K TO 12 PROGRAM : RA 10533

Republic ACT 10533 or well known as K to 12 is a program that covers the basic
education. It aims to provide sufficient time for mastery of concepts and skills,
develop lifelong learners, and prepare graduates for tertiary education, middle-level
skills development, employment, and entrepreneurship.
On the introduction of K to 12 to our education system, there has been a lot of
reaction, those who feel that it is time for some improvement in our educational
system felt well about the K to 12. However, some of the ordinary masses who
barely earn to send their children to school finds it another hindrance of a student to
finished his/her studies.
After analyzing the act, its objectives and aim is beneficial for students, especially for
student who plans to work overseas. The K to 12 program is aligned with the
international education standard.
Another benefit that I can see in the program is that for students who cannot proceed
to college due to financial issues, they are already work-ready because of the
program that the additional senior high has for them.
The only down side that I can see with this program is that, students who are already
in college cannot change course, because of the alignment that the program
implements. However, DEPED emphasis on the guidance influence of the student to
choose the right course for them.
This program is promising and shows a lot of potential especially if it will now be
implemented fully and with enough facilities.

MAGNA CARTA FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITY: RA 7277

Easter Seals once said that the worst thing about a disability is that people see it
before they see you. People often discriminate persons with disability labeling them
as not capable in doing any work or responsibility because they may be mentally or
physically disabled. However, there is the ACT for people with disability that calls for
equality may it be on job application and in everyday life.
As a normal citizen without any disability we sometimes neglect the right of the
people with disability, for example in parking or in public transportation, there are
allocated area only for PWDs, but we normal people still dont give that privileges to
them. In job application, a disabled person who can perform the job despite of its
disability may have a lesser chance getting the job. Employer might not admit it but
they may not consider the PWDs application because of its disability, even though
such law exists.
As discussed in class, this is one of the many laws in the Philippines which lack its
power to be followed. I think one of the best suggestions for this law to gain power is
that to create awareness to the citizen and also encourage the PWDs of their rights.
Give support for their cases and attention to their calls. In this way the government
will be able to establish a much detailed and powerful law that will protect them and
make life for them easier like normal people.

AN ACT MODERNIZING THE CUSTOMS AND TARIFF ADMINISTRATION: R. A.

10863
There are a lot of issues circulating in regards with customs management and policy
in the past few months. Some of these issues include the mandatory checking of
packages for balik-bayan boxes which earn a lot of criticism to the citizen. There had
been reports that after customs checked their boxes some items are damaged or
missing. The changes in customs policy did not receive a warm welcome to the
citizen.
In this law, travelers may take home their good or items that they shop abroad
however, with certain fees as per the law, further detailed policy has not been
released yet because the RRI has not been formulated yet. However, as the whole
policy indicates that traveler taking home their items bought abroad shall be imposed
with corresponding taxes.
As an insight from a normal citizen who does not travel that much, it wont be a big
issue unlike for those who travel and shop abroad and sell their materials in the
country.
It has been highlighted as well that for OFWs there will be some exception regarding
the paying of taxes which is really a great help to them.
To avoid what they call corruption in the customs, they would like to implement a
cashless, faceless and paperless environment in customs to prohibit any act of
corruption.

Hearing about the modernization of the customs policy is a great sign to finally
eliminating the possible of corruption. However, we are still waiting for the out-come
of this law, may it be positive or negative.

ZERO PLASTIC POLICY: ORDINANCE NUMBER 2014-008

It is noticeable that many of supermarkets and even big shopping malls, such as SM,
Robinson and Ayala malls are not using plastic anymore to wrap our purchases.

City of San Fernando is the first to initiate the zero plastic policy. It aims to reduce
the use of plastic in participation to the calls of environmentalist.

It is known that plastic substance materials takes years and decades to decompose
making our garbage system stagnant. It also known that it is harmful in the
environment specially when not dispose properly.

Plastics that are not dispose properly causes harm to fishes in the sea where in
surprisingly a lot of plastic materials are thrown to. It can also affect the ozone layer
which is already damaged when plastic are being burn to reduce waste.

Hence, the law will be of good help not just for pollution but as well as for other
species that leaves in the planet. The only obstacle of this law is on how the people
are discipline and how they will participate. We should bear in mind that the future
generations need a livable planet as well.

BUSINESS PROCESS OUTSOURCING

Many of our professional now a days work on BPO or Business process outsourcing
which are owned by Americans to either sell products or provide technical assistance
and customer service to overseas client. One of the reasons why graduates look for
BPO jobs instead of jobs aligned to their courses is due to inviting salary that they
offer and some other benefits such as medical insurance, which a normal firm does
not offer.

However, BPO made a buzz in the news recently, it is because of what Mr. Donal
Trumps promised to his country, USA, once he take over the presidency role is to
bring back jobs to American people. It is also known as protectionism, which a lot of
country has been doing now.

This news created fear to our BPO employees, fearing that they will lose their jobs
any moment and that they could not find a company that provides high-salary as
BPO gives.

Analyzing the situation, I think if BPO companies will be back to USA as what Mr.
Trump is saying, it will somehow caused more money for them to pay for their
American employee. One of the reason why they have establish the company in the
Philippines is because of the lower rate of employees, compares to their own citizen.
Another things is that, Pilipino people has a lot more patient in dealing with rude and
irate customers which most Americans can not deal with.

As a conclusion, base on analyzing the BPO industry and set up, I dont think that
Mr. Trump will really pull out BPO companies in the country.

END OF EMPLOYMENT POLICY

One of the promises of President Duterte during his campaign is to end the ENDO
policy, which gained a lot of positive feedback from contractual employees. ENDO is
meant to end contract of employees which did not pass the probationary period of 5
months.

However, some companies have taken advantage of this policy to not regularize the
employee even though they pass their probationary period. This is to avoid giving
them benefits such as sick leaves, vacation leave and 13 th and even 14th month pay.

Maybe, there is no need to total abolish the ENDO policy, because it is also a policy
to protect the company from employees that are not suitable in the job. What they

need is to amend the law to tailor the needs of the employees such as proper
judgment wheatear they are suitable to the job or not.

ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING ACT: RA9160

This act is to protect and preserve the integrity and confidentiality of bank accounts
and to ensure that the Philippines shall not be used as money laundering site for the
proceeds of any unlawful activity. This act is against the activity of any unlawful
activity to convert cash or any assets which was illegally acquired to disguise to
make them appear to have originated from legitimate sources.
This law aims to avoid corruption or any illegal deeds such as drugs, kidnapping for
ransom, drug offense, robbery, extortion and etc. The law is applicable for business
men and politicians who put a lot of questionable money in the bank.

This prohibits depositing huge money which is not in the category of which you have
applied for in the initial information you supplied to the bank. This policy hinders the
illegal money to enter the bank account and make it look legal.

THE PHILIPPINE-JAPAN ALLIANCE

Many citizens may not be aware that there is an existing alliance between
Philippines and Japan. They are more aware of the Philippine American alliance. It
has been one of the controversies that President Dutertes administration was when
he pronounced the severing of ties between America and Philippines, while created
new alliances in the neighboring countries of the Philippines, which includes the
Republic of China and Japan.
However, there has been an existing economic partnership between Philippines and
Japan ever since the time of the then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Which

initial aims for a bilateral increase in trade and investment opportunities between two
countries. This alliance also strongly support the resolution of the Islamic insurgency
in the Philippines and in the time of Aquinos term Japan had delivered enhanced
equipment for the Philippines coast guard.
Through this partnership, Philippines gained economic impact, especially on its agroindustrial production, employment generation and industries. The treaty is expected
to generate a small but positive outcome in terms of the countrys gross domestic
product.

ASEAN ECONOMIC INTEGRATION

Is Philippine ready for ASEAN integration? that is the number one question or topic
Dr. Calingo discussed during his speech about ASEAN. In his discussion we were
able to see the policy and culture of our neighboring countries and how they are
different from us.
One of the steps of the Philippines to be aligned to its neighboring country is to
change our education system which the K to 12 program. With this program we will
be in pattern with international educational system.

One benefit that I could see for this is the free flow of goods which will do well in our
economic growth. This open country policy will also benefit our workers to work in
the neighboring country and increasing our remittance revenue.
In todays trend of globalization, collaboration and partnership with different countries
will help our country to grow. We could learn from each countrys policy that may
somehow fit our culture.
The way I see it, ASEAN does not promote economic growth but also for all
countries to be aware on its culture. This may lead to better negotiation and
understanding of each practice.
On my opinion, Philippines must be well prepared to let ASEAN integration influence
us for us to reap all the benefits of its membership.

TAX REFORM
As an employee, earning average that is enough for daily needs and some luxury,
when we heard about the tax reform we thought of it as good news. We were all for it
to materialize. However, when we the speaker discussed of the pros and cons of the
new tax law, I was a bit reluctant.
For us who will have a deducted tax contribution, our disposable income will
increase, and our buying power will increase as well. However as cons of the reform,
Vat will increase into 14% and vanity tax and sweet food tax will increase as well,

hence most of the product that we need for daily basis will also increase in price. For
us who had an additional disposable income, it will just be break even.
The negative impact of this is mostly for the poor or those who are earning basic
salary. They dont have increase in disposable income yet, they will now have to
purchase product on a high price. That it is why they call this reform as anti-poor.
To make a stand I am all for the reform, I thought of having more disposable income
is more appealing even though I would have to pay higher for some necessary
products is at least I would know that I am paying for what Im going to consume and
used, more than paying higher tax without even knowing where it is going.

DEATH PENALTY
A highly debatable topic since President Duterte occupied the presidency. He is for
reinstating of the death penalty as the capital punishment in the country. Many of his
supporters have the same thoughts.
Personally, I am some how in favor of the death penalty, seeing it as a solution for
the endless criminality in the country. However, as born and raised catholic, a voice
inside me saying that we do not hold the judgment whether to let a person live or die.

And are we also criminal because we kill? And are we going to turn our country into
that kind of governance, ruled by fear and killing?
Analyzing the situation in a place of somehow who experience rape of loss a family
because of murder, I will think it is just and fair that the suspect be killed as well, as
what they say an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.
My stand with this topic is the same with the speaker, I am for death penalty
provided, and we have a well due process of judgment. Then, we can be sure that all
to be killed are criminals and all those who need to pay for their wrong doing will
have their corresponding punishment.

ABOLISHMENT OF PARTY LIST SYSTEM

One of the reforms that President Duterte would like to do is to abolish the party list
system. For him, it is a mockery of law as those party lists are represented by rich
people who are not really connected to what they are representing.
As explained by the speaker, one of the negative impact of having this many party
list is that they can over throw the existing administration. He demonstrated that

during company there are a lot of party list vying for all the candidates and once a
candidate won, all the other party list who are not in favor of the candidate may throw
a rally or lots of propaganda to destabilize the work of the candidate.
Another negative side that I can see that these party lists implied is that they
consume a lot of money without even doing a real project. Different party list has
sprout for different causes where in fact they can just go to their governor and ask for
support and not create a group.
This party list is can also be a vehicle to corruption of other politicians, which not the
real people that they intend to help benefits from it but those rich and corrupt
representatives.
I am in favor in minimalizing the party list that are registered in the government.

COMPREHENSIVE AGRARIAN REFORM PROGRAM

CARP aims to distribute agricultural lands to landless farmers and farmworkers. This
act also seeks to facilitate and resolve cases in relation to incidents about land
distribution.

One of the cases that were brought out in the discussion is the infamous hacienda
Luisita case, which a lot of farmers were massacred and until now, no clear justice
has been given. This case is an example, which the ACT that should have protected
them failed to do so.
Due to the failure of CARP in numerous land reform cases, the department of
agrarian reform officials and employees offered 13 of the departments action points.
In the hope that the succeeding land reform cases would not end up the same as the
past cases that leads to a lot of killings and violence.
In my opinion, it is the farmers right to have at least a piece of the land that they
cultivate as a tribute to their hard work. Hopefully, landlords would also be grateful to
their farmworker, because without them their land wont be profitable.

CONDITIONAL CASH TRANSFER (4PS)

If you can't feed a hundred people then just feed one- Mother Theresa

The 4ps of the government is a big help to the poor citizen. It aims to help them to
get an assistance to help them rise from poverty.
Giving children the chance to go to school and have a brighter future. It will also
inspire PWDs to move on with their lives due to this assistance.
However, my thoughts regarding this if they were really able to conduct this kind of
activity. If so, them there will be no more poor in the country or at least lessen the
poor.
I am just hoping that this policy will not be another vehicle for politicians to be used
as a mode of their corruptions.

OPEN SKY POLICY

As someone who works in a travel industry located in Clark i see this policy as a big
impact in the industry and would greatly affect the employment in the area and even
in the country.
Another advantage for consumers would be cheaper airfare and convenience
especially for travelers coming from north.
However, the threats that i could assume in this situation would be increase in traffic,
and would be a hassle for people living and working in the area.
The area may also be vulnerable in terms of terrorism and other criminal act. These
challenges should be address in advance to avoid damaged in the future

PERSONAL EQUITY AND RETIREMENT ACCOUNT

PERA was establishes to promote capital market development and savings

mobilization in the Philippines. According to the law, once it is implemented it will be
voluntary contribution for both employees and employers.
This policy is beneficial to employees to help them save up for their retirement. In a
usual Filipino family set up, parents work hard and put all their savings for the
schooling of their kinds and end up zero savings for their retirement. This program
will help them in their retirement years in addition to their other benefits from
SSS/GSIS and Philhealth.
However, some concern has been raised in our classroom discussions which are
actually valid. Some of these issues are the guarantee that they will get the same
amount that they invested. As an understanding, this PERA is somehow related with
other UTIF investment in stock markets, which we all know has no guarantee of
money back.
Another concern would be the transaction process once it is time for money
withdrawal. It is well known for all citizens that process in government is slow; hence
they are assuming that once its time for the withdrawal of the retirement funds it
might take a lot of time and effort.
Personally, since banks have the same facility as this PERA that government wants
to offer. I would just invest using this banks which is somehow more reliable and
transparent with the process.

RENEWABLE ENERGY

The Philippines has one of the highest electricity charges in our neighboring
countries, yet we still have times that we do not have enough supplies. During la
nino, shortage of electricity supplies is inevitable. Also, there are some rural areas in
the country that until now does not have electricity supplies.
As a solution, some are investing on other sources of energy such as solar power.
Lots of establishments in the country are using this as a source of their electricity;
some households have tried it as well. However, not all individual can try this other
source of energy because of the cost of the materials, also, due to climate change
rainy season mostly dominated the Philippines season.
As introduced by our speaker Dr. Singian, he invented another source of energy
which comes from water. His invention was put on a test during the Ondoy
destruction in the municipality of Arayat. Since Arayat has natural falls, they use it as
the source of energy for the electricity supplies of the locals.
This invention that our being develops by a lot of people as a solution to the rising
cost of electricity is very beneficial to the people, however hopefully prices of this
other source of energy will be affordable for average masses.

PARIS AGREEMENT

Climate change is a terrible problem, and it absolutely needs to be solved. It

deserves to be a huge priority Bill Gates.
The start of climate change is not clear on when did it happen, but one thing is for
sure that at present time climate change is getting worse. If before we did really pay
attention to what environmentalist are saying because we are not directly affected
with it. But as season goes by and especially for Philippines that storms are stronger
than before, we can definitely say that climate change is true and its getting worse
day by day.
This agreement which was signed in Paris aims to reduce emission of hazardous
chemical that could contribute in worsening the climate. This treaty, if implemented
rightly will greatly impact developed countries that usually has a higher rate of
chemical emission. Since the agreement is not yet in compliance, a loop hole of the
treaty, which hopefully will be address, is the sanction of this agreement if any of the
member country violated the ACT.
However, hopefully this treaty will really help in taking care of the environment and to
even put a stop to climate change. We, as an individual should also be part of it by
reducing our waste. In the end, the people will be the one to suffer worst
circumstances if climate change wont be treated.

SIN TAX REFORM LAW

Filipino people have a lot of vices or bad habit that are hard for them to let go.
Alcohol and tobacco consumption is one of them. In every occasion, one can be sure
that drinking is included, while tobacco usage is highly patronized by employee
working on night and graveyard shift.
As a reminder to the public that these vices are bad for their health, a lot of
advertisement and activities has been done to let people know about the implications
smoking and drinking can bring to your health. However, people can not be told what
to do and what not, they will still be continuing to drink and smoke. Therefore, this
law is the best solution for them, increasing the price of these goods will make them
less appealing for people who cant afford it. However, for those people who can still
buy these products the excise tax to be put to Philhealth as additional funds for
people in need of medical assistance.
If we can not put a stop on it, the better way is to get benefit out from it. Aside from
the beneficial impact of this to the funds for health assistance, removing the alcohol
and tobacco industry will greatly affect the employment of the Philippines.

BANK SECRECY

The Philippines bank secrecy law is among the toughest in the world. Hence, most of
Politicians even in different nationality use the Philippines to hide money. Bank
Secrecy law has been mentioned in a lot of court cases especially when public
servants are included in the case.
As a normal citizen, we appreciate the bank secrecy law that it provides us security
from any fraud or scams. However, it becomes controversial when public servants
are in the picture. There has been a proposal that public servants should be
excluded on the bank secrecy law.
In my opinion, it is only right that the financial status of public servants is available to
the public. It will imply transparency and will also avoid corruption. As public servants
they should be ready to make their personal stuff ready to be viewed by public to
gain their trust and confidence that they will not just be a corrupt politician.

LEADERSHIP IN PUBLIC SERVICE

Be the change that you wish to see in the world Mahatma Ghadi.
I think one of the toughest jobs in the world is being a public servant, aside being
watch of millions of people waiting for you to make a magic and change the world,
you are being continuously ridiculed and criticized whether you do good or bad.
People will always judge base on what you say and your action, you will never be
right in a views as diverse as the public.
Hence, I admire those public servants who go out of their lives and do real public
service. Real, because in todays, politicians are the most untrustworthy persons that
you would know. You will never be sure of their agendas in helping, because
sometimes it is for their own interest and might be at our expense.
Listening to the journey and the advocacy of Atty. Kaye Revil towards the
development of Masbate and its tourism is really admirable. It is an example of pure
concern and love for your home town. As per her, you just need to continue working
hard and opening to opportunities, who might know, just like her the somehow little
by little, her hard work for Masbate is paying off.
I do hope, that all public leader are like her, shes determined, goal-oriented and
most of all she has love for her own town.