Maria Ressa

My Second article as well https://lnkd.in/gatJNHZc

3

POGOs recreate ghettos by stirring up an image of patriarchal hegemony of transnational corporations imagined in a strict and confluent mafia culture. Unrestricted gambling goes beyond the glorification of “godfathers” and opens the door to the trafficking of drugs, human beings and weapons. Offshore gambling for popular entertainment and recreation amplifies social inequalities and economic injustices, leading to a system of corruption locally dubbed “pastillas” or cash cows, cyber fraud, contract killing, economic crimes and prostitution. The (re)making of a Chinese ghetto in Metro Manila’s financial districts looks auspiciously odd, strategically located in such a way that it cultivates cultural acrimony and financial insecurity. The influx of Chinese workers attached to diversified businesses has inevitably led to a variety of services catering exclusively to them and the required caution on the negative impact of POGOs has largely been sacrificed on the altar of the country’s immediate economic interests. https://lnkd.in/gkt4jaag

15

1 Komento

Vanuatu serves as an interesting case study for connectivity— looking forward to learning more about the Smart Islands Initiative. #connectivity #digital #digitaltransformation #ITU #vanuatu #digitalpolicy #innovation #USCIB #technology

2

1 Komento

T​he Securities and Exchange Commission Philippines (SEC) has issued a cease and desist order (CDO) against Humanitarian and Spiritual Mission Apostulates of Davao and Asia, Inc., HASMADAI Foundation, Inc. and Humanitarian Institute of Technology Corp. (collectively “HASMADAI”) for their unauthorized solicitation of investments. #bonds #stockmarket #stocks #realestate #finance #Business #Corporate #Corporation #Entrepreneur #Philippines #Financial #PersonalFinance #AI #GoNegosyo #Invest #Investment #investingtips

11

Episode 2 is now available in Tagalog and Bisaya. Offering these videos in languages widely spoken in the Philippines is an important step in bridging the gap between awareness and understanding of data privacy. The links are available here: https://lnkd.in/gxENqyMD (Tagalog) https://lnkd.in/g5g82PKW (Bisaya) #DataPrivacyCompetencyProgram #PrivacyPH

94

2 Komento

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are essential to the Philippines' economic growth and development. As the first country in Asia to institutionalize private sector involvement in infrastructure projects, the Philippines has leveraged PPPs to achieve inclusive growth and advance its development agenda over the past three decades. The recent finalization of the PPP Code's implementing rules and regulations (IRR) aims to ensure a stable policy environment, boosting high-quality social and development projects. This is a key part of President Marcos’ Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, especially given the tight fiscal space. Successful PPPs rely on a balanced synergy between the government, which crafts policies, and the private sector, which drives innovation. Any disruption to this balance can burden the Filipino people. Thus, fostering a collaborative and respectful partnership is vital for sustainable growth and public welfare. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gabhJMcj

20

𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬' 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐏𝐎𝐆𝐎𝐬: "𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲'𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐮𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲" The Philippines' defense chief, Gilberto Teodoro Jr., raised alarms on June 12 about criminal organizations posing as Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). These fake POGOs threaten national security, Teodoro warned, urging authorities to crack down on their operations. "The concern is that we should stop these syndicated criminal activities operating out of our base, which weaken our financial standing, our country ratings, [and] corrupt our society," Teodoro said. According to Teodoro, legitimate POGOs handle business process outsourcing tasks like matching bets for foreign sporting events. However, #criminalgroups have infiltrated the industry, setting up fake POGOs to launder money and potentially engage in other illegal activities. "There is a difference," Teodoro explained. "The #POGO we knew here, operated in the Philippines, to evade the ban on gambling in China, the bets originate here." These fake POGOs have sparked concerns after raids in Tarlac and Pampanga provinces uncovered evidence of illegal activities. In one instance, authorities found suspected Chinese military uniforms and pins during a raid, raising #nationalsecurity questions. Concerns persist about POGO sites being close to Armed Forces of the Philippines locations. Security expert Chester Cabalza, PhD warns, in an INQUIRER interview, they could be a “Trojan horse” for China to launch a “surprise attack” on key military facilities. One notable example is Island Cove, a former resort in Kawit, Cavite, which was sold in 2018 by the Remulla family and converted into a POGO site. It is just a few kilometers away from Sangley Point, a former US base in Cavite. READ MORE: https://rb.gy/ihdfkz

2

Abusing staff privileges. I read this article with concern because this "staff privilege" in question is one that goes beyond his organisation's reputation. It concerned the integrity of our nation. It befuddled me further that this director-general did so because his friend, the third-party foreign national, 'wanted to avoid the hassle of too many explanations' and sought to 'avoid' scrutiny from the authorities". In fact, he himself did not benefit at all from his actions. But he decided to drag his own father into the mess to hopefully, avoid any impact on his career progression. --- Frankly, I thought the one week sentence was too light, given his position. The most fantastic thing was, his colleague, the one who actually transported the diplomatic bag, accepted his instructions without question. It brought to mind my previous post about trust: https://lnkd.in/g9QgK2pf When one's values are misplaced, one cannot be trusted. What does this imply about how Singapore chooses to use its diplomatic immunity? What message does this send to this subordinates, peers and colleagues who similarly are in power to use such staff privileges? The Judge's one week jail sentence notwithstanding, I hope MFA takes the appropriate disciplinary actions, given how his actions have adversely affected the public's perception of MFA's internal controls.

33

5 Komento

‘Philippines must prepare for external threats’ #ecwinnewsonline #ecwin #cnn #cnnnews #cna #newstoday #breakingnews #bbcnews #balita #worldnews #livenews #livenews #dailynews #newsoftoday #fyp #trending #fbnews

‘Philippines must prepare for external threats’ #ecwinnewsonline #ecwin #cnn #cnnnews #cna #newstoday #breakingnews #bbcnews #balita #worldnews #livenews #livenews #dailynews #newsoftoday #fyp #trending #fbnews

Philippine president Marcos on China's new trespassing law: "The new policy of threatening to detain our own citizens, that is different. That is an escalation of the situation." https://lnkd.in/gVf4hmeg The situation is grim and getting grimmer in the South China Sea. I wrote about this today, and what to do about it: (https://lnkd.in/gpc2hmqV)

4

1 Komento

Asia Open RAN Academy's recent visit to the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila - Philippine General Hospital (PGH) is part of a broader initiative to connect to the GIDA (Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas) in Danao, Bohol, serving as the primary blueprint for the Open RAN Telemedicine use case. AORA representatives also visited the UP Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute in Diliman to explore the future Open RAN interoperability lab. This lab will be crucial for testing and workforce development in Open RAN technologies. The team also met with the Department of Information and Communications Technology - DICT to discuss policy support for Open RAN deployment and learn more about the government's existing Free Wifi Project and how to complement it with an Open RAN solution. The team then proceeded to DOST Advanced Science and Technology Institute to collaborate on research and high-performance computing. Together, these efforts aim to bridge the digital divide, enhance network coverage in underserved areas, and foster innovation in the Philippines. Stay tuned for more updates on our journey to improve connectivity and healthcare delivery! #OpenRAN #Telemedicine #Innovation #Healthcare #Connectivity #Philippines #AORA #UPManila #DICT #DOSTASTI

21

Asia Centre's article, titled "Restrictive Laws: Spurring Self-Censorship and Euphemisms in Journalism," is featured on Philstar.com. The piece compiles reflections and analyses on the current state of journalism in Asia, contributed by journalists participating in the Asia Media Forum co-convened by Asia Centre and Oxfam in Asia in December 2023. Read the full article at: https://lnkd.in/g2Mzdp-Q #journalism #Restrictions #Asia

3

Climate displacement is a pressing crisis, with up to 90 million people in the Asia-Pacific region facing potential displacement due to disasters. Partnering with the University of the Philippines Resilience Institute and the Asian Institute of Technology, we have introduced the Risk Index for Climate Displacement (RICD). This risk index and predictive model aims to enhance quantification, understanding, and forecasting of challenges related to climate change and migration, particularly climate-induced displacement.

48

A moment of fulfillment from a recent Investment and Tourism Promotion High-Motion Graphic Video Project our consulting firm completed for a government-owned corporation based in Clark, Central Luzon, Philippines. Earlier this month, we handed over all the project files and outputs to the Client and had the opportunity to see the promotion video showcased publicly for the very first time during the Client's public consultation activity. Witnessing the participants' engagement, with many documenting the promotion video as it played, was incredibly rewarding. Why a high-motion graphic video for this project and not a full-blown AVP? The dynamic animations and vibrant visuals of a high-motion graphic video are highly effective in engaging an audience's attention and making complex information easy to understand. This format allows for creative storytelling that highlights key investment opportunities and tourist attractions in an aesthetically appealing manner. The modern and professional feel of high-motion graphics likewise perfectly complements the innovative spirit of the Clark Freeport Zone. Our team poured their heart and soul into this project, and seeing the positive reaction from the viewers of the promotion video reinforces our belief that high-motion graphics are an ideal medium for showcasing the advantages of a location for investments and tourism. Lower Photo: Courtesy of Clark Development Corporation #Clark #HighMotionGraphics #InvestmentPromotion #TourismPromotion

15

5 Komento