Soldier who recovered from Covid-19 tested positive again

PANGULONG DUTERTE LATEST SPEECH April 16 2020

OPINION

Pandemic versus infodemic

By Michael M. Medina

Chief Editor, The Philippine Preview

This Covid-19 crisis we are facing is indeed a challenge to find the accurate and reliable information to ward off the other kind of widespread epidemic involving fake news, misinformation and deliberate and obvious exaggeration of the coronavirus issue.

Because of the difficult, painful situation, many people have become adept in believing sensational headlines and bogus science stories with little time to investigate properly.

Just recently, President Rodrigo Duterte approved the law that will grant him emergency powers to solve the COVID-19 crisis in the country. One particular provision included a two-month jail sentence or a fine of ₱10,000 to ₱1 million for anyone who will create or spread false information about the crisis.

There goes the problem, not everyone has been trained how to properly evaluate evidence, interpret the meaningless language used or report on statistics specialist science journalists only have.

To date the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group has filed several criminal charges against individuals caught sharing false information on social media on COVID-19. Such spreading of unverified and false information on COVID-19 outbreak posts caused panic to some and the PNP said they are dead serious in continuing to take countermeasures against misinformation through cyber patrol operations and monitoring on all social media platforms.

The public is urged refrain from posting and sharing unreliable and unverified reports and information on the pandemic that may cause panic and fear during this period of national emergency. The other day, Rep. Henry Oaminal’s said the NBI’s Cybercrime Division has been monitoring social media channels for fake news, and will start investigations and send subpoenas to the authors of the post to give them a chance to air their side.

That’s the main focus right now and that is where we in the media are to focus also in delivering the right information to the public. We will work together on this.

This action of the NBI cybercrime is focused on the revised penal code, “wherein any publication of false news which will have the tendency to endanger public order will be in violation of Article 154,” particularly on “factual error or malicious intent to populate false news that could endanger the public order,” not on comments on social media.

That’s the main focus right now and that is where we in the media are to focus also in delivering the right information to the public. We will work together on this.

Isay says her love for Clarin overwhelms her

By Michael Medina

Chief Editor

The Philippine Preview

Clarin, Misoc—Running for mayor may be tough but it is easy getting there if you have the inspiration to win; bolstered by your love and dedication to serve the people, Marisa “Isay” Long Villa said.

“Gusto ko mag-promote ug peace and order, kanang adunay kalinaw, pakighiusa ug pakigsandurot sa tanan regardless of political colors,” she said in an interview.

“Ang butang nga naka patukmod nako nga modagan kini ang gugma nako sa lungsod,” she added.

Villa said that growing up in her hometown has guaranteed what she is today, with the many of the same familiar faces from her childhood and what she’s been up to, even without the benefit of being luxurious.

“Kining lumad ta nga nagpuyo sa usa ka lugar, nailhan nato halos tanang tawo, atoang mga kadugo, halos tanan paryente hinungdan nga masud-ong nato ang ilang kahimtang,” Villa stressed.

“Atong nasuroy ang Clarin sukad sa gamay pa ta, dula-dula sa mga suuk-suuk nga lugar ug dili malikayan nga makalantaw dili lang sa atong kaugalingon kondili sa uban usab.”

She clarified that this didn’t stunt her emotional maturity as she sees now is the time to  actually “grow up” and be responsible.

“Moabot atong panahon ba nga mohamtong atong edad, mag-expand sad ang panglantaw nato sa kinabuhi nga kinahanglan kita mo-share sa atong kahibalo ngadto sa mga tawo kay atoa silang gihigugma,” she said.

“Hatagan nato sila ug good governance, not only made possible through infrastuctures kondili mga nindot nga projects nga anaay impact sa kada pamilya,” she outlines her blueprint.

Villa shared a decent civil society’s basic needs include safe water, food, medical care, environmental conservation and education and all these is what a new governance in her town must meet.

“Wala man nagkulang ang gobyerno karon but the implementation must reach all sector of the general public, especially those who need it most,” she ended.

ZPPI re-elects new execs to comply with SEC law

By Michael Medina

THE PHILIPPINE PREVIEW

The Zamboanga del Sur-Pagadian Press Club Inc. (ZPPI) recently elected its new set of officers in a special meeting held at Hotel Guillermo last March 23, Saturday.

In a press statement sent to The Philippine Preview, the ZPPI disclosed the election of Joan Guangco (Radyo Bagting) as the new president while Don Sherwin Lu (Pagadian Times) is the vice president.

Other elected officers are Leah Agonoy (Philippine Daily Inquirer) as secretary; Charnyl Albaracin (Hardline Publications) as treasurer; Manny Maulana (InfoLink) as auditor and Jay Apales (One TV Philippines) as PIO.

The members of the Board of Directors are Analiza Lu (Pagadian Times), Tony Bagalando (DXWO Radyo Bisdak), Aude Hampong (GMA-7), Leo Santillan (One TV Philippines), Gideon Corgue (Philippine Information Agency) and Efren Superal (STV).

In her message, Guangco urged fellow media members to forge unity, support the organization and take the lead in enhanced and honest reporting despite the diversity efforts and individual relationships among the group.

She likewise said ZPPI must use its capability in enhancing social consistency and refrain from inciting hatred, explaining the impact of the media on social solidarity is to promote ethical responsibility among practitioners by directing their efforts towards positive uses and make constructive criticisms among fellow members in times of challenges.

In a message, Albarracin also said he is grateful for the initiatives of Remai Alejado, former ZPPI president and founding chair, for the determination to address ZPPI’s concern on the supposedly extended term of the serving president which has already ended last December 2018, citing the group’s by-laws.

In another message to this paper, Alejado said she wanted to help ZPPI put its actions together so that the group can soon file its reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Under the law, all registered stock and non-stock corporations, foundations, associations, non-government and religious organizations and other entities are required by the SEC to submit a report on a regular or special basis. The SEC will penalize those who fail to file promptly.

To date, ZPPI has more or less 60 active members.