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100.2-M SIMs already registered — DICT
The Department of Information and Communications Technology or DICT announced on Sunday that at least 100.2 million subscriber identity modules or SIMs have been registered with their respective telecommunications service providers, exactly a month before the extended SIM registration deadline. DICT Assistant Secretary for Cybersecurity and Upskilling Jeffrey Ian Dy stated on the radio that the number of registered SIMs is already “significant” and that they have met their soft target. “Right now, we have 100,200,000 registered SIM cards. Although this is almost 60 percent or 59.67 percent of the total SIM cards sold, we think that number is significant and we have reached our soft target,” he said. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. approved in April a 90-day extension of the SIM registration period from 26 April to 25 July. “There is no further extension. Even if we want it, there will be further extension because under the law, this is the last one. After 25 July, the next day, 26 July, your connection will be cut if your SIM card is not registered,” he added. The SIM Card Registration Act requires all public telecommunications entities to establish their own registration platform where they will onboard their users who present valid identification cards. Regulating the sale and use of SIMs by mandating registration to end-users is an attempt to put an end to crimes committed using the platform, such as text and online scams. The post 100.2-M SIMs already registered — DICT appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pascual backs SIM registration extension
Micro, small, and medium enterprises using numerous subscriber identity module or SIM cards have yet to register them all, which may result to huge displacements when these are deactivated by the 26 April deadline., Trade Secretary Fred Pascual said. He said that small firms are largely dependent on their smartphones in transacting with customers In a press briefing in Malacañang, Pascual said the Department of Information and Communications Technology should consider extending the deadline for SIM card registration as it will help in the country’s shift to digital payments. “Digital payments are what we need to happen to further promote and develop our MSMEs because that’s how they can facilitate accessing the market and being able to sell online,” he said. The Trade chief stressed that strictly implementing the deadline will be a “major concern.” Telco giant Globe Telecom backed the call of Pascual so customers can obtain valid IDs — a key requirement for SIM registration that many SIM users lack, preventing them from completing registration. Globe, nonetheless, urged its subscribers to complete the registration process immediately, with 33.067 million of its 86.5 million customer base compliant with the law as of 20 April. “We encourage all our subscribers to register their SIMs as soon as possible to maintain uninterrupted access to mobile and broadband services. Pending response to our appeal for the government to extend the deadline, we call on all Globe SIM users to comply with the law,” said Globe Group President and CEO Ernest Cu. Extension must be considered “If we really need registration, we need to be able to accommodate (adjustment of the deadline). Personally, I will go for it, but I do not know the official position of the concerned department,” the Trade chief noted. Moreover, he said the SIM registration “must be done and make sure that registration happens. It’s like voter’s registration.” On Wednesday, the DICT said the deadline for the SIM card registration period remains, amid clamors from major telecommunications giants Globe, Smart and DITO Telecommunications to extend the registration period. “With the 26 April 2023 registration deadline drawing near, we encourage everyone to register to promote the responsible use of SIMs and provide law enforcement agencies the necessary tools to crack down on perpetrators who use SIMs for their crimes, consistent with the declared policy of the law,” the DICT statement read. The DICT, headed by Secretary Ivan Uy, has the sole prerogative to extend the deadline for another 120 days, stipulated on the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 11934 or SIM Registration Law. According to the National Telecommunications Commission, as of April 18, about 5,399,998 or 36.08 percent have registered for DITO; 32,224,277 or 37.15 percent for Globe; and 36,558,127 or 55.14 percent for Smart for a total of 74,182,402. Further, the NTC said registered users make up 44.15 percent of these active mobile subscribers. The post Pascual backs SIM registration extension appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Google, Meta win court fight against Austrian online content rule
The firms win based on an EU rule that online service providers are only subject to the rules of the country where they have an established corporate entity, which is Ireland in their case.....»»
DOLE lauds outstanding Public Employment Service Offices across nation
The Department of Labor and Employment urged collective action to address the Philippines’ job problems on 25 October during the 23rd National PESO Congress in Palo, Leyte. DOLE Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma stressed in his speech the vital role of Public Employment Service Offices or PESO and DOLE’s frontline partners in promoting productive employment at the local level. “The responsibility of realizing the objectives of the Philippine Labor and Employment Plan and the Trabaho para sa Bayan Act is not the DOLE’s responsibility alone. It is jointly shared with our social partners, especially our PESOs. The challenges we face in our employment landscape demand collective action and innovative solutions,” Laguesma said. Laguesma also emphasized the need for open and constructive dialogue with PESO managers across the nation as he bared the department's five-point agenda, which includes strengthening its core functions, fortifying partnerships with employers and educational institutions and digitalizing public employment services. DOLE conferred awards to PESOs with outstanding accomplishments in the past year during the 2022 National Search for Best PESO Awards. Among the accomplishments are the 2.4 million jobseekers employed through the facilitation of PESOs, which translates to a 91 percent placement rate across the regions. PESO Bataan won in the first-class province category, PESO Lanao del Norte in the second-class province category and PESO Aurora in the third to fifth class category. DOLE also hailed PESO Iloilo City as champion for the highly urbanized city category and PESO Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental for the component and independent component city category. Among the awardees for the municipal PESOs were PESO Villasis, Pangasinan (first class municipality category); PESO Pila, Laguna (second to third-class municipality category); and PESO Llanera, Nueva Ecija (fourth to sixth-class municipality category). The University of Batangas was elevated to the Hall of Fame for winning the search for best PESO in 2018 and 2019 and the Bayanihan Service Award in 2020 and 2021. The university job’s placement office received a trophy and a P250,000 cash prize. The post DOLE lauds outstanding Public Employment Service Offices across nation appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DepEd, internet firms discuss free Wi-Fi connection in schools
The Department of Education is currently in talks with several internet service providers including Starlink, PLDT, Converge and Globe for the Wi-Fi coverage of all public schools as part of the agency’s move to digitize the country’s education system......»»
Bong Go to DTI: More livelihood opportunities for poor
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go expressed his support for the proposed budget for the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and its attached agencies during the Senate Finance sub-committee hearing on Tuesday, 3 October. He however appealed to the concerned agencies of government, particularly DTI, to address rising prices of commodities, mitigate the impact of inflation, and provide more livelihood opportunities for the poor to help them recover from the pandemic and other recent crises. “Bigyan po ninyo ng mas maraming oportunidad na makabangon ang mga mahihirap. Ang maayos na kabuhayan ang isa sa mga magiging susi sa pagginhawa ng pamumuhay ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” he explained. “Trabaho po ng DTI na bantayan rin ang mga presyo ng bilihin lalo na ngayon na lumalala ang inflation. Bagamat hindi natin kontrolado ang global factors na nagdudulot nito, sikapin dapat ng gobyerno na pagaanin ang hirap na dinadala ng ating mga kababayang pinakanangangailangan,” he appealed. Go’s stance comes in the wake of the recent Pulse Asia survey, conducted from 10 to 14 September, which showed that poverty and inflation were identified as two of the most pressing concerns. It is for this reason that the senator has urged the government to prioritize the creation of better job opportunities as a crucial step towards alleviating the suffering of the people and stabilizing the country's economy. “Nais kong iparating ang aking suporta para sa proposed budget at mga programa ng DTI. Ang DTI ay may malaking papel sa pagpapalago ng ating ekonomiya at pagpapabuti ng kalagayan ng ating mga negosyante at manggagawa,” said Go. Through Senator Mark Villar who presided over the budget hearing, Go manifested his support for DTI as it plays a pivotal role in shaping the economic landscape of the country, considering that it is responsible for crafting and implementing policies, programs, and projects that promote a competitive and innovative business environment. “Sa pagtugon sa mga hamon ng kasalukuyang panahon, napakahalaga na maglaan tayo ng sapat na pondo para sa DTI upang maipagpatuloy nila ang kanilang mahalagang mga proyekto at programa. Sa tulong ng mga programa ng DTI, mas mapapaunlad natin ang sektor ng negosyo sa bansa at mas magkakaroon tayo ng mas maraming pagkakataon para sa trabaho at kabuhayan,” he added. Moreover, Go said that the department is entrusted with the vital task of supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that constitute the backbone of the Philippine economy. These businesses are crucial in generating employment and driving economic growth. Go highlighted Republic Act No. 11960, or the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Act. Authored and co-sponsored by Go, the OTOP Philippines Program is a government-led initiative that allows each town or city in the country to capitalize on a unique product or service that embodies its identity, culture, and traditions. “Sa tulong ng batas na ito, ating pinapalakas ang mga lokal na negosyo sa bawat bayan at siyudad sa bansa. Ipinapaabot natin sa kanila ang suporta na kinakailangan nila upang mapanatili ang kanilang operasyon at maabot ang mas malawak na merkado,” Go said, adding that by leveraging local resources, the program not only invigorates economic activities but also fosters cultural preservation. Meanwhile, Go also co-sponsored Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2021, which aims to institutionalize the Shared Service Facilities (SSF) project under DTI. The proposed measure seeks to amend RA 6977 or the Magna Carta for Small Enterprises as amended by RA 9501, also known as the Magna Carta for MSMEs. If enacted, the SSF program would offer more cost-effective solutions to MSMEs by providing access to shared facilities and services that will help them improve the quality and productivity of their products, including equipment, tools, and machinery that they can use to upgrade their production processes that are typically expensive for individual MSMEs. During the previous administration, Go advocated for the Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) program which seeks to aid micro, small, and medium enterprises in crises and provide livelihood opportunities to more Filipinos. “Sa programang ito, tuturuan ang mga benepisyaryo na magnegosyo at bibigyan ng suporta para palaguin ito. Masarap sa pakiramdam kapag pinaghirapan at pinagpawisan ang iyong negosyo, napalago ito, at naiuwi sa pamilya ang kinita mula dito,” he said. He continues to support the implementation of the program to help more Filipinos in need of government support amid trying times. Last year, Go successfully appealed for the budget allocation for the PPG program during the deliberations on the 2023 budget of the DTI. “Marami pong nawalan ng trabaho, maraming nagsara na negosyo dahil po sa pandemya kaya naman napakahalagang maipagpatuloy ang programang ito,” he said. “Isa itong paraan upang maipakita natin ang ating malasakit sa mga Pilipinong apektado ng iba't ibang krisis, mula sa nakaraang pandemya hanggang sa mga kasalukuyang kalamidad, at mabigyan sila ng bagong pag-asa na magkaroon ng maayos na kabuhayan,” he added. Furthermore, Senator Go filed SBN 420, which aims to establish the Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP) that will be operated under the purview of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). The primary objective of this proposed program is to offer temporary employment opportunities to individuals experiencing economic hardships, poverty, displacement, or seasonal unemployment. By creating such opportunities, REAP can assist those affected in achieving financial stability during challenging periods. The post Bong Go to DTI: More livelihood opportunities for poor appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
LGUs urged to adopt eBOSS
The Anti-Red Tape Authority on Wednesday encouraged the local government units to comply with the Electronic Business One-Stop Shop or eBOSS to boost the ease of doing business in the Philippines. ARTA Director General Ernesto Perez said that the eBOSS is a program developed by ARTA in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology to provide LGUs with a digitalized and streamlined business processing and licensing system. "The eBOSS makes it easier and faster for businesses to register and obtain permits, which can help to attract more investors and create more jobs," Perez said in a public briefing. Perez added that ARTA is working with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to ensure that all LGUs comply with the eBOSS requirement. "We are providing LGUs with the necessary support and guidance to help them implement the eBOSS. We are also working with the DILG to monitor the compliance of LGUs," Perez said. As of September 2023, only eight out of 17 LGUs in Metro Manila have been verified by ARTA as compliant with eBOSS. Among them are Quezon City, Valenzuela, Marikina, Parañaque, Muntinlupa, and Quezon City, all of which have seen an increase in revenue collection and business registration. Outside Metro Manila, Lapu-Lapu, Cagayan de Oro, and Batangas City have also complied. "We urge all LGUs to comply with the eBOSS requirement. This is not only a legal requirement, but it is also in the best interest of our businesses and our economy," Perez said. ARTA's Partnership with the Civil Service Commission ARTA has also partnered with the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government services. Under the partnership, ARTA and CSC will work together to develop and implement training programs for government employees on anti-red tape and ease of doing business. The partnership is also expected to promote the use of technology to improve government service delivery, Perez said. In addition, he said both ARTA and CSC will monitor and evaluate the performance of government agencies in terms of anti-red tape and ease of doing business. "We believe that this partnership with CSC will be instrumental in our efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government services," Perez said. "A more efficient and effective government will benefit both businesses and citizens. It will make it easier for businesses to operate and create jobs, and it will make it easier for citizens to access government services," Perez added. The post LGUs urged to adopt eBOSS appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Poe frowns on suspending SIM registration
No way should the mandated SIM card registration be suspended just because of glitches that enabled fake ID cards to slip past its system, Sen. Grace Poe said yesterday as she urged telecommunication firms to make sure they do their part well in implementing the law......»»
BSP urges free service fee for small fund transfers
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas plans to issue a payments framework aimed at removing transaction fees for small fund transfers. BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr. on Thursday said central bank officials have also been talking with e-wallet firms and other digital financial services providers to create the framework which will require financial firms to offer free fund transfers for small amounts. He said only three major banks are offering such service so far amid the lack of formal guidelines and directive from the BSP. Shame major banks “We’re trying to shame other major banks into following the same service. We’re formalizing it through a payments framework, and we’re in touch with GCash, Maya and other digital financial services providers,” Remolona said Thursday during the Global Policy Forum on Financial Inclusion organized by the Alliance for Financial Inclusion at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. With zero fees for small fund transfers, Remolona said more Filipinos would be encouraged to avail of banking services like deposit accounts, build wealth, and promote equitable financial service. “In general, we want to make sure the poor do not subsidize the rich. If you have a credit card and a big spender, you can get rewards. Guess who pays for the rewards? It’s the poor guys who only use small amounts in their transactions and get charged,” the BSP governor said. As more Filipinos own deposit accounts even with small funds, Remolona added banks and other lenders can strengthen their capital capacities. “We’ve found that when deposits are small, they become sticky and depositors don’t run away at the first sign of trouble. If you can lend to the poor, you have a more diversified portfolio and so it’s safer for banks,” the BSP governor said. Manila Manifesto During the Global Policy Forum on Financial Inclusion attended by over 700 foreign bankers and other stakeholders, Remolona announced the Manila Manifesto. This is a commitment by the Philippines to collaborate with other state-members of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion or AFI on developing global standards for making financial products and services safe, accessible and affordable for all. AFI reported 1.4 billion people worldwide still cannot access financial services due to a range of factors, such as financial illiteracy and lack of Internet connection and digital banking platforms. “In the 15 years since AFI was created, with substantive support from the BSP, our members have brought over 840 million people into the financial system via enlightened national policies and strategies on financial inclusion,” Dr. Alfred Hannig, AFI executive director, said. The post BSP urges free service fee for small fund transfers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NHA to launch 1st People’s Caravan
The National Housing Authority over the weekend announced that it will launch its first-ever People’s Caravan on 15 September 2023 at the Villa de Adelaida Housing Project in Brgy. Halang, Naic, Cavite. The program is the NHA’s new and innovative method of delivering various government services effectively and directly to the beneficiaries. NHA General Manager Joeben Tai’s directed Assistant General Manager Alvin S. Feliciano to head the activity, in cooperation with Naic Municipality Mayor Ruperto C. Dualan and Vice Mayor Junio C. Dualan. It can be recalled that the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) had already expressed its willingness to provide free legal consultations on housing-related concerns and other legal services. This is to signify their support for the success of the NHA’s initiative in bringing its services closer to the beneficiaries. In ensuring the health and wellness of the beneficiaries, the Municipality of Naic, Cavite, together with the Department of Health (DOH) will conduct a medical mission. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) will give away free vitamins and medicine to residents who are in need, while the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will offer free medical check-ups and haircuts. The Department of Agriculture (DA) will offer affordable agricultural products that can be purchased at the NHA-DA KADIWA store of the Department of Agriculture (DA). For residents interested in expanding their agricultural expertise, the DA Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) will conduct skills training demonstrations. The participants of the said training will receive starter kits and planting materials. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on the other hand, will provide on-site internet services to help the beneficiaries with their online connectivity. For beneficiaries looking for work opportunities, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will hold a job fair together with the Public Employment Service Office. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will facilitate an intensive orientation on sustainable livelihood programs (SLP). The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is willing to teach business consultancy and literacy and orientation on business capital. Meanwhile, skills training demonstrations about food processing, food technology, and food packaging will be discussed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and DOST-Food and Nutrition Research Institute. The Land Transportation Office (LTO) will support the event through its LTO on Wheels by rendering renewal of motor vehicle registration, application for new/renewal of student permit, and renewal of Driver's License available. In addition, the Pag-IBIG Fund intends to register non-members and issue PAG-IBIG Loyalty Card Plus to NHA beneficiaries. The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) will render services in Philhealth ID registration and issuance. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) will assist beneficiaries through the registration of the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys), issuance of ePhilID, and application services of birth certificates, certificates of no marriage (CENOMAR), death certificates, and marriage certificates. Residents will also have the chance to accomplish their SSS membership enrollment and verification at the Social Security System booth. The People's Caravan is also in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in conducting free skills training demonstrations and training and orientation on the livelihood and scholarship programs and services. The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) will disseminate information on the programs and services of their agency. The Commission of Population and Development (CPD) will provide an orientation on their accessible services and programs and will distribute free population control kits. Meanwhile, the Province of Cavite will also provide essential services, and the Philippine National Police and AFP will ensure peace and safety during the conduct of the said caravan. In line with this, the NHA invites all Caviteños to join and support the very first People’s Caravan of the agency. To cater to more beneficiaries, four more People’s Caravans are expected to be launched in Luzon. The Authority is optimistic that future People’s Caravans in the country will gain more support and partnerships from other government agencies and the private sector. The post NHA to launch 1st People’s Caravan appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
More German firms eyeing Phl investments
More German firms are inclined to invest in the country given the Philippines’ good economic and investment posture, according to a recent survey from the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. This was revealed by GPCCI President Stefan Schmitz during his meeting with Philippine Economic Zone Authority director general Tereso Panga last Tuesday, 22 August. During the meeting, GPCCI presented to PEZA the results of its bi-annual AHK World Business Outlook survey conducted among the GPCCI members. According to GPCCI, the results of the Spring 2023 survey revealed that the Philippines generally exhibited a better/higher result in the areas of economy, investments, employment, overall situation and expectations. In terms of investments, the survey revealed that 46 percent of the participating GPCCI members are likely to invest more in the country within the next 12 months. Recent advancements in EU-Phl FTA Given the recent advancements in the EU-Philippines free trade agreement and the positive outcome of a successful economic briefing in Germany back in July, we are confident that many German businesses will increasingly consider investing in the Philippines,” stated GPCCI president Schmitz. Despite this, GPCCI also raised some issues and concerns affecting German investors including the amendment of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises or CREATE Law, as well as the PEZA Law, the high cost of doing business in the country, and the swift implementation of Executive Order 18. Issued on 23 February 2023, EO 18 is part of the Marcos administration’s eight-point agenda, which mandates all government offices, including the local government units, to expedite the processes involved in the issuance of permits, licenses, and certifications required to implement. The policy also directs the Board of Investments’ One-Stop Action Center as a Single Point of Entry further ensuring efficiency and ease of doing business in the country. PEZA accedes In response to this, Panga shared that PEZA is happy with surveys that compare the Philippines across ASEAN as it shows a vibrant outlook for the country as an investment destination. Highest growth rate in ASEAN “In ASEAN now, the Philippines is projected to have the highest GDP growth rate, making the Philippines one of the best-performing economies in the region and we need to take advantage of that. We don’t want to pass up on these opportunities. We can only realize these FDI leads if we’re able to improve our ease and cost of doing business,” he explained. Further, Panga said that they are glad that the President has already issued a compelling statement, directing concerned government offices to look into the CREATE, with the objective of amending it “… so that immediately we can provide relief to our locators who are unable to fully enjoy their incentives.” “These are the investors we have attracted to invest in the Philippines because of that promise of benefits and incentives as contained in the CREATE and in our registration agreements with PEZA. I think that should be the starting point before we can echo the call of the President to global investors that the Philippines is the smart investment destination in the region and that the best time to invest in the Philippines is now. We need to honor our commitments,” he explained. Panga also mentioned that PEZA will ask Congress to amend the 28-year-old PEZA Law to be able to cope with the demands of agile locators and remain competitive worldwide amid the fast-changing market trends. PEZA and the GPCCI both vowed to strengthen their collaborations to continuously attract German investors and other foreign investments in the country and even encourage existing investors to expand operations in the ecozones. GPCCI president Schmitz said, “With our longstanding partnership with PEZA, we eagerly anticipate offering our unwavering support to foster the promotion of the Philippines among German investors.” “We are positive that with your help, we can amplify our brand of service so that as we promote ecozones, we create connectivity until such time that the Philippines is dotted with all ecozones and we can see, at best, ease of doing business in the country so that investors will be able to maximize their investments in the Philippines and we can be more competitive in the region,” expressed the PEZA chief. PEZA currently hosts 40 registered German locator companies/projects which contribute P42.865 billion in investments (1.57 percent of the total PEZA investments), $412.664 million in exports, and 21,005 direct jobs. The post More German firms eyeing Phl investments appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Dela Rosa: Amend cybercrime law to check suspects’ mobile data
The Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs is eyeing amendments to Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 to allow the disclosure of computer data, including the content of calls or text messages by individuals who are subjects of case investigations. This suggestion came during Monday’s public hearing on the ambush of Aparri Vice Mayor Rommel Alameda in Nueva Vizcaya last 19 February, where Lt. Col. Christopher Luyun, officer in charge of the Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Unit of Cagayan Valley cited restrictions provided in RA 10175 as among the hurdles hampering the probe into the ambush of Alameda and five others. "We applied for a warrant to disclose computer data doon sa number ni Mayor Chan based sa affidavit ni Mrs. Alameda. However, noong una, sinagot ng (telecommunications firm) Globe na they don't have the equipment to save ‘yung traffic data. Pero nung inamend ‘yung warrant, nag-reapply kami Sir, nag-submit naman ‘yung Globe pero walang content" (At first, Globe responded saying they didn't have the equipment to save traffic data. But when we amended the warrant and reapplied, Globe submitted but there was no content), Luyun told the committee chaired by Sen. Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa. Aparri Mayor Bryan Chan was among the persons of interest in the attack on Alameda and his five companions in Purok 5, Sitio Kinakao, Baretbet, Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya. Under Section 14 of RA 10175, “law enforcement authorities, upon securing a court warrant, shall issue an order requiring any person or service provider to disclose or submit, within 72 hours from receipt of such order, subscriber’s information, traffic data or relevant data in his/its possession or control, in relation to a valid complaint officially docketed and assigned for investigation by law enforcement authorities, and the disclosure of which is necessary and relevant for the purpose of investigation.” Traffic data or non-content data refer to any computer data other than the content of the communication, including, but not limited to the communication’s origin, destination, route, time, date, size, duration or type of underlying service. "So maybe i-amend natin ‘yang batas na ‘yan na pagdating sa investigation ng isang krimen ay dapat obligado ang service provider like Globe to disclose to the investigating agencies ‘yung contents ng kanilang cellphone" (Maybe we should amend that law when it comes to the investigation of a crime, so service providers like Globe should be required to disclose to the investigating agencies the contents of their cellphone), Dela Rosa said. The committee also tackled several measures requiring the installation of closed-circuit television, the proposed Law Enforcement Body-worn Camera Act and the Checkpoint Regularization Act. The post Dela Rosa: Amend cybercrime law to check suspects’ mobile data appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Redundancy dismissal
Dear Atty. Joji, My husband’s company recently merged with its sister company. He was one of those selected to be transferred and relocated to another province. Since he does not want to be far away from us, he declined and refused the offer. Thereafter, he received a notice informing him of his dismissal due to redundancy. Was he validly dismissed? Joan *** Dear Joan, The Supreme Court stated that in termination cases, the employer bears the burden of proving that the employee’s dismissal was for a valid and authorized cause. Consequently, an employer’s failure to prove that the dismissal was valid renders the dismissal illegal. In the case of Teletech Customer Care Management Philippines, Inc. v. Gerona Jr., G.R. 219166, 10 November 10 2021, the Supreme Court reiterated established principles by stating that redundancy exists when an employee’s services are in excess of what is reasonably demanded by the actual requirements of the business. To successfully invoke a valid dismissal due to redundancy, the company must provide substantial proof that the services of the employees are in excess of what is required of the company. In the case of 3M PHILIPPINES, INC vs Yuseco, G.R. 248941, 9 November 2020, the Supreme Court reiterated: “Redundancy exists when the service capability of the workforce is in excess of what is reasonably needed to meet the demands of the business enterprise. A position is redundant where it had become superfluous. Superfluity of a position or positions may be the outcome of a number of factors such as overhiring of workers, decrease in volume of business, or dropping a particular product line or service activity previously manufactured or undertaken by the enterprise.” A valid redundancy program must comply with the following requisites: (a) written notice served on both the employees and the DoLE at least one (1) month prior to the intended date of termination of employment; (b) payment of separation pay equivalent to at least one (1) month pay for every year of service; (c) good faith in abolishing the redundant positions; and (d) fair and reasonable criteria in ascertaining what positions are to be declared redundant and accordingly abolished, taking into consideration such factors as (i) preferred status; (ii) efficiency; and (iii) seniority, among others. From the foregoing, the validity of your husband’s dismissal would rely on the circumstances surrounding the case. It is the employer’s burden to prove its validity and it must be noted that an employer can validly dismiss an employee from the service due to redundancy if it is proven that such employee’s position has already become in excess of what the employer’s enterprise requires. Hope this helps. Atty. Joji Alonso The post Redundancy dismissal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
2 ecozone firms close, 4,100 workers lose jobs
At least 4,100 workers lost their jobs with the closure of two locators inside the Mactan Economic Zone in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. Department of Labor and Employment in Central Visayas Regional Director Lilia Estillore said Mactan Apparel Inc. and First Glory Philippines Inc. have decided to cease operations due to high production and logistics cost. Mactan Apparel will retrench 3,500 workers while First Glory, a logistics company, will retrench 600 workers. Estillore said the 4,100 workers are to receive separation pay on 25 July as mandated by law. The amount will depend on the number of years that they have worked in their respective companies. Instead of paying them half month's salary per year of service, the two companies are giving their employees compensation equivalent to 18 days per year of service, according to Estillore. In addition, the retrenched workers will be paid their compensation for the entire month of July even if they will no longer be asked to report for work until the end of the month, the DoLE official added. DoLE-7 can release P10,000 to P30,000 as livelihood grant for the said workers. Its "writeshop" will teach the workers how to create a project proposal that would make them qualify to avail of the agency's livelihood assistance, she said. Meanwhile, Labor group Partido Manggagawa denounced the retrenchment and asked the multinational company Adidas to explain why its supplier factories are closing down. "These are factory closures, not just mass layoffs. Even though the economy is growing, workers are suffering. More than 4,000 breadwinners have lost their jobs and their families will now have to deal with all the difficulties of joblessness," Dennis Derige, PM-Cebu Chapter spokesperson, said. Derige said there are three factories in MEZ that make sportswear exclusively for the global brand Adidas and is part of the Sports City conglomerate, the biggest MEZ employer that supplies global garment brands. The closure of the two MEZ factories resulted in the third wave of mass layoffs at Sports City. In September 2020, some 4,000 workers were retrenched while another 4,000 were displaced in September 2022. The post 2 ecozone firms close, 4,100 workers lose jobs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go calls on consumers, service providers to conserve water
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go underscored the importance of strengthening water conservation efforts in the country and implementing sustainable practices in light of growing concerns about water scarcity and the potential for future water supply shortages. “Kailangan rin po natin sa mga ahensya ng gobyerno, sa mga LGUs, lalo na sa mga barangay level, mas paigtingin po natin ‘yung kampanya sa water conservation. Kung hindi naman po kailangan, ‘wag n’yong gamitin ‘yung tubig, i-check n’yo (kung may) mga leakage (para) walang masayang. Gamitin lang natin nang tama para hindi tayo magkaroon ng water shortage,” Go said in an interview after his visit to Carcar City on Wednesday, 12 July . The senator also stressed the obligation of water service providers to deliver consistent and uninterrupted services to the public, saying, “Bilisan natin itong mga pipeline rehabilitation. Katulad sa Maynila, na-privatize na po ito para sana magkaroon ng maayos na serbisyo. Willing naman po ang taumbayan na magbayad nang tama, sapat basta maayos lang po ‘yung serbisyo.” On Monday, 10 July, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Undersecretary Carlos David stated that the country currently has an adequate water supply; however, he emphasized the importance of proper management to avert a potential water crisis by year-end. To avoid a recurrence of the 2019 incident, wherein numerous households in Metro Manila and parts of Rizal experienced prolonged water interruptions, David highlighted the necessity of effectively managing the existing water resources. The Water Resources Management Office (WRMO) of the DENR has previously issued Bulletin No. 1, which outlines guidelines for government building administrators to implement appropriate water management practices. Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Go urged the government to raise awareness about water conservation and instill a sense of environmental responsibility among Filipinos. He also proposed an intensified greening program as a long-term solution, adding that such a program should be a collaborative effort involving the government and local communities. “Ang long term solution naman po nito itong greening program, kailangan na mas maraming punongkahoy na itatanim natin sa ating mga watershed. When I say greening program, hindi lang magtanim ng seedlings, tapos iwanan na. Kailangan po mayro’ng follow-up. Kaya po tayo mayroong DENR din po na pwedeng mamahala dito,” Go said. Go emphasized that conserving water resources is not only the responsibility of the government but also of every individual, saying, “Pwede rin po nating i-observe itong (water conservation.) Ipatupad natin itong water conservation at para po maka-save naman tayo ng tubig at para po hindi tayo magkaroon ng water shortage.” He urged the public to practice efficient water management techniques, such as reducing water consumption, fixing leaks, and utilizing water-saving technologies, to ensure the sustainability of this vital resource. The post Bong Go calls on consumers, service providers to conserve water appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
AI to stay relevant in BPO, group claims
As artificial intelligence is causing global worry over the loss of jobs for humans, executives of the Contact Center Association of the Philippines maintain that AI would bring more benefits than harm, particularly to their industry. CCAP president Mickey Ocampo said artificial intelligence would be more helpful, than detrimental, to the BPO industry. He said the country’s contact center and business process management sector continues to evolve amid the emergence of new technologies, particularly Generative AI, which is quickly being incorporated into various tasks across the information technology and business process management or IT-BPM industry. “The impact of a generative AI will come within the next, maybe, two to four years. This will allow our country to develop using upskilling our people. Generative AI will increase productivity as at a certain level we will be able to handle more calls or more non-voice inquiries. AI will also generate additional jobs,” he said during Daily Tribune’s Straight Talk program last Tuesday. Ocampo said their group is confident the sector could easily keep its position as the world’s top provider of voice and business process outsourcing services and it’s being the “heart of customer experience (CX)” with the adoption of Generative AI, which critics say could either be a boon or a bane to the BPO industry. “Generative AI can be used to automate and enhance various aspects of customer interactions. Some examples are chatbots and virtual assistants. There are automated email responses for faster adaptability. To illustrate, in the past, when an agent needed to respond to a customer’s call, he had to look at the CRM and backtrack or even go to the knowledge base. Now, these things are automated, further enhancing agent productivity,” Ocampo said. CCAP managing director Rosario Cajucom-Bradbury said Generative AI will have an impact on client business, in the way services are delivered and in the corporate services of providers, namely, human resource and finance, among others. She said the use of Generative AI Assist working alongside agents when handling calls will increase their efficiency, productivity, and resolution in delivering customer service. “Thus, the call agent is provided the opportunity to have more focused active listening and genuine empathy rather than being preoccupied with navigating the system for resolution. Filipinos’ innate trait of service orientation combined with the power of Generative AI will enhance the employee’s experience at work which would translate to an even more satisfying customer experience — therefore helping the Philippines retain being the ‘heart of CX’ and at the same time meeting or even exceeding growth targets,” Bradbury explained. Additional 1.1M jobs Ocampo said with the use of Generative AI by CCAP members, they can generate an additional 1.1 million jobs for Filipinos until 2028, covering all types of BPO services, namely, finance, insurance, medical, and health, and overall cost-based customer service for fast moving and consumer goods. “And if we go back to the generative AI, new job roles are created. Generative AI will be useful to the end users and the consumers and the business. We will continue to upskill our workforce to cope with AI,” Ocampo said. The aggressive target is part of the 2028 IT-BPM Roadmap, which was launched in the third quarter of 2022, coinciding with the start of the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. It also sets a target of 2.5 million full-time employees (2.3 million to be accounted for by CCAP-member firms) and a 40-percent countryside expansion. In 2022, the contact center sector employed 1.4 million individuals, which was 87 percent of the 1.6 million total employment in the local IT-BPM industry. Ocampo said the impact of Generative AI would be reflected in the sector’s figures in two to four years, clarifying that the emerging technology was not factored in when the IT-BPM Roadmap was set “because it surfaced just about seven months ago although AI had already been widely used across the industry.” These and more interesting issues and developments would take center stage in the upcoming Contact Islands Conference 2023. With the theme “The Philippines, the Heart of CX,” the conference is set to once again facilitate a world-class delegate experience and an excellent venue for the exchange of views, coaching, networking, and benchmarking for the sector’s leaders and decision-makers. The conference is set for 26 to 28 July at the Dusit Thani Mactan in Lapu-Lapu City Cebu. The post AI to stay relevant in BPO, group claims appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mercenary attitude
Easily the most head-spinning item of international news the past week was the thwarted armed rebellion by Russia-based mercenaries against Russian leader Vladimir Putin. At this writing, we don’t know how the Russian domestic security crisis will eventually pan out. But the unexpected 24-hour crisis — triggered after mercenary tycoon Yevgeny Prigozhin and his Wagner Group fighters seized critical facilities in Southern Russia before pushing on to Moscow but then abruptly standing down — grievously wounded Mr. Putin politically and put into question his more than 20 years in power. Significant, too is the fact the rebellion nakedly dramatized the return of mercenary armies in modern warfare and the political risks associated with its return. A case of what’s old is new again. The mercenary — simply understood nowadays as an armed civilian paid to conduct military operations in a foreign conflict zone — is not a new thing. Soldiers of fortune throughout history are as old as war itself, earning the colloquial sobriquet “second oldest profession” after prostitution. Only later were mercenaries stigmatized, tabooed, and outlawed when States, wanting a monopoly on the use of force, began to invest in standing national armies. Mercenaries, however, didn’t become extinct but went underground. But after 150 years underground, the private forces were regurgitated in just a few decades of the 20th and 21st centuries and are now growing at an alarming rate in all the domains of war — land, sea, air, and cyber. In fact, as war studies professor Sean McFate says, “In less than 20 years, the private force has proliferated among every (war) domain except space, but that too may change.” It is also big business. “No one truly knows how many billions of dollars slosh around this illicit market. All we know is that business is booming. Recent years have seen major mercenary activity in Yemen, Nigeria, Ukraine, Syria, and Iraq. Many of these for-profit warriors outclass local militaries, and a few can even stand up to America’s most elite forces,” says McFate. The modern mercenaries also frown on their old moniker. Private sector fighters and their employers instead sport euphemistic labels like private military contractors, private security companies, private military companies, private security/military companies, private military firms, military service providers, operational contractors, and contingency contractors. The proliferation of this new warrior class only proves, says McFate, the commodification of modern armed conflict. But other than the marketization of war, mercenaries also informally act as a proxy force fighting on behalf of the geopolitical agendas of the world’s great powers that refuse to let their own troops bleed in unconventional war zones. In fact, the Wagner Group — named after the German composer Richard Wagner — had for years followed “Mr. Putin’s shadowy geopolitical bidding in nations abroad and suffered profound losses on the battlefield in Ukraine before turning its sights on Russia itself.” Filipinos, meanwhile, aren’t strangers to mercenary lucre either. McFate, who once worked in the industry, says, “I worked alongside ex–special forces troops from places like the Philippines, Colombia, and South Africa. We did the same missions, but they got developing world wages and I did not. Mercenaries are just like T-shirts — they are cheaper in developing countries. Call it the globalization of private force.” In my personal knowledge, too, scores of former members of the elite Presidential Security Group or PSG took jobs as “embarked security” on international ships plying pirate waters in the Gulf of Aden, Strait of Malacca, and the Gulf of Guinea. As expected, the former PSG guys were reticent about their “privateer” contracts with London-based private security firms. But McFate explains: “Here’s how it works. Armed contractors sit on ‘arsenal ships’ in pirate waters and chopper to a client freighter or tanker when called. Once aboard, they act as ‘embarked security,’ hardening the ship with razor wire and protecting it with high-caliber firepower. After the ship gets through pirate waters, the team returns to its arsenal ship and awaits the next client.” Email: nevqjr@yahoo.com.ph The post Mercenary attitude appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BSP bans six money service firms for violations
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has banned six money service businesses from registering their companies further in the Philippines they were caught operating without a license. In a statement released on Monday, BSP’s policy-making body Monetary Board has disqualified the entities and any sole proprietorship owned and/or controlled by their respective owners/operators from registering with, and/or obtaining a license from the BSP to engage in any activity that is authorized or supervised by the BSP for operating as MSB without prior BSP registration. "The (disqualification) is pursuant to Section 901-N of the Manual of Regulations for Non-Bank Financial Institutions, and is part of BSP’s efforts to address the proliferation of entities engaged in the operation of unauthorized MSBs," the Central Bank explained. Of the six MSBs that BSP recently banned, three are located in Makati City, two in Pasay City and one in San Fernando, Pampanga. Last February, the BSP also disqualified one MSB in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, and another one in Panglao, Bohol. Last year, the BSP disqualified 10 MSBs from obtaining a license to operate because they failed to register with the BSP. MSBs are non-bank entities that provide remittance, money changing and foreign exchange dealing services. MSBs can also deal in virtual assets, which are digital representations of value that can be traded or used for payment. As of the end of 2022, the BSP has registered 7,584 MSBs, an 0.18 percent increase from 7,570 in 2021. The BSP said it is committed to ensuring that MSBs are properly regulated and supervised to protect the public. The post BSP bans six money service firms for violations appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DA, partner gov’t agencies brace agri-fisheries sector before El Niño starts
The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday said it is taking the necessary actions to prepare the agriculture and fisheries sector ahead of the looming El Niño phenomenon this year. “We in the DA are doing our best in trying to allocate the resources like seeds, fertilizers, and other commodities that are necessary for the impact of the El Niño phenomenon to the farming communities in the country,” Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban said. He added that last June 1, 2023, the DA’s National El Niño Team (DA-NENT) convened partner agencies from the Food Security Group under the National El Niño Team of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NENT-NDRRMC) for its 1st Inter-agency Meeting to discuss the actions taken and plans of the member-agencies. Panganiban said DA Field Operations Service Director and DA-NENT Chairperson U-Nichols Manalo presented the DA El Niño Mitigation and Adaptation Plan for crops, fisheries, and livestock sub-sectors. The plan is based on the four thematic areas of the DRRM framework - prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response, and rehabilitation and recovery. The strategies identified include dissemination of information, education, and communication materials, proper water management, prepositioning of resources, crop diversification, adjustment of planting calendar, buffer stocking of inputs, and promotion of short cycle and drought tolerant crops, among others. “DA is already preparing for the worst scenario for El Niño this year. Nevertheless, we will be of course expecting PAGASA to provide us with regular updates on this. Sana po ay hindi naman magtuloy, but we should always prepare for the worst case scenario,” DA Assistant Secretary for Operations Arnel De Mesa on the other hand said. He also noted that not all areas in the country will be affected, thus the government initiatives could focus more on areas that will be severely hit. De Mesa also urged the representatives from partner government agencies to facilitate easy access and sharing of information with the DA to guide planning and decision-making activities. “With all of us working together, we shall be able to achieve more,” Panganiban, for his part, said. The members of the DA-led Food Security Group are the Departments of Trade and Industry (DTI), Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Energy (DOE), Labor and Employment (DOLE), Budget and Management (DBM), Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), and Department of Finance-Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (DOF-PCIC) are also part of the group. The post DA, partner gov’t agencies brace agri-fisheries sector before El Niño starts appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Perspective: Investing in IT
In today’s digital age, technology is a fundamental aspect of any business’s success. However, while most companies have an IT team in place, many still struggle to bridge the gap between their business performance and IT operations. This can lead to internal pain points such as inefficient processes, poor data management, and security breaches — and may also adversely affect your customers. To avoid these pitfalls, it is critical for businesses to work in tandem with their IT teams to identify gaps and stumbling blocks in their operations. This ensures that technology is implemented strategically and effectively, addressing the needs of the business and the customer. Role of IT in business growth Historically, the role of IT may have been treated as more of a support function with limited impact on critical business operations. Today, it wields a substantial influence on the growth trajectory of a business. We commissioned market research firm Frost & Sullivan to conduct a survey on the perspectives of more than 1,000 IT decision-makers last year from companies with less than 1,000 employees across markets and industries. The survey found the three main business objectives of SMEs this year, to be increasing revenue (38 percent), improving operational efficiencies (29 percent) and increasing customer satisfaction (28 percent). Prioritizing IT could be a game-changer in achieving these goals. Working with various SMEs over the years, I’ve seen first-hand how they’ve benefited from better productivity and customer satisfaction from investing in the right IT tools. It is encouraging then that the survey also uncovered the influence that IT teams now have in the purchase of tools — 47 percent for IT support and management tools, 39 percent for communication and collaboration, and 37 percent for customer engagement tools. A study by International Data Corporation predicts that by 2025, 65 percent of Asia-based organizations will prioritize cloud infrastructure as their primary location for data storage and analysis. Additionally, by 2027, digital infrastructure is projected to generate 43 percent of business revenue in the Asia-Pacific region. As technology advances, IT will undoubtedly play an integral role in ensuring the safety and resilience of these digital spaces. Mixed perceptions of SMEs on IT Sixty-five percent of IT teams have responded that they have seen workloads surge in the last year, owing to added responsibilities, and complications arising from remote/hybrid work. Survey respondents also indicated that their time is mostly wasted on operational tasks such as supporting employees working remotely/in hybrid mode, calling the customer support, and supporting and troubleshooting employee issues. Ninety-two percent of our survey respondents say that reducing IT burden is an important initiative. With 64 percent seeing an increase in IT budgets by almost 60 percent in 2022 compared to 2021, more than half (56 percent) consider IT spending an investment. However, 42 percent remain unconvinced and still perceive it as a cost; so much so that value for money is the main driver when choosing new IT software, especially among SMEs with sub-50 employee size (41 percent). A recent piece by the World Economic Forum revealed that Philippine SMEs, despite comprising 99.5 percent of the country’s businesses, underperform having to account for only 36 percent of value added to the economy. WEF suggests that transforming to digital and shifting to new ways of doing business can stop the growth of this gap. However, local firms (54 percent) consider a lack of financial means as the top concern in adopting new technology, according to a 2021 survey by the World Bank with the Department of Finance and the National Economic and Development Authority. These challenges prevent local businesses from reaching their full potential in the digital economy. There needs to be an urgent shift in the way we perceive IT and recognize its potential to help build a resilient and successful business for the future. IT consolidation can alleviate the burden of IT teams The survey found that 83 percent of SMEs consider the consolidation of tools an important initiative for 2023, with the top three reasons being an increase in employee productivity (50 percent), ease of management for IT teams (49 percent), and cost savings (41 percent). To achieve these, 41 percent plan to switch vendors. However, switching vendors can be a challenging task with so many choices out there. Having been through this myself, I would say that the top factors for any vendor-customer relationship are reliability and trust. Majority of respondents also say they work with managed service providers as they provide trusted advice on the right technology, help in the deployment process and maintenance of the software. And its not just IT that benefits from consolidation. When it comes to customer support, we found that on average, SMEs use 2 different platforms/solutions to manage all customer communication, whether it’s via phone, SMS, social media or email. A consolidated tech stack can help offer more streamlined customer support which can improve the overall customer experience. Lindsay Brown is the vice president and general manager, Asia Pacific and Japan, at GoTo. The post Perspective: Investing in IT appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»