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Month: September 2016

VERA Files, Reporters Without Borders Germany partner to monitor media ownership in PH

Published by Ellen on September 5, 2016

Lisa-Maria Kretschmer, head of Research & Project Coordinator of Reporters Without Borders Germany Media Ownership Monitor, explains the project they are undertaking with VERA Files in the Philippines. Beside her is LUZ Rimban, VERA Files trustee.
Lisa-Maria Kretschmer, head of Research & Project Coordinator of Reporters Without Borders Germany Media Ownership Monitor, explains the project they are undertaking with VERA Files in the Philippines. Beside her is LUZ Rimban, VERA Files trustee.

By YVETTE MORALES

VERA Files has partnered with Reporters ohne Grenzen, German section of Reporters sans frontières (Reporters without Borders, RSF) to embark on a three-month study of media ownership in the Philippines.

The Media Ownership Monitor (MOM) Philippines is part of RSF’s global project to study the extent of the concentration of media ownership, a prerequisite for securing freedom of the press and defending the diversity of opinions.

Vergel Santos, Chairman of the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility, who was one of the participants in the roundtable discussion held last week to kick-off the project, called the MOM a “terrific,” much-needed initiative that will open people’s eyes to the power behind the media organizations.

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The President’s instructions under a State of Lawless Violence

Published by Ellen on September 4, 2016

President Duterte inspecting the Davao City night market -scene of the bombing Sept. 2 bombing.
President Duterte inspecting the Davao City night market -scene of the bombing Sept. 2 bombing.

We condemn the bombing at the Davao night market bombing last Friday which killed 14 people and injured more than 70.

We pray for strength for the families of those who died and were injured. We pray for justice for the victims and that includes all of the Filipino people.

Authorities are still investigating who are the perpetrators. Nothing definite yet except that the explosion was caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

There are as many speculations as there are spokesmen. Early reports said the terrorist group, the Abu Sayyaf, had claimed responsibility only to be denied later.

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Harry Roque will not be short of horror stories about Globe and Smart

Published by Ellen on September 4, 2016

Rep. Harry Roque delivering privilege speech.
Rep. Harry Roque delivering privilege speech.
This is a most welcome congressional inquiry.

Kabayan Party-list Representative Harry L. Roque, in a resolution filed last week said, “The House of Representatives requests the major telecommunication providers, Smart Telecommunications and Globe Telecommunications, to explain why the Filipino people are not receiving the quality of service that they deserve and, to show cause why they should have the privilege to keep their franchises despite the same.”

Roque said Section 20 of Republic Act 7925 provides all telecommunication users the right to reliable services and conforming to minimum standards set by the National Telecommunications Commission, regular and accurate billing, and thorough and prompt investigations and actions upon complaints.

Continue readingHarry Roque will not be short of horror stories about Globe and Smart