NEWS

NAGPAHAYAG ng solidong suporta ang isang think tank sa pagrebisa sa Intellectual Property Code upang makatulong sa pagsugpo sa piracy bunsod ng mga negatibong epekto ng patuloy na paglaganap nito sa ekonomiya at creative industry.

Sa isang statement na naka-post sa Facebook, sinabi ng Stratbase ADR Institute na ang 27-year-old law ay nangangailangan ng pagrepaso dahil ang patuloy na piracy sa creative content ay nagdulot ng ‘malaking demoralization’ sa local creatives na nagbigay-daan sa paglaganap ng scammers at fraudsters.

“Online piracy disrupts the marketplace of creative works because it allows – and incentives – the use of illegal means to benefit from the work of others. It causes great demoralization, on top of financial loss, to those who invest not only their resources but also their hard work and passion in what they do,” sabi ng Stratbase.

Pahayag ng Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), kinukuha ng piracy ang 7.1 percent ng gross domestic product ng bansa. Nagreresulta ito sa pagkawala ng kita para sa bansa at ng kabuhayan, at nagbabanta rin ito na magdala ng malware sa mga device na gumagamit ng pirated content, na maaaring maging gateway para sa scams.

Sa kasalukuyan, walang legislative mandate sa Pilipinas upang harangin ang mga site na may pirated content.

Nagtutulungan lamang ang Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), ang National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), at ang internet service providers upang magkaroon ng stop gap measures para harangin ang mga site na may pirated content.

Noong 2022, nasa $700 million ang nawala sa bansa sanhi ng piracy ng TV shows at movies na gawa ng mga Pinoy kung saan ang bansa ay pinangalanan bilang isa sa top consumers ng pirated content sa Asia, ayon sa YouGov 2022 Piracy Landscape Survey.

Sa pagtaya ni IPOPHL Director General Rowel Barba, ang Pilipinas ay mawawalan ng $1 billion na kita sa 2027 kapag nagpatuloy ang problema sa online piracy.

Iginiit pa ng IPOPHL official na ang pagrebisa sa 27-year-old IP code at ang pagmamandato sa mga awtoridad na i-disable ang access sa online sites na lumalabag sa copyright ay isang makabuluhang hakbang at sinabing isinusulong nila ang pag-amyenda sa batas at nakahanda silang ipatupad ito sa sandaling ipasa.

Binanggit naman ng Stratbase na ang pagrebisa sa batas ay makatutulong na mabigyan ng kapangyarihan ang mga kinauukulang ahensya ng pamahalaan na tugisin ang mga kahina-hinalang sites at ipasara ang mga ito.

“Online criminals and intellectual property thieves have gotten away with many things in the past. These people unjustly enrich themselves by profiting from the work and resources and that rightfully belong to others. They must be stopped now,” giit pa ng think tank.

Nabatid na ang pagrebisa sa IP Code upang labanan ang piracy ay nakakuha rin ng suporta sa Senado makaraang pamunuan ni Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship chairman Senator Mark Villar ang public hearing sa pag-amyenda sa Intellectual Property Code, partikular sa pagkakaloob sa IPOPHL ng karagdagang kapangyarihan kamakailan.

“The Philippine digital economy is valued at 17 billion dollars in 2021 and is projected to expand to 40 billion dollars by 2025. This manifests the changing economic landscape leaning towards digital products and services. We need to ensure that our laws remain on par with the dynamic changes of the digital ecosystem,” dagdag ni Villar.

Idinagdag pa ni Villar na ang pag-apruba sa Senate Bill Nos. (SBN) 2150 at 2385 ang magreresolba sa mga isyu sa online piracy sa sandaling maisabatas ito.

PUMALO sa 404,730 sites at links na may kinalaman sa child pornography, illegal gambling, online piracy, at iba pang malicious content ang naharang ng nangungunang digital solutions platform Globe sa unang siyam na buwan ng taon.

Nabatid na ang numero ay mas mataas ng 45% kumpara sa 278,555 na URLs at domains na naharang sa kaparehong panahon noong nakaraang taon kasunod ng pag-upgrade sa filtering capabilities ng Globe kapwa sa mobile at broadband services, na nagbigay-diin sa commitment ng kompanya na lumikha ng mas ligtas na online environment.

Sinasabing mas malaki ang pagtaas na naitala sa third quarter ng taon, kung saan ang bilang ng malicious sites na naharang ng Globe ay tumaas ng 70.8% sa 267,985, mula sa 156,857 na iniulat sa kaparehong quarter noong 2022.

Mula Enero hanggang Setyembre, ang Globe ay nakaharang ng 397,637 URLs (Uniform Resource Links), tumaas mula sa 275,720 noong 2022. Naharang din nito ang 4,795 domains ngayong 2023, mahigit tatlong beses na mas mataas kumpara sa 1,432 noong nakaraang taon.

Nakatuon sa child pornography, isa sa pinaka-karumal-dumal na krimen, na-block ng Globe ang 2,298 domains noong September 2023, kumpara sa 1,403 sa kaparehong panahon noong nakaraang taon.
“Our commitment to creating a safe online environment is unwavering. We recognize the critical role we play in combating illegal online activities, especially those that exploit the most children. Our increased efforts and investments in blocking access to illegal content are a testament to our dedication to this cause,” wika ni Anton Bonifacio, Chief Information Security Officer ng telco.

Magmula noong 2017, ang kompanya ay nangunguna sa paglaban sa online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) sa bansa sa pamamagitan ng #MakeITSafePH campaign nito, na nakahanay sa maigting na pakikidigma ng Philippine government laban sa OSAEC.

Ang Globe ay nag-invest
na ng $2.7 million sa mga sistema na dinisenyo upang salain ang content na may kinalaman sa child pornography, illegal gambling, at online piracy, na nagpapakita sa dedikasyon nito sa naturang kampanya.

Sa ilalim ng Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009 (Republic Act No. 9775), ang lahat ng internet service providers sa Pilipinas ay may mandatong magkabit ng teknolohiya na haharang o sasala sa child pornography.

In a groundbreaking move on the inaugural day of the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28 UAE) in Dubai, a consensus among delegates has ushered in the operationalization and capitalization of the much-anticipated Loss and Damage (L&D) fund and funding arrangement. This marks a pivotal breakthrough in addressing the adverse impacts of climate change, with the Climate Change Commission (CCC) commending the commitment to aiding vulnerable nations.

COP28 President, Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, declared the operationalization and capitalization of the Loss and Damage Fund, a crucial advancement for this year’s UN climate conference. The fund, designed to compensate countries grappling with climate-induced loss and damage, garnered approximately USD 400 million in pledges.

Emphasizing the urgency of L&D financing, Al Jaber stressed, “This Presidency is committed to unlocking finance to ensure that the global south does not have to choose between development and climate action.” He called for this COP to be the year where climate finance aligns with the urgency of the moment.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), as the host of COP28, demonstrated leadership by committing USD 100 million to the fund, underlining the collective responsibility in addressing climate challenges. Germany and the United Kingdom joined in with substantial contributions of USD 100 million and GBP 60 million (USD 75 million), respectively. Japan and the United States also pledged their support, with Japan contributing USD 10 million and the USA committing USD 17.5 million.

The Philippines, highly vulnerable to climate impacts, welcomed this decisive action. Secretary Robert EA Borje of the Climate Change Commission acknowledged the historic move forward, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration. However, he cautioned that as celebrations ensued, attention must not waver from the crucial work needed for scaling up adaptation-mitigation efforts.

This landmark decision showcases a united effort by nations to address climate change, reflecting the international community’s dedication to mitigating its devastating effects. COP28, a significant UN climate conference, brings together representatives from 198 parties to deliberate on pressing climate issues, building upon previous agreements such as the Paris Agreement and Kyoto Protocol.

As the Philippines prepares to deliver the National Statement during the World Climate Action Summit on December 2, a key event of COP28, the global community anticipates the transformation of climate-related decisions into credible plans and concrete actions. The launch of the Loss and Damage Fund stands as a testament to the world’s commitment to climate resilience and collective action.

In a landmark event that unfolded on Thursday, November 23, a cohort of influential business leaders and policy experts convened to spearhead a conversation centered around ambitious corporate climate action. The focus extended beyond traditional environmental considerations, delving into pro-poor and gender-sensitive solutions. The gathering showcased a distinguished lineup of speakers and panelists, representing a significant milestone in the realm of sustainable business practices.

“This is a historic event to include business leaders in the commitment to transform the country into a resilient, low-carbon society,” expressed Secretary Robert E.A. Borje of the Climate Change Commission. He underscored the urgency of scaling up efforts in a predictable manner, emphasizing the moral imperative inherent in safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and the future of the populace.

The discussion, expertly moderated by Ms. Ping Manongdo, Southeast Asia Partnerships Manager and Philippines Country Head at Eco-Business, delved into the symbiotic roles of government and the private sector in achieving tangible emission reduction goals.

Mr. Jaime Zobel Urquijo, Chief Sustainability Officer and Risk Officer at Ayala Corporation, emphasized the significance of metrics and baselining. “We identify our baseline emissions on a yearly basis, and we are fortunate to have a net-zero commitment and a visionary leader in the person of the CEO of Ayala Corporation,” he shared.

Ms. Chaye Cabal Revilla, CFO and Chief Sustainability Officer at Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, highlighted the critical role of baselining and measurement. “We want to be net negative and fortify our environmental stewardship plans,” she emphasized, pointing out the importance of setting the tone from the top.

Ms. Leah Marie Ayeng, General Manager of Prestige Paper Products, stressed the importance of investing in sustainable products to accelerate climate consciousness and enhance business viability. “I believe that a responsible business is also a profitable business,” she asserted.

Mr. Ted Monroy, Country Representative, United Nations Industrial Development Organization Country Office Philippines, shed light on the intersection of climate change and development, particularly in typhoon-prone areas like Mindanao. “If there’s no energy, there’s no development. We focus on renewable energy and supporting local development,” he explained.

A stark warning came from Mr. Horia Adrian, President and CEO of Holcim Philippines Inc.: “We will consume 2.5 planets by 2030 if we continue like this. Sustainability is very tangible because it affects the entire world.”

In a powerful call to action, Mr. Adrian emphasized, “People should feel sustainability in their heart. We can provide the solution, but the solution has to be used.”

The Q&A session brought forth insights on advertising sustainability and encouraging small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adopt eco-friendly practices. Ms. Revilla addressed the costliness of sustainable business practices, stating, “It’s more costly, but it’s in our DNA.” Mr. Urquijo added, “We just need to be a lot more creative in unlocking value.”

In the closing remarks, Secretary Borje stressed the inseparable connection between business success and environmental sustainability. “There is no business on a dead planet. The government needs to craft policies to support these changes,” he declared.

The event concluded with a resounding call for collective business action, recognizing the pivotal role of corporations in steering towards a resilient and sustainable future. The unanimous agreement among panelists on the interconnectedness of sustainability, profitability, and societal well-being sets a precedent for future collaborations and initiatives. As Secretary Borje aptly concluded, “What we need to do is scan the horizon and give it a climate change lens. We are learning that climate change is the governance challenge of our generation.”

LALO pang pinalalakas ng Globe ang digital infrastructure ng bansa sa pagtatayo ng 833 bagong cell sites at pag-upgrade ng 5,395 mobile sites sa LTE sa unang siyam na buwan ng taon.

Ang inisyatibo ay naglalayong matiyak ang maaasahang connectivity at malawak na coverage sa buong bansa.

Ang masigasig na pagsisikap ng kompanya sa pagtatayo ng network ay mahalaga sa paghahatid ng mas mahusay na customer experience, na nagkakaloob sa maraming Pilipino ng access sa high-speed internet.

Ang dedikasyong ito na pagbutihin ang kanilang serbisyo ay kinilala sa pamamagitan ng prestihiyosong parangal na “Most Consistent Fixed Broadband Provider” sa 33 bayan at lungsod, kasama ang dalawang probinsya para sa third quarter ng 2023, ayon sa Ookla® Speedtest Intelligence® data.

Ang parangal ay dumating matapos ang kapuri-puring performance ng Globe sa naunang quarter, kung saan nanguna ito sa 31 lokasyon.

Bukod dito, iniulat ng telco ang kapansin-pansing pagbilis kapwa sa download at upload speeds sa 19 strategic locations sa third quarter ng taon.

“As we strengthen our infrastructure with new cell sites and LTE upgrades, we’re helping accelerate digitalization. Our relentless builds are a clear indication of our dedication to service excellence. At Globe, we believe in harnessing technology to create opportunities and drive inclusive growth, empowering communities across the Philippines to reach their full potential,” sabi ni Beck Eclipse, Chief Customer Experience Officer ng Globe.

Kasalukuyang pinaiigting ng network ang paggamit ng existing fiber inventory nito, na nakahanay sa reduced capital expenditure (CAPEX) ng kasalukuyang taon.

Bunsod ito ng commitment ng Globe sa United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), partikular ang SDG No. 9, na nagtutulak sa inobasyon at imprastruktura bilang tagapagsulong ng inclusive economic growth.

Ang digital solutions platform ay gumastos ng ₱54 billion na CAPEX hanggang September 2023, kung saan 91% ang inilaan para tugunan ang data needs na titiyak sa patuloy na access sa premier digital solutions at connectivity.

Itinuturing na ‘milestone’ ni Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez ang nakatakdang pagpasok ng distribution utility na Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC) sa buong lalawigan ng Negros.

Ito’y dahil hindi lamang ito magbibigay-daan para magkaroon ng maasahan at murang kuryente ang mga residente at mga negosyo bagkus nakatuon din para mapangalagaan ang kalikasan dahil sa paggamit ng renewable energy sources.

Pahayag ni Benitez, kanila nang inaasahan ang positibong pagbabago na ihahatid ng NEPC sa Bacolod City.

“In line with the approval of the Joint Venture Agreement with Cental Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO), the city looks forward to the entry of NEPC. Promising to bring cheaper and more efficient power supply—-most of all going completely green. NEPC aims to implement eco-friendly practices and promote renewable energy sources within our city. By embracing cleaner alternatives and reducing carbon emissions, NEPC endeavors to contribute to the sustainability goals of Bacolod, fostering a greener future for generations to come,” dagdag pa nito.

Ani Benitez, wala siyang nakikitang sagabal sa paglipat ng prangkisa ng CENECO sa NEPC lalo’t suportado ito ng mga residente, mga negosyante, local government units at iba’t ibang sektor, kabilang ang mga non-governmental organizations.

Ang Bacolod City ay isa sa mga lugar sa Negros na madalas nakakaranas ng brownout at isa sa may mataas na power rates sa bansa dala ng matatas na fuel cost at palyadong distribution system habang nirereklamo rin ang mahinang customer service.

Isa din ang Bacolod sa mga major economic hub sa bansa subalit dahil sa mataas na singil sa kuryente ay nagiging hadlang ito sa pagpasok ng mga investment at bagong negosyo kung saan sinabi ni Benitez na sa pagkakaraoon ng maayos na power supply ay inaasahan na makatutulong ito sa paglago ng ekonomiya ng siyudad.

Ang House Bill 9310 na nagsusulong na mabigyan ng prangkisa ang NEPC para maging power distributor sa siyudad ng Bacolod, Bago, Silay at Talisay, gayundin sa munisipalidad ng Murcia at Don Salvador Benedicto ay kasalukuyang dinidinig ng House Committee on Legislative Franchises na pinamumunuan ni Paranaque Rep. Gus Tambunting.

Hinihintay na lamang ng komite ang isusumiteng mga dokumento ng NEPC, CENECO, Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) at National Electrification Administration (NEA) at inaasahang maaprubahan na ang panukala sa committee level, pagkaraan nito ay isasalang na sa deliberasyon sa plenaryo.

Ang House Bill 9310 ay inakda mismo ng mga kongresista sa Negros sa pangunguna nina Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Francisco Benitez, Rep. Juliet Marie Ferrer (fourth district), Abang Lingkod Partylist Rep. Stephen Paduano at Bacolod Rep. Greg Gasataya.

Umaasa si Benitez na bago matapos ang taon ay maaprubahan na ng Kongreso ang prangkisa upang masimulan na agad ang rehabilitasyon sa buong distribution system ng CENECO.

Una nang sinabi ni Primelectric Holdings Inc President Roel Castro na nasa P2.1 billion investment sa capital expenditures ang kanilang ilalagak sa NEPC.

“It is aimed at putting up cutting-edge and top-of-the-line systems for a better consumer experience. We need to rehabilitate the system because if you don’t put in the investment, you will be inheriting a distribution system that is just the same as now that is inefficient. That’s why we have to put in P2.1 billion to start rehabilitating and improving the system,” paliwanag ni Castro.

Sa oras na maaprubahan ang legislative franchise ay kasunod na hihingi ang NEPC ng certificate public safety convenience and necessity (CPSCN) mula sa Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) bago ang pagtake-over nito sa CENECO.

Mas madalang na brownout at murang kuryente sa mga susunod na taon ang maaasahan ng
mga residente ng Negros provinces.

Ito ay sa sandaling maaprubahan ang House Bill 9310 na nagsusulong na mabigyan ng prangkisa ang Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC) na naglalayong mag-establisa ng electric power distribution system sa Bacolod, Silay, Talisay, Bago at munisipalidad ng Murcia at Don Salvador Benedicto sa Negros Occidental.

Sa pagdinig ng House Committee on Legislative Franchises sa pamumuno ni Parañaque Rep. Gus Tambunting ay nagmosyon si PBA Partylist Rep Margarita Nograles na aprubahan “in principle” ang panukala at pinagsusumite ng mga kaukulang dokumento ang Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), National Electrification Administration (NEA), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO), at Primelectric Holdings Inc.

Ayon kay Primelectric Holdings Inc. President Roel Castro, agad silang tatalima sa kautusan ng komite.

Sinabi ni Castro na malaki ang magiging pakinabang sa mga residente sa oras na maaprubahan ang prangkisa ng NEPC lalo pa at nahaharap sa malaking problema ang supply ng kuryente sa Negros sa ilalim ng pangangasiwa ng CENECO.

“The electric service is not really that good; they have frequent brownouts, and when I say ‘frequent’, it’s normal to say that it’s daily. It takes them months to comply when you apply for a new connection. There’s a lot of complaints, and over and above that, their system loss is already beyond the cap. And when the systems loss is above the cap, it means that it is being passed on to the bottomline consumers, and CENECO is already losing P20 to P30 million a month,” paliwanag ni Castro.

Ang CENECO ay may 48 taon nang nag-o-operate at sa ilalim ng kanilang prangkisa ay mayroon pa itong 7 taon o hanggang 2030.

Subalit para mapagbuti ang serbisyo ng CENECO ay pumasok ito sa Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) sa pagitan ng Primelectric Holdings Inc., ang sister company ng More Electric and Power Corporation (More Power), ang distribution utility na nag-o-operate sa Iloilo City.

Ang NEPC ang siyang kumpanya na nabuo sa JVA at ito ngayon ang siyang humihingi ng legislative franchise sa Kamara.

Sa ilalim ng NEPC, ang 30% ownership ay mananatili sa CENECO habang ang Primelectric ay bibilihin ang 70% assets nito.

Nagpahayag ng kumpiyansa si Castro sa kakayahan ng NEPC na mabago ang power supply sa Negros na aniya’y nagawa na nila sa Iloilo.

“With all confidence, I am saying that because we were able to do that in Iloilo. In the last three years, we were able to bring down systems loss to only 5%. We also curtailed the duration of interruptions by over 90%. In terms of rates, our rate is the lowest within the region. The number of customers increased from 62,000 when we started, and now it’s 93,000 over three years. I would say that the approach to rehabilitate and make a turnaround is something we have done in Iloilo, and now we aim to do the same in Negros,” paliwanag ni Castro.

Giit pa nito, pinakamalaking contributor sa improvement ng Iloilo ay ang pagbuhos nila ng pondo sa Capital Expenditures.

“The investment, combined with the approach, is something that we are confident we can replicate in Bacolod and in Central Negros if given a chance by Congress to have a franchise,” dagdag pa nito.

Tiwala si Castro na maaaprubahan ng Kongreso ang hinihingi nilang prangkisa lalo at mga kongresista mismo sa Negros na sina Representative Joseph Stephen Paduano, Francisco Benitez at Juliet Marie de Leon Ferrer ang siyang nag-akda ng panukala.

“They have witnessed the stark contrast between CENECO’s services and More Power’s performance in Iloilo. Notably, Congressman Paduano was initially against granting More Power a franchise when we applied five years ago but has since changed his position after witnessing the remarkable improvements in Iloilo,” wika ni Castro.

Ipinagmalaki din niya na may suporta ang NEPC mula sa mga opisyal ng local government unit (LGU), gayundin sa mga residente.

Tiniyak din ni Castro ang “improve response time for emergencies.” Sa kasalukuyan, inaabot ang CENECO ng 90 minutes hanggang 2 hours para makapagresponde habang ang More Power sa Iloilo ay 15 minuto lang na kanilang gagawin din sa Negros.