BREAKING

Friday, February 24, 2017

On the Arrest of Senator Leila De Lima


Wazzup Pilipinas!

"Senator Leila De Lima's arrest based on baseless accusations is outright political persecution and a travesty of the country’s justice system. It is a throwback to an authoritarian past. It highlights the slow death of our democracy and rule of law.

This sets a dangerous precedent for the government to arrest and incarcerate individuals that it perceives as its enemies, on the basis only of mere allegations and without due process. In the first place, the complaint was based only on the testimony of convicted drug lords who were used as state witnesses, in violation of the Witness Protection Act that states that those previously convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude cannot be state witnesses.

By stopping at nothing to persecute Sen. Leila, the state sends a chilling message to all—political dissent under this administration will not be tolerated. All those who will oppose will be destroyed.

Hindi si Senator De Lima ang sinuko ngayon kundi ang demokrasya. Sinuko ng gobyerno ang demokrasya ng bayan. Laway lang ang puhunan, pwede ka nang kasuhan at ipakulong ng gobyerno.

The arrest of Senator De Lima also demonstrated the government's two-faced sense of justice. The government filed cases against Senator De Lima, yet, it will acquit pork barrel mastermind Janet Lim Napoles from the Benhur Luy illegal detention case. President Duterte is hellbent on sending our colleague to jail but the likes of Peter Lim and Jack Lam continue to evade the long arm of the law. Dubious drug charges were filed against the senator while the cases of real high-profile drug traffickers will be dropped.

I call on the people to exercise vigilance. I call on them to publicly express their strong disapproval of the blatant abuse of our justice system for political persecution. " - Senator Risa Hontiveros

If theatrics were the subject matter, many would say Duterte had his fair share of the drama.

We cannot deny that it is not only Duterte who has taken issues on a personal manner. His own "quoted" and "published" statements would prove that he is furious with De Lima, and the rest of his staunch detractors like Trillanes, etc. including his disgusts with foreign leaders and organizations ..

We know that the heads of the system(s) that were supposed to be protecting us are actually the ones who are manipulating, spinning and twisting everything to their own advantage.

The ones who sit in Malacang get the upper-hand, but that was also the same with Marcos before, and yet the time came when he and his family were driven (or flown) away from the country.

In short, everyone will get their just deserves... just wait for it ...for no one will remain in power especially if it is forced upon the people.

Of course, we cannot trust the court since it is manned by people who could easily be influenced (mostly everyone has a price) or forced (the few who go against are threatened, tortured, murdered, etc.,) ... There have been many cases when evil men get away because the court uses the loopholes and technicalities, or are rumored to be paid off to change their verdicts

I would like to believe there is a higher power that would put down all that are unjust and unfair.

#OneForLeila: One for Due Process, Rule of Law, Human Dignity, Respect and a Vibrant Democracy


Wazzup Pilipinas!

"We condemn the use of our justice system to silence and condemn political rivals and critics." - Sen. Bam Aquino

Former Senator Rene Saguisag is right when he said that Senator Leila De Lima is the victim of "the mistrial of the century."

The Senate Sgt. at Arms Jose Balajadia confirms that the PNP-CIDG will serve the warrant of arrest to De Lima this 10 a.m. of February 24, 2017. The arrest warrant was supposed to be served last night but the Senate intervened.

Lest we forget, De Lima is facing these charges bec she dared to expose the truth behind the death squads.

President Rodrigo Duterte can't eliminate drugs in 3-6 months as he promised during the election campaign period so he opted to eliminate his critics instead. Apparently, his "War on Drugs" tactic was merely a copycat of what he did in Davao - to eliminate even the suspected only so as to purge or cleanse the community. However, the target were merely the poor who are not capable of depending themselves legally. They are not the big-time drug lords or personalities who could easily leave the country or buy their freedom.

So Duterte ordered his godson PNP Chief Ronald "Bato" Da Rosa to rush the arrest of De Lima who has been accused as an illegal drug personalities cuddler.

However, we've all seen there were no incriminating evidence against the senator except for testimonies from criminals who tend to gain a lot from testifying against the former Secretary of the Department of Justice (DOJ).

They can't even prove she's a drug protector and they still want to put her in jail. They keep feeding the media and people with lies and yet could not show any proof. Remember that "No evil deed goes unpunished" so I guess it is time for another People Power. Let there be another EDSA Revolution to send this government leaders out of the Philippines.

An illegal arrest of a female senator in the middle of the night. The moves of a guilty government. The government wanted a nighttime arrest to avoid publicity. But if they want to humiliate Leila in the dark, "we will fight them in the shade".

Why arrest De Lima? It's most probably a distraction from Lascañas testimony on Duterte's Davao Death Squad issue. We condemn the use of our justice system to silence and condemn political rivals and critics. We are witnessing yet another grave injustice perpetrated by the very people who are supposed to protect justice.

It’s more important than ever that concerned lawmakers and foreign governments step up to denounce the Duterte administration’s disregard for basic human rights.

This is the downside of being on the opposition these days, and with a very unstable president who's now being tarnished as a murderer during his time as Mayor of Davao City as the mastermind of the notorious Davao Death Squad- something rumored during those days but were simply taken as an urban legend.

It's a mockery of our justice system. Obviously it's the Sandigayan Bayan which has jurisdiction over De Lima's case since the accusations happened during her time as Justice Secretary.

Even Amnesty International is saying that the De Lima arrest is meant to silence Duterte critics. 

Let us fight the fear under this Duterte rule says FLAG, a group of lawyers offering free legal assistance. “The politically motivated case against De Lima shows how Duterte‘s "War on Drugs" threatens not only the thousands of people targeted, but the criminal justice and political systems.”

De Lima's arrest could turn into Digong worst nightmare! If jailed, the situation for Digong could turn to be more dangerous!

This isn't the end for De Lima! She will bounce back like a ball after hitting the ground! She will rise like a sun and Duterte and his minions will get burn!

However, we should also not forget the two other personalities who are to be arrested as well - Former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief and now NBI Deputy Director General Rafael Ragos and De Lima's driver and supposedly "bagman," Ronnie Dayan.

I pity those people who are still blinded by D(ut)IRTY. That man obviously has no conscience and integrity.

I am one for due process, rule of law, human dignity, respect and a vibrant democracy - all of which have been sorely missing for some time now. I cry for the arrogance, feeling of hate and vindictiveness that I believe have gone overboard. This cannot possibly be the Philippines I have always been willing to lay down my life for.

Please share this blog as another sign of our outrage against political persecution.


" I am prepared to be the first political prisoner of this regime" - Senator Leila De Lima

UCC Creamy Caffe Latte: Authentic Coffee Experience in a Bottle


Wazzup Pilipinas!

Coffee lovers on the go never have to settle with a canned cup of joe made from instant coffee to fuel up their day.

Now, the real taste of freshly brewed coffee is found in a bottle. UCC,The Coffee Roaster” makes the authentic RTD bottled coffee accessible to busy coffee lovers with UCC Creamy Caffe Latte.

Would you like to have a cold beverage to perk you up? Try a cold coffee brew in a bottle and satisfy your tastebuds until the last drop. UCC Creamy Caffe Latte combines real coffee with the creamy taste of milk to bring an authentic coffee experience.

Unlike other bottled or canned coffee drinks that use instant coffee and extract, UCC Creamy Caffe Latte is made from roasted and ground coffee beans to capture the flavor of a cup of brewed coffee.

“Everyone deserves to enjoy real coffee goodness even when they’re on the go. Get a relaxing and refreshing feeling with UCC Creamy Caffe Latte. Your favorite caffeine fix is now in a bottle, which means that you can have real coffee experience anywhere you want

Whether you’re at work or during your leisure time,” says Shunta Koike, General Manager UCC Ueshima Coffee Philippines, Inc. “We ensure a perfect mix of coffee and milk to give a creamy taste in your drink.”

#LoveUCC: UCC “The Coffee Roaster” Made Closer to Coffee Lovers 

Thursday, February 23, 2017

Jollibee Awards First Honda BR-V to Scratch2Win Promo Winner


Wazzup Pilipinas!

From driving thru an outlet of the country’s largest fast food chain aboard a motorcycle, to driving away in a brand-new Honda BR-V, a lucky couple from San Fernando, Pampanga became the first major winners of Jollibee’s Scratch2Win promo.

During the awarding ceremony held recently, Jollibee Area Manager Rica Mateo, Jollibee Sindalan Branch Managing Director Marco dela Fuente, and Honda Cars Philippines representative Kristen Gazmen handed over the symbolic car key to Edwin and Eloisa Cunanan of Mexico City, Pampanga.

The husband and wife got their lucky Scratch2Win card from Jollibee Sindalan, when they brought their kids their favorite langhap-sarap meals using the branch’s drive thru facility. The card turned out to be their lucky ticket to driving home one of Jollibee’s five Honda BR-V prizes.

The winners were aboard their motorcycle when they dropped by Jollibee Sindalan’s drive thru. “I remember us buying Yum burger meals and sundaes for our kids, Nicole Ann and Ivan Jake. My wife received the scratch card and next thing I knew, we won. We were going to take home our very own vehicle, an SUV!” says Edwin.

Hontiveros to Millennials: Time for Your Own EDSA


Wazzup Pilipinas!

"Hindi dapat nating kalimutan ang EDSA. Hindi lang ito isang holiday para magpahinga, pumetiks at gumimik. Kailangan nating matandaan na hindi isang simpleng kaganapan ang EDSA. Ang EDSA ay simbolo ng tapang, pagkakaisa at matagal na paninindigan para sa demokrasya at pagbabago.

Noong EDSA 1, pinatalsik natin ang isang diktador. Sa EDSA 2, nilabanan natin ang isang korap na gobyerno. Ngayon, may panibagong banta na hinaharap ang ating bayan. Ito ang panganib ng extrajudicial killings, ang pagbaluktot sa kasaysayan at ang pag-atake sa dignidad ng kababaihan at demokrasya.

To the Filipino millennials, kailangan natin ng isang bagong Edsa na tutugon sa mapanghamong panahon. Isang EDSA na maraming porma at ekspresyon, mapa-kalasada man, sa klasrum, komunidad o sa mundo ng social media. Kailangan natin ng isang bagong Edsa na gagawing ganap ang pagtupad ng mga pangako ng mga nagdaang EDSA.

Ito ang bagong EDSA na dapat ninyong pamunuan. Sama-sama nating ipakita na buhay ang diwa ng EDSA at kailanman ay hindi ito maililibing ninuman, at kailanman.

Ngayon ang inyong EDSA, kayo ang bagong EDSA." - Senator Risa Hontiveros

Surigao Airport is Now Open for Commercial Operations


Wazzup Pilipinas!

Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines
(CAAP) issued today notice to airmen (NOTAM- CO161/17) opening Surigao Airport for commercial operations effective today, 6:00 am. February 23,2017.

Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade together with DOTr Assistant Secretary Leah Quiambao, Under Secretary Artemio Tuazon and CAAP officials flew in yesterday at the Surigao airport to inspect the partially renovated runway and checks on the progress of repairs of the damaged airport terminal complex.

CAAP Deputy Director General for Operations Capt. Manuel Antonio “Skee” Tamayo said that a 1000-meter length out of 1700-meter Surigao Airport runway was declared usable and safe for aircraft operations.

Currently, PalExpress and Cebu Pacific are operating on the said airport using their turbo propeller aircraft type like Q4 and ATR’s.

Tamayo said that coring test on the runway and sub surface soil exploration survey was conducted by DPWH-CARAGA and CAAP technical team since February 15,2017.

He said that a 24/7 repairs and rehabilitation of the damaged portions of the airport complex are on effect. Tamayo added that by estimate, it would take 4 months to complete the renovation of the airport terminal and 9 months to fully restore the 1700-meter runway. 



 
Surigao Airport was declared close for operations last February 11,2017 after a strong earthquake with 6.7 magnitude hit Surigao del Norte that partially damaged the concrete 1700-meter runway.

6th First Lego League Philippines Robotics Competition


Wazzup Pilipinas!

Students from Grace Christian College were hailed as champions during the 6th First Lego League Philippines (FLL PHL) recently held at the Quezon City Interactive Science Center. The FLL PHL champion will represent the country at the FLL World Championships, to be held on April 25 to 27 in St. Louis, Missouri, USA.

Other FLL PHL winners to compete in international competitions are students from the Benigno Aquino High School (second place) and Dr. Yanga's Colleges, Inc. (third place) to compete in the FLL Open European Championships on May 25 to 28 in Aarhus, Denmark; and Batasan Hills National High School (fourth place) and De La Salle Santiago Zobel School - Team B (fifth place) to compete in the FLL Asia Pacific Open Championship on July 6 to 9 in Sydney, Australia.

The 6th FLL PHL was participated by over 140 students from various schools in the country. These young robotics geniuses, ages 9 to 16, competed in Robot Design, Robot Presentation, and Team building challenges.

“The overall vision and mission of FLL Philippines is, said Mylene Abiva, National Organizer, FLL Philippines and the Philippine Robotics Olympiad. “The students will want to learn more about computers and robotics, and they will pursue Engineering, Computer Science or other Science and Technology course in University”. Abiva added.

Batasan Hills National High    School
Benigno Aquino High School
Dr. Yanga's Colleges, Inc.
For more details, please contact FELTA Multi-Media Inc., at tel no: 912-1397 or email: felta@pldtdsl.net or visit www.felta.ph.

DOE Commits to Uphold Consumers' Power of Choice



Wazzup Pilipinas!


The Department of Energy said its mandate is to implement the law and consumers should have the freedom of choice as to which power provider they prefer to deal with.

The DOE reiterated its mandate after the Supreme Court issued a Temporary Restraining Order against the implementation of the Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA), a key provision of Republic Act 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 or EPIRA.

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said the DOE is duty-bound to implement the law which seeks to uphold the freedom of choice of the consumers and to promote market competition.

“The provisions in the EPIRA mandates the DOE to ensure the security, reliability and availability of transparent and reasonably-priced electricity in the country,” Cusi expressed.

“One of the provisions of the law is the implementation of the Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA), which allows consumers to directly contract power supply from licensed Retail Electricity Suppliers (RES),” Cusi clarified.

“The spirit of the RCOA is giving the consumers the freedom of choice which would result in higher productivity for them. And the power of choice can only be maximized when there is a level playing field for all suppliers,” Cusi assured.

"It is hoped that whatever the Decision by the Supreme Court, it will redound to the ultimate benefit of the consumers which is really the intent and the spirit of RCOA." Cusi concluded.

Date a Celebrity in Support of the HIV-AIDS Advocacy


Wazzup Pilipinas!


In support of the HIV-AIDS advocacy, male celebrities like star photographer BJ Pascual and TV chef Jeremy Favia join LoveYourself’s Cherry Poppin' - The 3rd Party, a fundraising activity which will help fund the organization’s HIV awareness and testing operations, including the opening of two new community centers in Metro Manila.

Taking place on Saturday (25 February) at the One Canvas Events Place in Makati City, Cherry Poppin’ accommodates guests (donors) to the party with a free drink, and a chance to bid and go out on a romantic date with the 14 auctionees for just a donation of PhP300.

By registering at go.loveyourself.ph/cherrytickets, party guests (donors) are one step closer to dating BJ Pascual and Jeremy Favia as well as meeting the newest ambassador of LoveYourself, Jerome Alacre.

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Light Network Goes Digital!


Wazzup Pilipinas!

It was only recently that the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) held the Digital TV Summit where it aims to encourage TV networks to broadcast in digital TV. I believe all of the TV networks where there to participate as either guests, speakers or exhibitors. The estimated completion of this project is sometime by the year 2023, or six years from now.

That is also the last years of the current administration which makes it a fitting legacy that the Duterte administration would leave to the country before the new administration takes place.

However, it is not something new since we all know some have already initiated with the Digital TV project just as how ABS-CBN started it with their black box or "Mahiwagang Black Box" which lets you access select channels but prioritizing of course the ABS-CBN channels plus some exclusives that could only be seen using the TV Plus box.

The black box is actually a digital box that provides dramatically clear reception for all free TV channels via digital transmission. But still, the network is providing digital using this "black box" that is separate from its analog broadcast.

Now, other channels are making the move towards almost the same but obviously better goal - to provide real digital TV which would definitely change the way we see television, especially if we are using full-featured digital TV.

Light Network channel 33 is also achieving greater innovation as it begins its official broadcast on Digital Television this coming March 2017! 

Now, that's a bit surprising as I would have thought the other big channels would follow soon. I've heard Light Network representatives were also there during the Digital TV Summit so it must have inspired them to speed up their digital TV effort and launch it way ahead of the others. It looks like the targeted 2023 may be coming in earlier for Light Network.

Kudos to Engr. Antonio Soriano for this accomplishment. March is just around the corner so we are excited to see this technology soon. Hopefully, not only Mega Manila but the rest of the country will be fitted with this technology for the benefit of many.

Through this exciting breakthrough, viewers in Mega Manila will soon be able to experience a clearer and highly-improved video and sound quality of Light Network in their televisions. Once official broadcast begins, people can now watch Light Network anytime and anywhere because not only will the channel be available on digital boxes and digital-ready televisions, but it could also be accessed through handheld devices such as tablets, smartphones and other gadgets.

The “digitalization” is the process of converting our current Analog Television broadcasting into Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT), which simply means that our existing television technology will be transformed into an upgraded, higher quality of broadcast system. Through this digital improvement, Light Network will soon be available on multiple digital viewing platforms—broadening its horizon among the television programming sphere.

In an interview with Engr. Antonio Soriano, the Vice President of Technical Operations for Light Network, he said that he is excited for the upcoming Digitalization of Light Network, because the channel had long since been prepared for this huge digital switchover. “Tayo ang unang nag-convert from Analog to Digital transmitter. Wala nang test -broadcast. Official broadcast na agad.” He also said that not all channels are ready to make the digital “switch”, making Light Network the first channel in the Philippines to migrate to the exciting domain of Digital TV, while maintaining its frequency on Channel 33.

According to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), once the innovative technology of Digitalization is fully implemented, it would not only deliver better image and sound quality to our television channels, but it would also be able to provide features such as datacasting, multi-channel platform, One Seg, and most importantly, the Emergency Warning Broadcast System (EWBS), which is used to transmit nationwide warning announcements in times of earthquakes, tsunamis, or other high-alert disasters.

Engr. Antonio Soriano further stated that these features are just few of the many benefits of Digital TV. According to him, through the other upcoming advancements in Digitalization, television will finally regain its essential standing in the lives of people, as compared to the rising media usage for mobile devices. “Yes. Maibabalik ang TV bilang prime Media tool,” he concluded.


Written By: Dyan Delos Reyes
Ang Pambansang Blog ng Pilipinas Wazzup Pilipinas and the Umalohokans. Ang Pambansang Blog ng Pilipinas celebrating 10th year of online presence
 
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