Marcos signs law to fight text scams

DONE! President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signs the SIM Card Registration Act, the first bill he signed into law as the Chief Executive, on Monday, Oct. 10, 2022. Vice President Sara Duterte, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Sen. Mary Grace Poe and Rep. Sandro Marcos look on.  Contributed photo

By Kristina Maralit October 11, 2022 

DONE! President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signs the SIM Card Registration Act, the first bill he signed into law as the Chief Executive, on Monday, Oct. 10, 2022. Vice President Sara Duterte, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Sen. Mary Grace Poe and Rep. Sandro Marcos look on.  Contributed photo

PRESIDENT Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Monday signed the SIM Card Registration Act, the first legislation enacted under his administration. The law aims to curb text scams and spam.

The ceremonial signing was held in Malacañang with Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, House Speaker Martin Romualdez and other stakeholders standing as witnesses.

"I commend the legislators from the House and from the Senate for coming up with this timely and necessary law. It is the first legislative measure that successfully passed the approval of the bicameral panel of both houses in the 19th Congress," the Chief Executive said, adding that such a law "has long been overdue."

"Truly, the legislation is going to be welcomed by many of our people, especially now with reports of the commission of various crimes using mobile phones, including proliferation of text scams and spam. Indeed, with the signing of this law, we set the important tone that it is our national policy to ensure that technology shall only be used to improve our people's lives," he added.

Filipinos rank among the world's heaviest users of social media, and the country has become a key battleground for misleading or fake news.

Many mobile phone users in the Philippines use pre-paid SIM cards that they buy over the counter without giving their names and addresses to providers.

Republic Act 11394 mandates all public telecommunications entities (PTE) or direct sellers to require buyers of subscriber identity module cards to present a valid identification document with a photo.

It likewise directs telecommunication companies to disclose the registered full name and address of the subscriber upon a duly issued subpoena or order from a court.

The PTEs are also given 30 days to submit a list of their authorized sellers or dealers to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). This should be updated quarterly.

KUWTT: Marcos signs law to fight text scams | Oct. 11, 2022

The Palace earlier said that the enactment of the bill will "significantly boost government initiatives against scams committed through text and online messages, which have become more prevalent this year."

Marcos believes that scams will drastically decline as the new law is seen as "an effective means of regulating the issuance of SIM cards to curb the spread of spam text messages and scams."

"We will soon be able to provide law enforcement agencies the tools needed to resolve crimes perpetrated with the use of these SIM cards as well as providing a strong deterrence against the commission of wrongdoings," he said.

"To cover all users of SIM cards in this Act, telecommunications entities are mandated to ensure the registration of existing prepaid SIM card phone subscribers within a prescribed period. Failure to comply results to the grant of authority for telecommunications entities to automatically deactivate services to the specific SIM Card subscriber under the force of law," he added.

Marcos signs SIM card registration law

The use of false or fictitious information, fictitious identities, fraudulent documents or identification to register a SIM Card shall also be dealt with by appropriate penalties, the President warned. He reassured the public that there are enough measures to protect the confidentiality and data privacy rights of subscribers from point of sale.

"Any information in the SIM Card Registration shall be treated as absolutely confidential unless access to this information has been granted by the written consent of the subscriber," Marcos said.

Globe Telecoms on Monday expressed support for the law.

MSME magna carta needs a major upgrade

In a statement, Globe said a verifiable and fool-proof identification system is the foundation of the SIM Registration law.

It said that if people are allowed to submit any form of identification which can easily be falsified, SIM registration will be useless.

"For this reason, our position has been clear from the beginning. A national ID system must be in place to ensure the safe and successful implementation of this new law," Globe General Counsel Froilan Castelo said.

Globe also said the government must look at global best practices in implementing the new SIM Registration bill.

Many countries are using their national ID system to verify the identity of a person who registers a SIM number.

"We support the passage of this measure after previous roadblocks and we are ready to comply. Aside from our advanced cybersecurity capabilities, we welcome a new regulatory environment that has stronger safeguards against cyberthreats and other crimes carried out using mobile phones," Castelo said.

Globe said it is working with the government in drafting the implementing rules and regulations for the rational enforcement of the law, including the rollout of the retroactive registration of tens of millions of prepaid SIM users.

‘First MassKara sa Panaad’ kicks off in Bacolod

Published October 11, 2022, 1:58 PM

by Glazyl Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – The provincial government of Negros Occidental has officially opened the ‘MassKara sa Panaad’ here on Monday, Oct. 10.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Negros Association of Chief Executives (ACE) president and Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez led the opening rites of the celebration at the Panaad Park here.

Various local government units (LGUs) in the province showcased their festival dances during the ceremony marking the official start of the one-week celebration.

Festival dances of various local government units in Negros Occidental were showcased during the opening of the 1st ‘MassKara sa Panaad’ at the Panaad park in Bacolod City Monday. (Glazyl Masculino Photo)

All the 31 LGUs joined the ‘MassKara sa Panaad’ showcasing their various local products at their respective pavilions.

The event materialized after the city government here invited the province to join the celebration of the 43rd MassKara Festival, by holding the first ever ‘MassKara sa Panaad.’ The province has been annually celebrating the Panaad Festival, but just like the MassKara Festival, it was also suspended for two years because of the pandemic.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson (right) and Negros Association of Chief Executives (ACE) president and Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez (left), along with San Enrique town Mayor Jilson Tubillara lead the opening of the 1st ‘MassKara sa Panaad’ at the Panaad park in Bacolod City Monday, Oct. 10. (Glazyl Masculino Photo)

In his message, Lacson said the ‘MassKara sa Panaad’ is a groundbreaking event, since it is the first time that the province was invited to join in the celebration of the MassKara Festival.

“We are just happy to be a part of the biggest and most awaited MassKara Festival,” the governor said.

Lacson said this creates an opportunity for the MassKara tourists to experience a glimpse of the land of the sweet surprises, its culture, local products, festivals, travel destinations, and the Negrense cuisine.

“MassKara Festival is more than just a festivity, it is a story of hope, resilience, and ingenuity. As the pandemic forced upon us the use of masks, this year, we again as people are going to don MassKaras with the same grit,” Lacson said.

After two years of uncertainty, the province and the city are united, as they move forward toward recovery, said Lacson as he thanked the local chief executives for their support and cooperation in the event.

For his part, Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo ‘Albee’ thanked the provincial government for accepting the city’s invitation to be part of the festival.

Benitez said that it is a clear indication that Bacolod and Negros Occidental are now collaborating with each other for the betterment of all the Negrenses.

“It is a clear example of what we can be and what we can do for the future if we do it together. We are now united in celebrating this event,” Benitez said.

Benitez said that Councilor Jason Villarosa, chairman of the Committee on Tourism, has a proposal to create an ordinance inviting the province in the MassKara Festival every year.

“It is an indication that we are now one, because Panaad is at the heart of Bacolod, it is but proper that Panaad is part of the celebration,” Benitez said.

With the huge crowd on the opening day, Benitez said they have made the right decision to include and invite the province for the said event.

Meanwhile, Negros ACE president Javier Benitez said that with the unity between the province and the city, possibilities are endless.

“It will bring not only cooperation of culture and tourism, but definitely economic opportunities, since tourists need not go to the whole province to avail of their products,” he added.

He said they are hoping to pitch to the provincial government to open the Panaad park regularly for visitors.

“We want something to be regular. We are exploring ways on what could still be done at Panaad, it could be a theme park or a water park. Everyone is on board, we’re just finalizing things,” he said.

‘Maymay’ may make landfall over Aurora or northern Quezon — PAGASA

Published October 11, 2022, 1:12 PM

by Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

(PAGASA / FACEBOOK)

Tropical depression Maymay maintained its strength as it slowly moved west-southwest over the Philippine Sea east of Aurora province on Tuesday morning, Oct. 11, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

In the 11 a.m. bulletin, PAGASA said that Maymay was last spotted at a distance of 285 kilometers east of Casiguran, Aurora and maintained a maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 55 kph.

Should the tropical depression maintain its speed and track, Maymay may make landfall over Aurora or northern Quezon on Wednesday afternoon or evening, Oct. 12, PAGASA said.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 remains hoisted over Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, and the extreme northern portion of Quezon (General Nakar, Infanta) including Pollilo Islands.

“Winds of 39 to 61 kilometers per hour (kph) may be expected in at least 36 hours or intermittent rains may be expected within 36 hours,” PAGASA said.

“Today (Oct. 11) through tomorrow morning (Oct, 12), moderate to heavy with at times intense rains [are expected] over Cagayan, Isabela, Batanes, and Apayao. Light to moderate with at times heavy rains [are also expected] over Aurora, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, and Ilocos Norte,” it added.

PAGASA warned against the possibility of scattered to widespread flooding, including flash floods, and rain-induced landslides, especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards.

After making landfall, Maymay may traverse the landmass of Central Luzon before emerging over the West Philippine Sea by Thursday morning, Oct. 13.

“Maymay is forecast to maintain its strength prior to its landfall. Due to frictional effects, this tropical cyclone may be downgraded to low pressure area once it emerges over the West Philippine Sea. Weakening to low pressure area while traversing over Central Luzon is not ruled out,” it added.

Julie Anne San Jose trends as she sings ‘Ave Maria’ in her latest series

by Robert Requintina

Julie Anne San Jose as Maria Clara

Goosebumps as Asia’s Limitless Star Julie Anne San Jose trended on social media with her moving rendition of Bach’s “Ave Maria” which she performed in the latest episode of the primetime series “Maria Clara at Ibarra” on GMA-7 on Monday, Oct. 10.

‘Maria Clara at Ibarra’ follows the story of Klay, a Gen Z nursing student who aims to work and bring her family abroad. She is almost graduating soon, but not until she failed a minor subject—Rizal Studies. Klay believes that this subject is irrelevant to her life and future career.

Barbie Forteza, Dennis Trillo and Julie Anne San Jose

Mr. Jose Torres, Klay’s professor, gave her another chance to pass Rizal Studies, and he lent her a book of Noli Me Tangere. Klay had not even read several pages of the novel when she got bored and fell asleep. 

The mystery begins when Klay wakes up in the world of Noli Me Tangere! Much to her surprise, Klay finds Mr. Torres in the alternate timeline. Klay was told that she can only return to the present once she finishes the book and learns all the lessons from the novel of Dr. Jose Rizal.

CLICK TO WATCH THE VIDEO CLIP: https://twitter.com/JulienitedPH/status/1579448509035872256?s=20

“Nakakakilig po siya pakinggan grabeee!” read one of the comments.

Other comments about her performance: 

“Goosebumps! GMA is really good at this. The feels. Spanish era talaga.”

“Ang ganda ng tinig ni Maria Clara.”

“Ladies and Gentleman! The Limitless.”

“That’s why Julie Anne San Jose is Maria Clara. You can’t fake that beautiful singing voice and piano-playing. You just can’t.”

“Bat ako naiyak sa pagkanta niya huhu.”

“Impressive”

4,000 to 8,000 daily Covid-19 cases by end of October if MPHS compliance further declines – DOH

by Dhel Nazario, Manila Bulletin 

The Department of Health (DOH) said on Monday, Oct. 19 that daily Covid-19 cases may reach 4,000 to as high as 8,000 by the end of the month should compliance with minimum public health standards (MPHS) further declines.

People flock to Ilaya in Binondo, Manila on Jan. 2, 2022. Metro Manila will be under Alert Level 3 starting Jan. 3 until Jan. 15, 2022 due to the rise of COVID-19 cases. (ALI VICOY / MANILA BULLETIN)

In a press briefing, Dr. Althea de Guzman, a medical specialist from the Department of Health (DOH) Epidemiology Bureau, said that based on their projections show that a continuous decline in minimum public health standards may lead to case increases.

She said that national daily cases projected using actual data, as of September 18 showed that cases detected at the national level are expected to follow a continuous slow downward trend with projections estimating cases at 1,204 cases per day by the end of October.

“However, a further decline in our MPHS compliance may reverse our trend with an increase in cases ranging from 4055 to as high as 8670 by the end of October,” she stated. She added that AuTuMN projections also show a similar trend. However, it emphasizes that even with case increases, severe and critical illnesses are not seen to exceed those previously observed during the Delta and Omicron spike.

De Guzman also mentioned that the emergence of a new variant may lead to a sharp increase in hospitalization at the beginning of 2023 in the National Capital Region (NCR).

PH backs climate initiative

Robert Borje, vice chairman and executive director of the Climate Change Commission (CCC). TMT FILE PHOTO

By Kristina Maralit, Manila Times

October 10, 2022

THE Philippines renewed its call for a stronger global initiative on climate change during a meeting of stakeholders ahead of the Conference of Parties (COP27) climate summit in Egypt next month.

In the PreCOP27 summit held in DR Congo last week, Robert Borje, vice chairman and executive director of the Climate Change Commission (CCC), stressed the importance of reaching an agreement and urgent collective action to address climate change and its impacts.

"PreCOP27 in Kinshasa provides parties and partners a vital opportunity to discuss at length what is important for all in order to make significant headway in addressing climate change and its impacts, particularly for developing at-risk and vulnerable states like the Philippines," he said, adding that developing nations suffer the most while contributing the least to climate change.

On adaptation, Borje said the Philippines pushed for fast-tracking finance, technology and capacity development to build adaptive capacities, improve resilience and reduce vulnerabilities of developing countries, in accordance with the Global Goal on Adaptation.

On mitigation, the official stressed that emissions avoidance must be part of the mitigation action to accelerate just transition to low carbon development in developing nations.

Regarding climate finance, he pointed out that the New Collective Quantified Goal must include the key elements of transparency, responsiveness, and scale.

It emphasized that climate finance must be accurately reported while being needs-based and commensurate to the needs of potential recipients.

From the $100 billion climate finance commitment of developed countries under the Paris Agreement, the New Collective Quantified Goal must set a higher target for climate finance to help implement climate change-related strategies and measures.

Marcos tells world to act fast vs climate change

With a view to realizing climate justice for vulnerable and at-risk developing nations, the Philippines underscored that access by least developed and developing countries to financial mechanisms must be streamlined and simplified.

On loss and damage, the Philippines raised concern that least developed and developing countries can no longer absorb and afford the cost of further losses and damages due to climate change and its impacts.

Borje argued that there must be an agenda item on loss and damage, as well as dedicated space to discuss the operationalization of the Santiago Network.

Targeted to be fully operationalized by 2023, the Santiago Network is meant to catalyze technical support of organizations, bodies, networks and experts for developing countries to avert, minimize, and address climate change-related loss and damage.

UN forum seeks adequate funding for climate change

Additionally, the Philippine government underlined that dedicated discussion space must be provided for the financing for loss and damage, and the governance structure of the Warsaw International Mechanism as established to implement approaches to loss and damage — all in line with the Paris Agreement and the Glasgow Climate Pact, among other international frameworks and commitments.

The Democratic Republic of Congo, in partnership with the Arab Republic of Egypt as the incoming COP27 Presidency, and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, convened 60 countries in Kinshasa for PreCOP27.

CP27 will be held on November 6 to 18 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.

5 thoughts you need to take out from your head

by Jane Kingsu-Cheng

Say no to these negative vibes

We’ve all heard these phrases at some point of our lives, especially when we were young and gullible then. These lines have been ingrained in our heads, making us believe that we’re not worth it. This leads to self-doubt and questioning our self-worth, but should we let these negative thoughts win?

Photo by Dingzeyu Li on Unsplash

The crucial first step is to always acknowledge what’s wrong, assess our current situation, and move forward. This International Women’s Month, let’s start with the five negative thoughts that we need to take out of our heads.

1. I don’t fit here!
   We are social in nature, and we want to find a group of friends we can call family. And this task isn’t as easy as it sounds. Some would find fault and put the person down for little things such as mannerisms and physical attributes, embarrassing them in front of other peers. This trauma can lead to these bullied ones afraid of meeting new friends and not fitting in.
   This is not you, don’t let the childhood bully make you believe otherwise.

2. I can’t do it!
   We all want to try new things, but our guardians, out of their concern, protect us to a fault. “You’re just a girl, you can’t do it.” That memory has been ingrained in your head, but that shouldn’t stop you from proving them and even yourself that they’re wrong. You can do it! Don’t let your guardian believe their right all along.
   
3. I am not enough!
   The pressure is real. With so many slashes as a mom, a wife, a daughter, an employee or a businesswoman, it’s never enough. You know how much value you put in on the table. Don’t let anyone else make you think otherwise. Prove all your colleagues wrong.
   
4. I am too fat or too thin!
   Family gatherings are always scary as our older relatives would always have something to comment about the way we look. There’s never the right body frame and weight for them. You can be too fat or you can be too thin. And this affects us and makes us feel insecure. You, of all people, know how you should look. Trust your instincts and give yourself a pat on the back. Don’t let your tita win!
   
5. I can’t be happy on my own.
   In a country where most people believe happiness is found in finding your soulmate, it’s hard to believe that happiness can be found within you. But you have to fight the urge to do so. Happiness starts within you. When you know how to be happy on your own, when you know how to take care and appreciate yourself, then that’s time you’re ready to share the love you have.

Remember that these lines were not yours in the first place, don’t let it take control of your life. This International Women’s Day, Avon reminds women all over the world that you have the power to silence them and replace them with encouraging and empowering words. It’s time to love yourself. Grow and flourish!

Metro Manila could see more ‘ups and downs’ in new Covid-19 cases until end-2022 — OCTA

by Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz, Manila Bulletin

(OCTA RESEARCH FELLOW DR. GUIDO DAVID / TWITTER)

OCTA Research fellow Dr. Guido David said that Metro Manila may continue to see a fluctuating number of new Covid-19 cases toward the end of the year.

In an update shared on Twitter on Monday, Oct. 10, David said the seven-day average of new Covid-19 cases in Metro Manila dropped to 863 on Oct. 9, from 1,057 on Oct. 2.

This translates to a one-week growth rate of negative (-) 18 percent.

David also pointed out that Metro Manila’s average daily attack rate (ADAR) dropped to 5.99 per 100,000, which is considered “low.”

ADAR or incidence rate refers to the number of new daily cases per 100,000 population.

“We hope that cases in the NCR (National Capital Region) continue to decrease, but with new subvariants coming in, a wall of immunity that is not solid, and the increasing numbers in other parts of the country, we might expect to see more ups and downs in new Covid cases towards the end of the year,” David said.

In OCTA’s monitoring, Metro Manila’s seven-day positivity rate—or the number of individuals who yielded positive results from among those who have been tested for Covid-19–was recorded at 17.9 percent on Oct. 8, down from a peak positivity rate of 19.1 percent on Oct. 1.

Moreover, the region’s reproduction number—or the average number of secondary infections per infected individual—dropped from 1.10 on Sept. 29 to 0.99 on Oct. 6.

“Healthcare utilization for Covid-19 remained low at 36 percent, while ICU occupancy also remained low at 28 percent—both are as of Oct. 8,” David said.

200 boat operators take part in annual Regatta de Zamboanga

Published October 10, 2022, 7:03 AM

by Liza Abubakar-Jocson

ZAMBOANGA CITY — More than 200 boat operators participated in this year’s Regatta de Zamboanga, an exciting race of colorful vintas or the traditional outrigger boat from Mindanao held along waters fronting RT LIm Boulevard on Sunday, Oct. 9.

More than 100 colorful vintas line up along waters fronting RT Lim Boulevard in Zamboanga City prior to the Regatta de Zamboanga, Zamboanga City’s most exciting boat race.  (Zambo LGU photo)

More than 100 colorful vintas line up along waters fronting RT Lim Boulevard in Zamboanga City prior to the Regatta de Zamboanga, Zamboanga City’s most exciting boat race.  (Zambo LGU photo)

Crowds of Zamboanga residents and visitors came in for the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival, forming a long line at the boulevard to witness the traditional boat racing event.

Participants are mostly fishermen who come from Zamboanga city’s coastal barangays who have practiced for several months prior to the race and who have decorated their boats with attractive sails representative of the vintas.

An undefeated champion for several years, Danny Ladja and his assistant from Barangay Sinunuc won this year’s grand prize of P50,000.

Four other winners from the barangays of Sinunuc and Mariki took home cash prizes ranging from P35,000 to P10,000.

This is the first Regatta de Zamboanga held after a two-year hiatus brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

LPA east of Cagayan may develop into tropical depression; another LPA monitored outside PAR — PAGASA

Published October 10, 2022, 8:32 AM

by Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz, Manila Bulletin

(MANILA BULLETIN)

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Monday morning, Oct. 10, said that the low pressure area (LPA) inside the country’s area of responsibility may develop into a tropical depression within 48 hours.

The next tropical cyclone name on PAGASA’s list is Maymay.

In its 6 a.m. weather advisory, PAGASA said the LPA was last seen 450 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City.

It said that the LPA, together with the shear line, will bring moderate to heavy rains over Cagayan, while Batanes, northern portion of Isabela, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, and Ilocos Norte will have light to heavy rains.

“Under these conditions, flooding and rain-induced landslides are likely, especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards as identified in hazard maps and in areas with significant antecedent rainfall,” PAGASA warned.

Meanwhile, the rest of the country, including Metro Manila, will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.

Moreover, weather specialist Obet Badrina said PAGASA is also monitoring another LPA outside the country’s area of responsibility.

As of Monday morning, the LPA was located 1,880 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas and has no direct effect yet on the country.