Deniece Cornejo and Cedric Lee To Post Bail

The Taguig Regional Trial Court has allowed model Deniece Cornejo, businessman Cedric Lee and Simeon Raz, Jr. to post bail in connection with the serious illegal detention case filed against them by actor-host Vhong Navarro.
The court said the prosecution was not able to present enough proof that serious illegal detention was done.

According to a source at the Department of Justice (DOJ), the bail doe Lee, Cornejo, and Raz was set at P500,000 each.
Vhong Navarro's lawyer reacts in another dzMM interview, Navarro's lawyer, Atty. Alma Mallonga said that she was "shocked" and "dismayed" by the court's decision.

She went on to point out that Navarro's testimony, wherein he said he was threatened with a gun and asked to pay money in exchange for his freedom, clearly proved that Lee, Cornejo, and Raz were guilty of serious illegal detention.

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RORO Vessels Sinks Off Near Leyte-Surigao

A Roll-on, Roll-off (RORO) ferry boat, MV Maharlika-2, sank between Southern Leyte and Surigao after it was battered by big waves. All its passengers abandoned the ship and were rescued by sister vessel, Maharlika 4, and a foreign vessel.
MV Maharlika-2 was manned by Capt. Juan B. Cayago. According to the ship's manifest, it carried 58 passengers (56 adults and two children), 26 crew members, and 13 rolling cargoes. These figures were cited in the initial incident report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
However, in a phone interview with ANC on Saturday, Southern Leyte Governor Roger Mercado said they were checking out reports that said the ship actually had over 100 passengers. Mercado later said that at least 23 people were not recorded in the ship's manifest.
Deputy presidential Spokesman Abigail Valte revealed that Cayago had told the Coast Guard there were actually 116 people on board when the vessel went down. The figure is in contrast with earlier reports that there were only 84 passengers and crew on the manifest.
"They are trying to get a more precise number of the people who were on the vessel," Valte said.
As of 12:30 p.m., there were 113 people reported rescued. The authorities also said that three people had died.
Ship's route
At around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 13, MV Maharlika-2—a vessel of Archipelago Ferries Corporation—departed from Lipata Port. It was bound for the Liloan Port.
The ship was six nautical miles northwest of Binit Point, Panaoan Island, it experienced steering problems due to the big waves and strong current.
Search and rescue efforts
The Coast Guard District Eastern Visayas (CGDEV), Coast Guard Station (CGS) Maasin, Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS), and CGSS Liloan were immediately directed to provide assistance to the ship.
At around 9:20 p.m., the passengers and crew abandoned MV Maharlika-2.
At around 11 p.m., the responding ship, MV Maharlika-4, arrived at the Lipata Port carrying 32 survivors.
Meanwhile, foreign vessel MV Lara Venture rescued 18 people, while MT St. Martin rescued five people. MV Orient King was also in the area to help in the search and rescue efforts.
As of early Sunday morning, September 13, at least 29 people were still missing.
Search and rescue operation continue to be conducted by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Emergency Response Services of Surigao City.
CGS Surigao and MV Maharlika-2's manager are now assisting survivors for processing and proper disposition.

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7.2-magnitude earthquake hits Bohol - October 15,2013

A 7.2-magnitude earthquake rocked Bohol Tuesday morning and damages to properties are expected, Phivolcs said.

The center of the strong quake was recorded in Carmen, Bohol around 8:12 a.m., according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

The earthquake is of tectonic origin, Phivolcs added.

The quake was also felt in provinces around Bohol, with Intensity VII noted in Tagbilaran, nearby areas such as Inigaran, Negros Occidental (Intensity VI), Intensity V in Iloilo City; La Carlota; Intensity IV in Masbate City; Roxas City; San Jose, Culasi, Antique; Guihulngan, Negros Oriental; and Intensity III - Davao City.

An aftershock was also recorded about 8:28 am, with a 3.4-magnitude quake.  

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) also asked its local offices to "undertake precautionary measures."

below are some images taken from cebu and bohol :

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Janet Lim Napoles Surrenders - Pork Barrel Scam

Malacañang confirmed that Janet Napoles has surrendered after President Benigno Aquino III had put up a P10 million bounty for her arrest.

In an official statement, presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said Napoles surrendered to President Aquino at 9:37 p.m. on Wednesday, August 28, 2013.

Aquino has turned the businesswoman over to the custody of interior and local government secretary Mar Roxas and Philippine National Police director-general Alan Purisima “for processing and booking.”

Atty. Lorna Kapunan, legal counsel of Napoles, told radio station DZMM that her client voluntarily surrendered to the president after the latter offered the reward money. Kapunan reportedly said that Reynald Lim, brother of Napoles, will follow suit.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Kapunan said her client trusted the president. The lawyer added they were assured that Napoles “will get due process of law.”

Napoles is “wanted on charges of serious illegal detention arising from the alleged kidnapping of Benhur Luy,” her relative and former employee, and the whistleblower of the controversial pork barrel fund misuse.

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Cybercrime Prevention Act 2012 - Republic Act No. 10175

Cybercrime Prevention Act will be implemented today, October 2, 2012, a few days after the 40th anniversary of the Martial Law, and three weeks after President Benigno Aquino III signed it into law.
Here is the full text of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 or the Republic Act No. 10175:
Republic of the Philippines
Congress of the Philippines
Metro Manila
Fifteenth Congress
Second Regular Session
Begun and held in Metro Manila, on Monday the Twenty-fifth day of July two thousand eleven.

[ Republic Act No. 10175 ]
AN ACT DEFINING CYBERCRIME, PROVIDING FOR THE PREVENTION, INVESTIGATION, SUPPRESSION AND THE IMPOSITION OF PENALTIES THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

CHAPTER I
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012?.
Section 2. Declaration of Policy. – The State recognizes the vital role of information and communication industries such as content production, telecommunications, broadcasting, electronic commerce, and data processing, in the nation’s overall social and economic development. The State also recognizes the importance of providing an environment conducive to the development, acceleration, and rational application and exploitation of information and communications technology (ICT) to attain free, easy, and intelligible access to exchange and / or delivery of information, and the need to protect and safeguard the integrity of computer, computer and communications systems, networks, and databases, and the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information, and data stored therein, from all forms of misuse, abus, and illegal access by making punishable under the law such conduct or conducts. In this light, the State shall adopt sufficient powers to effectively prevent and combat such offenses by facilitating their detection, investigation, and prosecution at both the domestic and international levels, and by providing arrangements for fast and reliable international cooperation.
Section 3. Definition of Terms. – For purposes of this Act, the following terms are hereby defined as follows:
(a) Access refers to the instruction, communication with, storing data in, retrieving data from, or otherwise making use of any resources of a computer system of communication network.
(b) Alteration refers to the modification or change, in form or substance, of an existing computer data or program.
(c) Communication refers to the transmission of information through ICT media, including voice, video, and other forms of data.
(d) Computer refers to an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromechanical, or other data processing or communications device, or grouping of such devices, capable of performing logical, arithmetic, routing, or storage functions and which includes any storage facility, or equipment or communications facility or equipment directly related to or operating in conjunction with such device. It covers any type of computer device including devices with data processing capabilities like mobile phones, smart phones, computer networks and other devices connected to the Internet.
(e) Computer data refers to any representation of facts, information, or concepts in a form suitable for processing in a computer system including a program suitable for processing in a computer system including a program suitable to cause oa computer system to perform a function and includes electronic documents and / or electronic data messages whether stored in local computer systems or online.
(f) Computer program refers to a set of instructions executed by the computer to achieve intended results.
(g) Computer system refers to any device or group of interconnected or related devices, one or more of which pursuant to a program, performs automated processing of data. It covers any type of device with data processing capabilities including, but not limited to, computers and mobile phones. The device consisting of hardware and software may include input, output and storage components which may stand alone or be connected in a network or other similar devices. It also includes computer data storage devices or media.
(h) Without right refers to either: (i) conduct undertake without or in excess of authority; or (ii) conduct not covered by established legal defenses, excuses, court orders, justifications, or relevant principles under the law.
(i) Cyber refers to a computer or a computer network, the electronic medium in which online communication takes place.
(j) Critical infrastructure refers to the computer systems, and / or networks, whether physical or virtual, an / or the computers, computer data and / or traffic data so vital to this country that the incapacity or destruction of or interference with such system and assets would have debilitating impact on security, national or economic security, national public health and safety, or any combination of those matters.
(k) Cybersecurity refers to the collection of tools, policies, risk management approaches, actions, training, best practices, assurance and technologies that can be used to protect the cyber environment and organization and user’s assets.
(l) Database refers to a representation of information, knowledge, facts, concepts or instructions which are being prepared, processed, or stored or have been prepared, processed or stored in a formalized manner and which are intended for use in a computer system.
(m) Interception refers to listening to, recording, monitoring or surveillance of the content of communications, including procuring of the content of data, either directly, through access and use of a computer system or indirectly, through the use of electronic eavesdropping or tapping devices, at the same time that the communication is occurring.
(n) Service provider refers to:
(1) Any public or private entity that provides to users of its service the ability to communication by means of a computer system, and
(2) Any other entity that processes or stores computer data on behalf of such communication service or users of such service.
(o) Subscriber’s information refers to any information contained in the form of computer data or any other form that is held by a service provider, relating to subscribers of its services other than traffic or content data and by which identity can be established:
(1) The type of communication service used, the technical provisions taken thereto and the period of service;
(2) The subscriber’s identity, postal or geographic address, telephone and other access numbers, any assigned network address, billing, and payment information, available on the basis of the service agreement or arrangement, and
(3) Any other available information on the site of the installation of communication equipment, available on the basis of the service agreement or arrangement.
(p) Traffic data or non-content data refers to any computer data other than the content of the communication including, but not limited to, the communication’s origin, destination, route, time, data, size, duration, or type of underlying service.
CHAPTER II
PUNISHABLE ACTS
Section 4 Cybercrime Offenses. – The following acts constitute the offense of cybercrime punishable under this Act:
(a) Offenses against the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of computer data and systems.
(1) Illegal access – The access to the whole or any part of a computer system without right.
(2) Illegal interception – The interception made by technical means without right of any non-public transmission of computer data to, from, or within a computer system including electromagnetic emissions from a computer system carrying such computer data.
(3) Data Interference – The intentional or reckless alteration, damaging, deletion or deterioration of computer data, electronic document, or electronic data message, without right, including the introduction or transmission of viruses.
(4) System Interference – The intentional alteration or reckless hindering or interference with the functioning of a computer or computer network by inputting, transmitting, damaging, deleting, deteriorating, altering or suppressing computer data or program, electronic document, or electronic data messages, without right or authority, including the introduction or transmission of viruses.
(5) Misuse of devices
(i) The use, production, sale, procurement, importation, distribution, or otherwise making available, without right, of:
(aa) a device, including a computer program, designed or adapted primarily for the purpose of committing any of the offenses under this Act; or
(bb) A computer password, access code, or similar data by which the whole or any part of a computer system is capable of being accessed with intent that it be used for the purpose of committing any of the offenses under this Act.
(ii) The possession of an item referred to in paragraphs 5(i)(aa) or (bb) above with the intent to use said devices for the purpose of committing any of the offenses under this section.
(6) Cyber-squatting. The acquisition of domain name over the Internet in bad faith to profit, mislead, destroy reputation, and deprive others from the registering the same, if such a domain name is:
(i) Similar, identical, or confusingly similar to an existing trademark registered with the appropriate government agency at the time of the domain name registration;
(ii) Identical or in any way similar with the name of a person other than the registrant, in case of a personal name, and
(iii) Acquired without right or with intellectual property interests in it.
(b) Computer-related Offenses:
(1) Computer-related Forgery:
(i) The input, alteration, or deletion of computer data without right resulting in inauthentic data with the intent that it be considered or acted upon for legal purposes as if it were authentic, regardless whether or not the data is directly readable and intelligible; or
(ii) The act of knowingly using computer data which is the product of computer-related forgery as defined here, for the purpose of perpetuating a fraudulent or dishonest design.
(2) Computer-related Fraud. The unauthorized input, alteration, or deletion of computer data or program or interference in the functioning of a computer system, causing damage thereby with fraudulent intent; Provided, That if no damage has yet been caused, the penalty imposed shall be one (1) degree lower.
(3) Computer-related Identity Theft. The intentional acquisition, use, misuse, transfer, possession, alteration or deletion of identifying information belonging to another, whether natural or juridical, without right. Provided, That if no damage has yet been caused, the penalty imposed shall be one (1) degree lower.
(c) Content-related Offenses:
(1) Cybersex – The willful engagement, maintenance, control, or operation, directly or indirectly, of any lascivious exhibition of sexual organs or sexual activity, with the aid of a computer system, for favor or consideration.
(2) Child Pornography – The unlawful or prohibited acts defined and punishable by Republic Act No. 9775 or the Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009, committed through a computer system. Provided, That the penalty to be imposed shall be one (1) degree higher than that provided for in Republic Act No. 9775.
(3) Unsolicited Commercial Communications – The transmission of commercial communication with the use of computer system which seek to advertise sell, or offer for sale products and services are prohibited unless:
(1) There is prior affirmative consent from the recipient;
or
(ii) The primary intent of the communication is for service and / or administrative announcements from the sender to its existing users, subscribers or customers; or
(iii) The following conditions are present:
(aa) The commercial electronic communication contains a simple, valid, and reliable way for the recipient to reject receipt of further commercial electronic messages (opt-out) from the same source;
(bb) The commercial electronic communication does not purposely disguise the source of the electronic message; and
(cc) The commercial electronic communication does not purposely include misleading information in any part of the message in order to induce the recipients to read the message.
(4) Libel. – The unlawful or prohibited acts of libel as defined in Article 355 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended committed through a computer system or any other similar means which may be devised in the future.
Section 5. Other Offenses – The following acts shall also constitute an offense:
(a) Aiding or Abetting in the Commission of Cybercrime – Any person who willfully abets or aids in the commission of any of the offenses enumerated in this Act shall be held liable.
(b) Attempt in the Commission of Cybercrime – Any person who willfully attempts to commit any of the offenses enumerated in this Act shall be held liable.
Section 6. All crimes defined and penalized by the Revised Penal Code, as amended, and special laws, if committed by, through and with the use of information and communications technologies shall be covered by the relevant provisions of this Act. Provided, That the penalty to be imposed shall be one (1) degree higher than that provided for by the Revised Penal Code, as amended, and special laws, as the case may be.
Section 7. Liability under Other Laws. – A prosecution under this Act shall be without prejudice to any liability for violation of any provision of the Revised Penal Code, as amended, or special laws.
Chapter III
PENALTIES
Section 8. Penalties. – Any person found guilty of any of the punishable acts enumerated in Sections 4(a) and 4(b) of this Act shall be punished with imprisonment of prision mayor or a fine of at least Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000) up to a maximum amount commensurate to the damage incurred or both.
Any person found guilty of any of the punishable acts under Sections 4(a)(5) shall be punished with imprisonment of prision mayor or a fine of not more than Five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000) or both.
If punishable acts in Section 4(a) are committed against critical infrastructure, the penalty of reclusion temporal or a fine of at least Five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000) up to a maximum amount commensurate to the damage incurred or both, shall be imposed.
Any person found guilty of any of the punishable acts enumerated in Sections 4(c)(1) of this Act shall be punished with imprisonment of prision mayor or a fine of at least Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000) but not exceeding One million pesos (P1,000,000) or both.
Any person found guilty of any of the punishable acts enumerated in Sections 4(c)(2) of this Act shall be punished with the penalties as enumerated in Republic Act 9775 or the “Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009?; Provided, That the penalty to be imposed shall be one (1) degree higher than that provided for in Republic Act 9775, if committed through a computer system.
Any person found guilty of any of the punishable acts enumerated in Sections 4(c)(3) shall be punished with imprisonment of arresto mayor or a fine of at least Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000) but not exceeding Two hundred fifty thousand pesos (P250,000) or both.
Any person found guilty of any of the punishable acts enumerated in Sections 5 of this Act shall be punished with imprisonment of one (1) degree lower than that of the prescribed penalty for the offense or a fine of at least One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000) but not exceeding Five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000) or both.
Section 9. Corporate Liability. – When any of the punishable acts herein defined are knowingly committed on behalf of or for the benefit of a juridical person, by a natural person acting either individually or as part of an organ of the juridical person, who has a leading position within, based on: (a) a power of representation of the juridical person provided the act committed falls within the scope of such authority; (b) an authority to take decisions on behalf of the juridical person. Provided, That the act committed falls within the scope of such authority; or (c) an authority to exercise control within the juridical person, the juridical person shall be held liable for a fine equivalent to at least double the fines imposable in Section 7 up to a maximum of Ten million pesos (P10,000,000).
If the commission of any of the punishable acts herein defined was made possible due to the lack of supervision or control by a natural person referred to and described in the preceding paragraph, for the benefit of that juridical person by a natural person acting under its authority, the juridical person shall be held liable for a fine equivalent to at least double the finds imposable in Section 7 up to a maximum of Five million pesos (P5,000,000).
The liability imposed on the juridical person shall be without prejudice to the criminal liability of the natural person who has committed the offense.
Chapter IV
Enforcement and Implementation
Section 10. Law Enforcement Authorities. The National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine National Police shall be responsible for the efficient and effective law enforcement of the provisions of this Act. The NBI and the PNP shall organize a cybercrime unit or center manned by special investigators to exclusively handle cases involving violations of this Act.
Section 11. Duties of Law Enforcement Authorities. To ensure that the technical nature of cybercrime and its prevention is given focus and considering the procedures involved for international cooperation, law enforcement authorities specifically the computer or technology crime divisions or units responsible for the investigation of cybercrimes are required to submit timely and regular reports including pre-operation, post operation, and investigation results and such other documents as may be required to the Department of Justice for review and monitoring.
Section 12. Real-time Collection of Traffic Data. – Law enforcement authorities, with due cause, shall be authorized to collect or record by technical or electronic means traffic data in real time associated with specified communications transmitted by means of a computer system.
Traffic data refer only to the communication’s origin, destination, route, time, date, size, duration, or type of underlying service, but not content, nor identities..
All other data to be collected or seized or disclosed will require a court warrant.
Service providers are required to cooperate and assist law enforcement authorities in the collection or recording of the above-stated information.
The court warrant under this section shall only be issued or granted upon written application and the examination under oath or affirmation of the applicant and the witnesses he may produce and the showing: (1) that there are reasonable grounds to believe that any of the crimes enumerated herein above has been committed, or is being committed, is about to be committed; (2) that there are reasonable grounds to believe that evidence that will be obtained is essential to the conviction of any person for, or to the solution or, or to the prevention of any such crimes, and (3) that there are no other means readily available for obtaining such evidence.
Section 13. Preservation of Computer Data. The integrity of traffic data and subscriber information relating to communication services provided by a service provider shall be preserved for a minimum of six (6) months period from the date of the transaction. Content data shall be similarly preserved for six (6) months from the date of receipt of the order from law enforcement authorities requiring its preservation.
Law enforcement authorities may order a one-time extension of another six (6) months.Provided, That once computer preserved, transmitted or stored by service provided is used as evidence in a case, the mere furnishing to such service provider of the transmittal document to the Office of the Prosecutor shall be deemed a notification to preserve the computer until the termination of the case.
The service provider ordered to preserve computer data shall keep confidential the order and its compliance.
Section 14. Disclosure of Computer Data. – Law enforcement authorities, upon securing a court warrant, shall issue an order requiring any person or service provider to disclose or submit subscriber’s information, traffic data or relevant data in his / its possession or control within seventy-two (72) hours from receipt of the order in relation to a valid complaint officially docketed and assigned for investigation and the disclosure is necessary and relevant for the purpose of investigation.
Section 15. Search, Seizure, Examination of Computer Data. – Where a search and seizure warrant is properly issue, the law enforcement authorities shall likewise have the following powers and duties.
Within the time period specified in the warrant, to conduct interception, as defined in this Act, and:
(a) To secure a computer system or a computer data storage medium.
(b) To make and retain a copy of those computer data secured.
(c) To maintain the integrity of the relevant stored computer data.
(d) To conduct forensic analysis or examinations of the computer data storage medium; and
(e) To render inaccessible or remove those computer data in the accessed computer or computer and communications network.
Pursuant thereof, the law enforcement authorities may order any person who has knowledge about the functioning of the computer system and the measures to protect and preserve the computer data therein to provide, as is reasonable, the necessary information to enable the undertaking of the search, seizure and examination.
Law enforcement authorities may request for an extension of time to complete the examination of the computer data storage medium and to make a return thereon but in no case for a period longer than thirty (30) days from date of approval by the court.
Section 16. Custody of Computer Data. All computer data, including content and traffic data, examined under a proper warrant shall, within forty-eight (48) hours after the expiration of the period fixed therein, be deposited with the court in a sealed package, and shall be accompanies by an affidavit of the law enforcement authority executing it stating the dates and times covered by the examination, and the law enforcement authority who access the deposit, among other relevant data. The law enforcement authority shall also certify that no duplicates or copies of the whole or any part thereof have been made, or if made, that all such duplicates or copies are included in the package deposited with the court. The package so deposited shall not be opened or the recordings replayed, or used in evidence, or their contents revealed, except upon order of the court, which shall not be granted except upon motion, with due notice and opportunity to be heard to the person or persons whose conversation or communications have been recorded.
Section 17. Destruction of Computer Data. Upon expiration of the periods as provided in Sections 13 and 15, service providers and law enforcement authorities, as the case may be, shall immediately and completely destroy the computer data subject of a preservation and examination.
Section 18. Exclusionary Rule. – Any evidence procured without a valid warrant or beyond the authority of the same shall be inadmissible for any proceeding before any court or tribunal.
Section 19. Restricting or Blocking Access to Computer Data. – When a computer data is prima facie found to be in violation of the provisions of this Act, the DOJ shall issue an order to restrict or block access to such computer data.
Section 20. Non-compliance. Failure to comply with the provisions of Chapter IV hereof specifically the orders from law enforcement authorities shall be punished as a violation of Presidential Decree No. 1829 with imprisonment of prision correccional in its maximum period or a fine of One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000) or both for each and every non-compliance with an order issued by law enforcement authorities.
Chapter V
Jurisdiction
Section 21. Jurisdiction. The Regional Trial Court shall have jurisdiction over any violation of the provisions of this Act including any violation committed by a Filipino national regardless of the place of commission. Jurisdiction shall lie if any of the elements was committed within the Philippines or committed with the use of any computer system wholly or partly situation in the country, or when by such commission any damage is caused to a natural or juridical person who, at the time the offense was committed, was in the Philippines.
There shall be designated special cybercrime courts manned by specially trained judges to handle cybercrime cases.
Chapter VI
International Cooperation
Section 22. General Principles Relating to International Cooperation. – All relevant international instruments on international cooperation in criminal maters, arrangements agreed on the basis of uniform or reciprocal legislation, and domestic laws, to the widest extent possible for the purposes of investigations or proceedings concerning criminal offenses related to computer systems and data, or for the collection of evidence in electronic form of a criminal offense shall be given full force and effect.
Chapter VII
Competent Authorities
Section 23. Department of Justice (DOJ). There is hereby created an Office of Cybercrime within the DOJ designated as the central authority in all matters relating to international mutual assistance and extradition.
Section 24. Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC). There is hereby created, within thirty (30) days from the effectivity of this Act, an inter-agency body to be known as the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), under the administrative supervision of the Office of the President, for policy coordination among concerned agencies and for the formulation and enforcement of the national cybersecurity plan.
Section 25. Composition. The CICC shall be headed by the Executive Director of the Information and Communications Technology Office under the Department of Science and Technology as Chairperson with the Director of the NBI as Vice Chairperson; the Chief of the PNP, Head of the DOJ Office of Cybercrime; and one (1) representative from the private sector and academe, as members. The CICC shall be manned by a secretariat of selected existing personnel and representatives from the different participating agencies.
Section 26. Powers and Functions. – The CICC shall have the following powers and functions:
(a) To formulate a national cybersecurity plan and extend immediate assistance for the suppression of real-time commission of cybercrime offenses through a computer emergency response team (CERT).
(b) To coordinate the preparation of appropriate and effective measures to prevent and suppress cybercrime activities as provided for in this Act;
(c) To monitor cybercrime cases being handled by participating law enforcement and prosecution agencies.
(d) To facilitate international cooperation on intelligence, investigations, training, and capacity building related to cybercrime prevention, suppression, and prosecution.
(e) To coordinate the support and participation of the business sector local government units and non-government organizations in cybercrime prevention programs and other related projects.
(f) To recommend the enactment of appropriate laws, issuances, measures, and policies.
(g) To call upon any government agency to render assistance in the accomplishment of the CICC’s mandated tasks and functions.
(h) To perform all other matters related to cybercrime prevention and suppression, including capacity building and such other functions and duties as may be necessary for the proper implementation of this Act.
Chapter VIII
FINAL PROVISIONS
Section 27. Appropriations. – The amount of Fifty mission pesos (P50,000,000) shall be appropriated annually for the implementation of this Act.
Section 28. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – The ICTO-DOST, the DOJ, and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) shall jointly formulate the necessary rules and regulations within ninety (90) days from approval of this Act, for its effective implementation.
Section 29. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act is held invalid, the other provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect.
Section 30. Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees or rules inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. Section 33(a) of Republic Act 8792 or Electronic Commerce Act is hereby modified accordingly.
Section 31. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after the completion of its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,
(Sgd.) FELICIANO BELMONTE JR.
Speaker of the House
of Representatives
(Sgd.) JUAN PONCE ENRILE
President of the Senate
This Act which is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 2796 and House Bill No. 5808 was finally passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives on June 5, 2012 and June 4, 2012 respectively.
(Sgd.) MARILYN B. BARUA-YAP
Secretary General
House of Representatives
(Sgd.) EMMA LIRIO-REYES
Secretary of the Senate
Approved: September 12, 2012
(Sgd.) BENIGNO S. AQUINO III
President of the Philippines
Republic Act No. 10175 or The Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 is deemed by many as the worst assault on free expression since Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law exactly 40 years ago.

What do you think? How are you affected?

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Jesse Robredo Body Found Dead

 After two days of intense search and rescue operations following a plane crash, Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo has been found dead.

An emotional DOTC Secretary Mar Roxas announced the development Tuesday morning. He noted President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III personally called Robredo's wife to convey the sad news.

Roxas said divers saw Robredo still inside the plane, at sea depths of 180-feet. He added the plane fuselage was discovered 7:35 am Tuesday, and Robredo's body was retrieved 8:15 am.

Roxas said rescue operations for two other pilots, Captain Jessup Bahinting and Nepalese flight student Kshitiz Chand, has been turned into a retrieval operations.

"Airplane was inverted. In that configuration, two pilots are inside cockpit. Jess being a passenger, mas madaling ma-access," said Roxas in a televised press conference.

Aquino immediately flew to Masbate and has supervised the transfer of Robredo's remains.

"The metal casket bearing the remains of Sec. Robredo was transferred to the C130 plane used by P-Noy. The President will personally bring Sec. Robredo's remains to Naga City, to the Archbishop Palace where his family will be waiting," the government said.
Roxas noted that Robredo's remains are in "sensitive state", given that the body has been underwater for two days now.

"Jess was underwater for more than two days now so changes in pressure and atmosphere [will make preserving the body for transport] complicated," he said.
In Naga City, Robredo's hometown and where he served as Mayor for several terms, Bicolanos are mourning. On Sunday, yellow ribbons adorned the late Interior Secretary's humble abode in hopes of still finding him alive.
On Saturday, a single-engine, four-seater Piper Seneca plane carrying Robredo en route to Naga City from Cebu City crashed off Masbate after reports of engine trouble.

Don Abrazado, Robredo's aide, survived the crash. Officials say investigation will resume after the bodies of the pilots have been retrieved.
Palace mourns passing of "family member"

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. says Cabinet members are mourning Robredo's death. He said Robredo was a "dedicated public servant".

"Secretary Robredo was a dedicated public servant and a champion of good governance whose track record in public service has been an inspiration to all those who believe in government as an instrument for positive change," Ochoa said in a statement.

Ochoa said "prayers go out to the families of Robredo" and the DILG employees "who lost a leader who tirelessly worked and contributed greatly to President Aquino's campaign for good governance as a means to improve the lives of our countrymen."

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Vina Marie Del Rosario | Nursing Student Commits Suicide

Vina Marie del Rosario, a graduating nursing student ended her life by jumping off the third floor of Atrium Mall located at General Luna St. in Iloilo on Tuesday morning, November 15.

Authorities rushed her to a nearby hospital right after she jumped but doctors declared her dead on arrival.

Del Rosario, a fourth-year nursing student of St. Therese College, died of severe head injuries, hospital officials said.

The victim was positively identified by her family and school officials who rushed to St. Paul's Hospital, located across the Atrium mall.

Her family said a lingering mental problem and supposed pressures in school, particularly her thesis work, triggered the suicide.

Elementary school principal Mila Engalgado, a family friend, told Bombo Radyo Iloilo that Del Rosario had been worried about her thesis until past midnight on Monday.

Del Rosario's peers described her as "studious" and "very serious" in her studies.

A salon staff told reporters that the nursing student was already at the third level of the mall minutes after the establishment opened at 9 a.m. Tuesday.

Luben Calixto, a salon staff, said he initially saw Del Rosario sitting on the bench looking distressed. The next time he saw her, the victim was already throwing herself off the steel railings.

Shoppers in the mall's first floor were shocked at the sight of the woman who made a 30-foot death leap.

Calixto said salon staff tried to grab the woman but help came seconds late.

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SC Allows Arroyo To Travel Abroad But Immigration Men Bar Arroyo From Leaving

MANILA, Philippines–Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her husband and their entourage were barred by immigration officials from leaving the country Tuesday night.

Atty. Ferdinand  Topacio is eyeing contempt of court charges against those who blocked the Arroyos from leaving the country.

The Arroyos were supposed to take the Dragon Air flight bound for Hong Kong at 8:50 pm.

SC Allows Arroyo To Travel Abroad But Immigration Men Bar Arroyo From Leaving

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Miss World Philippines 2011 Winners

Here is the list of winners:

Miss World Philippines 2011 Gwendolyn Ruais
1st Princess: Helen Nicolette Henson
2nd Princess: Martha Chloe McCulley
3rd Princess: Ma. Paula Bianca Paz
4th Princess: Jaysel Arrozal

Recipients of Major and Special Awards:

Evening Gown: Ma. Paula Bianca Paz
Swimsuit: Gwendolyn Ruais
Talent: Rogelie Catacutan
Photogenic: Samantha Neville Purvor
People’s Choice: Loucelle De Jesus
Ms. SMDC: Martha Chloe McCulley
Ms. Kapuso World: Martha Chloe McCulley

Top 5:

Helen Nicolette Henson
Martha Chloe McCulley
Jaysel Arrozal
Ma. Paula Bianca Paz
Gwendolyn Ruais

Top 12:

Ma. Paula Bianca Paz (Nueva Ecija)
Elaine Kay Moll (Naga City)
Gwendolyn Ruais (Muntinlupa City)
Rogelie Catacutan (Cebu City)
Erina Ann Lightholder (Los Angeles, California)
Jaysel Arrozal (Valenzuela City)
Samantha Neville Purvor (Quezon City)
Martha Chloe McCulley (Parañaque City)
Helen Nicolette Henson (San Fernando, Pampanga)
Mercy Malaluan (Camarines Norte)
Charlotte Melissa Tyler (Quezon City)
Loucelle De Jesus (Angeles City, Pampanga)

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UST Human Cross Now A Guinness World Record - Largest Human Cross

UST Human Cross Now A Guinness World Record  - Largest Human Cross :

THE University of Sto. Tomas (UST) can now claim to have organized the "Largest Human Cross" after receiving an official certificate from the Guinness World Records.

IT’S now official!  Guinness World Records has certified that indeed, the human cross formed by the Thomasian community at the the University of Santo Tomas (UST) on Ash Wednesday, March 9, 2011, is the largest ever formed in the world.

The letter from Guinness, dated August 8, 2011 and addressed to the UST Office of Public Affairs says: “We are pleased to confirm that you have successfully set the new Guinness World Records title for ‘Largest Human Cross’.  Guinness World Records congratulates you on your achievement.  Enclosed is your official Guinness World Records certificate confirming your title.  Details of your achievement have been entered into our Records Database.”     

The Guinness World Records Certificate bearing the GWR seal received by the UST-OPA on August 10, 2011, states: “The largest human cross was achieved by 13,266 participants at an event organized by the University of Santo Tomas (Philippines) in Manila, Philippines, on 9 March 2011.”

 

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6.2 Magnitude Earthquake in Negros Occidental

Earthquake in Negros Occidental : A 6.2-magnitude earthquake hit Sipalay Negros Occidental at 4:47 a.m Tuesday with two aftershocks of 5.7 and 5.5 magnitude located at 112 km S 70° W of Dumaguete City, Negros Occidental based on PHIVOLCS Earthquake Intensity scale.
Intensity 5 earthquake was felt in Sipalay City; Intensity IV in Oton, Iloilo, Dumaguete City, and the towns of Binalbagan, Hinigaran in Negros Occidental and Sibulan, Negros Oriental; Intensity 3 in San Jose in Antique, Dapitan City in Zamboanga del Norte, Talisay City in Cebu; Intensity 2 in Cagayan de Oro City, Dipolog City and La Carlotta City, Negros Occidental; and Intensity 1 in La Castellana, Negros Occidental.
PHIVOLCS Deputy Director Dr. Bartolome Bautista said there have been no reports of injuries or major damage as said earthquake had struck off at safer depth.
No tsunami warnings have been issued in the aftermath.
At 4:58 of the afternoon, on the other hand, a 5.2-magnitude earthquake was again felt in Negros Occidental.

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Philippine Azkals Defeat Sri Lanka - Watch Replay Video

The Philippine Azkals made history by becoming the first Philippine team to advance to the second round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The Filipinos defeated Sri Lanka, 4-0, (5-1 on aggregate) much to the delight of thousands of local football fans who endured the rain just to witness the match at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

The second and controversial goal came from Phil Younghusband in the 42nd minute. The assistant referee blew his whistle and gave Younghusband a foul during his goal for supposedly pushing a Sri Lankan player. But, the head referee officially counted the goal, giving the Azkals a 2-0 lead and an aggregate score of 3-1 at the end of the first half.

Angel Guirado raised the score to 3-0 in the second half and ultimately crushed the hopes of the smaller boys of Sri Lanka.

Phil Younghusband scored on the penalty shot after Fil-German midfielder Stephan Schrock was brought down in the penalty area by a Sri Lankan defender.

Azkals defeated Sri Lanka, final score 4-0, (5-1 on aggregate).

 Philippines will now advance to the second round of 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers for the first time. Azkals will play against Kuwait on July 23 and 28.

click here to watch the replay video of Phillipine Azkals vs Sri Lanka

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Jo Ramos - Samartino,Daughter of Fidel Ramos,Dies

Josephine "Jo" Ramos, second daughter of former president Fidel V. Ramos,dies oft lung cancer at The Medical City in Pasig at 1:10 a.m. on Monday, June 27. She was 54.Jo Ramos is one of the five daughters of ex-President Ramos with wife Amelita “Ming” Martinez-Ramos


Her remains now lies in state at Funeraria Paz in Sucat, Parañaque City.

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Derek Ramsay Married to Fil-Indian Woman- Wedding Pictures

Is Derek Ramsay really married to a Fil-Indian Woman?? Rumors has it that Derek Ramsay was once married to a Fil-Indian Woman.The two may be separated now but not legally separated.

According to PEP scoopbox, Derek is supposedly Vice Ganda's special guest this coming week in "Gandang Gabi, Vice" but the actor cancels his appearance and a no-show in the taping scheduled last Wednesday, June 22. The reason? He reportedly learned that "TV Patrol", the primetime news program of his mother network, will feature a shocking revelations about his marriage 9 years ago in the U.S. to a Fil-Indian model.

Rumors said Angelica Panganiban's boyfriend got “very mad and hurt” and has “threatened to leave the Kapamilya network” once it pursues to air the stunning report .

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Scarlet Fever Symptoms - Treatments

Scarlet Fever to reach Philippines? - Hong Kong has alread declared a Scarlet Fever outbreak after two children died and cases have reached 459. China and Macau have also reported 9,000 and 49 scarlet fever cases, respectively. The Department of Health (DOH) says it is unlikely for scarlet fever to reach the country from Hong Kong, where officials have declared an epidemic, but nonetheless encourages Filipinos to practice good hygiene as a preventive measure against any disease.

What are the characteristics of Scarlet Fever?
1.Sore throat
2.Fever
3.Bright red tongue with a "strawberry" appearance
4.Characteristic rash, which is fine, red, and rough-textured; it blanches upon pressure; appears 12–48 hours after the fever; generally starts on the chest, armpits, and behind the ears; spares the face; is worse in the skin folds; may spread to cover the uvula.

What are the Symptoms of a Scarlet Fever?

People with scarlet fever typically have rough rashes, high fever, and a strawberry-like appearance of the tongue.
Rashes associated with scarlet fever first show up as tiny red bumps, starting in a person'schest and stomach areas, and spreading to the rest of the body.

After the rash diseappears for 2-7 days, the skin on the tips of the fingers and toes begin to peel.

Other common signs of scarlet fever are:

1.a flush face with pale areas around the lips;

2.a red and sore throat that can have white or yellow patches;

3.a fever of 38.3 degrees Celsius or higher.

4.swollen glands in the neck.

5.Less common symptoms include nausea and vomiting, headache, and body aches.

How to Treat Scarlet Fever? / Treatment for Scarlet Fever

1.Other than the occurrence of the diarrhea, the treatment and course of scarlet fever are no different from those of any strep throat. In case of penicillin allergy, clindamycin or erythromycin can be used with success. Patients should no longer be infectious after taking antibiotics for 24 hours. People who have been exposed to scarlet fever should be watched carefully for a full week for symptoms, especially if aged 3 to young adult. It is very important to be tested and if positive, seek treatment.

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Tropical Depression Falcon ( Bagyong Falcon ) Updates

Tropical Depression Falcon ( Bagyong Falcon ) Updates : PAGASA‘s latest weather update to the said tropical depression “Falcon” is located at 670 km East of Borongan, Easter Samar with maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center.

It is moving west northwest at 19 kph and it is expected to be 440 kms East of Virac, Catanduanes by Wednesday morning, 420 km East Northeast of Casiguran, Aurora by Thursday morning, and 350 km East Basco, Batanes by Friday morning.

No signal warnings have been raised so far, according to PAGASA.

In their twitter account they posted " “base sa model maliit ang posibility na maglandfall sa kalupaan,” PAGASA."

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Total Lunar Eclipse in Philippines - June 16 2011

A Total Lunar Eclipse will be visible in Philippines this June 16 at 1:24am and will end at 7:00am, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) posted.

The phases of the total lunar eclipse are as follows:

Penumbral eclipse begins: 1:24 AM
Partial eclipse begins: 2:22 AM
Greatest eclipse: 4:12 AM
Partial eclipse ends: 6:02 AM
Penumbral eclipse ends: 7:00 AM

The total lunar eclipse will be visible provided that the sky is clear.The moon is  safe to watch and observers need not use any kind of protective filters in the eyes. A pair of binocular will help magnify the view and will make the red coloration of the Moon brighter


Why is the Moon Red During a Total Lunar Eclipse?

During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth blocks the Sun's light from reaching the Moon. Astronauts on the Moon would then see the Earth completely eclipse the Sun. (They would see a bright red ring around the Earth as they watched all the sunrises and sunsets happening simultaneousely around the world!) While the Moon remains completely within Earth's umbral shadow, indirect sunlight still manages to reach and illuminate it. However, this sunlight must first pass deep through the Earth's atmosphere which filters out most of the blue colored light. The remaining light is a deep red or orange in color and is much dimmer than pure white sunlight. Earth's atmosphere also bends or refracts some of this light so that a small fraction of it can reach and illuminate the Moon.

The total phase of a lunar eclipse is so interesting and beautiful precisely because of the filtering and refracting effect of Earth's atmosphere. If the Earth had no atmosphere, then the Moon would be completely black during a total eclipse

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China Executes Three Filipino Drug Mules

China Executes Three Filipino Drug Mules : Chinese authorities executed three Filipino drug mules on Wednesday, triggering condemnation in the Catholic Philippines and despair for relatives who witnessed their final moments.

"I just want to inform you that our three compatriots have been executed," Vice President Jejomar Binay announced over local radio, although there being no public announcement from the Chinese government.

"It is a sad day for all of us. Until the last moment, we did everything we could to save the three."

The Three Filipinos Executed in China -- Ramon Credo, 42, Sally Villanueva, 32, and Elizabeth Batain, 38 -- They were arrested separately in China in 2008 for smuggling heroin and sentenced to death.
The Philippine government had made repeated appeals in recent months to spare the lives of the trio, including by sending Binay to Beijing on a mission to have their sentences commuted to life in jail.
But the Chinese government insisted there would be no favours for the trio, and that their cases would be dealt with according to domestic laws.

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Jan Jan Suan Parents Defended TV 5 Willing Wille Host Against Controversy

Jan Jan Suan Parents Defended TV 5 Willing Wille  Host Against Controversy : Willing Willie's episode last night, featured again 6-year-old Jan-Jan Suan and this time with his parents to defend Willing Willie and its host Willie Revillame against allegations that the show and the host have abused their child during its March 12 episode, in which JanJan was showing  his "macho dancing" skills as his talent that has become a controversial topic on the internet,  to the extent that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has issued a statement, condemning the said episode and deemed it as a violation of the Child Abuse l
Jan Jan Suan’s parents finally speaks-up about the controversial dance talent of their kid and defended Willing Wilie and Willie Revillame against the allegations that they abused their kids during the March 12 episode.Jan Jan’s parents explained and defended their kids. It was his talent that causes stir.


This is what they said:

According to Diana, Jan-Jan's mother, Jan-Jan has been dancing ever since he was three-years-old.

Jan-Jan's father, Jojo, explained the boy has been joining in school programs and mall contests.

"Yan din ang kanyang talent. Talagang lahat ng tao nagsisigawan talaga sa kanya. Kaya nung narinig ko na may pa-audition kayo... hindi ako nag-atubili na i-audition ko yung anak ko dito. Kagustuhan din naman ni Jan-Jan. Sabi nya, 'papa, gusto ko pumunta nun at magaudition ako'," Jojo said.

The particular dance the boy performed during the March 12 show, which featured talented kids aged from six to 12, was taught by Jan-Jan's uncle, Jojo said.

He added that they merely wanted to support their child. "Syempre, gusto ng anak ko sumikat, gusto nya magartista, kaya yun ang ginawa nya para maiba sya at mapansin sya ng ibang tao," he said.

Click here to Watch the Video of Jan Jan Dancer Boy Video

So what do you think? Share you comments and opinions below 

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Greenbelt Signage Discrimination - Just A Prank?

Greenbelt Signage Discrimination - Just A Prank? :Ayala Land Inc., has denied posting the fake signage which says 'poor people and other disturbing realities' are prohibited from entering the Greenbelt Mall.

Ayala Land Inc. said the signage is a prank and they are investigating on the matter.Hours after the signage spread in the internet like fire, Ayala Malls, a real-estate subsidiary of Ayala Land, which owns Greenbelt Mall, issued an official statement as follows:

“This is regarding the alleged signage that has been posted today, 24 March 2011, at the Greenbelt Mall, a photo of which has been circulating online. This signage is not authorized and is not part of Greenbelt’s official mall signage.

The Ayala Malls Management does not tolerate such pranks and is currently investigating the matter. We shall be coordinating with the proper authorities for corresponding actions to be taken.

We would like to reassure everyone that Greenbelt is for the enjoyment of the public and the community it serves.”

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