sunnysolstice

[sunnysolstice]

PERSEVERANCE OF CHILD LABOR PROGRAMS by MYSTERY GANG

Child labor is one of the problematic societal issues that is been discussed, many times on television and this issue has been tackled in many documentaries, even interviews from government agencies that are concerned with this type of issue said that they have programs in eliminating or solving this problem, but why is it that there are still children that are under the age of 18 and below that is working; how do their parents approve of this.

A survey was conducted in the Philippines by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) last 2011 alone, that there are 2.1 million child laborers in the Philippines aged 5 to 17 years old. You can see that the issue is visible in every corner of society, from public places like parks, institutions, and even to the small corners of the community. Also, according to the study conducted by the International Labor Organization entitled, Child labor is more prevalent among boys than girls at every age. For the age range of 12-14 years old, there are 11% of boys in child labor and 7.5% of girls. The age range of 15-17 years old, 12.2% of boys in child labor and 6.6% of girls.

As to why we the Mystery gang group have chosen child labor as our first investigative journalism report topic. Here in Baguio city, from our perspective child labor is prominent to the point that it is normal for children to adolescents to work if their parent's or guardians' incomes cannot provide enough financial stability for their families. But also, not every working child or adolescent can be automatically be pointed out as child labor, we found out that there is a thin line between a child laborer and a child worker.

We the Mystery Gang would like to highlight their differences by identifying the department's programs that assist with child labor cases. For society to be aware of the circumstances of the children and why it becomes an issue for the majority. We also worry for their safety and their physical, mental, and emotional health conditions.

The issue of child labor is a major concern for all areas of government, from the federal level down to local government units and agencies. The situation is particularly difficult for these child laborers, whose safety and well-being are jeopardized. Though it is clear that governments are attempting to address child labor issues through various programs and initiatives, the issue that prompted us to launch our investigation is the fact that there are still child laborers who have not been touched by these initiatives.

According to The Philippine Statistics Office, nearly 50,000 or four percent of about 1.4 million Filipino domestic workers are minors. And The government revealed that almost 5,000 of them were aged 14 or under.

In the year 2018, a total of 1,927 "child workers" or "children at risk" were identified by the provincial offices of the Department of Labor and Employment-CAR. Baguio and Benguet have the highest number of child laborers, with 495, followed by 341 each in Abra and Kalinga; 312 each in Apayao and Mountain Province; and 126 in Ifugao. Child laborers range in age from five to seventeen years old in the Philippines.

But in the year 2013, on the 19th day of December, the Republic Act No. 9231 or also known as the "SPECIAL PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AGAINST CHILD ABUSE, EXPLOITATION AND DISCRIMINATION ACT", contains all of the limitations and rules for all of the children to be considered as child laborers like minimum hours per day to maximum hours per week depending on their age, prohibitions on the different work that is hazardous to children and on the different administrative and criminal sanctions for violations. This law has become the foundation of most of the programs that were initiated by different government and non-government organizations like DOLE, DSWD, and other organizations.

However, the issue of child labor has drastically increased that even the President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte directed the city of Baguio to monitor and report all incidences of child labor in line with the objectives under the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 for a “Child Labor-Free Philippines” as well as achieve the goals specified in Executive Order No. 92 which institutionalized the National Council Against Child Labor (NCACL) to upscale the implementation of the Philippine Program Against Child Labor (PPACL).

And we discovered, during our investigation, the critical nature of considering multiple perspectives on the subject of child labor. We witnessed both the government's and the youth's sides in Lucnab, Baguio city. We addressed this issue by being critical of our interview questions. Because if we are unable to obtain the information we require due to the simplistic nature of the interviews, our research will be incomplete.

The solution or recommendation is to have a program for the child labor which is Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program or CLPEP. Yung CLPEP natin ay in line with Republic Act No. 9231, an act not sure kung ano ung exact niya pero amended Republic Act 7610. Actually, hindi siya more of the programs, ang pinaka program natin to eliminate is yung… Una kasi is we took profile, hanapin muna kung may child laborers from their merong needs assessment and ano pang kailangan na bakit ka ba nag tra-trabaho?

Apart from the articles that we found, we also scheduled an interview with DOLE-CAR representative Daryll Ponard from the child labor prevention and elimination program.

“Nagtra-trabaho ka dahil gusto mong mag-aral, so ire-refer natin sa programa ng DEPED. Nagtra-trabaho ka ba dahil may sakit si nanay, si tatay? Baka pwede natin i-refer sa DOH. Or nagtra-trabaho ka ba dahil pwenersa ka o pinilit ka? Baka pwede sa PNP or DSWD. So again, marami siyang programs pero ang no one diyan is yung profiling system ng CLPEP. For DOLE, ang first intervention natin diyan ay meron tayong livelihood for the parents/guardians of child laborers. Kasi may naka alot na budget from livelihood na 10% so for example, one billion yung budget for the livelihood ng buong Cordillera so 10% niyan which is 100 thousand.

So gagamitin yan pag may na profile na child laborer, kailangan ba ng parents niya ng pang livelihood, pang hanapbuhay para maalis sila sa child labor. Again, child labor ang pinaka first na ginagawa sa child labor. The livelihood is under Dole Integrated Livelihood Program or DILP. Pwede rin natin sila bigyan ng emergency livelihood through TUPAD, Tulong Pang hanapbuhay sa mga displaced na workers. Meron din tayo yung Project Angel Tree, so merong mag do-donate from NGOs or private institutions. For example: rotary, food packs. Donations through Project Angel Tree tapos mag ha-hanap tayo ng pwedeng beneficiary. Meron din tayong Sagip Batang Manggagawa or SBM. Ito yung quick action mechanism ng DOLE with other agencies usually yung law enforcement agencies.

Yung SBM is usually na co-contact sa mga medyo sensitive yung case. For example, na engage sa prostitution, cyber-crime, child pornography. We tap yung resources and yung assistance from other agencies through SBM. So yun lang yung programs na meron in reducing child labor. Again, profiling then needs assessment from there we branch out.”

Daryll: What is the progress of these programs?

“Yung details last year 100% ng mga... diba profiling, kapag na profile kailangan ma i-refer, so within 60 days kailangan may intervention. As of last year, naman na beat naman natin 100% lahat ng na profile ay nabigyan ng intervention or assistance.”

Interviewer: So diba po profiling, hindi po ba kayo ang maghahanap o kailangan po na kayo ang puntahan?

Daryll: “Ayun kapag may nag report naman kasi dito, mag co-conduct kami ng inspection. Ang profiling naman its outbound ibig sabihin kami na mismo ang pupunta in coordination with mga PESO, LGU's. Mag co-conduct na kami ng profiling through our community facilitators, un yung tawag namin sa mga nag pupunta doon.”

“Kapag may nag complain naman sa amin na may nag child labor, mga batang nag tra-trabaho namumulot ng basura or what. Yun naman yung mag coconduct kami ng inspection parang special cases. Or halimbawa may nag tip sa amin na meron pong drug den dito ganyan ganyan yun yung sa SBM.”

Interviewer: Pano po yung sa mga chil laborer na nag wo-work for private homes? Kasali po ba yun sa mga mabibigyan ng programs?

Daryll: “Pag na profile, i-assess kung ano ang mga needs nila. Tapos base sa DOLE guidelines kasi iba kasi ang child labor sa child work, and 17 years old and below pwede na yan actually mag trabaho yun nga lang ang only clarification doon is kapag 17 years old and below may restrictions. Hindi siya pwede sa hazardous na workplaces or work categories and meron siyang particular na working period lang.”

“So kapag 17y/o hindi siya pwedeng mag construction, farming. Kapag 14 and below dalawa lang ang pwede niyang trabaho either mag wo-work siya in a family supervised. For example, may sari-sari store sila at siya ang taga kahera doon or may restaurants sila tapos every now and then taga linis ng mga table. Tapos yung isa pa ay sa public information/entertainment pero in both instances kailangan na niya ng child work permit na kukunin dito sa may DOLE.”

“Clarify ko lang 17,15,16 pwede na yan mag trabaho pero ang working hours niya ay 8 hours lang at hindi pwedeng lumagpas doon. At hindi siya pwedeng mag work ng 10 PM onwards - 6 AM. Kapag 14, 13, 12 and below dalawa lang ang work niya ay family supervised or public entertainment. For example, si Raiza Mae Dizon I think 9y/o lang siya. So kailangan niya mag apply ng working child permit at 4hrs lang ang maximum workinghours niya in a day.”

Daryll: “Itong drastic changes when the pandemic started, for now, wala pa kaming active from the central office.”

Interviewer: May mga ways po ba para mahanap kayo ng child laborer?

Daryll: “Definitely pwede nilang i-contact dito sa office or i-coordinate nila with MSWADO. Pwede rin with barangay's kasi supposedly meron silang safe spaces and tawag doon kung saan yung mga bata doon sila pwedeng maka seek ng sanctuary kapag abused sila. Again for child laborers they can contact any govenrment agency.”

Interviewer: Wala po ba kayong events na ginagawa ngayon?

Daryll: “For now, marami kaming advocacy.”

Interviewer: Last question po, since construction is hazardous po, yung mga bata na nag vo-volounteer na mag karga ng mga grava, hollow blocks, cements para mabayaran.

Interviewee: “Kasi under Presidential Decree No. 442 yung labor code of the Philippines in conjunction with RA 9231 regardless kung for compensation or not rendered by a person under 17 y/o and below considered na yun na work. So kahit na voluntary siya, kahit na hobby niya ang nag buhat buhat, kahit kumita employer niya o hindi basta point dun is directly or indirectly na.”

“Nag benefit ung nag employ considered yun na child labor.”

Interviewer: Kahit kamag anak po nila yun?

Daryll: “Kahit kamag anak nila yun. Hazardous work yun. Hindi pwedeng sabihin ng bata na nag volunteer po ako, child labor parin yan. Ang mangyayari diyan kapag may aksidente pwede mag karoon ng stopage of work or worst ipa close yung establishment. Any work that is exploitative or hazardous to their health, physical health, mental health, social health ng bata definitely that's child labor.”

In conclusion, DOLE already has programs before for the child labor issue however they are still some children who are working either for their families or were forced to work by their parents, relatives, or others.

[sunnysolstice]

🐝🐝🐝 or is it a cacidas 🤔? #celticcoloringbook #destress #cuteart https://www.instagram.com/p/CRNUBIEBpfg/?utm_medium=tumblr

[sunnysolstice]

Vitamin D

By: Sol

Photo taken by me ^_^

“The best investment you’ve ever make is your own health” by Unknown

I still remember last year like it was yesterday, I was physically and mentally drained. Finals were near and so was the finale of me being the first year. To top it all off, those last days of being tired and sleep-deprived with my classmates were the last time we will ever see each other. The first few days I thought I could finally catch my breath for once, all the pressure of school slowly faded. Then the announcement was made, we have to stay longer within our homes but the longer we stayed the more restless we were and anyone at that time. Within this span of time I had an on and off relationship of being healthy, from exercising daily to being at rest for months, from eating healthy to eating late or not eating at all. From having an adequate amount of sleep to sleeping when you see the sunrise through your window.

Until one night, my dad told me he was going to have a walk early morning and told me to accompany him. I barely go out when we had a strict quarantine, but this time the government in my city became lenient and let its citizens have a bit of freedom to roam, we just had to make sure to follow health protocols outside our homes at all time. I agreed to his request and was a bit excited too. I knew that there were going to be fewer people going out, well I hope that would be the case. I prepared my jogging pants, top, and running shoes the night before, I worry that because of my late sleeping habits I could sleep late and may not be able to wake up early.

I slept okay that night, and woke up at six, or was it 5 in the morning. The air was coldly blowing to my window, and because I live in a high/ medium-altitude the sky and even the houses were enveloped by a thick layer of fog and it felt so surreal seeing shadows of the houses and pine trees. I got dressed quickly and also my dad to not waste time, we only drank water, so when we come back home it was time for a big breakfast to start the day. As the fog lifted up dramatically, we were already outside our home and began to walk to the airport, since it was the closest place to walk without being near fast-moving cars. That day made me feel like I can conquer the world, I felt ecstatic to go outside.

I remembered how I get to see that first light that pierced through the thick fog, and slowly more light went through. At that time, I felt an adrenaline-pumping up, I also brought my phone and a zoom lens to take pictures while we’re walking. We passed by dewy plants, glistening like jewels, we passed by animals doing some stretches before playing with their furry friends. We saw the airport and I took that photo when I looked back on how long we came from. It made me realize that being outside once in a while isn’t bad. Looking back, I kept complaining and being easily burned out, but my solution was just playing games on my laptop and thinking that was rest, well it isn’t.

For a full rest, we shouldn’t tire our eyes. Learned to be away from your gadgets, learn to be away at your four-walled bedrooms, I forgot the beauty of nature, I see it being posted by social media yet didn’t have the time to look at the nature surrounding me. I hope this can be a reminder that it’s okay to take a breather and be in nature, instead of being locked in our gadgets and calling it leisure.

[sunnysolstice]

All for Views

By: Sol

In the present times, we often hear or see these words hoax, false, fake, misinformation, disinformation and etc...

They may differ in spelling but they share some similarities. These words when used can alter a story or situation, making it seem that it would have been true but it's not. In the end, those contexts can fool people and may end up ruining someone’s life or just ruining a lot of things in general.

From the University of the Philippines, Professor Clarissa David of the College of Mass Communication said that communications or media scholars have recently categorized fake news into two types: misinformation and disinformation. According to David, misinformation is false information that is unintentionally disseminated on online platforms. “There is no propaganda intention; mostly there is no political intention,” she said. Disinformation, on the other hand, is intended to convince online users to favor a group or individual political perspective. “Disinformation is orchestrated, it’s funded, … it’s planned. In politics, it’s run by professionals,” she added.

Here are categories of different fake news found in the Philippines and how I interpret it. First, let’s start off with Political fake news.

In the first image, the headline is “Altered Photo, Nun Mary John Mananzan says Aquino’s corrupt anti-heroes.” Being in the Political category, I assume that this fake image is disinformation. The person who altered the photo is pushing an agenda centered around the Aquino’s and depicting them as anti-heroes. But what Nun Mary wanted to point out was the Marco’s instead of the Aquino.

The middle image has the headline “False, Del Rosario, Robredo back out debate with Roque.” This fake news was proven false because in the first place neither Del Rosario and Robredo could have backed out of the supposed debate since both of them did not accept the challenge.

The last image is “False, Duterte gets mad at Pacquiao during the public briefing.” This image is false because, during the 1-hour briefing on May 10, Duterte had no intention of mentioning Pacquiao at that time.

Next is entertainment/ showbiz fake news. We can’t deny that there are some people that love to gossip about celebrities. Judging their acting skills, or their physical appearance, and even their life choices. But because celebrities are public figures, they have to endure or shrug off some negativity that is inevitable to avoid.

The first headline is “False, GMA news staff accepts money from Angel Locsin.” It’s false because at the time of her birthday pantry on 23rdof April 2021 she gave some money to her past make-up artist and not a staff that works in news and public affair. Angel’s witness was her fiancé Neil Arce.

The middle headline is “False, Liza Soberano to represent the Philippines in the 70th Miss Universe.” It’s false because Ogie Diaz her manager along with her debunked that claim on separate social media posts.

The last headline is “False, Richard Gomez in critical condition after a road crash.” One of the common fake news based on my observation is fake death news. The headline is false because Mayor Richard Gomez is alive and well, there has not been a road accident that he is involved in.

Next in the category is sports. In this pandemic there hasn’t been much “breaking news” worthy on sports, so we’ll dive into 2019 and 2020.

The first headline is “Fake, ABS-CBN to broadcast NBA on free TV starting Dec 22.” It was proven false because it wasn’t ABS-CBN who had a deal with NBA Philippines but rather CNN Philippines struck the deal. The Facebook page NBA On ABS CBN “is fraud."

The middle headline is “FALSE: 'Actual footage' of the helicopter crash that killed Kobe Bryant.” It was proven false because the footage that had been circulating on different Facebook pages was the video of December 2018 a helicopter crashed in the United Arab Emirates.

The last headline for sports is “FALSE: Photo of Philippine flag used as tablecloth 'in SEA Games 2019' event.” In 2019 this picture caused an uproar among Filipinos blaming the people behind the SEA games that they’re cheap to give a catering like that. But this image is false because the photos taken were from an undisclosed event and not part of the SEA games catering.

Second to the last of the category is about the Academe, the year 2020 was a heavy year. Everyone is affected by the pandemic, and how each country had to shut its doors in order to protect their citizens. But eventually life had to continue but there were new circumstances, like how DepEd and CHED implemented online learning, which until now is still hard to do.

Here’s the first headline “FALSE: Briones says classes will resume because ‘we will all die anyway.” This was proven false because she originally said “Blended learning will push through on August 24, according to Education Secretary Leonor Briones.” This caption was made by ABS-CBN, the false caption was made to put diversity rather than unity among Filipinos.

The middle headline is “FALSE: DepEd online giveaway of free WIFI, gadgets.” This headline was proven false because DepEd themselves debunked the caption and told the public to not fall for scams.

Last headline is “FALSE: 'No classes for all' in 2020-2021.” Which was proven false because at the time Duterte did a SONA 2020 speech and did not mention of any halt for classes.

The last category is from the Medical Field and quite a timely manner with all that’s going on in the world at the moment.

The first headline is “FALSE: Anti-hypertensive medication increases the risk for COVID-19.” This was false because health institutions that reviewed it hadn’t found evidence that increased COVID-19 risk due to ARBs and ACE inhibitors.

The next headline is “FALSE: COVID-19 mRNA vaccine ‘not a vaccine against coronavirus.” It was proven false because the health experts said that mRNA vaccines are safe, and though this vaccine works differently than the traditional vaccine, various studies showed that they are effective against coronavirus disease or COVID-19.

The last headline is “FALSE: Makati Medical Center says COVID-19 vaccines weaken the immune system.” On the 7th of May, 2021 the headline had been circulating on social media. But it was denied by the hospital and for evidence had released a list, proving that the caption contains inaccurate information.

In conclusion, anything on the internet can be altered so double-check the info you're reading if you want to pass it off as a piece of valid information that can inform people.

*All photos used are not mine, credits to the site I got it from*

[sunnysolstice]

The Comfort of their Paws

By: Sol

The pandemic has been hard for everyone, most of us have faced loneliness, isolation, boredom, fear, and maybe even depression, within our homes as the virus goes on to pillage the communities all over the infected countries. But once in our lives will come an angel. Their wings and halo may not be visible, and they may even have fur. But they definitely bring us joy and are our source of happiness and comfort.

Before my kittens arrived, the household was bleak. Despite the walls are painted a cozy yellow it didn’t feel that cozy at all. It felt like there was something missing. The house was getting larger while we remained a people of three living in a big house. I’ve always wanted a pet, but my mom disapproves every time I bring the topic to the table.

Whenever she disapproves of it there will be a frequent follow up “When you’re older and can financially take care of yourself then you can have a pet.” With that, I always agree with her. I know that having a pet isn’t just feeding them, but when you adopt a pet, you’re letting them know that they will be loved and cared for. All of their needs should be taken care of by you.

One night, my boyfriend heard a sound. It was a kitten meowing all alone in the cold streets near his apartment, his love for animals was great so he intended to get the kitten. He waited for the mom cat to get her, but after hours of waiting, she didn’t come back. It was saddening yet a chance for him to have a pet kitten, because growing up he was surrounded by cats but then college came so he had to leave his home and live elsewhere.

The kitten was so small and underweight yet strong and was trying its best to live, after many sleepless nights the kitten’s health was good. He named the kitten melon, because of his orange fur and big tummy. After a few days, he took another kitten and named her Fonzo, because his friend suggested a unique name. My boyfriend was happy to take care of them, but because they are growing bigger, they needed a bigger place to play and be comfortable.

He felt sad knowing he might lose the kittens and I told him why he would be upset if I’ll be the one taking care of them. The smile on his face was priceless and at that time I felt like it was a good plan. Surprisingly my parents agreed to it, I felt happy I have them.

For months of adjusting and being cared for, the kittens became cats. They are growing playful and naughty each day and yet I and my parents didn’t mind. Because at the end of the day they’ll always show their love for us. Since then, I have early chores to do like clean their litter box and feed them three meals a day. It's all worth it though because now my family got bigger and the house a bit cheerier.

[sunnysolstice]

Ember flakes (｡･ω･｡)ﾉ♡ Made with gimp. Even in an online class I'm still doodling (｡•̀ᴗ-)✧ Barely post but still alive ಠ‿ಠ #gimp #gimpart #mandala #cuteart #originalart #doodle #dodleart #doodles https://www.instagram.com/p/CFJBy4XAk8P/?igshid=qhkbg8d7qu65

[sunnysolstice]

Can’t Stop This – Social media Dependency

by: SunnySolstice

*Credits to the owners of these images* *I only own my thoughts*

The lifestyle that we have today is because of the advancement of technology has its pros, there are now a lot of convenience when doing daily task compared in the past years and one of it is the convenience to interact and communicate online. Imagine a world where everyone is globally connected, that imagination isn’t far because we are already in progress of that.

Social media has helped us with communication and at the same time their platforms that we can truly express ourselves, it could be through Facebook post, Tweets on twitter, sharing your creative blogs on Tumblr, and many more. If people in the past can see the future with their own eyes, they will think of it as a delight. But not entirely, just like in the past there were only a few conveniences and now there are too much of a convenience that some can be deemed useless, for now.

Despite the freedom to share and say anything in the digital world, it would have its pros and cons too. The pros on this is that we have freedom or rather the rules within social media isn’t that hefty yet, and also the interaction is almost limitless, some platforms let you chat with total stranger to be friends with like meeting people virtually. The cons however are that what you post will be there forever, even if you deleted your post and someone saw it, they could spread it and gossip will follow you. Another one is privacy, being on social media what you post could be what you are and because of that the toxicity of some platforms vary. But of course, that will not stop you from using social media.

There are times that no matter how long we scroll through posts, we will always be entertained or inform with various content for each post. And that is how dependency on social media started, the more we indulge in looking at post the more hooked on we get. What started as a simple form of entertainment because of habit to look at in the middle of the night to when we wake up, we see the blue screens of our gadgets, into becoming an addiction. Being addicted to vices are already hard to break but what about being addicted to social media.

A video called “NIH study tracks effects of social media on adolescent brains” had talked about adolescent addiction to social media. Basically, when we post something on social media and its garnered attention in a good way our brain gets rewarded with the happy chemical and that feeling we’ve achieved something. A lot of people want to feel that happiness on social media and when they got it, they get hooked on it. Likes has now been fuel for adolescents to keep them happy, not much on communication but rather that short appreciation they got from their post or the views that it attracted with it.

As cliché as it sounds, likes mattered for them because they felt that they were a somebody in a world were majority are a nobody. Through the eyes of some they’ll think likes worth of appreciation is normal but what would happen if that person addicted to likes became to draw danger near them just for that short spotlight. Doing various stunts or things that can get them views in the expense of their safety. Social media are platforms for you to express what you love and yourself, don’t let the likes shackle you to doing stuff you didn’t to before.

[sunnysolstice]

trutthhhh

Good conversation turns me on. A connection between two people, a mental one first.

— Brian Molko

[sunnysolstice]

☆*:.｡.o(≧▽≦)o.｡.:*☆ I LIIIIIIIVVEEEEE August 1, 2020 Title: Angel of the ocean Made by: Me  (´,,•ω•,,)♡ Program used: Gimp (is my bae)

I did this for 2 days, I may not get the lighting of the ocean or how the jellyfish should shine right I’m still proud of it  ＼(≧▽≦)／ glad I pulled through and finished this.

Remember drink plenty of water and wear a mask, stay safe <3

[sunnysolstice]

Made for a friend (｡ﾉω＼｡), who also wants wine time? (≧▽≦)

[sunnysolstice]

GLASS STARS 1 AND 2 CAUSE I CANT CHOOSE (｡ﾉω＼｡), I'm still new to drawing "digitally" this took me 1-2 weeks (･ัω･ั)

Made this using gimp eheheheh

[sunnysolstice]

Rewind to 1972

By: SunnySolstice

-I don’t own the pictures that are presented, credits to the owner of this pics-

“History never repeats itself; Man, always does.” – Voltaire

The events that had happened in the year 2020 can be a flash back to a certain past where the government of the Philippines once tried to forcefully silence the media or the journalist to freely express themselves. Back then when Ferdinand Marcos was the president, he had one of the biggest media outlets or a powerhouse that shares information to the masses like Abs-Cbn to force shut down. Because of how the government thought that media outlets like them will be problematic to the point that they can twist the truth, hide, manipulate, or give it raw to let the masses see the errors of the government. The year 2020 can be the new “1972” and here’s why.

According to the Martial Law Museum “Forms of media like the newspaper, radio, and television play a vital role in ensuring that key information reaches the people. As they carry out their duty, journalists that report on the activities of government, businesses, and civil society may often expose errors and even wrongdoing by certain individuals and groups. This is also important to democracy: freedom of information also entails freedom to criticize. This allows citizens to make better choices when it comes to selecting their leaders, and it even challenges leaders to perform their duties better with competence and integrity, knowing they will be held accountable to their people for what they say and do.”

This is how essential for a democratic country is the freedom of speech or the freedom to give information to the masses, every citizen has a voice in the Philippines as it should be. But Marcos was smart and made a drastic change to their country.

“In his ascent to power, Marcos was well-aware of the role that the media played in society, and he exerted considerable effort to exercise control over it. By shutting down competing voices and setting up a media outlet that was under his control, Marcos silenced public criticism and controlled the information that the people had access to. By doing so, Marcos had the final say in whatever passed for the truth.” another statement from the Martial Law Museum

Imagine a country that you can’t speak up, the government being completely in control and they will have the final words for every news they release, despite that the media out lets can also filter out news but for the sake of the masses they would not. Because they believed that every citizen deserves to know the truth. In the year 2020, there’s a new problem for Abs-Cbn.

President Rodrigo Duterte threatened to shut down Abs-Cbn for several reasons.

·         Lopez’s dual citizenship

Abs-Cbn is owned by the Lopez family, according to the TWG report, there is a cloud of doubt on Lopez's Filipino citizenship and allegiance to the Philippines. Lopez is a dual citizen, both a natural-born Filipino and an American citizen. Stated in the law that mass media companies should be owned by a 100% Filipino citizen.

·         ABS-CBN TV Plus Box, KBO pay-per-view

Those black boxes that you’ve either purchased or your relatives have purchased could have been free instead.

It said there is no authorization from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) on record allowing ABS-CBN to produce the TV Plus Box containing multiple channels, much less to sell it for profit. According to the NTC, ABS-CBN had no authority to encrypt or lock from the non-paying public its TV Plus Boxes, which are clearly only “free-to-air” under its legislative franchise.

·         Failure to regularize its employees and Taxes

These two are the most famous reasons why the president and other people wanted Abs-Cbn down. Some of their employees despite working for how many years in the industry are still not a regular at their job, also the franchise hasn’t been paying their taxes for how many years racking up a lot of money but let’s also add fuel to the fire by going back to 2016 presidential election, Duterte at that time went to Abs-Cbn to pay for airing his ad campaign but the mass media declined, Duterte thought of them as biased and still held that grudge even today.

           But bigger picture isn’t about the issues that Abs-Cbn made, it was the downfall of one of the distributors of information to the masses, some laughed at their downfall and some are saddened. Today, in this pandemic a lot of employees have lost their jobs causing the economy to slowly fall. We need as much information as we can get and everyone should have access to that, even very secluded areas with little signal. Abs-Cbn along side with GMA help spread information on equal terms across the country. If the government erased one of them, in the future would it be more? Slowly our freedom of speech will soon be contained or limit, that’s what I think, what about you?

Sources:

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1108624

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-53360925

https://www.hrw.org/news/2019/12/04/duterte-threatens-shut-down-tv-network

https://martiallawmuseum.ph/magaral/breaking-the-news-silencing-the-media-under-martial-law/

[sunnysolstice]

Photos by me (｡･ω･｡)ﾉ♡

Morning, Sunset, or Night I've always adorned long roads. Whenever the chance I get to travel , I'll always have a picture of a road.

[sunnysolstice]

Time and Self

By: SunnySolstice

                 At some point in our lives, we dreamed and even wished to go back in time. It could be out of curiosity of what it could it be like. But I know for sure, each individual has different motivations to yearn for such a thing. Within their thoughts it could be motivations to save the world or to save “their” world.

“There are moments when we must understand that the decisions, we make influence more than just our own fates.” – Dark

Imagine if you were able to do so, accidentally or not. What if you were able to correct your mistakes? What if you were able to take those missed opportunities? What if you gave some advice to your younger self? Time travelling would be a bit easier if it was only concerning you, but what about the world? You might think something so simple won’t drastically change the world, but I think it would. Just like the butterfly effect, the concept that one thing can trigger another until it becomes big enough to changes everything around it. 

Ever since that day, March 14, 2020 had happened, I began to re-evaluate my choices of that month. I didn’t know that would be the last day I’d get to see my classmates, my friends, the places we’d go to, and even seeing my lover. This was also the day my country, Philippines decided to pause. Just like the rest of the world that halted everything because of the corona virus. Each and almost everyone had placed themselves in their homes doing quarantine, so as to live another day. With each day had passed the news became so toxic to look at, and all you can do it grieve because hundreds to thousands fall victim to this virus and one day if could be you.

If I could go back to the start of the year, maybe it would have been different but who knows?

The month of March and April made me worry and even thing like a pessimist which is not in my character before, but then I started to try and see things differently of what quarantine can positively impact you.

Here’s how I cope with quarantine:

First, you need to have a schedule or organize your time. Time management is important to go about your day, specially now, we need this to stay grounded and not feel aloft. I still have my alarm to wake up in the morning and I try my best to sleep early at night (still getting there). Also, have a schedule of when to eat as well. If you don’t have a routine of when to eat, you’ll just feel sluggish and even more lazy to prepare your meal. 

Second, learn to take a break from things.  Seeing the news daily specially now can only make a person paranoid and stress, I don’t want that and so do you. Learn to break away and enjoy the simple things in life it offers you. You got siblings? Maybe its time to try and talk to them to get closer or bond with your family, and don’t forget to chat or be connected with your friends.

Third, explore your creative side. Ever since college started, I’ve been busy with academics and social life. But now, I can go back again to doing what I used to love. I love to draw, color, and sing. Being able to do those again can be a stress reliever and I’m happy with that. Your creativity doesn’t have to be extravagant, if you loved what you do in your free time then make the most of it, as long as your happy and able to not be stressed then that’s great. What I do may not be applicable to everyone but at least you’ve got the gist of it. Have a great day! <3

[sunnysolstice]

First "serious" digital art (｡ﾉω＼｡) progress goes a long way ehehehe