Globe Seeks Rationalization of Permitting Process for Cell Sites as Data Traffic Rises Dramatically

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Globe Chief Information & Technology Officer Gil Genio emphasized at the recent DICT Summit, hosted by the Department of Information & Communications Technology, the need for more cell sites in the country taking into account dramatic rise in mobile data demand. He pointed out the company’s quarterly data traffic increased exponentially to 98 petabytes in the third quarter of the year from only 9 petabytes in the first quarter of 2013 amid growing customer propensity for multi-media content. To sufficiently meet growing customer demand for data, there is a need to rationalize permitting process for establishing new cell sites. The process, involving at least 25 permits, takes a minimum of 8 months to complete, Genio said. Above photo shows Genio (center), flanked by National Telecommunications Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba (right) and Chia Tan (left) Cisco Systems Director for Engineering Service Provider Asia Pacific Region Japan Region.

Who Wins the Ultimate Uber, Grab and Taxi Comparison?

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This is a battle for the cheapest fare in SEA.

The stakes are high for the ride-hailing market in Southeast Asia. Two big competitors, Grab and Uber, are competing to gain market share, which is expected to become a $13 billion industry by 2025.

Since its inception 4 years ago, Grab has created a strong foothold in Southeast Asia with funding support of $750 million by Softbank in September 2016 and has great plans to advance further in the region. On the other hand, Uber’s recent move of selling off its China unit to DiDi in August 2016 is a clear indication that they are focusing their expansion efforts in Southeast Asia as well. This is apparent as Uber has been doubling down on resources, staffing and technology. While this sounds great for consumers, the ride-hailing industry is getting intensively competitive in the region.

This study was conducted to compare and identify the cheapest mode of transportation between the two ride-hailing giants with local taxies in each major Southeast Asian country. Our research in Southeast Asia takes in account on price differences by Grab, Uber and taxies based on various price components and price points.


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In the Philippines, based on moderate traffic in non-peak hours, people spend on average 30 minutes for 5 kilometers travelling within the city center. As such, consumers prefer Grab as it costs about 95 Pesos as compared to Uber at 135 Pesos and taxies at 125 Pesos respectively.

We see a similar trend as well in farther distances as it would cost 285 Pesos by Grab, 330 Pesos by Uber and 325 Pesos by taxies when travelling from the city center to suburban areas of 20 kilometers radius at about 80 minutes of travelling time.

As of 17 November 2016, Uber is still widely unavailable in the country because of the absence of Google turn-by-turn navigation needed by the app, except in Manila. Grab is available in major areas of the country such as Manila, Cebu and Davao.


Source: iPrice Study

Hontiveros Leads HIV Testing, Pushes for Passage of HIV-AIDS Policy Bill

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As part of the World AIDS Day on December 1, Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday underwent a voluntary HIV testing at the Senate. She said the test aimed to lift the stigma attached to HIV/AIDS and show the public that there is nothing to fear, or to be ashamed of, in accessing these crucial preventive practices.

“It’s a test that can spell life or death," Hontiveros said, citing data from various agencies on the rising epidemic of the human immunodeficiency virus or HIV, an infection that can lead to the breakdown of the body’s immune system through Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Hontiveros, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, lamented the stigma surrounding HIV and HIV testing. “We need to break down this barrier that prevents Filipinos from getting tested, especially that 1 in 2 persons living with HIV is not diagnosed," Hontiveros said.

The Senator said, if not curbed, there will be 133,000 people living with HIV in the Philippines by 2022. 80% of new infections come from men having sex with men. The median age of those diagnosed with HIV is below 35 years old.

"Young people are at the losing end of the fight against HIV”, lamented Hontiveros, citing some of adolescents' "risky behavior", which could lead to the spread of the virus.

"We need information that leads to action. Behavioral change comes from people who are well-informed. As long as we discuss HIV and the need to be tested in hushed voices, more people are risking their lives," Hontiveros explained.

The Senator also urged the government to provide people access to free HIV tests and options to protect themselves from unsafe sex. "Early diagnosis leads to early treatment and saves lives. Prevention, early detection and treatment must be made available by the government. No one deserves a death sentence," said Hontiveros.

According to Department of Health (DoH), there are 25 new cases of HIV infection in the Philippines daily. Hontiveros said that the increase on the rate of HIV incidence in the country is alarming as global HIV incidence is decreasing.

The Senator maintained that new developments in prevention and treatment are available and must be maximized by the government. “A scientific, human-rights based, and gender-sensitive national policy is needed in order to address this rising epidemic”, Hontiveros said.

Hontiveros early this year filed Senate Bill No. 376 or the Philippine HIV-AIDS Policy ACT to update the government’s response framework. Her bill seeks seeks a comprehensive, inclusive and localized response towards HIV-AIDS. If passed, it will repeal Republic Act 8504 or the Philippine HIV AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998. 

*Photo c/o Joseph Vidal, Senate PPRIB