As predicted, the Supreme Court issued a Temporary Restraining Order against the Cybercrime Prevention Act good for 120 days. Fifteen petitions have been filed against the law. Sen. T.G. Guingona hailed the TRO as a victory for freedom of expression.
In addition to the many arguments already stated against the constitutionality of the law, it should be pointed out that it will be difficult to implement first because many facebook and twitter accounts are fictitious and secondly, many internet users are minors; below 15 who have no criminal liability.
Furthermore, it is difficult to prove malice as the great majority of internet users are just posting messages for the fun of it.
It will take away valuable time and personnel to implement the law and file charges. It will be a nightmare for the police and for prosecutors.
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POLITICAL UPDATE . . Atty. JV Bautista, UNA spokesman, is running for Congress in the 3rd District of Nueva Ecija against Rep. Cherry Umali. He is backed by Cabanatuan Mayor Jay Vergara who is running for reelection. Rep. Josie Joson is running for Governor against Gov. Oyie Umali.
Incumbent Cong. Sonny Collantes (LP) will be opposed by exCongw. Vicky Reyes (PDP-Laban) and Tanauan Mayor Sonia Torres Aquino.
A 3-cornered fight looms in South Cotabato for the Governorship with incumbent Dr. Arturo Pingoy (UNA) being challenged by Rep. Daisy Fuentes (NPC- LP) and ExMayor Fernando Miguel (Lakas). Vice Gov. Elmo Tolosa is running for Congress.
Tuna fishing magnate Ronel Rivera is the UNA candidate for Mayor of General Santos City. He owns more than 100 fishing boats operating in Papua New Guinea.
Contesting the position of ARMM Governor are Mujiv Hataman, former MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari and exCong. Pax Mangudadatu. Also in the race is Yusop Mama, an exDAR Regional Director.
Koronadal Mayor Dr. Peter Miguel is practically unopposed and should win easily. He sings in his rallies.
Dr. Agnes Tolentino (LP), wife of outgoing Mayor Abraham Tolentino will face off with Rep. Crispin “Boying” Remulla (NP) for Mayor of Tagaytay City.
Rep. Rodolfo “Ongpong” Plaza is running again for Congressman of Agusan del Sur, 2nd District.
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UNFAIR SHARING . . Details of the Peace Agreement with the MILF are coming out. One principal agreement is giving the Bangsamoro 75% of all proceeds of economic activity and tax collections in the region.
Why the big amount of 75% when all other areas get only a 40% share of the National Internal Revenue collections? This disparity should be addressed. The 40% IRA should be increased.
Certainly the 75% share should be backed up by legislation. It affects the whole country.
Other details of the Peace Agreement should be released. Consultation with affected stakeholders must be held.
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HARESCO’S DEFENSE . . Party-list Rep. Ted Haresco defended the President’s bridge program or Tulay ng Pangulo, an 18-year-old program of 4 Presidents. He said that over 18 years, the program built 1,218 bridges without cost to the government and without any cost overruns, according to COA reports.
A British company, Mabey and Johnson supplied the module bridges at a cost of P480,000 per linear meter inclusive of steel decks, substructures and superstructures. He said Sen. Serge Osmeña erred at putting the price at P560,000 per linear meter.
The Tulay ng Pangulo Program is funded by a British loan with a grant component of 38.6% instead of the usual 28%.
Haresco charged that politics was behind Osmeña’s privilege speech.
A texter observes that Sen. Serge Osmena appears to be acting as the accuser, prosecutor and judge in the ongoing Senate Blue Ribbon hearing on the President’s bridge program. It is advised that since he is the one who accused (and being accused also of protecting a UK bridge supplier) it is prudent that he leaves the questioning to his colleagues so that the hearing will not lose its impartially.
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JUETENG AGAIN . . In a maiden speech at Camp Crame, DILG Sec. Mar Roxas said that jueteng, illegal drugs and illegal logging are the main challenges he faces.
He admitted that the 3 are at the core of the PNP’s low approval ratings.
Every new DILG or PNP Chief makes the same promise. Let us wait and see if Roxas can deliver this time. Start with the jueteng in the President’s home province of Tarlac, Pampanga and Nueva Ecija. Stop illegal logging in Agusan and Davao. Illegal drugs? Start anywhere, especially in Metro Manila.
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TIDBITS . . Gold purchases by the BSP have gone down by 95%. BSP is blaming a 7% tax being imposed by the BIR.
PO1 Ryan Bagadiong has been awarded a hero’s burial by MPD. He was promoted posthumously to PO2.
COA reports that the P169.4 million rental fee for UP Ayala Technohub property is missing.
The Comelec approved early voting for 200,000 media practitioners.
Former Chief Justice Reynato Puno has been appointed a member of the UP Board of Regents. An excellent appointment. Retirees should be harnessed to solve problems.
Greetings to avid readers: Mayor Bong Constantino of Malungon, Sarangani, PNP Col. Cedric Train, Chief of Police of Gen. Santos, ABC president Delia Constantino of Malungon, Patrick Yap of Glan, Barangay Chairman Flora Benzonan of Baliton, Glan, Vice Gov. Steve Solon of Sarangani.
Greetings also to Marita Huang of Café Puro. Thank you for the biscuits to Greggy and Dra. Lui Lecaros and Antonio Libuangan of Tagum City.
Congratulations to Mayor Rodolfo Constantino of Malungon, Sarangani and to Mayor Victor Yap of Glan, Sarangani for receiving the Seal of Good Housekeeping award from the DILG.
Congratulations to Jimmy and Jenny Napoles on the occasion of the 12th anniversary of the JLN Groups of Companies. A mass was concelebrated at their headquarters by Msgr. Josefino Ramirez and 30 other priests.