SIM CARD registration law pushed

SIM Card registration law and National ID system again gained ground in the house of representatives and Philippine Senate after it was proven that the valentines day bomber used cellular phones to detonate bombs.

11. HB01186 "AN ACT REQUIRING THE REGISTRATION OF ALL BUYERS OF PREPAID SUBSCRIBER IDENTITY MODULE (SIM) PACKS FOR CELLULAR TELEPHONES AND REQUIRING PUBLIC TELECOMMUNICATION COMPANIES TO KEEP RECORD OF THESE BUYERS FOR THE PURPOSE OF AIDING LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES IN THE INVESTIGATION OF A CRIMINAL OR ILLEGAL ACTIVITY AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION THEREOF"
Principal Author: NICOLAS, REYLINA "NENENG" G.
Status: Pending with the Committee on INFORMATION COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY since 2005-02-02

21. HB02559 "AN ACT REQUIRING THE REGISTRATION OF PRE-PAID SIM CARD USERS AND MOBILE PHONE UNITS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES"
Principal Author: BIAZON, ROZZANO RUFINO B.
Status: Pending with the Committee on INFORMATION COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY since 2005-02-02

Senate Bill Number 1304,

“AN ACT REQUIRING THE REGISTRATION OR PRE-PAID SIM CARD USERS.” email address: pongbiazon@yahoo.com

SBN 1306, “AN ACT ESTABLISHING A MECHANISM FOR THE NATIONAL IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM IN THE PHILIPPINES, PROVIDING FOR BENEFITS AND RIGHTS AND CORRESPONDING OBLIGATIONS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.”

Senate Bill No. 1832 Introduced by Senator Panfilo M. Lacson

NATIONAL REFERENCE CARD SYSTEM ACT

Read article opposing Nat'l ID

see other ICT Bills in Philippine Congress

NBI nets P5M worth of computers in anti-piracy raid

By Erwin Lemuel Oliva
INQ7.net

THE NATIONAL Bureau of Investigations (NBI) has confiscated about five million pesos worth of computer hardware from at least five computer shops in the SM City Cyberzone in Quezon City following a raid on Friday, law enforcement officials said Wednesday.

Computer shops raided were Green Lakes Computer Center, Great Lakes Computer Center, Dynamic Ultra Tech, Save on Surplus, and Computer & Options, according to Bienvenido Marquez, legal counsel of Microsoft.

About 50 computers were confiscated by local authorities, he said.

The computer shops will face charges of copyright infringement under the Intellectual Property Code, according to Marquez.

The raid took place following the issuance of a search warrant by Judge Hilario Laqui of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court, Marquez said.

The case will be endorsed to the legal department of the NBI before it can be brought before the Department of Justice, Marquez said.

The raid was conducted by the Intellectual Property division of NBI.

If convicted, the shop owners face imprisonment of one to three years, the Intellectual Property Code states.

The shops were found to have been installing illegal copies of Microsoft software and operating system in computers they sold, Marquez alleged.

FBI issues warning about computer virus

WASHINGTON - The FBI warned Tuesday that a computer virus is being spread through unsolicited e-mails that purport to come from the FBI.

The e-mails appear to come from an fbi.gov address. They tell recipients that they have accessed illegal Web sites and that their Internet use has been monitored by the FBI's "Internet Fraud Complaint Center," the FBI said.

The messages then direct recipients to open an attachment and answer questions. The computer virus is in the attachment.

"Recipients of this or similar solicitations should know that the FBI does not engage in the practice of sending unsolicited e-mails to the public in this manner," the FBI said in a statement.

The bureau is investigating the phony e-mails

Munti residents protest cell site

By Jonathan M. Hicap, MT Reporter

RESIDENTS of a subdivision in Muntinlupa City are protesting the construction and operation of a 30-meter cell site, saying it is illegal and has no approval from the city council.

Residents charged that the cell site is located inside a residential area, in violation of a local ordinance.

Councilor Allan Cami­lon, chair of the Committee on Communication and Public Information, told The Manila Times on Monday that he has asked the city zoning chief, Allan Cachuela, to immediately stop the operation of the Globe Telecom cell site inside the JPA Subdivision because of the protest.

Residents on Monday urged Camilon to dismantle the cell site, because it poses a hazard to the residents’ health. The city council’s hearing on the facility has not been terminated, they added.

“The issues have not been resolved, but Globe Telecom was able to construct and operate the cell site,” a resident, who did not want to be identified, said.

Cachuela said he will request Globe Telecom to stop operating the site.

On November 2 last year, Camilon’s committee held a hearing to stop the construction of the tower until all issues are resolved. He said Globe Telecom needed to get a clearance from the home­owners, the Philippine Institute of Seismology and Volcanology and the Department of Health.

Cachuela said the residential area where the tower is located is classified as a commercial zone. Residents insist that the tower is too close to their homes. Cachuela said the cell site has been cleared by the DOH.

Documents gathered by The Times showed that the tower was built at a cost of P530,000. Globe Telecom shall pay the lot owner P25,000 a month for the next 10 years

Philippines IT to grow by one-third

An industry association has predicted the number of people in the Philippines working in information technology will increase by nearly a third this year.

About 160,000 Filipinos worked in the IT field at the end of 2004, the Information Technology Association of the Philippines said. The association said the results of a December survey predicted an increase, the Business Times reported Sunday. The survey covered 214 firms in IT and other sectors, including government offices.

Information technology has been identified as a promising growth sector for the Philippines with the number of global call centers, data transcription services and other related services multiplying in recent months. bignews.com

5th Telecom Board Meeting

Republic of the Philippines
TELECOM BOARD
OLONGAPO CITY

5th Telecom Board Meeting with Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr.
and NTC Region III Regional Director
February 18, 2005, 4:00 PM
Session Hall and Mayor’s Office


PRESENT:

Hon. James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. City Mayor
Hon. Edwin J. Piano Chairman
Mr. Leonardo C.Perez Member (Telecommunications Expert)
Engr. German E. Ebue Member (Electronics & Communications Expert)
Mr. Danilo J. Piano Member (IT Expert)
Engr. Oliver C. Macaspac Director- NTC Region III
Engr. Wilson O. Lejarde Licensing and Law Enforcement Division Officer
Mr. Mark Anthony M. Orpiano Board Secretariat
Mr. Jerico Ballon Legislative Assistant, City Council


EXCERPTS FROM THE MINUTES OF MEETING

1. The meeting was called to order 4:15 PM .

2. Hon. Edwin J. Piano discussed to Engineer Oliver C. Macaspac, NTC Regional Director and Engr. Wilson O. Lejarde, Licensing and Law Enforcement Division Officer the newly created Olongapo City Telecommunications Board and its functions. He also confer the implementation of “One Rate, One Province” policy as mandated by National Telecommunications Commission which was not implemented in the city since its effectivity.

3. The Chairman also reported that out of more than 40 Telecommunication Towers in Olongapo City, only five have Permits and none of the Telecommunication Company in Olongapo City is paying Real Property Tax.

4. Hon. Edwin J. Piano confers with NTC about complaints regarding malicious text on Cellphones and Chat TV Channel of STV6 that the board has been receiving. Director Oliver C. Macaspac declared that he would provide a copy of list of blocked Sim Cards from 2003 – 2004 due to theft, snatching, loss, and/or malicious texting. He also mentioned that once cell phone users received malicious texts, they should gather the necessary information such as date and time those malicious texts were received to help the Telecom Board and NTC in monitoring and fighting against these malevolent acts.

5. Director Macaspac informed Olongapo City Telecommunications Board that complaints or any related issues regarding Telecommunications can be forwarded to National Telecommunications Commission-Region III every Thursday of the week via fax or email. He further suggest that written complaints must be notarized.

6. The Chairman also informed Director Macaspac that STV 6 is operating TV programs and at the same time solicit advertisements without proper permits. The Mayor also inquire to Director Macaspac if STV 6 is allowed to operate TV station and solicit advertisements. Director Macaspac informed the body that STV6 is only allowed to operate a community channel. He suggests that the board conduct a preliminary study regarding CATV/STV6 operation.

7. In this regard, Hon. Edwin J. Piano states that the board will be conducting a study regarding applications for additional telecom providers, ISPs and CATV in the City to be able to create heathy competition for the benefit of the people of Olongapo

8. Hon. Edwin J. Piano reported that the Telecommunication Companies operating in Olongapo City are using the facilities and spaces of the city government without properly informing and compensating the city.

9. Engineer Macaspac stated that he would provide a copy from DOH that cell sites or towers are not hazardous as per DOH concern unless the cell sites or towers collapse.

10. Hon. Edwin J. Piano made follow-up on pending materials request for PABX 3rd Phase and Phone Installation to Public Market, Fire Department,. etc. to Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. he also informed the mayor the Difference between Operator Assisted Calls and NDD / Touch Card

11. Hon Edwin J. Piano brought out to Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. the need of Telecom Board for a permanent Lawyer that will serve as a legal adviser. Mayor Gordon recommended Atty. Mendoza to be the Legal Adviser of the Telecom Board and suggested to draft a letter requesting for a Lawyer.

12. Mr. Leonardo C. Perez reported existing City Telecom Ordinance and Resolutions that needs to be implemented and monitored to ensure that public safety and revenues due to the city are being collected.

13. Engr. German E. Ebue reported that Telecom Company in the City is not paying Franchise Tax to the City. He cite the case PLDT VS Davao City where in the Supreme Court rule that Telecom company must pay franchise tax to LGU’s even they have National Franchise. He also cites the Bureau of Local Government Finance Reversal ruling regarding Local Franchise Tax of Telecom providers.

14. Engr. German E. Ebue updates the Mayor on PABX project. He also informed the Mayor the need for Direct Inward Dialing (DID) so that the people will dial one or two numbers only like 222-GAPO (4276) or 223- GAPO (4276) that will automatically hunt available number and connect to all department

15. Mayor James “Bong’ Gordon, Jr. advised the Telecom Board to monitor and provide photos regarding dilapidated electric poles and improperly installed wires and submit to him for inspection.

16. Hon. Edwin J. Piano reported that SBMA board have already ruled out that the freeport is now open for new Telecommunications provider and that Subictel’s exclusive operation in now void. While Mr. Danny J. Piano reported, that Mr. Dennis Uy is interested in providing CATV Business in the City. Mr. Piano also suggests the board meet with Mr. Uy. The Mayor suggests inviting One Telecom provider at a time so that the telecom business will not suffer.

17. Hon. Edwin J. Piano suggested reviewing the existing Joint Pole agreement between the City Government and CATV, PILTEL and other Telecom Provider and set a meeting with the said pole users. Mr. Perez then suggests getting the total number of poles to be able to compute the amount to be collected.

18. Mayor Gordon suggests to the Telecom Board to document all revenues collected thru the effort of the Board and report the same during the Flag Ceremony.

19. Mayor Gordon advised the Telecom Board to acquire an honorarium while waiting for the budget for the Telecom consultants. In this regard, Chairman Piano suggests to the Mayor that Barangay Grievances Board funds be use for the suggested honorarium since BGB is inactive.

20. Calendar of next meeting February 28, 2005.

21. With no other matter to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 6:05 pm.


Prepared by:


Mark Anthony Orpiano
and Jerico Ballon
Secretariat

CALL CENTER BOOM

The top call centers worldwide have set up shop here such as Convergys, Sykes, Teletech, West, and Sitel. Although India has always held top billing for outsourced businesses, the Philippines has become a competitive alternative. The Philippines wooed investors with a young workforce, low labor costs, its familiarity with American culture, its intelligible English, and its well-established and relatively cheap telecommunications infrastructure. Companies spend anywhere from $2,500 to $5,000 to set up one seat which can be used on a number of shifts, depending on the requirements of the clients. read on . . .

Gov’t to bar ISPs with no pornography blocking

In a program aimed at providing internet access to 5,000 high schools by 2010, the government will not work with internet service providers (ISPs) that cannot block pornographic websites.

Commission on Information and Communication Technology (CICT) commissioner Damian Domingo O. Mapa said the government would exclude ISPs in the program if they could not bar 3,000 pornography sites created everyday from their networks.

Mr. Mapa said that the CICT expects 1.5 million students from public high schools to use the Internet five years from now.

He made this statement in reaction to an advocacy by Fr. Shay Cullen to curb pornography in the country.

Fr. Cullen of the People's Recovery, Empowerment and Development Assistance (PREDA) said that ISPs and even the telecommunications companies should be accountable for the content that goes through their network.

Fr. Cullen said that PREDA alone has identified thousands of newly created websites everyday with varying degrees of child pornography.

Unfortunately, Fr. Shay said that users would still have to pay ISPs about $50 in blocking fees.

There are 53 ISPs registered with the National Telecommunication Commission as of May 2004.

On the part of the ISPs, the head of the country’s first commercial ISP, Mosaic Communications, said that to date there are no binding regulations that prompt ISPs to block websites that feature gross sexual acts against children, some of whom are Filipinos.

Mozcom president William T. Torres said in an interview Friday that individual ISPs are left to decide on whether or not to block numerous pornography websites, which can generate income from ISPs through increased network use by customers.

“Mozcom for one has a blocking system and so do many ISPs in the Philippines. But we are not sure of the others because we and even the government cannot intrude into their systems,” Mr. Torres said.

A proposed Cybercrime Bill is expected to penalize sexual abuses spread through the internet. The bill however has already undergone 10 revisions but is still pending with the House of Representatives.

“There is no opposition to the bill but it is not yet a priority in the Congress,” said Albert P. Dela Cruz, former Information Technology and E-Commerce Council security subcommittee co-chair and one of the advocates of the Cybercrime Bill. -- Kerlyn G. Bautista

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NTC Regional Director Engineer Macaspac and Olongapo City Mayor James Bong Gordon joins d 5th regular meeting of TELECOM & IT BOARD held @ city hall last Friday

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