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Wednesday, October 2, 2024

A Call to Defend Freedom of Expression in the Digital Age: Why Bloggers and Vloggers Shouldn't Be Silenced


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Sa lahat ng mga kasama natin na social media content creators at influencers, vloggers man o bloggers. Sana magkaisa rin tayo sa pagtuligsa sa COMELEC sa paghihigpit ni Chairman George Garcia at para kunsultahin muna sana ang mga Bloggers/Vloggers. 

Bago nila pagbawalan mag post ng political campaign ads sa any social media platform. Ang paghihigpit sa mga bloggers/vloggers ay paglabag sa Constitution. Pagbibigay sa lahat ng equal protection rights and expression for individual rights ay garantiya sa ating constitution. "Freedom of speech is a principle that supports the freedom of an individual or a community to articulate their opinions and ideas without fear of retaliation, censorship, or legal sanction.

" Obvius ang dahilan, kaya hinihigpitan nila ang mga social media influencers. Para ma monopolya ng mainstream media ang advertising. Bilyon bilyon na naman ang kikitain ng mainstream media.dito. Gusto nila sila na lang ang kikita. Kaya huwag tayo pumayag kay George Garcia sa ganitong maka Hitler na pagpanig lang sa mainstream media. May karapatan din tayo bilang social media practitioners na makapag campaign sa social media as our platform. Maraming salamat. God Bless!

English Translation:

"To all members. Let us also unite in condemning the COMELEC for Chairman George Garcia's stringent measures requiring bloggers/vloggers to be consulted before they are banned from posting political campaign ads on any social media platform. The crackdown on bloggers/vloggers is a violation of the Constitution. Granting everyone equal protection rights and the right to expression is guaranteed by our Constitution. 'Freedom of speech is a principle that supports the freedom of an individual or a community to articulate their opinions and ideas without fear of retaliation, censorship, or legal sanction.' The reason is obvious: they are tightening the regulations on social media influencers to monopolize advertising for mainstream media. Mainstream media stands to make billions from this. They want to be the only ones profiting. Let us not allow George Garcia to align himself with mainstream media in such a Hitler-like manner. We, as social media practitioners, also have the right to campaign on social media as our platform. Thank you very much. God bless to all."



The recent controversy surrounding the tightening of regulations by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), particularly under Chairman George Garcia, has sparked a heated debate about freedom of expression, censorship, and the role of social media influencers in political campaigns. As the digital landscape continues to expand, this issue is becoming a central topic not just for bloggers, vloggers, and content creators, but for every Filipino who values freedom of speech and equal access to media platforms.


The Issue at Hand

Comelec’s decision to consult with bloggers and vloggers before potentially restricting their ability to post political campaign ads on social media platforms has raised significant concerns. The move is seen as an attempt to curb the influence of social media personalities during election periods, which many argue is a direct violation of constitutional rights. The Constitution guarantees equal protection under the law and ensures that every individual has the right to freely express their opinions without fear of censorship or retribution.

However, the stringent rules being proposed by COMELEC appear to be targeting a specific group—social media influencers, who have become key players in shaping public opinion and political discourse in recent years.


Freedom of Speech at Stake

The principle of freedom of speech is at the heart of this controversy. It protects the ability of individuals and communities to share their ideas and opinions openly. Any form of restriction or censorship on this right threatens the democratic foundation of our society.
When bloggers and vloggers are prevented from posting political ads, it not only stifles their voice but also limits the range of perspectives available to the public.

This raises the question: Why the sudden crackdown on social media influencers? The answer seems clear to many observers—this is an effort to monopolize political advertising, funneling billions into the pockets of mainstream media companies, while cutting off smaller, independent voices from the conversation.


Monopolizing Media Power

The rise of social media has shifted the balance of power in the media industry. In the past, mainstream media outlets—television networks, newspapers, and radio stations—dominated political advertising. But with the advent of platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram, bloggers, vloggers, and influencers have emerged as credible and influential sources of information.

This new wave of digital content creators has democratized access to media, allowing individuals from all walks of life to participate in political discourse. However, by imposing new regulations, COMELEC appears to be pushing to re-centralize media power in the hands of mainstream outlets. The potential profits from political campaign ads are staggering, and mainstream media stands to benefit greatly if these restrictions come into play, as they eliminate competition from smaller, independent players in the digital space.


Why Bloggers and Vloggers Matter

Bloggers and vloggers play a crucial role in modern democracy. They provide alternative perspectives that are often absent from mainstream media coverage. They are able to connect directly with their audiences, engaging with people on a personal level and offering insights that resonate with real experiences.

The rise of social media has allowed ordinary citizens to have a voice, sharing their thoughts on political issues, candidates, and policies without needing the backing of a large media corporation. For many, social media has become the primary platform for consuming news and forming opinions on political matters. Restricting influencers from participating in the political advertising space would deprive millions of Filipinos of diverse viewpoints.


A Call for Unity

Now more than ever, it is crucial for social media practitioners, bloggers, vloggers, and their supporters to unite against these oppressive regulations. The move to silence influencers is not just an issue for content creators; it is a direct attack on freedom of speech and the right to equal participation in the political process.

Chairman George Garcia’s alignment with mainstream media, likened to authoritarian control, must be resisted. 





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Club Med partners with TRIFECTA to bring the mountains to Singaporeans


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In a first-of-its-kind partnership, the two brands have launched Club Med Snow Academy by TRIFECTA, offering a comprehensive ski programme. The collaboration also includes a 'Ski in the City' event, featuring a ski competition and activities recreating an immersive mountain atmosphere.

Club Med, the global leader in premium all-inclusive holidays, is excited to announce its strategic partnership with TRIFECTA, a premier boardsports-lifestyle destination along Orchard Road, to launch a series of activations to bring the mountains to Singaporeans. This includes the launch of a Club Med Snow Academy powered by TRIFECTA and a ski competition and party later in the year This initiative is the result of overwhelming response to the inaugural Snow Report in 2023, where 9 in 10 families expressed willingness to try indoor ski lessons. Officially launching on 1 October 2024, the Club Med Snow Academy will offer snow lessons taught by TRIFECTA instructors, so attendees can hit the slopes with confidence.

The two brands have a shared mission to make skiing and snowboarding accessible to Singaporeans. Club Med Snow Academy by TRIFECTA was thus launched to bring the mountains to all. Drawing on Club Med's 65+ years of mountain expertise, the premier all-inclusive resort brand has grown in their expertise on teaching and are able to tailor courses designed to ensure a smooth learning experience for all levels. This is further leveraged during the courses at Club Med Snow Academy.

The Club Med Snow Academy redefines how snow sports enthusiasts and beginners alike prepare for their holidays directly from Singapore. After signing up, attendees will train at TRIFECTA where instructors will assess their progress and match their skills to Club Med ski and snowboarding levels. Upon completion, attendees will receive a certificate endorsed by both Club Med and TRIFECTA, validating their new skills unlocked. Riders can then maximise their time on the powder snow slopes, whether at Club Med resorts in Hokkaido, The French Alps, Canada and across the globe or elsewhere. The enrolment in the Club Med Snow Academy by TRIFECTA is open to everyone. Meanwhile, Club Med guests who already have an existing booking can enjoy a 10% OFF all class packs if purchased before 15 October.

By combining Club Med’s expertise in delivering premium all‐inclusive snow holiday experiences with lessons on the slopes, coupled with TRIFECTA’s renowned snow sports training in the city, the activation is set to attract a diverse range of snow sports enthusiasts, including families, solo travellers and ski and snowboarding beginners.

"We are thrilled to partner with TRIFECTA to offer a unique training experience in advance of their vacation at Club Med’s snow resorts. This collaboration not only enhances our guests' enjoyment but also positions Club Med as the most desirable snow holiday brand,” said Olivier Monceau, General Manager, Club Med Singapore and Malaysia. "With over 20 snow resorts across the globe, we are confident that Singaporeans will see the value in training from Singapore before experiencing the best that Club Med has to offer without wasting a minute on the slopes."

The official media launch event on 26 September celebrated this innovative partnership, featuring live demonstrations, interactive sessions, and a preview of all that Club Med Snow Academy by TRIFECTA has to offer.

In addition to previewing the Club Med Snow Academy by TRIFECTA, the brands announced the upcoming Club Med x TRIFECTA Snow Competition and Party, 'Ski in the City,' set for Saturday, 16 November 2024. This highly anticipated event will be an opportunity to discover new ski and snowboarding talents of all ages, followed by a prize ceremony, where prizes include a Club Med stay for the winners, ski gears and class packs from TRIFECTA.

The audience can watch the ski and snowboarding competition while enjoying the mountain-themed activities around the snow arena, giving them a taste of the alpine experience without leaving the island. The crowd can look forward to mountain-themed food options, hot chocolate booth, ‘chalets’ photobooths, DJ sets, kids’ corner with fun activities and a lucky draw to bask in the après ski ambiance.

Ready for the ultimate snow holiday experience? Book your Club Med snow vacation today and start your journey with the Club Med Snow Academy by TRIFECTA. With tailored training and exclusive offers, including access to the breathtaking slopes of Club Med Kiroro Peak, your unforgettable adventure awaits. Discover the latest Snow Offers to secure your spot and elevate your holiday to the next level.


DepEd Releases Implementation Guidelines on Rationalizing Teachers' Workload and Overload Compensation


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In line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to prioritize the welfare of Filipino educators, the Department of Education (DepEd) has issued the Implementation Guidelines for the Rationalization of Teachers' Workload in Public Schools and Compensation for Teaching Overload through DepEd Order No. 005, s. 2024.

Signed by Education Secretary Sonny Angara, DepEd Memorandum No. 053, s. 2024 serves as a supplemental issuance to streamline the application of the key provisions of DO 005, s. 2024. The memorandum addresses operational concerns raised by teachers and field personnel, ensuring consistency and clarity in the policy’s execution.

"By optimizing teachers' workloads and providing fair compensation for additional duties, we are creating a more balanced and sustainable environment for our educators. This will ultimately enhance student learning outcomes," said Secretary Angara.



Key Provisions

DepEd Memorandum No. 053, s. 2024 reiterates that teachers are not required to teach more than six hours per day, in accordance with the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers (Republic Act No. 4670). In exceptional cases where teachers exceed this six-hour limit, they will be eligible for overload pay for up to two additional hours per day.

In instances where teachers have fewer than six hours of actual teaching, they may be assigned teaching-related tasks, proportionate to the time available. These guidelines ensure that teaching overloads are managed transparently, with clear procedures for compensation and equitable workload distribution.

Furthermore, teachers performing work beyond their regular six-hour load may earn Vacation Service Credits (VSC), providing additional recognition for their contributions.



Ancillary Tasks and Flexibility

Teachers will also have flexibility in completing ancillary tasks, with the option to perform them inside or outside school premises. Importantly, no additional reporting requirements will be imposed. Instead, teachers will simply track their activities using logbooks, locator slips, or certificates of undertaking.



Support and Implementation

To facilitate the smooth rollout of these policies, DepEd will provide standardized templates and materials through its online platforms. An implementation team, led by the Assistant Schools Division Superintendent, will oversee the policy’s enforcement across all schools, ensuring compliance with the established guidelines.



For more information, please refer to DepEd Memorandum No. 053, s. 2024, available at: https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/DM_s2024_053.pdf

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