Twenty-five years of Press Freedom

 

Fr. Roberto Ebisa, SVD opens the Cebu Press Freedom through Holy Mass
Photo by: SunStar

For twenty-five years, local media practitioners have been celebrating Cebu Press Freedom Week in reminisce for obtaining freedom after the oppression during Martial Law.

The opening ceremonies last September 18, 2017 began with a parade followed by Holy Mass headed by Fr. Roberto Ebisa, KBP Cebu Chairman.

In an article published by The Freeman, Fr. Ebisa said in his homily that media practitioners have holy devices within and that is thr truth. He also added that being in this industry is a vocation and not just a profession.

Cebu Press Freedom Week was first held on 1994 with the goal of reminding the press and public that the given freedom should be protected from all kinds of threats.

See: TIMELINE HISTORY OF CEBU PRESS FREEDOM WEEK

In a week long celebration, several activities were prepared for media practitioners, communication faculty and students, international speakers, and many more.

House of Representatives approves September 21 as holiday

House of Representative

 

Cebu City north district Representative Raul del Mar filed House Bill No. 550 last June 30, 2016 requesting the bill’s approval for

 

EBU, Philippines – Barely two months before the Cebu Press Freedom Week celebration, the House of Representatives has approved House Bill 5688 declaring September 21 of every year a special working holiday in the entire Cebu province, including its highly urbanized and component cities, and for it to be known as “Cebu Press Freedom Day”.

Cebu City north district Representative Raul del Mar filed House Bill No. 550 last June 30, 2016 requesting the declaration, but it was substituted by House Bill No. 5688 when it was approved on July 26, 2017 upon the recommendation of the Committee on Revision of Laws chaired by Pangasinan Representative Marlyn Primicias-Agabas.

The bill was then co-authored by all Cebuano congressmen Rodrigo Abellanosa, Gerald Anthony Gullas, Wilfredo Caminero, Gwendolyn Garcia, Benhur Salimbangon, Ramon Durano VI, Jonas Cortes, Peter John Calderon, and Aileen Radaza.

 

Communication is Power: Aid through Effective Dissemination on Disaster Preparedness

In the continuous celebration of the Kabisanan ng mga Broadkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) Month, a forum on “Disaster Preparedness: Role of Broadcaster’s and Technical Staff” was held to further aid media practitioners in dealing with emergency situations.

Regional Director of National Telecommunications Commission (NTC)-7, Jesus Laureno, shared his expertise on matters regarding how media’s vital role affects the situation.

“We need the help and cooperation of all organizations involved in the disaster risk reduction process—the government, women and disability group, the local communities.” Laureno said.

Laureno encouraged all broadcasters to be at all times prepared and ready for possible disasters that may occur in the country.

“When a disaster occurs, citizen depend upon local broadcasters for access to lifesaving public safety and emergency announcement.” Laureno added.

Broadcasters play an important role in information dissemination and have an ability to assist local officials in providing the general public the announcement they deserve.

“We have to work together to make all the affected communities and families throughout the region be knowledgeable about being resilient to climate change and disasters.”

National Telecommunications Commission (NTC)

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) provides regulations to all telecommunication services in the Philippines.

According to NTC’s Operation Manual, its job is to regulate the construction, manufacture, possession, control, sale and transfer as well as the establishment, use, operation of all of radio, broadcast and telecommunications services.

MANDATE

• Regulates the installation, operation and maintenance of radio stations both for private and public use (Act No. 3846, as amended).
• Regulates and supervises the provision of public telecommunications services (RA 7925, CA146, as amended).
• Manages the radio spectrum (Act No. 3846, as amended and RA7925).
• Regulates and supervises radio and television broadcast stations, cable television (CATV) and pay television (EO546 and EO205).

See NTC Operation Manual: http://ntc.gov.ph/wpcontent/uploads/2016/operationsmanual/OperationsManual_QualityPolicyv2.pdf

In 2016 annual report of NTC Regional 7, it had shown a rapid increase of inspected the number of radio stations. With only a target of 6,596, regional office was able to investigate 11,062 stations, which is 68% higher than expected.

Figure: 2016 NTC7 Accomplishment Report

See NTC Reg 7 2016 Annual Report: http://ntc7.net.ph/images/Accomplishment_Report/2016_NTC7_Accomplishment_Report.pdf

NTC showed its commitment in giving out public service last year (2016) when it took part in the operations during Sto. Niño Fiesta Celebration, Fluvial Procession, Sinulog Grand Parade and Cebu’s hosting of the 51^st International Eucharistic Congress (IEC) 2016.

NTC Region 7, with the supervision of Engr. Laureno, has been active when it comes to activities that concerns the welfare of the locales in providing best quality public service they deserve.

Rapid Emergency Telecommunications Team (RETT)

With NTC’s aim to provide effective and strategic communication to the public, Rapid Emergency Telecommunications Team (RETT) has been introduced.

RETT functions as a rapid development team of the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

Furthermore, RETT provides integrated communication flow before, during and after disaster from the national down to the local level and vice-versa.

During the forum, Engr. Laureno emphasized that RETT will be composed of members from various multi-sectoral agencies such as telecommunication companies, Local Government Units (LGUs), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Federation of Radio Volunteers and Technicians, and  Office of the Civil Defense.

NTC-7 aims to be able to provide mobile communications to places who have been damaged with the help of the locally initiated RETT.

National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC)

The National Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Council (NDRRMC) leads in composing systematic activities that concern communication matters such as giving of warning signals, transportation, evacuation, health and rehabilitation, and auxiliary services.

NDRRMC falls under the fourth thematic area of National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan (NDRRMP) the Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery, which correspond to the structure of the National Disaster.

Also, NDRMMC is tasked to prepare and respond to natural calamities and human-induced emergencies and strategized the use of resources to hostile the impact of calamity aftermaths.

The council has four thematic areas:

1. Disaster Prevention and Mitigation- Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
2. Disaster Preparedness- Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)
3. Disaster Response- Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
4. Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery- NationalEconomic and Development Authority (NEDA)

Media’s Importance on Information Dissemination

Laureno ended the forum with a reminder that communication, in all its forms, plays the most vital role in times of emergencies.

Hence, broadcasters shall be equipped with essential knowledge on disaster preparedness to promote quality public service on emergency situations.

Fr. Roberto Ebisa, SVD, KBP Cebu Chairman, highlighted that forums regarding Disaster Preparedness is essential because it guides and enlightens all broadcasters on how to inform the general audience without causing public panic.
“The forum is important because there are issues related to disaster preparedness that the broadcast media can help in relation with the underlying umbrella of NTC, which is a government armed agency.” Fr. Ebisa said.

The forum was attended by the different KBP members, represented by the different broadcasting stations, communication faculties and media students from University of San Carlos.

CHR: Commission with a Mission

In the height of the continuous issues regarding extra judicial killings, Commission on Human Rights (CHR) came in to an active picture when  Kian Delos Santos , a 17 year old student, was allegedly executed by the Caloocan police during an operation.

The Caloocan operation was said to be in line with Duterte’s “War on Drug” campaign.

Kian’s death became a center of discourse to many Filipinos because of the unjust and carelessness of the Police force who headed the operation.

Due to questionnable killing of Kian, CHR launched their own investigation on August 20, 2017, four days after Kian’s body was found lifeless.

In an article published by Rappler, CHR Extrajudicial Task Force Head Commissioner Gwendolyn Pimental-Gana said that Kian’s case was so tragic and assured that CHR is taking part of it. Hence, they want to handle the case promptly and thoroughly.

Commission on Human Rights  function

Of all the departments that  form the government, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) looked into the case more closely.

Under the 1987 Constitution, CHR’s duty is to investigate allegations under human rights abuses done by state officials such as authorities from the military and police.

The Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines is an independent organization that promotes and ensures the security of every human rights as stated in The Bill of Rights under the 1987 Constitution.

The birth of CHR was under the administration of the late Cory Aquino, together with the human rights lawyer Jose Diokno.

CHR or Executive Order 163 was officially declared constitutional on May 5, 1987.

See: A Brief History of the Filipino Human Rights

With the given power, CHR investigates alleged human rights violation by referral or based on its own discretion.

According to the Commission on Human Rights Arellano Law Foundation, there are eleven (11) specific functions of CHR as mandated through the Constitution.

CHR Functions

1. Investigate all forms of human rights violations;
2. Conduct fact-finding missions, visits and/or inspections of the site where the incidents of human rights violations occurred or continue to be violated or threatened;
3. Provide appropriate legal measures for the protection of human rights of all persons within the Philippines, as well as Filipinos residing abroad;
4. Provide assistance to victims of human rights violations and their families;
5. Establish a continuing program of research, education, and information to enhance respect for the primacy of human rights
6. Recommend to the Congress effective measures to promote human rights and to provide for compensation to victims of violations of human rights, or their families.
7. The full list of functions is available in the Guidelines and Procedures in the Investigation and Monitoring of Human Rights Violations and Abuses, and the Provision of CHR Assistance;
8. Grant immunity from prosecution to any person whose testimony or whose possession of documents or other evidence is necessary or convenient to determine the truth in any investigation conducted by it or under its authority;
9. Request the assistance of any department, bureau, office, or agency in the performance of its functions;
10. Appoint its officers and employees in accordance with law; and
11. Perform such other duties and functions as may be provided by law.

In relation with Kian’s case, CHR initiated an investigation because it was between a civillian and police officers.

 

Filing a complaint

The Constitution is for every Filipino under the sovereignty. It is very important to know that every right is followed and repected.

Complaints can be lodged about any and all human rights violations. A full list of protected human rights can be found in the Philippines Bill of Rights.

The CHR accompanies each complaints as long as the complainant follows these procedures:

1. Complaints are required to be made in form of a letter, CHR Form 9 9Complant Sheet and execute a sworn statement) with the assistance of legal officer.
2. Submit complaints to Commission through a Commissioner or any regional sub-offices.
3. After submission, preliminary evaluation shall be performed.
4. The final evaluation shall be made within 15 days from the submission of investigation report.
5. Final resolution is prepared by a legal officer and approved by Regional Director.
6. The Commission cannot review human rights violations and abuses that are pending in court and are involving the same parties and the same issue.
7. All records of cases shall remain confidential until the resolution of the case shall have become final.

Meanwhile, an infographics was posted in the facebook page of CHR summarizing when and how should one be able to seek help from their office.

CHR 2017 Situation

The CHR is now headed by Chairperson Jose Luis Martic Gasco, replacing incumbrent Akbayan Partylist Representative Loretta Ann Rosales.

On September 12, 2017, an intense debate regarding CHR budget has been raised in the Congress.

From P678 million, the budget will only allocate P1,000.00 to CHR’s office to be used next year, 2018.

This gained a lot of negative impression from netizens to a sudden drop of budget allocation, which they believed an unjust move from the congress.

The motion was initiated by SAGIP Representative Rodante Marcoleta, a majority member.

The session ended with  119 legislators voted in favor of the budget while at least 32 voted against it.

Reactions

The 1000-peso budget brought a mixed reactions from the people, heating the tension from different social media accounts.

1000 pesos for 103,300,000 Filipinos. Let us never forget that for this government, our human rights are only worth Php 0.000009 apiece #CHR
— Angelo Silva (@juangelosilva) September 12, 2017

If this isn’t a rubber stamp Congress, I don’t know what is
— Moses Albiento (@mosesalbiento) September 12, 2017

Reducing the CHR’s budget is reducing the budget of the poor, the marginalized, the powerless, the oppressed.
— Harold Malig Goméz (@roldiegomez) September 12, 2017
(Compiled tweets from: Rappler.Com)

Deodatus Paulo Burgos, PolSci student and President of University of San Carlos Supreme Student Council, expressed his opinion regarding the budget allocation  for CHR.

“The term legal in its sense, means that an act or omission is within the bounds of law. Be that as it may, the act of Congress appropriating a budget of 1000.00php to Commission on Human Rights for the next fiscal year is legal. The 1987 Constitution under Art. VI, Sec. 24 mandates that all appropriations must come from the House of Representatives.” Burgos said.

“This mandate is what we call as legislative budgetary overview wherein the prepared budget by the Executive will go to a full-blown deliberation by the House of Representatives and thereafter, such House will approve the same before submission to the co-equal chamber– the Senate. Moreover the succeeding Section (25) of the same Article in the Constitution only presrcribes Congress to increase the prepared budget for any appropriations. Therefore, decreasing the budget in the case of CHR, is well compliant with the Constitution.” Burgos added.

Here are some reactions of citizens regarding the 1000 peso budget for 2018.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXwOL-XhLM0&t=11s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_d7aSjhm4k&t=56s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrV37GPanUM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooowDwwhSic&t=3s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhoaLly-iH8
https://youtu.be/7NTGAooKbt4

As of now, an on-going debate is still happening in the Congress and netizens expressing their opinions whether to approve the proposed budget or not.

 

 

 

 

Celebrating Intramurals the Carolinian Way

Exodus in Education: Deconstruction, Reconstuction, Re-launching

The Carolinian community had a week off from academic activities as they celebrated University of San Carlos Intramurals 2017, uniting different schools all over the academe from August 22-26, 2017.

The 8 schools are the following: School of Arts and Sciences (SAS), School of Business and Economics (SBE), School of Education (SED), School of Engineering (SOE), School of Law and Governance (SLG), School of Architecture, Fine Arts and Design (SAFAD), School of Health Car and Profession (SHCP), and the newest in the family is the Senior High School (SHS).

The opening ceremonies filled the USC Downtown Gym with hundreds of students supporting their respective schools.

Fr. Dionisio Miranda, SVD, University President, officially opened the 2017 University Intramurals.

The highlights of the ceremonies were the parade of athletes from different schools, Mr. and Ms. Intramurals 2017 and cheer dance competition.

To show support for their support respective schools, students wore uniform colors: royal blue for SAS, green for SBE, fade blue for SED, yellow for SOE, gray for SLG, maroon for SAFAD, violet for SHCP, and apple green for SHS.

After the parade of athletes, the program then proceeded with Mr. and Ms. Intramurals 2017.

Each school had their own representative, proving that they both have the qualities of acquiring beauty and brains.

Out of 8 pairs, only 2 can have the runner up titles and 1 who can gain the title as this year’s Mr. and Ms. Intramurals 2017.

DJ Mae Dente awarded as Ms. Intramurals 2017
Photo source: Today’s Carolinian

Adrian Jose awarded as Mr. Intramurals 2017
Photo source: Today’s Carolinian

Next highlight was the Cheerdance Competition. There were six schools who participate in this year’s competition: SAS,SBE, SED, SOE, SAFAD, and SHS.

The champion was School of Arts and Sciences followed by School of Engineering and Senior High School as runner-up.

School of Arts and Sciences as USC Intramurals 2017 Cheerdance Competition Champion
Photo source: Today’s Carolinian

The opening ceremonies ended with student being satisfied with the performances they had witnessed.

Carolinian’s Other Side

Carolinians, as students, spend most of their time preparing themselves in achieving academic excellence.

Intramurals is the only time wherein Carolinians can showcase their other side through sports activities and at the same time have fun.

A lot of sports activities were prepared by the University’s program committee such as basketball, badminton, volleyball, futsal, table tennis, swimming, and more. Each sports were played by schools’ representative, separating men and women division.

Downtown and Talamban campuses hosted majority of the games because of its spacious area and sports facilities.

The University’s Supreme Student Council, Mr. Deodatus Paulo Burgos, said that this year’s intramurals went very systematic and organized well by the assigned committee.

“I am very happy to see how the Intramurals 2017 ended. It was well planned and organized. I can evaluate the success of our intramurals from the opening ceremonies, to the sports activities, down to the closing ceremonies. The whole student council were also glad of the outcome of our labor and love for the Carolinian service.” Burgos said.

Despite of the academic schedules each athletes have, they still managed to represent their school with pride.

Carolinians representing their schools in Badminton and Volleyball
Photo source: Today’s Carolinian

Closing Ceremonies

Every beginning has its ending. The USC Intramurals came to its closing ceremonies last August 26, 2017 at the USC Downton Gym.

Just like the opening ceremonies, the gym was filled with Carolinians who were there to witness the concluding part of the intramurals, announcement of winners, and Popjazz competition.

The screams and cheers of different schools showed how proud each students to their representatives receiving awards and recognition for all of their efforts throughout the whole intramurals week.

The Popjazz competition was one of the most awaited event of the yearly celebrated intramurals. The participants were SAS,SBE, SED, SOE, SHCP, SAFAD, and SHS.

The 2017 champion was SBE followed by SAFAD as first runner-up and SED as second runner-up.

School of Business and Education hailed champion for Popjazz Competition
Photo source: Today’s Carolinian

Post-reactions

USC Intramurals 2017 may have ended, but Carolinians are still expressing their observation and thoughts regarding this year’s event.

Social media posts reflected the feedback of the Carolinians.

Here are some of the reactions of Carolinians from different schools.

See: Carolinians react to USC intramurals 2017

Shane Kervy Uy, fourth year Civil Engineering student, expressed his happiness and at the same time disappointments from intramurals.

“This year’s intramurals gave me a mixed-emotion reaction because of the many things that had happened. I was happy because it was more systematic and more organized especially in the sitting arrangement inside the gymnasium. However, I was saddened because of the feud between the Senior High School and 7 other colleges.” Uy said.

The tension started when a twitter post went viral in social media.

The post gained a lot of negative actions and feedbacks from the different colleges.

Kayne Inso, fourth year Economics student, said that the jokes within the opening and closing ceremonies are already a tradition and saw nothing bad about it.

“The jokes between the different schools were normal and already a tradition. Also, it spices and adds the thrills during the intramurals. USC Intramurals is never USC Intramurals without such jokes.” Inso added.

The commotion that arose between SHS and other colleges is still in the process of healing, but the spirit of true Carolinian identity wins as the USC Intramurals 2017 concluded.

Commuters: Bring back Uber

With Uber’s suspension of their transportation services, commuters continue to express their disappointments upon disabling the application.

Kirk Roncesvalles, 23, an academe faculty, regular user of the App Uber says that the suspension of Uber adds only to the increasing transportation dilemmas to the commuters.

“It hampers the convenience and security that Uber provides. I am personally saddened by this suspension for it reflects how LTFRB puts less premium for commuters’ welfare and well-being.” Roncesvalles said.

Another regular user of Uber, Johnedel Tayam, 23, Engineer, expressed through an interview on how disappointed he was when he found out that his main transportation got suspended.

“With the busy city we have, the only transportation I considered safe and efficient is Uber. I don’t have to worry about going to work late or coming to the office stinky because I know that I am safe and comfortable while riding Uber. Now, I have to leave my house 2 hours in advance just for me to avoid the traffic and fellow commuters running after public transportation,” Tayam said.

The suspension of Uber made netizens react negatively in social media sites.

Netizens have been sharing their disappointments and opinions regarding the suspension using the hashtag #ubersuspension.

Here are some of their tweets:

JV Ejercito‏ @jvejercito
“Be rest assured that we have the interest of the riding public as priority. Hoping we can come up with a compromise.” #ubersuspension

thatsmybryan‏ @thatsmybryan
“Hi @LTFRB you’re making the commuters means of transportation worst.”#ubersuspension

Viper‏ @viperrr89
“Why would you suspend @Uber when you can’t even provide a safe and efficient transportation for your working class citizens.” #ubersuspension

Hairy Potter‏ @instantmaki
“When @LTFRB suspends @Uber_PH but pushes a new taxi hailing app. Something fishy is going on.”#ubersuspension

F.R. Aldiano‏ @asFranSees
“Is it really a move to protect us people or your pride as “government”? What we’re seeing is the latter @LTFRB.” #ubersuspension

Dom‏ @___nico09
“You dont create policies that directly attack the middle class, Duterte. Uhmm French Revolution?!” #UberSuspension

Carlo Ople‏ @carloople
“I’m still stunned with the Uber 1 month suspension of the LTFRB. They should have just fined them heavily.” #ltfrb #ubersuspension

Vann 🌈‏ @bigvanntheory
Saddest part of my day 😦 #ubersuspension #WeWantUberGrab

Zonily‏ @kuyazee
“Come on guys we need more signatures.” #Uber #WhyWeUber #LTFRB #LTFRB101 #UberPH #ubersuspension #ubersuspended

See: Netizens react to Uber suspension in twitter

Here are netizen’s facebook reactions:

See: Additional interviews

Commuters’ satisfaction rate on Uber

In a comparative study conducted by Nistal and Regidor of  University of the Philippines, commuters feel safer when they have have their own personal driver. Their study also concludes that Uber has much better services compared to taxicabs.

Furthermore, Uber offers information dissemination and convenience in travelling because of the comfort of the cars and GPS used to monitor the commuter’s desired location.

Also the study concludes that commuters chose Uber over regular cabs in the assumption that both services have similar price ranger, although it has a huge difference when it comes to safety, efficiency, and convenience.

Source: http://ncts.upd.edu.ph/tssp/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Nistal-Regidor.pdf

The figure shows that commuters have a higher usage, choice of transportation, and efficiency rate compared to using of regular cabs.

See: Comparative Study of Uber and Regular Taxi Service Characteristics

In a survey conducted by Taxi Fare Finder Site in 2016 regarding the satisfaction rate of commuters towards Uber drivers.

 Source: https://www.google.com.ph/searchq=satisfaction+rate+uber+in+the+philippines&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjO3pOx99rVAhWDGpQKHSk1CCsQ_AUICigB&biw=1366&bih=613#imgrc=sHUGEUCd1xUg7M:

Survey showed that 66.7% agreed that commuters are satisfied with their experience with Uber.

What led to Uber’s suspension

Source: https://www.autoindustriya.com/auto-industry-news/ltfrb-shuts-down-uber-for-one-month.html

Uber operations have been halt by the the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Monday, August 14 due to non-adherence of accepting drivers coming in to Uber’s system.

The order was signed by LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III and board members Ronaldo Corpus and Aileen Lourdes Lizada.

LTFRB ordered Uber to stop accepting incoming drivers into their system in order to avoid providing false expectations to their drivers can be in public transportation without complying essential permits from the board.

The suspension will last for one month, affecting more or less 66,000 Uber drivers.

On July 26, 2017, LTRFB ordered all Transport Network Companies (TNCs) to stop giving accreditation to drivers into their systems. However, Uber, activated and accepted 3 more vehicles on July 27.

This incident sparked the suspension of Uber, defying the board’s order.

LTFRB cautioned Uber that they will be held responsible for all their vehicles who are still accommodating passengers within the suspension period.

The order reads: “While the Board commiserates with the plight of Uber’s affected TNVS peers, after a thorough and painstaking deliberation, the Board is constrained to impose the penalty of One (1) month suspension on the accreditation of the Respondent Uber System Inc., and is hereby ordered to cease and desist its operation of their online booking application during the period of suspension.”

See: Statistics on Uber usage 

Side of Uber

“being accepted but not processed”

On August 1, Uber posted on their Twitter account that vehicle applicants are “being accepted but not processed, as we are optimistic that with the ongoing discussions with the LTFRB, ridesharing has a path forward.”

Uber also argued that accepting new applicants does not mean to give new vehicles to be activated.

On the contrary, On July 27, Uber accepted three more vehicles, which one of the three vehicles was registered under LTRFB.

When LTFRB asked Uber to operationally define “active”, Uber explained that whenever it can dispatch a trip or are available for booking rides under (its) system.

Furthermore, LTFRB said that the three vehicles accepted on July 27th were already considered as “active” after going through the process of activation and online registration.

See: CNN Report on LTFRB Suspending Uber Operation