The Icons Series” in the world of golf to highlight the resilience of the staff. The Icons Series involves matches where competitors are known greats in different sports but who are also passionate about golf. “They are athletes in their own field, who are described as having ‘reached the pinnacle of their own discipline.’ Yet they want to be ‘tested outside of their comfort zone in a pressure environment’,” Fernandez said. He credited the achievement of the daily broadsheet — which is celebrating its 23rd anniversary on 30 June — to its men and women who uphold truth, fairness, goodwill, cooperation, and shared benefits, which are also the character traits of Rotarians. “We hope to continue doing our part — serving our country and fellowmen in our own fairway, so to speak, swinging our club and aiming true,” he said. Fernandez related how the Daily Tribune defied the prognosis of many that newspapers were in their death throes by turning the paper into an omni-media organization with a vital presence in the digital realm, thus it is able to provide more timely and meaningful information to more audiences. “I am humbled and at the same time amazed that in our 23 years as a title, and the last five years striving for excellence beyond our comfort zone, we have been named Pro Patria Newspaper of the Year. I take pride in having stayed true to the Daily Tribune’s DNA of independence. Through four administrations, we boldly reported on issues that many times put our lifeblood at risk,” Fernandez said. Journalism at its best According to RCM president Hermie Esguerra, the 2023 Pro Patria Journalism Awards stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication of the Rotary Club of Manila in recognizing outstanding journalists who share our commitment to truth, fairness, and well-being to humanity.” “Today, we honor those who demonstrated their relentless pursuit of excellence in their craft. These journalists have exemplified the highest standard of integrity, fearlessness, and responsibility in their work. We applaud their unwavering commitment to the truth and their profound impact on our society,” Esguerra said. Accepting the accolade for the “Executive Session” were hosts Edwin Eusebio, Paulo Capino, Ed Javier, Jonathan dela Cruz, Justice Undersecretary Brigido Dulay representing Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, Deo Macalma representing Ambassador to the UK Teodoro Locsin Jr., and Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito. Panelists of the Executive Session were feted for demonstrating “unparalleled excellence” in journalism with the enriching dialogue that they bring to each episode. It dives deep into current affairs and pressing issues presenting insightful and diverse discussions. For GMA Integrated News, the award was accepted by Oliver Amoroso, Senior Vice President and Head of the GMA Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy, on behalf of Atty. Felipe Gozon, chairman of GMA Network Inc. “I am here speaking on behalf of the two other awardees — GMA Network, Inc. and Executive Session of DZRH — for this year’s Rotary Club of Manila Pro Patria Journalism Awards for tri-media,” Fernandez said. “I feel a little like a valedictorian in a graduating class, delivering a common message of gratitude, of hope, and of inspiration.” “For us, this recognition is proof of our passion for the work we do, and simply the kind of boost we need to push forward and forge ahead, as they say, in spite of the difficulties we may encounter,” the Daily Tribune president said. Fernandez also congratulated GMA Network Inc. for its “manner and style of reporting with a built-in system of checks and balance that will ensure the delivery of news and events without bias and partiality, fear and accommodation of the powerful and vested interest.” [caption id="attachment_145139" align="aligncenter" width="525"] It’s a euphoric moment for the Daily Tribune after it was cited as the Outstanding Newspaper of the Year during the Rotary Club of Manila’s 2023 Pro Patria Journalism of the Year Awards ceremony at New World Hotel, Makati City yesterday, 15 June. With Daily Tribune President Willie Fernandez (3rd from left) and Vice President Chingbee Fernandez (2nd from left) are (from left) Editor-in-Chief Gigie Arcilla, Executive Editor Chito Lozada, Managing Editor Dinah Ventura, Editor-at-Large Gibbs Cadiz, Marketing Director Komfie Manalo, and writer Raffy Ayeng.[/caption] Not about people... The RCM Journalism Awards was conceptualized in 2021 by Dean Amado Valdez and the late RCM president Bobby Joseph, with the club’s commemoration of Philippine Independence, which Dean Valdez, the chairman of RMC Journalism Awards 2023, said, “It has become a tradition and will last for as long as the Rotary Club of Manila stays.” “This year’s Pro Patria Journalism Awards is not just about people, but about the philosophy of delivering the news, the concept of integrated news reporting on television, and a mechanism to ensure that there is fair reporting,” Valdez said. He added: “The essence of journalism is a journalist who goes around to get positive news; the news that restores the confidence of the people, and for the ability of the government to protect them from threats; telling the people about economic opportunities, infrastructure; strides in education; personal achievements of individuals and citizens that bring honor to the country. “ “These are the stuff that makes great journalism and the stuff that deserves the Pro Patria Journalism Awards,” he said. The post Fierce Tribune, year’s best paper appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
EDITORIAL — Utmost deliberation
With billions in public funds at stake, and the independence of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas at risk of being undermined, the Senate must fulfill its role of providing checks and balances to the executive and consider the plan to set up the Maharlika Investment Fund with utmost deliberation......»»
FBI routinely accessed Americans’ private communications
The FBI frequently abused a restricted database of Americans' personal communications, looking up the names of crime victims and participants in Black Lives Matter protests and the 2021 Capitol assault, documents released Friday showed. The Federal Bureau of Investigation accessed the database 278,000 times in recent years with often no justification, according to declassified opinions from the secretive Foreign Surveillance Intelligence Court. The database includes private emails, text messages, and other communications that the National Security Agency says it sweeps up when it is spying on foreigners. Although the FBI is supposed to tap the NSA database only when investigating a foreign intelligence issue, the court opinions showed they used it casually for domestic cases. Agents ran random searches in domestic drug and gang investigations, the 2020 protest over the police murder of African American George Floyd, and the 6 January 2021 attack on the US Capitol by Donald Trump supporters. In one case an agent ran a query into the database on 19,000 donors to a congressional election campaign. In each of the cases, there was no foreign intelligence or domestic crime justification for the FBI accessing the database, the intelligence court said. The documents were released as Congress debates the renewal of Section 702, a law that allows the NSA to access US-hosted internet accounts to surveil foreign intelligence targets. A number of lawmakers say it needs revision to better protect the personal information of Americans. Intelligence agencies worry that could crimp their activities, but legal rights experts and Democrats said the revelations showed reforms are needed. "The government has dramatically expanded its spying under Section 702 in ways never contemplated by Congress, but it's refusing to tell Americans what it's doing," said Patrick Toomey of the Americans Civil Liberties Union. Senator Ron Wyden, a longtime critic of Section 702, said the intelligence court documents showed "shocking abuses" of the law. "If Section 702 is to be reauthorized, there must be statutory reforms to ensure that the checks and balances are in place to put an end to these abuses," Wyden said. The issue arose nearly two decades ago when the US intelligence community realized it needed to tap into the email and phone accounts of foreign intelligence targets that were hosted on US-based computers. Both the NSA and the CIA are forbidden from spying on Americans or on foreigners inside the United States, so in 2008 Congress passed Section 702 to permit the NSA to access those US-hosted accounts. In doing so the NSA also collects emails and phone messages of US citizens and resident foreigners who communicate with the agency's targets, or even mention an NSA target. The post FBI routinely accessed Americans’ private communications appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Cayetano forms own House bloc, gets flak for & lsquo;BTS& rsquo; group moniker
Former Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano has formed an independent bloc in the House of Representatives to ensure, according to him, checks and balances at the lower chamber......»»
Training on COA compliance for government institutions
To guide government institutions on their compliance with the Commission on Audit Circular 2020-006, the Center for Global Best Practices will be launching a two-session online training titled “COA Guidelines and Procedures for One-Time Cleansing of Property, Plant and Equipment Account Balances” on April 18 and 19, 2024 from 1:30 to 4:45 p.m. via Zoom......»»
The Daily Guardian: Apples Unlikely Partner
Talks of a potential partnership between tech giants Apple and Google have ignited a firestorm of debate in the industry. The focus of this partnership.....»»
Women shaping Philippine monetary policy
Women have made significant strides as leaders in the Philippine financial services industry even as challenges continue to persist. At the helm are two distinguished female members of the Monetary Board (MB) – the policy-setting body of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) –both of whom are breaking the bias for women in finance......»»
Google Drive Going Dark Soon?
It seems like the highly popular cloud storage service Google Drive will go dark soon – as in dark mode, for its web version so people who are on the dark side can enjoy their favorite cloud storage platform without squinting their eyes. The report comes from a post from 9to5google, as they’ve received a […].....»»
Japan Police Accused of Racial Profiling
Three ethnic minority residents of Japan filed a lawsuit this week alleging that the police racially profiled them.The lawsuit against the Japanese government, the Tokyo metropolitan government, and Aichi prefectural government, alleges the three were subjected to repeated police identity checks because of how they looked. Ea.....»»
Bacolod City Ensures Legality: Market Permit Checks Aim for Compliant Businesses (PH)
Bacolod City Ensures Legality: Market Permit Checks Aim for Compliant Businesses (PH).....»»
Navigating Unsecured Debt Relief: A Comprehensive Guide
In the realm of financial management, unsecured debt stands out as a common challenge for many. Unlike secured debts, which are tied to assets like homes or cars, unsecured debts include credit card balances, personal loans, and medical bills. These can accumulate quickly, often overwhelming individuals. This article aims to explore debt relief options specifically […] The post Navigating Unsecured Debt Relief: A Comprehensive Guide appeared first on Kagay An......»»
City Hall checks if workers a right fit
City Hall checks if workers a right fit.....»»
SMNI files motion to inhibit NTC execs
SONSHINE Media Network International (SMNI) has taken action against three National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) officials, filing a motion on January 4 to request their inhibition from an ongoing administrative case. The motion, filed by SMNI's legal representatives Mark Tolentino and Rolex Suplico, argues that NTC officials Commissioner Ella Lopez and Deputy Commissioners Jon Salvahan and Alvin Blanco should recuse themselves due to perceived bias. Tolentino pointed out a perceived conflict of interest within the NTC, stating, On its face, the show cause order suffers from a fatal flaw. NTC is the judge, NTC is also the complainant, and NTC is likewise the executioner. This is worse than an impartial judge, which is totally abhorred in this country. He emphasized the violation of due process, highlighting the necessity for the neutrality of an impartial judge. Suplico echoed these concerns, stating, In short, we cannot expect justice from the NTC in this case. This motion comes in response to NTC's issuance of a show cause order against SMNI in December 2023, which alleged franchise violations and resulted in a 30-day suspension. SMNI's legal counsel argued that the dual role of the NTC officials violates due process, stating, In the instant case… appearance of impartiality can never be obtained with the dual function of this Honorable Commission, that being the judge and complainant at the same time. Suplico also questioned why the case was not directly handled by the three NTC commissioners, expressing concerns about the authority of the hearing officer in conducting the hearing. He emphasized the significance of public interest in the case and raised doubts about the hearing officer's jurisdiction. The case has been submitted for resolution, with a decision expected soon. SMNI's lawyers have requested an extension until January 20 to file a responsive pleading. In a related development, Davao City-based legislator Margarita “Migs” Ignacia B. Nograles proposed a resolution urging the NTC to suspend SMNI's operations, citing alleged franchise violations and the dissemination of false information as grounds for suspension. Former president Rodrigo Duterte also criticized the suspension of two SMNI programs by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), calling it a violation of his right to free expression. This motion by SMNI reflects the ongoing legal and regulatory challenges it faces, with implications for freedom of expression and due process. The resolution proposed by Nograles adds another layer of complexity to the situation, indicating the broader impact of these developments on media operations and regulatory oversight......»»