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[Campaign] BLACK FRIDAY ONLINE PROTEST #NoToABSCBNShutdown -NUJP

Posted on May 8, 2020 by Human Rights Online Philippines One comment

BLACK FRIDAY ONLINE PROTEST
#NoToABSCBNShutdown
May 8, 2020
5pm

Join us in our online protest tomorrow (May 8) at 5pm, contesting NTC’s cease and desist order against one of the country’s largest broadcasting company, ABS-CBN. We also encourage everyone to wear black and post their photos on their social media accounts with the hashtag: #NoToABSCBNShutdown

Campaign

[Statement] NTC order vs. ABS CBN endangers welfare of public battling COVID19 crisis- iDEFEND

Posted on May 8, 2020 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

NTC order vs. ABS CBN endangers welfare of public battling COVID19 crisis- iDEFEND

In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement (iDEFEND) expresses alarm at the cease and desist order by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) against ABS-CBN despite the media organization’s application for the renewal of its franchise, which has been filed months earlier without any response from the House of Representatives.

Now, in the midst of a national health crisis where the government is failing to provide accurate, timely, and useful information to the public, the Solicitor General and the NTC attempt to close ABS CBN in an underhanded attack on press freedom. The politically motivated gag order by the NTC spells a serious breach of the people’s right to accessible and reliable information and will result in diminishing the people’s capacity to respond effectively to the national health crisis. Solicitor General Calida and the NTC should be held accountable for endangering the people’s welfare by depriving them of the basic service of mass media. At this time, when the government wants us to supposedly “heal as one”, it must focus its efforts on rallying the forces and institutions which are critical to the implementation of solutions, through rights-based governance instead of rewarding ineptitude, intimidation, and human rights abuse.

Statement

[Statement] Fight COVID-19 and the Virus of Abuse, Defend the People’s Right to Know -Right to Know, Right Now! Coalition

Posted on May 8, 2020 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Fight COVID-19 and the Virus of Abuse
Defend the People’s Right to Know

Statement of the Right to Know, Right Now! Coalition
06 May 2020

Press freedom and freedom of information are bedrock freedoms — paramount enablers of our people’s rights to health, livelihood, education, and life itself.

The shutdown of ABS-CBN is clear evidence of doublespeak and unfair play in concert by the Solicitor General, the NTC, the Executive Branch, and the President himself.

It is, too, clear proof of the pithy negligence of the House of Representatives to act on long-pending bills to renew the network’s franchise. This, the House leaders did in obvious subservient loyalty to a President who had expressed in no uncertain terms, multiple times, his contempt for ABS-CBN over the allegedly arbitrary non-airing of just a few of his campaign ads in 2016.

The NTC, the SolGen, and the President and his lieutenants among leaders of the House did not just shut down a network yesterday. They also put press freedom, freedom of information, and the people’s right to know under virtual lock and key in ABS-CBN.
The threat of COVID-19 transmission is still high and we need to take care that the system is not overwhelmed by sharp spikes in cases. People for their part are properly cautious but without the more critical information, there will be uncertainty that everything that can be done is being done.

In this time of national emergency and quarantine, information is as essential as that of protective equipment and food supplies. People need useful information from as many sources, in the same way, the government needs as many outlets to channel the information it dispenses.

Stopping the operations of a major media network now is not only ill-timed but also undermines efforts to keep people informed. It is also undeniable how such a familial spirit is able to reach millions of people not just through information, but with the much-needed resources to help survive this pandemic. It distracts us from our main task at this time—to fight COVID-19, by feeding political division and aggravating distrust.

Covid-19 is a virus that may hopefully soon pass, and our nation could be nursed back to health.

But the virus of secrecy and opacity, abuse, negligence, incompetence, and contempt for due process, the rule of law, and inalienable freedoms under the Constitution by people in power?

That is simply inscrutable, hopefully not incurable, at this time of a pandemic when the nation hungers for more information from independent media.

Statement

[Statement] on ABS-CBN shutdown NASSA/CARITAS PH

Posted on May 8, 2020 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Statement on ABS-CBN shutdown
NASSA/CARITAS PH
May 6, 2020

On May 5, 2020, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has issued a cease-and-desist order against broadcast media giant, ABS-CBN, due to the expiration of its congressional franchise citing Republic Act 3846 or the Radio Control Law.

Since 2016, ABS-CBN worked for a franchise renewal, and bills had been filed since then, and many congressional hearings were held until it was overtaken by the COVID-19 pandemic. The non-renewal was further caused by the legislative inaction and weaponizing of power for political gain.

It is very unfortunate that we need to be sidelined by this equally important matter when the nation is battling against an invisible enemy, claiming thousands of lives already and endangering even millions more due to the devastating socio-economic impacts of the global health emergency.

Thus as the social action arm of the Catholic Church in the Philippines, NASSA/Caritas Philippines would like to:

1. Express solidarity and sympathy with the employees and their families who would lose their jobs when the network operation stops. We know that this is the most inopportune time for this to happen when people are already in crisis and are suffering.

2. Appeal for the government’s sense of fairness and clemency in applying the letter of the law in view of the common good and to respect the right of the people to have wide access to news and information being provided by the network. Media should be considered a partner in nation-building, and it should not be unnecessarily harassed when they are critical or not towing the line of any administration.

3. Stand for freedom of the press and speech. The government or any political figure for that matter do not have the right to curtail these freedoms safeguarded and warranted in the Philippine constitution. We encourage our government leaders to be brave enough to face the public with the truth, and not hide under the guise of political power, harassment, and intimidation.

4. Pray that in this time of the pandemic, those in position will choose mercy and compassion over personal interests; moral obligation versus legal requirements, and people over powerplay.

The press (media) is considered the fourth state: “the guardian of veritas (truth)” and holds a special responsibility to influence, form, and inspire the public with the truth. The Catholic Church, through NASSA/Caritas Philippines, will and always stand for and with the truth, through love, justice, and peace.

Together, let us heal as one. We are Caritas.

Signed:

Bp. Jose Colin Bagaforo, D.D.
National Director, NASSA/Caritas Philippines

Bp. Gerardo Alminaza, D.D.
Vice Chair, Episcopal Commission on Social Action-Justice and Peace (ECSA-JP)

Statement

[From the web] Lagman: NTC must not be the scapegoat for the house leadership’s dereliction

Posted on May 8, 2020 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Lagman: NTC must not be the scapegoat for the house leadership’s dereliction

The National Telecommunication Commission (NTC) must not be used as the scapegoat for the patent failure of the leadership of the House of Representatives to resolutely push for the seasonable renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise.

There is no other solution to the dilemma of ABS-CBN than the immediate renewal of its franchise now that Congress is in session.

I have repeatedly warned that Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano’s proffered solution for NTC to grant ABS-CBN a provisional authority to operate, despite the lapse of its franchise, is against the law and jurisprudence.

Section 16 of RA 7925 or the “Public Telecommunications Policy Act” clearly provides that “No person shall commence or conduct the business of being a public telecommunications entity without first obtaining a franchise.”

Moreover, in Associated Communications and Wireless Services United Broadcasting Networks vs. NTC, the Supreme Court held that “As long as the law remains unchanged, the requirement of a franchise to operate a television station must be upheld.”

It appears that Speaker Cayetano and Commissioner Gamaliel Cordova of NTC were playing charades because after Cordova undertook to grant the provisional authority, the NTC nonetheless issued the cease and desist order for ABS-CBN to stop operations.

The closure of the network giant, which could have been averted by the timely congressional renewal of its franchise, is a flagrant derogation of the freedom of the press.

It could be recalled that President Rodrigo Duterte upon assumption to office declared that he will not sign any law renewing the franchise of ABS-CBN because the latter allegedly failed to air some of his paid political advertisements during the 2016 presidential elections.

The President subsequently accepted the explanation and apology of ABS-CBN executives which could have been the go signal for the House to renew the franchise, unless such acceptance was part of the travesty to eventually shut down ABS-CBN for some ulterior motives.

The shuttering of ABC-CBN highlights the verity that the House must exercise its constitutional powers independently and without succumbing to the President’s intervention.

The ABS-CBN is not the only victim of its closure, but also the public who, more than ever, needs and depends on the network’s broadcast information as COVID-19 continues to rampage, as well as thousands of its employees nationwide, indirect workers, and enterprises dependent on the broadcasting network who would lose their jobs and livelihoods.

EDCEL C. LAGMAN

From the web

[Statement] of the EcoWaste Coalition on the Shut Down of ABS-CBN

Posted on May 8, 2020 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Statement of the EcoWaste Coalition on the Shut Down of ABS-CBN
6 May 2020

The EcoWaste Coalition, a non-profit environmental health organization, condemns the action by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) ordering the media outfit ABS-CBN to cease broadcast while the entire nation is engrossed on addressing the myriad of health and socio-economic problems brought about by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis.

NTC’s cease and desist order is grossly ill-conceived and reprehensively ill-timed as the people — from the highly vulnerable daily wage earners to the heroic medical workers and other front liners — make selfless sacrifices to combat the contagion. It sends a chilling effect on the exercise of the freedom of expression and civil liberties, especially by the marginalized sectors who avail of the service and network of ABS-CBN as a platform to discuss issues of public concern and safety. A shackled press is not what we need to “heal as one” and win the war against this ruthless coronavirus.

ABS-CBN, as countless beneficiaries can attest, has not only provided essential information service during the COVID-19 outbreak, but extended much-needed emergency food assistance to poor and hungry citizens in collaboration with local authorities.

As an advocate of the people’s right to know, we consider the silencing of the ABS-CBN as a severe blow to the freedom of speech and of the press and contrary to the state policy that “recognizes the vital role of communication and information in nation-building.”

Our own experience as a non-profit organization aspiring for a zero waste and toxics-free society bears out the pivotal role of a free press in the pursuit of the people’s rights to health and to a balanced and healthful ecology as guaranteed by the Constitution.

We therefore question and deplore NTC’s contemptuous reversal of the commitment it made before lawmakers not to shut down ABS-CBN and to issue a provisional authority to operate while it waits for the House of Representatives to renew its franchise that lapsed on 4 May 2020.

In defense of the freedom of the press, in the interest of protecting 11,000 workers from unemployment, and for the sake of continuing public service in the time of coronavirus, we urge the government to immediately rectify this injustice and let ABS-CBN get back on the air.

EcoWaste Coalition
78-A Masigla Extension, Barangay Central, 1100 Quezon City, Philippines
Phone: +632-82944807 E-Mail: info@ecowastecoalition.org
Website: http://www.ecowastecoalition.org, http://ecowastecoalition.blogspot.com

Statement

[Press Release] Put Network Back on Air, Duterte Should Rescind ABS-CBN Shutdown; Congress Should Renew License

Posted on May 8, 2020 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Philippines: Put Network Back on Air
Duterte Should Rescind ABS-CBN Shutdown; Congress Should Renew License

(Manila, May 7, 2020) – Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte should rescind an order to shut down ABS-CBN, the country’s largest broadcast television and radio network, Human Rights Watch said today. The House of Representatives, whose inaction on bills to renew the broadcaster’s license led to the closure, should promptly renew the franchise.

On May 5, 2020, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), a government regulatory agency under the office of the president, issued a “cease and desist” order against ABS-CBN after the network’s congressional franchise expired the previous day. This came after the government’s chief lawyer, Solicitor General Jose Calida, warned the commission against granting ABS-CBN a provisional extension to operate as some members of Congress had requested. Duterte had said in December 2019 that he would not allow the license renewal: “I’m sorry. You’re out. I will see to it that you’re out.”

“The Philippine government shutdown of ABS-CBN reeks of a political vendetta by President Duterte, who has repeatedly threatened the network for criticizing his abusive ‘war on drugs,’” said Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “Congress should stop ducking responsibility and reverse Duterte’s latest attempt to muzzle the press, especially when the public needs timely and accurate information more than ever.”

ABS-CBN stated that it will challenge the shutdown order in court. Although the ruling does not affect its other platforms, such as cable and online, its popular free TV and radio services stopped airing since the evening of May 5.

While the ABS-CBN 25-year congressional franchise expired on May 4, as early as 2014, members of congress already filed bills seeking its renewal. When Duterte became president in 2016, he started complaining about ABS-CBN, accusing the network of being biased against him and criticizing it for failing to air his 2016 presidential campaign advertisements. The network denied the bias charge but apologized to Duterte for its failure to air the ads and explained why.

The shutdown is only the second time ABS-CBN has gone off the air. Founded in June 1946, the network has grown into the most widely viewed broadcaster in the Philippines. Two days after Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law in September 1972, he ordered the military to shut down the network. After the “People Power” uprising in 1986 ousted Marcos, President Corazon Aquino returned ABS-CBN to its former owners.

ABS-CBN’s coverage of the “drug war,” in which the police and their agents have extrajudicially executed thousands of alleged drug users and dealers since Duterte took office, has won praise in the Philippines and abroad.

The shutdown of ABS-CBN is the first time the Duterte government has forced a news organization to stop operating. However, it runs parallel to other attempts by the government to intimidate media outlets critical of the administration. The authorities have arrested Maria Ressa, the editor and founder of the news website Rappler, several times on baseless charges. Rappler has done groundbreaking reporting on the “war on drugs,” prompting attacks by the government and its followers on social media.

The Philippines’ license renewal process allows congress to put inappropriate pressure on broadcast networks, Human Rights Watch said. The United Nations Human Rights Committee, the independent expert body that monitors government compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which the Philippines is a party, has stated that governments “must avoid imposing onerous licensing conditions … on the broadcast media. The criteria for the application of such conditions and license fees should be reasonable and objective, clear, transparent, nondiscriminatory, and otherwise in compliance with the Covenant.”

“The Duterte administration is using a back-door method against ABS-CBN as the president’s latest way to suppress freedom of the press,” Robertson said. “Those concerned about public health messaging and the Covid-19 crisis in the Philippines should call on legislators to right this wrong, get ABS-CBN back on the air, and protect media freedom throughout the country.”

For more Human Rights Watch reporting on the Philippines, please visit:
https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/05/07/philippines-put-network-back-air

Press Release

[Statement] of ABS-CBN on the cease and desist order issued by the NTC

Posted on May 5, 2020 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Statement of ABS-CBN on the cease and desist order issued by the NTC

Millions of Filipinos will lose their source of news and entertainment when ABS-CBN is ordered to go off-air on TV and radio tonight (5 May 2020) when people need crucial and timely information as the nation deals with the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is in compliance with the cease and desist order issued by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) today that prohibits ABS-CBN from continuing its broadcast operations effective immediately.

Despite Senate Resolution No. 40, the House of Representatives’ committee on legislative franchises’ letter, the guidance of the Department of Justice, and the sworn statement of NTC Commissioner-General Gamaliel Cordoba, the NTC did not grant ABS-CBN a provisional authority to operate while its franchise remains pending in Congress.

In an interview with DZMM last week, House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano even gave an assurance that there is no move to shut down the network.

ABS-CBN has been providing comprehensive news coverage on the public health crisis and working with local governments and the private sector in providing food and basic goods for those in need through its “Pantawid ng Pag-ibig” campaign. To date, it has delivered over P300 million worth of goods for the benefit of over 600,000 families affected by the enhanced community quarantine.

We trust that the government will decide on our franchise with the best interest of the Filipino people in mind, recognizing ABS-CBN’s role and efforts in providing the latest news and information during these challenging times.

ABS-CBN remains committed to being in the service of the Filipino and we will find ways to continue providing meaningful service to them.

Statement

[Statement] on the shutdown of ABS-CBN -KILUSAN

Posted on May 5, 2020 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Statement on the shutdown of ABS-CBN

Two days ago on World Press Freedom Day, journalists around the world were given a nod of recognition as they continued to uphold the ideals of press freedom and the need to inform the public amid a global pandemic and a political climate increasingly becoming hostile to a free press.

Now, ABS CBN, an institution in Philippine media will be forced to shut down tonight due to the cease and desist order issued by the NTC. It is ironic that the order came at the heels of the stern warning from Solicitor General Jose Calida, who claims to be acting independently from the Office of the President, despite the outstanding Senate and House resolution and the opinion of the Department of Justice that ABS CBN should continue to operate.

Authoritarian Rule and Freedom of the Press

The shutdown of ABS CBN cannot be distanced with Duterte’s personal stake in the matter. He has already admitted as much, regardless of Calida’s posturing to the contrary.
What is even more alarming is how the Duterte government is putting its veritable authoritarian foot on the necks of media establishments, both big and small in a bid to make them toe whatever line may emanate from the Palace.

Surely, a press that is being threatened and browbeaten into submission cannot be considered free – expediency and political compromise will hold sway rather than journalist ethics and truthful journalism.

Fighting the “Infodemic”

Kilusan para sa Pambansang Demokrasya (KILUSAN) believes that useful, truthful, and timely information is vital in a public health emergency as the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic.
The World Health Organization has described – as a “second disease” accompanying the COVID-19 pandemic – an “infodemic”, which is “an overabundance of information – some accurate and some not – that makes it hard for people to find trustworthy sources and reliable guidance when they need it”.

In the midst of the pandemic, Filipinos have a right to scientific and truthful information and the act of shutting down a reputable source of such, especially a network that has borne witness to the lives and struggles of the Filipino people for decades is unacceptable and uncalled for.

We are calling for swift and appropriate action by Congress to exercising its sole authority to grant franchises to media outfits like ABS CBN, failure to do so will only confirm that the institution has relegated itself to a role of a rubber stamp of the executive branch and choosing blind compliance rather than an independent action to exercise its mandate.

https://www.facebook.com/notes/kilusan-para-sa-pambansang-demokrasya/statement-%F0%9D%95%8A%F0%9D%95%A5%F0%9D%95%92%F0%9D%95%A5%F0%9D%95%96%F0%9D%95%9E%F0%9D%95%96%F0%9D%95%9F%F0%9D%95%A5-%F0%9D%95%A0%F0%9D%95%9F-%F0%9D%95%A5%F0%9D%95%99%F0%9D%95%96-%F0%9D%95%8A%F0%9D%95%99%F0%9D%95%A6%F0%9D%95%A5%F0%9D%95%95%F0%9D%95%A0%F0%9D%95%A8%F0%9D%95%9F-%F0%9D%95%A0%F0%9D%95%97-%F0%9D%94%B8%F0%9D%94%B9%F0%9D%95%8A-%E2%84%82%F0%9D%94%B9%E2%84%95/3245630572158526/

Statement

[Statement] NUJP calls on public to defend press freedom amidst Duterte’s fresh tirades vs ABS-CBN

Posted on January 2, 2020 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

President Rodrigo Duterte’s latest tirade against ABS-CBN bears all the signs of a shakedown and raises questions over his real intentions for seeking to block the renewal of the broadcast network’s franchise.

On Monday, December 30, speaking to earthquake victims in M’lang, Cotabato, Duterte did not so much threaten again, which he has repeatedly done since soon after assuming office, as predict that ABS-CBN’s franchise, which expires on March 20, would, indeed, not be renewed.

“Mag-renew kayo, ewan ko lang kung may mangyari diyan (You try to renew, let’s see if anything happens),” he said.

Words that appear to be marching orders to his minions in Congress, led by Alan Peter Cayetano, who has admitted having “personal objections” to renewing the franchise in a clear conflict of interest.

To date, the House of Representatives has yet to act on bills seeking to renew ABS-CBN’s franchise.

And then, Duterte’s bombshell: “Kung ako sa inyo ipagbili niyo na ‘yan (If I were you, I would sell that).”

His statement leaves the network owners, the Lopez family, with a stark choice: sell or lose everything.

But sell it to whom and for whose benefit?

The fact is Duterte has already shown a propensity for coercion, as he did in 2017 when he publicly told ABS-CBN to support his federalism drive and he would agree to settle his difference with the network.

We call on the community of independent Filipino journalists and on citizens who cherish democracy to band together and protect the free arena of ideas that the closure or forced sale of ABS-CBN would severely weaken. The alternative— the death of freedom of the press and of free expression— is too horrible to contemplate.

#ABSCBNIsNotForSale

National Directorate
+639175155991

Statement

[From the web] Duterte Threatens to Shut Down TV Network -HRW

Posted on December 5, 2019 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Closing ABS-CBN Would Degrade Philippines Press Freedom

By Carlos H. Conde
Researcher, Asia Division
Human Rights Watch
@condeHRW

President Rodrigo Duterte ramped up his attack on the Philippine media, vowing to block the renewal of ABS-CBN, the country’s largest and most influential broadcast network. “Your franchise will end next year,” the president said on Tuesday. “If you are expecting it to be renewed, I’m sorry. You’re out. I will see to it that you’re out.”

This is Duterte’s third such threat against ABS-CBN. He accused the network of unfair reporting, as well as of allegedly taking his advertising money in the 2016 elections but then failing to run his political ads. He earlier threatened to file charges against the media company for allegedly defrauding him. The company has denied the allegations of unfair or biased reporting.

Under Philippine law, broadcasters must secure congressional franchises in order to operate. ABS-CBN’s franchise, issued in 1995, will expire in March 2020. Duterte has exploited this impending renewal to threaten the network, accusing it of slanting its reporting against him and favoring politicians identified with the political opposition. The Lopez family, which controls the network, is known for its activist past, having fought against the Marcos dictatorship. It paid dearly for that opposition when Ferdinand Marcos shut the network down during martial law in 1972. Duterte has politically allied himself with the Marcos family, which has been trying to rehabilitate its long-tattered image of abuse and corruption.

But perhaps the real reason for these threats is ABS-CBN’s critical reporting of Duterte, particularly his murderous “war on drugs.” The network has aired and published award-winning reports on the extrajudicial killings of thousands of suspected drug dealers and users by the police. Apart from ABS-CBN, the government has also targeted Rappler, the online media company that earned Duterte’s ire for its thorough documentation of the “drug war” killings and other abuses.

Duterte is misusing the government’s regulatory powers to settle a score with ABS-CBN. These actions are part of a broader crackdown on media outlets and civil society groups that dare criticize him. Philippine congress members should resist the president’s effort to shut down ABS-CBN. Appeasing a vindictive president who is hell-bent on frustrating accountability for his policies will have far-reaching implications for media freedom, human rights, and democracy in the Philippines.

From the web

[Press Release] Gina Lopez, Ms Earth runners-up join Sibuyan, Romblon Officials’ launching of Tao Muna, Hindi Mina! Campaign

Posted on April 28, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Gina Lopez, Ms Earth runners-up join Sibuyan, Romblon Officials’ launching of Tao Muna, Hindi Mina! Campaign

2012 Miss Earth Philippines runner-up Princess Manzon, ABS-CBN Foundation Managing Director Dr. Gina Lopez, 2012 Miss Earth Air Stephanie Stefanowitz and Romblon Office of the Governor Chief of Staff Ms. Trina Firmalo – all for TAO MUNA, HINDI MINA campaign. Photo ATM.

More than a thousand residents of Sibuyan Island in the province of Romblon marked Earth Day (April 22) with the rejection of mining approval and applications through a simultaneous caravan and prayers through the intercession of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of ecological protection.

Ten thousand prayer cards with the image of the saint were embedded along the seven-kilometer stretch national highway in San Fernando town. They were joined by Bantay Kalikasan Managing Director Gina Lopez, 2012 Miss Earth Philippines runner-up Princess Manzon, 2012 Miss Earth Air Stephanie Stefanowitz and Romblon Office of the Governor Chief of Staff Ms. Trina Firmalo.
Gina Lopez, champion of eco-tourism said: “Let us eradicate poverty through eco-tourism and the protection of the environment with integrity and compassion. Mining will destroy the beauty of Sibuyan Island, choose candidates who will defend the environment – for God, country and people!”

Considered as one of the world’s biodiversity hotspot, Sibuyan Island has been dubbed by conservationists as Galapagos of Asia: home to the world’s densest forest and the country’s cleanest inland body of water, river category, the Cantingas River. The whole island is protected as it has been proclaimed as a mangrove swamp forest reserve and its core zone is the Mt. Guiting-guiting Natural Park.

“Protected as it is, a large-scale mining permit has been granted by former environment Secretary Lito Atienza through a midnight deal three days before he resigned in 2009 opening almost 1,500 hectares of land for mineral production sharing agreement,” said Mayor Dindo C. Rios of San Fernando, Romblon.

“The national government’s Mining Industry Coordinating Council or MICC mandated by President Aquino’s Executive Order No. 79 must review the approved agreement as soon as possible, thus, we are strongly calling the members of the council to visit our island and see for themselves how delicate our island is,” stressed Mayor Rios.

Different churches and religions through an ecumenical forum have gathered petitions and more than 120 thousand signatures to halt mining in the province of Romblon especially in Sibuyan Island. They are calling to uphold the integrity of creation.

Fr. Noel Sixon, parish priest of Our Lady of Remedies Parish said: “We must protect creation, the earth is abused and dying. We must save Sibuyan Island, God-given gift to us. I will not endorse names in the coming elections but choose candidates who are pro-God, pro-People, pro-Family and pro-Environment.”

Joining Sibuyan Island Earth Day Celebrations, and endorsing Tao Muna Hindi Mina 2012 Miss Earth Air Stephanie Stefanowitz said: “We should protect, preserve and conserve our environment for us and the future generations to come; let us make everyday Earth Day.”

—

For more information, please email taomunahindimina@gmail.com, or contact 0921-9645017 (Egay) or 0923-5122374 (Farah).

Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TaoMunaHindiMina, Twitter https://twitter.com/TaoMunaDiMina, and WordPress <taomunadimina.wordpress.com>.

Anti-mining drive in Palawan gets 2.7 million of targeted 10 million signatures | Sun.Star

Posted on February 2, 2012 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Anti-mining drive in Palawan gets 2.7 million of targeted 10 million signatures | Sun.Star.

February 1, 2012

A NON-government organization (NGO) initiating a signature campaign to save Palawan from mining has gathered 2.7 million signatures across the country, which is more than one-fourth of the 10 million target signatures.

Gina Lopez, managing director of ABS-CBN foundation, said they are hopeful to get the remaining 7.3 million within this year.

Lopez was one of the speakers of the two-day 2012 International Conference on Mining held at the Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) campus in Roxas Avenue last week.

Read full article @ www.sunstar.com.ph

In the News

[In the news] Strategic dialogue to discuss expanded US military in PH – ABS-CBN News

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Strategic dialogue to discuss expanded US military in PH
by Rodney Jaleco, ABS-CBN North America News Bureau
January 26, 2012

WASHINGTON D.C. – The 2nd Bilateral Strategic Dialogue (BSD) between the Philippines and United States begin discussions tomorrow on a host of issues that reportedly include an expanded American military presence in the Philippines.
Media reports here suggested both the Philippines and US are seeking an arrangement that would allow more American troops to be stationed in the country, even if only temporarily, to assuage fears by Southeast Asian nations against growing Chinese aggression in the region.

The BSD will be held for 2 days at the Department of State.

The Philippine side is composed of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Erlinda Basilio and Defense Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs and Strategic Concerns Pio Lorenzo Batino.

The US will be represented by Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell and Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs Peter Lavoy.

The 1st BSD was held January 27-28 last year in Manila.

Read full article @ www.abs-cbnnews.com

In the News

[Blogger] ‘I invoke my right against self-incrimination!’ – anthonygaupo.wordpress.com

Posted on May 5, 2011 by Human Rights Online Philippines One comment

Remember this line? We know you do.

Let’s hear what a young blogger like Anthony Gaupo thinks and say about the annoying ‘I invoke my right to self-incrimination‘ line that was popularized by Mr. and Mrs. Ligot during a Senate hearing about corruption allegations in the AFP. Want to know more about Anthony? visit his blog at http://anthonygaupo.wordpress.com/. -HRonlinePH

anthonygaupo.wordpress.com

I’ve been updated with senate hearings through reading tweets of ANC, ABS-CBN, GMA, and other twitter accounts which are helpful in giving news update to the people. Over the weeks and since the beginning of senate hearing about the AFP corruption scandal, I always hear the phrase “I invoke my right against self-incrimination”. Thankfully, I am done with my political governance subject which we discussed this right and other constitutional laws.

Para sa mga hindi familiar kung ano nga ba itong ‘Right against self-incrimination’, I’ll give you a short background of it. According to the Philippine Constitution of 1987 Article 3 section 17, No person shall be compelled to be a witness against himself. This is limited to a prohibition against compulsory testimonial incriminition like extricating from defendant’s own lips, against his will, and an admission of his guilt. (Hope this one helps. For the complete Bill of Rights, click here.)

Sa nangyayari ngayon, gasgas na gasgas na itong right against self-incrimination. Ayaw man lang kasi pagpahingahin ng mga bayani kuno ng bansa. E parang lahat na lang ng itatanong ng mga senators ang isasagot nila ‘i invoke my right against self-incrimination’ Sana napipi ka na lang! O mas okay kung hindi ka na lang nabiyayaan ng bibig! Deform ang mukha. HAHAHA

E pano na lang pala kung sa lahat ng hearing, ‘I invoke my right against self-incrimination’ ang isasagot ng mga taong under arrest? Nagkaroon pa ng court trial o ng senate hearing kung hindi rin lang naman pala lalabas ang katotohanan dahil sa right na yan. Sa tingin ko kasi, useful lang yan kapag walang itinatago yung mga taong under custody. Unlike those people in AFP, halatang ayaw sabihin ang katotohan kaya puro ‘i Invoke my right against self-incrimination’ ang nalalaman. Hay buhay!

LET’S APPLY IT IN DAILY LIFE

THe CONVERSATION YOU ARE ABOUT TO READ IS NOT FACTUAL!

In a classroom during final exam. My professor caught me looking at my seatmate’s answer.

Prof: Mr. Gaupo, why are you looking at your seatmate’s paper?
Ako: No I’m not.
Prof: Then why the both of you have the same answer?
Ako: I invoke my right against self-incrimination!

For sure, sabaw si prof niyan! E what if, masungit si prof katulad ni Ms. Sison. She sent me in Disciplinary office.

DO Officer: Nagcheat ka raw?
Ako: I invoke my right against self-incrimination!
DO officer: Bakit mo ginawa yun?
Ako: Sinabi ko bang nagcheat ako?
Do officer: e bakit ayaw mong magsalita?
Ako: I invoke my right against self-incrimination!

Ano kayang magagawa ng DO sa ganitong pagkatataon? Papalayain niya kaya ako? Siguro, kasi makukulitan siya sakin e HAHAHA. Paglabas sa DO, inusisa ako ng mga kaibigan at classmate ko.

Classmate 1: hoy, anong nangyari?
Ako: Wala
Classmate 2: Anong wala? di ba pinadala ka sa DO?
Ako: oo nga. e wala naman silang napala sa akin e.
Classmate 1: bakit? Hindi ka nagka-major offense?
Ako: hindi, malakas ako e
Classmate 2: pano nangyari yun?
Ako: I invoke my right against self-incrimination!

Ayos ba? So tip ko sa inyo yan. HAHAHA joke! Next scene, papauwi na raw ako ng bahay. Tumawid sa EDSA kahit may nakalagay na ‘Bawal tumawid, may namatay na dito’ Nakita ng MMDA.

MMDA: (pumito at lumapit sa akin) Sir, jaywalking ka po. Sa presinto na lang po kayo magpaliwanag.
Ako: (galit ang boses) I invoke my right against self-incrimination! (sabay alis)

Sungit ko pala. HAHAHA. Pag-uwi sa bahay, Ako at si ate lang ang tao. Nakita ko wallet niya kaya kumuha ako ng pera. Pagtingin niya sa wallet niya kulang na.

ate: hoy, ikaw kumuha ng pera ko no?
ako: I invoke my right against self-incrimination!
ate: 😐

Dahil nakakuha ako ng pera, nagpunta ako sa bar. Nagpakasaya at nakakita ng magandang babae. Dahil lasing na ako at wala na sa katinuan, hinalikan ko siya.

Babae: hayop ka, bakit mo ako hinalikan?
Ako: (boses ng lasing) I invoke my right against self-incrimination!

Sa lovelife…

Babae: i love you
ako: thank you (pogi ng dating HAHAHA)
Babae: mahal mo ba ako?
ako: I invoke my right against self-incrimination!

Exage yung mga example ko obviously, pero ganito ba ang klase ng society na gusto niyong makita? If everyone will remain silent, what is justice for? What the word ‘truth’ might mean to all of us? If everyone takes for granted their right against self-incrimination, mas marami kayang kriminal ngayon? Or the other way around because trial court don’t need due process therefore, suspects can be detained anytime or, if there is death penalty, killed!

Hindi ko alam kung nakatulong ba tong post ko sa inyo o it is just another non-sense blog na nagawa ng isang taong walang magawa. Yun lang. Bow!