Philippine Supreme Court Systematize Videoconferencing Hearings

The Supreme Court of the Philippines finally made headway with institutionalizing Videoconferencing Hearings in the country. As of recent, over 170,000 virtual hearings have been conducted nationwide and assured continuation of justice proceedings even under the pandemic. This has resulted in the successful processing 81,000 persons all done through Microsoft technology.

The courts utilize Microsoft 365 which is comprised of a plethora of web application, intelligent cloud service, and security-transparent tools for proceedings. The body approved the court guidelines on the conduct of Videoconferencing, which now allows remote appearances in court, even for those outside the country. Now it is possible for individuals to provide remote testimony even if you are in different parts of the country. Microsoft 365 made these all cost efficient, training necessary for their people were also provided.

While all courts are authorized to conduct these, videoconferencing has been done in over 2,715 courts. In it, almost 170,000 video conferencing hearings in both civil and criminal cases have already been conducted by judges. This comprise 80% success rate in the process.

Future looks bright huh?

DENR-BMB Launch Digital Wildlife Training Platform on World Wildlife Day

March 3, 2021 marks the celebration of World Wildlife Day. Part of the celebrations in the Philippines include DENR-BMB's launc of their digital wildlife training program which is now available online. Aside from that, they also held art/poster making contest. This year's theme also talks about "Forests and Livelihood: Sustaining People and Planet" which is quite an important subject. 

DENR is making sure that the government conservation and protection efforts would be continued and this includes wildlife. All these even during the pandemic. The online conference was also hosted by eco warrior and celebrity Antoinette Taus.

Jim Sampulna Mining and Muslim Affairs of DENR says "The theme for the world wildlife day this year has a vital role in sustaining not just biodiversity but the livelihood of people globally. The green oasis not just provide food but wildlife. Forests are important for our indigents to provide energy, food and shelter. By working together we can stop bio-life traders. Happy world wildlife day to everyone." 

Senator Cynthia Villar says "Thank you for having me in the World Wildlife Day 2021 celebration. I'm happy to be here with you today. This is very relevant for our time, as a legislator, I have filed yesterday an act strengthening the wildlife conservation particularly the wildlife protection act. RA 9147 is a measure that enables PH protect wildlife comprehensively including acts detrimental to wildlife including fines and penalties. The trade and transport of wildlife species has been international in nature and we have to have more teeth of which this new RA provide with more protection with our resources. The constant exploitation of wild fauna may have effects on diseases which are from animals, in turn spread viruses. We need not to only create awareness, but to take action with its protection. It would be too much for a country such as ours if we don't take care of our environment. Our country is one of a few biodiversity hot-spots. The more we protect, the less we lose wildlife. Now more than ever, there is a real need to strengthen our laws and include the protection of the world's most bio-diverse areas. As in any environmental issue, our actions are essential. It's part of our duty to make this world better than we found it." 

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri Senator announced during this occasion filed SBN 2079 An Act Providing for a Revised Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. This appropriates funds for this cause and other purposes. 

Ricardo Calderon AFoCO Executive Director says "This crisis reminded us the relationship between animals and human, the global efforts has started and the Philippines through DENR should recognize these developments. We are hoping to work more closely with DENR, the Biodiversity Management Bureau in making sure our resources and fauna are protected."

Eco Warrior and Artist Joey Ayala performed during the online event

Also present during the occasion was Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu. He lauded the addition of two online learning platforms launched on this day as it enables the DENR to uphold its mandate of educating the people about the country’s wildlife resources despite the prevailing COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) pandemic. He says "Thanks to technology, we are able not only to communicate remotely, but also make sure that the Filipinos can continue to educate themselves about the environment, especially in protecting our wildlife species. Thanks to partner organizations as these breakthroughs would not be possible without their help."

The DENR Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) launched this eTraining Course on  Basic Wildlife Law Enforcement (BWLE) which can be accessed through https://elearn.adb.org. The site contains 7 modules and 19 stand alone topics which professionals can use which includes topics such as Wildlife Law Enforcement in the Philippines, Species Commonly involved in Wildlife Crimes and more. Aside from that, they also introduced the Wildlife Philippines Podcast which were developed with 20 higher education institutions under their Institutes of Environmental Governance. It is available on streaming platforms worldwide.

During the event, they also announced the automation of the issuance of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) permits which aims to improve to control international trade of endangered species and reduce opportunities for corruption and fraudulent documents. This will also enhance their capacity for information exchange with other countries.

This is a step ahead for those who care about the environment, our flora and fauna. The Philippines is in the middle of it all and if the right things happen to local agencies, the laws and regulations are passed, then all of the improvement and red-tape lessened, this could benefit more Filipinos and our future generations.

70% OFF Promate Products on Lazada's 9th Birthday Sale

I'm still using my PROMATE power bank which I got years ago and some cables from the same company that can charge my battery whether for apple products, mini usb or type C. In a nutshell, they've had pretty good products that last years if you take good care of them. These days, they've got tons of other things in the market especially after they have started to diversify their line of products. They've got the usual mobile phone and photography accessories, consumer electronics and a whole lot more. 

 

 

 What's even better is that they're taking much of the price off, up to 70% OFF which is mighty good if you're looking for a good deal. This is their way of celebrating years of success and Lazada's 9th Birthday this coming March 27, 2021. You can check on their official store here http://bit.ly/PROMATELAZADABDAYSALE2021 if you need things as gifts of for personal use. The Capital-30, a high-capacity 78W power bank that can accommodate Type C connections. It costs Php 4,460 from its previous price Php 4,995.  It comes with a free Promate TrekPack-BP worth Php 2,995 so you kinda get more for the price. There is also the Harmoni Bluetooth TWS earbuds which promises 16 hours of playback in a full charge, it will be sold for Php 1,545 only for a limited time so make sure you have this added on your cart before they run out. For those who are seriously into recording things, get the Promic-1 is a High-Definition Omni-Directional Microphone which costs Php 820. If you fancy a backpack, get the Trekpack-BP which you can get for Php 2,73. It comes with free Promate Pastel Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo which costs Php 995 on a regular occasion.

 There are tons of these deals happening just on that day so if you're looking for good deals and items which you can use personally for your home office, this could be a good day to have it and checked out. They also have some vouchers on the app, so you kinda get more savings when the time is right. (Get it from 12am to 2am). Check out Promate on FB and their other social channels to know more about these deals.

Championing Viewers: CIGNAL TV and TV5

If you haven't felt it, heard or seen it, you'll be surprised how Cignal TV and TV5 did these huge business model changes in the past few years. They've started to work with independent producers and talent agencies which made a pretty good impact since it lowers production costs for the channel, but not shortchange artistry, entertainment value and talent which Filipinos rightfully deserve.

For those who don't know, they've worked with huge entertainment companies like VIVA Entertainment, IdeaFirst Company, Cornerstone Entertainment, Brightlight Productions, Archangel Media and Regal Entertainment. And if you haven't seen it yet, episodes of ABSCBN's highly rated shows like Coco Martin's "FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano", the Jodi Iza Sam starrer "Ang Sa Iyo ay Akin", then the Paulo Avelino, Zanjoe Marudo, Arci Muñoz and Angelica Panganiban show "Walang Hanggang Paalam" and the recent reality show Pinoy Big Brother Connect which had its finale a few days ago.

Not only that, Brightlight Productions also produced Korina Sanchez' Rated Korina, the Ian Veneracion and Dimples Romana romcom "Oh My Dad!" and the jampacked fun and innovative show "Lunch Out Loud". Viva Entertainment on the other hand brought to the table "Born to Be A Star", "Puto", "Republika Origins", "Ninja Kids", "1000 Heartbeats: Pintig Pinoy", "The Wall Philippines" and recent KDrama adaptation "Encounter" with Diego Loyzaga and Cristine Reyes. They also did Masked Singer Pilipinas, Ghost Adventures, Bella Bandida, Kagat ng Dilim and Onstage which had their really good runs in the evenings. They did good. My favorite people from IdeaFirst Company also did "Paano Ang Pasko?" and "Paano Ang Pangako?" which was done by Direk Jun Robles Lana (script), Director Enrico Quizon, Ricky Davao and Perci Intalan.

Cornerstone Entertainment did "I Got You", "Stay-In Love" and "Sunday Noontime Live!" plus Gretchen Ho's very own show Woman In Action and home grown TV5 News Programs Frontline Pilipinas and The Big Story which she's a mainstay. Archangel Media did the Paolo Ballesteros and Wally Bayola hosted Bawal na Game Show (which I had the chance to join a few months ago). They also did Fill in the Bank with Jose Manalo and Pokwang which is still doing good til now. Regal Entertainment Inc is doing their 10th year of content via One Screen Channel on Cignal TV, and they're still doing more in the coming months.

What's good is that we all know who's winning here, the viewers. For all these years, TV5 and Cignal TV managed to still bring everyone a piece of good programming in the midst of a pandemic. That's a lot of people working there just to bring you these things in 2021. 

I can't wait to see more!