MANILA, Philippines – A little over a year after Bataan 1st District Representative Geraldine Roman

delivered an emotional speech asking fellow lawmakers to support an anti-distrimination bill, the
House of Representatives on Wednesday, September 20, passed it on 3rd reading.

Voting 197-0, "House Bill Number 4982 or An Act Probihiting Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual
Orientation or Gender Identity or Expression (SOGIE) and Providing Penalties therefore," was
approved on 3rd and final reading.

The SOGIE Equality Bill protects people from discriminatory acts such as:

 Denial of access to public services

 Including SOGIE as a criteria for hiring or dismissal of workers
 Refusing admission or expelling students in schools based on SOGIE
 Imposing disciplinary actions that are harsher than customary due to the student's SOGIE
 Refusing or revoking accreditation of organizations based on the SOGIE of members
 Denying access to health services
 Denying the application for professional licenses and similar documents
 Denying access to establishments, facilities, and services open to the general public
 Forcing a person to undertake any medical or psychological examination to determine or alter
one's SOGIE
 Harassment committed by persons involved in law enforcement
 Publishing information intended to "out" or reveal the SOGIE of a person without consent
 Engaging in public speech which intends to shame or ridicule LGBTQ+ persons
 Subjecting persons to harassment motivated by the offenders bias against the offended party's
SOGIE, which may come in the form of any medium, including telecommunications and social
media
 Subjecting any person to gender profiling
 Preventing a child under parental authority from expressing one's SOGIE by inflicting or
threatening to inflict bodily or physical harm or by causing mental or emotional suffering

Those convicted of discriminating against a person as defined in the bill shall be fined not less than
P100,000 but not more than P500,000, or be imprisoned for less than one year but not more than 6
years or both.

A court can also opt to impose community service in the form of human rights education and
familiarization with and exposure to the plight of victims, according to Dinagat Representative Kaka
Bag-ao, one of the principal authors of the bill.

The struggle to push the measure has been long and winding. A version of it was first filed during the
11th Congress by then Akbayan Representative Etta Rosales. It was approved on 3rd and final
reading by the House but the Senate failed to do the same.

In 2006, the bill reached second reading at the House during the 13th Congress.

A similar measure is pending before the Senate. – Rappler.com

What Is Depression?
Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how
you feel, the way you think and how you act. Fortunately, it is also treatable. Depression causes feelings of
sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical
problems and can decrease a person’s ability to function at work and at home.

Depression symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can include:

Feeling sad or having a depressed mood

Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Loss of energy or increased fatigue
Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., hand-wringing or pacing) or slowed movements and speech
(actions observable by others)
Feeling worthless or guilty
Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions
Thoughts of death or suicide
Symptoms must last at least two weeks for a diagnosis of depression.

Also, medical conditions (e.g., thyroid problems, a brain tumor or vitamin deficiency) can mimic symptoms of
depression so it is important to rule out general medical causes.

Depression affects an estimated one in 15 adults (6.7%) in any given year. And one in six people (16.6%) will
experience depression at some time in their life. Depression can strike at any time, but on average, first
appears during the late teens to mid-20s. Women are more likely than men to experience depression. Some
studies show that one-third of women will experience a major depressive episode in their lifetime.

Depression Is Different From Sadness or Grief/Bereavement

The death of a loved one, loss of a job or the ending of a relationship are difficult experiences for a person to
endure. It is normal for feelings of sadness or grief to develop in response to such situations. Those
experiencing loss often might describe themselves as being “depressed.”
But being sad is not the same as having depression. The grieving process is natural and unique to each
individual and shares some of the same features of depression. Both grief and depression may involve intense
sadness and withdrawal from usual activities. They are also different in important ways:

In grief, painful feelings come in waves, often intermixed with positive memories of the deceased. In major
depression, mood and/or interest (pleasure) are decreased for most of two weeks.
In grief, self-esteem is usually maintained. In major depression, feelings of worthlessness and self-loathing are
common.
For some people, the death of a loved one can bring on major depression. Losing a job or being a victim of a
physical assault or a major disaster can lead to depression for some people. When grief and depression co-
exist, the grief is more severe and lasts longer than grief without depression. Despite some overlap between
grief and depression, they are different. Distinguishing between them can help people get the help, support or
treatment they need.
Risk Factors for Depression
Depression can affect anyone—even a person who appears to live in relatively ideal circumstances.

Several factors can play a role in depression:

Biochemistry: Differences in certain chemicals in the brain may contribute to symptoms of depression.
Genetics: Depression can run in families. For example, if one identical twin has depression, the other has a 70
percent chance of having the illness sometime in life.
Personality: People with low self-esteem, who are easily overwhelmed by stress, or who are generally
pessimistic appear to be more likely to experience depression.
Environmental factors: Continuous exposure to violence, neglect, abuse or poverty may make some people
more vulnerable to depression.
How Is Depression Treated?
Depression is among the most treatable of mental disorders. Between 80 percent and 90 percent of people
with depression eventually respond well to treatment. Almost all patients gain some relief from their
symptoms.

Before a diagnosis or treatment, a health professional should conduct a thorough diagnostic evaluation,
including an interview and possibly a physical examination. In some cases, a blood test might be done to make
sure the depression is not due to a medical condition like a thyroid problem. The evaluation is to identify
specific symptoms, medical and family history, cultural factors and environmental factors to arrive at a
diagnosis and plan a course of action.
Medication: Brain chemistry may contribute to an individual’s depression and may factor into their treatment.
For this reason, antidepressants might be prescribed to help modify one’s brain chemistry. These medications
are not sedatives, “uppers” or tranquilizers. They are not habit-forming. Generally antidepressant medications
have no stimulating effect on people not experiencing depression.

Antidepressants may produce some improvement within the first week or two of use. Full benefits may not be
seen for two to three months. If a patient feels little or no improvement after several weeks, his or her
psychiatrist can alter the dose of the medication or add or substitute another antidepressant. In some
situations other psychotropic medications may be helpful. It is important to let your doctor know if a
medication does not work or if you experience side effects.

Psychiatrists usually recommend that patients continue to take medication for six or more months after
symptoms have improved. Longer-term maintenance treatment may be suggested to decrease the risk of
future episodes for certain people at high risk.

Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy, or “talk therapy,” is sometimes used alone for treatment of mild depression;
for moderate to severe depression, psychotherapy is often used in along with antidepressant medications.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been found to be effective in treating depression. CBT is a form of
therapy focused on the present and problem solving. CBT helps a person to recognize distorted thinking and
then change behaviors and thinking.

Psychotherapy may involve only the individual, but it can include others. For example, family or couples
therapy can help address issues within these close relationships. Group therapy involves people with similar
illnesses.

Depending on the severity of the depression, treatment can take a few weeks or much longer. In many cases,
significant improvement can be made in 10 to 15 sessions.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a medical treatment most commonly used for patients with severe major
depression or bipolar disorder who have not responded to other treatments. It involves a brief electrical
stimulation of the brain while the patient is under anesthesia. A patient typically receives ECT two to three
times a week for a total of six to 12 treatments. ECT has been used since the 1940s, and many years of
research have led to major improvements. It is usually managed by a team of trained medical professionals
including a psychiatrist, an anesthesiologist and a nurse or physician assistant.
Self-help and Coping
There are a number of things people can do to help reduce the symptoms of depression. For many people,
regular exercise helps create positive feeling and improve mood. Getting enough quality sleep on a regular
basis, eating a healthy diet and avoiding alcohol (a depressant) can also help reduce symptoms of depression.
Depression is a real illness and help is available. With proper diagnosis and treatment, the vast majority of
people with depression will overcome it. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, a first step is to see
your family physician or psychiatrist. Talk about your concerns and request a thorough evaluation. This is a
start to addressing mental health needs.

Surprising Symptoms of Depression

Article by:
Katie Hurley, LCSW

Physical Pain Grouchiness Boozing it Up Weight Gain Poor Hygiene Indecisiveness Feeling Guilty
The essential features of depression include depressed mood (feeling sad, hopeless, empty) and loss of
interest or pleasure in nearly all activities most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks.1
Depressed mood (or irritability for kids) and diminished pleasure are the primary symptoms people are
cautioned to look for when depression is suspected.

While those symptoms certainly are red flags, the truth is that depression doesn’t always look like debilitating
sadness. Some symptoms of depression can be far more subtle. Those same symptoms can also mimic other
medical conditions or be dismissed as normal everyday problems.

Identifying and understanding symptoms of depression are important first steps toward getting the proper
supports in place to work through. Check out these less obvious symptoms of depression.

Article continues below

Do you feel depressed?
Take our 2-minute Depression quiz to see if you may benefit from further diagnosis and treatment.

Take Depression Quiz

1. Physical pain
Complaints of physical pain are common in people with depression. Back pain, joint pain, and limb pain are all
symptoms of depression and can result in chronic pain if left untreated.
Studies show that the link between pain and depression is a shared neurologic pathway, and that the worse
the painful physical symptoms, the more severe the depression.2

If you experience back pain, neck pain, or other sources of pain more often than not, don’t be so quick to
brush it off. It just might be a red flag of depression lurking beneath the surface.

2. Grouchy is your new normal

If it feels like even the slightest trigger sends you into a rage, or you feel irritable and grouchy a lot, you might
be struggling with depression.

Although symptoms of hostility, anger, and irritability are not central to the diagnosis of depression, research
shows that these symptoms are highly prevalent in depressed people and associated with increased
depressive severity, longer duration, a more chronic and long-term course of depression, and high co-
morbidity with substance abuse and anxiety. 3

3. You drink more alcohol than usual

One drink after a long day might take the edge off, but if you find that you’re drinking a few drinks every night,
it’s probably more than a hard day at the office that’s driving your behavior.

The interplay between heavy drinking and depression is complex. While some people might pick up a drink to
cope with, or mask the feelings associated with, depression, heavy alcohol use can trigger a depressive
episode. This is referred to as “substance- induced depression.” One long-term study found that for men with
alcohol problems, almost one-third of reported depressive episodes were only seen during bouts of heavy
drinking.4

4. Big changes in weight

Rapid weight loss or weight gain (a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month) is associated with
depression.5 Depression can either zap your appetite to the point where you rarely feel hungry or cause you
to overeat.

While it’s perfectly normal to crave comfort foods when under stress, if you experience noticeable changes in
your appetite that trigger weight loss or gain, you should seek an evaluation.
5. You forgot to shower (again)
Depression can impact your daily living, including your self-care routine. If you find that you’re not showering
regularly, brushing your hair, practicing proper oral hygiene, wearing clean clothes, or struggling to even get
out of bed in the morning, you might be in the midst of a depressive episode.

6. You can’t make up your mind

Depression diminishes the ability to concentrate, including making decisions.6 Whether you struggle to make
a decision about your morning coffee or find that you’re paralyzed when making important decisions at work,
your depression slows your cognitive processes.

7. You feel really, really overwhelmed with guilt

Do you apologize for every little thing? Are you completely overwhelmed with feelings of guilt nearly every
day? Excessive guilt is a sneaky sign of depression that might take you by surprise.

The sense of guilt associated with depression can include guilty preoccupations over perceived past or present
failings. It can also include an exaggerated sense of personal responsibility for trivial matters and increased
self-blame.

Depression can sneak up on you. People are conditioned to look for that feeling of overwhelming sadness as
the go-to symptom of depression, but the truth is that the above symptoms can develop over time and are
sometimes hard to spot. If you do find that some of these symptoms impair your social, occupational, or other
areas of functioning, make that phone call to your primary care physician for a referral for treatment. The
sooner you begin the treatment process, the sooner the depression lifts and you can resume your normal daily
activities.
Fake news is a type of yellow journalism or propaganda that consists of
deliberate disinformation or hoaxes spread via traditional print and broadcast news media or
online social media.[1][2] The term is also at times used to cast doubt upon legitimate news from an
opposing political standpoint, a tactic known as the lying press.[3][4] The false information is then often
reverberated as misinformation in social media, but occasionally finds its way to the mainstream
media as well.[5] Fake news is written and published with the intent to mislead in order to damage an
agency, entity, or person, and/or gain financially or politically, [6][7][8] often using sensationalist,
dishonest, or outright fabricated headlines to increase readership, online sharing, and Internet click
revenue. In the latter case, it is similar to sensational online "clickbait" headlines and relies on
advertising revenue generated from this activity, regardless of the veracity of the published stories.
[6]
 Intentionally misleading and deceptive fake news differs from obvious satire or parody, which is
intended to amuse rather than mislead its audience.
The relevance of fake news has increased in post-truth politics. For media outlets, the ability to attract
viewers to their websites is necessary to generate online advertising revenue. If publishing a story
with false content attracts users, this benefits advertisers and improves ratings. Easy access to
online advertisement revenue, increased political polarization, and the popularity of social media,
primarily the Facebook News Feed,[1] have all been implicated in the spread of fake news, [6][9]which
competes with legitimate news stories. Hostile government actors have also been implicated in
generating and propagating fake news, particularly during elections. [10]
Fake news undermines serious media coverage and makes it more difficult for journalists to cover
significant news stories.[11]An analysis by Buzzfeed found that the top 20 fake news stories about
the 2016 U.S. presidential election received more engagement on Facebook than the top 20 election
stories from 19 major media outlets.[12] Anonymously-hosted fake news websites[1] lacking known
publishers have also been criticized, because they make it difficult to prosecute sources of fake news
for libel.[13]
During and after his presidential campaign and election, Donald Trump popularized the term "fake
news" when he used it to describe the negative press coverage of himself. [14][15] In part as a result of
Trump's use of the term, the term has come under increasing criticism, and in October 2018 the
British government decided that it will no longer use the term because it is "a poorly-defined and
misleading term that conflates a variety of false information, from genuine error through to foreign
interference in democratic processes."[16]

4 Tips for Spotting a Fake News Story

by Christina Nagler

The year 2016 was newsworthy, to say the least. An unprecedented American election, Brexit, earthquakes, and
outbreaks all contributed to some of the most compelling news in recent memory.

But mixed in with all the fair, factual, and well-researched reporting was something more sinister:
Fake news, stories that seemed accurate, but were actually downright false.

While fake news has been circulating as long as its legitimate counterpart, it got a lot of play in 2016,
thanks to the way we consume information. According to Pew Research Center, people under age 50
get half of their news online. And for those under 30, online news is twice as popular as TV news.

Speaking of the Internet, did you hear the one about Pope Francis endorsing Donald Trump or the
Clinton campaign running a child sex trafficking ring out of a pizza parlor in Washington, DC,
(#pizzagate)? Both fakes.
 WHY FAKE NEWS GOES VIRAL

Thousands of people circulated these false stories. Why? Perhaps because eye-popping headlines in
our social media feeds make it easier for us to share content than evaluate or even read it. This
creates a viral storm of sound bites without substance.

Another contributing factor, according to Pew Research, is confirmation bias. People are more likely
to accept information that confirms their beliefs and dismiss information that does not.

But the result of all this misinformation isn’t simply ignorance. It can also provoke serious
consequences.

In the case of #pizzagate, a man decided to “self-investigate” the child abuse allegations, arming
himself with several weapons, arriving at the restaurant cited in the fake story, firing a shot (luckily
without injury to anyone), and terrifying bystanders. In instances such as these, the stakes are too
high not to get the facts straight.

If 2016 is any indication, 2017 promises to be a doozy of a news year. So we need to defend
ourselves against getting duped. Keeping track of good and bad news requires us, as readers, to do a
little legwork. Here’s how:

LET’S GET CRITICAL: 4 TIPS FOR EVALUATING NEWS

1. Vet the publisher’s credibility.

 Would the publishing site meet academic citation standards? Just because a site is
popular among your friends does not mean its content is accurate.
 What is the domain name? Be wary of unusual top-level domain names, like “.com.co.” A
second-level domain like “abcnews”  may appear credible. But note that abcnews.com.co is a different
and illegitimate site, though designed to appear similar to the original.
 What’s the publication’s point of view? Read the “About Us” section for more insight into
the publisher, leadership, and mission statement. Also, confirm that you have not stumbled upon a
satirical news site, like the Onion.
 Who is the author? Has he or she published anything else? Be suspicious if the byline, which
names the author, is a celebrity writing for a little-known site or if the author’s contact information is a
G-mail address.

2. Pay attention to quality and timeliness.

 Do you notice splling erors [sic], lots of ALL CAPS, or dramatic punctuation?!?!?! If
so, abort your reading mission. Reputable sources have high proofreading and grammatical standards.  
 Is the story current or recycled? Make sure an older story isn’t being taken out of context.

3. Check the sources and citations.

 How did you find the article? If the content showed up in your social media feed or was
promoted on a website known for clickbait, proceed with caution. Even if the information was shared
by a friend, be sure to follow the steps below to vet the publisher’s credibility.
 Who is (or is not) quoted, and what do they say? If you notice a glaring lack of quotes
and contributing sources, particularly on a complex issue, then something is amiss. Credible journalism
is fed by fact-gathering, so a lack of research likely means a lack of fact-based information.
 Is the information available on other sites? If not, then it’s very likely that the
journalistic jury is still out on whether this information is valid. Library databases are a great resources
for confirming the credibility of information—check out Harvard Library's list of public resources.
 Can you perform reverse searches for sources and images? By checking cited sources,
you can confirm that the information has been accurately applied and not altered to meet the author’s
point of view. The same goes for images. In an era of Photoshop magic, you can’t always believe what
you see.

4. Ask the pros.

 Have you visited a fact-checking website?There are many good ones,

like FactCheck.org, International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN), PolitiFact.com, or Snopes.com. Do
your own detective work and feel more confident in being able to identify fact vs. fiction.

Here’s to keeping 2017 honest!

10 Ways Leadership Roles Will Help You Succeed After College

Student leaders have the unique opportunity to learn and lead during their college years - an
experience not easily replicated after graduation. Learn how individuals who serve in student
leadership roles are poised to be successful in the workforce after completing college.

Start School Search Or view Popular Schools »

1. You'll gain confidence.

Many student leaders are chosen or voted into their positions by their peers. Having your abilities
recognized by others is empowering, and the work you do in a leadership role is likely to be
recognized. You can gain confidence in your leadership skills by starting a club on-campus, writing for
the school newspaper, organizing sports rallies or serving as a tour guide for incoming students.

2. You can develop communication skills.

Public speaking plays a major role in many careers today. As a student leader, you'll have to speak
with confidence and poise to diverse groups about your organization's mission and goals. Diplomacy
skills and persuasion tactics are applicable to almost any career. You can develop your
communication skills by speaking at school events, mentoring incoming freshmen or being part of a
school's radio broadcast team.

3. You'll gain responsibility.

Student leaders aren't only responsible for themselves - they also have extended responsibilities that
affect a wide range of people. Leaders of a group must not only make sure that tasks get done, but
that all members of the organization are performing to the best of their abilities. If someone doesn't
follow through on a task, leaders make sure that, ultimately, the task is completed. This responsibility
can be a lesson on how to hold others accountable.

4. You can develop negotiation skills.

Most student groups work on collaborative projects that may have competing interests. Student
leaders must learn to establish priorities and compromise when necessary. Success occurs when the
integrity of a project is maintained and everyone involved feels valued and empowered. This form of
negotiation is invaluable for helping any group meet its goals, including professional teams in the
workforce. To further develop your negotiation skills, consider taking a conflict-resolution or
cooperative learning workshop offered either on-campus or off-campus.

5. You'll be able to network.

Student leaders may communicate with many people that the average student doesn't typically
interact with on a daily basis. In a leadership role, one can become familiar with school
administrators, leaders from other campus groups, managers in off-campus partner organizations and
other high-profile figures. Building relationships with these people can yield valuable personal and
professional contacts.

6. You'll gain management skills.

A strong leader is one whose management skills become second nature. Leaders must oversee
operational tasks, make budgets, prioritize workloads, build consensus and perform other executive
duties as necessary. Practicing these skills in college can teach you how to use your personal talents
for the overall advantage of your group. You'll likely make mistakes, but learning how to handle them
now can better prepare you for the workforce.

7. You can hone problem-solving skills.

Student leaders have many obligations to meet while maintaining a full course load and attending to
other personal responsibilities. It will take some creative problem-solving to get everything done and
keep life in balance. Leadership experiences allow you to hone multitasking abilities that future job
and life responsibilities demand.

8. You'll discover new talents.

While student leadership involves delegating work and holding others accountable, leaders have to
complete some tasks on their own. For example, if you're leading a small group, you may have to
serve as an accountant or creative director for your organization's new marketing campaign. New
tasks can be challenging, but they can also awaken undiscovered talents that may prove useful in the
future.

9. You'll be recognized.
The student leader often becomes the face of the group he or she represents. If a leader is involved
and successful, individuals from all fields of study may recognize the leader around campus, even
when official business is not being conducted. Leaders are often approached with unique and
engaging opportunities by other students and faculty members. Leadership work may also lead to
school awards, which can add another distinction to your resume.

10. You'll improve your resume.

Employers recognize the responsibilities that student leaders take on, and they respect the initiative it
shows to head a college organization. With leadership experience on your resume, you're more likely
to get the attention of a hiring manager. A student leadership role is also a great talking point during
interviews.
Part of being a good student leader is forming connections with faculty members. Learn five ways to
get to know a professor.

What you need to know about the Philippine national ID system

(UPDATED) Proponents say the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) can help improve the
delivery of government services but experts worry about its implications on privacy

Jodesz Gavilan
@jodeszgavilan
Published 10:50 AM, June 07, 2018
Updated 7:32 PM, August 08, 2018
FOR BETTER. The national ID system hopes to streamline government services.

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, August 6, signed into
law the bill that will establish a national ID system in the Philippines.

The Senate and the House of Representatives ratified the bicameral conference committee report in
the last week of May 2018. (READ: National ID law: Here's the law, plus a quick summary)

The national ID system has been a very controversial issue in the past decades with experts warning
that it could violate a person's right to privacy. But government insists that security mechanisms are in
place to protect stored information. (READ: Past attempts at a national ID system: A battleground of
privacy, executive power)

Before it finally becomes law, here's what you need to know about it:

Why do we need a national ID system in the first place?

The Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) is the government’s central identification platform. In a
nutshell, it is a means to simplify public and private transactions.

Proponents of the national ID system said that it can greatly improve the delivery of government
services – especially for those who lack proper government-issued identification cards as a person’s
record in the PhilSys would be valid and sufficient proof of identity.

According to Republic Act 11055, the system aims to "eliminate the need to present other forms of
identification when transacting with the government and private sector."

Socioeconomic Secretary Ernesto Pernia, in March 2018, said that PhilSys "can open up
opportunities especially for the poor and marginalized and will make public service delivery more
efficient."

It also aims to reduce corruption and curtail bureaucratic red tape, prevent fraudulent transactions,
and ease doing business in the Philippines.

When and where do we need to register?

RA 11055 states that every citizen or resident alien in the Philippines shall register personally a year
after the law takes effect.

Individuals can go register in the following centers:

 PSA Regional Provincial Offices

 Local Civil Registry Offices
 Government Service Insurance System
 Social Security System
 Philippine Health Insurance Corporation
 Home Development Mutual Fund
 Commission on Elections
 Philippine Postal Corporation
 Other government agencies as assigned by PSA

What will I get upon registration?

All Filipino citizens and aliens shall register in the PhilSys. Individuals born after the law takes effect
shall be registered upon birth immediately.

Each registered person in the Philippines will be given a PhilSys Number (PSN) – a randomly
generated, unique, and permanent identification number.

A physical identification card will also be issued which will serve as “official government-issued
identification document” that can be used in several transactions that require proof of identification.

Where can I use the PhilID or PSN?

The PhilID or PSN can be used when dealing with national government agencies, local government
units, government-owned or -controlled corporations, government financial institutions, and the
private sector.

The law lays out specific transactions that the ID can be used for:

 Applying for social welfare and benefits

 Applying for services offered by the GSIS, SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-
Ibig, and other government agencies
 Applying for passport and driver’s licenses
 Tax-related transactions
 Registration and voting identification purposes
 Applying for schools, colleges, universities, and other learning
institutions
 Applying for employment and other related transactions
 Opening bank accounts and other transactions with banks and
financial institutions
 Verifying criminal records and clearances
  Other transactions defined in the implementing rules and regulations
(IRR)

What information will be collected?

Information to be collected under the Philippine Identification System includes demographic data such
as full name, sex, date of birth, place of birth, blood type, address, and citizenship. Marital status,
mobile numbers, and email addresses are optional.

Other Stories

Duterte signs national ID system law

Filipinos will soon be asked to register with the Philippine ID System in order to get their national ID.
Lawmakers give assurances that privacy rights and data will be protected.

Data privacy, rights groups urge PSA to delay approval of national ID system IRR
The groups call on the Philippine Statistics Authority to extend the period for public consultations for
the implementing rules and regulations of the Philippine Identification System

National ID system bill up for Duterte's signature

(UPDATED) Once the bill is signed into law, the national ID system will be managed by the Philippine
Statistics Authority

Biometric information will also be recorded, including front-facing photograph, full set of fingerprints,
and iris scan. Other identifiable features may be collected if necessary.

An identification card called PhilID will also be issued under the new system. This physical card will
bear the information such as a person’s unique PSN, full name, blood type, date of birth, place of
birth, address, and front-facing photograph. Marital status is also optional.

A person applying to be part of the PhilSys needs to present a birth certificate. Resident aliens,
meanwhile, will need certification of their status. Additional documents may be requested upon
assessment.

.
Who will handle my data?

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is the main implementing agency of the national ID system.
It will maintain and secure all the information collected from all Filipinos and registered aliens in the
country.

According to the law, the PSA will be assisted in technical aspects by the Department of Information
and Communications Technology (DICT). It can also adopt “new but more effective” technology that
can help in the registration, authentication, and security of all data.

A PhilSys Policy and Coordination Council (PPCC) will also be established to formulate policies “to
ensure effective coordination and implementation” of the PhilSys. The council will be composed of
representatives from different government agencies including the Department of Budget and
Management, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Social Welfare and Development
(DSWD), among others.

How secure will my data be?

The law explicitly states that there are only two ways by which the registered information can be
accessed or used: if the registered individual gives consent or if there is a court order issue in the
interest of public health or safety.

When the information about a certain individual needs to be released, the registered person will be
notified of the disclosure within 72 hours. The existence of the Data Privacy Act of 2012 also
reinforces the state's "commitment" to having a legal recourse in the event of violation of one's
privacy.

Laguna 3rd District Representative and co-author Sol Aragones assured the public that the PSA will
keep the vital information secure.

"May mga safeguards na nagsasabi na masesecure ang data (There are safeguards that will ensure
that the data is secure)," she told Rappler on Tuesday, June 5, adding that implementing rules and
regulations (IRR), which will be released 30 days after the law is signed by Duterte, will spell out more
as to how the agency will secure the data.

The National Privacy Commission (NPC), meanwhile, said it intends to build trust with the people by
mitigating risks of breaches and leakages and making sure government agencies adhere to the Data
Privacy Act.

“Personal data breaches and violations to data subjects’ rights are man-made," NPC commissioner
Raymund Liboro said on May 28. "They can be prevented by building resilience and a culture of
privacy and protection with the organization."

What are the concerns regarding the national ID system?

While the system has its benefits, data privacy experts worry that several provisions blur the line
between what’s appropriate and what may constitute a violation of one’s privacy. (READ: 'Record
history' casts cloud of doubt on the national ID system)

The inclusion of the so-called “record history” in the law is a cause for concern, according to privacy
lawyer Jam Jacob, legal and policy adviser of technology and rights advocacy group Foundation for
Media Alternatives (FMA).

The record history, as defined in the law, refers to details of authentication requests made whenever
a government-issued identification card is used in any transaction by a registered individual.

Jacob warned that maintaining a record history may pave the way for "dataveillance." (READ: What
you need to know about state surveillance)

“It can result in a centralized file that will give a detailed history of an individual’s activities over an
extended period,” Jacob said. “That essentially makes it a comprehensive surveillance system.”

Data privacy lawyer Cecilia Soria, meanwhile, pointed out that the national ID system is not the only
way to improve government services. The proponents should also look into their inefficiencies, she
added. – Rappler.com

Duterte to sign national ID system bill into law

The national ID system in the Philippines has been the center of debate concerning privacy and data
security

NATIONAL ID. The Philippines will soon have a national identification system. Illustration by Alyssa
Arizabal/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte is set to sign into law on Monday, August 6, the bill
that will create the national identification system.

Proponents of the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) said it can greatly improve the delivery of
government services as it addresses the lack of government-issued identification cards of many
Filipinos.

All Filipino citizens and registered aliens would be required to register through the government's
central identification platform. (READ: What you need to know about the proposed national ID
system)

The system will collect a person's demographic data such as full name, sex, date of birth, blood type,
address, and citizenship. Biometric information will also be recorded, including a front-facing
photograph, full set of fingerprints, and iris scan.

Collected information will be handled and secured by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
A registered individual will be given a randomly generated, unique, and permanent ID number or the
PhilSys Number (PSN). A physical ID card or PhilID will also be issued.

The PhilID or PSN can be used when dealing with national government agencies, local government
units, government owned and controlled corporations, government financial institutions, and the
private sector.

The Senate and the House of Representatives ratified the bill in May 2018.

Controversial bill

The establishment of a national ID system has been the center of debate concerning privacy and data
security.

While the system may be beneficial, data privacy experts are worried about certain provisions in the
bill which may blur the line between what's appropriate and what may constitute a violation of privacy.
(READ: 'Record history' casts cloud of doubt on proposed national ID system)

For example, the inclusion of a record history, which will track each transaction made, may pave the
way for mass surveillance. If the national ID system aims to streamline identity verification, keeping a
record history would be completely unnecessary, experts said.

But proponents of the system and the National Privacy Commission insisted that measures are in
place to secure the privacy of Filipinos.

The Philippines is one of the few countries in the world without a national ID system yet. Attempts in
past administrations were met with budget issues, legal troubles, and poor public support, among
others. (READ: Past attempts at a national ID system: A battleground of privacy, executive power) –
Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Two days after President Rodrigo Duterte signed it, Republic Act No 11055 or
the Philippine Identification System Act has been released to the public.

A complete copy of the new law can be found at the end of this article.

Here's a quick summary of its salient points:

What is the Philippine Identification System or PhilSys? It's a system that centralizes all personal
information of Filipino citizens and resident aliens and generates a Philippine ID (PhilID) and PhilSys
Number (PSN) that will be used to authenticate their identity in all government and private sector
transactions. This includes applications for drivers' license, passport, tax-related transactions, voters'
registration, application to schools, and bank transactions.

How does that affect lives of Filipinos, resident aliens? This means there will be no need to provide
government offices or private establishments with multiple IDs (license, passport, TIN ID, etc) just to
prove your identity. Providing your PhilID or PSN will be deemed as sufficient proof of identity, subject
to verification.

How do I enter the system? One year from the effectivity of this law, citizens and resident aliens can
register in person with any of the offices below. Registration is not mandatory. To speed up
processing, you can provide a birth certificate (for citizens) or proof of residence (for resident aliens).

Duterte to sign national ID system bill into law

The national ID system in the Philippines has been the center of debate concerning privacy and data
security

 PSA Regional and Provincial Offices

 Local Civil Registry Offices
 Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)
 Social Security System (SSS)
 Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth)
 Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF)
 Commission on Elections (Comelec)
 Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost)
 Other government-owned and controlled corporations assigned by the Philippine Statistics
Authority

What if I live abroad? Register with the Philippine embassy in your area or any registeration center
designated by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

What type of information will I be asked to provide?

 Full name
 Sex
 Date of birth
 Place of birth
 Blood type
 Address
 Whether you are a Filipino or resident alien
 Front facing photograph
 Full set of fingerprints
 Iris scan
 Other identifiable features as may be determined by the law's implementing rules and
regulations
 Optional information: marital status, mobile number, e-mail address

Will my personal information, data be secure? The law imposes penalties of fines or imprisonment
for any person who illegally discloses any PhilSys information or uses it for unauthorized purposes.
Personal data may only be disclosed to enforcement or security agencies in the interest of public
safety and only upon court order. In such a case, the owner of the information must be notified within
72 hours of the disclosure.

Who's in charge? The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is the government agency tasked with
implementing the law with the technical assistance of the Department of Information and
Communications Technology (DICT). A council composed of officials from the National Economic
and Development Authority, budget department, finance department, foreign affairs department, and
more will create the policies.

Something to note: It's important to point out that the PhilSys will also record every instance you use
your PhilID or PSN in a transaction, aside from any modification of personal information. Privacy
experts have said this could lead to "dataveillance" or a comprehensive surveillance system that
tracks a person's activities over an extended period.

UNIFORM

A shirt, tie and blazer may not be the ingredients for my favourite outfit, but if I were given the choice,
I wouldn’t throw away the idea of school uniform. Wearing a uniform is a badge of pride, creates an
identity for a school and is an important part of being a school student.

“Uniforms show that you are part of an organisation. Wearing it says we’re all in this together,” Jason
Wing, head teacher at the Neale-Wade academy in Cambridgeshire, says.

“Also, if you wear your uniform with pride, it means you are half way there to being respectful, buying
into what the organisation is all about.’’

Claire Howlette, an English teacher, agrees: “Uniforms give students a sense of belonging to a
particular school and create an identity for the school in the community.”

What's the point of school uniform?

You might hate your school uniform, but I think it's there for good reason, says 15-year-
old Chloe Spencer

My school is one of many that seem to be reverting to a more formal uniform – this September I will
be wearing a shirt and blazer instead of my old jumper and polo shirt. A number of students have
complained about the change, but general opinion is that the jumpers and polo shirts were “childish”.

A school uniform teaches students to dress smartly and take pride in their appearance. Howlette says:
“Uniforms help students to prepare for when they leave school and may have to dress smartly or wear
a uniform.”

Some people believe that a school uniform can improve learning by reducing distraction, sharpening
focus on schoolwork and making the classroom a more serious environment, allowing students to
perform better academically.
Perhaps most importantly, a uniform means students don’t have to worry about peer pressure when it
comes to their clothes. When everyone is dressed the same, worrying about what you look like isn’t so
important. There is no competition about being dressed in the latest trend, which would put a great
deal of financial pressure on students and parents. Potential bullies have one less target for their
insults; it’s hard to make fun of what someone is wearing when you’re dressed exactly the same.

In America, where a majority of schools do not have a uniform, roughly 160,000 children miss school
every day due to fear of attack or intimidation by other students. This might not be directly linked to
what they’re wearing, but having a uniform can be a safety net for many students who might
otherwise suffer from bullying. A strict uniform gives the impression that rules are strict too, perhaps
helping maintain a sense of order at school.

Although wearing a school uniform is less expensive than buying a whole wardrobe of outfits, uniform
can still be pricey. Many schools have a specific supplier, and wearing cheaper alternatives can result
in punishment if the black skirt you’re wearing isn’t exactly the right black skirt. Finding uniform that
fits you, especially if you’re limited to one shop, can also be a struggle.

Recently the Liberal Democrats held a conference about the cost of school uniforms across England.
The education minister David Laws is to issue new guidance to end the practice of using a single
uniform supplier, enabling parents to shop around for uniform. If schools decide to change their
uniform, for example with a new emblem or colour, changes should be restricted to one or two items,
preferably with sew-on logos. Changing from a one-supplier system could help families with the cost
of school uniform.

Although it might seem a shame to miss out on those two years of dressing as you like at school, I
welcome the smart dress code. Not only does it make getting dressed each morning a lot easier, but it
sets sixth formers up as role models for younger students, and that’s important.

Macy Vallance, a year-eight student, says: “I like uniforms because everyone is the same and no one
can be left out by the way they are dressed. Our new uniform looks smarter, which is good.”

My uniform might not be what I would wear in my own time, but it gives me a sense of belonging,
takes away the pressure of what to wear and deters the bullies. School uniform isn’t fashionable, but
that’s exactly why I think it should be here to stay.
The Coolest New Tech and Gadgets to Buy in 2018

Work better, play better, and live better.

BY ESQUIRE EDITORS
JUL 20, 2018

Courtesy

There's a lot to be excited about in tech this year. After all the shit we've been through in 2018 (and
2017, and 2016), you deserve some rest, relaxation, and fun courtesy of circuit boards and wiring.
Though we're not ready to endorse self-driving cars or commercial space travel, we are ready to let
computers and the people who invent them make our lives a little nicer. Here's the best new and cool
tech for you to buy—or simply lust after—this year.

BOSE SLEEPBUDS
Bose didn't try to make the Swiss Army Knife of earbuds with its new Sleepbuds. These are designed
for sleep and sleep alone. They fit snuggly into your ears, blocking excess and playing calming tones
instead. These tones, like ocean waves and falling rain, overpower frequencies from common
annoyances like traffic and partner snoring. You can't play music through them, but that's a good
thing. Let sound tech get you a good night's sleep.

$250, bose.com

BUY

NINTENDO NES CLASSIC EDITION

You caught us: Technically, this Nintendo console dates back to 1985, and was then re-released in
2016. But this year saw the NES Classic's re-re-release, with Nintendo promising more in stock for all
those nostalgic gamers who couldn't snag it the first two times around. Packed with 30 OG games, it
truly captures the retro spirit of gaming.

$86, amazon.com

BUY

SHINOLA BOOKSHELF SPEAKERS

Courtesy

Shinola makes good products; these are no exception. By incorporating stellar audio tech from
Barefoot Sound, this set of bookshelf speakers brings recording studio-quality sound to your living
room encased in well-crafted, hand-stained oak cabinets. With Bluetooth, AUX, and USB input,
they're as versatile as they are nice to look at.

$1,500, shinola.com

BUY

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FITBIT VERSA WATCH

Fitbit's Versa watch competes directly with Apple Watch, and it's competing against it well. Besides
giving Tim Cook something to think about, the Versa is armed with a music library, Bluetooth to
connect to your wireless headphones, and all the health tracking and personalized coaching you could
ever need on a workout. Unlike the Apple Watch, it doesn't have cellular data—but it will sync with
your smartphone to show texts, calendar events, and other notifications. And unlike the Apple Watch,
it doesn't cost $249.

$200, fitbit.com

BUY

HTC VIVE PRO VR HEADSET

Courtesy

For a lot of us, VR hasn't yet infiltrated our lives. But if you're already plugged into the virtual reality
gaming world, HTC's Vive Pro headset just might be the best experience your money can buy. The
graphics are spectacular, and it tracks even your slightest movement. It's comfy, too.

$799, amazon.com

BUY

APPLE IPAD 9.7"

Take cracks at tablets all you want, but one day, they'll finally figure out how to make laptops obsolete.
The new Apple iPad, while not all that different from last year's model, comes at an affordable price
point and is super easy to use. That's thanks to a faster processor, a long battery life, and the addition
of the the Apple Pencil. Get it with Wifi and cellular, and your laptop might start collecting dust.

$358, amazon.com

SHOP

MOODO SMART HOME FRAGRANCE BOX

Admittedly, the home scent arena is clogged with fancy candles, expensive aroma sticks, and high-
tech diffusers. But make room for one more: the Moodo smart home fragrance box from Agan Aroma.
It connects to your phone, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home, and allows you to mix scents so you can
customize exactly how your home smells. The scents come in packs of four, with themes like
Mediterranean Dreams, Beach Party, and the Gardens of Kanazawa.