Calabarzon ops

PH ready for planned shift to ‘cashless’ society — Palace

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Malacañang expressed confidence on Tuesday that the government is ready to transform the Philippines into a “cashless” society, given that the country is still grappling with the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque issued the statement in reaction to a survey, which showed that the Philippines ranked sixth on the list of nations that will support a completely cashless society.

“So pang-anim nga po tayo sa digital ranking at iyan naman po’y patunay na we can readily make the shift to a cashless society dahil alam naman natin na ‘yung physical pera ang isa sa pinakamalakas na magkalat ng Covid virus (We ranked sixth in the digital ranking and that’s proof that we can readily make the shift to a cashless society because we are aware that handling banknotes is one of the reasons why Covid virus spread easily),” Roque said.

A survey conducted by MoneyTransfers.com, an international money transfer firm, found that India topped the list of 21 countries that favor a cashless society.

Following India (79 percent) were Malaysia (65 percent), United Arab Emirates (63 percent), Indonesia (63 percent), Vietnam (60 percent), Singapore (56 percent), Italy (52 percent), the Philippines (52 percent), Thailand (51 percent), and Taiwan (48 percent).

Roque said he could not tell as to when the Philippines could turn into a cashless society.

He, nevertheless, guaranteed that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is taking measures to pursue cashless transactions in the country.

“May mga hakbang na po na ginawa ang Bangko Sentral ‘no, unang-una, para huwag nang gumamit noong mga barya (Steps have been taken by the Bangko Sentral (so people) avoid using coins),” Roque said.

Some experts have warned that Covid-19 may remain infectious for weeks on banknotes.

BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno earlier said the Philippines is expected to be a “coinless society” by 2025, as the National Quick Response (QR) Code Standard, or QR PH, is seen to scale up contactless payments.

The BSP November 2019 adopted QR PH which seeks to push for a QR code standard for all digital transactions nationwide that will be adopted by all financial technology firms and banks.

The use of QR technology, according to a statement earlier issued by the BSP, has emerged as the “most expedient” means of payment since it entails code scanning that is faster and easier to do than bringing out a card, tapping and swiping it, and signing a charge slip in most cases.

The BSP’s goal is to do at least 50 percent of all financial transactions digitally by 2023. (MNS)

25% of Pinoys cite violence vs women as top concern amid pandemic

MANILA (Mabuhay) — As the world celebrates Women’s Month this March, the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) renewed its call for special protection of Filipino women, especially during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

This, as the POPCOM on Tuesday shared its commissioned survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) which showed that one of four adult Filipinos have said harmful acts in various forms are among the most pressing problems of women during the present health crisis.

Eleven percent mentioned physical violence as top-of-mind concern while 14 percent cited sexual violence and emotional violence (7 percent each), the survey said.

In Mindanao, 24 percent of adults shared the same sentiments (11 percent for physical violence, 5 percent for sexual, and 8 percent for emotional), while it was slightly lower in the Visayas at 22 percent (6 percent physical violence, 11 percent sexual, 5 percent emotional).

SWS said it was higher in Manila at 29 percent (13 percent for physical violence, 7 percent sexual, 9 percent emotional) and the rest of Luzon at 28 percent (13 percent for physical violence, 7 percent sexual, 8 percent emotional).

Per accounts of the Philippine National Police in the yearly Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health report, there were 19,743 recorded cases of Violence Against Women in 2019, or before the pandemic.

Of the total, 77 percent, or 15,160 cases, were violations under the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children law, or the intimate partner-relationship category.

The rest fell under other forms of Gender-Based Violence, such as rape (2,341 cases), acts of lasciviousness (1,953), concubinage (204), and sexual harassment (85).

Popcom Undersecretary Juan Antonio Perez III said on Tuesday the Philippines leads the global community in championing the causes of women, evidenced by its high worldwide ranking in women empowerment and gender equality.

The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index places the Philippines at 16th — the only one in Asia in the top 20 — as the country is performing excellently in closing the gender gap when it comes to economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, health and survival, and political empowerment.

He also revealed that half of his colleagues in the agency’s executive roster are women.

“As an agency being looked upon by the national government in promoting women’s rights, Popcom will do its best to guarantee their protection, empowerment, and provision of opportunities needed to achieve their utmost in life,” he said. (MNS)

PH Mission to UN defends Calabarzon ops

MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippine Mission to the United Nations in Geneva defended as "legitimate" the law enforcement operations in Calabarzon that resulted in the deaths of nine activists and arrest of six others last Sunday.

This comes in the wake of a statement from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) that denounces what it describes as "arbitrary killing". "We are appalled at OHCHR prejudging legitimate police operations on Sunday in the Philippines vs persons possessing dangerous firearms and explosive devices. We regret this overreach of OHCHR’s mandate -- clearly uninformed of facts on the ground," the Philippine Mission said over Twitter on Tuesday night.

It said there is "no basis for calling deaths resulting from these operations as arbitrary killing," adding that these were carried out "strictly within the bounds of law, on 40 search warrants secured by the police after a rigorous legal process."

When deaths occur during operations conducted by security forces, investigations are "automatically" launched in the Philippines, it added.

"And this will be true for the search ops in Luzon last Sunday," it said. "We ask OHCHR to correct hasty opinions favoring violators of the law & instead support efforts to uphold law & order."

At least six died in Rizal province, two in Batangas, and one in Cavite following simultaneous police operations on Sunday.

Initial reports showed that policemen conducted the raids by the virtue of search warrants for illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

Col. Chit Gaoiran, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office-4A (Calabarzon), earlier said the raiding team was engaged in a gunfight, resulting in the deaths of the nine individuals.

A Department of Justice-led panel on extrajudicial killings is currently investigating the death of the nine activists. The Commission on Human Rights will also launch an independent probe. (MNS)

Raya and the Last Dragon

Emphasizes Trust and Community

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Raya and the Last Dragon” is an epic journey to the fantasy world of Kumandra. Raya embarks alone on her quest to fi nd the last dragon to restore the fractured lands and its divided people. In her pursuit, she learns that it takes more than a dragon to save the world— it takes trust, teamwork, friendship, and the wisdom of her community as well.

“Raya doesn't have friends,” says actress Kelly Marie Tran who voices the warrior princess. “She sees people she doesn't know as dangerous.” Along with her trusty steed Tuk Tuk, Raya meets and joins forces with formidable giant Tong (Benedict Wong), 10-year-old entrepreneur Boun (Izaac Wang), mischievous toddler Noi (Thalia Tran), and legendary dragon Sisu (Awkwafi na). Together, they form a chosen family that works to unify Kumandra. “During the course of the movie, she learns how to trust people again,” says Tran.

The theme of teamwork on screen mirrored Walt Disney Animation Studios’ real-life challenges. Due to the COVID crisis, the fi lm’s more than 450 artists and technologists worked from home. Thanks to the advancement of technology, they completed the fi lm physically apart, but virtually together.

Disney’s diverse workforce brought the rich lands of Kumandra to life.

● Writers Adele Lim who was raised in Malaysia and Qui Nguyen whose family is from Vietnam co-wrote the screenplay. ● As Head of Story, Fawn Veerasunthorn of Thailand turned the screenwriters' words and the directors’ vision into a visual representation of the narrative. ● Crowds Artist D’Lun Wong of Malaysia designed the crowds in scenes to accurately refl ect the peoples of Southeast Asia who inspired the fi lm. ● Lighting Artist Roger Lee from Singapore used software to enhance the atmosphere, tone, depth, and mood of the scenes. ● Modeling Environment Lead John Aquino of the Philippines and Modeler Punn Wiantrakoon of Thailand, who moved to California and Virginia respectively as teenagers, built digital versions of everything that is seen on screen into models in order to be animated. ● Senior Software Engineer Far Jangtrakool of Thailand provided technical tools that animators and layout artists utilized to create the fi lm.

The fi lm’s themes of trusting one another and working together are relatable to all audiences. “Right now, the world is very broken,” said Co-screenwriter Qui Nguyen. “This movie has a lot of magic in it, but I think the biggest piece of magic is trust. It is the real secret ingredient that will save our fi ctional world of Kumandra. And it’s a message that I think is really important for the world to have and see.”

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Raya and the Last Dragon" is available on Disney+ with Premier Access and in theaters.

Recto balks at PNP ban on PDA: Don't declare ‘war on love’

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto on Wednesday rejected the Philippine National Police's (PNP) appeal against displaying "physical, social and romantic relationships" in public, citing health protocols amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement, Recto said that it seems the PNP declared a "war on love," and not on COVID-19. "If all acts of public display of affection are prohibited—harmless kisses, holding hands, hugs—then the rules border on the absurd," he said. "Will the ban include the 'Mano po!' of kids to their grandparents, as it falls under the standard definition of affectionate acts? Or how about the wife at the back of a bike holding her husband tight for dear life, will her hug be prohibited, too?" he added.

PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Ildebrandi Usana said that amid the rising cases of COVID-19, the public "should maintain being cautious from the spread of the virus." "The virus may be right before them. Infection happens to families, it can happen to anyone, anywhere," he said. "And if you love your spouse, your children, you have to be conscious of the minimum health and safety protocols," he added.

Still, Recto questioned the PNP's reasoning of "for health reasons" in issuing its appeal. "So a couple who shares a bed at night cannot kiss each other goodbye on the street when they go their separate ways to work and should just text each other kiss emojis?" he asked. "Ang bait naman ni COVID that it doesn’t harm couples making out in private. This is a scientific eureka moment worthy of a Nobel Prize," he added.

Recto urged the police to be more mindful in the way they communicate policies in addressing the pandemic. "Words can move—and frighten—a nation. When you wield a loud microphone, don’t treat it like a police whistle you can blow anytime," he said. (MNS)

Incentives eyed for fi rms helping end online sexual abuse on children

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Senator Risa Hontiveros is considering providing incentives to private companies assisting law enforcers in putting an end to online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC).

In a statement on Tuesday, Hontiveros said there is a need for companies "to be proactive in the fight against OSAEC. "Providing incentives may be the most effective way to ensure this," she said. "May karampatang parusa pa rin kung hindi sila su- sunod sa batas.”

Hontiveros issued the statesued the statement as the ment as the Senate women committee resumed its hearing o n bills against online sexual abuse of children.

Hontiveros earlier filed Senate Bill 2068, or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Law, which seeks to impose penalties on private companies that do not comply with their obligations under the measure.

“Both incentives and penalties can encourage more synergy between private companies and government agencies. Pwedeng mapaigting ang partisipasyon ng mga pribadong kumpanya kung hindi lang parusa ang prinepresenta sa kanila,” Hontiveros said.

The bill seeks to penalize, among others:

those who willfully subscribe to, join or support an Internet address that hosts OSAEC content; those who hire, employ, or pay a facilitator to stream sexual abuse of children; and those who knowingly benefit from the commission of OSAEC The measure likewise outlines the duties and obligations of Internet service providers, social media networks, financial institutions and intermediaries, and establishments or facilities to prevent incidents of OSAEC.

Internet service providers that do not give notice of exploitation on their services will be slapped a penalty of P2 million but not more than P5 million.

Meanwhile, social media networks that do not comply with their requirements will be penalized with a fine of P10 million, so will banks, money services, and other financial intermediaries not fulfilling their reportorial obligation as provided under the law.

“The private sectors’ products are the main channels through which exploitation occurs. Kung magkakaroon ng mas take-charge attitude ang mga kumpanya dahil sa incentives, then we should study this possibility. Laking tulong ito sa mga opisyal natin," Hontiveros said. "When it comes to a crime as stealthy and as technical as OSAEC, our law enforcement agencies need all the help they can get,” she added. (MNS)

Pechanga’s VIP/Asian Marketing Manager & Asian Host Team provides you with the VIP Advantage

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Marylou Bean – Senior Executive Casino Host

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