R.A. 10175

Where do I begin?

First, let me tell you that I am not good with interpreting the law. That is the reason why I don't want to blog about this in the first place. I want to get all of the sides and all the stories before I even write about it. And right now, I think what Filipinos need is a deeper and more detailed explanation about the RA 10175 also known as "Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012."

We know a lot of offense such as hacking, cyber bullying, cyber sex, credit card swindling but what about commenting or liking or writing our opinions? What about freedom of expression in the cyber world? Is that punishable by this law too? Some say, that authorities can block access to web sites deemed offensive and Internet users can be sued for libel by simply liking or sharing content that displeases others. Libel means anything that is defamatory or that maliciously or damagingly misrepresents. So if I post on my Facebook "Walang hiya naman si _____ nakakasira ng araw!" will I sued and be in prison? 

Ah, laws! Such a powerful instrument that can either be good or bad. Are the people becoming too careless and insensitive with their words and actions that we need a law like this to put an end to it? I don't think so. I think the lawmakers (aka the senators who passed this) and our dear president need to reevaluate this. They need to redefined it/ They need to answer to people, to us. Honestly, Internet Libel scares me. Paano kung bigla lang may maisulat ako na offensive pala sa ibang tao o sa isang government official? We're is the democracy then? 

Now, I know whose side I am. And if you are on the side of freedom too, you can help by signing a petition to junk RA 10175 here. Make your voice be heard if you are against this law too!

Passport for Minors

Recently we went to the new DFA office to apply my son a passport. The new DFA is now located at  ASEANA Business Park, Bradco Avenue corner Macapagal Boulevard, Paranaque City. From LRT Gil Puyat station, we ride a white shuttle that would bring us in SM Mall of Asia. And from MOA, we ride a yellow shuttle that dropped us at DFA. I was really surprise and impress at the service they have provided us. Unlike before, that the moment you enter the gate, you will be lined and wait for who knows how many hours before they can accommodate you! Today, you have to schedule for your appointment first. You can do that in here. Just fill up the form and check if your desired appearance on DFA is not yet full. An email message will be sent to you and you have to click the provided link to confirm. Just print the pdf file in the link and bring an NSO authenticated birth certificate of the minor applicants. Either parent should be present and accompany the child when applying for a passport. Arrive 30 minutes ahead of your schedule. Once inside, the process are divided into four steps:

1. Presenting the documents

2. Payment: P1200 for express processing  (7 days) and P950 for regular (15 working days) 

3. Encoding and taking of passport picture. No need to bring passport pictures unlike before.

waiting for his turn to be interviewed. :)

4. Paying for delivery if you don't want to return and pick the passport yourself. Just pay P120 and it will be delivered right in your home.

I think the whole process took only less than 30 minutes. I wish all government service would be like that. Hassle free, friendly faces assistance, efficient and most importantly FAST! So that people can have more leisure and bonding time together! :)

Happy Independence Day!

Happy 114th Independence Day Philippines! Just a quick brush up in history. We were colonized and ruled by Spaniards for 333 years. It was a dark period for our country. The inequality, the discrimination, the cruelty, and the abuse that our ancestors experienced in the Spanish time. Then we became a US property for 48 years. The US acquired the Philippines from the Spain in 1898 after the Spanish-American War. Then during the World War I, Philippines suffer 3 brutal years in the hands of the Japanese. When the war broke between Japan and America, Japan invaded our country because it is a perfect strategic location for their military base. US troops we're defeated and Gen. MacArthur flee but somehow made a promise that "I shall return!" And he did! Then the US soldiers fought the Japanese and  almost destroyed their entire fleet. The Americans occupies the Philippines for another one year and then finally on July 4, 1946 the Republic of the Philippines is declared. But according to our 9th President, Pres. Diosdado Macapagal, July 4 holds less inspiration for the Filipinos. He believes that the June 12, 1898 declaration (during Spanish era) of the Philippine independence by General Emilio Aguinaldo brings to memory the heroes of the revolution and therefore, Philippine independence is best commemorated in honor of the Filipino revolutionary heroes.Hence, President Macapagal changed the date of celebration of the Philippine independence from July 4 to June 12, which the Filipinos celebrate each year up to this time.

Present Day. After 384 years of being a slave of foreign countries, we're a free country now. Let us not waste this privilege that is bestowed upon us. But let us not forget that freedom comes with responsibility. Freedom to do what is right. Freedom to help the one another. And freedom to reach out to everybody!

Thank You to all who fought and still fighting for our freedom!

And so it is decided...

I've been glued to the TV since 2:00 PM. My mother had to miss episodes of her daily dose of afternoon telenobelas. Yes, like many Filipinos, I waited and watched the verdict on the Impeachment Trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona. This is historic for us. The first Impeachment trial that push through. The first one was with the former President Joseph Estrada. And all I remember from that was the dramatic climatic decision whether to open or not an envelope. I am not good with history but the next thing I know, people were on EDSA again and then Erap was ousted. But this impeachment is done with great systematic procedures that was lead by the Honorable Judge (I always want to say that :) Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile.

There are 23 senator judges and it takes 2/3 of the total votes to decide whether CJ Corona will be convicted or acquitted. That means at least 16 senators should have the same vote to decide the fate of the defendant. I really don't have any idea how they will vote. I mean the defense is good! How they have cited some Republic Act laws that somehow justified Corona's excuse in not filing the correct SALN. And the reason why some properties were not included too. Besides, CJ Corona always say that he had done it in good faith and somehow I ask myself  "who are we to judge?". Maybe he was telling the truth for all we know. And when CJ signed a waiver giving consent to open his dollar account, the prosecution didn't cross-examine or even bother to look at it or show it to the public. Hey, I want to see that just for curiosity sake! Sen. Escudero is right when he said that the trial would have been decided earlier if only CJ just signed the waiver from the start then. So, that's how the defense goes. 

On the side of prosecution, there are lots of questions as to how they acquired their evidences. Sen. Defensor-Santiago always question the validity of it like the AMLC report, or the list of bank accounts that according to the prosecution was given by "a small lady." Somehow, the prosecution lacks preparedness and the legal skills that true blue lawyers have. How can you battle out with the likes of Retired Justice Serafin Cuevas? I mean they know the law inside and out. They are prepared, they know the proceedings. But despite the prosecution's lapse, there is that nagging truth about the ill-gotten wealth of the accused. What if it is true? What if he just manipulate all the facts? And the most important question: Can you trust again the highest legistative body if its own CHIEF JUSTICE has suspicions of graft and corruption? 

How would the judges weigh their decisions? My mind says ACQUIT, but my heart says CONVICT! And so the trial would have a 21 GUILTY votes if I am a senator judge because I always follow my heart ♥. You'll never go wrong if you follow what your heart says. And I think that is what the 20 senators did when they voted Guilty. Finally, the case has been decided... 

Hope this will make our country more united and finally let's move forward people! 

Philippine's 15th President

Today marks a momentous event for all Filipinos all over the world. It is the inauguration of the 15th president of our country. The oath taking took place at Quirino Grandstand at exactly 12:00 pm. I watched the whole event at the comfort of our home but still I had goose bumps when the ceremony is finally over. I admit I didn’t vote for Noynoy Aquino but majority of the Filipinos has decided and it is time to finally move on and unite for the recovery of our nation. President Noynoy speech focus mostly on fighting corruption and the reformation of government as the one who will give comfort to the Filipinos and not the other way around. I like the part where he says “Kayo ang boss ko. Kaya’t hindi maaring hindi ako makinig sa mga utos ninyo.” What he emphasize is quite true because oftentimes MOST government officials were being abusive of their power. It is humbling to hear that Pres. Aquino calls the Filipinos ”boss.” His speech is inspiring and it lasted for more or less 20 minutes. I pray his vision for our country would be a reality. But of course we have to do our part too! Sama sama, tulong tulong sa pagbabago. Mahirap, mayaman, let us all do our part for our beloved Philippines!

 

AFP PHOTO/TED ALJIBE

                                                              AFP PHOTO/TED ALJIBE

"Ang tadhana ng Pilipino ay babalik sa tamang kalagayan, na sa bawat taon pabawas ng pabawas ang problema ng Pinoy na nagsusumikap at may kasiguruhan sila na magiging tuloy-tuloy na ang pagbuti ng kanilang sitwasyon"  - Pres. Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III