#Rappler Holdings Corporation

[warningsine]

Philippine Nobel Peace laureate Maria Ressa was acquitted of tax evasion Tuesday, according to her news site Rappler, in the latest legal victory for the veteran journalist.

Ressa and Rappler are now cleared of all five tax-related charges filed during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte, according to CNN affiliate CNN Philippines.

“This is really a win not just for Maria … but a win for the Philippines,” Ressa’s lawyer Francis Lim told supporters outside Regional Trial Court in Pasig city. “This acquittal together with [the] earlier acquittal will send a very strong message to the international business community.”

Ressa, 59, is the CEO and co-founder of Rappler and a former CNN journalist.

“This is a victory not just for Rappler but for everyone who has kept the faith that a free and responsible press empowers communities and strengthens democracy,” the news site said in a statement.

“We share this with our colleagues in the industry who have been besieged by relentless online attacks, unjust arrests and detentions, and red-tagging that have resulted in physical harm. We share this with Filipinos doing business for social good but who, like us, have suffered at the hands of oppressive governments,” it added.

The ruling comes eight months after Ressa was cleared of four earlier counts of tax violations filed in 2018 by Duterte’s government.

Ressa is currently on bail as she appeals a six-year prison sentence handed down in 2020 for a separate cyber libel conviction.

She won the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize, along with Russian journalist Dmitry Muratov, for her efforts to safeguard freedom of expression in the Philippines.

[walphs]

From Pride March to Pride Merch

By Ralph R. Sarza | Also published on Rappler

As we embark on the month of Pride, it is crucial to delve into the phenomenon known as pink capitalism, which lurks beneath the surface of this inclusive movement. “Pink capitalism” (also called “rainbow capitalism”) encompasses the commodification and commercialization of LGBTQ+ identities and struggles, raising profound implications that demand critical analysis.

Within the recognition of a significant market for LGBTQ+-specific products and services lies the genesis of pink capitalism. While the increasing visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in mainstream culture signify progress, the commodification of their experiences for capitalist gain raises valid concerns. Pride-themed merchandise and the commercialization of Pride events serve as prime examples of pink capitalism, necessitating a closer examination of corporate involvement and its impact on the community’s ongoing struggle for liberation.

Pride merchandise has emerged as a powerful manifestation of pink capitalism, encompassing a wide range of products adorned with rainbow colors and symbols of Pride. From clothing to accessories and flags, businesses ranging from local vendors to multinational corporations eagerly capitalize on the opportunity to showcase their support for LGBTQ+ rights. However, beneath this commercial enterprise lie questions about the authenticity and underlying motivations of corporate involvement in the LGBTQ+ movement.

A key concern surrounding pink capitalism is the concept of “rainbow washing,” where companies adopt Pride-themed merchandise and marketing campaigns as superficial and performative gestures. Such actions often lack a genuine commitment to addressing the systemic issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community or providing sustained support beyond the month of June. Critics argue that this exploitation for profit leads to shallow engagement that fails to bring about meaningful change or long-term impact.

The recent targeted attacks on Target Pride highlight the challenges faced by corporations aligning themselves with LGBTQ+ causes. These incidents not only expose the persistent existence of homophobia within society, but also underscore the risks associated with brands associating themselves with the LGBTQ+ community. The Target Pride controversy emphasizes the need for corporations to take a proactive approach in addressing homophobia and offering genuine support to the communities they claim to stand with.

While scrutinizing the motives and ethics of companies engaged in pink capitalism is crucial, individual consumers also play a pivotal role in promoting ethical consumerism. Making informed choices that align with personal values involves supporting LGBTQ+-owned businesses, prioritizing companies that demonstrate genuine and sustained support for the LGBTQ+ community, and holding corporations accountable beyond Pride Month. By actively engaging in ethical consumerism, individuals contribute to dismantling the exploitative tendencies of pink capitalism.

To transcend the limitations and criticisms of pink capitalism, a shift in focus is necessary — toward genuine and sustained support for LGBTQ+ communities. This shift involves centering community voices and needs, addressing systemic issues, fostering meaningful partnerships with LGBTQ+ organizations, and prioritizing long-term change over short-lived profit-driven gestures. By doing so, the LGBTQ+ movement can transcend the boundaries imposed by capitalism, cultivating an inclusive and authentic Pride movement.

As Pride Month unfolds, a moment of contemplation awaits us — a chance to reflect on the complexities of pink capitalism. Beyond the vibrant surface lies a phenomenon that requires our careful examination: the commodification and commercialization of LGBTQ+ identities and struggles, posing thought-provoking questions that deserve our attention.

Amidst these challenges, we must ask ourselves: can we transcend the limitations of pink capitalism and restore the authenticity that underpins the Pride movement? It is essential to critically analyze the notion of “rainbow washing” — superficial gestures by companies that lack genuine commitment. By redirecting our focus toward meaningful support, collaboration, and sustained advocacy, we can pave the way for lasting change. Let us rise above the exploitative tendencies of capitalism and foster an inclusive Pride movement that embodies authenticity and progress.

[onenettvchannel]

SAD BREAKING FLASH REPORT: KatroPIEs bid farewell to 'PIE Channel' permanently cut ties tripled with ABS-CBN, Kroma Entertainment and 917Ventures marks the end of an Interactive Era in Digitally Social Media Broadcasting [#OneNETnewsEXCLUSIVE]

(Written by Rhayniel Saldasal Calimpong / Former Participant Player of PIE Channel and Current Freelance News Writer, Online Media Reporter and News Presenter of OneNETnews)

QUEZON, MANILA -- A former free-to-air TV channel, and the current digitally social internet broadcasting 'Pinoy Interactive Entertainment' (PIE) ends its partnership with Broadcast Enterprises and Affiliated Media (BEAM), to be simultaneously cut ties with ABS-CBN Corporation, Kroma Entertainment and Globe Telecom's 917Ventures early Saturday night (June 15th, 2024 at 5pm -- Manila local time), leading to a permanent closure in the tridigital world.

Knowingly for its interactive and engaging content to win prizes on television & online, producing original and favorite game shows from the 'PIE Channel', and most of the rerun examples for syndication via ABS-CBN's On The Wings Of Love.

The last interactive online programme, sometimes streamed LIVE every weeknights at 6pm to 6:15pm, ends with 'PIEnalo Poll' to hear your basic opinions to win prizes through Philippines fintech electronic wallet 'GCash' via the representatives themselves of 'Kroma Entertainment' and 'PIE Channel'.

Here at OneNETtv Channel (DYDZ-DTV Channel 8), in line with the forthcoming closure of internet broadcasting at 'PIE Channel: Dumaguete', the last newscast of 'PIEnalo Balita' at 6pm shall air LIVE for one night only (this same Saturday night) in the Tagalog dialect, to keep you updated on what's really happening in the Philippines and around the world, and is a production of 'ONC Holdings Incorporated' where it was based in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental for our very own independent news organization of OneNETnews.

Under 'Philippine Collective Media Corporation' (PCMC) and 'Media Serbisyo Production Corporation' (MSPC), 'PRIME TV' reclaims its channel space via new affiliation with 'BEAM TV', breaking it up with 'PIE Channel' on DWKC-TV 31 in Metro Manila, DYCT-TV 31 in Cebu, and Cable channel 20 on Lopez's led-SkyCable in Bacolod and Dumaguete City.

Fans and former participating players with appreciation at 'PIE Channel', and is being part of the family of the 'KatroPIEs'. You can relive the best moments and what you missed on their YouTube channel '@IAmPieOfficial'. PIE Channel is now officially signing off, effective immediately on Saturday night.

SCREENGRAB COURTESY: PIE Channel website BACKGROUND PROVIDED BY: Tegna

SOURCE: *https://www.facebook.com/100079152185088/posts/456127620368974/ [Referenced FB Captioned Cover PHOTO via IAmPieOfficial] *https://www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom/news-releases/2022/4/22/abs-cbn-kroma-917ventures-pie-channel?lang=en [Referenced PR News Article via ABS-CBN Pressroom] and *https://www.rappler.com/business/martin-romualdez-prime-tv-philippines/ [Referenced News Article via Rappler]

-- OneNETnews Online Publication Team

[renesf]

Maria Ressa Loses Another Argument On Press Freedom!

MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – Convicted Rappler CEO and Nobel Laureate Maria Ressa has lost another of her arguments on press freedom in the Philippines. She has just been acquitted in another tax evasion charge filed against her and her Rappler Holdings Corporation. It will be recalled that in her systematic maneuver to bag the Nobel Peace Prize, Ressa has…

[uhsh1e]

PRESS RELEASE!

News Release for Immediate Release.

Labor Protests Against Regent Foods Corporation Due to Workers' Unfair Treatment

[Pasig City, Philippines] - Regent Foods Corporation, a major food manufacturer in the country, is dealing with a labor dispute after employees complained about unfair treatment and human rights breaches.

The protest started on November 19, 2019, when laborers staged a strike to demand improved working conditions, equal wages, and secured employment. It was coordinated by the Regent Foods Workers Union. The corporation, according to the workers, intimidates and retaliates against individuals who publicly criticize its rules.

The workers claim that Regent Foods has violated labor rules by failing to give workers enough breaks throughout their shifts and proper safety equipment. They have also claimed that the business has discriminated against some of them, withholding incentives and promotions based on things like gender, color, and religion.

The Regent Foods Corporation has not yet made a formal remark on the situation. The business has already acknowledged that it appreciates its employees and is dedicated to abiding by labor laws and regulations. Other labor unions have joined the demonstration, and they have urged the government to look into the company's policies and hold it accountable for any labor law infractions.

The Regent Foods Corporation labor strike serves as a reminder of how important it is for businesses to put their employees' rights and wellbeing first. The Stakeholders will be keenly observing the protest to see how the corporation handles the requests of the workers and whether it makes changes to its labor policies.

While this is going on, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto has declared his support for the Regent Food Corporation employees who are on strike and calling for more favorable working conditions and fair pay. The employees have gone on strike for a number of weeks in order to get the business to address their complaints and enhance working conditions. The mayor made the following statement in a press release: "We support the right of workers to peaceful assembly and to express their grievances. It is important that we uphold the rights of workers and ensure that their voices are heard."

The Regent Food Corporation's striking employees have been demanding a pay raise, improved benefits, and job security. The corporation has been charged by the labor union with unfair labor practices, which include intimidating and harassing union members. Additionally, the workers claim that the business has refused to acknowledge their union and has threatened to fire them if they continue their protest.

Mayor Sotto has urged Regent Food Corporation's management and the labor union to engage in negotiations and strive for a solution that is just and fair for all parties concerned. He has highlighted the value of calm communication and advised all parties to refrain from taking any steps that would inflame the situation or spark violence. Numerous labor organizations and supporters have praised the mayor for his support of the striking employees and praised his dedication to defending their rights and wellbeing.

For media inquiries, contact:

Angelica Pascua #09459879752

References:

ABS-CBN News. (2019, November 17). Vico Sotto tells Regent Foods to drop charges vs protesting workers. ABS-CBN News. https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/11/17/19/vico-sotto-tells-regent-foods-to-drop-charges-vs-protesting-workers

Rappler. (2019, November 19). Regent Foods: We won’t be cowed by Vico’s ‘threats’ RAPPLER. https://www.rappler.com/nation/245274-regent-foods-corporation-statement-vico-sotto-appeal/

Patag, K. J. (2019, November 19). Regent mulls leaving Pasig after being called out by Vico Sotto. Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/business/2019/11/19/1970093/regent-mulls-leaving-pasig-after-being-called-out-vico-sotto

[news247worldpressposts]

#Breaking: The First Division of the #Philippine #Court of #Tax Appeals acquitted #NobelLaureate #MariaRessa and #RapplerHoldingsCorporation

BREAKING. The First Division of the Philippine Court of Tax Appeals acquitted Nobel Laureate Maria Ressa and Rappler Holdings Corporation of the tax evasion charges filed by the Duterte government. Story to follow https://t.co/m73rSIMtXR pic.twitter.com/wuDAG6cevY — Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) January 18, 2023 Source: Twitter

[tingyap]

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[humanrightsupdates]

Maria Ressa, human rights defender and executive editor of online news outlet Rappler, was formally charged in court on 14 May for one count of cyber libel. Arrested on 13 February, she was released on bail after spending a night in jail. A month later, on 29 March, she was again arrested for allegedly violating the Philippines’ Anti-Dummy Law, which limits mass media ownership to Filipinos and Filipino-owned corporations. Ressa is also facing four counts of alleged tax-related violations for using financial mechanisms that Ressa argued are not taxable as these do not generate taxable income. 

Rappler has been a consistent critic of President Rodrigo Duterte and his administration, and Ressa’s arrest and prosecution appear to be part of a broader campaign to silence critics of the government.

 In all, Ressa is facing eight active court cases: five tax-related charges, one cyber libel case, one libel complaint, and a case for violating the Anti-Dummy Law. All these are among the 11 cases that Ressa, Santos, Rappler Holdings, Rappler Inc., and Rappler’s board of directors are collectively facing. All these remain pending in various courts. 

On 24 July 2017, in his annual State of the Nation Address, Duterte claimed Rappler was owned by foreigners, implying that the media outlet was violating the Constitution, and in succeeding weeks, he repeated that claim. In January 2018, the Philippines Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) temporarily revoked Rappler's registration, finding that it had violated foreign ownership rules. 

In February 2018, a Duterte spokesman said that Duterte himself had ordered presidential security staff to bar Rappler reporter Pia Ranada and editor Maria Ressa from entering the presidential palace. 

Ressa’s harassment is another example of how the Duterte administration singles out its most vocal critics for politically motivated prosecutions. The attack on Ressa and Rappler follows the February 2017 arrest and detention of Senator Leila de Lima, another leading critic of the ‘war on drugs’, on politically-motivated charges. Senator de Lima has been in detention for two years now. 

Take action - please write before 27 June 2019

[aanunez]

Misinformation Wins: The Most Greedy Dynasty is claiming back their power

Unity is not a platform but rather a result of good governance. 

The advertisement is a video campaign for one of the running  presidential candidate, former Senator Bongbong Marcos. It contains a rendition of the song “Umagang Kay Ganda” by Bamboo, with the lyrics changed to different dialects from the Philippines to promote his focus on unity. It also contains him walking with his supporters from different backgrounds behind him. In general, the ad was targeting all Filipino voters to vote for him using the different dialects from the different regions of the Philippines. It promotes and promises unification for the country by combining different dialects from all parts of the Philippines into one video. According to Marcos (2022), unity is the first step in the country's recovery from the pandemic; he claims that every Filipino is voting for their unity, the unity of other Filipinos, and the unity of all Filipinos. Additionally, the advertisement also shows people holding a DIY windmill, hinting on the Bangui Bay Wind Farm, a project many believe Bong Bong Marcos Jr. spearheaded. This was debunked by many sources, one of which is Rappler. According to Rappler (2022), even though the Bangui windmills were built in 2005 when he served as governor, he did not spearhead this project, nor was it his idea. It was the NorthWind Power Development Corporation project based on a wind mapping study conducted in 1996 by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory of the United States (Rappler, 2021).

Furthermore, his supporters and his camp use strategies such as spreading misinformation and exploiting networks that platforms are unable to control, which is one of the reasons why we can state that media manipulation is present in his ads. Media manipulation refers to a variety of activities in which certain people distribute information to promote their point of view, frequently using mainstream media to do so. On the other side, there are those who deliberately propagate "fake news" to make money; trolls who create mayhem for fun; politicians who have a vested interest in disseminating specific viewpoints; and organizations that utilize the media to influence public opinion (Marwick et al., 2017). As mentioned, Senator Bongbong’s ads incorporate video editing, with his claimed wind farm being displayed and used many times. Moreover, the only thing he said in the video was "pagkakaisa" and that the only thing that matters is unity; thus, the people in the commercials can be seen that they are all together so that unity can be shown to persuade the audience that he can bring this country together. 

Bongbong, M. (2022). Vote for UniTeam is a vote for unity, says Bongbong Marcos. INQUIRER.net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1593122/vote-for-uniteam-is-vote-for-unity-says-bongbong-marcos 

HINDI TOTOO: Proyekto ni Bongbong Marcos ang Bangui Wind Farm sa Ilocos Norte. (2021, October 15). RAPPLER. https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/fact-check/bangui-wind-farm-ilocos-norte-project-bongbong-marcos/

Marcos Imbento, Bistado: Hindi proyekto ni Marcos Jr. ang Bangui windmills. (2022, January 27). RAPPLER. https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/podcasts-videos/ilocos-norte-bangui-windmills-ferdindand-bongbong-marcos-myths-busted-series/

Marwick, A., & Lewis, R. (2017). Media Manipulation and Disinformation Online. Data & Society. https://datasociety.net/pubs/oh/DataAndSociety_MediaManipulationAndDisinformationOnline.pdf 

[reflectionofyesterday]

An abuse of press freedom or a law we need to follow?

Kate Hernando

Photo Courtesy: ABS-CBN News

There are big questions rose after the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC)  issued a cease-and-desist order demanding ABS-CBN Corp. immediately cease all broadcasting. It is an order that dictates any form of broadcasting made by the network will be recognized as illegal or suspicious.

Is it an abuse to press freedom? Or just a law we need to follow? Does history repeating itself?

Photo Courtesy: Nolisoli.ph

Prior to the 2020 shutdown of ABS-CBN it also happened way back the 23rd of September year 1972 when Former President Ferdinand E. Marcos declared “Martial Law” which forcefully closed different radio and television stations including newspapers except others who’s in favor of the President which excludes the stated network (ABS-CBN). 

Photo Courtesy: ABS CBN News

After receiving the cease-and-desist order given by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), ABS-CBN released a statement which gave importance on providing crucial and timely data for the people amidst the pandemic happening in the world. House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano gave an assurance to the network that there would be no move to shutdown it. Regardless of the situation, the network still made ways to provide information to the public which clearly their right.

Photo Courtesy: Manila Today

After the expiration of franchise in May, the network had been forced to off air. July 10, 2020 is the second time that ABS-CBN had been shut down by the government. This issue really contradicted the freedom of the press as accorded in Constitution Section 4, Article III of the Constitution provides that “No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances.” 

Photo Courtesy: ABS CBN News

Photo Courtesy: Jire Carreon/Rappler

A big number of Journalist and Human Rights groups pummels the dismissal of ABS-CBN having numerous lives influence by it being shut down. It maybe a “grievous attack on press freedom”, the Human Rights Watch (HRW) expressed also stating that this event demonstrates that we are beneath a de facto military law (Martial Law) that abuses human rights most especially the freedom of the press. They believe that the shut down of the network would affect many lives of Filipinos most especially the ones who lives in far and isolated areas that depends on ABS CBN radio and television stations. This will not just deprive the people’s freedom of the press but also their right to information and entertainment.

Photo Courtesy: Manila Today

The first announcement of cease-and-desist order of the big media (ABS-CBN) caused a lot of rallies and protests towards the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and the government itself starting with the #NoToABSCBNShutdown which became trending on all social media platforms most especially on Twitter. This hashtag trend also made way for different hashtags like defending press freedom and support to the existence of the network.

After 2 months of being temporarily shut down, the franchise renewal of the network heard 13 times in the Congress considering the last hearing as the decision if they would allow ABS-CBN to renew their franchise or not. 

The request for renewal of franchise of ABS-CBN Corp. was denied by the House of Representatives Committee on the 13th Hearing, July 10, 2020. 

The Technical Working Group who evaluated whether the ABS-CBN should still be given a renewal or not released numerous things on why they recommended to deny it.

Lopez's double citizenship

As indicated by the TWG report, Lopez is a double resident, both a characteristic brought into the world Filipino and an American resident. It referred to a protected arrangement expressing that "double devotion of residents is hostile to the national intrigue and will be managed by law".

Issuance of PDRs

The report additionally noticed that the issuance of Philippine depositary receipts (PDR) to outsiders has permitted remote possession in ABS-CBN, which could have abused the 1987 Constitution. It said the component of "corporate layering" utilized by ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN Holdings adequately makes the PDR holders the aberrant proprietors of the fundamental portions of load of ABS-CBN. It featured that the remote holders of PDRs for all intents and purposes own 187 million fundamental portions of ABS-CBN Corp., which is as of now 62 percent of the aggregate.

ABS-CBN TV Plus Box, KBO pay-per-see

The report said the ABS-CBN utilized recurrence Channel 43 to produce various stations or projects to be remembered for its advanced TV administration, TV Plus Box, which proceeded even past the termination of the showing grant in June 2015. As indicated by the NTC, ABS-CBN had no position to scramble or lock from the non-paying open its TV Plus Boxes, which are plainly just "allowed to-air" under its authoritative establishment.

Inability to regularize representatives

The TWG report referred to the Department of Labor and Employment's authentic explanation on July 1 proclaiming that its work assessors discovered infringement of laws and work measures by ABS-CBN and that there are 67 pending bodies of evidence against the organization in the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) and different courts.

It noticed that previous workers who have recently documented bodies of evidence against ABS-CBN affirmed that they were wrongfully excused in light of the fact that they shaped associations. These previous workers likewise proclaimed that they were made to sign business contracts containing a waiver of the privilege to regularization. The individuals who wouldn't sign a business contract containing a waiver of regularization were minimized to extend workers and later excused.

The TWG featured that solitary 25 percent or 2,661 of the all out 11,701 specialists of ABS-CBN are standard representatives.

Expense issues

ABS-CBN guaranteed it is making good on appropriate expenses, which is purportedly demonstrated by the Tax Clearance gave by the Bureau of Internal Revenue. ABS-CBN has likewise kept up that it didn't disregard the terms and states of its administrative establishment by profiting of expense motivators offered by the legislature.Be that as it may, the board said an assessment freedom doesn't exculpate a citizen of duty liabilities and misconducts, nor from demonstrations of extortion or tax avoidance.

One-sided detailing, interfering in governmental issues

The board has avoided giving a finding on the supposed one-sided revealing of the system, affirmed interfering in governmental issues, just as the substance of its projects. In any case, it urged ABS-CBN to painstakingly analyze itself and comprehend where all the "industrious protests" about one-sided announcing, wrong program content, and political interfering are originating from. 

70 Representatives who voted for the approval of the TWG recommendation:

1. Rep. Abraham Tolentino

2. Rep. Antonio Albano

3. Rep. Faustino Michael Dy

4. Rep. Jose Antonio Sy-Alvarado

5. Rep. Cyrille Abueg-Zaldivar

6. Rep. Faustino Dy V

7. Rep. Dale Malapitan

8. Rep. Eric Martinez

9. Rep. Divina Grace Yu

10. Rep. Julienne Baronda

11. Rep. Anthony Peter Crisologo

12. Rep. Luis Ferrer IV

13. Rep. John Marvin Nieto

14. Rep. Strike Revilla

15. Rep. Samantha Louise Alfonso

16. Rep. Rolando Valeriano

17. Rep. Joaquin Chipeco Jr.

18. Rep. Eduardo Gullas

19. Rep. Eleandro Jesus Madrona

20. Rep. Frederick Siao

21. Rep. Ian Paul Dy

22. Rep. Gil Acosta

23. Rep. Weslie Gatchalian

24. Rep. Prescious H. Castelo

25. Rep. Alyssa Sheena Tan

26. Rep. Christian Unabia

27. Rep. Raymond Mendoza

28. Rep. Jericho Nograles

29. Rep. Yedda Romualdez

30. Rep. Eric Yap

31. Rep. Claudine Bautista

32. Rep. Esmael Mangudadatu

33. Rep. Enrico Pineda

34. Rep. Dulce Ann Hofer

35. Rep. Sharon Garin

36. Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr.

37. Rep. Janette Garin (Ex-Officio)

38. Rep. Paulo Duterte

39. Rep. J. F. Nograles (F. Hernandez)

40. Rep. Conrado III Estrella

41. Rep. Sandro Gonzales (Rep. P. Pichay)

42. Rep. Mike Defensor (Rep. R. Puno)

43. Rep. Allan Ty (Rep. A. Gonzales)

44. Rep. F. Matugas (Rep. J. Pimentel)

45. Rep. Luis Villafuerte Jr.

46. Rep. Raneo Abu

47. Rep. Dan Fernandez

48. Rep. Rodante Marcoleta

49. Rep. Henry Oaminal

50. Rep. Pablo John Garcia

51. Rep. Deogracias ‘DV’ Savellano

52. Rep. F. Datol (Rep. M. Romero)

53. Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez

54. Rep. Jesus Crispin Remulla

55. Rep. Juan Miguel Macapagal Arroyo

56. Rep. Cristal Bagatsing

57. Rep. Juan Pablo Bondoc

58. Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr.

59. Rep. Bernadette Herrera-Dy

60. Rep. Xavier Jesus Romualdo

61. Rep. A. Calixto (Rep. J. Lacson-Noel)

62. Rep. Wilter Palma II

63. Rep. Ma. Theresa Collantes

64. Rep. Ria Christina Fariñas

65. Rep. Camille Villar

66. Rep. Roger G. Mercado

67. Rep. Sharee Ann Tan

68. Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano

69. Rep. Bayani Fernando

70. Rep. Jose Singson Jr.

11 Congressman/Congresswomen who voted against the TWG resolution:

1. Rep. Sol Aragones

2. Rep. Christopher de Venecia

3. Rep. Carlos Zarate

4. Rep. Gabriel Bordado Jr.

5. Rep. Vilma Santos-Recto

6. Rep. Lianda Bolilia

7. Rep. Jose Tejada

8. Rep. Bienvenido Abante

9. Rep. Stella Quimbo

10. Rep. Mujiv Hataman

11. Rep. Edward Maceda

Abstain:

1. Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr.

Inhibit:

1. Rep. Alfredo Vargas

2. Rep. Micaela Violago

The government stated their side so as the ABS-CBN Corp.

 Which side should weigh more?

Does the history repeat itself or the government simply following the law? 

I did my part. Please do yours.

Reference: Philippine National Agency

[pressiereen-blog]

Duterte’s War on Press Freedom

Photo grabbed from https://www.rappler.com/move-ph/194064-black-friday-rally-january-19-press-freedom

In a 29-page decision issued on its online page on January 11, 2018, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) which controls financial dealings in the Philippines has revoked Rappler’s corporate registration for allegedly violating a constitutional rule that restricts ownership of media entities to Filipinos. The commission also declared that the online publication had used a legal loophole to accept investment from certain foreign parties, an allegation that Rappler promptly denied in a statement and vowed to challenge the ruling in court.

Rappler acknowledged that it has two foreign investors, namely the North Base Media, a collective led by former journalists and Omidyar Network, an investment firm set up by Pierre Omidyar but said that the investors hold no stock in the media company and has no influence over their editorial content.

Given these circumstances, various media and rights groups from across the country have expressed their support for Rappler. Even netizens took their stand about the issue and criticized the Duterte administration over its consistent way of silencing all groups that are critical of the government, and, at the same time, empower its supporters, regardless if they are the real sources of the growing fake news.

"We will continue bringing you the news, holding the powerful to account for their actions and decisions, calling attention to government lapses that further disempower the disadvantaged," Rappler wrote in its editorial statement.

Duterte has repeatedly slammed other media agencies for their critical reportage of his administration and I personally believe that this kind of tactics show hints of dictatorship and resemble how Philippine press has suffered under Marcos regime.

Decades have been passed since Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law but many Filipinos still remember how the late dictator ordered the shutdown of all newspapers and broadcast stations that were critical of his regime. Hundreds of journalists were jailed, threatened, and murdered and they were only three daily newspapers and a limited number of TV stations.

Furthermore, Duterte is no doubt a solid supporter of Marcos and he is using his power to silence every media group who criticize him similar to what the dictator did but with a different strategy.

In 2017, the president released statements against the leading newspaper Philippine Daily Inquirer that leads to the announcement of the owners that they would sell their shares to the businessman and the good friend of Duterte, Ramon Ang. The president also threatened the broadcast network ABS-CBN that he would sue its owners for failing to air campaign ads that he had already paid for.

Rappler, on the other hand, released several pieces critical of the President – the reason why Duterte never got along with them. Recently, when he spoke about the article published on the site against his special aide Bong Go, he told Rappler’s Pia Ranada that her “inquisitive mind goes beyond its normal proportion” and referred to Rappler as a “fake news outlet”, a claim that his online supporters echoed. The incident happened a day after SEC released its decision to revoke Rappler.

Rappler was investigated because it allegedly violated the prohibition of foreign media ownership. But as a matter of fact, the online publication is composed of the most respected and awarded names in the field of journalism, investigative or otherwise and those people would never consider the idea of being control by a foreign entity.  Also, other companies, including two influential broadcast networks have similar arrangements with foreign investors but only Rappler’s registration has been investigated.

These legal issues were obviously the result of their commentaries against the Duterte administration and its bloody campaigns. If Duterte will continue to silence all media groups he does not like, then he is clearly attacking the freedom of the press. The role of the press is not only to disseminate news and information. Making every government officials accountable for their unlawful actions and fighting for the truth are also part of their many obligations to the people and the country.

The influence of media on society has never been weaker. The information that journalists give – important or not, has never been ignored. It has become a culture for Filipinos that whenever there is a politician that has an issue, they would give react to it. People will always be hungry for news and uncensored information. However, what the country is experiencing at the moment is contradictory to what real media needs to be. The Philippines needs a press which is not under control of those in power. And a leader who cannot accept criticism is not the right leader for a country that wants to develop.

References

Coronel, S. S. (2018, January 17). A 'Fraught Time' For Press Freedom In The Philippines. Retrieved February 05, 2018, from https://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2018/01/17/578610243/a-fraught-time-for-press-freedom-in-the-philippines

Dharel, P. (2018, January 16). Duterte slams Rappler anew, says it peddles fake news. Retrieved February 05, 2018, from http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/16/18/duterte-slams-rappler-anew-says-it-peddles-fake-news

Ranada, P. (2018, January 16). Duterte calls Rappler 'fake news outlet'. Retrieved February 05, 2018, from https://www.rappler.com/nation/193806-duterte-fake-news-outlet

Tomacruz, S. (2018, January 29). TIMELINE: The case of Rappler's SEC registration. Retrieved February 05, 2018, from https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/194702-sec-registration-case-timeline-press-freedo

[phgq]

Ressa’s remark a challenge for Mindanaoans: Piñol

#PHnews: Ressa’s remark a challenge for Mindanaoans: Piñol

DAVAO CITY--Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said Mindanawons should take the controversial statement of a Manila-based veteran journalist as a challenge to work on a stronger information campaign to correct the prevailing image of Mindanao as a troubled island. “Ressa's reference to SPMC simply as "a Davao Hospital" which received bigger funds from PhilHealth than the more popular Philippine General Hospital (PGH) is a stark proof that Mindanao has an image problem,” Piñol said in a statement on Thursday, referring to Rappler editor-in-chief Maria Ressa. In a Twitter post on Tuesday, Ressa suggested that the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) here obtained the biggest Interim Reimbursement Mechanism (IRM) allocation from the state-run Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) because of favoritism. Piñol, a former journalist himself, described Ressa's statement as laced with malice, and one that offended Mindawons, especially SPMC's health workers. But the MinDA chief said Ressa's insinuation of irregularity was reflective of the unfavorable views that non-Mindanawons hold on the island and its residents, following decades of bloody wars against bandits, terrorists, secessionists, and communist rebel groups. Piñol said the decades of conflicts have painted an ugly image of Mindanao, making the island a mystery for non-residents and a "dreaded land where the undesirables of Luzon are banished to pay for their offenses to society". “When I took over MinDA exactly one year ago, I identified the region's image problem as one of the major challenges. "Hindi ba nakakatakot sa Mindanao?" is always the first question asked by people who have not been to Mindanao,” he recalled. He added that the unwarranted travel advisories issued by foreign embassies did further damage to efforts to project a positive image for Mindanao. Mindanao transition Piñol acknowledged that several areas in Mindanao such as Sulu and parts of Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao provinces remain risky for travel. However, he noted that the peace and order situation in the three provinces has drastically improved over the last few years, compared to Metro Manila where cases of kidnapping continue. “Sulu, Lanao del Sur, and Maguindanao are not as dangerous as they used to be. In fact, I traveled to Patikul, Sulu accompanied only by civilians and crisscrossed most parts of Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao even at night,” he said. Basilan, a troubled island for so many years, has been virtually cleared of the Abu Sayyaf, thanks to the active support of the civilian leadership to the military operations. He added that the critical factor in the "dramatic reduction" of violent incidents in Mindanao was the signing of the peace agreement between the government and the main Bangsamoro secessionist group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). “It is an achievement which President Duterte's administration could lay claim to and so far, indicators show that he was right in pursuing the peace deal with the MILF. Former MILF leaders headed by now Interim Chief Minister Ahod "Murad" Ebrahim are running the government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao well,” he added. Further, Piñol cited MinDA's own initiative to promote a positive image for Mindanao through the "Beauty & Bounty of Mindanao" social media campaign. “There will still be a misconception about Mindanao, some of which are simply results of failure on the part of the government to really drum up the positive developments in the South. Others intentionally spread misinformation laced with malice to undermine the current administration and sadly, one of the purveyors is a reputed veteran journalist,” he said. Ressa's ignorance Going back to Maria Ressa, Piñol said he could not believe that a seasoned journalist could be so reckless in comparing SPMC with the PGH. “In her eagerness to put the administration in a bad light, she abandoned a basic tenet in journalism - check, double-check, and if needed, triple-check,” he said. Piñol said that Ressa should have known that SPMC is the biggest government hospital in the country serving a region with a population of 25.5 million while PGH is among the hundreds of major hospitals in Metro Manila with a population of only 12 million. “To the people of Mindanao, SPMC is not just "a Davao hospital" but a "salvation center" where all of the most serious medical cases are referred to - from cancer to injuries from accidents, wounds from gunshot and bombings and, yes, coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19),” he said. He added that the facility is a "symbol of hope and salvation for people in distress" though non-Mindawons would find this hard to understand. “We really have to work harder in educating people, including Maria Ressa, so that they will know that Mindanao is actually a better place to live in,” Piñol said. No irregularities Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement Wednesday said there was nothing irregular in PhilHealth's relatively bigger IRM allocation for SPMC. “SPMC, for the information of everyone, is a 1,500-bed hospital with almost 3,600 personnel. Per the Department of Health (DOH), it is the biggest hospital facility in the country as a government hospital. Last year, the hospital total admissions are 76,586. There are also 586,278 outpatients in the same period,” Roque added. He also elaborated that SPMC has several integrated specialty buildings which are stand-alone, like the Heart Institute, the Institute for Women and Newborn Care, the Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Institute, the Cancer Institute, the Intensive Care Complex, and the main hospital for General Medicine and Surgery. "It has the biggest hemodialysis in the country with 65 dialysis chairs," Roque said. Roque also noted that SPMC has the highest PhilHealth income, breaking the billion mark. Its average income for 2018-2019 is PHP1.2 billion and IRM is based on the monthly average or the track record of reimbursement for 2018-19. “Historically, SPMC has had the biggest amount of claims due to its regular provision of healthcare services to patients all over Mindanao,” Roque said. (PNA)

***

References:

* Philippine News Agency. "Ressa’s remark a challenge for Mindanaoans: Piñol." Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1112097 (accessed August 14, 2020 at 03:42AM UTC+14).

* Philippine News Agency. "Ressa’s remark a challenge for Mindanaoans: Piñol." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1112097 (archived).

[mikemortgage]

Journalist and Duterte critic posts bail after libel arrest

MANILA, Philippines — The award-winning head of a Philippine online news site that has aggressively covered President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration was freed on bail Thursday after her arrest in a libel case.

National Bureau of Investigation agents served the warrant against Maria Ressa late Wednesday afternoon and escorted her from the Rappler Inc. office to NBI headquarters, where she stayed overnight in an office. The move against Ressa, who was one of Time magazine’s Persons of the Year last year, was denounced by her outfit, Rappler Inc., and media watchdogs as a threat to press freedom. Duterte’s government said the arrest was a normal step in response to a criminal complaint.

“What we’re seeing is death by a thousand cuts of our democracy,” Ressa told reporters after posting bail in the Manila regional trial court that issued a warrant for her arrest.

She accused the government of abusing its power and of using the law as a weapon to muzzle dissent. “I’m appealing to you not to be silent … you have to express outrage.”

Duterte has openly lambasted journalists who write unfavourable stories about him, including about his anti-drug campaign that has left thousands of mostly poor suspects dead.

Rappler’s 2012 article included allegations that a businessman was linked to illegal drugs, human trafficking and a murder case, citing an unspecified intelligence report. The story also said a car registered in his name had been used by the country’s chief justice, who was later ousted in an impeachment trial.

Wilfredo Keng denied the allegations in a statement and welcomed the justice department’s indictment of Ressa and a former Rappler researcher, Reynaldo Santos Jr., adding he was determined to see the legal battle through. He said he has no criminal record.

“Rappler, Ressa and Santos continue to hold themselves high above any accountability to provide credible and justifiable reason for why they continue to harass an ordinary private citizen and businessman despite having absolutely no basis for their claims,” Keng said in a statement.

“With one click of a button, they destroyed my reputation and endangered my life,” Keng said.

Amnesty International Philippines said Ressa’s arrest was based on a “trumped up libel charge.”

“This is brazenly politically motivated, and consistent with the authorities’ threats and repeated targeting of Ressa and her team,” it said.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said the arrest was “merely part of any criminal procedure.” Duterte’s spokesman said the charge against Ressa was based on facts which she should simply answer and had “nothing to do” with press freedom.

Rappler is one of several local and international news agencies deemed critical of Duterte’s policies.

Duterte had already banned a Rappler reporter from his news briefings after the government’s corporate watchdog found that the news site violated a constitutional prohibition on foreign ownership of media when it received money from an international investment firm. Rappler, founded in 2012, rejected the ruling.

In its selection of Ressa as a Person of the Year, Time magazine cited her and several other journalists as “guardians” in what it said was an effort to emphasize the importance of reporters’ work in an increasingly hostile world.

Ressa, who has worked with CNN, also last year received a Press Freedom award from the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists, and the International Center for Journalists’ Knight International Journalism Award.

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[renesf]

Rappler Wants To Be The 4th Telco

Rappler Wants To Be The 4th Telco

MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – In an apparent concession  that it will eventually  lose its case with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) which revoked its media license, Rappler through its parent company, Rappler Holdings Corporation, has filed  a formal application to be the Philippines’ 4th Telco.

Rappler’s application comes just days after the National…