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Breaking – Donald Trump Wins 2024 US Presidential Election

November 6, 2024

It was an overwhelming win by Donald Trump, as he win the 2024 US Presidential Election over VP Kamala Harris. Donald Trump received 277 electoral votes (71,177,549 vote) compare to the 224 electoral votes (66,247,919 votes) for Kamala Harris.

Associated Press;

Donald Trump has been elected the 47th president of the United States, an extraordinary comeback for a former president who refused to accept defeat four years ago, sparked a violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, was convicted of felony charges and survived two assassination attempts.

President Elect Donald Trump will return to the Oval Office after the inauguration ceremony this coming Jan. 20th, 2025. The ceremony will take place at the U.S. Capitol building in Washington D.C.

via CNBC, Donald Trump will be the 45th and the 47th President of the United States of America. At 78 years old, Trump is the oldest person to ever to win a U.S. presidential election. This will be an interesting, to say the least, since he take office while facing criminal charges in multiple active federal and state cases.

President Bongbong Marcos Congratulates Donald Trump for winning the 2024 US President Elections

November 6, 2024

President Bongbong Marcos congratulates Republican candidate Donald Trump on his projected win in the 2024 US President Elections.

Donald Trump is just three electoral votes away from being next President of the United States and return back to the Oval Office.

Here’s the full text of PBBM message;

President Trump has won, and the American people have triumphed. I congratulate them on their victory in an exercise that showed the world the strength of American values.

We look forward to working with President Trump on a wide range of issues that will yield mutual benefits for two nations with deep ties, shared beliefs, a common vision, and a long history of working together.

I am hopeful that this unshakeable alliance, tested in war and peace, will be a force for good, blazing a path of prosperity and amity in the region and on both sides of the Pacific.

This is a durable partnership to which the Philippines is fully committed, because it is founded on the ideals we share: freedom and democracy.

I have personally met President Trump as a young man, so I know that his robust leadership will result in a better future for all of us.

Congratulations, President Trump!

Sandiganbayan dismisses P276-M ill-gotten wealth case vs Marcoses   

October 7, 2024

Rappler;

The anti-graft court Sandiganbayan has dismissed a 37-year-old ill-gotten wealth case against the Marcos family, citing the defendants — which includes Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and wife Imelda — “can no longer be afforded a fair trial” in a “chronology of events” that have contributed to an “inordinate delay.”

Associate Justice Geraldine Faith Econg wrote the 30-page resolution, dated October 4, 2024, noting that the defendants “can no longer be afforded a fair trial.” Associate Justices Edgardo Caldona and Arthur Malabaguio concurred.

So the SC dismisses the case because it was delayed for too long?!

German Ambassador Andreas Pfaffernoschke reminds us to be vigilant on “Historical revisionism” regarding the Martial Law in the Philippines   

September 22, 2024

Ambassador Andreas Pfaffernoschke, as posted on @germanyinphl;

As the country marks the imposition of Martial Law in the Philippines by the Marcos Sr. Administration 52 years ago, we remember the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom and democracy during this dark period in history.

The distortion of history can pave the way for the return of authoritarianism and the erosion of human rights. It is through a clear understanding of our past that we can build a better future.

Let us honor the memory of those who suffered under Martial Law and work together to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again. By upholding historical accuracy and promoting human rights, we can create a more just and equitable world for all.

#MartialLawAnniversary

On September 23, 1972, then President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. officially proclaim the State of Martial law in the Philippines, it’s formal proclamation is contained in Proclamation No. 1081.

Proclamation No. 1081 started a “14-year period of authoritarian rule, which would include eight years of Martial Law (de jure ending on January 17, 1981, through Proclamation No. 2045), but not de facto : followed by six more years where Marcos retained essentially all of his powers as dictator. Marcos was eventually ousted on February 25, 1986, as a result of the EDSA People Power Revolution.” via wikipedia.

Also on Wikipedia, “This 14-year period in Philippine history is remembered for the administration’s record of human rights abuses, particularly targeting political opponents, student activists, journalists, religious workers, farmers, and others who fought against the Marcos dictatorship. Based on the documentation of Amnesty International, Task Force Detainees of the Philippines, and similar human rights monitoring entities, historians believe that the Marcos dictatorship was marked by 3,257 known extrajudicial killings, 35,000 documented tortures, 737 ‘disappeared’, and 70,000 incarcerations.”

The reasons and justification are also indicated in Proclamation No. 1081.

Breaking – Police capture Apollo Quiboloy   

September 8, 2024

Herbie Gomez, writing for Rappler;

Police finally captured fugitive doomsday preacher Apollo Quiboloy ending a grueling manhunt inside the vast Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) property in Davao City.

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos announced in a Facebook post on Sunday, September 8, the arrest of 74-year-old Quiboloy’s who deems himself as the “appointed son of God” and “owner of the universe.”

After a 4-month hunt and 2,000 police later, Apollo Quiboloy is now in the police custody. BBC “In 2021, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) charged Mr Quiboloy with sex trafficking of children, fraud and coercion and bulk cash smuggling.”

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. also posted on his facebook account “NAHULI NA PO SI APOLLO QUIBOLOY.”

Alice Guo arrested in Jakarta, Indonesia   

September 4, 2024

Benjamin Pulta, writing for Philippine News Agency;

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday confirmed the arrest of former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, also known as Guo Hua Ping, in Tangerang City, Jakarta, Indonesia.

In a statement, the DOJ said Guo was apprehended at 11:58 p.m. on Sept. 3, according to Senior Superintendent Audie Latuheru of the Indonesian Police.

The first question that they need to ask her is “Why did she try to run away/escape?” This stunt just makes her look guilty.

Sara Duterte-led DepEd built only 192 of 6,300 target classrooms in 2023 – COA   

September 3, 2024

Bonz Magsambol writing for Rappler;

A Commission on Audit (COA) report showed that the Department of Education (DepEd), under the leadership of Vice President Sara Duterte in 2023, was able to build only 192, or just 3%, of the 6,379 target classrooms.

“Only 192 (3.01 percent) out 6,379 classrooms were completed/constructed in CY 2023 due to realignments because of modifications in the projects’ design. A total of 4,391 classrooms are still under construction, and 550 are yet to undergo various stages of procurement,” the COA report said.

Welp!

Update – Changing KabayanDaily again!

September 2, 2024

This may be a mistake, since I will be changing the website again!

Actually, I’m just reverting the website back to my original plan for the website, a web aggregator and a place where you can get a snapshot of all the news in the Philippines and around the world. If you’re a longtime visitor of the site, the early version of the site is similar to Techmeme where I just link to articles of that are interesting and informative.

Anyway, I will be going back to my original plan for the website and you may see the changes happening in the coming days. Also, in order to make the site lightweight and fast, will make an effort to publish an article with less to no images at all but will make sure that I link back to my source.

Of course, I’m always open for comments and suggestion, specially if it will greatly improve the site’s glorious purpose.

SC announces 2023 Bar Exam Passer

December 6, 2023

Supreme Court of the Philippines yesterday announced that a total of 3,812 out of the 10,387 who completed all the tests during the three days of the exams passed the 2023 Bar Examinations. For this year’s bar exam have a 36.77%. passing rate, which went down from last year’s 43.47% passing rate.

Below are the Top Bar passers;

Rank Name School Rating
1 BIE, Ephraim Porciuncula University of Santo Tomas 89.2625%
2 VIVIT, Mark Josel Padua Ateneo de Manila University 89.1250%
3 FRANCISCO, Frances Camille Altonage San Beda University 88.9125%
4 TANG, Nathaniel Niño Alipio Aquinas-UST-LEGAZPI 88.6500%
5 FLORES, David Joseph Austria De La Salle University 88.5500%
6 SAMANIEGO, Ralph Vincent Salvador University of the Philippines 88.4750%
7 ANTONIO, Bryan Gerard Tapnio Ateneo de Manila University 88.3125%
8 BATULAN, Paulo University of San Jose – Recoletos 88.2500%
BUENCAMINO, Pio Vincent Roura University of Santo Tomas 88.2500%
9 BAUTISTA, Grace Abigail Morales Angeles University Foundation School of Law 88.0625%
10 CHAN, Jayson Ong Saint Paul School of Professional Studies 88.0125%
NON, Zes Trina Bañares Aquinas-UST-LEGAZPI 88.0125%
11 CALDERON, Maria Sofia Esguerra San Beda University 88.0000%
12 CRUZ, Cedric Jerome Moya Bulacan State University 87.9250%
13 OCAMPO, Marvin Joseph Manarang University of the Philippines 87.9125%
14 RUEDA, Yvette Veronique De Guzman University of Makati 87.8750%
15 POBAR, Dionisio III Tenorio University of the Philippines 87.8375%
16 BARRION, Vince Benedict Abu University of the Philippines 87.8000%
17 GUZMAN, Paolo Luna University of the Philippines 87.7875%
18 BALISONG, Rockylle Dominique Laureta San Beda University 87.7375%
19 PANOTES, Claudine De Luna Arellano University 87.6875%
20 CO, Janel Nathalie Ang Ateneo de Manila University 87.6625%

SC also published the list of successful examinees on their official social media accounts;

To all the new Attorneys.. CONGRATULATIONS!

Department of Migrant Workers issues Advisory regarding the “State of War alert” issued by Israel’s Home Front Command

October 7, 2023

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Philippine Embassy in Tel-Aviv, Israel just issue an advisory regarding the “State of War alert” issued by Israel.

𝐔𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐫𝐞: “𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐖𝐚𝐫 𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐭” 𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐬𝐫𝐚𝐞𝐥
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW, the Philippine Embassy in Tel-Aviv, Israel (PE-Tel-Aviv) and the Migrant Workers Office – Israel (MWO) are closely monitoring the situation of Filipinos in affected areas in the wake of the “State of War alert” issued by Israel’s Home Front Command.

Filipino community (FilCom) leaders are in touch with their members. They report that they remain calm and are accounted for. FilCom leaders remain in contact with the Philippine Embassy and MWO.

Filipinos in Israel are advised to take specific precautionary safety measures and follow the instructions provided by the Israeli Homefront Command.
The DMW and OWWA has set up a 24/7 Task Force Israel Desk for OFWs in Israel and their families. Please call Hotline +63 2 1348 or the following WhatsApp and Viber nos: +63 9083268344 | +63 9271478186 | +63 9205171059.

One OFW family has sought assistance from the DMW. We have contacted the concerned OFW. She is safe and sound.

Please standby for further announcements as the situation develops in Israel.
###

PhilHealth issue another “Urgent Notice to the Public” in connection to the Cyberattack last Sept 22.

October 3, 2023

PhilHealth has once again release an announcement that they are calling “Urgent Notice to the Public,” this is in connection to the Cyberattack that was made last Sept 22. The health agency reiterates that no member information have been taken and that membership database is intact and unharmed by the cyberattack last Sept 22.

They later reminded the public to be cautious in opening malicious contents online and on social media, which I suppose, is directed to PhilHealth’s employees. The agency is also working with the authorities to catch the perpetrators.

PhilHealth is currently working with multiple agencies that includes Department of Communication Technology (DICT), National Privacy Commission (NPC), Philippine National Police Cybercrime Division, Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) and the National Bureau of Investigation(NBI) to identify the perpetrators of the hacking.

Here’s the announcement by PhilHealth:

PhilHealth previously posted a Urgent Notice to the Public explaining what information have been compromised in the cyberattack that happened last Sept 22. Below are compromised PhilHealth member’s information;

  • Name
  • Address
  • Date of Birth
  • Sex
  • Phone number
  • PhilHealth ID number

The Health agency also recommended a number of steps that affected PhilHealth Members can take as a precaution.

The hackers demanded a ransom of $300,000 or approximately P17 million as payment to decrypt the files but according to a report by CNN Philippines, “The DICT confirms that some PhilHealth data affected in the Medusa ransomware attack have been published in the dark web after the deadline to pay ransom money to hackers lapsed.”

PhilHealth hit by ransomware, Hackers demands $300,000.00

September 25, 2023

On September 22, 2023, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) was hit by a ransomware attack. The attack was carried out by the Medusa ransomware group, which encrypts files and demands a ransom payment for the decryption key. The hackers responsible for the attack have demanded a ransom of $300,000 or approximately P17 million as payment to decrypt the files.

PhilHealth detected the attack early on Friday and immediately shut down all of its online systems, including its website, portals, and e-claims. The agency is currently working with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and other government agencies to investigate the incident and restore its systems.

In a statement, PhilHealth assured the public and its members that their personal and medical information was not compromised or leaked in the attack. However, the attack did disrupt the agency’s operations and caused some inconvenience to its members.

On September 25, PhilHealth announced they are working to restore all of its systems and that its members could now avail of its benefits again. The agency also said that it was implementing additional security measures to prevent future attacks.

DICT and DFA Launches eVisa Application to Improve Visa Processing for Foreigners

August 26, 2023

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) with Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has launched an eVisa application system, which is expected to improve the visa processing experience for foreigners who wish to visit the Philippines.

The eVisa system was launched on August 24, 2023, at the DFA Office of the Consular Affairs in Pasay City. The launch was led by DICT Undersecretary for e-Government David L. Almirol Jr. and DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo.

“The eVisa is our clear message to the world that we recognize the benefits of digital technology for efficient and quality public service. With eVisa, we are adapting to the realities of modern travel, transforming the Philippines into a top-of-mind destination for business and leisure.” Undersecretary Almirol said in his speech.

The eVisa system allows foreign nationals to apply for a visa to the Philippines online. This eliminates the need to visit a Philippine embassy or consulate in person, and it can significantly reduce the time it takes to process a visa application.

The eVisa system will initially be available to Chinese citizens who can submit their Philippine visa requirements online as the eVisa system accommodates the Philippine Consular offices in Xiamen, Shanghai, Macau, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Guangzhou, Chongqing, as well as the Philippine Embassy in Beijing.

It is planned to be available for citizens of 15 countries, including Japan, South Korea, and the United States. The government plans to expand the list of eligible countries in the future.

By offering unparalleled convenience and improved public service delivery, eVisa is expected to facilitate ease of doing business and reinvigorate the country’s tourism sector. The salient features of the eVisa Application system include:

  1. Improved Efficiency: Allowing applicants to submit their required eVisa documents online from the comfort of their homes eliminates the need for physical visits to government offices. This not only saves time for the applicants but also streamlines the processing for the authorities.
  2. Fast Processing and Decision-Making: Embracing digital transactions and automation can significantly speed up the processing of visa applications.
  3. Secure Online Payments: The eVisa Application system provides secure online payment options, enhancing transparency and minimizing security risks.
  4. User-centric interface: The website’s user-friendly interface gives clear instructions, making sure applicants can go through the process easily and confidently.
  5. Real-time updates: Applicants can monitor the status of their application in real-time, reducing uncertainties and concerns.

This project shows the Philippine government’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the efficiency and convenience of the visa application process for various international visitors. Further, eVisa is aligned with the global trend where various governments are adopting digital solutions to improve public services and operational efficiency.

The launching of the eVisa Application system is expected to pave the way for an optimized and seamless visa application experience that is poised to set new benchmarks in global best practices.

Other government agencies that took part in the development of the eVisa include the Department of Tourism, the Department of Justice, and the Bureau of Immigration.

Source: DICT

Reactions to Potato Corner Job Posts

August 22, 2023

The reactions to Potato Corner job ads are gold!

Potato Corner may have been fast in deleting the job post and publishing a reply, this is the most appropriate way to handle this situation but as we all know the internet is much faster in reacting to the post and these are just a few of them.

In no particular order! 🙂












Potato Corner under fire for insensitive Job Postings

August 22, 2023

Popular Filipino snack brand Potato Corner recently came under fire after a job posting for a service crew member went viral on social media. The post, which was shared on the company’s official Facebook page (now deleted), included a number of “inappropriate” qualifications, such as “good visual impact and pleasing personality,” “weight must be proportionate to height,” and “have clear complexion, eyesight and good set of teeth.”

The post quickly drew widespread criticism from netizens, who accused Potato Corner of discrimination and body shaming. In response, the company deleted the post and issued an apology.

“We deeply regret the oversight in the job posting,” Potato Corner said in a statement. “We, together with our business partners, are working to ensure that such incidents will not happen in the future.”

Potato Corner also said that it is “committed to fostering an inclusive environment” and that it “does not support or condone discriminatory hiring practices.”

In the wake of the Potato Corner incident, other companies have also been taking steps to review their own job postings and even created a job posts that’s a total opposite to Potato Corner’s postings. A good example is this job postings from Lola Nena’s;

The Potato Corner incident is a reminder that companies need to be more careful about the language they use in job postings, even though they mean well and it may even appear funny but in reality appear discriminatory and indifferent to other people.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. signed the Maharlika Investment Fund (R.A. 11954) into law

July 18, 2023

The controversial R.A. 11954 or more popularly know as the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) a.k.a. the Maharlika Wealth Fund (MWF) have been signed into by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. The signing was made with fellow lawmakers at Malacañang Palace Tuesday morning, 18th July 2023.

via PNA;

In a keynote speech, Marcos said the MIF is designed to drive economic development in the country.

“The MIF is a bold step towards our country’s meaningful economic transformation. Just as we are recovering from the adverse effects of the pandemic, we are now ready to enter a new age of sustainable progress, robust stability and broad-based empowerment,” Marcos said.

“We now have an available fund that will provide us the seed money for investments and to attract other foreign investments and for us to be able to participate in those operations, in those investments without additional borrowings,” he added.

Following the signing of RA 11954, Marcos said his administration would “go out to the world and do the changes that are necessary for the Philippines to become an investment-friendly nation.”

“The fund will fail if we do not make money on the fund. It’s that simple… That is why we put up a Maharlika Fund so as to be able to give us the capacity and the ability to join in those investments, be part of that,” he said.

The gist of Maharlika Investment Fund (R.A. 11954) is that the fund will be used to invest in assets to provide the government with a long-term source of income, as well as ease the burden on the national budget by providing additional funding for other priority projects of the government. The law will establish the Maharlika Investment Corp. (MIC), which will act as the “sole vehicle for the purpose of mobilizing and utilizing the MIF for investments in transactions in order to generate optimal returns on investments (ROIs).”

The MIF is expected to have at least PHP75 billion in paid-up capital this year, source of the funds will be PHP50 billion from the Land Bank of the Philippines and PHP25 billion from the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).

The law prohibits government agencies and GOCCs that provide for social security and public health insurance to contribute to and invest in the Fund. These agencies includes the Social Security System, Government Service Insurance System, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Home Development Mutual Fund, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and Philippine Veterans Affairs Office pension fund.

The law mandates the Commission on Audit to conduct a special audit of the MIC’s books and accounts every five years. All MIF and MIC documents will also be open, available, and accessible to the public, as may be allowed by law, in both English and Filipino.

News of the Day October 6, 2020

October 7, 2020

Welcome to the “News of the Day”, a single-article where you can read biggest and most talked about news in the Philippines and Internationally.

ABS-CBN will start airing its entertainment shows in Channel 11, which is now rebranded as A2Z Channel 11, starting this October 11, 2020. Here’s what Miguel R. Camus, a Business reporter for the Philippine Daily Inquirer, tweeted about the deal;


Via Rappler;

ABS-CBN’s flagship channel 2 went off air on May 5, following a cease-and-desist order from the National Telecommunications Commission after its Congressional franchise expired on May 4.

The network’s application for a new franchise was rejected by Congress on July 10, forcing the company to retrench many of its 11,000 workers.

Talking about the Congress, the “House will vote on the final approval of the proposed national budget for 2021 when it resumes its session on Nov. 16.” The House originally set to approve it on final reading on Oct. 14, but it approve for second reading this Friday, October 9, 2020.

On the COVID-19 side of things, World Health Organization (WHO) said that we may have a vaccine by year end.

Via Inquirer.net;

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, addressing the end of a two-day meeting of its Executive Board on the pandemic, said: “We will need vaccines and there is hope that by the end of this year we may have a vaccine. There is hope.”

In the Philippines, there are now 326,833 confirmed cases with 273,313 have recovered from the virus and 5,856 deaths. Worldwide, there are now 35,109,317 confirmed cases, 1,035,341 deaths which translate to 2.95%. United States is the country with the most cases at 7,486,928, followed by India (723,512) then Brazil (723,512).

If you’re the type who likes to look at number, you can go here.

In Sports or Basketball to more specific, Miami Heat defeated LA Lakers behind Jimmy Butler’s 40 pts triple double (40 points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists). Lakers are still leading the series on a 2-1 standing. Games 5 will on October 6 at 4:00 AM (AST).

PBA Bubble is a go and here’s the schedule of the games via Rappler;

That’s it for now, if you want to add more, you can use the comment box or contact us thru any of our social media channels.