LIVE | Pagdinig ng Senado sa pag-amyenda ng ilang economic provisions ng Konstitusyon (May 9, 2024)
00:51.7
We'll go straight to the comments of our distinguished resource persons.
00:57.0
Can you hear from our friend, IBC 13 President Jimmy Poligarpio, sir?
01:03.3
Any comment on the proposal filed by Senate President, Senator Lagarde and myself, and of course passed by the House of Representatives?
01:14.6
Good morning, Mr. Chairman.
01:16.6
Earlier, we have submitted our position, our comments to Atty.
01:21.6
Thank you very much.
01:23.3
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
01:23.6
And we have enumerated our, I mean, the position of the company.
01:28.6
Incidentally, Mr. Chairman, Channel 13 is a sequestered company.
01:33.4
It's a Philippines, basically, it's owned by the government.
01:37.6
And as a president of the company, of course, our position is,
01:47.2
there's only one thing that we are against, that is the inclusion unless provided by law.
01:53.9
It diminishes the right of, being a former employee of the Senate,
01:59.1
it diminishes basically the right of the Senate because a mere law, a mere bill turned into law
02:06.8
would automatically erase the provision of the Constitution,
02:11.1
which requires three-fourths percent votes of its houses,
02:15.5
while enacting a law would only require a simple majority.
02:21.5
And then, of course, Mr. Chairman,
02:23.6
the statutory process amending the Constitution,
02:30.5
I mean, rather, the amending of the Constitution can be done only by statutory process, by law.
02:36.4
So, I mean, medyo ano eh, it will, as I've said, medyo mabigato ang inclusion unless provided by law.
02:48.7
We have officially wrote and submitted, Mr. Chairman,
02:53.6
and I think that's all we have to say, Mr. Chairman.
02:59.1
Thank you. Thank you very much, President Policarpio.
03:04.9
Can we hear from Manila Bulletin and United Print Multimedia Group President,
03:09.1
and our friend also, Barbie Atenza, sir?
03:12.4
Good morning, Mr. Chairman.
03:14.6
With this representation, Mr. Chairman,
03:17.4
we still need material time to be able to consult with all the members of the,
03:23.6
uh, United Print Media Group.
03:24.9
It's an association of, uh, major publication companies in the country.
03:29.3
And, uh, as you would imagine, we would probably have a myriad of, uh, opinions about this.
03:36.7
Also, from the Manila Bulletin, um, we did get the notice, uh, this week,
03:41.7
and wasn't able to discuss this.
03:44.3
However, Mr. Chairman, I think, uh, there are also very clear pros and cons on the provisions, uh, given in the proposed resolution.
03:53.6
Our proposed bill, um, we, uh, we need to understand from the point of view of the Senate,
04:00.6
uh, the predicament, particularly of the print media industry that we're going through now,
04:07.2
um, not to, not to exclude the challenges posed by, of course, the emergence, obvious and evident emergence of the digital media
04:19.6
that has made the lands, changed the landscape so much.
04:23.4
I think this has a bearing on whether it is relevant to get into a, uh, restructure of the ownership provisions as far as the media industry is concerned.
04:35.9
And also, we would also like to flag up, or this representation would also like to flag up,
04:42.1
which I will sound off also to the membership, uh, on its influence on editorial independence.
04:49.6
I think that's, those are the two primary, uh, points that we may, uh,
04:52.7
that we may have to be discussing further and, uh, will incorporate into a position paper or, uh, that we will be submitting to the, to the committee as soon as we can.
05:05.5
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
05:06.8
Thank you very much, uh, Marby, President Marby Atienza.
05:10.5
Uh, can we hear from ArtZap studio owner and creative director, Renalili Trajano?
05:19.3
Um, so I came from a very small agent.
05:22.7
It's, uh, it's, uh, I'm a sole proprietor.
05:25.5
Uh, I do got, I have experiences with, uh, different investors who tried to invite me to partner with, uh, or invest.
05:33.7
And my, until now, I'm probably, I'm still 100%.
05:38.7
It's Filipino-owned.
05:40.4
Um, my main reason is, um, it's not about the, the percentage or the ownership.
05:46.9
Uh, I'm, I'm not, I'm still welcoming these investors.
05:51.5
But it's more on.
05:52.7
I want to, I practice, um, um, we have to have the same values, same, uh, beliefs, same vision for the company.
06:01.0
Um, I don't mind, um, inviting investors and, and giving them more percentage of the company.
06:08.4
Mainly because it depends on, um, our industry, our strategy in running the business.
06:15.6
If you believe as a business owner that, um, inviting them and giving them more power.
06:22.7
Let's say, um, will help the business grow and be global and will have a global impact.
06:30.7
Um, then I, I think you should go for it.
06:33.9
So, um, yes, I think it is our right as business owners to have 100% freedom to, um, give whatever, uh, percentage that we feel like it will work.
06:50.2
Uh, can we hear from the DDB group?
06:52.7
Philippines Group Chief Culture Officer, Anna Chuan-Horbert.
06:57.3
Good morning, Senator.
06:58.6
And thank you for inviting us.
06:59.8
Um, we're, uh, quite concerned about the, the passing of this, this, this new charter change for, for, for two, um, instances.
07:10.4
We've already seen, um, as a multi-national agency, we've had the franchise of DDB for the past 30 years.
07:18.2
Although we are majority owned locally.
07:22.7
We're 97% owned locally.
07:25.3
Sorry, what percent?
07:28.7
We have majority of the operations in terms of being able to control hiring and, um, managing whatnot, um, our strategies, as, as, as what's said.
07:41.1
What we found during the, the COVID-19 pandemic, though, that we were actually left on our own devices regardless of, of them being part of the global network.
07:50.7
So, it really didn't actually add up.
07:52.7
So, it really didn't actually add value to us.
07:54.2
In fact, um, some of our, um, counterparts actually hindered in terms of being able to do pay cuts, which we didn't, um, we weren't, um, we didn't find it valuable to our people.
08:09.9
So, we, we didn't have to follow because they weren't majority owners.
08:13.6
So, that's one of the things that we feel that if this, this law passed, it might, like, hinder in terms of operations and, therefore, um, lose our ability to locate.
08:22.7
Um, furthermore, we feel that the money will actually go overseas rather than get going to the local Filipinos, which we actually are, um, seeing now more and more with Google and the likes of Meta.
08:37.7
Um, it's just as how it is, right?
08:40.0
The majority of our incomes are actually going to these media agencies, which are overseas.
08:44.9
And I understand they do not pay taxes for the Filipino people.
08:50.0
So, um, if those things are able...
08:52.6
If those things are able to be addressed by, um, I guess, um, for now, it is as it is.
08:59.6
Uh, that's our stand.
09:02.3
Thank you very much.
09:03.5
Uh, can we now hear from AdSpark Incorporated, Head of Strategy, Catherine Ganson, along with Mr. Ariel Tobayan and, uh, Jose Rafael Del Rosario.
09:13.8
Whoever, uh, wishes to go ahead, please.
09:18.6
Um, there, there.
09:19.5
Um, just a brief background.
09:21.2
Good morning, Mr. Chairperson.
09:22.6
Um, AdSpark is a company wholly owned by Globe.
09:26.9
So, we are within the 917 Ventures Company.
09:29.8
And we acknowledge, uh, the ongoing discussion about the, you know, Philippine Constitution concerning the foreign ownership.
09:36.9
And we believe in fostering a healthy and competitive advertising industry in the Philippines.
09:42.0
So, knowing that we are a digital advertising, uh, firm, um, we believe that, uh, regardless of the regulations, we are a digital advertising firm.
09:52.8
But, um, we canTS
10:14.3
There were four toi
10:19.4
That's it for us.
10:21.9
Uh, that's for the, for us.
10:22.5
For everyone, huh? Okay. Thank you.
10:24.6
Thanks very much. Can we hear from TV5
10:26.6
Legal Officer Attorney, Jeremy
10:29.9
Jeremy Patulot. Hi, Mr. Chair.
10:32.9
Hello, hello. Good morning. Hi.
10:36.9
Good morning. Good morning, everyone.
10:39.2
Thank you for inviting us.
10:41.0
Your inclusive approach
10:42.9
is being recognized.
10:44.9
For the company's position,
10:49.3
the expansion of the foreign
10:52.6
advantageous in a sense
10:57.5
what you call this capital infusion.
11:01.4
There is a transfer of knowledge
11:04.9
experts, or even their best
11:07.0
practices, which can be
11:08.9
helpful or elevate the innovations
11:11.1
in the advertising
11:12.2
industry. However, Mr. Chair,
11:14.8
we believe that there must
11:18.6
particular development may be
11:21.1
Through our existing
11:22.8
statutory requirements or
11:25.1
existing regulatory
11:27.1
frameworks in order for us
11:29.3
to check if the content
11:31.1
of the advertisement
11:32.6
would be applicable or
11:34.8
it can be published or
11:36.9
given to the public consumption.
11:39.3
That's it, Mr. Chair.
11:43.4
Can we hear from the
11:44.5
from FICTAP? This is the Federation of
11:47.1
International Cable Television Associations
11:49.1
of the Philippines, Legal Council,
11:51.1
Stanley Christopher Cabrera.
11:53.4
Good morning, Mr. Chair.
11:55.9
And to everyone here.
12:01.2
we started as a cable TV group
12:03.0
and we expanded to include
12:05.1
bus operators and telco
12:06.9
operators. Of course, with the
12:09.1
passage of the amendments to the
12:10.8
Public Service Act,
12:15.4
is already prepared to transition
12:17.3
to allowing foreign investment
12:19.2
into a more foreign investment
12:21.1
into telco and other industries.
12:25.4
appreciate the initiative and the efforts
12:27.4
of both houses of Congress
12:30.7
finding ways to attract foreign investment.
12:33.8
We understand that foreign
12:35.9
view the Philippines
12:39.3
as having a lot of potential. And of course,
12:41.5
we would also appreciate if they would
12:43.4
invest in the Philippines.
12:49.2
Mr. Policarpio with regards to the
12:54.6
unless otherwise provided by law.
12:56.8
We are cognizant of the fact that this particular
12:59.0
methodology, or rather
13:01.3
this phasing, is also already present
13:03.4
in some sections of the
13:07.6
At any rate, with regards to
13:09.4
the broadcast industry,
13:11.2
which is also affected by the advertising
13:13.2
industry because that is primarily
13:15.3
one of the sources of the income of
13:17.2
broadcasting companies.
13:22.3
for the broadcasting industry
13:27.6
still maintain the Philippine ownership
13:29.5
requirements, which is 100%.
13:31.0
Primarily because
13:32.9
for the past few years,
13:35.8
there has been a lot of
13:36.8
volatility in the broadcast
13:39.3
industry. So, we would
13:41.4
prefer that those
13:43.6
developments in the broadcast industry
13:45.6
would settle first
13:49.5
introduce significant changes,
13:51.1
it might increase the volatility
13:53.0
in the local industry.
13:55.5
Also, we're also still grasping
13:58.8
regarding the entry of
14:00.8
live streaming like Netflix,
14:03.6
which have dominated
14:04.4
the multimedia industry,
14:07.0
content industries. Also,
14:09.4
there's a trend that
14:10.7
a lot of content creators
14:13.1
use social media.
14:15.4
So, social media and streaming,
14:17.3
they're primarily controlled by
14:19.1
foreign entities already.
14:21.1
We're still formulating
14:22.1
a response to that.
14:24.9
we are welcome again.
14:27.5
We are welcoming with regards to the
14:29.4
foreign investment. But,
14:30.7
we are looking as well as what effect
14:33.8
that will do in the short term.
14:37.2
Thank you, attorney.
14:38.6
Can you now hear from KBP,
14:41.4
from the Ad Standards Council, Legal Council,
14:44.1
Kapisanan ng mga Broadcaster ng Pilipinas.
14:46.0
We have with us, Attorney Rudolf Jularibal.
14:48.6
Good morning, Mr.
14:50.4
Good morning, sir.
14:50.8
Thank you for inviting us.
14:52.5
I represent both the Ad Standards Council
14:55.1
and the Kapisanan ng mga Broadcasters ng Pilipinas.
14:59.6
For the Ad Standards Council,
15:03.7
let me first give a short background.
15:07.0
The Ad Standards Council
15:11.9
the Advertising Board of the Philippines.
15:15.4
focused on content regulation.
15:20.1
has a unique experience
15:22.1
insofar as advertising content regulation
15:25.9
It operates under a regime of self-regulation.
15:29.2
A very unique circumstance
15:32.1
In fact, I think there is only
15:34.1
one or two other countries
15:36.3
that have self-regulation
15:37.9
in the advertising industry.
15:40.1
Now, this is important in the context
15:42.2
of the proposed amendment
15:47.4
percentage ownership of
15:54.0
in the advertising industry
15:55.9
we believe has something to do
15:58.2
with insurance that content
16:01.9
Philippine culture,
16:03.8
Philippine norms,
16:06.8
and other national
16:10.1
However, in the Philippines, since
16:11.8
there is a regime of self-regulation,
16:15.2
regulated even before they are
16:18.1
aired or published in
16:20.8
Unlike other countries where
16:24.8
restraint is done
16:31.1
post-publication,
16:32.2
post-posting on billboards.
16:36.3
we believe that we will leave
16:38.9
the decision to the advertising
16:40.4
industry. I mean to say
16:42.8
the advertising agencies who are affected
16:44.9
by this provision.
16:46.5
As far as the ASC is concerned,
16:51.7
self-regulation regime is
16:55.6
regardless of the ownership of advertising
16:57.8
agencies, content will be
16:59.9
regulated effectively.
17:01.6
We have 50 years of self-regulation
17:04.2
in the Philippines, Your Honor.
17:06.2
And it has been very successful.
17:10.1
me now to the KBP.
17:12.0
The KBP is a member of the
17:13.7
Ad Standards Council. It represents
17:15.9
the broadcast platform
17:17.3
where advertising
17:18.7
materials are aired.
17:20.3
We are a member of the ASC and so
17:22.6
we ensure that all materials
17:24.8
that are aired in our member
17:26.6
station have passed the self-regulatory
17:29.0
regime or observance
17:31.0
of self-regulation in the advertising
17:32.8
industry. We do not air
17:35.0
material which have not
17:36.8
been approved by the
17:38.9
ASC to ensure that content
17:41.2
protects the consumers
17:43.1
and protects national
17:46.7
as far as the advertising industry,
17:48.7
is concerned, we are
17:50.1
agnostic to whether it is
17:52.5
there is foreign ownership or
17:56.7
not. Just a statistical
17:58.8
information, Your Honor.
18:00.7
There are about 60 advertising
18:02.5
agencies, members of the
18:05.9
Association of Accredited Advertising
18:11.2
And about 34 of them
18:16.5
believe, have all
18:18.5
foreign ownership.
18:22.6
foreign ownership is, we don't
18:24.6
have data on that, Your Honor.
18:27.8
because of technology also,
18:31.1
the entry of content
18:32.3
into the Philippines
18:34.7
has somehow loosened.
18:39.7
because of self-regulation, we still
18:42.5
ensure that even if content
18:44.6
is placed outside
18:46.7
of the Philippines, for the
18:48.5
long as they are aired in platforms in the
18:50.5
Philippines, that the San Judge
18:52.4
Council regulates
18:54.6
these materials, Your Honor.
18:57.7
That's all, Your Honor. Thank you.
18:58.8
Thank you very much, Atty. Jelarbal.
19:00.9
Very insightful and
19:02.7
good context for the committee
19:04.5
in considering the proposal. Salamat po.
19:08.9
from the government side.
19:11.6
Also, just to clarify,
19:15.0
limited to advertising, not to mass media.
19:18.5
clarify that point.
19:20.9
So, from the government, let's hear from
19:22.5
Yusek Egargo, representing the Department of Labor
19:24.8
and Employment. Morning, sir.
19:26.5
Good morning, Mr. Chair, and
19:28.6
good morning to all resource
19:34.6
First and foremost, the Department
19:36.9
of Labor and Employment
19:38.3
would like to thank the committee
19:43.2
us once more to share
19:45.2
our input in ongoing
19:47.3
hearing of the Senate's
19:48.5
subcommittee on the resolution
19:50.5
on Boat Houses No. 6,
19:52.7
which seeks to amend
19:54.4
some restrictive provisions
19:57.6
some restrictive economic provisions
20:00.5
of the 1987 Constitution.
20:04.4
While we recognize
20:06.0
that the protectionist provision
20:08.5
in the Constitution
20:12.2
the competitiveness of domestic
20:16.2
limiting foreign ownership does not
20:18.3
promote healthy competition
20:20.6
in a dynamic global
20:24.4
fast-paced, ever-changing
20:26.1
global economy, driven
20:28.2
more and more by technological
20:30.7
breakthroughs and
20:32.3
cross-border correctness,
20:34.5
a country's economic policies
20:42.1
recognizes the objectives
20:43.8
and intent of the legislators
20:48.2
the economic provisions
20:49.8
of the 1987 Constitution.
20:54.2
the praise unless
20:56.3
otherwise provided by law
20:58.1
serves as a compromised
21:00.2
measure to affirmatively
21:02.7
commit the country
21:04.5
to essential principles
21:06.1
and objectives of economic
21:08.5
growth, job creation,
21:11.4
and opportunities,
21:13.9
higher productivity,
21:16.1
appropriately regulate
21:18.3
open compensation while
21:20.4
easing foreign ownership
21:24.9
Finally, Mr. Chair,
21:27.4
that consideration should be given
21:32.5
granting wider latitude
21:34.0
in foreign equity
21:35.9
in the advertising
21:42.1
the limitation provided
21:44.7
for by the Constitution
21:46.1
which is due to the effects
21:48.3
about the advertising
21:51.4
of the consumers,
21:53.8
the Filipino consumers.
21:55.8
We respectfully submit
21:57.4
to the wisdom of the legislator
22:00.4
on this matter. Thank you very much,
22:02.7
Salamat, Yusek. Can we hear from
22:04.5
Department of Finance Assistant Secretary
22:06.6
Eufrosinio Bernabe Jr.?
22:08.8
Good morning, sir.
22:09.5
Good morning, Mr. Chair, and thank you very much
22:12.1
for inviting us on this hearing.
22:16.1
we officially submitted our position
22:17.6
to the Senate President
22:19.5
and copy-furnished the office of the Chairperson
22:23.6
of the bill, but basically,
22:25.2
we fully support the
22:29.8
foreign ownership in certain sectors
22:33.8
advertising sector, primarily
22:39.6
economic realities
22:42.0
of the sector, Mr. Chair.
22:46.1
Thank you very much.
23:16.1
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
23:46.1
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
24:16.1
of public utilities and the other
24:18.4
affected sectors.
24:21.4
That's all, Mr. Chair.
24:22.4
Thank you. Thank you, attorney.
24:25.1
Can we hear from the SEC
24:26.4
OIC Financial Analysis
24:28.5
and Audit Division, Attorney
24:30.2
Fermo Avila II with
24:32.2
Attorney Cara Maria Encabo and
24:38.8
Good morning, po.
24:42.4
Ferdino Santiago from the
24:44.3
SEC. Good morning, Mr. Chair.
24:46.8
On behalf of Chairperson
24:48.2
Aquino and the SEC, we would like to thank
24:50.4
Mr. Chair and the committee
24:52.1
for the opportunity to provide comments
24:54.3
and suggestions on the subject
24:56.5
measure. The SEC supports
24:58.7
the initiatives of the Congress
25:00.3
to amend the Constitution to
25:02.4
keep up with the increasing legal bias
25:04.4
age while adequately
25:06.7
protecting the general policy
25:08.4
of Filipino first that guides
25:10.7
the economic provisions of the Constitution.
25:13.4
Further, the Commission's
25:14.3
supports any legislative measure
25:16.3
that seeks to improve the
25:18.3
country's economy. We note, however,
25:20.5
that the constitutional
25:22.5
amendments or revisions proposed
25:24.4
involve issues that can
25:26.4
be competently addressed by
25:28.5
constitutional authorities or
25:30.3
members of the Congress in
25:32.3
consultation with pertinent groups,
25:34.8
agencies, and people having
25:36.5
extensive experience
25:38.7
and knowledge on the subject matters
25:41.7
Department of Trade and Industry,
25:44.3
Department of Education, and
25:46.3
Industry Associations. Accordingly,
25:48.7
the Commission defers on their wisdom.
25:51.2
We will submit our
25:52.4
position paper as soon as it is
25:54.5
cleared by our principals.
25:56.3
Again, thank you, Mr. Chair.
26:01.1
Last from the government is
26:04.7
Investment Supervising Investment Specialist
26:06.6
Dino John Recto. Morning.
26:09.1
Good morning, Mr. Chair.
26:12.1
our principal's review of our
26:14.3
official position paper, we would just like to
26:16.4
summarize and provide
26:17.5
some points to consider.
26:21.5
we support, actually, the
26:24.1
amendments as it will
26:30.4
open the Philippine economy
26:32.4
is towards foreign investments.
26:34.8
If we look at the 2020
26:38.4
the Philippines, it's the third most
26:40.2
restrictive out of 85
26:42.2
countries in the OECD's
26:44.2
Foreign Direct Investment Regulatory
26:46.6
Restrictive Index.
26:48.6
So, that's in 2020.
26:50.3
We have already made a lot of reforms
26:52.3
since then, like the PSA,
26:54.9
like the FIA, and
26:56.9
laws that we have passed, and
27:00.2
this amendment is in line
27:02.4
with that strategy and that
27:06.0
We also would like to
27:08.3
commend the language
27:10.0
precisely, because it
27:11.8
says, unless provided by law,
27:14.2
that means the default is
27:16.2
already provided in the Constitution.
27:19.0
However, there are
27:20.1
exemptions to the rule in certain
27:22.2
specific cases. And we
27:27.8
several issues, the
27:30.2
several concerns that was raised
27:32.1
in Congress and in this
27:34.3
hallowed hall, the Senate,
27:36.5
where there might
27:38.1
be disruptions in education,
27:40.6
there might be several
27:46.8
investors to educate
27:50.2
our young people.
27:52.3
There are also several
27:54.1
concerns that how we
27:56.3
provide values in our advertising.
27:59.1
recognized. However,
28:02.2
that can be addressed as we
28:03.8
construct or provide
28:06.5
the limitations and all
28:09.5
regulations in the
28:11.8
specific laws that we can,
28:14.0
um, provide after the Constitution.
28:16.4
So, with that, Mr. Chair,
28:19.6
that's our, um, more or less
28:25.9
Thank you, Mr. Recto.
28:28.9
So that everyone around the table
28:30.5
has gotten a chance to give their positions.
28:34.2
any other addendums
28:36.5
or additional information,
28:38.6
please, we'll open the floor to
28:40.2
additional discussion
28:44.0
Anybody? If not, I'd like
28:46.5
to throw this question, perhaps, and it's free
28:48.5
for whoever to answer.
28:49.8
I guess the assumption underlying
28:52.8
these proposals is that
28:56.4
people interested in coming in.
28:58.4
So maybe we'll address it to you.
28:59.8
Meron ba talagang interesado pumasok sa advertising industry?
29:04.5
interested parties? And
29:05.6
what is the size of their
29:08.6
potential investment? And
29:10.4
what are the, you mentioned pros and cons,
29:12.9
people from the industry.
29:16.3
some are firm-specific,
29:18.4
meaning the ability to
29:19.9
be more autonomous,
29:22.3
make autonomous decisions.
29:24.1
But I don't think that will be affected
29:26.0
by the entry of foreign participants.
29:28.5
It's only affected if you allow the entry
29:30.2
of foreign participants, meaning if you keep your firm
29:33.9
predominantly majority-owned, then you're not
29:36.1
subject to those constraints.
29:38.0
But is there a threat of jobs
29:40.3
local? I think that's to get to the point.
29:42.0
Is there a threat of local jobs?
29:44.0
Is there a substantial threat to local industries?
29:48.7
because my impression is, Philippine creatives
29:50.3
are probably among the best in the world.
29:52.2
So, whatever, yeah,
29:54.2
whatever happens, because we see
29:56.2
Filipino companies being
29:58.4
hired in the Netherlands, in
29:59.8
Malaysia, Filipino executives, all over,
30:02.3
all over the world, diba? So,
30:03.9
the work speaks for itself.
30:06.4
So, yun ang impression ko. But please
30:08.0
educate me, because you're
30:10.2
the stakeholders in the industry, kayo yung
30:12.2
maapektuhan dito. So, yun ang yun ang
30:13.9
concern ko. Yung, uh, the pros and cons
30:16.0
in weighing them, it's always, it's
30:17.9
never a black and white decision
30:20.0
when it comes to policy, no? So,
30:22.3
uh, those are the things we have
30:23.9
to weigh going forward. So, it's just
30:25.7
like a freewheeling discussion on this, and
30:28.0
we respect all positions here at
30:30.0
the table. Yeah, so, anybody?
30:32.0
Uh, please. If I may
30:33.7
take a question? Yes, yes, yes, please.
30:35.4
As a member of 4A's and part of the board
30:38.0
of 4A's, sir, thank you for
30:39.7
mentioning that you are giving us the free will
30:41.9
to actually, um, have,
30:43.9
um, the, um, authority
30:46.0
to make a decision, and yes,
30:48.0
you will support the changes
30:52.0
Majority of our members are
30:53.7
independent, and they do enjoy
30:56.2
the autonomies of being
30:58.0
owned, um, solely owned.
30:59.9
Not only do they share the revenue
31:02.0
to their own, um, individual,
31:04.5
and not having to have that
31:08.0
go somewhere else or in a foreign
31:13.9
petitioner for this, as a member
31:16.1
of 4A's, we've seen all sorts
31:18.2
of, of advertising agencies
31:20.2
already in the country.
31:22.3
Whether it's international or local,
31:24.3
they're already here. So, it
31:26.1
really doesn't change much for us.
31:30.3
That's a good point. Anybody else?
31:34.1
Yeah. Uh, President Policarpo.
31:36.2
Mr., uh, Mr. Chairman,
31:38.5
my only concern is
31:40.1
that time like this, we're in the
31:43.9
a major battle, especially
31:45.6
concerning the West Philippine Sea and the South
31:47.8
Philippine Sea. The entry of foreign,
31:50.1
the entry of foreign entities
31:51.7
in our country could, uh,
31:54.0
could enhance the
31:55.7
interest of foreign, the foreign
31:57.5
interest to the detriment of
31:59.7
local interest of, or our, of,
32:01.9
uh, the Filipino people by itself.
32:05.9
there should be some sort of, uh,
32:07.7
a key that will, uh, that
32:09.9
will, uh, some control in
32:11.8
order to, in order so as
32:13.8
not to jeopardize our position.
32:16.2
Uh, much more so, the social
32:17.6
media are very strong right now.
32:19.8
And it's a matter of fact, Mr., Mr.
32:21.6
Chairman, that there are some social media
32:23.4
advocating support for China
32:25.7
in their, in their, uh,
32:27.8
in the, uh, derogatory or
32:29.3
any position they have in
32:31.6
the West Philippine Sea.
32:33.7
Medyo, ano, medyo binibenta ng
32:35.6
some locals, binibenta na
32:37.7
yung, yung Pilipinas sa
32:41.5
Yun lang ang concern. That should be stopped.
32:43.8
That should be considered.
32:45.9
That should be controlled. That's all,
32:47.7
Mr. Chairman. Yeah, yeah. That's a good point, no?
32:49.5
Ah, yung, ah, yung, ah,
32:51.7
national interest natin must be
32:53.6
protected. I agree, totally.
32:55.6
Pero tama rin si Mr. Recto, sabi niya,
32:57.8
there, there's the level of specific
32:59.6
legislation. Ah, perhaps
33:01.6
not at the constitutional level, but at the
33:03.5
statutory level. Doon natin i-gagamitin
33:06.1
yung, iprotektahan yung
33:07.9
national interest. I think that's what you meant,
33:09.8
Mr. Recto, by, uh,
33:11.9
setting the general constitutional policy,
33:13.8
but, uh, protecting your specific
33:15.6
national interest at the legislative level.
33:17.7
That's my understanding of your comments
33:19.6
earlier. So, tama. Very good.
33:21.7
Uh, unfortunately, we cannot regulate social
33:23.8
media, pero tama rin si President Policarpo. May mga
33:25.9
talagang nagpapagamit, uh,
33:28.1
uh, they use their, uh, platform.
33:30.0
But, that, that's free speech, no?
33:32.2
Uh, we have to respect that. So, any,
33:33.8
anything else? Uh, magagaling talaga
33:35.7
mga advertisers. They summed up their position
33:37.7
in 30 seconds, no? Yeah, this will
33:39.8
be their, for earliest, uh,
33:43.8
we're, we're almost done in less than an hour.
33:46.0
So, I think, I thank the advertisers.
33:48.7
Yeah, Barbie. Yeah, I, I
33:49.9
just like to, uh, uh,
33:52.1
support the concern
33:53.6
Mr. Jimmy Policarpo expressed.
33:56.4
Like I said earlier, one of
33:57.9
the things that I personally would like
33:60.0
have some reservations about
34:01.7
opening it up for foreign investments
34:03.9
is editorial independence.
34:06.7
What I would support,
34:08.0
and always, uh, UPMG has always
34:10.0
supported the position of ASC
34:11.8
in regulating content.
34:13.8
However, uh, the reality, reality bites
34:16.0
that, uh, advertisers
34:17.5
have the money, and, uh,
34:20.1
who has the money, uh,
34:21.8
has a lot of clout. And so, therefore,
34:24.0
we've seen this happen many, many times
34:26.0
over, where an advertiser
34:28.1
would have influence over the content.
34:30.2
We're not talking about ownership on the mass
34:32.0
media, but advertising. But, still,
34:34.7
it's a golden rule.
34:35.9
Who has the gold makes the rules.
34:38.4
Uh, when they tell us to,
34:42.0
be mum about certain,
34:43.8
news that are detrimental to them,
34:45.8
uh, to a certain extent,
34:47.8
there is always a,
34:49.7
a sense of, you know,
34:51.1
compulsion to, to submit.
34:53.9
So, I think, along this line,
34:56.1
while we'd like to liberate
34:57.5
the entry of foreign investors,
35:00.7
if there are opportunities
35:02.2
there, I think it's going to be good for the
35:04.2
economy, but I think it should be
35:06.1
also, um, reinforced
35:10.8
what you call, regulatory,
35:13.8
To safeguard, uh,
35:16.4
the editorial independence.
35:19.5
Yeah, that's a, that's a thank you for, uh,
35:21.8
telling us what the reality is, no?
35:25.7
Attorney Gilarba, you're raising your hand. Yes, sir.
35:27.7
Yes, Your Honor. Thank you, Mr. Chairperson.
35:30.5
Just something to add, uh,
35:34.0
developments in technology has
35:35.9
changed the landscape in so
35:37.9
far as job creation is concerned.
35:40.8
In fact, Filipino talent
35:42.0
work for foreign companies,
35:43.8
one, is online. And the reverse
35:46.0
is also true. Foreign talents
35:49.9
to content, advertising
35:51.7
content online. So,
35:54.0
uh, technology has really changed
35:56.0
the landscape as compared to
35:58.0
what it was in 1987.
36:00.2
Uh, just to add to what,
36:02.0
uh, my friend, uh, Barbie,
36:10.8
broadcast, print,
36:13.8
are the gatekeepers of content.
36:16.3
And that is where the Ad Standards
36:18.1
Council comes in because
36:22.0
4As, and all stakeholders
36:23.9
in the industry are members of the ASC.
36:26.0
And we have agreed to abide by
36:29.8
Advertising Standards
36:31.8
Code, which was agreed upon
36:34.0
by all members. And
36:36.1
so, uh, we ensure that
36:38.1
all advertising content
36:40.0
that are published,
36:42.2
posted, displayed,
36:43.8
aired in our member
36:45.9
platforms have passed
36:47.9
the standards of the Ad Standards Council.
36:52.1
the Philippines really is unique in so far
36:54.0
as advertising content is concerned,
36:55.8
Your Honor. And, uh,
36:57.7
that is a tribute to
36:59.4
the advertising industry and
37:01.9
the self-regulatory aspect
37:04.0
of the industry. Thank you, Your Honor.
37:07.5
Attorney Jorbal. Anything else
37:09.4
before we wrap up?
37:15.9
Um, good morning again, sir.
37:17.9
Um, this is just a reaction to
37:20.0
uh, statements. Um,
37:22.0
because, uh, there was a statement that
37:23.7
regards to the, of course, the international
37:25.7
relations with our neighbors.
37:27.9
Also, the statement that if, uh,
37:30.0
the one who has the money, the resources
37:31.8
tend to dominate the industry
37:37.7
Attorney Jorbal from the KBP
37:39.4
mentioned that, uh, there is a change
37:42.0
in the technology. Um,
37:43.8
I'm personally, I'm confident with
37:45.9
the ads board, uh,
37:47.8
with our colleagues here, that they can police
37:51.7
their ranks, uh, whether or not there are foreign
37:53.9
investors there. But, uh,
37:56.1
we mentioned reality.
37:57.6
We observed that, for example,
37:59.8
there are ads, a lot of ads
38:01.9
in social media, which is a very strong
38:05.8
ads for, like, online casinos,
38:08.1
online Chinese casinos,
38:09.8
or even our content provider
38:11.8
is saying, um, I don't know if you're,
38:13.8
if you're familiar, sorry, but they keep on
38:15.8
mentioning, uh, certain betting
38:17.6
companies, sorry. Um,
38:19.9
I'm not sure if these sort
38:21.9
of ads or sort of, um,
38:24.2
methodologies actually pass to
38:25.8
certain agencies. I would,
38:28.2
I think, uh, if the,
38:29.8
we were concerned about the influence
38:31.8
of foreign influences,
38:33.7
uh, we'd have to look at that as well.
38:36.1
But, again, I'm not sure if it's,
38:37.9
it even passes to the traditional
38:39.7
ad agencies or if there is even an ad
38:41.7
agency for that. Gaming, gaming.
38:45.5
Attorney Jularbal, dumadaan ba
38:47.9
yung online ads sa inyo?
38:51.7
If the advertiser is a member of
38:53.8
PANA, the answer is yes.
38:56.1
Or if the content is created by
38:57.9
a member of FOREIS, the answer is yes.
39:00.2
Or they are aired in member
39:04.0
member platforms, the answer is yes.
39:06.4
However, because of technology,
39:08.4
advertising content can be created
39:10.2
outside of the Philippines,
39:12.2
placing platforms that are
39:13.8
shown in the Philippines
39:15.7
but not a member platform.
39:19.9
worldwide web has really changed
39:23.7
the landscape, Your Honor.
39:26.2
So, karamihan, hindi na rin dumadaan.
39:27.7
I think that's the answer to, or that's the response
39:30.0
to what you're saying. Like YouTube,
39:31.8
I don't think YouTube goes through KBP anymore.
39:35.4
Not YouTube, Your Honor, but if the
39:37.7
Some of the advertisers, I guess if it's a local company,
39:41.5
Okay. Yeah. But, yeah.
39:43.8
I see that a lot because
39:44.9
when you watch sports online,
39:47.8
for instance, a lot of the betting,
39:50.0
palagi ko, hindi dumadaan sa atin yun.
39:54.3
So, if there are any
39:55.9
other, we'll open the floor up for any
39:57.8
other statements before we wrap up.
40:01.5
If none, okay. Well, thank you very much for
40:05.9
productive session. So, salamat.
40:07.7
We appreciate it. You know, the other
40:09.8
sessions took about six hours, five hours.
40:13.8
Thank you very much.
40:15.8
The ability to communicate in a brief amount
40:18.2
of time is appreciated. Thank you very
40:20.2
much, Your Honors.
40:22.1
I would like to suspend the subcommittee
40:26.1
announce that we have
40:27.1
an out-of-town hearing in Baguio on
40:30.0
Friday, if anyone is interested to attend.
