00:52.8
Chinese President Xi Jinping made that statement as he met with visiting U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken
00:59.6
Xi said the two superpowers should help each other succeed rather than engage in vicious competition.
01:06.3
The Chinese leader added, the two nations should set a good example of how major countries are supposed to act.
01:14.6
This year marks the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the United States.
01:21.9
Over the past 45 years, the relationship has gone through winds and rains
01:26.1
and it has a number of important inspirations to offer.
01:29.6
I propose mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation to be the three overarching principles
01:37.5
which are both lessons learned from the past and a guide for the future.
01:44.6
Blinken, for his part, said both sides should be committed to strengthening communication to avoid misunderstanding.
01:52.3
President Biden asked me to return here to follow up on the important agenda that you both set.
01:59.6
We are committed to maintaining and strengthening the lines of communication between us
02:18.7
so that we avoid any miscommunications, any misperceptions, any miscalculations.
02:25.5
And we are committed to responsibly managing the relationship.
02:29.6
Officials from both sides have said the U.S. and China relations have stabilized
02:35.6
after reaching historical lows early last year over a range of issues
02:40.0
including global trade and military communication.
02:43.2
But flashpoints remain, including the Taiwan issue, the South China Sea dispute,
02:47.9
and Beijing's support for Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
02:53.5
Meanwhile, Secretary Blinken defended the U.S. chip ban on China in an interview with NPR in Beijing Friday.
02:59.6
Blinken said Washington's export curbs on semiconductors are not meant to hobble Beijing's growth.
03:05.8
He asserts the U.S. is only focused on technology that could pose a threat to its national security.
03:11.9
But the Chinese Foreign Ministry again said America's export curbs create unfair competition and containment.
03:20.6
The U.S. should put into practice its statement that it does not seek to curb China's economic development,
03:26.1
does not seek to decouple from China,
03:28.6
and has no intention,
03:29.6
of stopping China's scientific and technological progress.
03:33.0
The U.S. should stop hyping up the false narrative of China's uber-capacity,
03:36.8
lift illegal sanctions on Chinese companies,
03:39.2
and stop adding Section 301 tariffs that violate World Trade Organization rules.
03:46.6
The Philippines' Defense Department asserts it is not aware of, nor a party,
03:51.3
to a secret West Philippine Sea deal between Beijing and Manila since President Marcos took office.
03:57.3
This remark from the DND comes after China's...
03:59.6
China claimed Marcos' government is aware of the deal and even agreed to a new model in managing disputed waters.
04:07.0
The DND notes it has not been in contact with Chinese government officials since last year.
04:12.2
Marcos' predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, is accused of entering into a gentleman's agreement with Chinese leader Xi Jinping
04:18.4
that supposedly barred the Philippines from fortifying its outposts in the West Philippine Sea to avoid conflict.
04:25.3
Duterte earlier admitted he agreed that there would be no armed patrols...
04:29.6
in the disputed territory, but denied he conceded Philippine sovereignty to China.
04:34.3
This alarmed Marcos, who has since urged Duterte to clarify the deal.
04:41.4
The Defense Chiefs of the U.S., Philippines, Japan, and Australia will meet in Hawaii next week.
04:46.9
The meeting on May 2nd will tackle common security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
04:52.2
It will be their second multilateral meeting.
04:54.5
They met in June last year on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.
04:58.9
The four countries...
04:59.6
will tell joint military exercises in the West Philippine Sea earlier this month.
05:06.1
President Marcos calling on Filipinos to rise against modern-day oppressors
05:10.8
as the country commemorates the Battle of Mactan.
05:13.7
Marcos is in Cebu for the 503rd anniversary of the historic event
05:17.8
when national hero Lapu-Lapu killed Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan.
05:23.0
During his speech, Marcos said the nation needs Lapu-Lapu's courage now more than ever
05:27.4
amid growing divisiveness and hostility.
05:29.6
Marcos is one of the most important international outsiders.
05:32.4
Ang diwang makabayan ay hindi mabubura sa paglipas ng panahon.
05:38.7
Hindi lumulumbay sa pag-usad ng sibilisasyon at hindi nabubura ng teknolohiya.
05:46.6
Bagkus, habang tumatagal, ito ay lalong umiigting.
05:52.8
Sa pagkat patuloy natin itong paghalagaan at isinasa buhay.
05:59.6
Sa matapang natin pag-iit sa ating karapatan at sa pagtanggol kung anong ang atin
06:05.4
ayon sa ilalim ng batas, sang-ayon sa pagdaigdigang kaayusan at sa mata ng ating Diyos.
06:14.8
Sa manlulupig, di ka pasisiil.
06:17.6
Sa panahon ito, may mga makabagong pagsubok tayong hinaharap
06:22.5
na ang solusyon ay hindi dahas o armas.
06:26.9
Nangangailangan ito ng ating katapangan.
06:29.6
Nang ating pagkilos at higit sa lahat ang ating pagkakaisa.
06:36.6
Marcos is also expected to attend the launching of the socialized housing project on Magtan Island later today.
06:45.5
In other news, the Philippine National Police on Friday cancelled the license to own and possess firearms
06:50.9
of embattled religious leader Apollo Kibuloy.
06:53.5
This stems from the multiple cases faced by the fugitive pastor here at home and in the United States.
06:59.6
Let's get the reaction of his legal team.
07:01.6
We are joined by attorney Israelito Torreon.
07:03.6
Attorney Torreon, thank you for joining us. Good afternoon.
07:06.6
Thank you also for inviting us. Thank you very much.
07:09.6
Hi, our pleasure.
07:10.6
Attorney, let's start with PNP Chief Marbil yesterday signing the revocation of licenses to carry firearms and to own firearms by Pastor Apollo Kibuloy.
07:22.6
As of now, what we know is that he has 19 guns to be surrendered to authorities.
07:27.6
Will they be surrendered?
07:29.6
As a private attorney.
07:30.6
Or will your camp file a motion for reconsideration?
07:33.6
Well, I heard that yesterday likewise.
07:36.6
And as what I have said yesterday in an interview with another news outfit,
07:41.6
we will await the ruling of the Chief PNP and we will read it and we will move in accordance with what is stated in the ruling.
07:50.6
But as what I've learned, it is based upon Section 4G of RA 10591.
07:56.6
Section 4G talks of an applicant.
07:58.6
For the issuance of a license to own firearms.
08:03.6
Pastor Apollo Kibuloy is no longer an applicant.
08:06.6
So therefore, Section 4G does not apply.
08:09.6
Instead, it should have been Section 39.
08:12.6
That is why we await the receipt of the resolution from PNP Chief.
08:17.6
And if it is true that he based it on Section 4G, then we will file a motion for reconsideration to perhaps bring it to his attention.
08:26.6
He is no longer an applicant.
08:27.6
He has already been granted the license.
08:31.6
So therefore, Section 39 applies and Section 39 requires conviction before his license to own may be revoked or canceled.
08:41.6
Yeah, but if ever you do receive it and the motion says that it is about Section 39,
08:51.6
will you be surrendering the 19 guns that are supposed to be,
08:55.6
that are already issued licenses?
08:58.6
It's an option open to Pastor Apollo Kibuloy.
09:01.6
And he might be studying that also.
09:06.6
But the fact remains that we are entitled to file a motion for reconsideration.
09:11.6
And while the motion for reconsideration is pending, then the decision stays.
09:16.6
That is our humble belief.
09:19.6
There's also a whole departure order already in place, Attorney Torreon.
09:23.6
But many are asking,
09:25.6
several government agencies, intelligence agencies cannot smoke the pastor out of hiding.
09:31.6
Is the pastor still in the country?
09:33.6
I do believe he is still in the country, in the Philippines.
09:36.6
He loves the Philippines very much.
09:39.6
He is just utilizing all the legal options available to him,
09:43.6
such as but not limited to questioning the validity of the charge.
09:47.6
In the light of the fact that we filed a motion for reconsideration before the Department of Justice questioning politely,
09:54.6
the findings of the Department of Justice is against him,
09:58.6
we also have pending motions to quash before the RTCs of Davao City as well as in Pasig City.
10:05.6
If these motions to quash would be granted, then the cases against him are dismissed.
10:10.6
He is availing of his legal remedies under the law.
10:14.6
There are a lot of cases and complaints being filed against the pastor, Attorney Torreon.
10:19.6
And I was just wondering, with all the numerous cases,
10:23.6
he has a lot of legal counsel handling these,
10:26.6
how are you transacting or even conversing with the pastor
10:32.6
for you to be able to create a legal defense for him?
10:36.6
Well, actually, before the warrants of arrest were issued,
10:41.6
we had long conversations always.
10:43.6
And we already strategized.
10:45.6
We already discussed possible happenings that will occur.
10:53.6
I am speaking based on our past conversations and agreements, po,
10:57.6
as to different legal counsels, of course.
11:00.6
He is facing a case before the Senate as well as in the House of Representatives
11:07.6
and three cases in RTC Davao City and in Pasig City.
11:13.6
Naturally, I'm based in Davao City,
11:15.6
so it would be best if lawyers would likewise represent him in Manila and Greater Manila.
11:21.6
So, it's a matter of a strategy on our part to adapt ways and means
11:28.6
by which we can communicate with each other
11:30.6
so that our message is uniform and the same.
11:35.6
Yeah, but do you in your capacity,
11:38.6
are you in any way conversing personally with the pastor?
11:43.6
In the past, yes.
11:46.6
So, you have no personal communication?
11:49.6
How are you talking about the updates on his cases
11:54.6
if you're not able to speak with your client?
11:57.6
Actually, ma'am, if you are listening,
12:00.6
before the warrants of arrest were issued,
12:03.6
we already discussed with Pastor Apolo Siki Boloy
12:07.6
as to the possible scenarios that may occur.
12:12.6
What if this will happen?
12:13.6
Okay, you speak this.
12:14.6
What if a warrant of arrest will happen?
12:17.6
Okay, this is our stand.
12:18.6
And what if extradition proceeding will be issued against me
12:25.6
or will be started against me?
12:27.6
So, this is our stand.
12:28.6
So, all of these matters can actually be discussed beforehand po.
12:32.6
And that's what I did because I'm dean of a law school.
12:36.6
I'm near his office and we communicate often before.
12:41.6
Yeah, but right now,
12:43.6
you're actually looking for ways to circumvent orders
12:47.6
for the pastor to appear,
12:49.6
like what you mentioned earlier, sir,
12:51.6
that you were able to speak with a...
12:52.6
Not circumvention, ma'am.
12:53.6
It's an available legal remedy under the law.
12:56.6
You could not call it circumvention.
12:58.6
It's invocation of the rights presented to him
13:03.6
or available to him under the law.
13:05.6
So, my next question would be...
13:06.6
We can cite even instances in the past,
13:08.6
but I would not know that
13:09.6
in respect of the personalities involved also
13:11.6
who did this in the past.
13:13.6
So, my question right now, attorney, is
13:15.6
what ideal situation,
13:16.6
are the legal counsel waiting for,
13:19.6
for the pastor to finally appear?
13:21.6
Well, if the cases will be dismissed against him
13:25.6
and if there is already a promise in writing
13:28.6
on the part of the President of the Republic of the Philippines,
13:31.6
the DOJ Secretary and the PNP Chief,
13:34.6
that he will not be extraordinarily rendered
13:37.6
to the United States of America,
13:39.6
that Washington will not interfere
13:43.6
in judicial proceedings in the Philippines,
13:45.6
these are all within his rights
13:47.6
as a citizen to demand or to request
13:50.6
pursuant to the social contract theory,
13:52.6
then perhaps Pastor Apolo Siquibuloy
13:54.6
will appear again.
13:56.6
But invoking all those rights by the pastor,
14:01.6
will he still face the government
14:04.6
and all the other appearances
14:06.6
that they request of him
14:08.6
before those rights can still be given to him as well?
14:11.6
Well, according to Santiago versus Vasquez, ma'am,
14:14.6
we can file a motion to quash
14:16.6
even if he is not present because it is his right
14:19.6
to question the validity of the charge against him.
14:22.6
Many personalities in the past have already invoked this.
14:26.6
It is within our rights under the law,
14:30.6
under the 1987 Constitution.
14:33.6
And if he avails of such rights,
14:35.6
that is not circumvention,
14:37.6
that is an invocation of his rights
14:39.6
as a citizen of the Republic.
14:42.6
Attorney Torreon,
14:43.6
the President of the United States of America,
14:44.6
the Department of Justice
14:45.6
is seeking transfer
14:46.6
to either Pasig Court
14:48.6
or a Quezon City Court
14:49.6
of the child and sexual abuse complaints
14:51.6
against the pastor.
14:52.6
Can we talk a little about that please
14:53.6
before I let you go?
14:55.6
I have yet to receive
14:57.6
a copy of the petition
14:59.6
for change of venue.
15:00.6
This is presumably filed
15:02.6
pursuant to Article 8, Section 5,
15:05.6
Paragraph 4 of the 1987 Constitution.
15:08.6
And if we do receive that,
15:09.6
I am very sure that the courts
15:11.6
will require us to comment.
15:12.6
And we will comment on that.
15:13.6
And I would like to bring it
15:15.6
to your attention
15:16.6
that in the past,
15:18.6
the complainant in the rape case
15:20.6
that was dismissed twice
15:22.6
in the City Prosecutor's Office
15:24.6
was actually an accused
15:27.6
two counts before the RTC Upanabo,
15:30.6
and she filed a petition
15:31.6
for change of venue likewise.
15:33.6
The court denied it
15:34.6
and the proceedings have been conducted
15:38.6
since 2018 until the present.
15:42.6
was never in jeopardy.
15:45.6
in the light of this,
15:47.6
we will be opposing
15:48.6
the petition for change of review
15:52.6
that is reportedly filed by DOJ.
15:56.6
simply because of the fact that
15:57.6
I have not yet received a copy
15:59.6
of the said petition
16:01.6
for transfer of venue.
16:04.6
Hopefully, you'd be able to get
16:05.6
the copy for that
16:06.6
so we'd be able to
16:07.6
have you in the program again.
16:08.6
Attorney, thank you for your time.
16:09.6
You have a good afternoon ahead of you.
16:12.6
Thank you very much.
16:15.6
Attorney Israelito Torreon,
16:16.6
the legal counsel
16:17.6
of Pastor Apollo Quibuloy.
16:19.6
Philippine state prosecutors
16:20.6
recommend cyber libel charges
16:22.6
against the leader
16:23.6
of the jeepney operators,
16:24.6
his group Mani Bella.
16:25.6
The charges against Mar Valbuena
16:27.6
stem from his corruption allegation
16:29.6
against Transportation Secretary
16:32.6
Valbuena had claimed
16:33.6
Bautista collected bribes
16:34.6
in implementing the government's program
16:36.6
to modernize public utility vehicles.
16:39.6
Bautista filed a cyber libel complaint
16:41.6
against Valbuena.
16:42.6
He also sued motor and journalist
16:45.6
for supposedly linking him
16:46.6
to the alleged bribery scheme.
16:50.6
A slight reduction in fuel prices
16:52.6
expected next week.
16:55.6
a liter of gasoline and diesel
16:57.6
would be cheaper by up to 60 centavos
16:59.6
while kerosene prices could go down
17:01.6
by at least 70 centavos.
17:05.6
Damage to agriculture
17:06.6
due to the El Niño phenomenon
17:08.6
climbs to 4.3 billion pesos.
17:10.6
The Agriculture Department says
17:12.6
the number of affected farmers
17:13.6
has risen to 85,000
17:15.6
coming from 11 regions in the country.
17:17.6
Over a hundred cities and towns
17:19.6
were also placed under a state of calamity
17:21.6
due to the dry spell.
17:23.6
Aside from the weather phenomenon,
17:24.6
farmers from the El Niño head province
17:26.6
of Occidental Mindoro
17:28.6
also decry the high fuel prices
17:30.6
which they say also affect their livelihood.
17:35.6
The lack of water
17:36.6
is really the case
17:38.6
during this time.
17:39.6
During this time,
17:40.6
there is a lack of water
17:44.6
who used to plant in the sun
17:46.6
are no longer planting
17:48.6
because of the high price of diesel
17:52.6
and the high price of
17:54.6
fertilizers that we use
17:57.6
There are those who are drying
17:59.6
like the two barangays
18:03.6
irrigation from the river.
18:05.6
There is also a lack of it.
18:07.6
Our affected farmers
18:11.6
reaching 300 plus.
18:17.6
the government's El Niño task force
18:18.6
assures the public
18:19.6
the country's food supply remains stable.
18:22.6
State Weather Bureau Pag-asa said
18:24.6
high temperatures may persist
18:26.6
until the second week of May.
18:30.6
The extreme heat in the Philippines
18:32.6
taking a toll on the education sector.
18:34.6
This as more schools suspend in-person classes.
18:37.6
Rafael Bozano reports.
18:39.6
The extreme heat enveloping Metro Manila
18:41.6
and other parts of the country
18:44.6
not only on health
18:45.6
but more so on the education
18:47.6
of a lot of students.
18:48.6
This after some local governments
18:50.6
postponed face-to-face classes
18:53.6
The city of Manila on Friday
18:55.6
announced that face-to-face classes
18:57.6
in public schools
18:58.6
will be postponed on Saturday.
19:00.6
The suspension comes
19:01.6
following forecast
19:02.6
of a 44 degree Celsius heat wave
19:04.6
in the next few days.
19:05.6
The government is also
19:06.6
planning to increase
19:07.6
the temperature of the school
19:08.6
by 50 degrees Celsius heat index.
19:10.6
a resident of Quezon City
19:12.6
that her child will have to study
19:14.6
It's not effective
19:16.6
because it's like that.
19:17.6
They'll just write it down
19:18.6
and then there's no explanation
19:21.6
They'll just give you a module.
19:24.6
You'll just read the explanation.
19:26.6
It's not like a teacher
19:29.6
oh, this is what you're going to do.
19:33.6
that's been explained.
19:35.6
That's all they've read.
19:37.6
they don't understand.
19:40.6
logged heat indices
19:41.6
considered dangerous
19:43.6
State Weather Bureau Pagasa says
19:45.6
it expects more areas
19:46.6
to experience high heat indices
19:48.6
in the coming weeks.
19:51.6
Pagasa climatologist
19:52.6
Dr. John Manalo says
19:53.6
there is still no heat wave
19:55.6
as certain parameters
19:57.6
to be able to confirm this,
19:59.6
including logging
20:00.6
a temperature that's
20:01.6
5 degrees Celsius higher
20:03.6
climatological temperatures.
20:07.6
climatological temperature
20:08.6
is 32 degrees Celsius.
20:11.6
would entail that
20:12.6
temperatures reach 37 degrees
20:14.6
for the next five days.
20:16.6
This is a very rare case,
20:18.6
pero hindi natin inaalis
20:20.6
na mangyari siya.
20:21.6
At kung mangyari man siya,
20:22.6
ay specific areas lang po
20:24.6
at hindi po natin masasabi
20:27.6
Nakita lang natin
20:28.6
na nag-exceed siya
20:30.6
Yun lang yung area
20:31.6
na nakikita natin
20:33.6
maaaring mangyari
20:35.6
But whether or not
20:36.6
there is a heat wave,
20:38.6
that prolonged exposure
20:41.6
which is why experts
20:42.6
keep reminding the public
20:44.6
and drink plenty of water.
20:52.6
Coming up, we'll talk to
20:53.6
the ICT department
20:54.6
on how we can spot deepfakes.
20:56.6
This is Dateline Philippines
22:04.6
You're back on Dateline Philippines Weekend. Here's another look at the headlines.
22:13.8
Chinese President Xi Jinping tells visiting U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken the two superpowers must be partners and not rivals.
22:22.8
The Philippine Defense Department denies China's claim the Marcos administration is aware of the alleged West Philippine Sea deal between former President Rodrigo Duterte and President Xi.
22:35.3
And damage to agriculture brought by El Nino climbs past 4 billion pesos.
22:43.1
The Philippine Information and Communications Technology Department warns deepfakes may increase as the 2025 midterm polls near.
22:52.2
Let's find out what state authorities are doing to combat this.
22:55.3
We are joined by DICT Undersecretary Jeffrey Ian D.
22:58.3
Hi, Yuseg D. Thank you for joining us. Good afternoon.
23:01.8
Good afternoon, Rika.
23:02.9
And to all the viewers of the ABS-CBN News Channel.
23:05.7
Thank you. Sir, can we please discuss very quickly the deepfake videos that we see as threats against national security?
23:16.8
So deepfakes and robocalls are now being used in order to show misinformation and disinformation to the public.
23:26.8
The most recent one is a deepfake video that seems to mimic the voice of the president.
23:32.9
It's showing a policy statement, but that was never made by Malacanang nor under this administration.
23:39.7
And usually they do this in a negative way, you know, in order to spread fear, chaos or panic to the public.
23:50.1
Because we're looking now at the possibility of deepfake videos being used to not really control but manipulate the minds of people.
24:00.8
Because we're looking at the election.
24:02.9
We're looking at the elections coming up.
24:04.9
How do you think this can be used?
24:06.9
Oh, this could be used.
24:08.9
So I don't want to be the bearer of bad news.
24:10.9
But we are at the Information and Communications Technology Department.
24:14.9
We have been informing the public about the misuse of deepfakes, the misuse of fake videos for quite some time already, including the media.
24:24.9
It was already victimized by deepfakes.
24:26.9
Some media personalities were being portrayed to be selling rosaries, for example.
24:32.1
Or selling things.
24:32.8
Or selling whatever things which they are not promoting.
24:40.8
So during election, I think this will be used for negative campaigning, to make fake announcements that are not really done.
24:51.8
We've seen a lot of this already happening.
24:53.8
For example, there were already statements or there were already public pronouncements about holidays,
25:00.8
which were never proclaimed by Malacanang.
25:03.8
And as the election nears, we will see a lot of these videos manufactured in order to throw allegations unfairly to certain candidates.
25:16.8
Well, we're only looking at local elections.
25:18.8
But 2025 is a national election that we're actually preparing for now.
25:24.8
Can we still control the proliferation of deepfake videos when we do know that the Philippines is already lagging behind regional countries?
25:32.8
Can we still control the proliferation of deepfake videos when we do know that the Philippines is already lagging behind regional countries?
25:36.8
Okay. So two things.
25:37.8
First, this is a global concern.
25:39.8
This is not just a Philippine concern.
25:41.8
2025 is also a global election year.
25:44.8
There will be a lot of elections everywhere in the world.
25:47.8
Starting this year, in fact, the United States November elections is upcoming, which is by the end of 2024.
25:53.8
And then it will continue by the beginning of 2025 to the middle of 2025.
25:58.8
There is now an international discussion about deepfakes, about deepfakes.
26:00.8
There is now an international discussion about deepfakes, about deepfakes.
26:01.8
There is now an international discussion about deepfakes, about the use of AI in order to sow misinformation in this information.
26:06.8
So this is not just the Philippines.
26:08.8
This is everywhere.
26:09.8
It's happening everywhere.
26:10.8
Number two, regarding how do we fight this.
26:13.8
I think we have in DIC TV efficiently was able to block the deepfake video again, mimicking the voice of the president, making a public pronouncement that was never made in the first place.
26:27.8
We are partnering with social media giants like Facebook.
26:29.8
We are partnering with social media giants like Facebook.
26:30.8
Youtube was proactively blocking these deepfakes.
26:37.8
Unfortunately I understand that, as we near the election, there will more and more of this.
26:40.8
Unfortunately I understand that as we near the election, there will more and more of this.
26:41.8
Maybe by the thousands.
26:43.8
It might be hundreds or thousands.
26:44.8
And so it would be very hard to do that.
26:46.8
We have already discussed about Facebook, for example.
26:48.8
And they said that by May, they will be introducing an AI labeling mechanism.
26:56.8
Where, if it is AI-generated, they will label it.
26:57.8
Where, if it is AI-generated, they will label it.
26:58.8
They will label it to inform the public that it's up to you if you want to believe it.
27:04.9
But technology would state that this particular video or voice recording was AI-generated.
27:11.5
Or at least, we cannot assert that 100% if it is AI-generated,
27:15.7
but at least there were indications that it was AI-generated.
27:19.3
These are the efforts we're doing.
27:20.9
You already mentioned, Yusek, Jeffrey, that this is a global phenomenon that the whole world is tracking.
27:26.4
The whole world is trying to at least regulate, you know.
27:31.9
But right now, here in the country, is the DICT in talks with the lawmakers
27:37.1
so we can put policy behind regulation or tracking the use of AI
27:42.9
so we can further enhance our cybersecurity measures?
27:47.5
Yes. There are various bills in Congress pending,
27:50.8
one of which is to seek to expand the powers of the employees.
27:56.4
The RCP to include streaming media and also to include social media.
28:00.4
There are also other bills being filed in Congress.
28:04.1
However, Rika, let us also be very mindful of the bills now pending before Congress
28:08.5
because as you understand, there is also the right to freedom of expression
28:11.5
and there are also other constitutionally guaranteed rights.
28:15.6
And this is very difficult.
28:18.1
I do not envy the current discussions being made in Congress
28:23.0
because this is really a very difficult societal question.
28:26.4
Right now, what is most important, I think, is that we should inform the public
28:31.0
not to trust unattributable and unverified sources.
28:36.2
And please, social media is not the source of news.
28:39.3
We need people's faces so that we can attribute the news to someone who reported it.
28:45.3
For example, you, Rika, and the ABS-CBN News Channel
28:48.6
because every time you report a news, there is always a byline that says who is the author
28:53.4
and there is a host like you which the people can report.
28:56.4
You can attribute the news from.
28:57.9
I guess that is the most important thing that we should inform the people.
29:01.2
Always verify your news from the source and only use news which you can attribute the source.
29:07.3
So let's look at what the effects of social media is on people,
29:11.6
especially on the proliferation of deepfake videos because as you mentioned,
29:15.9
like me, someone has reported to me that I have a deepfake video that I also saw.
29:22.3
I already reported that on Facebook but the proliferation of that,
29:26.4
People are sharing that kind of content.
29:30.1
It's so hard to track that because social media is a very big place.
29:34.8
Do we have a system or at least an international talks of making a system in place
29:39.4
that can track who is responsible for the creation of deepfake videos like this,
29:44.2
deepfake materials like this one?
29:47.5
So now there is a, well, it's not a United Nations group.
29:52.2
It's not also a, it seems to be an international non-government organization.
29:56.4
That focuses on verifying truths, although there is still a danger there
30:02.0
because sometimes the truth that you're trying to verify comes from a particular point of view
30:06.8
or point of, or perception.
30:09.8
But as far as whether or not this information is generated by AI,
30:14.9
I think the move of meta to label, to inform the public if this particular video is AI generated
30:21.9
is noteworthy and something that we should look forward to by May.
30:27.0
Also, we're establishing locally, because I cannot speak internationally right now,
30:31.1
but locally we're already establishing a mechanism between meta and YouTube
30:38.1
because these are the two giants being used for deepfakes and for videos.
30:44.3
So we already are establishing a mechanism so that we can report these things to them.
30:49.8
In fact, Rika, there are about three or four media personalities who reported personally to me
30:56.4
I reported them to Facebook and I'm happy to report that a lot of these channels were already taken down.
31:02.0
The same with Facebook.
31:03.7
So as long as we're open to communication and as long as we establish this channel
31:08.3
where people can report about their faces, their voice being used to show misinformation and disinformation,
31:15.2
I think we're on the right track in fighting disinformation and deepfakes.
31:19.0
Add me to the list, Undersecretary.
31:23.0
At least you know that this is happening.
31:24.9
Finally, before I let you go, I want to thank you for your time.
31:26.2
I was wondering if the DICT has some programs or some projects that can help educate the social media users
31:37.0
on spotting deepfake materials.
31:41.4
So that's a good question, Rika.
31:44.4
Actually, let me just check the dates.
31:46.9
I think it's sometime May as well.
31:49.4
It's not the beginning of May, mid-May.
31:52.6
We're launching a BYS campaign program along with Facebook.
31:56.2
I know that Facebook is quite a very old social media platform,
32:01.9
but that's still the most prevalent used social media platform in the Philippines.
32:07.1
And here we have a series of videos that we will use along with Facebook
32:12.4
so that we can inform the public about phishing, scamming, and about deepfakes and AI.
32:20.5
But just a word of caution and advice to the public.
32:22.8
The net gain for artificial intelligence,
32:25.5
I mean, it's still a net positive.
32:28.2
The use of AI, AI is a technology.
32:31.3
And I think that AI is being used more for good rather than for evil.
32:37.5
Unfortunately, we usually remember those bad news regarding the use of AI.
32:45.8
So let's just be also careful there.
32:48.0
But with regard to deepfake, right now, actually in the entire world,
32:55.5
way of fighting it is through education.
33:00.4
I'd agree with that, Undersecretary.
33:02.9
And we, Facebook users, just finally felt their age
33:05.6
when you said that it's an old app that people use.
33:09.8
But thank you for your time and spending it with us.
33:12.1
Undersecretary Jeffrey, do you have a good afternoon ahead of you and a happy weekend?
33:15.9
Thank you, Rika. Thank you, everyone.
33:18.3
Moving on to more news,
33:19.2
Ayala Corporation increased its capital expenditures this year by 14%,
33:23.4
following a record 2023 performance.
33:25.5
This report from Jackie Pascual details the conglomerate's expansion plans.
33:31.9
Ayala Corporation is allotting around P284 billion in capital expenditures this year,
33:38.0
or 14% higher than last year.
33:40.9
It plans to pour in more money in companies that are growing or have the potential to scale up.
33:46.8
Ayala President and CEO Cesar Consing says,
33:49.1
the entire group is now reviewing what units or businesses need more resources,
33:54.6
or what businesses...
33:55.5
they will divest from.
33:57.5
We are deliberately going through all our businesses now
34:00.8
and trying to figure out how do we scale them.
34:03.3
And if we can't scale them, we have to think of something else.
34:05.7
All our businesses review their portfolios on a regular basis.
34:09.3
That's just par for the course.
34:11.8
I think right now, that review is probably more rigorous.
34:17.6
I think it's become quite apparent.
34:20.3
You could be very, very successful,
34:22.7
but if you're too small,
34:23.9
should we be devoting capital to it?
34:27.6
Should we be devoting management time to it?
34:30.0
The group targets to finish the P50 billion divestment plan this year,
34:34.2
but officials said this number could still go up as they review other businesses.
34:39.1
For now, Ayala eyes to divest from Light Rail Manila Corp. and Manila Water.
34:44.2
We believe by the end of this year, we would be able to close out that P50 billion target.
34:50.7
So work in progress, but clearly advancing.
34:53.9
You know, you can do a hundred activities,
34:56.0
but if only a dozen of them really move the needle,
35:00.4
Focus on those dozen.
35:02.1
We focus on those segments that really add value.
35:05.5
Ayala Land is also expected to merge its 34 subsidiaries
35:09.0
to simplify its corporate structure.
35:11.3
Its logistics firm Entrigo was recently integrated into Air21.
35:16.1
Ayala Land and ASEN are among the top companies with increased capex this year,
35:19.8
with officials saying many businesses like Globe or BPI,
35:23.9
may not need a bigger capital this year.
35:26.7
Another sector the group is looking to expand is its healthcare and energy businesses,
35:32.0
as well as its new AC Mobility, a rebrand of AC Motors.
35:37.1
They changed the name to highlight Ayala's expansion in the electric vehicle segment,
35:41.7
where it aims to become a leader in the market.
35:44.6
In order to create demand for the electric vehicles themselves,
35:47.9
we need to put manpower and capital into different parts of the platform,
35:53.2
particularly in the electric sector.
35:53.9
Charging infrastructure and potentially digital infrastructure.
35:57.6
We are deploying charging stations around the country
36:00.4
to help reduce the issues of range anxiety.
36:03.5
We will be leveraging the Ayala Land assets.
36:06.8
They plan to double the number of charging stations from 50 to 100 by the end of the year
36:11.4
as the group sees a potential growth for this sector.
36:15.4
Jackie Pascual, ABS-CBN News.
36:19.7
Overseas, the U.S. Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge shows price,
36:24.6
staying elevated last month.
36:26.9
The core personal consumption expenditures, which includes, which excludes, rather,
36:31.4
food and energy costs, increased 0.3 percent from February to March,
36:36.5
rising to 2.7 percent on a year-on-year basis.
36:40.2
This, above the Fed's 2 percent target.
36:42.4
The rise in inflation was largely due to a jump in petroleum costs
36:46.5
as tensions in the Middle East pushed up oil prices.
36:50.2
The figures also came a day after the Commerce Department announced
36:53.6
The U.S. economy grew at its lowest pace in nearly two years in the first quarter at 1.6 percent.
37:00.2
This is less than half of the 3.4 percent in the fourth quarter of 2023.
37:04.6
The lackluster GDP and the stubborn inflation data further dampen hopes the Federal Reserve would begin cutting rates this year.
37:11.7
Fed policymakers are expected to leave rates unchanged next Wednesday within the 5.25 to 5.50 percent range.
37:18.6
Britain's King Charles is set to return to public duties next week for the first time since being diagnosed with cancer.
37:29.0
The Buckingham Palace says the doctors are pleased with the King's health progress following nearly three months of treatment.
37:35.6
As for a UK charity head, the announcement of King Charles' return to duty gives people hope for those also suffering from cancer.
37:45.1
This story really will give hope to other people.
37:48.1
And the King Charles is set to return to public duties next week for the first time since being diagnosed with cancer.
37:48.6
The King is obviously in an extraordinary situation in his role as King.
37:52.7
But he's also a normal human being who has developed a diagnosis and has had to go through treatment.
37:58.2
But we also, from today's announcement, see that people can live well with a cancer diagnosis and recover well from a cancer diagnosis and its treatment.
38:07.2
So it's a hugely important day.
38:09.9
And hopefully for a lot of people, it will give them huge confidence that they also can recover well from a cancer diagnosis and the treatment that comes with it.
38:18.6
No further details about King Charles' condition were disclosed.
38:21.8
But the palace says the Majesty's treatment program will continue.
38:25.4
The 75-year-old King had been diagnosed with cancer last February.
38:32.7
Turning now to Donald Trump's legal woes.
38:35.7
The opening week of his historic Hashimani trial uncovers the former president teamed up with a tabloid publisher to silence controversial stories of his affair.
38:46.8
Former National...
38:50.5
Publisher David Pecker claimed Friday he suppressed a story of Trump's extramarital affair with former Playboy model Karen McDougal
38:58.7
as it would hurt Trump's chances of winning the 2016 election.
39:02.9
Pecker was the first witness in the case, which accuses Trump of falsifying business records to cover up a Hashimani payment to porn star Stormy Daniels.
39:11.6
Trump meanwhile pleaded not guilty.
39:13.9
Trump is the first former U.S. president to face criminal charges.
39:18.6
Universities across the U.S. bracing for more student-led protests following weeks of demonstrations against Israel's war on Gaza.
39:27.9
The students are calling for a permanent ceasefire and the stop of America's military aid to Israel.
39:35.0
They're also pressing their universities to divest from companies linked to Israel.
39:39.8
At the Columbia University, hundreds of demonstrators have been arrested since last week, forcing the university to shift to online classes.
39:47.4
Students from New York...
39:48.4
Students from New York...
39:48.5
Students from New York...
39:48.6
Students from New York...
39:48.6
Arizona and Washington also camping out in tents to join the protests.
39:53.9
We have gathered here, actually right here, a million times, a bunch of times in the rain, in the snow and the sun, and we'll continue to do it.
40:05.8
We will continue to gather, we'll continue to bring people out for the liberation of Palestine, for the liberation of all oppressed peoples,
40:14.9
and to say that we won't stand for the unjust political system.
40:18.5
And to say that we won't stand for the unjust political system.
40:19.0
And to say that we won't stand for the unjust political system.
40:20.8
The protest movement also gaining traction outside America.
40:25.2
Tensions ran high at universities in Paris, where students and police clash amid a series of demonstrations.
40:33.3
The first one was like having a general assembly with the administration and the student community, professor community and employees,
40:39.9
but also to have like, um, the, um, like that they gave, they give up all the...
40:48.4
The sanctions, the threatenings that they did to us during the occupation, because sometimes they told us or they made us understand that if we continued, we would be expelled from the university.
41:03.0
We did not do that because of the U.S. It's like a common goal. We do not do that for the U.S., we do that for Palestine.
41:11.4
The war in Gaza, which started last October 7, has already killed more than 34,000 Palestinians.
41:21.8
We're taking a quick break. This is Dateline Philippines Weekend.
41:41.4
You're still watching Dateline Philippines Weekend, the Grand Kapamilya Fair of ABS-CBN, now in full swing at the Quezon City Memorial Circle.
41:50.1
The fun began with a short program this morning led by Migs Bustos and Awel Paz.
41:55.8
During the event, attendees can enjoy various activities, services, and freebies at the booths prepared by ABS-CBN shows.
42:03.4
This included a medical and dental caravan by Lingkod Kapamilya.
42:06.7
There's also a satellite registration for SSS, PhilHealth, and the Election Commission.
42:11.4
Aside from activities, fans can also watch out for some Kapamilya artists, including P-pop sensation BGYO and actor-singer KD Estrada.
42:25.4
A week-long celebration is happening on the world-famous Boracay.
42:29.0
The local government promises a seven-day extravaganza filled with fun activities.
42:33.3
We are joined by Malaya Clan Mayor Frolibar Bautista to tell us more about Love Boracay 2024.
42:39.3
Mayor, thank you for joining the program.
42:42.9
Yes, ma'am. Good afternoon, ma'am.
42:46.6
Yes, Mayor. Good afternoon.
42:49.2
The Love Boracay already started April 26th.
42:53.4
Yeah, April 26th going on to the 30th.
42:56.0
What can we expect on this?
42:58.9
Yes, ma'am. Actually, we opened the Love Boracay 2024.
43:02.6
This is the second year of the Love Boracay event.
43:06.0
Of course, it will be almost one-week celebration.
43:11.4
Almost four points.
43:12.8
Meaning, four components is about sports, music, foods, and drinks.
43:19.2
So, there's a lot of people in the island that we started the drops.
43:32.0
Especially, the highlights on the Dragon Boat Competition International Festival.
43:37.9
And there's almost 52 teams who joined.
43:41.4
Seventeen international teams joined the Dragon Boat Festival in the island.
43:46.7
Regarding this, to support the Love Boracay event, ma'am.
43:50.7
That's a lot of plans, Mayor Bautista, for our event this week.
43:56.0
I do heard, I have heard that aside from all the other activities,
44:01.5
the water sports event is the highlight of this week's event.
44:04.6
What international and local competitions are in store for us that you mentioned?
44:09.3
I do hear that you mentioned them earlier.
44:11.5
But can we focus on some specifics, please?
44:15.4
Yes, it's about the Dragon Boat Festival.
44:17.8
It's an international competition.
44:21.6
And 17 teams from different countries joined this international Dragon Boat Festival.
44:33.1
What about the Sailing Regatta, Mayor?
44:35.3
I also know that there will be one this week.
44:38.3
Yes, the Parau Regatta.
44:40.6
It's doing that every year.
44:42.8
The group, we call this a must-buy.
44:46.4
Because they have a station.
44:48.0
And every year, not only for the Love Boracay,
44:52.1
but especially we have festival also in our municipality.
44:55.7
So we have this regular race for sailboats.
45:02.5
Mayor, Boracay has already been in the map,
45:06.3
the international map for its tourism and our economy.
45:10.6
So I was just curious of how this Love Boracay is boosting the economy of Boracay now,
45:17.5
even when it's already in the height of the summer season.
45:19.8
How are the bookings in the island, Mayor?
45:22.5
Yes, as per report, I think mostly of the hotels are fully booked for these events.
45:29.4
So, and every organizer for this Dragon Boat alone,
45:33.4
there are problems for the bookings of the participants.
45:38.0
So meaning, there's a lot of people really going to Boracay.
45:40.6
Just to see these events.
45:43.1
As I've said, there are four points that we'll be doing for the one week at Ista Vaganta.
45:49.2
And finally, I'm concerned also about the sustainability and environmental health
45:54.1
with so many tourists pouring in on Boracay, Mayor.
45:57.1
What's your policy on this?
45:59.3
Well, actually, of course, we're always more concerned on the environment,
46:04.4
especially for the cleanliness and safety and security.
46:08.0
So we're more focused on that.
46:10.6
We're talking of sustainability.
46:12.4
So we don't have time to have some environmental problems in the future again.
46:16.4
So we just finished the six-month rotation,
46:22.2
and we don't have time to have another one.
46:24.7
So I said, we have to afford to have another closure number two.
46:29.4
So with that, I think everybody really is focusing on to maintain
46:33.9
and sustain really the tourism industry in the island.
46:37.4
And one of which we focus is the cleanliness,
46:40.6
and the safety and the security of everybody.
46:43.6
Not only for the tourists, but at the same time, for the community.
46:46.8
Is the DNR putting a cap on the number of tourists that can be in Boracay on a certain basis?
46:53.3
On a daily basis?
46:55.7
Actually, before we were given 6,405, which was approved before the task force,
47:01.5
during the closure.
47:02.8
And then the increases last month, we were given increases for under 2,000.
47:06.9
So we have now 8,450.
47:08.6
So that's not the correct.
47:10.6
The capacity would be endorsed to us.
47:13.7
So we are just always to maintain that.
47:16.7
And of course, always monitoring the arrivals every day, if it exceeds or not.
47:22.9
But at least we have now already 8,450.
47:27.3
Tourists, there will be a one-day arrivals for that number.
47:31.8
Finally, Mayor Bautista, please do invite everyone to come enjoy the festivities in Love Boracay 2024.
47:40.6
It's just two days since we started the Love Boracay 2024.
47:44.9
And I'm inviting especially the sports enthusiasts to join us in Boracay Island.
47:50.7
Because it has four components, sports, music, foods, and drinks.
47:57.8
A lot of drinks have been displayed, showcased, different kinds of drinks.
48:05.4
Because we have also the food festival included.
48:10.6
And the music festival.
48:12.1
So it's four components that we are now promoting for the island.
48:17.4
So really to post more tourists for the island, ma'am.
48:21.3
Party hard, drink moderately.
48:23.4
I haven't been to Boracay, but I hope I'll see you there.
48:25.5
Mayor, thank you for your time.
48:27.1
We have a good afternoon ahead of you.
48:28.2
And happy weekend.
48:30.0
Thank you very much, Ma'am Rika.
48:31.3
More power to your program.
48:32.6
And to you as well.
48:33.4
We have Mayor Frolibar Bautista of Malay Aklan.
48:36.7
And before we go, ABS-CBN's The Filipino Channel celebrates.
48:40.1
Its 30th anniversary by launching a star-studded heartfelt music video.
48:44.7
Some Filipinos overseas share how they always felt at home with the TFC.
48:49.3
In this report by North America Bureau Chief, TJ Manotok.
48:56.4
ABS-CBN launched The Filipino Channel or TFC in California in April of 1994.
49:02.9
For the first time, Filipinos in America got to watch some selected programs
49:06.6
from their beloved Channel 2 through cable TV service.
49:10.1
In September 1994, TFC became a full-time 24-hour channel, airing all entertainment and news shows from ABS-CBN almost simultaneously with their airing in the Philippines.
49:21.9
This marked the beginning of a feeling of at home for Filipinos wherever they were in the world with the help of TFC.
49:29.0
Kahit sinong nakakausap ko, yun at yun din ang sinasabi nila na, oh, TFC has changed our lives.
49:40.2
I love TFC because it allowed me to rediscover who I am as a Filipino.
49:46.2
It allowed me to discover how to speak Tagalog, how to act as a Filipino.
49:51.8
TFC's reach expanded throughout North America when it introduced direct-to-home satellite service in 1995 called TFC Direct.
49:59.7
In 1997, TFC began broadcasting in the Middle East in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
50:05.0
In 1999 in Australia and in year 2000 in Japan.
50:09.8
In 2000, TFC was the first TFC channel to be broadcasted in the Middle East.
50:10.1
In 2001, TFC launched its first newscast, Balitang Amerika.
50:14.3
This was followed by newscasts in other regions such as Balitang Europe, Balitang Middle East, and Balitang Asia.
50:20.3
TFC also introduced a morning show called Kwentong Disyerto,
50:24.4
and a telemagazine show called Adobo Nation.
50:27.8
Filipinos abroad got closer to kapamilya artists through entertainment live events like the first ASSA performance in America in 2005.
50:34.6
TFC also kept pace with technological advancements,
50:38.1
such as in 2007 when TFC became available on demand through IPTV or Internet Protocol, becoming TFC IPTV.
50:47.0
And in 2018, all ABS-CBN channels, including TFC, became available on the online portal and app called iWant, later renamed as iWant TFC.
50:57.6
In celebration of their 30th anniversary, TFC offers the theme song Always at Home with You.
51:04.6
As a thank you to those who have continuously supported and patronized its programs.
51:19.1
Kapamilya singers like Martin Rivera, Regine Velasquez-Alcacid, Ogie Alcacid, Jaja Padilla, Teolo Pascual, Eric Santos, Angeline Quinto,
51:28.2
KZ Tandingan, Darren, and Gary Valenciano are in full force.
51:32.3
But the good news is...
51:34.6
Where it all started from 30 years ago, it's still the same today.
51:39.8
It's to serve the Filipino all over the world, and to make them happy, and to keep them still a part of the country they came from.
51:49.6
Because now, home is somewhere else.
51:52.9
The official music video of Always at Home with You will be released on April 26,
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carrying the message of Filipinos feeling at home wherever they are in the world with TFC.
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Watch out for the TFC 30th anniversary music video after TV Patrol on the Kapamilya channel, TFC, and all ABS-CBN channels worldwide.
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TJ Manotok, ABS-CBN News, Los Angeles, California.
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And that's Dateline Philippines Weekend. I am Rika Lazo. Thank you for joining us. Keep it here on ANC.
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Thank you for watching!
