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Senate probe ‘incriminatory’, says Quiboloy’s lawyer on why he won’t attend it
MANILA, Philippines — “Incriminatory.” This was how the camp of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy looked at him attending the Senate hearing. So this was why Quiboloy remained to not incline to attend the hearing. This would compromise his client’s appearance, said Quiboloy, through his lawyer, Melanio Balayan. “We still believe that the.....»»
Reflections after a prison visit
Given the constraints they face, political prisoners deserve our utmost respect for choosing defiance instead of compromise and collaboration with the class enemy. They provide a dignified example of how to live a life devoted to the cause of fighting with the oppressed. Their activism is demonized and criminalized by those who see no evil in the obscene hoarding of the nation’s wealth by the elite and the exploitation of the poor and powerless by those in power. The post Reflections after a prison visit appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Gibo: DND’s order on use of AI system vital amid spate of gov’t hacking in Phl
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said that his order limiting the use of Artificial Intelligence applications in the defense sector was part of the Department of National Defense’s operational security measures following the spate of cyber attacks against Philippine government agencies. The DND’s internal order, signed by Teodoro on 18 October, directed all the defense employees and personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to refrain from using AI photo generator apps. Teodoro reiterated such a system may pose significant security risks and give access to hackers to attack individuals or the entire security organization. He clarified that the DND’s order is part of its monitoring measures to prevent non-state actors from including the country’s defense sector in their cybersecurity attacks. “These hackers are paralyzing the governmental system to get money. It has been happening in America,” he noted. Teodoro pressed the need to strengthen the country’s cybersecurity parallel to boosting our defense deterrent posture. “Kailangan pagtibayin natin ang ating operational security, unang una na po ang ating internet hygiene na ang bawat empleyado kawani ng (We need to strengthen our operational security, first of all our internet hygiene that every employee) of DND and AFP personnel,” he said. “We shall exercise utmost operation security, especially nowadays,” he added. Teodoro has again 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 that compromise someone’s personal data. The post Gibo: DND’s order on use of AI system vital amid spate of gov’t hacking in Phl appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Helper woes
Dear Atty. Joji, Our house helper absconded from her job without prior notice. While having to find her replacement is one issue, the bigger concern is that she owes us almost P100,000. We want to take legal action because such amount of money is hard to come by. What type of case can we file to pursue this matter legally? Maris *** Dear Maris, Based on the facts you provided, filing a “Small Claims” case before the lower-level court or the Metropolitan Trial Court is applicable in your case. A.M. No. 08-8-7-SC or “The 2016 Revised Rules of Procedure for Small Claims Cases” provides: Small claims refer to cases involving monetary disputes where the amount in question does not exceed P1,000,000, excluding interest and costs. The purpose of a small claims process is to provide a simpler and a more inexpensive and expeditious means of settling disputes involving purely money claims. The claim or demand may be: (a) For money owed under any of the following: Contract of Lease; Contract of Loan and other credit accommodations; Contract of Services; or Contract of Sale of personal property, excluding the recovery of the personal property, unless it is made the subject of a compromise agreement between the parties. The procedure on small claims cases was promulgated for faster resolution of claims. Since the amount of claim is relatively small, it is the court’s policy not to keep these cases from dragging for long periods before finally being decided. Since the proceedings must be speedy, inexpensive, and informal, the procedure was simplified. However, it is important to note that in Small Claims Cases, parties are generally not allowed to be represented by lawyers. A case for Small Claims may be commenced as follows: SEC. 6. Commencement of Small Claims Action. — A small claims action is commenced by filing with the court an accomplished and verified Statement of Claim (Form 1-SCC) in duplicate, accompanied by a Certification Against Forum Shopping, Splitting a Single Cause of Action, and Multiplicity of Suits (Form 1-A-SCC), and two (2) duly certified photocopies of the actionable document/s subject of the claim, as well as the affidavits of witnesses and other evidence to support the claim. No evidence shall be allowed during the hearing which was not attached to or submitted together with the Statement of Claim, unless good cause is shown for the admission of additional evidence. Alternatively, an action for breach of her employment contract, if any, may be filed against her for her sudden departure without providing proper notice. Hope this helps. Atty. Joji Alonso The post Helper woes appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
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......»»
‘Refrain from using AI image generators’
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has issued a memorandum order directing all employees of the Department of National Defense and personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to refrain from using Artificial Intelligence photo generator applications, which may pose significant security risks. In an interview on Friday, DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said Teodoro’s internal order was primarily intended for the defense department and its attached agencies. “In light of the fact that the risks and threats posed by these AI applications have not yet been established with certainty, the Secretary of National Defense has deemed it prudent to advise our personnel and the bureaus, especially the AFP, to refrain from using these apps,” Andolong said. “We all know that the defense department and its attached bureaus have many high-profile personalities among us, and any violation of their privacy, of the theft of their data and their identities, poses a great risk to them,” he said. He added that such actions might have security implications amid the current state of available technologies. “I will not venture more into that because I’m not an IT expert, but this could be used for activities that may lead to compromising our national security,” Andolong added. In a memorandum order dated 18 October, Teodoro warned that AI-powered applications seemed “harmless and amusing” but could be “maliciously used” to create fake profiles that could lead to identity theft, social media engineering, phishing attacks, and other erring activities, which could compromise someone’s personal data. He said there had been a report of such a case. “The online trending digital application that uses Artificial Intelligence, which requires its users to submit at least 10 photos of themselves to generate an enhanced portrait, poses significant privacy and security risks. This application compiles its users’ data and creates a digital person that mimics how a real individual speaks and moves,” he said. The post ‘Refrain from using AI image generators’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Fil-Indian trader files perjury rap vs brother
Filipino-Indian billionaire businessman Rajiv Chandiramani has filed a perjury complaint against his older brother, Amith, before the Manila Prosecutor’s Office. The trader, in his complaint, alleged that his brother “made a willful and deliberate assertion of falsehood under oath on material matters required by law” when he failed to disclose that he filed the same complaint which was already withdrawn because of a compromise agreement. “By lying under oath on a material matter, Amith is liable for perjury punishable under Article 183 of the Revised Penal Code,” he added. Rajiv, in his complaint dated 2 October, said he and his brother were “never really close as siblings” and “would always have frequent disagreements.” The businessman said he established several businesses, including Rhena’s Trading Inc., which, he described as one of the leading domestic companies in buying, selling, distributing, and importing electronic products and accessories. Rajiv said in November 2021, there were several defamatory messages and innuendos against him being circulated among relatives, friends, and colleagues that he allegedly falsified several documents. Upon his investigation, Rajiv said the messages originated from Amith prompting him to file a complaint for damages against his older brother. Amir, in turn, sued him for falsification of public documents, along with their mother who supposedly falsified the signature of their deceased father appearing on several sale and mortgage documents in July 2022. Since they are family and to attain peace of mind and safety, Rajiv said he agreed to compromise with Amith. He said that part of the monetary consideration for the compromise agreement is the mutual withdrawal of the cases that were filed against each other at that time, as well as a waiver and quitclaim provision covering any and all potential claims or rights against others arising from, or in connection with the cases, as well as the estate of their late father, Mr. Prem Chandiramani, also a businessman. Rajiv noted that part of the agreement, was for him to pay Amith P150 million by way of support. The post Fil-Indian trader files perjury rap vs brother appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
How secret are CIFs?
Confidential and intelligence funds have been the buzzword since the budget season started in late August. It snowballed after Vice President Sara Z. Duterte was pressed to explain how the Office of the Vice President spent the P125-million Confidential and Intelligence Fund (transferred from the Office of the President contingent fund). As it became a highly debated topic — legislators like Senator Risa Hontiveros and Makabayan bloc members in the Lower House sought disclosure on the use of confidential funds to the public. Close to wrapping up the budget deliberations last week, the OVP and the Department of Education may lose their CIF requests in the 2024 budget as several solons agreed to realign them to the security operations of agencies that need them most. In a nutshell, arguments were in favor of transparency and against it. The decision will ultimately depend on the specific circumstances and the policies in practice. CIFs typically refer to discretionary funds allocated for specific purposes within an organization or government agency. Usually intended for confidential or sensitive activities requiring secrecy or discretion, the purpose of secret funds varies widely depending on the organization. Still, some common examples include intelligence gathering, covert operations, paying confidential informants, and other clandestine activities. Regarding national security, using CIFs may be related to sensitive national security matters. Disclosing details about these activities could compromise ongoing operations or endanger the individuals involved. Former National Security Advisor Hermogenes Esperon Jr.’s explanation of where CIFs are used is clear enough. CIFs are not exclusive to the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police. Civilian agencies also use them for counter-intelligence — protection of personal documents and communications; and intelligence operations — use of human intelligence, technical intelligence, and other ways of collecting information. The CIFs, the former AFP chief said, are significant in maintaining the people’s allegiance to the government and safeguarding against potential espionage and threats from within the state. Equally appalling as the laxity of some government agencies in recruiting people who are supposed to be fit for the job, whose loyalty is to the people and not to overthrow the government, is the recruitment of young students and out-of-school youth to the communist cause. It, therefore, coheres that teachers’ loyalty to the Department of Education and their commitment to enhancing learning capabilities and development of the youth should be beyond doubt. Who needs teachers who lead in recruiting young minds to be radicalized? Imposing a mandatory disclosure on the use of CIFs is synonymous with informing enemies of the state of the government’s plans against them, which could potentially impede the efficacy of specific operations. It pays to understand that some security endeavors necessitate a certain degree of secrecy to accomplish goals. As long as the allocation, management, and purposes of CIFs are subject to specific laws, regulations, and internal policies, there should be no fear of misuse, corruption, or unethical behavior by those entrusted with managing the funds. The last time we checked, the dictionary had not made revisions to the definition of confidential. It still is an adjective that means “intended to be kept secret or restricted to the use of a particular person, group, or class.” The post How secret are CIFs? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
U.S. speaker faces bipartisan pressure
United States House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is facing renewed pressure from both Democrats and Republican partymates after averting a federal government shutdown over the weekend with a 45-day stopgap funding law. US President Joe Biden on Sunday called on McCarthy to avoid another shutdown drama when the 45-day stopgap deal agreed on Saturday runs out. “I’m sick and tired of the brinksmanship,” Biden said, speaking from the Roosevelt Room at the White House. “The brinksmanship has to end. There shouldn’t be another crisis.” Biden made the call as he assured Ukraine that the US will not abandon it. An 11th-hour deal by Congress late Saturday contained no new war-time aid for Ukraine as part of a compromise between Republicans and Democrats. “I want to assure our American allies, the American people and the people in Ukraine that you can count on our support. We will not walk away,” Biden said in an address from the White House. Meanwhile, leading hardline Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz said Sunday he would move to oust McCarthy for striking the deal that was without the spending cuts demanded by the right-wing caucus. “I do intend to file a motion to vacate Speaker McCarthy this week,” Congressman Matt Gaetz told CNN. “I think we need to move on with new leadership that can be trustworthy,” Gaetz added, but acknowledging that the speaker may retain his post if Democrats bail him out. In addition to Democratic support, pro-McCarthy Republicans will work to prevent his ouster. Republican Mike Lawler told ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday that “the only responsible thing to do was to keep the government open and funded while we complete our work.” “By putting this motion to vacate on the floor, you know what Matt Gaetz is going to do? He’s going to delay the ability to complete that work over the next 45 days,” Lawler said. If Congress had failed to keep the government open, the closures would have begun just after midnight (0400 GMT Sunday) and would have delayed salaries for millions of federal employees and military personnel. Among other immediate effects, the majority of national parks would have been shuttered to the public from Sunday. The stopgap measure buys legislators time to negotiate full-year spending bills for the rest of fiscal 2024. WITH AFP The post U.S. speaker faces bipartisan pressure appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ukraine left out in cold by US shutdown deal
The future of US aid for Ukraine hangs in the balance after a last-gasp deal to avoid a government shutdown, despite President Joe Biden's attempts to reassure Kyiv it will get what it needs to fight Russia. Barely a week after President Volodymyr Zelensky was in Washington appealing for more funds, the compromise struck in Congress late Sunday dropped new funding for Ukraine amid opposition from hardline Republicans. Biden and his Democratic party say America has a duty to help Ukraine stand up to Russian President Vladimir Putin's brutal invasion, warning that a failure to do so could embolden other autocrats in the future. But the issue has become so politicized in Washington that the fate of vital military aid is now in jeopardy, just as Kyiv tries to make progress in its sluggish counteroffensive before winter sets in. Biden urged Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Sunday to "stop the games" and said he "fully expects" him to secure passage of a separate bill for Ukraine funding soon. "I want to assure our American allies, the American people, and the people in Ukraine that you can count on our support. We will not walk away," Biden said in an address from the White House. Ukraine played down the blow, saying Sunday it was "actively working with its American partners" to ensure new wartime aid. Josep Borrell, the top diplomat for the European Union -- a major US partner in delivering aid to Ukraine -- said the bloc was "surprised" by the last-minute deal and "regret (the US decision) deeply, thoroughly." "I have a hope that this will not be a definitive decision and Ukraine will continue having the support of the US," he said. The post Ukraine left out in cold by US shutdown deal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Global governance is stuck in time
We confront a host of existential threats — from the climate crisis to disruptive technologies — and we do so at a time of chaotic transition. For much of the Cold War, international relations were largely seen through the prism of two superpowers. Then came a short period of unipolarity. Now we are rapidly moving toward a multipolar world. This is, in many ways, positive. It brings new opportunities for justice and balance in international relations. But multipolarity alone cannot guarantee peace. At the beginning of the 20th century, Europe had numerous powers. It was truly multipolar. But it lacked robust multilateral institutions and the result was World War I. A multipolar world needs strong and effective multilateral institutions. Yet global governance is stuck in time. Look no further than the United Nations Security Council and the Bretton Woods system. They reflect the political and economic realities of 1945, when many countries were still under colonial domination. The world has changed. Our institutions have not. We cannot effectively address problems as they are if institutions do not reflect the world as it is. Instead of solving problems, they risk becoming part of the problem. And, indeed, divides are deepening. Divides among economic and military powers. Divides between North and South, East and West. We are inching ever closer to a Great Fracture in economic and financial systems and trade relations; one that threatens a single, open Internet; with diverging strategies on technology and artificial intelligence; and potentially clashing security frameworks. It is high time to renew multilateral institutions based on 21st century economic and political realities — rooted in equity, solidarity and universality and anchored in the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law. That means reforming the Security Council in line with the world of today. It means redesigning the international financial architecture so that it becomes truly universal and serves as a global safety net for developing countries in trouble. At the same time, divides are also widening within countries. Democracy is under threat. Authoritarianism is on the march. Inequalities are growing. And hate speech is on the rise. In the face of all these challenges and more, compromise has become a dirty word. We have just survived the hottest days, the hottest months, and the hottest summer on the books. Behind every broken record are broken economies, broken lives and whole nations at the breaking point. Actions are falling abysmally short. There is still time to keep rising temperatures within the 1.5-degree limits of the Paris [Climate] Agreement. But that requires drastic steps now — to cut greenhouse gas emissions, and to ensure climate justice for those who did least to cause the crisis but are paying the highest price. The fossil fuel age has failed. If fossil fuel companies want to be part of the solution, they must lead the transition to renewable energy. No more dirty production. No more fake solutions. No more bankrolling climate denial. Climate chaos is breaking new records, but we cannot afford the same old broken record of scapegoating and waiting for others to move first. And to all those working, marching and championing real climate action, I want you to know that you are on the right side of history and that I am with you. I won’t give up this fight of our lives. *** Excerpts from the UN Secretary-General’s address to the General Assembly, 19 September 2023. The post Global governance is stuck in time appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Biden vows Ukraine support, urges Republicans to stop ‘games’
President Joe Biden on Sunday vowed the United States would not abandon Ukraine despite aid being dropped from a deal to avoid a government shutdown, urging Republicans to "stop the games" on funding. "I want to assure our American allies, the American people, and the people in Ukraine that you can count on our support. We will not walk away," Biden said in an address from the White House. Biden said there was an "overwhelming sense of urgency" to get Congress to pass a new package of assistance to Ukraine in the days and weeks to come as it battles the Russian invasion. An 11th-hour deal by Congress late Saturday to avoid a US government shutdown contained no new war-time aid for Ukraine as part of a compromise between Republicans and Democrats. Democrat Biden lashed out at Republicans and called on House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to avoid another shutdown drama when the 45-day stopgap deal agreed on Saturday runs out. "I'm sick and tired of the brinksmanship," Biden said, speaking from the Roosevelt Room at the White House. "The brinksmanship has to end. There shouldn't be another crisis." The post Biden vows Ukraine support, urges Republicans to stop ‘games’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
United States auto strike expands with 7,000 more workers joining
Another 7,000 members of the biggest US automobile workers' union on Friday joined its already major strike against the country's "Big Three" Detroit car manufacturers. The latest walkouts leave a total of some 25,000 workers on strike in 21 states -- or around 17 percent of the United Auto Workers' membership. UAW president Shawn Fain said the latest members to join the strike were at two plants in Chicago and Michigan, who downed tools at 1600 GMT. "Our courageous members at these two plants are the next wave of reinforcements in our fight for record contracts," Fain said. The industrial action is the first-ever joint strike at the major automakers -- Ford, GM, and Chrysler producer Stellantis -- in a push for higher salaries and other improvements. Fain noted however that he would not call on additional members to suspend their activity at Stellantis due to "significant progress" on several points currently under discussion. Fain mentioned a mechanism for adjusting salaries to the cost of living as well as the right to strike in the event of a site closure or relocation announcement by the manufacturer. The union has asked for a 40 percent pay raise over the next four-year contract, while the three companies have been offering raises of around 20 percent. It's also been negotiating to represent workers at battery plants planned by Ford, which the auto giant has so far resisted. UAW has used the targeted strike, which began on September 15, as a bargaining chip, ramping up the pressure on the three automakers in a bid to reach a deal. holding the deal hostage Ford President Jim Farley, who has remained relatively silent until now, came out strongly Friday against Fain's negotiating tactics. "I believe we could have reached a compromise on pay and benefits, but so far the UAW is holding the deal hostage over battery plants," he told reporters. Fain later hit back. "I don’t know why Jim Farley is lying about the state of negotiations. It could be because he failed to show up for bargaining this week, as he has for most of the past ten weeks," he said. "If he were there, he’d know we gave Ford a comprehensive proposal on Monday and still haven’t heard back." Ford recently paused construction at one of its plants and warned it may have to scale back its ambitions for the project. Stellantis said in a statement it has been "intensely working with the UAW to find solutions to the issues that are of most concern to our employees while ensuring the company can remain competitive." "We have made progress in our discussions, but gaps remain," it said, adding it was committed to reaching "a fair and responsible agreement that gets everyone back to work as soon as possible." The strike gets political The strike has ramped up the significance of Michigan's swing state status in the 2024 presidential election. Earlier this week, Joe Biden became the first sitting US president to stand on a picket line, joining UAW members in Michigan in a bold pitch for blue-collar votes against likely election rival Donald Trump. Wearing a UAW baseball cap, the Democrat used a bullhorn to tell red-shirted workers they deserved "a hell of a lot more than what you're getting." Trump's Republican party is typically hostile toward unions, though is often able to pick up significant numbers of working-class votes. Trump spoke at a non-union auto facility in the Detroit suburbs saying that he wants "a future that protects American labor, not foreign labor." On Friday, Fain called Biden's visit a "historic day." "The most powerful man in the world shows up for one reason only," he said. "Because our solidarity is the most powerful force in the world." "When we stand together united in the cause of economic and social justice, there's nothing we can't do," he added. The post United States auto strike expands with 7,000 more workers joining appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mark Villar seeks probe of cyberattacks vs. PhilHealth, other gov’t portals
A resolution was filed in the Senate on Tuesday seeking an inquiry over the recent cyber attack incidents against the government agencies in the country. The filing of Senate Resolution 811 by Senator Mark Villar stemmed from the recent hacking of the “Medusa ransomware” group of the state health insurer Philippine Health Insurance Corporation or PhilHealth’s online portal. The hackers have asked $300,000 or roughly P17 million in exchange for the stolen data for PhilHealth. It also threatened the government that it would publicly expose the entirety of the hacked PhilHealth data if the ransom was not paid. Villar said the threat would compromise the confidential information of Filipinos, including names, addresses, contact information, medical records as well as internal memorandums of the agency. Ransomware is a kind of malicious software that encrypts files in a device or system with access to a computer that is being blocked by hackers. To regain access to the hacked site, cybercriminals demand a ransom. Villar condemned the cyber attack incident against the PhilHealth, saying: “It is not only a huge case of information theft but an extensive attack against public health and welfare.” “These attacks compromise the medical information of the members of PhilHealth,” he added. The resolution targets to tackle the increasing number of cyber attacks, not only with PhilHealth's case but also the cases of other government agencies that were subjected to hacking. “It is high time that we strengthen our cyberspace security as we are dealing with private and delicate information that could endanger, not just of one institution, but of the general Filipino public," Villar stressed. “The regulation of cyberspace is timely and relevant, considering the increasing cases of cyber attacks on government agencies and the cases of online fraud against consumers,” he added. Earlier this week, PhilHealth said it would not pay the ransom and it has shut down its online systems “to assess the impact of the cyberattack." Philhealth also opted for manual processing of the member benefits following the hacking incident. Meanwhile, the Department of Information and Communications Technology said the cyber hackers already uploaded some PhilHealth information and documents to the dark web, with a countdown of days before the state insurer should pay ransom. DICT clarified the PhilHealth database was not compromised. The post Mark Villar seeks probe of cyberattacks vs. PhilHealth, other gov’t portals 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......»»
A multipolar world is not enough
We are confronting existential challenges. The climate crisis is spiraling out of control. A global cost-of-living crisis is raging. Poverty, hunger and inequalities are growing against the objectives of the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. New technologies are raising red flags, without a global architecture to deal with them. Geopolitical divides and conflicts are multiplying with profound global implications, especially the impacts from the Russian invasion of Ukraine. We are moving toward a multipolar world, and that is a positive thing. But multipolarity in itself is not enough to guarantee a peaceful or just global community. To be a factor of peace, equity and justice in international relations, multipolarity must be supported by strong and effective multilateral institutions. Look no further than the situation in Europe at the dawn of the last century. Europe was multipolar — but it lacked strong multilateral mechanisms. The result was World War I. As the global community moves toward multipolarity, we desperately need — and I have been vigorously advocating for — a strengthened and reformed multilateral architecture based on the UN Charter and international law. Today’s global governance structures reflect yesterday’s world. They were largely created in the aftermath of World War II when many African countries were still ruled by colonial powers and were not even at the table. This is particularly true of the Security Council of the United Nations and the Bretton Woods institutions. For multilateral institutions to remain truly universal, they must reform to reflect today’s power and economic realities, and not the power and economic realities of the post Second World War. In the absence of such reform — fragmentation is inevitable. We cannot afford a world with a divided global economy and financial system; with diverging strategies on technology including artificial intelligence; and with conflicting security frameworks. The IMF estimates that such a fracture could cost 7 percent of global GDP — a cost that would be disproportionately born by low-income countries, mainly in Africa. In a fracturing world with overwhelming crises, there is simply no alternative to cooperation. We must urgently restore trust and reinvigorate multilateralism for the 21st century. This requires the courage to compromise in the reforms that are necessary for the common good. It requires full respect for the UN Charter, international law, universal values, and all human rights — social, cultural, economic, civil and political. And it requires much greater solidarity. Redesigning today’s outdated, dysfunctional, and unfair global financial architecture is necessary, but I know it won’t happen overnight. Yet we can — and must — take practical action now. We must also drastically step-up climate action and climate justice. Developed countries [must] commit to reach net zero emissions as close as possible to 2040, and developing countries as close as possible to 2050. Developed countries must also finally keep their promises to developing countries: By meeting the $100 billion goal, doubling adaptation finance, replenishing the Green Climate Fund and operationalizing the loss and damage fund this year. We will not solve our common challenges in a fragmented way. Together, let us work to advance the power of universal action, the imperative for justice and the promise of a better future. *** Excerpts from the UN Secretary-General’s remarks at the BRICS summit, 24 August 2023. The post A multipolar world is not enough appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Filipino-Indian billionaire sought relief from DOJ
Filipino-Indian billionaire Rajiv Chandiramani has asked the Department of Justice to junk the complaint against him for multiple counts of falsification of public documents filed by his estranged brother for being “baseless, contrived, and manufactured.” Rajiv, in his 25-page counter-affidavit filed through his counsel, denied committing any falsification in order to take control of the more than P1 billion worth of properties left behind by their father Prem Chandiraman following his death in 2011. He claimed that the falsification complaint was merely resurrected by his brother to pressure him to give in to the latter’s demands for more money after their initial compromise agreement in 2022. “By re-filing the complaint for falsification of documents as against Rajiv, Amith has violated his waiver and quitclaim. In the regime of law and order, repudiation of an agreement validly entered into cannot be made without any ground or reason in law or in fact for such repudiation,” Rajiv said. Contrary to his brother’s claim, Rajiv recounted that because of his business ethics, he was able to establish a good business reputation in the business community, particularly in the Filipino-Indian community. Rajiv is the owner of Rheana’s Trading Inc., which is one of the leading domestic companies engaged in the business of buying, selling, distributing, and importing electronic products and accessories. While his older brother, according to Rajiv, got hooked on illegal drugs and was confined in several drug rehabilitation facilities. Rajiv said his brother, in 2020, was released from a drug facility and then stayed in Dubai. A year after, Rajiv claimed there were several defamatory messages against him that were being circulated among relatives, friends, and colleagues, particularly, that he had allegedly falsified several sale documents. With this, Rajiv conducted his own personal investigation and was convinced that these defamatory messages originated from Amith. “It eventually became apparent that Amith started these malicious rumors as he wanted additional monies from Rajiv and their mother,” Rajiv said. Rajiv initially sought redress before the courts by filing a complaint for damages with an injunction against Amith to prevent and dissuade him from continuously spreading malicious allegations against him. He also filed a criminal complaint for cyber libel against Amith. Meanwhile, Amith, in July 2022, filed a criminal complaint for falsification of public documents against Rajiv and their mother and several other respondents before the Office of the City Prosecutor of Makati City. He alleged that Rajiv conspired with their mother to falsify the signature of their deceased father as appearing on several sale documents. In order to end their rift and upon persuasion of family members, Rajiv said he agreed to a compromise with Amith, which led to the mutual withdrawal of the cases that were filed against each other at that time. The agreement also provides a waiver and quitclaim covering any and all potential claims or rights against each other arising from, or in connection with the cases, as well as the estate of their late father. Rajiv, as part of the consideration for the compromise agreement, bound himself to pay Amith the total amount of P150 million by way of support. Rajiv said he has been complying with his contractual undertakings in providing Amith with monthly support of Php600,000, including giving financial assistance for Amith to put up his own electronics trading business. But was surprised to learn that Amith violated their agreement by resurrecting the falsification complaint against him. Amith in his complaint, claimed that Rajiv, their mother Pushpa Chandiramani, and several others connived in depriving him of his inheritance from their father Prem, amounting to billions of pesos in the form of real estate properties and business interests. Among the properties that he claimed were illegally taken from him by Rajiv and his cohorts was a prime 1,559 square-meter lot in Cubao, Quezon City with Transfer Certificate of Title No.46459. But the camp of Rajiv maintained that the compromise agreement entered into by him and Amith is a valid and enforceable contract; thus, the latter is barred from filing a falsification of public documents complaint. “The act of Amith in re-filing or reviving the Complaint for Falsification of Documents with the NBI is a violation of the compromise agreement, and his desistance, waiver, and quitclaim undertakings,” Rajiv said. He disclosed that he has filed a formal complaint for specific performance and damages seeking to compel Amith to comply with the provisions of the compromise agreement and the waiver and quitclaim. Presently, the complaint is pending with the Regional Trial Court of Makati City, Branch 145. The post Filipino-Indian billionaire sought relief from DOJ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Is prior demand necessary?
Time and again, I have emphasized the importance of strict adherence to procedural rules. Again, no matter how meritorious your case is, if you do not follow procedure, it can be dismissed on a mere technicality. That will be a crushing defeat; a knockout punch in the very first round. Your time, resources, and effort, all go down the drain. All for nothing. Specifically, I talk about sending a demand to your obstinate lessee before filing an ejectment suit. Section 2, Rule 70 of the Rules of Court expressly mandates that the ejectment suit “shall be commenced only after demand to pay or comply with the conditions of the lease and to vacate is made upon the lessees, or by serving written notice of such demand upon the person found on the premises, or by posting such notice on the premises of no person be found thereon, and the lessee fails to comply therewith after 15 days in the case of land or five days in the case of buildings.” Failure to comply, even if the lessor has all the right to dispossess the lessee, will result in the dismissal. Such is what happened in Velia J. Cruz v. Spouses Maximo and Susan Christensen (G.R. 205539 promulgated 4 October 2017). Petitioner Velia Cruz inherited property from her mother. Respondent Spouses Maximo and Susan Christensen already leased said property from her mother during her lifetime. Ms. Cruz, upon her mother’s passing, thus became the spouses’ lessor. In time, lessees failed repeatedly to pay rent. Thus, Ms. Cruz was constrained to demand that the lessees vacate the property and pay all unpaid rentals. The parties met at the barangay for conciliation. No settlement was inked. Three years later, Ms. Cruz finally sent a demand letter to vacate the property and pay the rental arrears. There being a refusal still by the lessees, Ms. Cruz was constrained to file an ejectment suit. At the trial court, Ms. Christensen admitted the lease but made an issue out of the demand letter. She denied having received it and claimed she did not know whose signature appeared on the letter, allegedly receiving it on her behalf. The court, on account of this ground, dismissed the case. It opined that since it was not established who received the demand letter, it could not be said that the lessee received it. Thus, a failure to comply with the demand requirement. Upon dismissal, Ms. Cruz wasted no time appealing to the next level of court. The Regional Trial Court on appeal, gave her the nod. It gave due course to her appeal and required the lessee to vacate the premises and pay the unpaid rentals. Respondent spouses’ turn to go up. The Court of Appeals reversed the Regional Trial Court and reinstated the dismissal by the trial court. Thus, Ms. Cruz had no other recourse but to go up to the final bulwark of justice. Among the issues raised was the sufficiency of the demand; or if such is necessary in the first place. In ruling in favor of petitioner Cruz, the Supreme Court declared, “[T]he property in this case is owned by petitioner. Respondents had a month-to-month lease with the petitioner’s predecessor-in-interest. Petitioner contends that no prior demand was necessary in this case since her Complaint was premised on the expiration of respondent’s lease, not on the failure to pay rent due or to comply with the conditions of the lease. “The jurisdictional requirement of prior demand is unnecessary if the action is premised on the termination of the lease due to expiration of the terms of the contract. The complaint must be brought on the allegation that the lease has expired and the lessor demanded the lessee to vacate, not on the allegation that the lessee failed to pay rents. The cause of action which would give rise to an ejectment case would be the expiration of the lease. Thus, the requirement under Rule 70, Section 2 of a prior ‘demand to pay or comply with the conditions of the lease and to vacate’ would be unnecessary. xxx xxx “However, the respondents’ Answer to the Complaint is telling. Respondents admit that they only had a month-to-month lease since 1969. They contend that they had been continuously paying their monthly rent until sometime in 2002 when the petitioner refused to receive it. Thus, as early as 2002, the petitioner, as the lessor, already refused to renew respondents’ month-to-month verbal lease. Therefore, the respondent’s lease had already long expired before the petitioner sent her demand letters. “Respondents cannot feign ignorance of petitioner’s demand to vacate since the matter was brought to barangay conciliation proceedings in 2005. The barangay certification issued on 11 August 2005, shows that no compromise was reached between the parties.” “Therefore, the respondents’ insistence on the non-receipt of the demand letter is misplaced. Their verbal lease over the property had already expired sometime in 2002. xxx xxx The demand letter would have been unnecessary since respondents’ continued refusal to vacate despite the expiration of their verbal lease was sufficient ground to bring the action.” Clear as day. Another good distinction learned. If the ground is the expiration of the lease, no demand is needed. In case you as a landlord, are in a like situation, you know that no demand before the institution will not be a fatal infirmity. Sources: Section 2, Rule 70, Rules of Court Velia J. Cruz v. Spouses Maximo and Susan Christensen as cited above The post Is prior demand necessary? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PHL will push for support, consensus on South China Sea conflict at ASEAN summit
The Philippines will push for statements on the South China Sea in the upcoming 43rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Indonesia, a Foreign Affairs official said on Thursday. During the Malacañang Press Briefing, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for ASEAN Affairs Daniel Espiritu said the Philippines is concerned about recent incidents in the Ayungin Shoal and the new map released by China. "The Philippines is definitely pushing for statements in that regard," Espiritu said. "But, of course, I cannot give you yet the final text of that because it's still being negotiated," he added. Espiritu said the Philippines is working with other Association of Southeast Asian Nation members to reach a consensus on the statements. For context, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will meet with Cambodia's new Prime Minister Hun Manet, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, Timor Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Jakarta, Indonesia next month. Espiritu said there are external partners who support the Philippines' position, but he could not say if it will be enough to secure consensus. "I cannot predict at this point if it will be at the level of consensus in the end," he said. Espiritu said the Philippines is not seeking to condemn China, but it wants to make clear its concerns about the recent developments in the South China Sea. "We are saying something in that regard, yeah, not exactly with the word condemnation," he said. Espiritu said the language of the statements is still being negotiated, and he could not predict what the final outcome will be. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is expected to join the 43rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Jakarta, Indonesia on 5-7 September 2023. Code of Conduct Meanwhile, Espiritu said the creation of the code of conduct (COC) for the contested South China Sea might experience some delays because of differing stances among the countries making claims in the region. Espiritu said, "We will have to wait" since discussions were still underway due to "many" roadblocks that hinder the COC's completion. "Definitely our national interest varies. Pero, I cannot exactly say what these are to you. Since several countries are involved here and nand'yan din 'yung ASEAN, we will have to devise a compromise every step of the way," Espiritu said. "It has been happening for a very long time. I think it will take a little bit longer for its completion," he added. The post PHL will push for support, consensus on South China Sea conflict at ASEAN summit appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»