New Cover Photo

How often do you change your Facebook cover photo and profile pic?

I initially planned to change it once a month to showcase my favorite pictures I’ve taken recently. However, I’m officially not a DSLR user right now. My Pentax K-S1 suddenly stopped working. It’s no longer turning on. It’s out-of-warranty and I am debating whether to have it fix or not.

Good thing is, I’m an iPhone 14 user now. My older iPhone 12 was replaced with this one by the ISP that I represent as a a coordinator on Reddit. Yup, I work part-time as a go-to person for people who post their internet issues on Reddit.

Other than that, nothing much is new with me. I started a printing shop business a few months ago and right now, I’m still trying my best to capture a decent amount of loyal customers. I am hoping to have at least 1% of the total population of Nagpayong Elementary School, Nagpayong Daycare Center and Nagpayong High School. I’m hoping to achieve it by year end.

If you haven’t Like or follow my printing business – called Larkspur Photocopy Services – you may go to www.larkspurpasig.wordpress.com Yeah I know, I’m a bit old-school by using blogs but I am trying my best to post regularly on my TikTok account. Hope you guys could promote that as well.

Other than that, I’m pretty much the same person. A corporate slave who works 8 hours a day, 5 days a week at a local in-house, financial company in Vertis North. Our client is based in the UK and is also catering to payment solutions in Ireland. So my schedule’s pretty much a mid shift.

I am also a “lolo” now, through my niece Trisha. She’s now a mom of a lovely baby girl named Violet. So I’m pretty much integrating the color to the design and color scheme of Larkspur Photocopy Services. Violet and Larkspur almost share the same birth month.

We’re almost done with 2023 and it’s a great opportunity to start over, rethink our goals and strategies, plan and move forward to new adventures. For the nth time, I am promising to be more active on this blog and my other social media channels. I’ve been active on Twitter aka X and on YouTube recently due to the Israel-Hamas war. I am really hoping that Israel would wipe out Hamas. I’m also hoping that Ukraine would be given the go signal to go all-out-war on Russie to stop Putin’s madness.

That’s all for now and hope to see you in the next post.

Technorati Tags: Facebook,Israel,Hamas,New Beginning,Larkspur Photocopy Services,Violet

Dito Telecoms To Launch Commercial Services March 2021

I recently emailed Dito Telecoms a.k.a. Dito Telecommunity on when they will start their service and I got a reply from info@dito.ph that it will be March 2021.

The 3rd Telco – Dito Telecommunity – is probably a play on the words telecom and community. 

I checked their website at dito.ph and check the services that they will be offering and based on the following information, it seems that they will only offer Mobile Services, not wired Internet connection.

So I emailed them for a follow-up and I’m still waiting for a reply. I am looking forward for the start of their service because my current ISP, Globe, still doesn’t have speed upgrade to my 3 mbps wired Internet connection.

However, it seems that having Dito Telecommunity would not change that because I need a wired Internet connection preferably speeds of 10 mbps or higher (requirement for Work From Home jobs). I do hope they would offer it soon since the demand for WFH jobs increased due to the pandemic of the Corona Virus Diseas (Covid 19)

27 Mbps on a mobile connection seems far from reality. But let’s give them the benefit of the doubt

The 3rd Telco is actually a campaign promise of Duterte. He said that we should have a 3rd Telco in his 1st year in office. However, he’s still in office for 4 years now and we still don’t have (technically) a working 3rd Telco

I am still hoping that the wired Internet connection will be under Data Products & Services.

BuzzNet Tags: 3rd Telco,Dito Telecommunity

Political Statements Using Canva

What better way to voice out your political views and opinions, than to use Canva – the easiest graphics design software available for free. It has a paid subscription option, but the free version is enough for me.

Canva is like PhotoShop – but is so much easier to use. You just have to select if you’re making a post for Instagram, Facebook, flyer, etc. Next, you just have to search for the theme that you want for your project like beach, quote, photography, travel, etc.

Editing of the template is easy. Just click on the text, select the font size and style, as well as the color and alignment. You can group/ungroup the texts for easier placement. Once a project is complete, simply click on Download to save the design.

Another thing I like about Canva is the ability to save the design online. It’s also easy to edit previous projects. Canva also has a mobile version that is sync to the PC version. Both designs are saved on the same account.

I’ve been using it mostly to make announcement posts to our photography club. I’m also using it to add “flavor” to my opinions about current events.

Check out some of my recent statements:

Mania Bay’s dolomite project

 

Reno liver spreads’ issue with FDA

 

Covid19 death cases continues to soar

 

Tatay Dig’s decision to appoint an ex-NBI head to lead PhilHealth

 

Pemberton’s absolute pardon

Technorati Tags: Current Events,Canva

Duterte Spreads False Info About #Covid19

Yes, you read that right – no other than President Duterte is spreading false information about the Corona Virus Disease a.k.a. #Covid19

In his late night conference yesterday April 3, 2020 he mentioned that #Covid19 is airborne and that you could die from it within 2 days. Both information from #Duterte have already been debunked by the World Health Organization.

Here’s the transcript of his speech explaining the #Covid19 in Filipino:

(15:29)
Nag-desisyon na kaagad ako kasi pinag-aralan ko na ang Covid. Sinusundan ko na ang Corona Virus d'yan. Because I read. Nagbabasa ako. Hindi ko na sabihin kung anong binabasa ko basta binabasa ko. I keep posted myself. CNN tapos yang about yan. Yang Covid in just a matter of 2 days kasi yung mga pasaherong sumakay ng eroplano umuwi yun. Mga turista umuwi kung saan. Pagdating nun sa kanila, pasa sila, kain, labas. Kaya walang katapusan. Kaya spread. Kaya ganun. Kaya ang pinagbabawal kasi hindi matapos ito. Kaya kung ayaw ninyo kayo na lang ang tapusin ko. Para maprotektahan ko yung mga inosente na ayaw mamatay. 

If you keep on converging na kung saan-saan ka, then you spread the... it's airborne... hangin eh. Pag mag ubo ka dito *cough* Ilang metro yan... dadalhin doon. Mikrobyo yan eh. Part of the hangin. Kasali ng hangin yan...pag meron dung isa... sabi mo wala naman akong nilapitan. Wala nga. But it's deadly. In 2 days ano ba yun namatay in 2 days. May isang prominenteng tao... kausap pa n'ya yung asawa n'ya. Nag-video sila. Buti na lang na save ng ano... 2 days patay. Kaya...(inaudible)
At right at the beginning I must be very frank and very emphatic about it. Not really in strong words, sinabi ko may dadating na sakit. Walang gamot ito. Ang gamot nito ang katawan mo lang. Hindi ito TB. Hindi ito yung nasugatan. Hindi ito yung mabaril na magkaroon ng nana o ano. Antibiotic yan mabubuhay ka. 

Ang veerus katawan mo talaga. Kaya nga tamaan ka ng kung anong sakit chickenpox hindi ka na tatamaan ulit. German measles pag dumaan ka hindi ka na... Kasi ang katawan mo alerted na, may mga sundalo tayo sa katawan... antibodies. Na 'pag may pumasok na mga germs yung ating katawan hindi n'ya kilala eh ung kalaban n'ya. Basta sige lang. Sa loob magmi-mix sila. Maya-maya kinakain na ang katawan natin. At that time ma-weaken ito... ang lungs. In 2 days ubusin kainin talaga ng veerus ung katawan mo. Baga mo. Baga ba yun sa Tagalog? What what's...? Baga rin? Bisaya yan. So ganun.
(19:36)

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=duterte+april+3%2C+2020

Technorati Tags: Covid19,Pandemic,WHO

Boracay More Than A Year After Its Closure

They say it's one of the best beaches in the world. I see a place similar to Poblacion Makati -- but it's on an island. I'm surprised that more than a year after its closure, the road and drainage system at the heart of the island is still unfinished. The establishments near the beachfront that were "chopped" remained as it is

Like all our barangays in the country, Boracay has its poor side, middle-class side and rich side. Only the latter is highlighted in the news. I hope the government will not only "reclaim" the shoreline but stop its overpopulation, additional condo units, and more important, improve the lives of its poor residents.

Technorati Tags: Boracay,Beaches,Current Events

Political Dynasty in Pasig City

It's sad that based on the latest survey, www.manilastandard.net/news/national/.../incumbents-top-metro-poll-survey.html “Incumbents top metro poll survey” re-electionist Bobby Eusebio is still the preferred choice for City Mayor of Pasig. Almost 75% of those surveyed are voting for him.

I am voting for newcomer Vico Sotto, son of TV personality Vic Sotto, and a councilor of Pasig City. I believe that the Eusebios have been staying in power for too long in Pasig City. I also believe that after serving for more than 20 years, the citizens of Pasig City deserve a breath of fresh air.
Pasig City is considered one of the riches cities in the country and yet, I never see the progress in my beloved city. A few years ago, my father was hospitalized in Pasig City General Hospital. It was not what I was expecting for a rich city like Pasig. I believe that the City Government of Pasig could do a lot to improve the socials services in the city.

Pasig City has long been marketing its slogan “Pasig Green City” and yet, there are very few green parks in the city. The only one I know is the Pasig Rainforest. Last year, they’ve relocated the statue of Andres Bonifacio between the Pasig Museum and the Old Post Office. They’ve improved the area, but it is not as green as it could have been – it was just a boring, concrete piece of land.
In the 20 years that the Eusebios managed the city, I’ve only seen 3 bridges build – the one connecting Sta Rosa to Bagong Ilog, Caniogan to Marikina, and Sumilang to Pateros. I have not seen a new road or widen existing streets to ease traffic. Traffic in Pasig could rival that of EDSA during rush hour.
I also have not seen any major infrastructure build in the city the past 20 years. Pasig still doesn’t have a public, open area like Marikina Sports Center where events could be held. In fact, the Paskotitap and Bambino Festival of Pasig have always been held in the narrow street from Pasig Simbahan to the City Hall.
I guess the only reason I’m voting for Vico Sotto is because of his promise of transparency in terms of showing how the City Government of Pasig is spending its fund and how much taxes are they getting from the residents. Transparency is a big deal for me and I really wanted to know how the City Government is spending it, particularly to address the city’s problem with illegal settlers. I believe they’re not doing enough because there are still a lot of residents in Nagpayong who has no lot title of their own.
I’m still voting for Vico Sotto even if the odds are not in his favor as of this time. By publishing blog articles and letting the City Government know what the residents want, who knows, perhaps the residents of Pasig City will have a change of heart and vote for Vico Sotto, who’s now the face of transparency in the City Government of Pasig.

BuzzNet Tags: Eusebio Political Clan,Political Dynasty,Vicco Sotto

CNN Philippines’ The Filipino Votes: Senatorial Forum Parts 1 and 2

I watched the 2 episodes of CNN Philippines’ The Filipino Votes: Senatorial Forum. I wanted to hear what the other candidates have to say about current issues.

Unfortunately, some of the popular candidates didn’t show up on the 2 episodes of The Filipino Votes. I would definitely not vote for those who are afraid for this type of forum, namely:
Freddie Aguilar (not voting for this guy) – relying on the President’s endorsement
Edgardo Sonny Angara – under consideration due to his good track record
Nancy Binay (not voting for this lady) -- MIA
Ramon Bong Revilla Jr (not voting for this guy) – relying on political ads
Pia Cayetano (not voting for this lady) – MIA [Edit: relying on political ads]
Bong Go (not voting for this guy) -- relying on political ads
Cynthia Villar (not voting for this lady) -- relying on political ads

The other candidates that I already decided to vote when I heard them on GMA’s Debate 2019 are:

1. Raffy Alunan
2. Neri Colmenares
3. Samira Gutoc
4. Erin Tanada
5. Gary Alejano
6. Chel Diokno
7. JV Ejercito
8. Romy Macalintal
9. Ernesto Arellano

During the 2 episodes of CNN Philippines’ Senatorial Forum, I have heard from the other candidates and here’s why I’m voting for them:

1. Benigno Bam Aquino – authored Go Negosyo among others. Voted NO to the Train Law and opposes the implementation of the Excise Tax in January 2019 and January 2020. He wanted to regulate the entry of Chinese workers in the country and wanted transparency in the country’s dealings with China.

I will vote for him because of his numerous authored bills that became laws as well as his desire for newly grads to have immediate jobs, lesser job mismatch, and his focus on the improvement of the education system in the country.

2. Florin Hilbay – was a former Solicitor General. He’s a UP teacher and supports the RH Law, Coco Levy Fund, and is a member of the team behind the country’s success in the arbitration case vs China.

I will vote for him because he wants the 4Ps to be enacted as his first legislation: Pilo Para sa Pamilyang Pilipino as he refers to it. He also wanted to expand the 4Ps to include newly grads and jobless Pinoys. He promises to be a statesman who will not demean the status of the underprivilege in the country.

3. Mar Roxas – was a former DILG Secretary. He’s the author of the Cheaper Medicine Law and removed the taxes for minimum wage earners. He’s among the personalities behind the success of the BPO industry and supports the current Juvenile Justice Law.

I will vote for him because he’s a believer in the rehabilitation of drug suspects and that the government should go after the importer of drugs. He also appeals on the removal of tax in oil products in the TRAIN Law, and opposes the Department of Finance’s suggestion to remove the incentives of the BPO Industry. He also wants the Internet in the country to be faster and better.

I WILL NOT VOTE FOR:

1. Juan Ponce Enrile – opposes the Anti-Political Dynasty Bill saying it’s impractical to implement this provision in the Constitution. He’s Pro-China and said YES to a joint oil exploration with China.

He mentioned that he will review bills on taxes, will author bill on communications and ease of acquiring housing papers, increase foreign investments and improve the slow process of government transactions. These are bills that he could have authored in his days as senator.

2. Serge Osmena – has authored 166 laws and had 3 terms as senator in the span of 18 years. He’s the author of the Solo Parents Act, an economist but also said YES to a joint oil exploration with China. He has no exact plans yet on how to end ENDO.

Thank you GMA 7 and CNN Philippines in helping me to draft my magic 12 for the upcoming senatorial elections.

BuzzNet Tags: Current Events,Senatorial Elections,CNN Philippines,GMA 7

Debate 2019: The GMA Senatorial Face-Off

Good job for GMA News and Public Affairs for coming up with Debate 2019: The GMA Senatorial Face-Off. It was a big help in trimming down my choices for Senators in the coming midterm elections.

It was a grueling 1 hour and 47 minutes replay on YouTube (no commercials) but it’s worth watching. Too bad there are a lot more candidates who didn’t make it but I’m hoping to hear from them in future debates. I will also watch the replay of CNN’s interview for these candidates.
So far, based on what the candidates said in the Debate 2019: The GMA Senatorial Face-Off, I was able to segredate them into two groups:
I WILL VOTE FOR:

1. Raffy Alunan – Reform the criminal justice system. Favors local farmers in the issue of sugar importation. Former DILG Secretary who can’t give deadline to solve criminality in the country.

I will vote for him because he believes in anti-political dynasty as enshrined in the constitution. He believes that we should look into the general rule (not exeptional cases) of poorest provinces having the most political dynasty.

2. Ernesto Arellano – Labor leader who doesn’t believe that there is shortage of skilled workers in the country. There were admin lapses in the influx of Chinese workers but believes in equal opportunity, Pinoy and foreigner. Believes in rallies but with restrictions.

I will vote for him because he believes in a divorce bill with stringent requirements. He also believes supporting children of these couples who would avail of it.

3. JV Ejercito – Favors the Anti-Political Dynasty Bill although he’s a beneficiary of political dynasty. Supported the SK Reform Law and wants to enforce the true limit of political ads.

He is in favor of lowering the minimum age of criminal liability but he’s focus on penalizing the parents and adults in the crimes committed by children. I will vote for him for his support of the anti-polical dynasty bill.

4. Samira Gutoc – against rape joke and martial law. She’s working for peace in Mindanao the past 21 years including anti-crime in Marawi. She’s also calling for the audit of the ARMM funds.

I will vote for her because she doesn’t believe that Operation Tokhang should continue. She stated an example in Cebu wherein 1,000 drug suspects surrendered without Tokhang. She believes that Tokhang is anti-poor and what is needed is strong accountability.

5. Chel Diokno – part of Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG). Believes that Human Rights is also Human Lives and wants a lasting solution to the problems of our Justice System.

I will vote for him because he believes in the removal of term limits for Senators and Congressman stating the Martial Law years as example. He’s also in favor of the anti-political dynasty bill and that it should be extended to relatives. He believes that government posts are not properties of political clans.

6. Gary Alejano – said that they faced the consequences of their acts of rebellion by being jailed for 7 years. He believes that rebellion is the right of the people.

I will vote for him because he’s against Federalism saying that it will cause imbalance of wealth and regionalism. He suggests strengthening the Local Governemt Code instead, for for authonomy of LGUs. He also believes in the ban for political dynasty and reform in the country’s political system.

7. Neri Colmenares – is againsts all form of human rights violation whether it’s commited by the AFP or NPA. He mentioned that the problems of the countries include political dynasty, lack of farming lands, corruption, among others.

I will vote for him because he believes that we don’t need China to explore or drill for oil in our EEZ because it is ours by virtue of the case we won in The Hague. He commends Vietnam and Taiwan for their strong stand against China on their sovereign rights.

8. Erin Tanada – believes that one of the mistakes of the Liberal Party is that the citizens doesn’t know the projects of the previous administration. He also believes that the issues of the farmers are not being talked about.

I will vote for him because he believes that the TRAIN Law should be suspended, being the cause of high inflation. He also believes it is anti-poor. He also believes that additional taxes is not the key to funding government projects but public-private partnership.

9. Romy Macalintal – will champion counter-terror laws. His source of funding will be ex-deal from friends but he doesn’t believe this as conflict of interest. He believes that the issue of Political Dynasty can be resolved by Constitutional Change.

I will vote for him because he’s against the extension of Martial Law in Mindanao saying that there’s no rebellion or invasion that requires it. What Mindanao needs is economic activities so that senior citizens can enjoy their discounts.

I WILL NOT VOTE FOR:

1. Agnes Escudero – member of Tribal Government of the Philippines. Wants to defend the ancestral lands and established ancestral home defense that was started in the time of Angelo Reyes. She wants to follow the unwritten messages and rituals of their ancestors.

I will not vote for her because she’s against the legalization of divorce saying that the Philippines is a good example (in spite of being the only country in the world, with Vatican, that has no divorce law).

2. Leody de Guzman – wants an end to political dynasty and contractualization but doesn’t offer a new solution to the issue in spite of being in the labor scene for 35 years as member of Bukluran Manggagawang Pilipino.

Although he believes that the death penalty doesn’t resolved criminality and that there is a deeper root to the problem, I still will not vote for him because he didn’t provide any new solution to the problem of ENDO doesn’t quality him to be a senator.

3. Melchor Chavez – will look into the land titling system in the country. Since 1992, he ran 8x as senator. He believes that he won’t win if he don’t run. A supporter of Digong.

I will not vote for him because the only reason why he’s against the lowering of the minimum age for criminal liability is a quote from Rizal: “ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan”.

4. Dong Mangudadatu – Maguindanao is the 2^nd poorest province in the country and has an issue of political dynasty. He doesn’t believe this and insist that the problem in Maguindanao is war. His networth is one of the highest yet his source of income is delivery of fresh water fishes.

I will not vote for him because he’s in favor of the extension of Martial Law in Mindanao even though there is no rebellion or invasion.

5. Dado Padilla – reported ghost schools of TESDA as a way of fighting corruption.

I will not vote for him because he believes in a joint oil exploration between China and the Philippines. He didn’t gave a straight answer to the question whether China can be trusted.

6. Willy Ong – wants to run as a senator to help more people. He’s a doctor but is against Dengvaxia. He said that his source of funds for campaigning will be through social media and guesting in mainstream media.

I will not vote for him because he doesn’t believe in the suspension of train law and he doesn’t know that the train law package 1 doesn’t include sin tax (as pointed out by Erin Tanada).

7. Bato dela Rosa – Said that the sensationalized cases during Operation Tokhang are already solved and that the term neutralize doesn’t mean to kill.

I will not vote for him because he doesn’t believe in the Anti-Profanity Ordinace in Baguio and his way of consoling victims of Operation Tokhang (as collateral damage) is believing that there is justice in heaven if we didn’t receive justice here on earth. He’s also in favor of death penalty and lowering the age of criminals.

8. Imee Marcos – didn’t answer the question regarding the ill gotten wealth issue in spite of the PCGG’s recovery of 170B+ from the Marcos family.

I will not vote for her because she doesn’t believe in the removal of term limits for Senators and Congressman.

9. Jiggy Manicad – champions campus journalism as alternate to mainstream media. Questions the foreign funding of Rappler. Plans to trace the source of fake news with the help of Interpol and other foreign agencies.

I will not vote for him because he still thinks Rappler is a peddler of fake news and he also believes in mandatory drug test. He also believes in Federalism and didn’t answer the question if there is a study regarding the Local Fund under a Federal state.

10. Koko Pimentel – former Senate president but is questioned for poor performance i.e. low turn out of bills turned laws. Said that the question of the panelist is wrong.

I will not vote for him because he believes in a joint oil exploration with China (same with Dado Padilla).

11. Francisco Tolentino – wants to amend the MMDA law saying that it’s just a titular head with no real powers. Supports Duterte’s call for emergency power. Mentioned the computerization of the Land Registration Authority (LRA).

I will not vote for him because he doesn’t believe in Anti-Profanity Ordinance in Baguio. He also (somewhat) doesn’t believe in the anti-political dynasty bill and federalism.

12. Larry Gadon – doesn’t believe that he deserves disbarment because of the controversies he’s into. He’s still mentioning SAF44, Yolanda Funds, Dengvaxia and questions the results of surveys saying it is prelude to cheating.

I will not vote for him because he still believes in the implementation of the death penalty for heinious crimes stating the case of Singapore and Saudi Arabia. He believes an eye for an eye and that rehabilitation is not effective for drug suspects.

Didn’t attend but is known anyway:
Freddie Aguilar
Edgardo Sonny Angara
Benigno Bam Aquino
Nancy Binay
Ramon Bong Revilla Jr
Pia Cayetano
Juan Ponce Enrile
Bong Go
Pilo Hilbay
Mar Roxas
Cynthia Villar
Serge Osmena
And a lot more candidates that are unknown. I will no longer consider them because they don’t seem to be interested in promoting themselves in mainstream media.
Hope to hear from these candidates in upcoming debates.

BuzzNet Tags: Senatorial Elections,Current Events

2019 Philippine Holidays

Here are the 2019 Philippine Holidays. Let’s plan our vacations ahead.

Infographics courtesy of GMA News.

 

BuzzNet Tags: 2019 Philippine Holidays,Vacation

Why Don't We Have A Department of Housing?

The Philippine Government have several Executive Department that addresses the basic need of a human being -- like health, food and education. I've always wondered why there is no Department of Housing since shelter is also a basic human need.

Image taken from Inquirer.net

I wonder what lawmakers are thinking when they create a certain government agency. What makes them decide that it should be a department, a bureau or commission. Sure there's the National Housing Authority but why is it not in the same level as the Department of Health? In this time where a department for OFWs and a department for risk reduction are being drafted by no other than the president, why not also create a Department of Housing?

We have a Department of Energy, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Budget and Management, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of National Defense, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Finance, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), DOST etc. Isn't it logical, being a basic human need, to have a Department of Housing as well?

Informal settler and the lack of decent housing for the poor, as being highlighted by the group Kadamay. I actually support their stand that the government has a duty to provide free housing for them since they're the most neglected sector of society. I believe that the National Housing Authority and Pag-IBIG are a failure to their mandate to provide decent housing for Filipinos. It's very hard and expensive to have decent housing in the Philippines. The requirements alone are very hard to meet even for a minimum wage earner. How much more are the indigent members of society that are recipients of the government's 4Ps program.

In the case of Squareville Home Owner's Association (SHOA) in Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City, it took years to finally have an agreement with the owner of the land to sell his property to the informal settlers that's been living in his property for more than 20 years. SHOA is composed of some 150+ families, each having an average lot size of 24 square meters (6 m x 4m) and it cost about 75,000 for the lot alone. For a Pag-IBIG member that has an HDMF contribution of P100/month, it would probably take 25 years to pay for a housing loan. That is if he pass all the requirements of a housing loan.

There is also the case of the informal settlers in San Juan City that were transferred to San Lorenzo Ruiz, Taytay. There were originally 4-5 BLISS housing in the area when then moved there over 20 years ago, but recently, there are only 2-3 remaining building in dilapidated condition. I have no idea what happened to the other residents of the BLISS housing that were demolished already. There are no plans of building new housing units for those that are displaced, again.

I don't know exactly how can the elevation of the National Housing Authority to a Department of Housing would benefit those in dire need of shelter. I do know however, that creating a Department of Housing, along with the creation of Department of Risk Reduction and Management and Department of OFWs, will give the impression that these are among the basic needs that needs more funding and attention. I hope Congress and the Executive Department will consider creating the Department of Housing and improving the housing needs of Filipinos.

[Update] The closest article on having a Department of Housing appeared here. I will closely monitor House Bill No. 6775 and hopefully it will be a law as soon as possible.

BuzzNet Tags: Department of Housing,Socialized Housing

Why I Hate Noli de Castro

If there's one government official that I truly hate, it would be Noli de Castro, the former Vice President under Arroyo's administration who served as the head of Pag-IBIG from 2004-2010. During his leadership, Pag-IBIG never come up with a website wherein you can see your contributions and file a multi-purpose loan like the one SSS have. Six years -- and not even a centralized records of Pag-IBIG members’ contribution.

Even after he left Pag-IBIG, you still have to consolidate your records if you work in different cities. That's a major pain in the ass. In fact, whenever I file a loan at Pag-IBIG, I always remember how inefficient he was when he's the head of Pag-IBIG. He came at a time where members of Pag-IBIG needed a centralized system to record all contributions of a member -- and after 6 years -- he left the agency as if nothing happened.

SSS had their website before de Castro became head of Pag-IBIG. Today, even PhilHealth has a website wherein you could see all your contributions. How difficult is it to have a website similar to SSS? How come de Castro wasn't able to provide such convenience to members of Pag-IBIG fund in his 6 years in office? Noli de Castro had all the time needed to transform Pag-IBIG into a state-of-the art agency in terms of easy access to member records. However, he's such a failure at it.

Sadly, the Filipino people gained nothing out of Noli de Castro. Sorry for the rant guys. All the inefficiency of Noli de Castro was “refreshed” when Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was elected House Speaker. The horrors of these two government officials were brought back.

In fairness to Pag-IBIG staff, I recently asked them via email for a consolidated records of my loan and they were able to provide it without visiting their office. However, it took almost a month for them to send the information.

BuzzNet Tags: Noli de Castro,Pag-IBIG

The United People’s SONA 2018–Part 1 of 3

I was at the #UnitedPeoplesSONA 2018 yesterday along Commonwealth. I walked from Philcoa all the way to St Peter’s Church after Ever Gotesco. I took pictures of the protesters – the anti-Duterte ones. It was a colorful protest complete with effigies, huge posters and different colored shirts. I just wish though that these protesters doesn’t involve elementary kids. I believe events like this is very tiring to children. Let’s spare them.

All the sentiments of the people against this government are written all over their placards and tarpaulins – no to Martial Law, stop Lumad killings, stop EJKs, no to Cha-Cha, end ENDO, more jobs, regularize PLDT and NutriAsia workers, increase salary of teachers, address the worsening inflation rate, etc. There’s even a group supporting medical marijuana!

It’s also good to see Lourd de Veyra in person as well as Doris Bigornia. I admire Lourd de Veyra because he’s approachable, take pictures using his smartphone, and interviews people. He stopped by almost all the groups of people scattered along Commonwealth all the way to St Peter’s Church where the stage is set.

Here are some of the pictures I took of yesterday’s United People’s SONA. I really hope the government listen.

Other Pictures will be posted soon. There are so many pictures.

BuzzNet Tags: United People's SONA 2018,Duterte