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Palace to look into passport data breach

By Arjay L. Balinbin, Reporter
MALACAÑANG SAID on Monday it will look into the alleged passport data breach, together with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Presidential Communications Operations Office(PCOO), and the United Graphics Expression Corporation (UGEC).
“Well, today we are writing the DFA regarding that matter; we also writing PCOO relative to the same; we are writing also UGEC ganun din (the same). So gagalaw iyan (that will move),” said Presidential Spokesperson and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador S. Panelo.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. said in a Twitter post last week that his department was “rebuilding” its files on passport holders after a “previous outsourced passport maker took all the data when contract (was) terminated.”
Weighing in on this controversy via social media, former foreign affairs secretary Perfecto R. Yasay, Jr. cited the DFA’s awarding in 2015 — “without bidding on condition that no part of the contract can be subcontracted or assigned to a private printer” — the operation of the electronic passport system to state-run APO Production Unit, Inc., an attached agency of the PCOO.
“In stark violation of that condition, APUI engaged the services of the United Graphic Expression Corporation for the production of the new E-passports,” Mr. Yasay said further, adding that the contract to APUI was awarded even amid a still “subsisting” contract from 2006 between the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and Francois-Charles Oberthur Fiduciare (FCOF).
Mr. Yasay also recalled that on Feb. 10, 2017, Mr. Panelo, as chief presidential legal counsel, “determined that the assignment of the passport printing services to UGEC was illegal and demanded that all rights over all the personal data, source code, data center and other information relating to the performance of the E-passports printing services unlawfully subcontracted to UGEC be reconveyed to the DFA or be acknowledged to be exclusively owned and controlled by the DFA.”
“Upon information and belief, it appears that UGEC, which continues the illegal production of the E-passports, has not complied,” Mr. Yasay said.
Mr. Panelo, for his part, said on Monday, “That’s what he (Mr. Yasay) said. Whether that’s covered by a particular document or not, I do not know.”
Mr. Panelo added: “Pinatingnan niya lang sa akin iyong joint venture (He only asked me to look into the joint venture). Eh sabi ko naman (I told him), you have to give me all the documents first. Eh kulang iyong mga dokumento kaya hindi ako makagawa ng (But the documents were not complete, so I could not give a) conclusive opinion on the matter…. So we’ve been asking them to give us all the documents relative to that matter.”
At the Senate, opposition Senators Risa N. Hontiveros-Baraquel and Antonio F. Trillanes IV filed resolutions seeking an inquiry into this controversy.
“As the Philippines is about to begin implementation of the National ID system, reports such as these do not inspire confidence in the capacity of government to protect our data and its ability to police and hold accountable private contractors who process personal information,” Ms. Baraquel said in Senate Resolution No. 981.
“There is a need to conduct an investigation in aid of legislation on the matter for the Senate to decide whether or not there is a need be to amend and/or strengthen our existing Data Privacy Act,” Mr. Trillanes said in his Senate Resolution No. 987.
Senator Aquilino L. Pimentel III had earlier said he also plans to file a resolution to look into the reported passport data breach. — with Camille A. Aguinaldo

Majority leaders to resolve abolition of Road Board

By Camille A. Aguinaldo, Reporter
SENATE Majority Leader Juan Miguel F. Zubiri on Monday said he plans to meet with House Majority Leader Rolando G. Andaya, Jr. to agree on the “parameters of amendments” before the Senate decides on a proposal for a bicameral conference committee to resolve the Road Board abolition.
In an interview with reporters after a caucus by the senators on Monday, Mr. Zubiri said some senators wanted to maintain the Senate position on the issue — which is to adopt the House bill on the abolition of the Road Board — while he and Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph G. Recto, among others, wanted amendments to the bill to make it more transparent.
For the Senate to adopt the House bill means there would be no need for a bicameral committee, which Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III said is his chamber’s stand.
“Generally, the sentiment was there is no need for a bicam because we have adopted the House version. We tasked Senator Zubiri, the Majority Leader, to talk to the Majority leader of the House, Congressman Andaya, to find out their reasons why there is a possibility that we can go into a bicam….Nothing official, it’s just talk,” Mr. Sotto III told reporters.
Mr. Zubiri said the senators then agreed on a meeting between the majority leaders of both chambers to settle this matter.
House Bill No. 7436 seeks to have the road user’s tax remitted directly to the National Treasury and to be appropriated for the projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Department of Transportation.
Mr. Zubiri said, “Our list of amendments is very simple, that the Road Board be abolished and secondly that the funds be reverted to the National Treasury so the government can use it for whatever purpose necessary. At the same time, it is a line item. It will be transparent.”
“If the House and Senate agree to the parameters, we can do a paper bicam…(meaning) we are in agreement with the amendments. We may have a quick meeting to approve on our side, to approve the House side and we sign the documents,” Mr. Zubiri said.
“We still need to create (a bicam panel) if and when we agree on the parameters. So this is all still hanging until we meet with Majority Leader Nonoy Andaya,” he added.
Mr. Andaya, for his part, said, “It was very clear that he (President Rodrigo R. Duterte) wanted the funds of the Road Board to be used for the budget,…specifically to repair the damaged areas of the typhoon,” Mr. Andaya, who represents the 1st district of Camarines Sur, said in a briefing.
“That kind of statement requires a certain amount of work,” said the House majority leader who also represents the 1st district of Camarines Sur.
He said House Bill No. 7436, as adopted by the Senate, does not contain any provision that will carry out the President’s directive.
“The bill proposed by both Houses is totally opposite (what) the President wants as proposed now,” Mr. Andaya said. — with Charmaine A. Tadalan

House approves bill waiving gov’t fees for fresh graduates

By Charmaine A. Tadalan, Reporter
THE House of Representatives on Monday approved the bill exempting fresh graduates from government fees on pre-employment requirements.
With 200 affirmative votes and zero negative, the chamber approved House Bill No. 172 which intends to provide assistance to new graduates by waiving fees and charges.
If enacted, the bill stated that all government agencies, including government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) and local government units, “shall not collect fees or charges from new graduates.”
This will include government-issued documents such as police clearance, National Bureau of Investigation clearance, and the Social Security System ID, among others.
As a requirement, covered beneficiaries of the measure shall present a copy of their diploma, or certification from the concerned institution.
It was also provided that the application must be filed within one year after graduation from high school, college or a vocational or technical course.
The assistance, however, will not be granted if the application is for the issuance of a passport or for the purpose of taking a professional licensure examination as conducted by the Professional Regulation Commission.
Moreover, the bill will establish an inter-agency monitoring committee, chaired by the Executive Secretary.
Among its members are the Civil Service Commission, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Finance, Department of Education, and the Commission of Higher Education.
Applicants who will be found guilty of submitting false proof of graduation will be subject to Article 12 of the Revised Penal Code, which penalizes falsification of documents with “prision correccional in its medium and maximum periods and a fine of not more than P5,000 pesos.”

Sri Lanka leader on state visit to PHL

MALACAÑANG on Monday said the President Maithripala Sirisena of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is scheduled to arrive in Manila today, Jan. 15, for a five-day state visit to the country.
“On the invitation of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, H.E. Maithripala Sirisena, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, will undertake a State Visit to the Philippines from 15 to 19 January 2019,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo said in a press briefing.
He added: “President Sirisena will meet with President Duterte on 16 January 2019 in Malacañang Palace. Their bilateral discussions will focus on areas of mutual interest, including political, economic, agriculture, cultural and people-to-people engagement.”
Mr. Panelo also said Mr. Sirisena is expected to visit the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Los Baños.
“He is also expected to meet the Sri Lankan community in Manila,” the spokesman said further.
Mr. Panelo described Mr. Sirisena’s visit to Manila as “of historic significance.”
“Prior to that, Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike was the only other Sri Lankan leader to visit, in 1976, since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1961,” Mr. Panelo said.
The Philippines and Sri Lanka celebrated 57 years of diplomatic relations last year. According to the official website of the Sri Lankan Embassy in Manila, the two countries “have always enjoyed excellent relations based on mutual respect and shared values.” — Arjay L. Balinbin

Pulse survey: Filipinos trust US the most, China the least

By Camille A. Aguinaldo, Reporter
MAJORITY OF Filipinos still trust the United States the most, according to a Pulse Asia Research, Inc. survey that also showed China and Russia earning low trust ratings.
The polling firm’s Trustworthiness of Selected Countries and Regional Organizations, conducted from Dec. 14 to 21, 2018, showed that 84% of Filipinos believed that “a great deal/fair amount of trust” should be given to the US.
The survey also indicated that majority of Filipinos trust Japan (75%), Australia (72%), and United Kingdom (57%).
Russia and China earned lower trust ratings with 45% and 39%, respectively.
The survey asked 1,800 Filipino adults on the level of trust that the Philippines should extend to a certain country or organization. The options included “a great deal of trust,” “a fair amount of trust,” “not too much trust,” and “no trust at all.”
China gained the highest distrust rating with more than half of Filipinos or 60% saying the Philippines should give “not too much trust” or “no trust at all” to the country.
This is followed by Russia at 54%, United Kingdom at 40%, Australia at 27%, Japan at 25%, and the US at 16%.
As for regional organizations, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) enjoyed high trust ratings among Filipinos, earning scores of 82% and 80%, respectively.
By region, the survey showed that the US earned the highest trust rating in Visayas at 94%, followed by the National Capital Region (NCR) at 89%, Balance Luzon at 83%, and Mindanao at 74%.
Meanwhile, the NCR had the highest trust rating towards China at 50%, followed by Mindanao at 49%, Visayas at 40%, and Balance Luzon at 30%.
Around the time the survey was conducted, the three Balangiga Bells, which were taken by American soldiers in 1901 as war trophies, were finally returned to their original town. It was also three weeks after the state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping in Manila when the survey was conducted.
Sought for comment, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo noted that Filipinos are still familiar with the US as the country’s strongest ally.
He added that it may also take some time to acknowledge China’s sincerity.
“It’s understandable for Filipinos to feel that way. We have been used to the States being our ally, so we are used to America. But maybe as we go along, when we see the sincerity of China with respect to agreements between the two countries, maybe their views will change,” he said in a press briefing at the Palace.
The Pulse Asia survey used face-to-face interviews with 1,800 adults nationwide with error margins of ±2.3% at the 95% confidence level for national percentages.

25 gun ban violators arrested on first day of election period

TWENTY-FIVE civilians were arrested for illegal possession of firearms during the first day of the gun period in line with the midterm elections on May, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported on Monday. In a press briefing, PNP chief Director General Oscar D. Albayalde said the police conducted 4,447 checkpoint operations nationwide on Sunday. “As of 12:00 midnight last night, we have conducted an accumulated 4,447 checkpoint operations resulting in the arrest of 25 persons and the confiscation of 27 Firearms, 168 rounds of ammunition, seven bladed weapons, 22 gun replica, 70 sachets of suspected ‘shabu,’ and 2 glass pipe with suspected ‘marijuana,’” said Mr. Albayalde to reporters. The gun ban period, which will end until June 12, also covers the upcoming plebiscite for the Bangsamoro Organic Law on Jan. 21 and Feb. 6.
HOTSPOTS
Meanwhile, the PNP also identified 19 election hotspots. These are: Sudipen and Balaoan in La Union; Jones, Isabela; Lemery and Roxas in Batangas; Balud and Dimasalang in Masbate; Daraga, Albay; Pagadian and Cagayan de Oro City in Misamis Oriental; Hajji Muhammad Ajul, Lantaoan and Tipo-Tipo in Basilan; Marawi City and Sultan Dumalondong in Lanao del Sur; Mamasapano, Sharrif Aguak, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, and Dati Unsai in Maguindanao. — Vince Angelo C. Ferreras

World prices push local fuel rates up for 2nd week

OIL COMPANIES will be raising the prices of petroleum products this week, extending last week’s increase after weeks of price cuts for most of the fourth quarter of last year. Diesel prices will rise by a hefty P2.30 per liter (/L), more than three times last week’s P0.70-per-liter increase. Gasoline prices will be up by P1.40 a liter. Kerosene will cost higher by P2.00/L. “Price adjustment only factors the increase in world oil prices and not the second tranche of the TRAIN (Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion) Law,” said Eastern Petroleum Corp. in a statement on Monday. Eastern Petroleum will be among the first to implement this week’s price hike at 12.01 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 15. Most of the companies will be raising pump prices at 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday. Last week, the per liter prices of gasoline, diesel and kerosene rose by P0.80, P0.70 and P0.40, respectively. Before that, only the price of gasoline rose for just one week during the last 12 weeks of 2018. — Victor V. Saulon

Mactan Channel ferry provides alternative transport between Cebu and Lapu-Lapu

THE COMMERCIAL ferry line Topline Express, providing transport between the cities of Cebu and Lapu-Lapu, was formally opened last week alongside the launching of the multi-use Top Card ticket. Topline Express Vice President for Operations Brigette L. Mueller said their daily operations are from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. between Mactan Wharf and Pier 3 in Cebu City. Two vessels, each with a capacity of 200 passengers, cross the Mactan Channel every hour. Land Transportation Office-Central Visayas Regional Director Victor Emmanuel C. Caindec said the Topline Express service has helped relieve traffic congestion between the two major cities. The regular rate per ride is P25, and discounts are given to students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities. Ms. Mueller said the Top Card, which will be operational by Feb. 1, would cost P999 for 30 days, P599 for 15 days, P299 for seven days, and P49 for 1 day. Each card is valid for unlimited rides within the corresponding period. — The Freeman

Police says students of UP, PUP ‘immerse’ in communist camps

SOME STUDENTS of the University of the Philippines (UP) and the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) were reported to be visiting encampments of communist rebels in Laguna. Chief Supt. Edward E. Carranza, police regional director of CALABARZON (Cavite-Laguna-Batangas-Rizal-Quezon), told reporters on Monday that there are students of the two state universities who are “immersing” with members of the Dumagat tribe who have been recruited by the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed unit of the Communist Party of the Philippines. “‘Yung word na nandito (The word here) is ‘immersing’ so whether they will stay there or what pero (but) it’s not within (or) part ng (of the) curriculum,” Mr. Carranza said. He cited reports from members of the Dumagat indigenous group, who used to be part of the NPA and surrendered to authorities over the weekend. Among them was a certain Ka Ruben, who said in the same press conference that NPA rebels threatened young people, especially students to join them. Mr. Carranza also noted that the intelligence unit of the communist rebels go to the houses of students to recruit them. — Vince Angelo C. Ferreras

DENR says rehabilitation plan for other tourism sites on track alongside Manila Bay repair

El Nido
El Nido is one of the popular tourist destinations currently undergoing rehabilitation work. — PHILSTAR

ILOILO CITY — While the spotlight has recently been trained on the rehabilitation of Manila Bay, work on improving other popular tourism sites after Boracay is continuing, according to a Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) official.
“This is the best time to build on what we have done in Boracay. Right now, we are working with different tourism sites like El Nido (Palawan), Panglao (Bohol), Siargao (Surigao del Norte), Puerto Gallera (Mindoro),” DENR Undersecretary for Field Operations Juan Miguel T. Cuna said last week here during the turnover ceremony for the new Western Visayas regional executive director.
Boracay is part of the Western Visayas.
Mr. Cuna said work on the Manila Bay will require significant resources, but rehabilitation plans could be achieved with strong national government support.
“The rehabilitation of Manila Bay will forsake a lot of time and effort (but) if the national government is fully behind like what we saw here in Boracay, nothing is impossible,” he said.
The presentation of the proposed Manila Bay rehabilitation plan is scheduled on Jan. 15.
Meanwhile, newly-installed DENR-Western Visayas Regional Executive Director Francisco E. Milla, Jr. called on the department’s local workers to continue the momentum from Boracay’s transformation.
“The image and moral ascendancy of our department has never been better than today. I appeal and ask for more than 100% cooperation and support as I begin my responsibility as the head of this department,” Mr. Milla told the employees in his speech. — Emme Rose S. Santiagudo

Comelec anticipates at least 75% voter turnout in Bangsamoro plebiscite

THE COMMISSION on Elections (Comelec) is expecting a high voter turnout during the plebiscite on the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL). “We expect that there will be high turnout. Historically speaking, elections in those regions have been enjoying high turnout rates, so upwards of 75%,” Comelec Spokesperson James B. Jimenez said in a press briefing on Monday. “We have… 2,839,659 registered voters distributed over 18,439 established precincts, which on election day translates to 9,377 polling places,” he added. The plebiscite is set on two dates: Jan. 21 for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and the cities of Isabela and Cotabato; and Feb. 6 for the areas in the provinces of Cotabato and Lanao del Norte. Canvassing for the Jan. 21 votes will be convened the next day at the Comelec headquarters in Intramuros, Manila. The Comelec En Banc will sit as the National Plebiscite Board of Canvassers, which will oversee the canvassing. Meanwhile, Comelec Vice-Chairperson for the Printing Committee Maria Victoria S. Dulcero said the printing of ballots for Jan. 21 has been completed while the remaining 600,000 ballots for Feb. 6 are expected to be finished within this week. — Gillian M. Cortez

Nation at a Glance — (01/15/19)

News stories from across the nation. Visit www.bworldonline.com (section: The Nation) to read more national and regional news from the Philippines.
Nation at a Glance — (01/15/19)

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