CA scolds plaintiffs

July 28, 2024 | 7:05 pm

Court-of-Appeals-053119 — PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE COURT of Appeals (CA) has ordered two village officials and their lawyers to explain their failure to post a P500,000 bond or risk being cited in contempt for a temporary restraining order (TRO) against circulars of the National Liga ng mga Barangay that disqualified elected members who failed to pay their dues.

The appellate court’s Special Fourth Division earlier issued a 60-day TRO. But it said “the petitioners disregarded the order to post a bond and became nonchalant.”

The appellate court reminded the plaintiffs not to waste its time.

“The court reiterates that there should be a greater awareness on the part of litigants that the time of the Judiciary is too valuable to be wasted or frittered away,” according to a copy of the 11-page decision written by Associate Justice Perpetua Susana T. Atal-Paño released on July 15. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Career advance for teachers pushed

July 28, 2024 | 7:04 pm

teachers-computers-DEPED.GOV.PH — DEPED.GOV.PH

A PHILIPPINE senator on Sunday pushed a career progression system for public school teachers, citing the need to give them more benefits such as longevity pay.

“Our teachers are pivotal to the success of the education system, which is why we will continue to advocate for legislation that increases their benefits and promotes their welfare,” Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian said in a statement in Filipino.
He also cited the need to fast-track committee hearings on the proposed Magna Carta for Public School Teachers Act, which seeks to provide public school teachers calamity leave and special hardship allowance.

In his third address to Congress last week, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. said his government would promote public school teachers’ career development, saying no teacher would retire as Teacher 1, the lowest level public school teacher. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Lalamove eyes support for farmers

July 28, 2024 | 7:04 pm

BAGUIO CITY — Lalamove, which recently launched its on-demand delivery services in Baguio City, is in talks with the local government to help urban farmers during calamities or when there is oversupply.

Under the plan, Lalamove will buy farm products from affected farmers, Lalamove Philippines Managing Director Djon Nacario said.

“The agricultural sector is vital to the Philippines. Amid the typhoon season, we have discussed with Mayor Benjamin Magalong that should the farmers need assistance, Lalamove is ready to rescue-buy their produce, which will be donated to repository markets and communities in need,” he said.

Lalamove wants to extend the initiative to more farmers and markets across Metro Manila.

“Lalamove is not just about moving goods; it’s about moving lives forward,” Mr. Nacario said. — Artemio A. Dumlao

Trump tells Christians they won’t have to vote after this election

July 28, 2024 | 6:11 pm

WASHINGTON — Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump told Christians on Friday that if they vote for him this November, “in four years, you don’t have to vote again. We’ll have it fixed so good, you’re not gonna have to vote.”

It was not clear what the former president meant by his remarks, in an election campaign where his Democratic opponents accuse him of being a threat to democracy, and after his attempt to overturn his 2020 defeat to President Joseph R. Biden, an effort that led to the deadly insurrection at the US Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Mr. Trump was speaking at an event organized by the conservative group Turning Point Action in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Mr. Trump said: “Christians, get out and vote, just this time. “You won’t have to do it anymore. Four more years, you know what, it will be fixed, it will be fine, you won’t have to vote anymore, my beautiful Christians.”

He added: “I love you Christians. I’m a Christian. I love you, get out, you gotta get out and vote. In four years, you don’t have to vote again, we’ll have it fixed so good you’re not going to have to vote,” Mr. Trump said.

Mr. Trump’s campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung did not directly address Mr. Trump’s remarks when asked to clarify them.

Mr. Cheung said Mr. Trump “was talking about uniting this country,” and blamed “the divisive political environment” on the attempted assassination of Mr. Trump two weeks ago. Investigators have yet to give a motive for why the 20-year-old gunman opened fire on Mr. Trump.

In an interview with Fox News in December, Mr. Trump said that if he won the Nov. 5 election he would be a dictator, but only on “day one,” to close the southern border with Mexico and expand oil drilling.

Democrats have seized on that comment. Mr. Trump has since said the remarks were a joke.

If Mr. Trump wins a second term in the White House, he can serve only four more years as president. US presidents are limited to two terms, consecutive or not, under the U.S. Constitution.

In May, speaking at a National Rifle Association gathering, Mr. Trump quipped about serving more than two terms as president.

He referred to the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR), a Democrat, the only president to serve more than two terms. The two-term limit was added after Roosevelt’s presidency.

“You know, FDR, 16 years — almost 16 years — he was four terms. I don’t know, are we going to be considered three-term? Or two-term?” Mr. Trump asked the NRA crowd.

Mr. Trump’s remarks on Friday pointed to the need for both parties to energize their base voters ahead of what will likely be a closely fought election. Mr. Trump has enjoyed loyal support from evangelicals in the past two elections.

The race has abruptly tightened after the decision by Mr. Biden to end his reelection bid and with his vice president, Kamala Harris, becoming the presumptive Democratic nominee.

Recent opinion polls show Mr. Trump’s significant lead over Mr. Biden has been largely erased since the torch was passed to Harris.

Jason Singer, a Harris campaign spokesperson, in a statement did not directly address Mr. Trump’s remarks about Christians not having to vote again.

Mr. Singer described Mr. Trump’s overall speech as “bizarre” and “backward looking.” — Reuters

New regulatory license for social media platforms in Malaysia to fight cyber offenses

July 28, 2024 | 6:11 pm

SINGAPORE — Malaysia will require social media services to apply for a license if they have more than 8 million users in the country from August 1, in an attempt to combat increasing cyber offenses, said the government.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission said in a statement on Saturday that the license was in line with cabinet’s decision that social media and internet messaging services comply with Malaysian laws aimed at fighting scams, cyberbullying and sexual crimes.

If social media services fail to apply for a license by Jan. 1, 2025, then legal action will be taken against them, said the commission.

Last week, Malaysia’s Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the regulator had issued directives to social media firms to provide feedback on the government’s concerns regarding cybercrime and harmful content found on their platforms. Malaysia reported a sharp increase in harmful social media content earlier this year and urged social media firms, including Facebook parent and short video platform TikTok to step up monitoring on their platforms. Currently, the communications regulator can flag content that contravenes local laws to social media firms but it was up to the platforms to decide on removing content. — Reuters

Paris ceremony ‘Last Supper’ parody sparks controversy

July 28, 2024 | 6:10 pm

OVERVIEW of the Trocadero venue, with the Eiffel Tower looming in the background while the Olympic flag is being raised, during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. — FRANCOIS-XAVIER MARIT/POOL VIA REUTERS

PARIS — A parody of Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous fresco The Last Supper featuring drag queens in the Olympic opening ceremony in Paris has sparked fury among the Catholic church and far-right politicians, while supporters praised its message of tolerance.

The unprecedented ceremony on the Seine River, which drew millions of viewers around the world, included a tableau celebrating the French capital’s vibrant nightlife and reputation as a place of tolerance, pleasure and subversiveness.

It recreated the famous biblical scene of Jesus Christ and his twelve apostles sharing a last meal before crucifixion, but with a group of drag queens, a transgender model and a naked singer made up as the Greek god of wine Dionysus.

The Catholic church in France criticized the segment.

“This ceremony has unfortunately included scenes of derision and mockery of Christianity, which we very deeply deplore,” the Conference of French bishops said in a statement.

Far-right politicians in France and elsewhere took to social media to express their disgust.

“To all the Christians of the world who are watching the #Paris2024 ceremony and felt insulted by this drag queen parody of The Last Supper, know that it is not France that is speaking but a left-wing minority ready for any provocation,” far-right politician Marion Marechal said in a post on X.

Her Italian counterpart, Matteo Salvini, added: “Opening the Olympics by insulting billions of Christians in the world was really a very bad start, dear French. Sleazy.”

American billionaire Elon Musk, who cemented his shift towards right-wing politics by endorsing Donald Trump earlier this month, said it was “extremely disrespectful to Christians.”

France, while proud of its rich Catholic heritage, also has a long tradition of secularism and anti-clericalism. Blasphemy is not only legal, but also considered by many as an essential pillar of freedom of speech in a democratic society.

“In France, people are free to love how they please, are free to love whoever they want, are free to believe or not believe,” Thomas Jolly, the ceremony’s artistic director, told reporters on Saturday when asked about critics.

Some commentators said the controversy was just another example of 21^st century culture wars turbocharged by a 24-hour news cycle and social media.

“Everyone has to take offense it seems,” David Aaronovitch, a BBC Radio 4 presenter said on X. “Leonardo is one of the most famous images in the Western world and has been pastiched, parodied and altered tens of thousands of times.”

One of the pastiche’s protagonists was unapologetic, however.

“It wouldn’t be fun if there were no controversy. Wouldn’t it be boring if everyone agreed on this planet?” Philippe Katerine, the blue naked man in the scene, told BFM TV a day after the show. — Reuters

DoJ: TikTok data collection is national security threat

July 28, 2024 | 6:10 pm

TikTok-Bloomberg — SIGNAGE at the TikTok, Inc. offices in Singapore. — ORE HUIYING/BLOOMBERG

THE US Department of Justice (DoJ) said TikTok collected user information on sensitive topics, making it a national security threat that justifies a law to ban the popular social-media app in the US if its China-based parent company ByteDance Ltd. doesn’t divest.

The popular social media app could be compelled to share the user information with China, which could also censor or influence content seen by Americans, the Justice department said in court filings late Friday.

TikTok “collects vast swaths of sensitive data from its 170 million users,” the Justice department wrote in the filing. “That collection includes data on users’ precise locations, viewing habits, and private messages.”

The filing in the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit was the Justice department’s first response to legal challenges brought by TikTok and the company’s content creators after President Joseph R. Biden signed a provision into law that would ban the app if ByteDance doesn’t sell it by Jan. 19.

After US lawmakers moved quickly to pass the law earlier this year following classified briefings about security risks, TikTok has fought back by deploying lawyers, lobbyists and content creators. They argue a ban infringes on free speech and will put American jobs at risk.

TikTok said that it remains confident in its case.

“Nothing in this brief changes the fact that the Constitution is on our side,” the company said in a statement on X responding to the DoJ filing. “The TikTok ban would silence 170 million Americans’ voices, violating the First Amendment. As we’ve said before, the government has never put forth proof of its claims, including when Congress passed this unconstitutional law.”

The company has said in the past that Chinese officials cannot access US user data and defended its data-collection practices. The app has more than 170 million monthly users in the US.

In its brief, the DoJ defended the bill’s constitutionality, arguing that collection of data and manipulation of algorithms by a foreign power wasn’t protected under free speech protections for a global audience. The brief also dismissed narrower proposals by TikTok, arguing they would fail to address the national security concerns raised.

TikTok has tried to assuage concerns by working with Oracle Corp. to protect user information. But that didn’t sway lawmakers. TikTok’s algorithm, source code and back-end support are in China, according to Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Mark Warner, a Virginia Democrat who supported a divestment.

The US government said the goal of the legislation was to protect Americans, not silence them.

The law “reflects Congress’s and the President’s considered judgments that nothing short of severing the ties between TikTok and China could suffice to mitigate the national-security threats posed by the application,” the US government wrote in the filing.

TikTok and the content creators have until Aug. 15 to respond, and oral arguments are expected in September. The DC Circuit panel has set an expedited schedule after TikTok requested that the case be decided by Dec. 6 to leave enough time to appeal to the US Supreme Court, if necessary.

The case is TikTok v. Garland, 24-1113, US Court of Appeals, District of Columbia Circuit. — Reuters

North Korea vows ‘total destruction’ of enemy on Korean War anniversary

July 28, 2024 | 6:07 pm

North-Korea-Kim-Jong-Un — KCNA VIA REUTERS

SEOUL — North Korea vowed to “totally destroy” its enemies in case of war when leader Kim Jong Un gives an order, state media KCNA reported on Sunday.

Senior military officials including Army Colonel Ri Un Ryong and Navy Lieutenant Commander Yu Kyong Song made the comments “out of surging hatred” towards the U.S. and South Korea at a meeting on Saturday attended by Kim to celebrate the 71st Korean War armistice anniversary, according to KCNA.

North Korea and the United States do not have diplomatic ties and talks over reducing tensions and denuclearizing North Korea have been stalled since 2019. North Korea’s state media recently said it doesn’t expect that to change no matter who is next elected in the White House.

While accusing the U.S. and South Korea of “being hell-bent on provoking a nuclear war,” the military officials vowed to strengthen war efficiency to stage an “overwhelming attack on the enemy anytime and without delay and totally destroy them once the respected Supreme Commander Kim Jong Un gives an order.”

North Korea signed an armistice agreement with the United States and China on July 27, 1953 ending hostilities in the three-year war. U.S. generals signed the agreement representing the United Nations forces that backed South Korea.

North Korea calls July 27 “Victory Day” while South Korea does not mark the day with any major events.

Hostilities ended with a truce, not a treaty, meaning the two sides are still technically at war. — Reuters

Oil spill at Bataan endangers marine life – Greenpeace

July 26, 2024 | 7:01 pm

Reproduction rates of marine biodiversity are at risk following the sinking of an oil tanker at 3.6 nautical miles east of Lamao Point, Limay, Bataan, Greenpeace Climate Campaigner Jefferson M. Chua said in an interview on July 26.

“It really disrupts and affects the reproductive rates of marine life when fish ingest hydrocarbons, other carbons, and other compounds from the oil,” Mr. Chua told BusinessWorld.

He added that Limay has a rich aquatic life, and many fishermen are in the areas surrounding it.

“The ship that has sunk in a place that is rich in marine life, specifically fisheries of the coast of Limay, there’s a lot of fishing grounds now, and then there’s a lot of fishing communities lining the Bataan Peninsula,” Mr. Chua said.

Apart from the long-term damage it will cause to marine life, the livelihood of fisherfolks is one of the most affected by the impacts of the spill.

“So it makes less, fish volume in the area which means in the long term, less fish catch for the fishermen,” Mr. Chua said.

Mr. Chua added that based on the recent reports from their team on the grounds, fishing is now restricted in the area due to the toxic emitted by the Philippine-flagged Motor Tanker (MT) Terra Nova.

Based on the assessment of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) shared by PCG Spokesperson CG Rear Admiral Armando Balilo today, the vicinity waters of Parañaque, Manila, Navotas, Bulacan, and Pampanga may be affected if the worst-case scenario occurs.

“We are utilizing our manpower, mobilizing our resources, consulting with experts, and collaborating with LGUs and other stakeholders to avoid a marine environment catastrophe,” Mr. Balilo said.

In the recent report of PCG, the siphoning operation will take seven days due to MT Terra Nova sinking 34 meters deep. – Almira Louise S. Martinez

VST ECS appointed as authorized distributor for Hytera Communications in the Philippines

July 26, 2024 | 3:30 pm

VST-OL — Hytera and VST ECS management at the certificate awarding ceremony

Hytera Communications (SZSE: 002583), a leading global provider of professional communications technologies and solutions, is delighted to announce the appointment of VST ECS Phils., Inc., a leading ICT distributor in the Philippines, as its authorized distributor in the country. This strategic partnership enables VST ECS to offer Hytera’s cutting-edge Push-to-talk over Cellular (PoC) and Body-worn Camera (BWC) products.

VST ECS Philippines is one of the leading ICT distributors in the country, recognized for its extensive portfolio of products, solutions, and services across diverse market segments. Its portfolio is unparalleled, representing over 100 renowned brands and encompassing a wide range of technology solutions. The company has established itself as the go-to partner for businesses in need of reliable, state-of-the-art solutions to address their evolving ICT needs. Its meticulously tailored solutions serve the retail, mobility, commercial, and enterprise markets, precisely meeting industry-specific requirements and driving innovation across sectors.

Founded in Shenzhen, China in 1993, Hytera has forged a distinguished track record for delivering communication solutions that reimagine connectivity and collaboration for mission and business-critical sectors. Renowned for its innovative critical communication technology and comprehensive product portfolio, Hytera has successfully served a diverse array of customers, including public safety, utility, oil and gas, transportation, emergency response, hospitality, private security, and facility management.

In light of the current challenges faced by communication infrastructures, the availability of Hytera’s advanced solutions will significantly boost user performance, ensuring faster, safer, and more efficient operations. This collaboration with Hytera marks a significant milestone for VST ECS, enhancing its already impressive portfolio of ICT solutions. This partnership will empower VST ECS to cater to broader markets, creating new business opportunities for its channel partners.

“We are excited to partner with VST ECS Phils., Inc. as our authorized distributor in the Philippines,” said Stanley Song, VP of Hytera. “This partnership aligns with our vision to expand our global reach and deliver our innovative communication solutions to a broader audience. VST ECS’s strong market presence and commitment to excellence make it an ideal partner to distribute Hytera’s advanced technologies. Together, we aim to enhance connectivity and operational efficiency for businesses and mission-critical users across the country.”

“We are thrilled to join forces with Hytera Communications. This collaboration not only strengthens our product offerings but also reinforces our commitment to delivering best-in-class service to our customers. With Hytera’s innovative communication solutions, we are well-positioned to address the evolving needs of our clients and enhance operational efficiency across various sectors,” said Jimmy Go, President and CEO of VST ECS Phils.

Since its inception in 1998, VST ECS Philippines has been committed to delivering high-quality ICT products, solutions, and services to its valued channel partners and customers. As a proud member of VST ECS Holdings, a leading regional IT distribution firm, it benefits from a vast operational network spanning Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, China, and the Philippines. This distribution network empowers VST ECS Philippines to access global technologies and partnerships, ensuring the delivery of cutting-edge solutions to its customers.

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SpaceX’s Falcon 9 cleared to return to space, FAA says

July 26, 2024 | 12:26 pm

SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket has been cleared to return to space by the US aviation regulator after it was grounded by a rare mid-flight failure, the Federal Aviation administration (FAA) said on Thursday.

The FAA said it did not find any public safety issues in the anomaly that occurred during the failed July 11 launch and the rocket can return to flight operations while the overall investigation continues.

SpaceX said in a post on X that it was ready to return the rocket to flight as soon as Saturday, July 27.

Falcon 9, which is the world’s most used rocket, was grounded after one broke apart in space and doomed its payload of Starlink satellites, the first failure in more than seven years of a rocket relied upon by the global space industry.

In a statement on Thursday, SpaceX said that a liquid oxygen leak led to excessive cooling of one of its engine components and damaged its hardware.

“A crack in a sense line for a pressure sensor” was identified as the cause of the leak and that the failed sense line and sensor on the second stage engine will be removed for near term launches, SpaceX added.

Falcon 9 is the only US rocket capable of sending NASA crews to the International Space Station. NASA is expecting to launch its next astronaut mission in August, with SpaceX’s Crew Dragon astronaut capsule launching atop the rocket. – Reuters

North Korea’s economy surged in 2023 after years of contraction, South estimates

July 26, 2024 | 12:23 pm

North Korea-Flags — MICHA BRANDLI-UNSPLASH

SEOUL – North Korea’s economy grew sharply in 2023 after shrinking for three straight years as trade with China increased after COVID-19 pandemic border controls were eased, according to estimates by South Korea’s central bank.

Gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023 likely expanded 3.1% in real terms, the biggest percentage growth since 2016, the Bank of Korea (BOK) said on Friday.

The BOK’s estimates are considered among the most reliable indicators of economic activity in the secretive North, which does not publish official data.

“Although economic sanctions remained, the economy grew on eased COVID-related restrictions, growth in trade with China and favorable weather conditions,” a BOK official told reporters.

North Korea’s economy contracted by 0.2% in 2022, 0.1% in 2021 and 4.5% in 2020 amid COVID restrictions and U.N. sanctions.

During the pandemic, humanitarian groups raised concerns about food shortages for many North Koreans, and as recently as January leader Kim Jong Un said a failure to provide people with basic living necessities including food was a “serious political issue”.

“Most experts assess the rebound in 2023 to be temporary, but there are also positive factors, such as the possibility of further growth in trade with China and expansion in economic cooperation with Russia,” the BOK official said.

Pyongyang and Moscow agreed last month to expand cooperation in trade, economy and investment as they signed a mutual defense pact during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s first visit to North Korea since 2000.

In 2023, North Korea’s trade with China accounted for 98.3% of the total trade volume, according to the BOK.

The data showed industrial output jumped 4.9%, the fastest in seven years, led by production of metal items and wigs, and the construction sector grew by 8.2%, the biggest since 2002, on more housing projects. The agricultural sector increased by 1.0%.

The industrial sector accounted for 30.7% of the economy in 2023, while the agricultural and construction sectors accounted for 22.0% and 11.0%, respectively.

The North’s trade volume rose 74.6% to $2.77 billion in 2023, after growing by a record high of 123.9% in 2022, when the North started to ease border controls from the pandemic. The figure, however, was still lower than $3.25 billion in 2019 before COVID.

Its exports jumped 104.5% in 2023, led by shoes, hats and wigs, while imports rose 71.3% with a surge in demand for fertilizers.

North Korea’s nominal gross national income in 2023 was estimated to be 1.59 million won ($1,147.56) per capita, equivalent to just 3.4% of the South’s 47.25 million won.

The BOK has been publishing its estimates of the North Korean economy since 1991, based on information from various sources including intelligence and foreign trading agencies and data from the South’s unification ministry. – Reuters