Is Philippines going to the World Cup? - Philippines

THE Philippine government does not need to change the 1987 Philippine Constitution to achieve good governance and improve the country’s economic fortunes, according to several experts, who said enforcing current laws and fighting corruption will already do the trick.During a forum dubbed “Cha(t), Cha, Cha: Mga Indayog at Ritmo sa Pagpalit ng Saligang Batas” by the Philippine Communications Society, the University of the Philippines (UP) and the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) last Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, lawyers, economists and political science professors emphasized that instead of pursuing Charter change (Cha-cha), the government should focus on implementing existing rules and laws effectively, and developing comprehensive strategies to combat corruption, particularly among those in political office.PH economy already freeDr. Cielo Magno, a former undersecretary of the Fiscal Policy and Monitoring Group of the Department of Finance and now a professor at the UP School of Economics, weighed in on the debates on changing certain economic provisions of the Constitution.Magno said Congress already passed legislation that liberalized the economy of the Philippines in 2022. This contradicts the House of Representatives’ recent justification for Cha-cha that the country’s foreign direct investments (FDI) are still regulatory restrictive.Magno emphasized that to attract more FDI, the government must consider the externalities that hinder the FDI from producing economic development for the country. These externalities include factors such as the level of education, technology, infrastructure and health in developing countries like the Philippines. Before being able to benefit from a foreign presence in markets, developing countries must have these factors in place. Magno also pointed out that relatively overqualified labor without a high level of human investment relative to per capita income can hinder rapid FDI growth. Additionally, having an imperfect and underdeveloped financial market may prevent a country from reaping the full benefits of FDI.Crowd out She suggested that the government carefully consider the potential effects of FDI on domestic investment, explaining that while FDI can increase investment in the country, it may also crowd out domestic investments. Therefore, the government should have a strategic framework in place to determine what types of FDI the country needs.She also emphasized that some of the FDI restrictions boil down to the protection of national security, especially in sectors that are very exposed to foreign intervention such as the power sector, with the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines having Chinese investors. “Imagine allowing a foreign company to own the distribution of water in the country. Then, all of a sudden, with a conflict with that country, they will have control of the quality and access to water centers,” said Magno, citing another sensitive sector. Edsa ‘unfinished business’Christian Monsod, former Commission on Elections chairman and one of the key figures in drafting the 1987 Philippine Constitution, believes that the Edsa People Power Revolution in 1986 was more than just a restoration of democracy. It was also a promise of a new social order.The Edsa Revolution ousted from power the dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr., whose 20-year rule was marked by human rights abuses and corruption. However, after many administrations, the promise of Edsa has remained unfulfilled. Monsod believes that the succeeding governments after Edsa owe an apology to the youth, citizens and especially the marginalized sectors of the country for neglecting the true essence of the Edsa campaign.“The fact is that (after we brought) our nation to greatness at Edsa and after we accomplished in the 1992 elections, the first peaceful transfer of power in 27 years, we folded our banners, we put away the T-shirts with the imaginative slogans that brought humor to that time and we went back to our personal purposes and advocacies. As we went back to our separate pace with our separate causes, we lost something to dream of a nation in a significance of interconnected lives. This is why we are in a bad position today,” said Monsod. Authoritarianism Monsod advised the public to be cautious about the proposed Cha-cha. He said the country is on a slippery slope toward authoritarianism, as evidenced by the rise in the dynasties of four presidents in Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Rodrigo Duterte and current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., son of the ousted dictator.Monsod added that the country’s systems of checks and balances are weakening, the rule of law is in decline, and corruption is on the rise. He claimed that government officials blamed the Constitution for hindering the country’s economic growth. However, their argument is based on a survey showing that 73 percent of Filipinos have little to no knowledge of the 1987 Constitution.Charter protectsMonsod gave three reasons why the Constitution of the Philippines should not be changed. First, he said social justice is at the heart of the 1987 Constitution, which aims to improve the lives of the impoverished. The Constitution was created to address the massive economic, social and political inequalities that stem from a federalistic system dominated by dynastic families. Corruption has been a significant impediment to change for generations, as stated in Article 13, Section 1 of the Constitution. Second, Monsod said the Constitution is designed to protect the country from another authoritarian government. It has strict limitations and conditions for declaring martial law, and new provisions in the Bill of Rights to protect citizens from state abuses. Finally, he pointed out that the Constitution is firmly rooted in the Filipino people themselves. Unlike the 1935 Constitution, which gave Americans equal rights to the Philippine patrimony and economic policies, the current Constitution cannot be amended without the approval of the Filipino people. The 1935 Constitution resulted in a foreign exchange crisis in the early 1950s and the cutting of ties between the Philippine and American Constitutions.Not silver bullet Dr. Jean Encinas-Franco, a professor at the UP Department of Political Science and a member of the Philippine Political Science Association, expressed concern about the developments in the campaign for Cha-cha. According to her, it seems to be a “done deal,” which is silencing the voices of those who oppose it.She reminded legislators that Cha-cha is not a silver bullet or a magical solution to cure the country’s problems, and it is not the only means to achieve the nation’s desires and aspirations.“Reforms can be accomplished through an appropriate mix of legislation and policy interventions, and not simply through constitutional amendments or even institutional overhaul. Existing laws can be reviewed and amended (e.g. Local Government Code; Omnibus Election Code) and processes and practices safeguarded and improved (e.g. preserving the integrity of the Judicial and Bar Council and selection process of nominations and appointments of justices and judges without interference from politicians while maintaining transparency and accountability),” said Encinas-Franco, reading an excerpt from the UP Department of Political Science’s statement against Cha-cha. Alarm over PIEncinas-Franco expressed concern about the speedy passage of the People’s Initiative (PI), which she believes was “railroaded.” She also questioned the legislators’ attempt to suggest that the PI campaign has widespread public support.Encinas-Franco referred to a survey conducted by Pulse Asia in September 2022, which was cited in the UP statement, showing that Cha-cha was not considered an urgent national concern.Monsod noted that the Cha-cha campaign was initially introduced in the Senate for a 2/3 vote for a constitutional convention, and then in the House of Representatives and the Senate again for a 3/4 vote for a constitutional assembly, but all efforts failed. The PI campaign is now considered the legislators’ last card for Cha-cha, and it has been ongoing in some parts of Manila.Encinas-Franco said Marcos Jr. was somehow convinced to take on Cha-cha, despite saying during his campaign for the 2022 elections that he was not for Charter change as there were more urgent matters to address.She described Marcos Jr.’s sudden involvement in the campaign and direct talks with both houses of Congress as a weird turn of events.Encinas-Franco also pointed out that combining the Cha-cha plebiscite with the 2025 Midterm Elections might muddle more important issues, making Cha-cha the number one concern.Critical thinking Fr. Wilmer Tria, advocacy adviser of CEAP, reminded the public to have critical thinking. He emphasized that trusting politicians to change the Constitution for the common good not only shows naivete and mediocrity but also stupidity. He urged people to remain vigilant. According to Tria, all attempts to amend the Constitution, such as revising its economic provisions and education, are mere diversionary tactics for some government officials to perpetuate themselves in power.Jan Robert Go, president of the Philippine Political Science Association, suggested that the public be involved in identifying which parts of the Constitution should be amended or revised. Go also emphasized the importance of looking into corrupt politicians and political dynasties to address corruption in the country, aside from Cha-cha.Felipe Salvosa II, public relations officer of the Philippine Communication Society, stressed the need to examine the motives and implications of the economic provisions proposed by the legislators. He suggested that the public question the basis and premises of these proposals.Cha-cha comebackIn January 2024, the issue of Cha-cha returned to the spotlight after Presidential Sister and Sen. Imee Marcos accused House Speaker Martin Romualdez, her cousin, of offering a reward of P20 million for each legislative district in exchange for signatures in support of the PI.The PI proposes to amend the 1987 Constitution to allow all members of Congress to vote jointly on proposed constitutional amendments in a constituent assembly, rather than separately. The move prompted condemnation from the 24 senators, whose votes would barely count against those of the 316 members of the House of Representatives.For the economyInterviewed by GMA news on Jan. 23, President Marcos Jr. expressed openness to revising some economic provisions of the Constitution, saying the 1987 Constitution was not written for a globalized world and that adjusting it was needed to increase the country’s economic activity.Marcos Jr. said he was open to discussing full foreign ownership of corporations, except in critical areas such as power generation, media, and all strategic areas that cannot be influenced by a foreign entity in a corporation or another country. But he does not want to allow foreign ownership of land.Last Monday, Feb. 26, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said Marcos Jr. wanted the plebiscite to ratify the proposed amendments to the 1987 Constitution done simultaneously with the 2025 elections.In a prayer rally held in Cebu City last Feb. 25, the 38th anniversary of the People Power Revolution, former President Rodrigo Duterte expressed his support for Cha-cha, in a reversal from his previous denunciation of Cha-cha in January. Duterte said he was now open to changing not only the economic provisions but even the term of the president, so long as it did not benefit the incumbent president. Is Philippines going to the World Cup? Philippines AN OFFICIAL of the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (Team) acknowledged that the SUV driver who attempted to block motorcycles from counterflowing in his lane on JP Rizal Street in Barangay Tabok, Mandaue City on Thursday, February 29, 2024, helped remind motorists to follow traffic rules.But Hyl Retuya, the assistant department head of Team, noted that the driver's action was risky and reckless.In a media interview on Friday, March 1, Retuya said they will not penalize the SUV driver.The reason behind this decision was the belief that the driver intended to remove the counterflowing motorcycles, which is considered a traffic violation."Naa sad gyud sya'y punto sad gyud ato kay usa sad, iya man gyud tong right of way sad gyud. Dili gyud to iya sa kadtong mga motor kay mao ganing ni counterflow sila kay nikawat ra man to," said Retuya.(He has the right of way. The motorbikes just counterflowed by stealing a portion of the SUV's lane.)Retuya said the lane along JP Rizal Street is a solid lane, which means vehicles are not allowed to counterflow. According to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) driving manual, a solid lane may come with a solid white or yellow line. A solid white line is known as the center or separation line, and crossing it requires special care and is discouraged. On the other hand, a single solid yellow line means overtaking is prohibited in both directions.The agency defined counterflow as a motorist going out of their respective lane and moving against the flow of traffic, which is considered a traffic offense. Overtaking means temporarily switching lanes to get ahead of another motorist but eventually returning to their original lane.The LTO said overtaking is not considered a traffic offense as long as it follows the standard 500-foot visual requirement, where the overtaking vehicle must not meet another vehicle on the way within the given radius.Retuya advised motorcycle riders, especially those who frequently travel through Mandaue roads, to remain in the outer lane. He said the inner lanes are reserved for fast-moving vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and other four-wheeled vehicles, while the outer lane is intended for slow-moving vehicles such as motorcycles.According to Retuya, motorists in Mandaue have a habit of counterflowing and tailgating.Tailgating is when drivers follow closely behind another vehicle without leaving a safe distance. He said this often happens when ambulances are passing, and some drivers take advantage of the emergency vehicle's right of way to quickly reach their destinations.The Mandaue Team imposes a citation ticket worth P1,000 for drivers who are caught counterflowing or tailgating.Counterflowing is normal but not okayMark Suico Gigremosa, the person who uploaded the video on Facebook, said the incident occurred in the early morning of Thursday, February 29.He said the SUV in question appeared to have attempted to hit every motorcycle that was counterflowing in front of its lane. Gigremosa said he posted the video to raise awareness, stressing that the action of the SUV driver could have put the following vehicles in danger, including the motorcycle riders who were counterflowing. The video he uploaded on Facebook sparked mixed reactions from netizens, with some taking sides with the SUV driver, and the others with the counterflowing motorcyclists.While he said counterflowing is considered "normal" for riders who are trying to reach their destination quickly, Gigremosa acknowledged that it is still not the right thing to do.He encouraged his fellow drivers to drive with a wider perspective and understanding while on the road.Follow traffic rulesRetuya reminded motorists to not take the law into their own hands and instead strictly abide by traffic rules for their safety.He advised the public to change their mindset of using motorcycles as a quick solution to reach any destination since motorcycles are small and can easily fit into any lane, overtaking other vehicles. Retuya said counterflows could lead to fatal accidents. "There are instances when motorcyclists attempt to sneak past other vehicles by overtaking them in tight spaces, which can lead to accidents if they end up in a truck's blind spot. In such cases, it's important to note that the truck driver is not at fault because it was the motorcyclist who initially took the truck's lane," said Retuya in Cebuano.He advised motorists to manage their time wisely, allotting extra time for transportation when heading to their jobs or appointments, and avoiding rushing while driving.Although Retuya could not provide statistics, he said most of the traffic accidents in Mandaue City are caused by a sudden counterflow of motorists. (HIC)

AN OFFICIAL of the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (Team) acknowledged that the SUV driver who attempted to block motorcycles from counterflowing in his lane on JP Rizal Street in Barangay Tabok, Mandaue City on Thursday, February 29, 2024, helped remind motorists to follow traffic rules.But Hyl Retuya, the assistant department head of Team, noted that the driver's action was risky and reckless.In a media interview on Friday, March 1, Retuya said they will not penalize the SUV driver.The reason behind this decision was the belief that the driver intended to remove the counterflowing motorcycles, which is considered a traffic violation."Naa sad gyud sya'y punto sad gyud ato kay usa sad, iya man gyud tong right of way sad gyud. Dili gyud to iya sa kadtong mga motor kay mao ganing ni counterflow sila kay nikawat ra man to," said Retuya.(He has the right of way. The motorbikes just counterflowed by stealing a portion of the SUV's lane.)Retuya said the lane along JP Rizal Street is a solid lane, which means vehicles are not allowed to counterflow. According to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) driving manual, a solid lane may come with a solid white or yellow line. A solid white line is known as the center or separation line, and crossing it requires special care and is discouraged. On the other hand, a single solid yellow line means overtaking is prohibited in both directions.The agency defined counterflow as a motorist going out of their respective lane and moving against the flow of traffic, which is considered a traffic offense. Overtaking means temporarily switching lanes to get ahead of another motorist but eventually returning to their original lane.The LTO said overtaking is not considered a traffic offense as long as it follows the standard 500-foot visual requirement, where the overtaking vehicle must not meet another vehicle on the way within the given radius.Retuya advised motorcycle riders, especially those who frequently travel through Mandaue roads, to remain in the outer lane. He said the inner lanes are reserved for fast-moving vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and other four-wheeled vehicles, while the outer lane is intended for slow-moving vehicles such as motorcycles.According to Retuya, motorists in Mandaue have a habit of counterflowing and tailgating.Tailgating is when drivers follow closely behind another vehicle without leaving a safe distance. He said this often happens when ambulances are passing, and some drivers take advantage of the emergency vehicle's right of way to quickly reach their destinations.The Mandaue Team imposes a citation ticket worth P1,000 for drivers who are caught counterflowing or tailgating.Counterflowing is normal but not okayMark Suico Gigremosa, the person who uploaded the video on Facebook, said the incident occurred in the early morning of Thursday, February 29.He said the SUV in question appeared to have attempted to hit every motorcycle that was counterflowing in front of its lane. Gigremosa said he posted the video to raise awareness, stressing that the action of the SUV driver could have put the following vehicles in danger, including the motorcycle riders who were counterflowing. The video he uploaded on Facebook sparked mixed reactions from netizens, with some taking sides with the SUV driver, and the others with the counterflowing motorcyclists.While he said counterflowing is considered "normal" for riders who are trying to reach their destination quickly, Gigremosa acknowledged that it is still not the right thing to do.He encouraged his fellow drivers to drive with a wider perspective and understanding while on the road.Follow traffic rulesRetuya reminded motorists to not take the law into their own hands and instead strictly abide by traffic rules for their safety.He advised the public to change their mindset of using motorcycles as a quick solution to reach any destination since motorcycles are small and can easily fit into any lane, overtaking other vehicles. Retuya said counterflows could lead to fatal accidents. "There are instances when motorcyclists attempt to sneak past other vehicles by overtaking them in tight spaces, which can lead to accidents if they end up in a truck's blind spot. In such cases, it's important to note that the truck driver is not at fault because it was the motorcyclist who initially took the truck's lane," said Retuya in Cebuano.He advised motorists to manage their time wisely, allotting extra time for transportation when heading to their jobs or appointments, and avoiding rushing while driving.Although Retuya could not provide statistics, he said most of the traffic accidents in Mandaue City are caused by a sudden counterflow of motorists. (HIC) How to register at an Online Casino THE Iloilo City Government, through its Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, has officially declared an outbreak of pertussis (whooping cough) during Monday’s emergency meeting, March 25, 2024.The declaration came following the recommendation of the Health and Sanitation Cluster headed by the City Health Office (CHO), which logged 15 cases of pertussis as of March 25, seven of which are confirmed and eight are suspected.Headed by Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, the council passed two resolutions, one is declaring on outbreak on pertussis and the other one, recommending to the City Council the declaration of a state of calamity due to the disease.The mayor said he will make an urgent request to the City Council, which is expected to hold a special session Tuesday, March 26, for the approval of the declaration.“We need to access funds coming from the calamity fund; we cannot access it unless there is a declaration of the state of calamity,” Treñas said.With the declaration, a proposed budget of P16 million has also been approved during the council meeting for the needed measures and responses against pertussis.A big chunk of the fund will go for the procurement of medicines and vaccines.“If necessary, we will add more funds,” Treñas added.CHO data showed that three of the confirmed cases are from Molo, two from Jaro 1, and one each from Jaro II and Arevalo.According to CHO Assistant Department Head Dr. Roland Jay Fortuna, a total of 26,000 children aged 0 to 59 months old from the districts of Jaro, Molo and Arevalo are projected for vaccination.“If we have an outbreak, we have what we call 'outbreak response immunization', that is why we need additional vaccines. For adults, pregnant women on their third trimester are also high-risk, so we will give them the vaccine also because there’s possibility that they may be a carrier and the baby who is not yet vaccinated will have a big chance to acquire pertussis,” Fortuna said.Meanwhile, the personnel of the Uswag Molecular Laboratory will undergo training for pertussis testing so the City will no longer send specimen to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine.According to the CHO, pertussis, commonly known as whooping or violent cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. In China, it is referred to as the "100-day cough. The incubation period is seven to 10 days.Individuals at high risk for pertussis include those who are younger than 12 months old, in the third trimester of pregnancy, have pre-existing health conditions, or have close contact with high risk.Symptoms include paroxysms of coughing, inspiratory "whooping," post-tussive vomiting, and apnea.It is transmitted through respiratory droplets. Preventive measures include respiratory hygiene, avoiding contact with unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated patients, hand washing with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer, and droplet precautions in healthcare facilities. (Leo Solinap/PR)

Top PH Online Casinos Ranked

THE Iloilo City Government, through its Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, has officially declared an outbreak of pertussis (whooping cough) during Monday’s emergency meeting, March 25, 2024.The declaration came following the recommendation of the Health and Sanitation Cluster headed by the City Health Office (CHO), which logged 15 cases of pertussis as of March 25, seven of which are confirmed and eight are suspected.Headed by Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, the council passed two resolutions, one is declaring on outbreak on pertussis and the other one, recommending to the City Council the declaration of a state of calamity due to the disease.The mayor said he will make an urgent request to the City Council, which is expected to hold a special session Tuesday, March 26, for the approval of the declaration.“We need to access funds coming from the calamity fund; we cannot access it unless there is a declaration of the state of calamity,” Treñas said.With the declaration, a proposed budget of P16 million has also been approved during the council meeting for the needed measures and responses against pertussis.A big chunk of the fund will go for the procurement of medicines and vaccines.“If necessary, we will add more funds,” Treñas added.CHO data showed that three of the confirmed cases are from Molo, two from Jaro 1, and one each from Jaro II and Arevalo.According to CHO Assistant Department Head Dr. Roland Jay Fortuna, a total of 26,000 children aged 0 to 59 months old from the districts of Jaro, Molo and Arevalo are projected for vaccination.“If we have an outbreak, we have what we call 'outbreak response immunization', that is why we need additional vaccines. For adults, pregnant women on their third trimester are also high-risk, so we will give them the vaccine also because there’s possibility that they may be a carrier and the baby who is not yet vaccinated will have a big chance to acquire pertussis,” Fortuna said.Meanwhile, the personnel of the Uswag Molecular Laboratory will undergo training for pertussis testing so the City will no longer send specimen to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine.According to the CHO, pertussis, commonly known as whooping or violent cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. In China, it is referred to as the "100-day cough. The incubation period is seven to 10 days.Individuals at high risk for pertussis include those who are younger than 12 months old, in the third trimester of pregnancy, have pre-existing health conditions, or have close contact with high risk.Symptoms include paroxysms of coughing, inspiratory "whooping," post-tussive vomiting, and apnea.It is transmitted through respiratory droplets. Preventive measures include respiratory hygiene, avoiding contact with unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated patients, hand washing with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer, and droplet precautions in healthcare facilities. (Leo Solinap/PR) How to register at an Online Casino THE Philippine government does not need to change the 1987 Philippine Constitution to achieve good governance and improve the country’s economic fortunes, according to several experts, who said enforcing current laws and fighting corruption will already do the trick.During a forum dubbed “Cha(t), Cha, Cha: Mga Indayog at Ritmo sa Pagpalit ng Saligang Batas” by the Philippine Communications Society, the University of the Philippines (UP) and the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) last Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, lawyers, economists and political science professors emphasized that instead of pursuing Charter change (Cha-cha), the government should focus on implementing existing rules and laws effectively, and developing comprehensive strategies to combat corruption, particularly among those in political office.PH economy already freeDr. Cielo Magno, a former undersecretary of the Fiscal Policy and Monitoring Group of the Department of Finance and now a professor at the UP School of Economics, weighed in on the debates on changing certain economic provisions of the Constitution.Magno said Congress already passed legislation that liberalized the economy of the Philippines in 2022. This contradicts the House of Representatives’ recent justification for Cha-cha that the country’s foreign direct investments (FDI) are still regulatory restrictive.Magno emphasized that to attract more FDI, the government must consider the externalities that hinder the FDI from producing economic development for the country. These externalities include factors such as the level of education, technology, infrastructure and health in developing countries like the Philippines. Before being able to benefit from a foreign presence in markets, developing countries must have these factors in place. Magno also pointed out that relatively overqualified labor without a high level of human investment relative to per capita income can hinder rapid FDI growth. Additionally, having an imperfect and underdeveloped financial market may prevent a country from reaping the full benefits of FDI.Crowd out She suggested that the government carefully consider the potential effects of FDI on domestic investment, explaining that while FDI can increase investment in the country, it may also crowd out domestic investments. Therefore, the government should have a strategic framework in place to determine what types of FDI the country needs.She also emphasized that some of the FDI restrictions boil down to the protection of national security, especially in sectors that are very exposed to foreign intervention such as the power sector, with the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines having Chinese investors. “Imagine allowing a foreign company to own the distribution of water in the country. Then, all of a sudden, with a conflict with that country, they will have control of the quality and access to water centers,” said Magno, citing another sensitive sector. Edsa ‘unfinished business’Christian Monsod, former Commission on Elections chairman and one of the key figures in drafting the 1987 Philippine Constitution, believes that the Edsa People Power Revolution in 1986 was more than just a restoration of democracy. It was also a promise of a new social order.The Edsa Revolution ousted from power the dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr., whose 20-year rule was marked by human rights abuses and corruption. However, after many administrations, the promise of Edsa has remained unfulfilled. Monsod believes that the succeeding governments after Edsa owe an apology to the youth, citizens and especially the marginalized sectors of the country for neglecting the true essence of the Edsa campaign.“The fact is that (after we brought) our nation to greatness at Edsa and after we accomplished in the 1992 elections, the first peaceful transfer of power in 27 years, we folded our banners, we put away the T-shirts with the imaginative slogans that brought humor to that time and we went back to our personal purposes and advocacies. As we went back to our separate pace with our separate causes, we lost something to dream of a nation in a significance of interconnected lives. This is why we are in a bad position today,” said Monsod. Authoritarianism Monsod advised the public to be cautious about the proposed Cha-cha. He said the country is on a slippery slope toward authoritarianism, as evidenced by the rise in the dynasties of four presidents in Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Rodrigo Duterte and current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., son of the ousted dictator.Monsod added that the country’s systems of checks and balances are weakening, the rule of law is in decline, and corruption is on the rise. He claimed that government officials blamed the Constitution for hindering the country’s economic growth. However, their argument is based on a survey showing that 73 percent of Filipinos have little to no knowledge of the 1987 Constitution.Charter protectsMonsod gave three reasons why the Constitution of the Philippines should not be changed. First, he said social justice is at the heart of the 1987 Constitution, which aims to improve the lives of the impoverished. The Constitution was created to address the massive economic, social and political inequalities that stem from a federalistic system dominated by dynastic families. Corruption has been a significant impediment to change for generations, as stated in Article 13, Section 1 of the Constitution. Second, Monsod said the Constitution is designed to protect the country from another authoritarian government. It has strict limitations and conditions for declaring martial law, and new provisions in the Bill of Rights to protect citizens from state abuses. Finally, he pointed out that the Constitution is firmly rooted in the Filipino people themselves. Unlike the 1935 Constitution, which gave Americans equal rights to the Philippine patrimony and economic policies, the current Constitution cannot be amended without the approval of the Filipino people. The 1935 Constitution resulted in a foreign exchange crisis in the early 1950s and the cutting of ties between the Philippine and American Constitutions.Not silver bullet Dr. Jean Encinas-Franco, a professor at the UP Department of Political Science and a member of the Philippine Political Science Association, expressed concern about the developments in the campaign for Cha-cha. According to her, it seems to be a “done deal,” which is silencing the voices of those who oppose it.She reminded legislators that Cha-cha is not a silver bullet or a magical solution to cure the country’s problems, and it is not the only means to achieve the nation’s desires and aspirations.“Reforms can be accomplished through an appropriate mix of legislation and policy interventions, and not simply through constitutional amendments or even institutional overhaul. Existing laws can be reviewed and amended (e.g. Local Government Code; Omnibus Election Code) and processes and practices safeguarded and improved (e.g. preserving the integrity of the Judicial and Bar Council and selection process of nominations and appointments of justices and judges without interference from politicians while maintaining transparency and accountability),” said Encinas-Franco, reading an excerpt from the UP Department of Political Science’s statement against Cha-cha. Alarm over PIEncinas-Franco expressed concern about the speedy passage of the People’s Initiative (PI), which she believes was “railroaded.” She also questioned the legislators’ attempt to suggest that the PI campaign has widespread public support.Encinas-Franco referred to a survey conducted by Pulse Asia in September 2022, which was cited in the UP statement, showing that Cha-cha was not considered an urgent national concern.Monsod noted that the Cha-cha campaign was initially introduced in the Senate for a 2/3 vote for a constitutional convention, and then in the House of Representatives and the Senate again for a 3/4 vote for a constitutional assembly, but all efforts failed. The PI campaign is now considered the legislators’ last card for Cha-cha, and it has been ongoing in some parts of Manila.Encinas-Franco said Marcos Jr. was somehow convinced to take on Cha-cha, despite saying during his campaign for the 2022 elections that he was not for Charter change as there were more urgent matters to address.She described Marcos Jr.’s sudden involvement in the campaign and direct talks with both houses of Congress as a weird turn of events.Encinas-Franco also pointed out that combining the Cha-cha plebiscite with the 2025 Midterm Elections might muddle more important issues, making Cha-cha the number one concern.Critical thinking Fr. Wilmer Tria, advocacy adviser of CEAP, reminded the public to have critical thinking. He emphasized that trusting politicians to change the Constitution for the common good not only shows naivete and mediocrity but also stupidity. He urged people to remain vigilant. According to Tria, all attempts to amend the Constitution, such as revising its economic provisions and education, are mere diversionary tactics for some government officials to perpetuate themselves in power.Jan Robert Go, president of the Philippine Political Science Association, suggested that the public be involved in identifying which parts of the Constitution should be amended or revised. Go also emphasized the importance of looking into corrupt politicians and political dynasties to address corruption in the country, aside from Cha-cha.Felipe Salvosa II, public relations officer of the Philippine Communication Society, stressed the need to examine the motives and implications of the economic provisions proposed by the legislators. He suggested that the public question the basis and premises of these proposals.Cha-cha comebackIn January 2024, the issue of Cha-cha returned to the spotlight after Presidential Sister and Sen. Imee Marcos accused House Speaker Martin Romualdez, her cousin, of offering a reward of P20 million for each legislative district in exchange for signatures in support of the PI.The PI proposes to amend the 1987 Constitution to allow all members of Congress to vote jointly on proposed constitutional amendments in a constituent assembly, rather than separately. The move prompted condemnation from the 24 senators, whose votes would barely count against those of the 316 members of the House of Representatives.For the economyInterviewed by GMA news on Jan. 23, President Marcos Jr. expressed openness to revising some economic provisions of the Constitution, saying the 1987 Constitution was not written for a globalized world and that adjusting it was needed to increase the country’s economic activity.Marcos Jr. said he was open to discussing full foreign ownership of corporations, except in critical areas such as power generation, media, and all strategic areas that cannot be influenced by a foreign entity in a corporation or another country. But he does not want to allow foreign ownership of land.Last Monday, Feb. 26, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said Marcos Jr. wanted the plebiscite to ratify the proposed amendments to the 1987 Constitution done simultaneously with the 2025 elections.In a prayer rally held in Cebu City last Feb. 25, the 38th anniversary of the People Power Revolution, former President Rodrigo Duterte expressed his support for Cha-cha, in a reversal from his previous denunciation of Cha-cha in January. Duterte said he was now open to changing not only the economic provisions but even the term of the president, so long as it did not benefit the incumbent president.

Top Online Casinos in the Philippines for 2023

• 🥇 20Bet (Top-Rated Payment Methods Selection)
• 🥈 ICE Casino (Best-Rated Slots Game Library)
• 🥉 22BET (Best Casino for Real Money in the Philippines)
• ⭐ King Billy (Top for Live Dealer Table Games)
• ⭐ Wazamba (Excellent Safety and Security)

THE Philippine government does not need to change the 1987 Philippine Constitution to achieve good governance and improve the country’s economic fortunes, according to several experts, who said enforcing current laws and fighting corruption will already do the trick.During a forum dubbed “Cha(t), Cha, Cha: Mga Indayog at Ritmo sa Pagpalit ng Saligang Batas” by the Philippine Communications Society, the University of the Philippines (UP) and the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) last Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, lawyers, economists and political science professors emphasized that instead of pursuing Charter change (Cha-cha), the government should focus on implementing existing rules and laws effectively, and developing comprehensive strategies to combat corruption, particularly among those in political office.PH economy already freeDr. Cielo Magno, a former undersecretary of the Fiscal Policy and Monitoring Group of the Department of Finance and now a professor at the UP School of Economics, weighed in on the debates on changing certain economic provisions of the Constitution.Magno said Congress already passed legislation that liberalized the economy of the Philippines in 2022. This contradicts the House of Representatives’ recent justification for Cha-cha that the country’s foreign direct investments (FDI) are still regulatory restrictive.Magno emphasized that to attract more FDI, the government must consider the externalities that hinder the FDI from producing economic development for the country. These externalities include factors such as the level of education, technology, infrastructure and health in developing countries like the Philippines. Before being able to benefit from a foreign presence in markets, developing countries must have these factors in place. Magno also pointed out that relatively overqualified labor without a high level of human investment relative to per capita income can hinder rapid FDI growth. Additionally, having an imperfect and underdeveloped financial market may prevent a country from reaping the full benefits of FDI.Crowd out She suggested that the government carefully consider the potential effects of FDI on domestic investment, explaining that while FDI can increase investment in the country, it may also crowd out domestic investments. Therefore, the government should have a strategic framework in place to determine what types of FDI the country needs.She also emphasized that some of the FDI restrictions boil down to the protection of national security, especially in sectors that are very exposed to foreign intervention such as the power sector, with the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines having Chinese investors. “Imagine allowing a foreign company to own the distribution of water in the country. Then, all of a sudden, with a conflict with that country, they will have control of the quality and access to water centers,” said Magno, citing another sensitive sector. Edsa ‘unfinished business’Christian Monsod, former Commission on Elections chairman and one of the key figures in drafting the 1987 Philippine Constitution, believes that the Edsa People Power Revolution in 1986 was more than just a restoration of democracy. It was also a promise of a new social order.The Edsa Revolution ousted from power the dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr., whose 20-year rule was marked by human rights abuses and corruption. However, after many administrations, the promise of Edsa has remained unfulfilled. Monsod believes that the succeeding governments after Edsa owe an apology to the youth, citizens and especially the marginalized sectors of the country for neglecting the true essence of the Edsa campaign.“The fact is that (after we brought) our nation to greatness at Edsa and after we accomplished in the 1992 elections, the first peaceful transfer of power in 27 years, we folded our banners, we put away the T-shirts with the imaginative slogans that brought humor to that time and we went back to our personal purposes and advocacies. As we went back to our separate pace with our separate causes, we lost something to dream of a nation in a significance of interconnected lives. This is why we are in a bad position today,” said Monsod. Authoritarianism Monsod advised the public to be cautious about the proposed Cha-cha. He said the country is on a slippery slope toward authoritarianism, as evidenced by the rise in the dynasties of four presidents in Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Rodrigo Duterte and current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., son of the ousted dictator.Monsod added that the country’s systems of checks and balances are weakening, the rule of law is in decline, and corruption is on the rise. He claimed that government officials blamed the Constitution for hindering the country’s economic growth. However, their argument is based on a survey showing that 73 percent of Filipinos have little to no knowledge of the 1987 Constitution.Charter protectsMonsod gave three reasons why the Constitution of the Philippines should not be changed. First, he said social justice is at the heart of the 1987 Constitution, which aims to improve the lives of the impoverished. The Constitution was created to address the massive economic, social and political inequalities that stem from a federalistic system dominated by dynastic families. Corruption has been a significant impediment to change for generations, as stated in Article 13, Section 1 of the Constitution. Second, Monsod said the Constitution is designed to protect the country from another authoritarian government. It has strict limitations and conditions for declaring martial law, and new provisions in the Bill of Rights to protect citizens from state abuses. Finally, he pointed out that the Constitution is firmly rooted in the Filipino people themselves. Unlike the 1935 Constitution, which gave Americans equal rights to the Philippine patrimony and economic policies, the current Constitution cannot be amended without the approval of the Filipino people. The 1935 Constitution resulted in a foreign exchange crisis in the early 1950s and the cutting of ties between the Philippine and American Constitutions.Not silver bullet Dr. Jean Encinas-Franco, a professor at the UP Department of Political Science and a member of the Philippine Political Science Association, expressed concern about the developments in the campaign for Cha-cha. According to her, it seems to be a “done deal,” which is silencing the voices of those who oppose it.She reminded legislators that Cha-cha is not a silver bullet or a magical solution to cure the country’s problems, and it is not the only means to achieve the nation’s desires and aspirations.“Reforms can be accomplished through an appropriate mix of legislation and policy interventions, and not simply through constitutional amendments or even institutional overhaul. Existing laws can be reviewed and amended (e.g. Local Government Code; Omnibus Election Code) and processes and practices safeguarded and improved (e.g. preserving the integrity of the Judicial and Bar Council and selection process of nominations and appointments of justices and judges without interference from politicians while maintaining transparency and accountability),” said Encinas-Franco, reading an excerpt from the UP Department of Political Science’s statement against Cha-cha. Alarm over PIEncinas-Franco expressed concern about the speedy passage of the People’s Initiative (PI), which she believes was “railroaded.” She also questioned the legislators’ attempt to suggest that the PI campaign has widespread public support.Encinas-Franco referred to a survey conducted by Pulse Asia in September 2022, which was cited in the UP statement, showing that Cha-cha was not considered an urgent national concern.Monsod noted that the Cha-cha campaign was initially introduced in the Senate for a 2/3 vote for a constitutional convention, and then in the House of Representatives and the Senate again for a 3/4 vote for a constitutional assembly, but all efforts failed. The PI campaign is now considered the legislators’ last card for Cha-cha, and it has been ongoing in some parts of Manila.Encinas-Franco said Marcos Jr. was somehow convinced to take on Cha-cha, despite saying during his campaign for the 2022 elections that he was not for Charter change as there were more urgent matters to address.She described Marcos Jr.’s sudden involvement in the campaign and direct talks with both houses of Congress as a weird turn of events.Encinas-Franco also pointed out that combining the Cha-cha plebiscite with the 2025 Midterm Elections might muddle more important issues, making Cha-cha the number one concern.Critical thinking Fr. Wilmer Tria, advocacy adviser of CEAP, reminded the public to have critical thinking. He emphasized that trusting politicians to change the Constitution for the common good not only shows naivete and mediocrity but also stupidity. He urged people to remain vigilant. According to Tria, all attempts to amend the Constitution, such as revising its economic provisions and education, are mere diversionary tactics for some government officials to perpetuate themselves in power.Jan Robert Go, president of the Philippine Political Science Association, suggested that the public be involved in identifying which parts of the Constitution should be amended or revised. Go also emphasized the importance of looking into corrupt politicians and political dynasties to address corruption in the country, aside from Cha-cha.Felipe Salvosa II, public relations officer of the Philippine Communication Society, stressed the need to examine the motives and implications of the economic provisions proposed by the legislators. He suggested that the public question the basis and premises of these proposals.Cha-cha comebackIn January 2024, the issue of Cha-cha returned to the spotlight after Presidential Sister and Sen. Imee Marcos accused House Speaker Martin Romualdez, her cousin, of offering a reward of P20 million for each legislative district in exchange for signatures in support of the PI.The PI proposes to amend the 1987 Constitution to allow all members of Congress to vote jointly on proposed constitutional amendments in a constituent assembly, rather than separately. The move prompted condemnation from the 24 senators, whose votes would barely count against those of the 316 members of the House of Representatives.For the economyInterviewed by GMA news on Jan. 23, President Marcos Jr. expressed openness to revising some economic provisions of the Constitution, saying the 1987 Constitution was not written for a globalized world and that adjusting it was needed to increase the country’s economic activity.Marcos Jr. said he was open to discussing full foreign ownership of corporations, except in critical areas such as power generation, media, and all strategic areas that cannot be influenced by a foreign entity in a corporation or another country. But he does not want to allow foreign ownership of land.Last Monday, Feb. 26, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said Marcos Jr. wanted the plebiscite to ratify the proposed amendments to the 1987 Constitution done simultaneously with the 2025 elections.In a prayer rally held in Cebu City last Feb. 25, the 38th anniversary of the People Power Revolution, former President Rodrigo Duterte expressed his support for Cha-cha, in a reversal from his previous denunciation of Cha-cha in January. Duterte said he was now open to changing not only the economic provisions but even the term of the president, so long as it did not benefit the incumbent president., The Best LuckyWin Gaming Pilipino for Real Money ▷ Poker Online Philippines ▷ Fishing Game Play at the Top Real Money Casino, Win Real Money. check the following table to see what categories most online casinos in the Philippines fit in.

AN OFFICIAL of the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (Team) acknowledged that the SUV driver who attempted to block motorcycles from counterflowing in his lane on JP Rizal Street in Barangay Tabok, Mandaue City on Thursday, February 29, 2024, helped remind motorists to follow traffic rules.But Hyl Retuya, the assistant department head of Team, noted that the driver's action was risky and reckless.In a media interview on Friday, March 1, Retuya said they will not penalize the SUV driver.The reason behind this decision was the belief that the driver intended to remove the counterflowing motorcycles, which is considered a traffic violation."Naa sad gyud sya'y punto sad gyud ato kay usa sad, iya man gyud tong right of way sad gyud. Dili gyud to iya sa kadtong mga motor kay mao ganing ni counterflow sila kay nikawat ra man to," said Retuya.(He has the right of way. The motorbikes just counterflowed by stealing a portion of the SUV's lane.)Retuya said the lane along JP Rizal Street is a solid lane, which means vehicles are not allowed to counterflow. According to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) driving manual, a solid lane may come with a solid white or yellow line. A solid white line is known as the center or separation line, and crossing it requires special care and is discouraged. On the other hand, a single solid yellow line means overtaking is prohibited in both directions.The agency defined counterflow as a motorist going out of their respective lane and moving against the flow of traffic, which is considered a traffic offense. Overtaking means temporarily switching lanes to get ahead of another motorist but eventually returning to their original lane.The LTO said overtaking is not considered a traffic offense as long as it follows the standard 500-foot visual requirement, where the overtaking vehicle must not meet another vehicle on the way within the given radius.Retuya advised motorcycle riders, especially those who frequently travel through Mandaue roads, to remain in the outer lane. He said the inner lanes are reserved for fast-moving vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and other four-wheeled vehicles, while the outer lane is intended for slow-moving vehicles such as motorcycles.According to Retuya, motorists in Mandaue have a habit of counterflowing and tailgating.Tailgating is when drivers follow closely behind another vehicle without leaving a safe distance. He said this often happens when ambulances are passing, and some drivers take advantage of the emergency vehicle's right of way to quickly reach their destinations.The Mandaue Team imposes a citation ticket worth P1,000 for drivers who are caught counterflowing or tailgating.Counterflowing is normal but not okayMark Suico Gigremosa, the person who uploaded the video on Facebook, said the incident occurred in the early morning of Thursday, February 29.He said the SUV in question appeared to have attempted to hit every motorcycle that was counterflowing in front of its lane. Gigremosa said he posted the video to raise awareness, stressing that the action of the SUV driver could have put the following vehicles in danger, including the motorcycle riders who were counterflowing. The video he uploaded on Facebook sparked mixed reactions from netizens, with some taking sides with the SUV driver, and the others with the counterflowing motorcyclists.While he said counterflowing is considered "normal" for riders who are trying to reach their destination quickly, Gigremosa acknowledged that it is still not the right thing to do.He encouraged his fellow drivers to drive with a wider perspective and understanding while on the road.Follow traffic rulesRetuya reminded motorists to not take the law into their own hands and instead strictly abide by traffic rules for their safety.He advised the public to change their mindset of using motorcycles as a quick solution to reach any destination since motorcycles are small and can easily fit into any lane, overtaking other vehicles. Retuya said counterflows could lead to fatal accidents. "There are instances when motorcyclists attempt to sneak past other vehicles by overtaking them in tight spaces, which can lead to accidents if they end up in a truck's blind spot. In such cases, it's important to note that the truck driver is not at fault because it was the motorcyclist who initially took the truck's lane," said Retuya in Cebuano.He advised motorists to manage their time wisely, allotting extra time for transportation when heading to their jobs or appointments, and avoiding rushing while driving.Although Retuya could not provide statistics, he said most of the traffic accidents in Mandaue City are caused by a sudden counterflow of motorists. (HIC) Is Philippines going to the World Cup?. here is how to register at an online casino site in the Philippines:

THE Philippine government does not need to change the 1987 Philippine Constitution to achieve good governance and improve the country’s economic fortunes, according to several experts, who said enforcing current laws and fighting corruption will already do the trick.During a forum dubbed “Cha(t), Cha, Cha: Mga Indayog at Ritmo sa Pagpalit ng Saligang Batas” by the Philippine Communications Society, the University of the Philippines (UP) and the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) last Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, lawyers, economists and political science professors emphasized that instead of pursuing Charter change (Cha-cha), the government should focus on implementing existing rules and laws effectively, and developing comprehensive strategies to combat corruption, particularly among those in political office.PH economy already freeDr. Cielo Magno, a former undersecretary of the Fiscal Policy and Monitoring Group of the Department of Finance and now a professor at the UP School of Economics, weighed in on the debates on changing certain economic provisions of the Constitution.Magno said Congress already passed legislation that liberalized the economy of the Philippines in 2022. This contradicts the House of Representatives’ recent justification for Cha-cha that the country’s foreign direct investments (FDI) are still regulatory restrictive.Magno emphasized that to attract more FDI, the government must consider the externalities that hinder the FDI from producing economic development for the country. These externalities include factors such as the level of education, technology, infrastructure and health in developing countries like the Philippines. Before being able to benefit from a foreign presence in markets, developing countries must have these factors in place. Magno also pointed out that relatively overqualified labor without a high level of human investment relative to per capita income can hinder rapid FDI growth. Additionally, having an imperfect and underdeveloped financial market may prevent a country from reaping the full benefits of FDI.Crowd out She suggested that the government carefully consider the potential effects of FDI on domestic investment, explaining that while FDI can increase investment in the country, it may also crowd out domestic investments. Therefore, the government should have a strategic framework in place to determine what types of FDI the country needs.She also emphasized that some of the FDI restrictions boil down to the protection of national security, especially in sectors that are very exposed to foreign intervention such as the power sector, with the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines having Chinese investors. “Imagine allowing a foreign company to own the distribution of water in the country. Then, all of a sudden, with a conflict with that country, they will have control of the quality and access to water centers,” said Magno, citing another sensitive sector. Edsa ‘unfinished business’Christian Monsod, former Commission on Elections chairman and one of the key figures in drafting the 1987 Philippine Constitution, believes that the Edsa People Power Revolution in 1986 was more than just a restoration of democracy. It was also a promise of a new social order.The Edsa Revolution ousted from power the dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr., whose 20-year rule was marked by human rights abuses and corruption. However, after many administrations, the promise of Edsa has remained unfulfilled. Monsod believes that the succeeding governments after Edsa owe an apology to the youth, citizens and especially the marginalized sectors of the country for neglecting the true essence of the Edsa campaign.“The fact is that (after we brought) our nation to greatness at Edsa and after we accomplished in the 1992 elections, the first peaceful transfer of power in 27 years, we folded our banners, we put away the T-shirts with the imaginative slogans that brought humor to that time and we went back to our personal purposes and advocacies. As we went back to our separate pace with our separate causes, we lost something to dream of a nation in a significance of interconnected lives. This is why we are in a bad position today,” said Monsod. Authoritarianism Monsod advised the public to be cautious about the proposed Cha-cha. He said the country is on a slippery slope toward authoritarianism, as evidenced by the rise in the dynasties of four presidents in Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Rodrigo Duterte and current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., son of the ousted dictator.Monsod added that the country’s systems of checks and balances are weakening, the rule of law is in decline, and corruption is on the rise. He claimed that government officials blamed the Constitution for hindering the country’s economic growth. However, their argument is based on a survey showing that 73 percent of Filipinos have little to no knowledge of the 1987 Constitution.Charter protectsMonsod gave three reasons why the Constitution of the Philippines should not be changed. First, he said social justice is at the heart of the 1987 Constitution, which aims to improve the lives of the impoverished. The Constitution was created to address the massive economic, social and political inequalities that stem from a federalistic system dominated by dynastic families. Corruption has been a significant impediment to change for generations, as stated in Article 13, Section 1 of the Constitution. Second, Monsod said the Constitution is designed to protect the country from another authoritarian government. It has strict limitations and conditions for declaring martial law, and new provisions in the Bill of Rights to protect citizens from state abuses. Finally, he pointed out that the Constitution is firmly rooted in the Filipino people themselves. Unlike the 1935 Constitution, which gave Americans equal rights to the Philippine patrimony and economic policies, the current Constitution cannot be amended without the approval of the Filipino people. The 1935 Constitution resulted in a foreign exchange crisis in the early 1950s and the cutting of ties between the Philippine and American Constitutions.Not silver bullet Dr. Jean Encinas-Franco, a professor at the UP Department of Political Science and a member of the Philippine Political Science Association, expressed concern about the developments in the campaign for Cha-cha. According to her, it seems to be a “done deal,” which is silencing the voices of those who oppose it.She reminded legislators that Cha-cha is not a silver bullet or a magical solution to cure the country’s problems, and it is not the only means to achieve the nation’s desires and aspirations.“Reforms can be accomplished through an appropriate mix of legislation and policy interventions, and not simply through constitutional amendments or even institutional overhaul. Existing laws can be reviewed and amended (e.g. Local Government Code; Omnibus Election Code) and processes and practices safeguarded and improved (e.g. preserving the integrity of the Judicial and Bar Council and selection process of nominations and appointments of justices and judges without interference from politicians while maintaining transparency and accountability),” said Encinas-Franco, reading an excerpt from the UP Department of Political Science’s statement against Cha-cha. Alarm over PIEncinas-Franco expressed concern about the speedy passage of the People’s Initiative (PI), which she believes was “railroaded.” She also questioned the legislators’ attempt to suggest that the PI campaign has widespread public support.Encinas-Franco referred to a survey conducted by Pulse Asia in September 2022, which was cited in the UP statement, showing that Cha-cha was not considered an urgent national concern.Monsod noted that the Cha-cha campaign was initially introduced in the Senate for a 2/3 vote for a constitutional convention, and then in the House of Representatives and the Senate again for a 3/4 vote for a constitutional assembly, but all efforts failed. The PI campaign is now considered the legislators’ last card for Cha-cha, and it has been ongoing in some parts of Manila.Encinas-Franco said Marcos Jr. was somehow convinced to take on Cha-cha, despite saying during his campaign for the 2022 elections that he was not for Charter change as there were more urgent matters to address.She described Marcos Jr.’s sudden involvement in the campaign and direct talks with both houses of Congress as a weird turn of events.Encinas-Franco also pointed out that combining the Cha-cha plebiscite with the 2025 Midterm Elections might muddle more important issues, making Cha-cha the number one concern.Critical thinking Fr. Wilmer Tria, advocacy adviser of CEAP, reminded the public to have critical thinking. He emphasized that trusting politicians to change the Constitution for the common good not only shows naivete and mediocrity but also stupidity. He urged people to remain vigilant. According to Tria, all attempts to amend the Constitution, such as revising its economic provisions and education, are mere diversionary tactics for some government officials to perpetuate themselves in power.Jan Robert Go, president of the Philippine Political Science Association, suggested that the public be involved in identifying which parts of the Constitution should be amended or revised. Go also emphasized the importance of looking into corrupt politicians and political dynasties to address corruption in the country, aside from Cha-cha.Felipe Salvosa II, public relations officer of the Philippine Communication Society, stressed the need to examine the motives and implications of the economic provisions proposed by the legislators. He suggested that the public question the basis and premises of these proposals.Cha-cha comebackIn January 2024, the issue of Cha-cha returned to the spotlight after Presidential Sister and Sen. Imee Marcos accused House Speaker Martin Romualdez, her cousin, of offering a reward of P20 million for each legislative district in exchange for signatures in support of the PI.The PI proposes to amend the 1987 Constitution to allow all members of Congress to vote jointly on proposed constitutional amendments in a constituent assembly, rather than separately. The move prompted condemnation from the 24 senators, whose votes would barely count against those of the 316 members of the House of Representatives.For the economyInterviewed by GMA news on Jan. 23, President Marcos Jr. expressed openness to revising some economic provisions of the Constitution, saying the 1987 Constitution was not written for a globalized world and that adjusting it was needed to increase the country’s economic activity.Marcos Jr. said he was open to discussing full foreign ownership of corporations, except in critical areas such as power generation, media, and all strategic areas that cannot be influenced by a foreign entity in a corporation or another country. But he does not want to allow foreign ownership of land.Last Monday, Feb. 26, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said Marcos Jr. wanted the plebiscite to ratify the proposed amendments to the 1987 Constitution done simultaneously with the 2025 elections.In a prayer rally held in Cebu City last Feb. 25, the 38th anniversary of the People Power Revolution, former President Rodrigo Duterte expressed his support for Cha-cha, in a reversal from his previous denunciation of Cha-cha in January. Duterte said he was now open to changing not only the economic provisions but even the term of the president, so long as it did not benefit the incumbent president. How to register at an Online Casino . It’s always a good idea to take your time and make sure you’ve found the best online casino in the Philippines on the online gambling market that can give you what you want.

Online Casino in the Philippines Selection Criteria

AN OFFICIAL of the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (Team) acknowledged that the SUV driver who attempted to block motorcycles from counterflowing in his lane on JP Rizal Street in Barangay Tabok, Mandaue City on Thursday, February 29, 2024, helped remind motorists to follow traffic rules.But Hyl Retuya, the assistant department head of Team, noted that the driver's action was risky and reckless.In a media interview on Friday, March 1, Retuya said they will not penalize the SUV driver.The reason behind this decision was the belief that the driver intended to remove the counterflowing motorcycles, which is considered a traffic violation."Naa sad gyud sya'y punto sad gyud ato kay usa sad, iya man gyud tong right of way sad gyud. Dili gyud to iya sa kadtong mga motor kay mao ganing ni counterflow sila kay nikawat ra man to," said Retuya.(He has the right of way. The motorbikes just counterflowed by stealing a portion of the SUV's lane.)Retuya said the lane along JP Rizal Street is a solid lane, which means vehicles are not allowed to counterflow. According to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) driving manual, a solid lane may come with a solid white or yellow line. A solid white line is known as the center or separation line, and crossing it requires special care and is discouraged. On the other hand, a single solid yellow line means overtaking is prohibited in both directions.The agency defined counterflow as a motorist going out of their respective lane and moving against the flow of traffic, which is considered a traffic offense. Overtaking means temporarily switching lanes to get ahead of another motorist but eventually returning to their original lane.The LTO said overtaking is not considered a traffic offense as long as it follows the standard 500-foot visual requirement, where the overtaking vehicle must not meet another vehicle on the way within the given radius.Retuya advised motorcycle riders, especially those who frequently travel through Mandaue roads, to remain in the outer lane. He said the inner lanes are reserved for fast-moving vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and other four-wheeled vehicles, while the outer lane is intended for slow-moving vehicles such as motorcycles.According to Retuya, motorists in Mandaue have a habit of counterflowing and tailgating.Tailgating is when drivers follow closely behind another vehicle without leaving a safe distance. He said this often happens when ambulances are passing, and some drivers take advantage of the emergency vehicle's right of way to quickly reach their destinations.The Mandaue Team imposes a citation ticket worth P1,000 for drivers who are caught counterflowing or tailgating.Counterflowing is normal but not okayMark Suico Gigremosa, the person who uploaded the video on Facebook, said the incident occurred in the early morning of Thursday, February 29.He said the SUV in question appeared to have attempted to hit every motorcycle that was counterflowing in front of its lane. Gigremosa said he posted the video to raise awareness, stressing that the action of the SUV driver could have put the following vehicles in danger, including the motorcycle riders who were counterflowing. The video he uploaded on Facebook sparked mixed reactions from netizens, with some taking sides with the SUV driver, and the others with the counterflowing motorcyclists.While he said counterflowing is considered "normal" for riders who are trying to reach their destination quickly, Gigremosa acknowledged that it is still not the right thing to do.He encouraged his fellow drivers to drive with a wider perspective and understanding while on the road.Follow traffic rulesRetuya reminded motorists to not take the law into their own hands and instead strictly abide by traffic rules for their safety.He advised the public to change their mindset of using motorcycles as a quick solution to reach any destination since motorcycles are small and can easily fit into any lane, overtaking other vehicles. Retuya said counterflows could lead to fatal accidents. "There are instances when motorcyclists attempt to sneak past other vehicles by overtaking them in tight spaces, which can lead to accidents if they end up in a truck's blind spot. In such cases, it's important to note that the truck driver is not at fault because it was the motorcyclist who initially took the truck's lane," said Retuya in Cebuano.He advised motorists to manage their time wisely, allotting extra time for transportation when heading to their jobs or appointments, and avoiding rushing while driving.Although Retuya could not provide statistics, he said most of the traffic accidents in Mandaue City are caused by a sudden counterflow of motorists. (HIC) licensed online casinos THE Iloilo City Government, through its Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, has officially declared an outbreak of pertussis (whooping cough) during Monday’s emergency meeting, March 25, 2024.The declaration came following the recommendation of the Health and Sanitation Cluster headed by the City Health Office (CHO), which logged 15 cases of pertussis as of March 25, seven of which are confirmed and eight are suspected.Headed by Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, the council passed two resolutions, one is declaring on outbreak on pertussis and the other one, recommending to the City Council the declaration of a state of calamity due to the disease.The mayor said he will make an urgent request to the City Council, which is expected to hold a special session Tuesday, March 26, for the approval of the declaration.“We need to access funds coming from the calamity fund; we cannot access it unless there is a declaration of the state of calamity,” Treñas said.With the declaration, a proposed budget of P16 million has also been approved during the council meeting for the needed measures and responses against pertussis.A big chunk of the fund will go for the procurement of medicines and vaccines.“If necessary, we will add more funds,” Treñas added.CHO data showed that three of the confirmed cases are from Molo, two from Jaro 1, and one each from Jaro II and Arevalo.According to CHO Assistant Department Head Dr. Roland Jay Fortuna, a total of 26,000 children aged 0 to 59 months old from the districts of Jaro, Molo and Arevalo are projected for vaccination.“If we have an outbreak, we have what we call 'outbreak response immunization', that is why we need additional vaccines. For adults, pregnant women on their third trimester are also high-risk, so we will give them the vaccine also because there’s possibility that they may be a carrier and the baby who is not yet vaccinated will have a big chance to acquire pertussis,” Fortuna said.Meanwhile, the personnel of the Uswag Molecular Laboratory will undergo training for pertussis testing so the City will no longer send specimen to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine.According to the CHO, pertussis, commonly known as whooping or violent cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. In China, it is referred to as the "100-day cough. The incubation period is seven to 10 days.Individuals at high risk for pertussis include those who are younger than 12 months old, in the third trimester of pregnancy, have pre-existing health conditions, or have close contact with high risk.Symptoms include paroxysms of coughing, inspiratory "whooping," post-tussive vomiting, and apnea.It is transmitted through respiratory droplets. Preventive measures include respiratory hygiene, avoiding contact with unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated patients, hand washing with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer, and droplet precautions in healthcare facilities. (Leo Solinap/PR)

The Top Slots Available in the Philippines

Much like the rest of the world, the flash and blur of the slots has made them How to register at an Online Casino for players who deposit with credit and debit cards from the Philippines. Recognized by international gambling laws, online slots can be found in the best casino in the Philippines. A main reason is that they are incredibly simple to play – all you need to do is adjust the settings for how much you wish to bet per spin, then watch the reels fly. The Best LuckyWin Gaming Pilipino for Real Money ▷ Poker Online Philippines ▷ Fishing Game Play at the Top Real Money Casino, Win Real Money. The favorites, based on Filipino trends, are highlighted here:

Gambling in the Philippines 2023 – the Latest Trends

AN OFFICIAL of the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (Team) acknowledged that the SUV driver who attempted to block motorcycles from counterflowing in his lane on JP Rizal Street in Barangay Tabok, Mandaue City on Thursday, February 29, 2024, helped remind motorists to follow traffic rules.But Hyl Retuya, the assistant department head of Team, noted that the driver's action was risky and reckless.In a media interview on Friday, March 1, Retuya said they will not penalize the SUV driver.The reason behind this decision was the belief that the driver intended to remove the counterflowing motorcycles, which is considered a traffic violation."Naa sad gyud sya'y punto sad gyud ato kay usa sad, iya man gyud tong right of way sad gyud. Dili gyud to iya sa kadtong mga motor kay mao ganing ni counterflow sila kay nikawat ra man to," said Retuya.(He has the right of way. The motorbikes just counterflowed by stealing a portion of the SUV's lane.)Retuya said the lane along JP Rizal Street is a solid lane, which means vehicles are not allowed to counterflow. According to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) driving manual, a solid lane may come with a solid white or yellow line. A solid white line is known as the center or separation line, and crossing it requires special care and is discouraged. On the other hand, a single solid yellow line means overtaking is prohibited in both directions.The agency defined counterflow as a motorist going out of their respective lane and moving against the flow of traffic, which is considered a traffic offense. Overtaking means temporarily switching lanes to get ahead of another motorist but eventually returning to their original lane.The LTO said overtaking is not considered a traffic offense as long as it follows the standard 500-foot visual requirement, where the overtaking vehicle must not meet another vehicle on the way within the given radius.Retuya advised motorcycle riders, especially those who frequently travel through Mandaue roads, to remain in the outer lane. He said the inner lanes are reserved for fast-moving vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and other four-wheeled vehicles, while the outer lane is intended for slow-moving vehicles such as motorcycles.According to Retuya, motorists in Mandaue have a habit of counterflowing and tailgating.Tailgating is when drivers follow closely behind another vehicle without leaving a safe distance. He said this often happens when ambulances are passing, and some drivers take advantage of the emergency vehicle's right of way to quickly reach their destinations.The Mandaue Team imposes a citation ticket worth P1,000 for drivers who are caught counterflowing or tailgating.Counterflowing is normal but not okayMark Suico Gigremosa, the person who uploaded the video on Facebook, said the incident occurred in the early morning of Thursday, February 29.He said the SUV in question appeared to have attempted to hit every motorcycle that was counterflowing in front of its lane. Gigremosa said he posted the video to raise awareness, stressing that the action of the SUV driver could have put the following vehicles in danger, including the motorcycle riders who were counterflowing. The video he uploaded on Facebook sparked mixed reactions from netizens, with some taking sides with the SUV driver, and the others with the counterflowing motorcyclists.While he said counterflowing is considered "normal" for riders who are trying to reach their destination quickly, Gigremosa acknowledged that it is still not the right thing to do.He encouraged his fellow drivers to drive with a wider perspective and understanding while on the road.Follow traffic rulesRetuya reminded motorists to not take the law into their own hands and instead strictly abide by traffic rules for their safety.He advised the public to change their mindset of using motorcycles as a quick solution to reach any destination since motorcycles are small and can easily fit into any lane, overtaking other vehicles. Retuya said counterflows could lead to fatal accidents. "There are instances when motorcyclists attempt to sneak past other vehicles by overtaking them in tight spaces, which can lead to accidents if they end up in a truck's blind spot. In such cases, it's important to note that the truck driver is not at fault because it was the motorcyclist who initially took the truck's lane," said Retuya in Cebuano.He advised motorists to manage their time wisely, allotting extra time for transportation when heading to their jobs or appointments, and avoiding rushing while driving.Although Retuya could not provide statistics, he said most of the traffic accidents in Mandaue City are caused by a sudden counterflow of motorists. (HIC) Is Philippines going to the World Cup?

Some of the most important trends revolve around the changes to the legalisation of online gambling for offshore operators, with President Rodrigo Duterte cracking down on illegal operations in recent years. Otherwise, we’ve identified that the growth in the land-based gambling industry has resulted in job creation for locals, with more than half of all employees in the entertainment sector being employed for gambling and betting activities.

Filipino Player Frequently Asked Questions

There can be a lot of contradictory information and biased reports out there on the internet that can conduse the PH online casino user. We find that our readers often have a lot of questions that need resolving, so we dedicated this section to provide more clarity on the topic of online casino in the Philippines.

1 Which is the best online casino in the Philippines?

The recommended picks include a carefully selected and researched list of fantastic venues. All best Filipino casinos host a slew of great games from various providers and each one stands out with Is Philippines going to the World Cup?. Besides, the PH online casinos are safe, regulated, and trustworthy, above all else.

5 Which PH online casinos have the best payouts?

The LuckyWin Gaming Pilipino that are housed by the operator. As each title boasts individual RTP value, the best payout PH casino sites will be those with the highest average across its coming catalog. Information regarding all RTP rates is published on every reputable operator's website.

6 What online casinos in the Philippines offer fast withdrawals?

The speed of the withdrawals depends on the PH online casino payment methods. Across the board, LuckyWin Gaming Pilipino, with the transaction being finalized in less than a day. Bank transfers take the longest, stretching up to seven business days, due to additional processing and verification checks.

8 Which online casino in the Philippines offers the most games?

Every top pick out of all online casinos has impressed with its extensive gaming catalogue. It contains representatives of most gambling products that players have grown accustomed to seeing. The numbers How to register at an Online Casino , all housed under one single gambling roof. Regardless of your choice, each venue will exceed expectations quantity-wise.

10 Do all PH online casinos offer secure deposits and withdrawals?

Similarly to the land-based casinos in the Philippines, the licensed digital gambling platforms also ensure that all monetary transactions coming in and out of players' accounts are extremely secured. This is ensured by the LuckyWin Gaming Pilipino that back up and protect each deposit and withdrawal.

Conclusion – Find Trusted Online Casino Sites for Filipino Players

There are a lot of safe and reputable online casinos for players from the Philippines to enjoy, though sorting through them can be time-consuming. To make the task simple, our experts put together a list of the certified online casinos in the Philippines that have been tested and proven to offer satisfactory experiences. Here, you can take advantage of How to register at an Online Casino and plentiful payment options in a completely legal setting.

We hope that, by now, you feel safe in the knowledge that there are trustable Filipino online casinos to choose from. Whether you choose to play at the sites featured here or go in search of operators on your own, remember that every Get FREE iPhone15 Pro, Login Mission Everyday Day!.

List of All Filipino Casinos

If, after all the information included on this page, you feel you need a quick refresher on the available casino sites – look no further! The table below will show you Is Philippines going to the World Cup?, along with their welcome bonuses for this year and a direct link to the offer. Philippines’s LuckyWin Gaming Pilipino Sites