#NoPlaceForHate Campaign Should Rule on Social Media

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"We reserve the right to create a safe space where our readers may speak freely AND respectfully. For a constructive conversation among all kinds of individuals, a tolerance of others' opinions must always go with the courage to speak your mind.

You may curse and insult in your own pocket of the web, but at Rappler, we do not condone this, and we encourage a conversation that moves the topic forward.

Pag-aaari po namin ang aming Facebook page and we have the right to instill particular rules in our comments section. This is not unusual. Many pages have comment moderators with guidelines, and this is no different." - Rappler

#NoPlaceforHate was launched by Rappler as a means to empower our readers and make Rappler's comments sections engaging and progressive again. This move is to show that there is a way of criticizing that does not involve hate speech or death threats.

There's nothing wrong with expressing what you feel. What's unacceptable is when you attack other people and make baseless allegations that contribute nothing to the discussion.

Examples of Unacceptable Hate:

1. Name-calling--mean-spirited or disparaging words directed at a person, organization or group of people.
2. Aspersion--mean-spirited or disparaging words directed at an idea, plan, policy, or behavior.
3. Lying--stating or implying that an idea, plan or policy was disingenuous.
4. Vulgarity--using profanity or language that would not be considered proper in professional discourse.
5. Pejorative for speech--disparaging remark about the way in which a person communicates.

All of the commentators in social media cannot deny that at one point in our lives, we have made a disrespectful statement. Don't be a bigot or hypocrite to deny it. People are too polarized, hate will continue because some agendas are so apparent. Rappler is a news organization and not a PR firm. Comments are all welcome provided, as stated, all should adhere to moderations policy.

While I'm a free speech absolutist, I would have to agree with Rappler's decision. In any case, these folks have a host of other outlets. Spam from troll bots limits the freedom of expression of actual readers.
Communication can be difficult at times, sometimes what we say isn't always taken how we imagined it would be taken. Sometimes, our words can be perceived in one way, and sometimes, they can be perceived in another.

Can't we all just resort to a civilized and kind discussion? 

Stripping your right of expressing through hate doesn't mean stripping your freedom of expressions, this is the way of educating you people which you also learned from school. To become civilized.

Your freedom ends where another else's begins. In all things that you do, apply the principle of universality. Ergo, your freedom of speech ends when it starts to harass and cause harm to another.

How can you have a civilized conversation if some people only want to post slurs and retarded things. And in the end when that person lose to an argument he/she will attack the persons identity and sometimes the family.

Respect begets respect but the owner of the house defines the rule of the house. You're free to rant in your own living room. It's yours. But if you do it in someone else's living room, you can expect to be kicked out if you don't behave. That's basic decency.

If you don't like the rules, you can simply leave the page, unfollow it, or go and make your own. Their space, their rules.

If you can't share your thoughts without resorting to abuse, they're not worth sharing in the marketplace of ideas.

People should not be "moralized" by the media. Our values are inherent. To even say that you choose who to respect is appalling. You respect EVERYONE regardless of any behavior, character, gender, etc.

I think the positive thing about this policy is that commenters are assured they can freely express their objective opinions without the risks of getting bullied by anonymous trolls who resort to personal tirades that even go as far as creating a meme out of their profile photos.

This is to remind us to be more discerning of the proper forum for meaningful interactions and civil discourse in our use of the democratic space available to us, and to learn to discard the superfluity of untamed and uncivil comments. 

Logic will win the day. It's okay to be passionate or fanatic about something or someone but sometimes that blinds us in seeing the actual truth.

Like what our parents used to say, "If you cannot say something nice or something that has been thought out, do not say anything at all."

“I keep hearing ‘with freedom comes responsibility.’ I don’t think people have watched Spider Man. It’s with great power comes great responsibility. With freedom comes the obligation to defend it against any attempt to abridge it in any fashion whatsoever.” - Teddy Locsin Jr.

BPI Deadline Causes Panic Among Its Clients

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Kudos to the media for causing alarm and probable loss of clients for BPI. Were you among those who joined the BPI Madness?

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) has recently announced that there is a deadline for clients to comply with information requirements in on September 30, and not on August 31 as it originally said. BPI corporate communications head Tricia Quiambao clarified that the "deadline should be by the end of September, not August.

But this announcement pertains only to a few clients whom they contacted individually, and not everyone. Their latest announcement is that there is no deadline for everyone else.

Their recent advisory didn’t sit well with many of their customers who took to social media to lash out at the bank. The ir branches were even full the past days because of the panic among BPI clients who had to rush to their respective branches to update their bank information. BPI gave a deadline for clients to update their information before they lose all electronic access to their bank accounts but it was not clear if hey were referring to a few or all of their clients.

"Pursuant to BSP Circular 706, clients are requested to update their information on or before September 30, 2016.

How? 

1. Fill out and sign the Customer Information Sheet (CIS) and Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) Form. You can visit your branches or download the forms via BPI Express Online. 2. Present the accomplished form and submit a photocopy of one valid, recent and photo-bearing ID.3. Submit to your nearest branch or send via mail.
If you have updated your client information this year, you may disregard this advisory."

I smell something fishy here. Why all of a sudden do we need to update our personal information? Maybe there is a loophole or exploits within the bank since the other banks have no similar announcement?

The downloaded forms to be printed and then to be presented to the bank totaled four copies and mind you, with colored layouts. It will entail expensive printing costs. Just go to the bank and ask for the forms to be filled out so that we will not shoulder any printing costs.

What about seafarers mam? How will they comply with the requirement?

Mocha Uson Blog Uses the Term "Presstitutes" to Describe Philippine Media Outfits

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Mocha Uson blog recently used the term "Presstitutes" to define "either an individual, reporter or news broadcaster, or a media newsgroup, that reports to be unbiased but is in fact tailoring their news to suit someone's goal, usually corporations or big business political affiliates." 

The coined term, taken from the words "press" and "prostitutes," is not new because it has been used before. However, what is striking is that the blog included the logos of popular TV networks and publications as if to indicate these media outfits are "presstitutes."

Shouldn't it be "purports" and not "reports"? Lol!

There is semblance of truth especially corporate manipulations to maneuver truth to result to half truths or half lies, but who is not for sale in the Philippines nowadays? However, Mocha Uson will be gone and forgotten after DU30's term, but the real journalists' work will remain credible and a source of informative content. Those who spread misinformation and "disinformation" will eventually be identified and should receive the wrath of the people.

How about a Propaganslut? Like someone (or something) that makes government propaganda for money, power, or just for the heck of it..

What more can be expected from a faux journalist like her? She only thinks with her brain in the box.

These organizations are labeled "presstitutes" because their viewers and readers do not like what they hear. Many stories are bumped off the line up for every program because the producer deem them useless or not sensational enough for national interest. The president back then, wasn't a superstar, now the president is a rockstar because of "disinformation" that makes him look like everyone's superhero all ready to save the country from the "traditional" politicians,

Dear Duterte supporters, please do not bash or resort to name-calling. Support nation-building by criticizing everything necessary and not selectively so we can achieve a real unbiased society.

Stephen Amell Irked by Arrow Rip-Off Alyas Robin Hood?

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Dark hooded vigilante that prowls the night with bow and arrows as his weapon of choice.

The brain-drain for prime time shows continue. This is making me cringe! Barry Allen, or the Flash, must have fucked up the timeline and created the Alyas Robin Hood universe. Lol!

Whether they like it or not, this show would be ripped to shreds for being an Arrow ripoff. C'mon man! There are lots of local heroes waiting to be discovered.

Stephen Amell, the actor portraying the superhero Green Arrow on CW Network's TV Series known as Arrow, personally reacted to GMA Network's upcoming TV series entitled Alyas Robin Hood. Most of the comments states that GMA's TV series doesn't have originality and even the design and concept were just copied, especially the promotional but rumored-to-be fan-made poster which came out showing Dingdong Dantes wearing a similar outfit worn by Amell in his role as Green Arrow.

'Uulitin ko para malinaw po: ang lumabas na artikulo mula sa Lionheart tv na may kasamang poster daw ng Alias Robin Hood ay misleading kasi ang ginamit na poster doon na rip off mula sa Arrow ay hindi po materyal na galing sa Gma7. Hindi po ata ito niresearch na mabuti ng nasabing blog page at inassume agad na ito ay mula sa Gma7. 

Ang nasabing poster po ay maaaring fan made. O di kaya ay ginawa lang para siraan din ang Alias Robin Hood para palitawin itong rip off ng Arrow. So useless na pagdebatehan na ito ay rip off kasi hindi sa Alias Robin Hood ang nasabing poster. 

Wala pa po kaming inilalabas na poster nito liban sa teaser na napanood na sa aming network. 

Ibang iba po ang kwento ng Alias Robin Hood sa Arrow. Malayo.
Ang Alias Robin Hood ay homage / inspired sa Robin Hood, at ito ay Filipino modern retelling nito lalo't ang nasabing Briish Folktale na tumatalakay ng social injustice ay napapanahon pa rin. Hindi ito gaya sa Arrow (na palagay ko ay mula sa Green Archer/Robin Hood at Batman hehe) o sa Green Archer na pawang mga inspired din sa dakilang obra na Robin Hood pero binigyan din nila ng ibang twist.
Salamat po!" - Suzette Severo Doctolero

The writer 's statement implies that there was failure of a certain blog to state that the poster was fan-made and did not came from GMA 7 or was probably created to give Alyas Robin Hood a bad image.

English Translation from the page of the writer herself, Ms Suzette Severo Doctolero:

"For the record and again the article that came out from a showbiz site accompanied with a poster associating "Alyas Robin Hood" IS MISLEADING because the poster that was ripped off from the Hit TV series Arrow is not in anyway associated with GMA7. 

It is possible that the said material is fan made or was created to spread rumors against "Alias Robin Hood" to make it look like it ripped off Arrow. It is useless to debate that it is a ripoff because the said poster is not a material used nor created by GMA7. We haven't released any poster or any print ads except for the show's teaser which can be viewed on GMA7. Alias Robin Hood is a homage/ Robin Hood Inspired show, it is a Filipino modern retelling of the said British Folk Hero, especially the said folk tale tackles social injustice which is sadly felt in this modern age, it is not like Arrow or Green Archer that were also inspired by the great Folk tale that is Robin Hood. Salamat po! (Thank You!)"

GMA 7 writer Suzette Doctolero called someone "gago" online over criticisms on "Alyas Robin Hood." Shouldn't GMA Corp Comm intervene?

It was said that Dingdong Dantes has no stunt doubles in this upcoming primetime series which will feature the story of Robin Hood with a Filipino touch. Will this be enjoyed by the viewers who would like to know how the creators will present the Pinoy version? Probably out of curiosity, but for sure this will be merely a source of a lot of laughter in the end after seeing how the Pinoy TV series rips off the concept from the original.

For sure, there will be several variations from the original but this copycat will surely wiggle its way out with so many excuses like referencing Robin Hood instead of Arrow which is obviously the more popular topic known by the current generation rather than the story of Robin Hood, or the Green Archer.

GMA 7 should realize that the popularity of "Arrow" would obviously connect to Alyas Robin Hood since it's the most recent image of the original, may it be Robin Hood or any other hooded hero with a bow and arrow. It is not surprising that people will think first of Arrow, and accuse Alyas Robin Hood as a copycat even if the story is totally different.

LionhearTV should not have used GMA 7's logo in their own poster because it somehow implies that they are in partnership with the TV station in the creation of the poster, or even the TV series itself.

Alyas Robin Hood will also feature, Megan Young, Andrea Torres, Paolo Contis, Sid Lucero, John Feir, Lindsay De Vera and Jacklyn Jose.

"My name is Dingdong Dantes. After five years in hell, I came back with only one goal: to save my city. But my old approach wasn't enough. I had to become someone else. I had to become something else... I had to become Robin Hood."

Telco Steps Up Anti-Spam Campaign

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Aimed at further reducing, if not eliminating, spam/scam messages that goes through its network, Globe Telecom further stepped up its anti-spam/scam campaign and is now able to block annoying unsolicited messages coming from other telco providers.

Anton Bonifacio, Globe Chief Information Security Officer revealed that Globe started blocking an estimated 100,000 spam/scam messages per day coming from other networks, beginning last August 16. “We now block an average of 300,000 spam/scam messages daily coming from both Globe and other networks,” Bonifacio said.

The company activated in February this year a fully automated mechanism to rid its network of spam and scam messages. Under the first phase of the program, the anti-spam mechanism blocked spam/scam messages coming from Globe network SIMs. Entering into the second phase of the program, Globe further enhanced its anti-spamming tool to include messages sent by other network SIMs.

“Globe is now a step closer towards totally eradicating the transmittal of spam and scam messages to our customers. The company will continue with the optimization process of the blocking mechanism to stamp out transmittal of such messages whether or not they are coming from the Globe network,” Bonifacio said.

“The company has already blocked around 50 million spam/scam messages since February this year when its new blocking tool was set in place, with a daily average blocked messages of around 200,000 from Globe network alone,” Bonifacio said. The enhanced mechanism now covers the company’s mobile postpaid customers of more than 2.5 million and majority of its prepaid customers of close to 59 million.

Globe Telecom’s blocking tool comprises a new hardware and software solution with complex anti-spam algorithms, with a capacity that can filter up to 1 billion SMS a day. By design, the filtering mechanism can be reconfigured to address the kind of spam and scam messages that goes through the Globe network. Prior to the establishment of a new blocking mechanism in February this year, Globe first operationalized an automated filtering functionality that reduced the number of messages going through the Globe network in September 2014.

New Regulation on Flight Delays

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) is coming out with a resolution on passenger convenience in cases of long tarmac delays.

The following are the highlights of the resolution:

1. Resolution 49 requires airlines, foreign and domestic, thru their Piot-in-Charge (PIC) to immediately start deplaning procedures of passengers once tarmac delay hits two (2) hours. Tarmac delay count starts from the time aircraft door closes, whether before take off or after landing.

Domestic Flights – should be deplaned by the third hour
International Flights – should be deplaned by the fourth hour

2. In cases where passengers cannot be deplaned at the said time frame, the air carrier shall have burden of proof and present adequate and reasonable evidence.

Possible circumstances for not starting deplaning procedures after two-hours include:

· Safety and security related reasons (determined by Pilot-In-Command upon consultation with airport officials)
· Air Traffic Control (ATC) advises PIC disembarkation will significantly disrupt airport operations
· PIC receives notification the flight can depart within 30 minutes of two-hour threshold

3. Air carrier should provide adequate food and potable water no later two hours after delay

4. There should be operable lavatory facilities and medical attention when needed while aircraft is on tarmac

5. The PIC should give status update announcements to its passengers every thirty minutes starting from the first half hour of the delay.

6. After deplaning, airlines must provide as much as practicable, accommodation, when necessary, food and communication services, and give timely and accurate update to passengers regarding status of their flights

7. Air carriers or its ground handlers should make prior coordination with relevant government agencies such as BoC, BI, OTS etc. for any deplaning or disembarkation procedures

8. Air carriers should assign a point person or person of authority to monitor effects of delay, address passenger queries and provide passenger guidance on updates on status of delayed or cancelled flights


This resolution will be effective 15 days after publication.

Publication targeted for Wednesday, 31 August 2016

Privacy Act IRR Released – NPC to Educate Public about Privacy

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The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 10173 or the Data Privacy Act (DPA) of 2012 was officially submitted to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) for publication on the Official Gazette by the National Privacy Commission (NPC) after several months of public consultations nationwide with various stakeholders. The IRR will officially take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication.

Photo 1: Commissioners, Mon Liboro, Ivy Patdu and Dondi Mapa of the NPC (form R to L) listed to inputs from health information and research stakeholders at a public consultation on R.A. 10173's IRR (photo courtesy of Ramon Duremdes Jr. )

Civil Society organization, Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA) was instrumental in organizing Public Consultations for the Implementing Rules, According to FMA Director Alan Alegre; “The FMA is pleased with the spirit of inclusive participation of stakeholders in the development of the DPA’s IRR, Kudos to all stakeholders who participated in the public consultations, submitted comments online and offline, and produced position papers.”

Personal Information Controllers and other stakeholders participated in five public consultations and several meetings with the NPC. These stakeholders included representatives from banks, retail, education, research, health Informatics, civil society, business process management, the migrant sector and Government organizations. Among the organizations that helped organize public consultations were the Philippine Computer Society, U.P Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Development (OVCRD), Department of Health, Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, Ateneo de Davao University, UP-PGH, National Telehealth Center and the Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA). 

National Privacy Commission Press Release

The NPC will focus on conducting public information campaigns aimed at educating the public and organizations on the importance of data privacy in its first year of operations. According to Privacy Chairman Raymund Liboro, “With the prevalent use of personal data in access devices, social media, smartphone apps as well as the delivery of basic services, it is extremely important that the public and organizations be made aware of the need to responsibly handle personal information., Commissioner Liboro explains.

Commissioner Liboro emphasized that the DPA and its IRR were developed with the rights of the individual should be given priority. “The rules were made with the citizen's protection and the country's progress in mind. Personal data are your personal assets that should be guarded. Collectively, they become a national asset too.” Chairman Liboro added.

The Data Privacy Act applies in general to any person or organization, whether from the government or private sector, that is involved in the collection, processing and any further use of personal data. Personal data is any information that may identify a person, such as names, identification numbers, and personal circumstances. It may involve sensitive information such as contents of a medical record which a person normally does not intend to disclose to the public.

According to Chairman Liboro; “Everyone must be aware on how to secure them from threats. The Data Privacy Act was enacted to build trust on the country's ICT systems. To make sure every Filipino benefits from ICT and not to fall victims to data use negligence and internet abuse.”

The Privacy Commission is hopeful that they will get full cooperation from industry, government, civil society groups and other stakeholders on the conduct of its public information campaign and other activities. NPC Deputy Commissioner Ivy Patdu said, “To truly embrace a culture of privacy requires multi-sectoral coordination. The Commission has a big job ahead and the support and cooperation of various industries and Government will go a long way in protecting personal data.”

“Privacy is a fundamental human right. Promoting free flow of information should not be seen as incompatible with upholding the right to information privacy. We just need to realize that the benefits gained from use of personal data comes with a duty of respecting rights of data subjects” Commissioner Patdu said.

About the National Privacy Commission - The National Privacy Commission is an independent body mandated to administer and implement the Data Privacy Act of 2012, and to monitor and ensure compliance of the country with international standards set for data protection.

The Perfect Pair at Gumbo

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Looking for a perfect pair to satisfy your big cravings? Get it at Gumbo! For only P995 you can have this sumptuous large Seafood Jambalaya and Bourbon Riblets with U.S. Fries the whole family and barkada can enjoy!

Seafood Jambalaya, New Orleans’ answer to paella with fresh mussels, Pacific clams, shrimps and calamari with andouille sausage, cooked with Cajun-spiced long grain rice is paired perfectly with Gumbo’s Bourbon Riblets, seasoned pork riblets char-broiled to perfection, basted with Bourbon-style barbecue sauce. This Perfect Pair promo is available for limited time only so avail them now at all Gumbo restaurants are located at the 2nd level, Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia; 2nd level, The Block, SM City North Edsa; 3rd level, Robinsons Place Manila Midtown; 2nd level, Atrium Bldg., SM Megamall; Gateway Mall Araneta Center; and Robinsons Magnolia.

Likewise enjoy other sumptuous treats at Gumbo such as Cajun Blackened Salmon, Barbecued Shrimps, Family Feast, Baked Artichoke Formagio, Cream Dory with Mango Salsa, Seafood Jambalaya, Seafood Gumbo, Fish & Chips, Ultimate Seafood Feast, Halibut Pesto, delightful pizzas and pasta and must-try desserts! For reservations and inquiries, please call 5560238, 4420106, 5671820 and 6353015.

Burgoo Peri Chicken and Riblets

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For only P699, you and your loved ones will enjoy this awesome combination of Peri Chicken and Riblets from Burgoo! Juicy and flavorful, these peri chicken (a spicy dish with roots from Africa and Portugal) and riblets (young and tender ribs) are marinated overnight and baked to perfection. Served with three warm tortillas, rice pilaf, pico de gallo and ranch dressing, a value-for-money indeed!

One of the newest and delicious offerings of Burgoo, Peri Chicken and Riblets are available for limited time only! Have a taste of it now at all Burgoo outlets located at T. Morato in Quezon City; Powerplant Mall in Rockwell Makati; The Podium in Ortigas; Gateway Mall in Araneta Center Cubao; Robinsons Galleria in Ortigas; SM City The Block in North EDSA; Mall of Asia in Pasay; SM City Marikina: SM Southmall in Alabang, The District in Cavite, The Terraces Mall in Fairview, Vista Mall in Taguig and Solenad 3 in Sta Rosa Laguna.

From appetizers, salads to pasta, pizza and main entrees, Burgoo has also made available quality and sumptuous dishes for your dining pleasure like Mozzarella Sticks, Fried Calamari, Gambas al Ajillo, Seafood Caesar Supreme, Shrimp Pomelo Salad, Frutte de Mare and Garden Fresh Pizza, Seafood Jambalaya Pasta, Seafood Linguini, Linguini with Clams, Shrimp Arrabiatta, Tomato Basil Spaghetti, Shrimps and Chips, Seafood Jambalaya,, Spinach Grilled Salmon, and Friday Fish Fry. For sweet endings, highly recommended are Raspberry Cheesecake, American Fruit Salad, Brownie ala Mode, etc.

For reservations and inquiries, please call 9277424, 8381815, 6875254, 7263578, 9136112, 5560091, 6336256 or 4420115.

Youth to Senators: Defend SK, Don't Delay Polls a Third Time

Wazzup Pilipinas!
Youth leaders called on senators not to postpone the upcoming SK Elections a third time. The senate committee of local government recommended in their committee report to postpone the SK Elections to October 30, 2017 and is expected to be voted upon by the senate later today.

"A third postponement of the SK polls sends a dangerous message that youth participation is optional. We hope our legislators do not mean to disenfranchise the youth once again and instead heed our call not to delay the SK elections," said Ellah Delerio from the SK Reform Coalition.

The youth groups emphasized that the postponement is de facto abolition of the youth institution.

"The SK is effectively abolished, with the SK remaining vacant for at least another year. The youth are once again robbed of their right of suffrage and right to participate in village governance," said Delerio.

The groups further warned that the proposed postponement have led to renewed calls to abolish the youth institution.

"With the planned postponement of the SK polls, calls to abolish the SK have surfaced once more, coming from House Speaker Alvarez no less. Those debates have already been settled in the last congress with the passage of the SK Reform Act." said Rafaela David, Chairperson of Akbayan Youth.

The groups further lambasted comments that belittle the youth's contribution as "useless" to governance at the village level.

"We have many youth leaders who have served their communities well through the SK and such misinformed and irresponsible statements fail to recognize the substantial contribution of the youth in the past," said David.

The youth groups instead sought the support of the senators in ensuring the full implementation of the SK Reform Act.

"Instead of pushing through with the planned postponement, we hope our legislators would put their weight behind the full implementation of the reformed SK and show their commitment to the youth. It is time to give the new SK a chance," concluded David.