DepEd Terminates MOA with Rappler

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"My heart dropped to the floor.

They gave no reason. The memo was as damningly bare-bones as it gets. 

We've partnered with DepEd for 5 years straight, with no monetary gain, to train student journalists around the country and cover rarely-reported events like Palarong Pambansa. And then this happens.

Politics is dirtiest when it robs children of opportunities."

The partnership between Rappler and Dept of Education was good because Students and Teachers were trained on News Reporting, and Disaster Preparedness. WHY cancel this partnership? 

Rappler's headline about the termination speaks volume of how Rappler sees itself. Hence, its audacity to shove down our throat its brand of journalism.

The lack of objectivity makes the severance of partnership all the more proper. Rappler doesn't have the legal bandwith to continue its business anyway.

"Why the department would make such a rushed decision that would jeopardize a project that took months of preparation on the part of the NSPC, DepEd, and Rappler merely highlights the unstated reason for DepEd’s action – that they are choosing to sacrifice the ideals of campus journalism to politics." - Rappler

Without stating any reason, last Wednesday February 6, 2018, DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones terminated two agreements with Rappler. DepEd’s partnership with them for disaster preparedness & the National Schools Press Conference (NSPC).

"As expected. DepEd is just like any other government agency - subservient to the boss - or they lose a significant chunk of the budget. Takutan lang yan!" Is it true?

"Obviously, political. First, it was SEC. Now, DepEd." Would you agree?

Is Rappler a bad influence to the students that the Department of Education has ended its partnership with them.

"All I can see was Rappler’s generosity. Generosity in providing us opportunities to help awaken our critical thinking to be directly involved with what’s happening with our own community. To never be afraid to take a stand on what we believe in, to be a part of nation building."

But we've seen that some of those people with seemingly noble hearts have in fact hidden agendas. 

The fact that DepEd hasn’t issued a response to Rappler’s “death of campus journalism” claims speaks so much of the quality of socmed training DepEd peeps got from Rappler. For all we know, nagbayad ang DepEd dati for overpriced “training” and Briones was right to sack Rappler.

But there is this:

"Hello, student journalists and teachers in public schools! Your Department of Education is, in effect, telling you this:  

The example of excellent "journalism" is Manila Times' series of reports that was based on innuendos made by a single, anonymous source over cherry-picked parts of some memoranda, twisted to fit the Palace narrative. 

For the record: Rappler didn't make – never intended to make – money out of those trainings and coverages we did for and with you through DepEd in the past 6 years. We spent for those because, to us, YOU and media literacy are not a transaction."

However, according to an articke by Manila Times:

"“WHEREAS, Rappler is a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the Philippines, operating a social news network that aims to inspire community engagement and digitally-fuelled actions for social change.

Rappler also aims to nurture the next generation of journalists in the country through its civic engagement arm, MovePH,” the agreement stated.

The source of the document noted: “In its appeal before the Court of Appeals, Rappler denies that it is a news organization. How can Rappler now explain this, when they’re doing all these things?”

“In this five-page MoA, three pages cite that it is a social news network and that it is into newsgathering, and that it maintains editorial independence. These terms are exclusive to media practitioners. They should really accept that they made a lapse in judgment, they violated the Constitution. One more thing, if they say that they are not a news organization, then why are they campaigning to defend press freedom?” the source added."

"In the guise "to nurture the next generation of journalists in the country", MARIA RESSA, deceived the Government's Department of Education when it entered into a MoA with ex-DepEd Secretary ARMIN LUISTRO by claiming that her company, Rappler, is an independent social news agency. 

This MoA gave Rappler exclusive media network to cover the Palarong Pambansa and send 3 or more crews with DepEd employees at out of town events free of charge.

This gave Rappler ability to reach our youth's minds with their destabilizing innuendos against the government particularly their false EJK count claims."

We all know that the youth nowadays are too passionate and could easily be motivated to go out of their comfort zones. But they are also easily lured into unwitting submission after a promise a taste of empowerment.

Now why would DepEd allow a foreign funded PR firm to teach our children sedition?

The rule of law will not compromise democracy. The violation compromised Rappler. Rappler should adjust to conform to the law. Not the other way around.

And has Rappler already asked DepEd the reason why it ended the agreements, and why are they quickly concluding that DepEd is not in favor of campus journalism?

"Nothing in Rappler’s roster of values is about excellence. Aside from the usual news angling and fakery that it has always been accused of, plus the bad writing, Rappler now represents circumvention of laws governing companies. Indeed, a bad example."

We might as well ask how beneficial the partnership was and if it served their interests well. 

Having said that, DepEd should have multiple partners this time. And Rappler can and should continue helping campus journos at the local level, at the grassroots where so many stories are left untold. This is a shared mission that should not be lost despite losing the Memorandum of Agreement with DepEd.

"This gradual and sustained erosion of democratic values can only be stopped by a critical mass of citizens who are determined to resist it. Lawyers, constitutionalists, law-abiding citizens, those who believe in the rule of law: where are you?"

"UNBELIEVABLE. 

Campus journalism teaches the students the value of a free and independent press. At a time of heightened attacks on press freedom, we hoped that DepEd, who educates and empowers the youth, would not give in to political pressure. 

We were mistaken. 

It is unfortunate that DepEd gave in to malicious reports regarding our partnership. This robs the students and teachers of another opportunity to learn and practice journalism. 

We will not stop speaking truth to power and empowering communities not only in campus journalism and sports but also in our other advocacies like disaster risk reduction and poverty alleviation. We know we're not alone in this. We will keep fighting."

When an institution we pin our nation's hopes upon crumbles to political pressure. Yes, suffer the children. ...or do they?

The more they defend themselves, the more their credibility erodes. Poor staff of Rappler, after this debacle, I wonder if they'll even be hired in other companies.

Rappler, there are better organizations than you. It's DepEd's and students gain actually because now the agency is open to partner with as many news organization they want, and not binded by an exclusive contract! Campus Journalism will do just fine without Rappler. RIP Rappler. 

Cogsworth (Beauty & the Beast, Animated, 1991): "If it's not Baroque, don't fix it!

Coca-Cola PH to Lay-Off Employees, Blames TRAIN Law

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"The domino effect of the TRAIN law is slowly resurfacing. Is this a positive or a negative progress? Prices for beverages goes up, Sales goes down that will lead to workforce being cut down."

Who do you think is to blame for the laying off of 600 Coca Cola bottler workers, the worsening economy or the people that made the economy worse, choose your pick? Or undeniably the rampaging runaway TRAIN Law that was just recently passed? After its passage, everything went up, except the Filipinos' normal standard height!

“This restructuring has been a very difficult decision. It was carried out only after an exhaustive and conscientious assessment of the evolving regulatory environment, our operational efficiency, and consequent performance in the market,” it added.

This comes shortly after the passage of the Train law in December last year, the first among a series of tax packages. It lowered the personal income tax while increasing consumption taxes, including sugar sweetened beverages.

The Train law imposes a P6/liter tax on beverages using caloric and noncaloric sweeteners and P12/liter on beverages using high fructose corn syrup (HFCS)."

All the sugar/sweetener/fructose user companies impacted by TRAIN will likely  downsize their work force at some point due to top line and bottom lin contraction. Less income taxes and VAT to pay as inflation rises, purchasing power contracts and consumption drops.

What the right hand giveth, the left hand taketh away. A flawed TRAIN will produce blowback and the tax take envisioned could fall below expectations. A domino effect is anticipated. Every link of the business chain will recoil from the blow all the way back to the government.

About 600 workers will lose their jobs. Multiply this by 5 for the average number of members in a family to get the number of lives this TRAIN will run over soon.

We are sad for the workers and what will happen to them and their families, although the reality here is - the soda industry is taxed in other cities because of the health issues. And, they are ‘reinventing’ products because of the lower consumer demand.

It would be better if the laid-off workers just find a new job so they won't be a part of a company that sells junk food, causes obesity and diabetes.

“Everyone will be  given career transition support, as well as separation packages that go beyond what is mandated by law"

Gone are the days when working at big companies provide security of tenure until good old retirement age of 60.

Businesses will always find other places where raw materials and/or labor are cheaper and where the political environment is more friendly and enticing to investors. Businesses will always have to find ways to stay competitive.

Please take note that increasing the taxes of everything is entirely not needed. The government only had to be fiscally responsible. No one asked for this but the politicians.

People are saying lots of people will be unemployed if the siftdrink company eventually runs out if business. But do we keep nuclear weapons facilities going so those working there don’t lose work. Or the tobacco industry which creates lots and lots of jobs.

We have to think about the children who grow up into these bad life shortening habits. The parents can adapt with other work.

The next brave move is to finally STOP the entire jeepney industry as the diesel and fumes are choking our major cities. In this process, jobs will be lost and the commuting public will suffer. Damned if we act, double damned if we don’t. These decisions are tough and surely people will be affected in the process, but we have to think of the greater good for all society.

"Philippines' most vulnerable time (in the hand of ageing cucaracha).

Due to the destructive TRAIN law of the government. The decrease in consumption forced the giant company to reassess its overall operations including its plan of $1 billion expansion until or by the yeat 2022.

The country is on its most vulnerable time ever, more vulnerable than of dictator's regime for the reason that we are in current time literally sharing part of our territories with China.

What else would this government of ageing cucaracha is willing to throw away out of the window to satisfy his fallacious desire?"

Initial Bouts Announced at One: Visions of Victory Set for March 9 in Kuala Lumpur

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), has just announced its return to Malaysia’s bustling capital city of Kuala Lumpur. ONE: VISIONS OF VICTORY is set to ignite the Axiata Stadium with an evening of authentic martial arts action. While a main event is yet to be announced, ONE Championship has revealed a handful of compelling bouts featuring the absolute best in local and international martial arts talent.

Ticket information for ONE: VISIONS OF VICTORY is available at www.onefc.com.

Agilan “Alligator” Thani of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is a 22-year-old martial artist and one of the top welterweights in ONE Championship. Thani’s quick rise through the ranks has seen him amass a stellar 8-1 professional record, including a title shot against former ONE Welterweight World Champion Ben Askren in May of 2017. Although Thani fell short of victory against the American, he gained a great amount of experience as a result and has emerged as a more seasoned combatant. All but one of Thani’s victories have come by exciting finish. The young Malaysian has shown steady improvement in each outing and he will now face Amitesh Chaubey in his next assignment.

Amitesh Chaubey is a martial artist from India and a welterweight newcomer in ONE Championship. He owns a professional record of 8-5 and is a former SFL Welterweight Champion known for his knockout power. Primarily a boxing stylist who stifles opponents with his quick hands and fluid combinations, Chaubey joins a deep ONE Championship welterweight division looking for a new champion. He takes on former welterweight title challenger Agilan Thani in his promotional debut.

19-year-old Christian “The Warrior” Lee, younger brother of reigning ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion “Unstoppable” Angela Lee, began his professional career on an absolute tear, railing off five straight victories by thrilling finish. He has impressed fans with his ability to seek out stoppage wins over top-caliber opponents. A former Pankration World Champion, Lee toppled Japanese veteran and former ONE Lightweight World Champion Kotetsu Boku in his most recent bout, winning by first-round technical knockout to improve his record to 8-1. Known as a creative and fluid striker with unorthodox grappling technique, Lee is now set to face another Japanese veteran in Kazunori Yokota.

39-year-old Kazunori Yokota of Chiba, Japan is a martial arts fixture with over 12 years of professional experience under his belt. A champion of Japanese promotion, DEEP, Yokota is one of the toughest competitors at featherweight as he has constantly punished his opponents and grinded out impressive victories. Yokota made his ONE Championship debut in May of 2016, challenging former ONE Featherweight World Champion Marat Gafurov for the title. Yokota sports a stellar record of 26-7-3 and in his most recent bout, submitted his opponent in another promotion. Now, Yokota is set to take on the surging Christian Lee.

Malaysia’s Gianni Subba is a 25-year old flyweight talent from the capital city of Kuala Lumpur. He spends time carefully honing his craft with talented teammates, including brother Keanu, at Bali MMA in Indonesia. A winner of six of his last seven bouts, Subba is a seasoned athlete with a stellar 9-2 clip in his young career. Five of his nine wins have come either by submission or by crowd-pleasing knockout. In his next assignment, the crafty wushu specialist Danny Kingad poses a stern challenge.

Top flyweight talent from the famed Team Lakay of Baguio City, Danny “The King” Kingad is a regional wushu champion with a wushu record of 29-1 and martial artist with a professional record of 8-1. A true warrior from the mountains of the Philippines and one of the top prospects to come out of the country, Kingad is a tremendous striker who possesses well-rounded grappling skills. In his most recent bout, Kingad suffered the first defeat of his career after being submitted by reigning ONE Flyweight World Champion Adriano Moraes in the first round. Kingad will now return to action against Gianni Subba.

Former amateur standout Muhammad Aiman of Malaysia is one of the country’s fastest rising young martial arts talents. Featuring a well-rounded skill set, Aiman has impressed in his time inside the ONE Championship cage thus far, defeating Hisyam Samsudin by unanimous decision in his first match in the promotion before stopping Brazilian grappler Eduardo Novaes in his second outing. In his most recent contest, Aiman thoroughly dominated Chinese prospect Yang Fei to win a unanimous decision. The 23-year-old is now set to take on his next challenge in Burn Soriano.

Burn “The Hitman” Soriano of Ilocos Sur, Philippines, is coming off a tough contest against China’s Chen Lei last November. The Filipino featherweight features an aggressive style, with solid power and seasoned grappling technique leading to all of his wins to date coming by way of stoppage. His 15-second spinning back fist knockout of Indonesia’s Mario Sitya Wirawan in 2016 was one of the fastest finishes in ONE history. A national kickboxing champion with a kickboxing record of 14-3, Soriano has shown steady improvement over his last few contests and now looks for victory next against Muhammad Aiman.

18-year-old Jihin Radzuan of Johor Bahru, Malaysia is a highly-touted young martial arts prospect making her ONE Championship debut. A well-rounded competitor, Radzuan is a Muay Thai and boxing practitioner with a blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. A former Southeast Asian Open Gold and Silver Medalist in Muay Thai, Radzuan is known for her varied striking skills and terrific knockout power. Radzuan will step into the ONE Championship cage in Kuala Lumpur to face Puja Tomar.

Flyweight competitor Puja Tomar is a martial artist from India with a professional record of three wins and two losses. With a knack for showcasing her solid striking skills, Tomar has recorded all three of her victories by knockout. Competing largely in her home country of India, the former India wushu champion Tomar now makes her second appearance on the biggest stage in Asian martial arts as she is set to face Jihin Radzuan in the ONE Championship cage.

Hisyam “Zephyrus” Samsudin of Malaysia is a former WBF Asia-Pacific Light Heavyweight Boxing Champion who trains at the highly-regarded Borneo Tribal Squad with former female strawweight talent Ann “Athena” Osman and coach AJ “Pyro” Lias Mansor. Samsudin likes to pepper opponents with heavy handed strikes, utilizing his world-class boxing base to break down opponents. Samsudin’s next assignment is against Jerome S. Paye.

Liberian martial artist Jerome S. Paye made his ONE Championship debut in February 2016 against China’s Li Hao Jie. In the bout, Paye showcased a well-rounded set of techniques, stifling his opponent with an array of striking combinations. With the ability to make bouts difficult for any opponent, Paye has shown incredible heart and determination in his time inside the ONE Championship cage. This time Paye will take on Malaysia’s Hisyam Samsudin.

For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.