Facebook Instagram Linkedin Twitter Youtube
Home Blog Page 2488

Dove Cameron sheds Disney past to become her own kind of pop star

LOS ANGELES — Singer-songwriter and actor Dove Cameron is breaking away from her Disney star persona and putting a new version of herself out there with Alchemical: Volume 1, the first part in her debut studio album.

Alchemical: Volume 1, which has eight songs, including “Sand,” will be released on Dec. 1.

The former child star, who appeared in Disney’s 2015 film Descendants, its sequels and TV spin-off for many years, has been reflecting on her self-growth since her days as a kid working in Hollywood.

“Growing up in the public eye, I trained my brain to think first about what other people wanted from me rather than what I knew I needed,” Ms. Cameron said in an interview. “When you start that young, and your whole life is cataloged and interpreted in a way that might not actually be reality, I think you start to look at things from an external point of view and you start to reject your own personal experiences as being valid,” she added.

In 2022, she released her first non-Disney hit song called “Boyfriend,” which served as an avenue for Ms. Cameron to share with the world that she’s part of the LGBTQ+ community.

“Boyfriend” is based on events from Ms. Cameron’s life that helped shape her sexuality and was performed during the 2022 American Music Awards (AMAs) the same night she won new artist of the year.

“I just decided, it’s now or never,” Ms.Cameron said. “I was really grateful with how people responded,” she added. “Still, obviously there’s still quite a lot of negativity around it, but I just think when it’s for yourself, you can’t find issue with that.”

After releasing “Boyfriend,” Ms. Cameron decided to delete all her previous song-writing work from streaming services, as she felt it didn’t represent who she was anymore.

The Daytime Emmy-award winning actress feels that she is in an “amazing place in her life” now where anything feels possible for her, which means not conforming to a certain image.

Compassionate workplace justice

A 50-year-old department clerk, father of five children of school age, was caught by a newly assigned security guard bringing out of the office a small quantity of stationery. The offender, an average work performer, has been with the company for 15 years and has no prior record. Our policy considers this as qualified theft and grounds for dismissal. The chief executive officer (CEO) tasked the human resource (HR) manager to decide on the case, while the department head recommends a five-day suspension instead of termination. If you were the HR manager, what would you do? — Blue Mountain.

Almost all religions preach compassion. But then, when confronted with an actual situation, most people would agonize about the right approach.

Psychologists have spent decades of research to understand the meaning of compassion and human suffering.

Emma Seppala, a director at The Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education at Stanford Medical School, says “human suffering is often accompanied by beautiful acts of compassion by others wishing to relieve it.” This is seen in the case of volunteers serving food at homeless shelters or in people who stop on the highway in the rain to help someone with a broken-down vehicle.

To some, acts of compassion (or empathy) are difficult to understand except to explain it as “an automatic mirroring of another’s emotion.” Therefore, if a stranger can volunteer to help another stranger in need, what more a person be-longing to the same organization? This is where HR should perform a delicate balancing act.

This requires a fair and impersonal judgment of what is right, considering the interests of the offender-employee and those of the whole organization.

ACT OF KINDNESS

If “survival of the fittest” describes people in a rat race, a contrary maxim calls for “survival of the kindest,” which generates a lot of positive vibes in the workplace. Being kind is the most welcome as it generates tons of acceptance.

As I’ve said in my previous articles, people management is an act of kindness. It automatically expires the moment workers show that they don’t deserve such kindness from management. It is in this light that HR professionals must consider the needs of both employees and management.

This is the time when HR must decide on the best solution. HR may be misunderstood. But as long as the decision is right and fair, all you have to do is to explain it gently to those who may feel unhappy about your decision. Take it from the department manager.

He has already recommended that the penalty be reduced to a one-week suspension instead of dismissal. Without your knowing for sure, other employees may support such an approach. It becomes a matter of writing a balanced decision that does not set a bad precedent. In writing such a decision, the HR manager must consider the following:

One, emphasize due process. This requires giving the employee both the substantive and procedural aspects of due process. Give the worker an ample chance and opportunity to explain his side of the story.

Two, state the decision finding the worker to have committed the offense. Cite the specific provision of the Code of Conduct and other pertinent provisions of the Labor Code. Explain how management came to the collective decision. Take note of a Supreme Court decision finding that dismissal is too harsh.

Three, explain that the penalty is reduced to suspension. The HR manager may increase the recommended suspension from five days to 10 days or even more. Also, the suspension must reflect a pro-rata deduction to 13th month pay and other cash allowances and benefits when they become due.

Four, include a disclaimer against setting precedent. Emphasize it clearly that future offenders may not use such case if it favors them. Do this even if you treat the case with utmost confidentiality and you promise to treat each case differently.

COMPASSIONATE JUSTICE

I’ve implemented compassionate justice in a number of cases brought before me in the past. I was happy to note that the experience taught me many valuable lessons. Compassion can go a long way in reforming employees. Many of them have succeeded in changing their image before management. They’ve become loyal to the organization.

In conclusion, however, be careful in making a decision like this even in the name of compassionate justice. Chances are, some management people, including CEOs, will object to your leniency. If that happens, you have no choice but to implement what they want — but not before explaining everything in this article.

 

Bring Rey Elbo’s leadership program called Superior Subordinate Supervision to your organization. For details or your workplace questions, chat with him via Facebook, LinkedIn, X (Twitter) or via https://reyelbo.com 

Strengthening the military and identifying a Philippine defense industry

PHILIPPINE STAR/KRIZ JOHN ROSALES

NEXT year, 2024, might prove crucial in determining the fate of many countries, including that of the Philippines. When one considers the wars happening in Europe and the Middle East, the only thing left is a triggering event in Asia and you essentially have a world war.

It is thus disconcerting to view the state of our capabilities should such wars reach our seas, never mind our shores. Our Armed Forces, in a world now beset by online information, artificial intelligence, and globalized supply chains, is amazingly structured by a law made before the Philippines even became a republic.

THE NEED FOR A NEW NATIONAL DEFENSE ACT
Thus, as pointed out by The Diplomat, the “AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) was established following the passage of Commonwealth Act No. 1, also known as the National Defense Act of 1935. For almost 85 years now, this law has remained the legal basis for the AFP’s existence, mandate and even strategy. Though specific provisions of the law were rescinded by presidential decrees or executive orders, especially during the time of President Ferdinand Marcos, and different Department of National Defense (DND) department orders have been published over the years, the act itself has yet to face Congress’ meticulous legislative deliberations.”

More significantly, aside from being clearly obsolete, considering the Philippines is an archipelagic country now beset by aggressive illegal claims by a regional bully, the National Defense Act unfortunately “institutionalized the importance of ground forces in territorial security. Since 1935, the Philippine Army (PA) has dominated the entire defense establishment. Though other factors helped establish the PA’s leading responsibility, particularly the communist insurgency, secessionist Moro rebels, and now terrorism.” (“Why the Philippines Needs to Revise Its National Defense Act,” September 2020).

THE NEED TO INCREASE DEFENSE SPENDING
One study, “The Implications of Defense Expenditure on Philippine Economic Growth” (Julia Rocio S. Gatdula, University of Asia and the Pacific) examined the relationship between Philippine defense spending and economic growth, and found that for every 1% increase in defense expenditure there results an estimated increase of 0.12% in GDP.

The findings thus suggest that “it may be more imperative for the Philippines to allow the Defense Department greater flexibility in terms of budget allocation due to its possible multi-dimensional effect, particularly the geopolitical, economic, social, and cultural dimensions of the Philippines. This, coincidentally, is similarly indicated in the aims pointed out in the National Security Policy (NSP) of 2023 to 2028 and the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) of 2023 to 2028. Investing in the defense sector should be seen more and more not merely as a purely national security matter but also as a positive catalyst in sustaining or facilitating the country’s economic growth.” (“Philippine defense spending and its impact on economic growth,” BusinessWorld, September 2023).

This therefore leads to the necessity of reexamining and amending the Constitution’s Article XIV.5.5, which requires the State to “assign the highest budgetary priority to education,” including the humongously misguided policy of giving everyone a college education. Surely, the State must be afforded enough flexibility to allow adequate responses to urgent circumstances particularly if it affects national survival.

IDENTIFYING OUR NATION’S DEFENSE INDUSTRY
Which leads then to discussing the Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) program, usually with armament and transportation manufacturing and purchases as the main focus of attention.

Nevertheless, while that alone is beset with a myriad of difficulties, discussions regarding a self-reliant defense posture should not be limited to armaments and must include clothing, food, energy, finance, technology and communications, and human resources. This leads to the necessity of identifying what exactly are “defense industries,” for which government support and oversight can be applied.

OFFICIALLY CATEGORIZING CHINA’S ENCROACHMENTS AS WITHIN PHILIPPINE TERRITORY AND CRIMINAL JURISDICTION
Finally, there was a very thoughtful position paper by the International Law and Relations Society of the Philippines, November 2023, which centered its discussions on the so-called posse comitatus and the distinction between police action and armed conflict. In other words, the difference in application between domestic law and international law.

The reliance on police measures is a good point because it indicates application of domestic law and thus by implication categorizes the events happening as within Philippine territory, full stop.

However, while admittedly such distinctions may exist, such ultimately is of no consequence. The reason is that, whether a circumstance is governed by domestic law or international law, both are within the ambit of the President’s powers.

Thus, the Constitution’s Article VII.18 provides that the “President shall be the Commander-in-Chief of all armed forces of the Philippines and whenever it becomes necessary, he may call out such armed forces to prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion or rebellion.”

The point is that, while the coast guard may be classified as civilian, our own Constitution authorizes the president to deploy the Armed Forces in order to put down “lawless violence” done within our territory, arguably a domestic law matter and thus avoids re-classifying such measures as one under international law.

 

Jemy Gatdula read international law at the University of Cambridge and is a Philippine Judicial Academy lecturer for constitutional philosophy and jurisprudence.

https://www.facebook.com/jigatdula/

Twitter  @jemygatdula

How can boards oversee emerging technology?

In a recent event, EY gathered insights from over 100 board directors and business leaders regarding the challenges of rising inflation, geopolitical crises, rapid digital transformation, and the impact of generative artificial intelligence (AI), the metaverse, and other disruptive platforms. The event emphasized the importance of directors gaining hands-on experience with rapidly evolving technologies, meeting the expectations of investors and stakeholders, embracing innovation dur-ing times of uncertainty, and focusing on purpose and principles when innovating.

To effectively oversee emerging technology, boards should note four key points of action: fostering curiosity, employing a hands-on approach, carefully embracing innovation, and building inclusive ecosystems.

FOSTER CURIOSITY

Board leaders now face the challenge of navigating emerging technology platforms that were virtually nonexistent before the pandemic, such as AI, the metaverse, and advanced language models. These technologies hold a unique po-tential for each company’s mission and purpose. It is no longer enough for boards to simply cast their votes in favor of or against these technologies; they must engage in a process known as “visioning.” This involves discussing and for-mulating actionable strategies to immediately embrace these technologies, fueled by curiosity to determine potential opportunities, thereby realigning business and operating models towards growth and productivity.

EMPLOY A HANDS-ON APPROACH

The new generation, particularly Gen Z, are fully immersed in the digital realm and are both current and future consumers and employees. These young individuals have a strong desire to own their data, have influence over AI, and cu-rate their own metaverse experiences. For instance, just like previous generations of teenagers who would gather at shopping malls for socializing, it is predicted that soon teens will engage in similar activities within the metaverse.

The concept of professionals interacting as avatars in virtual realities is also gaining traction, such as for corporate training purposes. Simply acknowledging the existence of these technologies is no longer sufficient. Boards must adopt the same hands-on mentality as Gen Z, stepping out of their comfort zones to personally explore and experiment with these technologies, all while maintaining a mindset of continuous learning. Boards that eagerly embrace AI on a wide scale and envision the potential to transform their businesses, even considering its applications within their own boardrooms, will undoubtedly reap the benefits. On the other hand, those that fail to do so will fall behind, and this future is not far away.

CAREFULLY EMBRACE INNOVATION

The current business landscape drastically shifted due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a cascade of transformative events, including supply chain crises, the conflict in Ukraine, and inflation. These phenomena have had a profound impact on how companies conduct business on a global scale as labor and energy costs also continue to rise steadily. While cost-cutting measures and job reductions can provide temporary relief, they can only take companies so far. It is imperative for boards to incorporate AI, intelligent automation, and alternative energy sources into their scenario planning and capital reallocation strategies.

While innovation is undoubtedly vital, boards must strive to strike a balance between enthusiasm and caution. Flashy new technologies may captivate attention, but they alone do not form a robust business plan, especially in times of economic uncertainty. Disruptive platforms must be supported by well-founded business cases. By asking the right questions, boards can gain a deeper understanding of their customers and talents as human beings rather than solely as consumers or employees. As early as now, companies should also already start evaluating their readiness for AI, and how leveraging on its powerful algorithms can help enhance their products and services, and im-prove lives.

BUILD INCLUSIVE ECOSYSTEMS

The shortage of tech skills necessary to drive innovation has become apparent. However, with less restrictive immigration policies and the rise of remote work, there is an opportunity to tap into a broader pool of high-tech profes-sionals. Recognizing the value of human diversity as a fundamental principle ultimately leads to better business outcomes, and while empathy and soft skills are significant, cultivating a culture of innovation necessitates construc-tive conflict to push forward new ideas.

Furthermore, responsible innovation entails vigilance towards the unintended consequences that may arise from the rapid advancement of digital technology. The era of “move fast and break things” has come to an end. Alt-hough innovation often outpaces regulation, boards must acknowledge and oversee the associated risks posed by AI. Just because something is technologically feasible does not mean it is ethically right. AI will be an integral part of our future, and leaders must strike a balance between harnessing its potential benefits and safeguarding against cyber threats, biases, and other adverse impacts on workers and consumers.

INNOVATE WITH PURPOSE AND CONSIDER THE RISKS

It is important for boards to gain hands-on experience with new technologies, adopting a curious and continuous learning mindset but while simultaneously practicing caution to ensure their decisions are backed by informed busi-ness plans. Leading boards welcome innovation but do so with purpose and with the careful understanding of unintended consequences.

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional advice where the facts and circumstances warrant. The views and opinions expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily repre-sent the views of SGV & Co. and FINEX.

Wilson P. Tan is the chairman and country managing partner of SGV & Co. and the president of FINEX.

How PSEi member stocks performed — November 30, 2023

Here’s a quick glance at how PSEi stocks fared on Thursday, November 30, 2023.

Save for DICT, Congress unlikely to restore agencies’ secret funds

By John Victor D. Ordoñez, Reporter

PHILIPPINE lawmakers on Thursday said they are unlikely to restore the confidential funds sought by civilian agencies in the P5.768-trillion 2024 national budget as Congress reconciles the House of Representatives and Senate versions of the spending bill.

“I don’t think so,” Senator Juan Edgardo M. Angara, who chairs the Senate Finance Committee, said about the chances of restoring confidential funds when asked by reporters on the sidelines of the Bicameral Conference Committee hearing finalizing the 2024 spending measure in Makati City.

But he did acknowledge that with regard to confidential funds for civilian agencies, “what is being talked about” at the bicam is the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

He said lawmakers will consult Senator Grace Poe-Llamanzares, who sponsored the DICT’s budget, whether or not the bicameral committee will make an exception since the department needs it to boost the country’s cybersecurity programs.

Still, Mr. Angara clarified: “By and large, the Senate adopted what the House did in realigning the (confidential and intelligence) funds of civilian agencies.”

Following plenary debates on the DICT’s budget for next year, the Senate approved the proposed P9.9-billion budget which included P280 million as confidential fund. But Poe-Llamanzares explained that the fund was transferred into its regular line item in order to be subjected to Commission on Audit (COA) scrutiny.

Defending this decision, Mr. Angara said: “Sometimes the war is not on the battlefield, but someone can disable your cybernetworks, information… and our economy would come to a halt.”

When asked about the most contentious provisions in the House and Senate versions of the budget bill, Mr. Angara confirmed that “there are a lot.”

“Sometimes the same funds that are being realigned or moved… we need to discuss what to agree on,” he said in Filipino without going into detail.

Party-list Rep. Elizaldy S. Co, who chairs the House Committee on Appropriations, said lawmakers are talking over when they can finish reconciling disagreeing provisions in next year’s P5.77-trillion spending plan.

Mr. Angara said lawmakers hope to end before Congress adjourns on Dec. 15 and before President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s trip to Japan this month.

The President is set to attend the 50th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Japan Friendship and Cooperation Commemorative Summit.

“We want to be prepared for next year; (ensure the delivery of) social services, we want to fight inflation, (address) rice prices to help lower middle class and poor Filipinos, since problems such as war and inflation may worsen next year,” he said in Filipino.

Last Tuesday, the Senate approved on final reading its version of the budget bill with Mr. Angara highlighting the budget boost for defense agencies to ensure national security.

Vice-President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio said her office would no longer pursue its request for P500 million in confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) next year “because it is seen to be divisive.”

Marcos skips COP28 to focus on Filipino seamen held hostage

By Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza, Reporter

PHILIPPINE President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Thursday canceled his participation in the United Nations’ climate conference in Dubai to prioritize the situation of 17 Filipino seafarers who were captured by Yemen militants in the Red Sea earlier this month.

Mr. Marcos, who made a last-minute decision to cancel his trip to Dubai for the COP28, cited “important developments” in the situation of 17 Filipino seafarers who were taken hostage after Yemen’s Houthi rebels seized an Israeli-linked cargo ship in the Red Sea on Nov. 19.

The Philippine leader was expected to convene a meeting to facilitate the dispatch of a high-level delegation to Tehran, Iran “with the aim of providing necessary assistance to our seafarers.”

He has entrusted his environment chief, Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, to lead the Philippine delegation at the COP28 and “articulate the country’s statement on his behalf,” the presidential palace said in a statement.

It was unclear when the Philippine negotiating team would leave for Iran. The foreign affairs department did not immediately disclose the composition of the delegation.

The 17 Filipino seamen were among the 25 crew members of cargo vessel Galaxy Leader, which was hijacked by Houthi rebels in response to what they called as “heinous acts” being committed by Israel in Gaza. The other crew members were from Bulgaria, Ukraine, Mexico and Romania.

The militants said that the ship was Israeli, but Israel had claimed it’s a British-owned cargo vessel that’s operated by a Japanese firm.

Citing data from the London Stock Exchange Group, Reuters has reported that the vessel is owned by a company registered under Ray Car Carriers, a unit of Tel Aviv-incorporated Ray Shipping.

“Ray Car Carriers is headquartered in the Isle of Man, which is a self-governing territory under British sovereign,” it said.

The Filipino hostages were in good condition and would eventually be released, said. Ma. Teresita Daza, Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson. “Efforts are ongoing for this to happen as soon as possible,” she said in a statement.

The Yemen-backed Houthis have launched a series of missile and drone strikes against Israel, which had bombarded Gaza Strip following a surprise attack by Hamas on Oct. 7.

Upon the imposition of a four-day truce between Israeli military and Hamas that began last Nov. 24, the latter had released 24 hostages, including Filipino caregiver Gelienor Pacheco. It was extended for another two days on Nov. 28 and for at least 24 hours on Nov. 30.

Under the deal, the truce could be extended if more hostages are released at a rate of 10 daily. Israel also agreed to release 150 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the hostages. There were still 173 people being held in Hamas captivity as of Wednesday, the Israeli embassy in Manila said.

Speaker seeks speedy approval of amnesty resolution for rebels

THE LEADERSHIP of the House of Representatives is planning on passing resolutions concurring with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s recent proclamation granting amnesty to rebel groups before session adjourns in mid-December.

“We will act with dispatch on these concurrent resolutions, and we will strive to approve them before our Christmas break so that rebels who sincerely desire to return to the fold of law and lead normal lives, along with the members of their family, and our nation in general, could enjoy the blessings of peace as soon as possible,” Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said on Thursday.

On Wednesday, Mr. Romualdez and several congressmen filed resolutions concurring with the President’s amnesty proclamations, which are set for deliberations before the House Committee on Justice.

On Nov. 22, Mr. Marcos signed Proclamations Nos. 403, 404, 405, 406, granting amnesty to members of the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas-Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB), former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), respectively.

The proclamations issued would take effect after the concurrence of Congress.

Individuals charged with offenses under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 would not be covered by the amnesty proclamations.

Under the House resolutions, the lawmakers said granting amnesty to these rebel group members would contribute to “nurturing a climate conducive for peace, and in implementing programs for reconciliation and reintegration of rebels into mainstream society.”

Former rebels would have to file their applications for amnesty under oath with the Amnesty Commission within two years

The Amnesty Commission is mandated to issue implementing rules and regulations of the amnesty program.

The Philippine government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines on Nov. 22 agreed to restart peace talks amid foreign security threats and socioeconomic and environmental issues.

Bonifacio Day protesters demand higher wages, transport subsidy

POLICE hold their ranks as members of labor group, Kilusang Mayo Uno (May First Movement), are joined by other activists in a protest march along Kalaw Avenue in Manila on Thursday morning, marking Andres Bonifacio Day with a call to government to address their grievances. —PHILIPPINESTAR/ERNIE PEÑAREDONDO

By Jomel R. Paguian

LABOR GROUPS on Thursday marched along the streets of Manila to voice out concerns on workers’ welfare as transport groups and anti-war coalition activists denounced the phaseout of jeepneys and foreign military intervention.

The demonstrations were staged to mark the 160th birth anniversary of national hero and revolutionary, Andres Bonifacio.

Transport group Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (PISTON), which led a three-day transport strike last week, joined the protest to urge the government to include a P31.57-billion public utility vehicle (PUV) rehabilitation subsidy in the 2024 national budget.

The subsidy, proposed by Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas on Wednesday, would be used in upgrading 63,140 traditional PUVs per year.

The transport group argued that with the proposed subsidy, the government has no reason to make franchise consolidation mandatory under the PUV Modernization Program since government subsidies will be inclusive for all legitimate franchise holders, regardless of consolidation status.

“When this is enacted, there is no reason for the government to push for franchise consolidation because the budget will now be allocated directly to the rehabilitation of old public vehicles,” PISTON national president Mody T. Floranda said in a statement in Filipino.

Labor groups, among them the Kilusang Mayo Uno, also demanded substantial wage increases, highlighting the stagnant daily income amid inflation. They argued that current earnings fall significantly below the family living wage standard of P1,186 per day, even with the P610 daily minimum pay in Metro Manila — the highest regional minimum wage in the country.

National Confederation of Labor president Ernesto Arellano urged for the implementation of a P750 wage increase across all regions in the country, and the reestablishment of national minimum wage which will junk regional wage boards.

The groups also called for an end to “contractualization” schemes — the labor practice of hiring workers on a short-term or contractual basis — and demanded regular job and employment opportunities.

An anti-war coalition comprised of labor and human rights groups, No To War network, also joined the protest to rally against the aggression of foreign powers in the South China Sea, condemning the joint military exercises with the United States and the ongoing discussion to have a similar program with the Japanese military. The coalition also called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

“It is imperative to stop these wars so that focus is redirected to more immediate and pressing concerns faced by the world’s people, particularly the urgent battles against poverty, inequality, and the climate crisis,” said Partido Manggagawa Chair Renato Magtubo in a statement.

Greenpeace demands COP28 action

ONE of the world’s largest green organizations said it will continue to block access to Shell Pilipinas Corporation’s import terminal in southern Luzon until the Philippine delegation at the COP28 demands accountability from climate-polluting firms.

The blockade, which started on Wednesday morning, involves Greenpeace International’s flagship vessel Rainbow Warrior, and kayaks, hindering Shell’s access to the Tabangao port in Batangas. It continued on Thursday as world leaders commenced their climate conference in Dubai.

“Our protest will go on until we get a response from the Philippine delegation at the COP28 represented by [Environment] Secretary [Maria Antonia] Yulo-Loyzaga that it will heed the call to make climate polluters pay up for the loss and damage suffered by communities,” Greenpeace Philippines campaigner Jefferson Chua said by telephone.

Timothy James Laurel, government relations advocacy manager at Shell Pilipinas, did not immediately reply to an email and a text message seeking comment. 

“For it to happen, the Philippine government needs to advocate for a strong and fair loss and damage facility at COP28. It needs to push for a national legislation that will make climate justice and accountability a state policy to secure accountability for impacted communities,” said Mr. Chua.

While Greenpeace Philippines recognized remarks from the Philippine government that developing nations must fulfill their climate finance promises, it said the country must also demand that corporations pay reparations and pursue a green transition.

“The call has been for developed countries to pay up and deliver climate action. What we are saying is that not only developed countries should deliver but also big corporations that continue to damage the environment,” Mr. Chua said.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, 66, on Wednesday vowed that the Philippines will “use this (COP28) platform to rally the global community and call upon nations to honor their commitments, particularly in climate financing.”

“We are once again poised to lead,” he told the beneficiaries of the Philippines’ P1-billion People’s Survival Fund, a long term finance stream that was institutionalized through a 2012 law that amended the Climate Change Act of 2009.

Separately, Philippine environment chief Ms. Yulo-Loyzaga said at a Wednesday briefing that the negotiation for a loss and damage fund will be one of the most critical agenda during the UN climate conference.

After a long fight, we now have loss and damage on the agenda,” she said. “We anticipate at this point that there will be many issues relating to climate-vulnerable countries that will be addressed by this loss and damage fund.”

“We need an assurance and commitment from the government that big polluters like Shell will be held to account,” Mr. Chua said.

Greenpeace’s vessel, with a banner that read “Make Climate Polluters Pay,” has been anchored in front of the terminal since the first day of the blockade.

Greenpeace had yet to assess how the blockade has affected Shell’s operations but Mr. Chua said the Tabangao port is key to the entry of various petroleum products into the country.

The Shell Import Facility in Tabangao, also known as SHIFT, was previously one of the country’s two oil refineries that had been holding about 100,000 barrels of oil daily.

SHIFT, which Shell calls a world-class import terminal, was inaugurated in 2021. In the same year, Shell Pilipinas said that through the facility, it would be able to meet fuel demand not just in the capital region but also in Southern Luzon and Northern Visayas.

Mr. Chua said the Philippine government also needs to assure that it will explore options for climate litigation “against big polluters,” which he said has already been done by other governments.

For example, the state of California sued five corporations such as Shell, BP, ExxonMobil, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips as well as the trade American Petroleum Institute for allegedly deceiving the public over dangers linked to fossil fuels and causing billions of dollars in damage to communities and the environment.

“There are also residents from a small island in Indonesia who are taking Holcim, a Swiss cement company, to court for damaging the environment,” Mr. Chua added. “Litigation can be through different means.”

Scientists worldwide have warned that rising global temperatures caused by destructive activities are making typhoons more powerful. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

Smartmatic challenge expected

THE COMMISSION on Election (Comelec) said on Thursday that it expects its En Banc resolution that disqualifies voting technology provider, Smartmatic, from participating in Philippine elections to be challenged before the Supreme Court (SC).

It became apparent during the Comelec press conference that Comelec Chairman George M. Garcia was holding back on comments on their resolution. “Any moment from now, somebody will go to the Supreme Court, and therefore, any statement we will make now will and can be used against the commission,” he said in mixed English and Filipino.

“We don’t want the decision to be disregarded simply because of a loose tongue. What we say may be used against us when it reaches the Supreme Court,” he added.

A day after the resolution was made public, Smartmatic said it was not given the opportunity to provide comments or respond to the grounds used by the commission ban the firm.

“We are very confident that had Comelec informed us of the matter, allowed us to explain our side and present countervailing evidence, the unfair disqualification would not have been meted out,” it said in a statement.

It added that the reasons cited for Smartmatic’s disqualification were not even included in the complaint filed by the group led by former Information and Communications Technology Chief Eliseo M. Rio, Jr.

In its resolution released on Wednesday, Comelec cited the allegations revolving around former Comelec Chairman Juan Andres D. Bautista who allegedly received bribes in exchange for awarding a contract for Smartmatic during the 2016 national elections.

In response to Smartmatic, Mr. Garcia said in the briefing that the issue of bribery was included in the series of petitions filed against them, and they neglected to address it during the hearing of their disqualification case. “If it’s included in the allegations, they should counter it because if they don’t respond, it constitutes a general denial, and a general denial is a weak denial,” he said.

Immediately after the press briefing, Smartmatic posted another statement denying that they were given the opportunity to present evidence on the bribery case.

“It is grossly misleading, therefore, to claim that we have been accorded our right to due process,” Smartmatic said in response to Comelec’s press briefing. “On the contrary, we find the decision to have been very arbitrary and was marked by grave abuse of authority.”

Mr. Garcia clarified that the investigation of the bribery case involving the former Comelec chairman is still ongoing and is aimed to conclude before the end of the year. He clarified that “the investigation [of bribery allegation] is separate and distinct from the [disqualification] case.”

Amid the ongoing investigation of bribery, Mr. Garcia said they disqualified Smartmatic “because we want to preserve the integrity of the electoral process.” He said, “When there’s bribery and alleged rigging of bidding, explaining to the public becomes extremely challenging once doubts arise. We want to prove that the public can trust Comelec.”

When asked why Smartmatic was disqualified despite not being indicted of the allegation, Mr. Garcia said the commission has the administrative power to disqualify a bidder even without a filed case, explaining that there was no grave abuse of discretion “so long as due process was observed.”

Smartmatic responded: “Chair Garcia repeatedly mentioned that Comelec, in disqualifying Smartmatic, was not using its quasi-judicial function, which is subject to oversight, but its administrative function, which in his interpretation gave the Comelec overly broad and unfettered powers that could not be questioned.”

The company also criticized the chairman for equating the commission’s administrative power to disqualify an entity with relocating a voting precinct, stating that it is “a faulty and dangerous analogy that trivializes the serious nature of the disqualification.” — Jomel R. Paguian

Scientists lobby for CASER amid planned peace talks

CDC-UNSPLASH

NATIONAL industrialization and other comprehensive socioeconomic reforms should be at the core of peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the local Maoist movement, Filipino scientists said.

“We hope the resumption of peace talks will pick up and develop further the Comprehensive Agreement on Socio Economic Reforms (CASER) as one of the frameworks of the peace negotiation,” AGHAM said in a statement.

CASER, which sought to establish a framework for laws and policies on agrarian reform, rural modernization, and national industrialization, was the main component of the previous peace negotiations between the National Democratic Front (NDF) and the government in 2016.

The Philippine civil society had said the CASER was the “meat” of past peace negotiations as it contained concrete steps needed to solve the problems of poverty and economic backwardness, which are considered the root causes of the longest-running insurgency in the world.

The parties were in the middle of discussing CASER when the talks were unilaterally halted by former President Rodrigo R. Duterte in 2017 through a presidential proclamation.

“If pursued, the gains from national industrialization will be used to enhance the country’s agriculture sector, creating a synergistic relationship between agriculture and industry, which is necessary for self-reliance,” AGHAM said.

The Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the NDFP on Nov. 23 cited “serious socioeconomic and environment issues” as well as “foreign security threats” for agreeing to “a principled and peaceful resolution” of their armed conflict. The joint statement was made in Norway, which has been facilitating the talks since 2011.

The NDF is a coalition of Maoist revolutionary groups that represents the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing New People’s Army in the negotiations with the government.

AGHAM urged the two camps to enjoin scientists and industrialists in the talks.

“National industrialization, in particular, is a field in which scientists, engineers, and technologists can contribute their knowledge and expertise,” it said.

National industrialization will not only develop the country’s science and technology sector “but will also lead to a self-sufficient economy that will end the country’s dependence on foreign products and technologies,” it added.

Aside from socioeconomic reforms, the four substantive agendas in the previous talks also included respect for human rights and the international humanitarian law, political and constitutional reforms, and cessation of hostilities and disposition of forces.

The decades-long armed conflict has been the “single biggest justification of the government in perpetrating countless human rights violations against Filipino civilians and human rights defenders,” In Defense for Human Rights and Dignity Movement (iDEFEND) said in a Facebook Messenger chat.

“The government’s counter-insurgency campaign had terrorized communities into silence, restricted necessary resources, and undermined organizing efforts of democratic forces especially among indigenous peoples, farmers, workers, urban poor and students,” it said. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

1...2,4872,4882,489...12,762Page 2,488 of 12,762
© 2024 BusinessWorld Publishing.
All rights reserved.
Read our privacy guidelines
Facebook Instagram Linkedin Twitter Youtube