A whole family with PWD ID cards was reported and questioned over their said cards

September 3, 2020 

MANILA, Philippines — Members of a family whose six persons with disability (PWD) identification cards spread on social media earlier in the year may face charges after a House panel found none of them were qualified for the card, which gives bearers discounts and priority seating.

This was confirmed by Rep. Ronnie Ong (Ang Probinsyano Party-list), who co-wrote the original House resolution calling for a probe into the proliferation of fake PWD cards, in a phone call. 

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'Easy to overlook': Social amelioration lapses weigh doubly on PWDs, advocates say. 

"With regard to the Chongs, Quezon City has said it would take legal action against not only the Chongs but also the PDAO (Persons with Disability Affairs Office) officers who issued their cards...We will just leave the action to the Quezon City local government. They have said they will file cases through the NBI and through its legal office," Ong said. 

"The fact that they are thinking or they are about to file a case against them means that the cards are probably not legal."

QC government: No forms, records for family PWD cards in viral photo

Philstar.com reached out to the Quezon City Legal Department Office for confirmation but the office declined to comment.

Disputing the findings of the Quezon City local government, Carolyn Chong, the family matriarch, said in an affidavit that the six cards—which entitle holders to a 20% discount and exemption to value-added tax to go with a 5% discount on basic necessities and prime commodities—were legitimately acquired. 

Earlier in June, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said that the six cards, a photo of which went viral on social media, were not supported by application forms or other documents on record with the local government. Quezon City legal officer Niño Casimiro also said then that their release may have been "facilitated" by a city employee during the previous administration.

The city government has said that the family allegedly paid P2,000 each for the said IDs.

"Our PWD cards are all genuine and authentic. I submitted the application forms and the supporting documents. The PWD cards issued to us contained the same information I supplied on the application forms...we use our PWD cards mostly in drug stores and occasionally in restaurants," wrote Chong in the statement, a copy of which was acquired by Philstar.com.

"We never abused the use of our PWD cards. We have never used the PWD cards to cut into queues or to use a parking slot allotted for PWDs. I believe that there are people who are less mobile who should avail of these parking slots. My children and I only use the PWD cards within the parameters of the law," she also said. 

The same affidavit was presented in a hearing of the House special committee on persons with disabilities on Thursday, August 27. The Chong family had been invited to the hearing but they did not attend.

Family with six PWD cards invited to House hearing, asked to cooperate with QC legal 

'Varying visual issues'

In the affidavit, Chong claimed that she and her children "have visual issues but in (sic) varying extent." She said that one child has astigmatism while three of them are nearsighted. She also admitted that she checked the "psychosocial disability" category for her youngest child, though the basis for this is not explained at any point in the document. 

Many people have astigmatism and other conditions that are corrected with the use of glasses or contact lenses.

"As for myself, I have been wearing eyeglasses since elementary," she wrote, also admitting that her children were not actually present at the interview and processing for the issuance of their IDs at the Quezon City Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office.

"[S]ome of them were in school while some were at work, which is why they were not able to personally submit their documents...I was also in the honest belief that the children did not have to appear anymore since it was their mother who was personally processing the applications on their behalf."

Chong also said that her applications included medical certificates after the family was "diagnosed by an in-house eye doctor of an optical shop located in a major mall," though these medical certificates were not submitted to the House committee, Ong said.

"The doctor checked our eyes and issued each of us a medical certificate. Unfortunately, I cannot recall anymore the identity of the doctor," Chong said. 

"I do not personally know anyone at the Quezon City PDAO, nor did I ask for any endorsement from anyone to secure special assistance or preferential treatment. I also did not give any amount to anybody inside or outside the PDAO. Neither did anyone ask for any money while I was processing the application," she added. 

Screengrab shows a copy of the Chong family's affidavit submitted to the House special committee on persons with disability.

According to Priscilla Cuevas, the representative of the Department of Health present at the hearing, neither astigmatism nor nearsightedness is actually included among the disability spectrum of visual issues that qualify a person to avail of a PWD ID and the benefits that come with it.

"Recently, we did a model disability survey using a more advanced way of classifying persons with disabilities and we found out that 12% of Filipinos in the country actually have severe types of disabilities," she said. 

Lawmakers want review of disability benefits law amid 'fake PWD' allegations

At the same inquiry, Quezon City Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office officer-in-charge Renato Cada asserted the city government's findings that the Chong family did not submit any of the supporting documents needed to avail of the PWD IDs. 

Cada also said that it was not even authorized representatives of the city who signed on behalf of the PDAO, and no medical certificates or abstracts were presented to the office. 

National Council for Disability Affairs Executive Director Emer Rojas, who was present at the hearing, hit what he said was the "discretionary" way of giving IDs within local governments, which he said also extends to medical certificates that were given by unauthorized doctors. 

"Visual ailments for example should be issued by ophthalmologists and psychosocial disabilities are issued by psychiatrists, that's the way it should be," he said. "PDAO personnel aren't doctors so as long as they see a medical certificate, they think they have already complied... We need accountability from them because anyone can give out cards."

Lawmaker: Family should submit medical certificates

Sought for comment, the Quezon City local government said in a text message that no information can be disclosed on the case right now.

Earlier, Casimiro, Quezon City's legal officer, also said that the city government would be focusing more on addressing the faulty processes in issuing cards rather than filing cases against the family and the personnel who "facilitated" the release of their cards. 

Ong also said in an interview with Philstar.com on Thursday that the family should cooperate with the investigation if they are not guilty. 

"I hope if what they’ve been saying since Day One is true, that they’re not guilty, then they can just forward their medical certificates to the committee to clear their name...they submitted an affidavit and that’s it. Just that," he said. 

"In the bigger picture, there’s really a lot of abuse of the cards...This law is really to help legitimate PWDs, but what happened is that more often than not, it’s affluent families that abuse it to get discounts," he added. 

At the hearing, Cada also disclosed that the PWD IDs of the Chong family were revoked. Ong said that Cada later said that they were "not actually revoked yet by the office because any actions that would be taken by the city government would go through its legal affairs office."

The House resolution calling for a probe, penned by Ong and Rep. Eric Yap (ACT-CIS Party-list), raised concerns over the possible effects that fake PWD cardholders would have on local businesses amid the novel coronavirus lockdown. 

"These fake PWDs are bad for businesses, especially for small ones. They are faking their disability and are abusing the PWD Law just to get discounts. Our business sector is barely surviving these days and it is the duty of the government to make sure that they are protected from these kinds of consumer abuse," the two said then in a joint statement.

Almost a fourth of PWD card holders are unqualified, advocate says

In a phone call with Philstar.com, Alex Mendoza, Quezon City Federation of Persons with Disability Inc. president, said that the proliferation of fake PWDs has long been an issue in the country and is nothing new. 

"We can’t know how much of them are fake anymore because of how long it’s been and how many have applied since then. A lot of applicants really don’t show up personally, they have someone go for them instead because they know we’ll see that they really aren’t disabled...there are a lot of cases without supporting documents," he said. 

"As an issuing agency, PDAOs have the right to request for documents [from applicants.] My conservative estimate is that 25% of the PWDs we have right now are not qualified to have their cards," he added. 

For his part, Ong said: "I don’t agree with it, I think it’s higher. My rough estimate probably is 70% [of PWDs are fakes]. We’ve reached the situation where people are really just giving PWD cards away. It’s like, ‘Do you want a PWD card? I can get you one.’ They’ve made it into a discount card, which is really bad.

Source: from Philstar.com

DOST-MIRDC and PEZA to Increase Employment of Filipino Engineers and Technicians with the Latest Die and Mold Facility

Increasing the employment rate for graduates from engineering and technical-vocational course is the vision shared by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).  This was highlighted during a business-to-business (B2B) meeting held by the DOST-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) and PEZA officials and zone managers, partners for the Mold Technology Support Center (MTSC) project on 24 March 2023 at the MTSC in Gen. Trias, Cavite. 

The B2B meeting became an avenue to look for ways to help improve the process, products, and expertise of our local die and mold industries to make them become more globally competitive. The meeting also addressed the concerns raised by the PEZA representatives in attendance; these concerns were mostly focused on how to upscale the capabilities of the current workforce, and address gaps in the training needs of employees and fresh graduates

Ms. Lina Afable, Chief of the Technology Diffusion Division, pointed out that the DOST-MIRDC, through the MTSC, offers training programs focused on technical skills specific to the metals industry. According to Ms. Afable, “Mandato po talaga ng MIRDC ang mag-provide ng trainings to engineers, technicians, related sa metals (industry) na inaassit namin.” These trainings will be continuously provided to be able to sustain the manpower needs of the industry. Ms. Afable also mentioned that the Center is offering to share its resources in terms of using the equipment housed in the MTSC with a very minimal introductory fee.

Mr. Lyndone Dela Cruz, Industrial Relations Officer of PEZA CALABARZON, added “..ang aim ko naman is we need to jointly promote this,” and was very open to offering PEZA’s assistance in promoting MTSC’s services to company locators whose engineers and technicians may need technical skills enhancement. 

 

The MTSC, which has been conducting training programs since its launch in 2020, was established to address the need for technology and equipment upgrading and for developing our local expertise in the die and mold industry. The MTSC is a product of an Official Development Assistance from the Republic of Korea, and a testament to the successful collaboration of the DOST-MIRDC and PEZA with the Board of Investments, and the PDMA, Inc.

As a follow-through to PEZA’s expression of willingness to jointly promote the MTSC’s services, Ms. Afable suggested that this endeavor may also be an avenue of collaboration between the DOST-MIRDC, PEZA, and LGUs within their respective economic zones.   As a result, the MTSC and PEZA agreed to hold more B2B meetings to promote MTSC to other zones in the CALBARZON region. by Kai Negado

The MTSC is open to those who are looking for training programs to increase their skills and technical know-how in die and mold technologies and equipment. Ultimately, the skills enhancement and technology upgrading offered by the MTSC will contribute to an increase in the employment of Filipino workers, both locally and internationally.  To those who are interested in availing of these services, you may inquire through email: mtsc.mirdc@gmail.com or tel. no. (046) 501 0943. 

PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga says PEZA ready to take on more challenges

Pasay City – Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director General Tereso O. Panga, on Monday, 03 April, delivered his first State of the PEZA Address (SOPA) to its employees at the PEZA Head Office.

PEZA Director General TeresoPanga delivers his 1st SOPA on Monday,03 April 2023, to its fellowPEZAns. 

HOME GROWN, A NEW BEGINNING 

For the first time in its history, PEZA will be led by a home grown civil servant, a Director General from among its ranks. His Excellency, President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos (PBBM), Jr. chose and appointed Tereso O. Panga, a 25-year veteran of PEZA to steward and steer the Agency towards the goal of increasing foreign investments across the nation.

Panga or T.O.P, as he is known in PEZA was the Deputy Director General for Policy and Planning andconcurrently the designated OIC before being appointed by the President to the top PEZA post. He is well known and acknowledged by industry leaders and stakeholders for his professionalism and thoroughknowledge and insightof the industries that PEZA serve.

On his assumption as the new PEZA Director General, Panga credits first, the professionalism of his PEZA colleagues throughout the years:“There were some storms along the way but I am truly humbled to be in the companyof people who have inspiredand helped shapemy thinking, and who have helped me realize the potential of PEZA to truly make a difference in nation-building.

A team player, Panga says he looks forward to closely working on the strategic priorities with Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary and PEZA Board Chairman Alfredo E. Pascual in promoting the country as one of top “smart” investment destinations in Southeast Asia.

Panga thanked the Secretary for his full support while being the OIC of PEZA. “We will create a seamless relationship that will be to the benefit of locators and forge onward towards a new and stronger synergy betweenthe DTI and PEZA. After all, we are partners in accelerating the economic growth of the country and making sure that the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023 – 2028 of the President succeeds!”

A FOCUS ON THE YOUTHAND GENERATING JOBS THROUGH INDUSTRYPARTNERSHIPS 

Under his watch, Panga says he will focus on job creation and job security as one of the social responsibility pillars of PEZA. The foreign investments and locators should have an immediate impact on Filipino lives in the areas where they are located. Historically, the economic zones have been a hub for job creation in the regions and these were even sustained during the pandemic.

“I am a firm believer in the great Filipino workers!” says Panga. 

According to him, “The creation of jobs locally opens many opportunities for the LGUs and its communities like higher revenues for the LGUs and skills training for the youth and new graduates in the community. PEZA will be committed to actively pursue these as part of its efforts in nation building.” 

PEZA will enter into partnerships with its locators and industry associations such as the IT-Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) who have focused on creating secured jobs that ultimately spur economic growth. Panga says that together, “We can achieve IBPAP’s admirable goal of hiring 1 million of our kababayans by 2028.” 

Moreover, the Director General said, “PEZA is working closely with SEIPI in preparing human capital readiness for advanced manufacturing and industry4.0 and with PHILEA in developing world-class and environment-friendly friendly economic zones in rural and new growth areas to spur country side development.”

In remembering the early days of PEZA, Panga recalled that many of its employees were young, idealistic and full of integrity. The combination of experienced professional leaders, economic managersand enthusiastic young graduates propelled PEZA from a start-up Bureau to what it is today, an Agency that directly contributes to national economic progress.

There will be a new management culture in PEZA. One that focuses on a culture of transformational leadership that is sensitive to both the needs of PEZA employees and its stakeholders as new foreign investments are welcomed. 

Panga noted, “Integrity and excellence will be the hallmark of PEZA’s service.There will be no red tape, only red-carpet service for our investors  and stakeholders. 

TOP PRIORITIES

The new PEZA Chief outlined the following priorities that the Agency is committed to pursue:

1. Accelerate the ecozone transformation roadmap by creating new types of special economic zones registrable under PEZA to include new modes incorporating townships, such as the Agro- Forestry Ecozone; Aquamarine Park; Defense Industrial Complex; Halal Hubs, Knowledge, Innovation Science and Technology (KIST), Renewable Energy Ecozone, and Pharma Park among others.

2.  Leverage on our leading export sectors such as BPO, semiconductor and electronics, and health services. PEZA will be aggressive in attracting investors that will bolster science-based industries link to the Global Value Chain. This will ensure that the Philippines remains at the forefront of being a relevant investment destination

3. Attract and target high-tech industries that will provide for ecozone product sophistication, export diversification, labor-intensive and high-skilled jobs, knowledge transfer, enhanced local supply chain, and creation of industry clusters.

4.  29 new ecozones have been approved by PEZA in the first quarter of 2023 and more will be established nationally as part of the Philippine Development Plan. 

5. PEZA aims to surpass our last year’s investment achievement of PhP 140.7 billion. The goals are to achieve a 10% targetgrowth this 2023, including our 9% growth TARGET for exports and 8% target for national jobs creation

6. To stay at the leading edge of competition, PEZA will improve its regulatory framework by removing unnecessary and outdated requirements for ease of doing business. Further, PEZA is adapting various interventions to enhance the ease of doing business and lower the cost of doing business within the PEZA ecozones pursuant to digitization initiative of the governme

WORKING WITH CONGRESS 

PEZA will closely work with Congress to further innovate the Agency and its services. Panga noted that investors “pain-points” need to be addressed such as the cost of high electricity and investors operating costs as compared to locating in other countries. “We need to be competitive, relevant and top-of-mind among potential foreign investors as the smart and preferred destination. 

The challenges will be addressed and overcome through the following steps and actions Panga is determined to take:

Address pressing industry items such as restoration of the VAT system which has been partially addressed with ELSEs. 

Plugging of smuggling activities in the ecozones by strengthening our monitoring and police functions through our PEZA police and upgrading digital applications to fully account for tax and duty-free ecozone shipments and thus, prevent their leakage in the domestic territory. 

 

Request for the revisit of the CREATE Act and the amendment of the 28-year-old PEZA Law to better adapt to the changes in the market and the current movement of the country’s investment and business climate. 

PEZA will also closely work with other members of the House and Senate to successfully insure that the challenges are resolved in order to create a conducive investor friendly business climate and environment that will provide an edge for the Philippines.

“It is worthy to note that investor interest in our country has jumped 54% with the Presidents active promotion in the recent months, Panga said.

A SERVANT-LEADERSHIP BUILT ON INTEGRITY 

In his first address during the PEZA assembly, Director General Panga encouraged PEZA employees to embrace a culture of service built on integrity. “I demand integrity. Imbibing this to our core with no- red tape, only red-carpet treatment to our stakeholders, and sustaining our brand of service, we can achieve new heights in our performance.

Further, he promised that “PEZA will continue look after the welfare of everyone in the organization including beefing up the manpower complement and enhancing job productivity and career growth through proper human resources(HR) interventions.” 

He, however, warned against engaging in corruption, as any whiff of this will in turn merit disciplinary measures which include dismissal from the service

With this, the new Director General has sought MANCOM’s approval for the inclusion of new core values in the Agency: Transformational leadership and social responsibility. The same are needed especially since PEZA is promoting sustainable ecozone development. With PEZAns being innovative in shaping future success of the organization and the ecozones, it is in the same manner that when the Agency invite investors to locate, they must also be good corporate citizens. 

Panga, ending on a high note, encouraged his fellow PEZAns to work together and collectively endeavor to create more ecozones to spur countryside development and generate more investments, jobs, exports and other economic opportunities for the country.

“We cannot preach what we cannot practice.”, DG Panga reminded PEZAns during the assembly.

“Together, we continue to contribute to the competitiveness of the country as the smart investment destination in the region! The best is yet to come for PEZA, our investors, and for our country! We are ready!” Panga encouragingly said.

PEZAns with the newly appointed Director General Tereso O. Panga during PEZA Assembly last 03 April 2023 Monday. 

Governor of Bangkok, Chadchart Sittipunt to Headline Asia PacificRail’s 25th Edition

Bangkok, Thailand – 4 April 2023: The Governor of Bangkok, Chadchart Sittipunt, will deliver the opening keynote address at the upcoming Asia Pacific Rail 2023 on 31 May 2023 at BITEC, Bangkok, Thailand.

Governor Chadchart will share insights on his plans to develop and enhance Bangkok’s rail networks

and infrastructure. This keynote is expected to attract a large audience of rail and trade industry leaders from Thailand and the Asia Pacific region.

His address coincides with the first anniversary of his tenure as governor. Since assuming the role,

Governor Chadchart has made the transformation and modernisation of rail and transport

infrastructure a key focus for the city. As a former transport minister, he has also previously advocated for the development of high-speed train projects in the country.

“The event is celebrating its 25th edition this year, and I’m happy to have it hosted in Bangkok,

welcoming more than 2,500 rail leaders from across the region. I hope you could join me and

everyone else, so that we can all connect and find business opportunities to improve our rail

networks and infrastructures,” says Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok.

"We are thrilled to have Governor Chadchart as our opening keynote speaker this year," says Paul

Clark, Managing Director for Terrapinn Asia. “With such impressive and relevant experience for our attendees, I could not think of a better opening for our 25th anniversary edition of Asia’s largest rail event. Following Governor Chadchart’s address, leading rail operator executives from across the

region will also be sharing their insights, together making an unmissable start to the event”.

Asia Pacific Rail 2023 has long been established as Asia's leading event for rail innovation, technology, and strategy. The two-day event will be its biggest ever edition, with more than 2,500senior rail leaders from across Asia expected to attend, comprised of attendees from rail operators,

rail authorities and rail technology innovators.

As outlined, Governor Chadchart’s keynote address will kickstart a packed conference programme

that will be headlined by heads of key Asian rail players, including BTS, Department of Rail Transport,

Government of the HKSAR, Land Transport Authority Singapore, Light Rail Manila Corporation, Light

Rail Transit Authority, MTR Corporation, PT MRT Jakarta, SBS Transit, and SMRT Corporation.

For more information and to register for the conference, please visit

http://www.terrapinn.com/APRAIL23.

PH and Republic of Korea Collaborative Project Tackles the Business Requirements of Die and Mold Industry Clients

Fabrication of molds used for mass production of various products usually takes a minimum of 45 days for simple molds.  More complex molds take longer to fabricate. This is one of the concerns raised during a business-to-business meeting on 24 March 2023, held by the Mold Technology Support Center (MTSC) with some die and mold company locators of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.

Consultative meeting between officials of DOST-MIRDC and representatives of Korean die and mold companies held at the MTSC, Gen. Trias Cavite on March 23, 2023

The MTSC is as an output of the Official Development Assistance (ODA) of the Republic of Korea to the Philippines, specifically the die and mold industry.  As a training and technology hub, the MTSC is expected to help our local die and mold companies perform at par with global counterparts and ultimately reshape Philippine manufacturing.

The MTSC houses a total of 25 machines and equipment dedicated to serving die and mold demands in the country. This facility offers training programs specifically focused on die and mold technologies.  Aside from training, the MTSC also offers to die and mold companies the use of its equipment through time sharing and actual use schemes at very low rates. Through the services offered by the MTSC facility, die and mold companies may expect lead times to be comparatively shorter than ordering imported dies and molds.  

“…a survey indicated that most dies and molds are imported and that the technical competency in die and mold making here in the Philippines is low relative to advanced countries like Korea and Japan,” said Dr. Agustin M. Fudolig, MIRDC’s Deputy Executive Director for R&D

The highly skilled and trained engineers and technical staff of the MTSC add credibility to the MTSC – their expertise in the field of die and mold will put client companies at an advantage over their local and foreign competitors. 

The MTSC, poised to become a premier training hub for mold technologies, now plays a vital role in boosting the economy, as graduates of the training programs being offered by the Center are expected to fill the manpower needs of local die and mold companies.

By: Ella Vanesa L. Lopez

Companies and private individuals who are interested in availing the services of the Center may coordinate through email: mtsc.mirdc@gmail.com or telephone no. (046) 501 0943. The Center also welcomes visitors who would like to check out the facility.

Metals Industry Research and Development Center

www.mirdc.dost.gov.ph                      https://facebook.com/dostmirdc

DTI Chief: PH Positioning Itself in the Global EV Value Chain

TAGUIG CITY–During the Signing of a Lease Agreement between Envirotech Vehicles, Inc. (EVT) and Berthaphil, Inc. on 28 March 2023, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Fred Pascual emphasized the Philippine government's goal of developing a sustainable, inclusive and industrialized economy that will pave the way for the Philippines to penetrate the global electric vehicle (EV) value chain. 

"Your investment forms part of the Philippine EV manufacturing ecosystem we are developing. We seek to create an end-to-end value chain from the mining and processing of green metals to the local manufacture of batteries, charging stations or units, and EVs,” Secretary Pascual said. 

EVT is a US-based transportation industry provider, specializing in all-electric vehicles for commercial and industrial use. Following its success in the US, EVT is now entering the Philippines and is geared to set up a manufacturing plant for EVs at the Clark Freeport Zone. 

The global shift to green products such as EVs is crucial to address environmental problems caused by climate change. As the current administration aspires to enter the global EV value chain, several legislations have been passed to develop the local EV industry such as the–Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry (CREVI) and the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), which will require the government to implement and allocate 5% of their fleet to EVs.  

Under the EVIDA Act, fiscal and non-fiscal incentives are provided to encourage the purchase and utilization of EVs by Filipino consumers. Further, DTI through Board of Investment (BOI) shall recommend an EV incentive strategy (EVIS) to the Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB) for approval, similar to the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) Program to ensure the creation of an enabling business environment for the country’s EV industry.  

Aside from tax incentives available under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act, importation of EVs are now duty-free under Executive Order No. 12, Series of 2023. The tariff rate of EV passenger cars, buses, minibuses, vans, trucks, kick-scooters, and bicycles are reduced to zero for the next five years. This is complementary with DTI’s goal of encouraging EV investments by lowering its importation costs, introducing its viability to the public, encouraging shift to less oil-dependent transport options, and improving the country’s energy security. 

Secretary Pascual further highlighted that "aside from our commitment to combat climate change through the use of EVs, the DTI also aims to aggressively position the Philippines in the battery segment of the global market. Given the presence of abundant nickel and cobalt reserves, the Philippine government is consistently promoting the country as a potential manufacturing hub for battery production."

In closing, the Secretary recognized the significant role played by EVT's investment and expansion in developing and realizing the potentials of the country’s EV industry. He said in closing that "the growth and development of the EV industry is crucial in making green investments and jobs happen in the Philippines as we aim to generate stable, high-quality, and better-paying jobs for Filipinos, while achieving shared prosperity for all." 

The event was also attended by Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla, Clark Development Corporation President Agnes Devanadera, Envirotech Vehicles CEO and Board Chair, Mr. Phillip W. Oldridge and other public and private sector representatives. 

UNFPA launches Bodyright campaign in PH to counter online abuse vs women

MANILA — In time for Women’s Month, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) launched a campaign in the Philippines to address digital violence and online abuse. 

Dubbed “Bodyright,” the campaign highlights the importance of women and other vulnerable groups’ control over their bodies and how they are portrayed online, especially at a time when online abuse and sexual exploitation are widespread. It is the new ‘copyright’ symbol to demand protection from online violence and it draws attention to the lack of protection women and girls, in all their diversity, face online.

Bodyright is UNFPA’s global campaign that calls on policymakers, tech companies and social media platforms to take image-based abuse, the devaluation of human beings and online misogyny as seriously as they take copyright infringement. It also rallies all partners and supporters including civil society and the general public to promote the safe, ethical use of technology and develop concrete actions to end online violence.

On its website unfpa.org/bodyright, people can sign the petition and show their support for the campaign by affixing the Bodyright logo or ⓑ symbol on their photos to “own” their bodies online and to “claim their bodyright.” (See attached photo of the UNFPA Country Office promoting Bodyright by wearing B shirts and temporary tattoos.)

“Violence in digital spaces is rampant, with women and girls being disproportionately attacked, and its consequences frequently spill over into the real/offline world. Yet it is seldom regarded with the gravity it deserves,” Dr. Leila Saiji Joudane, UNFPA Philippine Country Director said during the virtual event for the launch of Bodyright (Livestream of virtual launch: https://www.facebook.com/UNFPAph/videos/602077721828853)

She pointed out that while technology and the internet has presented the world with many opportunities, it has also resulted in harm and violence of women, children and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

“Bodyright is about everyone’s fundamental right to choose what they do with their bodies - including how they are portrayed online,” Joudane added. 

She said institutions, social media platforms and technology companies should find ways to protect people’s bodies and images online just as they have found ways to counter copyright infringement.

“When you upload a video online using someone else’s song, some websites can immediately flag your video for copyright infringement. But when a woman’s intimate photos make their way online without her consent, it is very hard to have the images removed from the internet,” Joudane explained, adding that it results in the violation of women’s and girls’ rights.

The Bodyright launch last Wednesday featured messages of support from ACCORD Incorporated, Coalition Against Trafficking in Women - Asia Pacific (CATW-AP). The event featured songs performed by young artists about women empowerment, gender inequality, cyberbullying and other forms of gender-based violence. Youth from Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao also performed spoken word poetry that tackled the unique needs and cultural contexts faced by women and girls in the region.

The participants of the event called “Take Back the Web: A night of creative expression about women & girls’ lives, rights and bodily autonomy” also posed with their “b tattoos” or stickers of the Bodyright logo. At the end of the event, members of youth groups Perxx Commune and Pandi Empowered Survivors - Youth read the Bodyright petition and led its ceremonial signing.

Globally, 85% of women globally with access to the internet reported witnessing online violence against other women, and 38% experienced it personally, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit. The same report showed that around 65% of women surveyed have experienced cyber-harassment, hate speech and defamation, while 57% have experienced video and image-based abuse, where damaging content is shared concurrently across platforms. 

In the Philippines, Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA) reported that in 2021, the most prevalent cases of online GBV are non-consensual distribution of intimate images (48.00%), threats of violence or blackmail (41.33%), and deleting, changing or faking personal data (22.67%). 

About UNFPA

UNFPA is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. Our mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA globally is promoting commitments to achieving three transformational goals by 2030 - ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet need for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and other harmful practices against women and girls including child marriage. UNFPA works with the government, civil society, development partners, other UN agencies, academia, and the private sector to reach those furthest behind first and leave no one behind, especially young people, the poorest, the conflict and disaster-affected, indigenous peoples and people with disabilities.