Urgent Appeal for Regulation of Loudspeaker Broadcasts During Election Campaigns

AN OPEN LETTER TO COMELEC: Urgent Appeal for Regulation of Loudspeaker Broadcasts During Election Campaigns

To the Honorable Commission on Elections (COMELEC),

I respectfully appeal to the Commission to urgently establish clear and enforceable guidelines regarding the permissible volume of loudspeaker broadcasts for candidate jingles and campaign materials. The current lack of regulation has resulted in an alarming escalation of noise pollution, causing significant discomfort and distress to residents across our communities.

The excessive and often unregulated volume of these broadcasts is not merely an inconvenience; it constitutes a serious disruption to our daily lives. In many cases, it leads to:

 * Widespread Discomfort: The constant barrage of loud jingles creates a disruptive environment, hindering concentration, rest, and peaceful enjoyment of our homes. They sometimes starts their noise bombarding brigade as early as 5:42 a.m. here in our province.

 * Adverse Health Impacts: As in my own experience, prolonged exposure to excessive noise can lead to literal ear pain, headaches, and other health issues. This is particularly concerning for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions.

 * Diminished Quality of Life: The unrelenting noise pollution significantly degrades the quality of life in our communities, fostering stress and frustration among residents.

 * Violation of Noise Ordinances: In many areas, the current volume of these broadcasts likely exceeds existing local noise ordinances, highlighting the need for clear and consistent national guidelines.

I understand the importance of political campaigns and the need for candidates to reach their constituents. However, this must be balanced with the fundamental right of citizens to a peaceful and healthy living environment.

Therefore, I implore the COMELEC to:

 * Establish Clear and Measurable Volume Limits: Implement specific decibel limits for loudspeaker broadcasts, ensuring consistency across all regions.

 * Enforce Regulations Stringently: Develop effective mechanisms for monitoring and enforcing these guidelines, with clear penalties for violations.

 * Consider Time and Location Restrictions: Implement time restrictions for broadcasts and designate appropriate zones for their use, minimizing disruption to residential areas.

 * Promote Alternative Campaign Methods: Encourage candidates to utilize alternative, less disruptive campaign strategies, such as social media, community forums, and printed materials.

 * Publicly release the guidelines: Make the guidelines easily accessible to the public, so that all citizens are aware of the regulations.

By taking decisive action on this matter, the COMELEC will demonstrate its commitment to ensuring fair and equitable elections while safeguarding the well-being of all Filipinos.  I trust that the Commission will address this urgent issue with the seriousness it deserves.

I'll await your prompt and favorable response. 

Truly yours,

Cha Sy

www.travelonshoestring.com

WARNING ⚠️ BDO FIND WAYS TO DEPLETE ALL YOUR SAVINGS

I couldn't Believe that I will fall prey to BDO'S UNJUST WAYS TO DEPLETE MY SAVINGS ACCOUNT.

I used to have a BDO credit card but I STOPPED USING IT WHEN I HAD A RUPTURED BRAIN ANEURYSM WAY WAY BACK IN EARLY 2011. Sadly, after I had an operation for my ruptured brain aneurysm and was 50/50. I WAS BEDRIDDEN FOR A WHILE. I underwent physical therapy sessions and other check ups and was advised not to work anymore. 

BDO: My Savings' Arch-Nemesis?  A Rant About UNJUST WAYS THAT BDO IMPLEMENT

Okay, folks, let's talk about banks.  Specifically, my bank, BANCO DE ORO (BDO).  And let me tell you, sometimes I feel like they're actively trying to drain my savings account.  I know, I know, banks aren't charities. They're businesses.  But does it have to feel like they're nickel-and-diming me into oblivion?

I'm not going to pretend I'm a financial guru.  I'm just a regular person trying to save a little bit of money.  

For the first time in years, I got a letter from BDO a few minutes ago, informing me that they deducted 24, 773.62 from my savings account with them. This letter is out of the blue, I did not received any letters from BDO before this 2 letters simultaneously given to me by 2Go rider. I almost had a heart attack when I read BDO'S LETTERS.  

I FELT SO BETRAYED!  Maybe, this is how Andi Eugenman felt when she learnt about their bff's (aka fake friend) advise to her husband to abandon his family ( Andi and 2 kids).

BDO took a slice out of my already meager pie.  And take note, I NEVER RECEIVED ANY DEMAND LETTER OR WHATEVER. I DID NOT USED THAT EXPIRED CARD since January  2011. NEVER WHEN I WAS BEDRIDDEN. I WONDER WHAT FEES CONSTITUTE THAT 24K PLUS PLUS. MAYBE, "Service fees," "dormancy fees," "transaction fees," – it's a constant barrage of fees!  It's like BDO is celebrating every time they get to deduct something.

I am now paranoid.  Am I maintaining the minimum balance?  Have I made a purchase using that expired credit card way back in 2011 while I was bedridden????  Is there some hidden fee lurking around the corner, waiting to pounce on my hard-earned cash?  It's exhausting!

I understand that banks need to make money.  But come on!  Are these fees really necessary?  Couldn't there be a more transparent and reasonable way to manage costs?  It feels like they're preying on people who are just trying to save.

And don't even get me started on the "convenience" of online banking.  Sure, it's convenient, but it also seems to open up a whole new world of potential fees.  Accidentally click the wrong button?  Fee.  Transfer to another bank?  Fee.  Just breathe too loudly near your computer?  Probably a fee.  Okay, I'm exaggerating, but it feels like that sometimes.

I've tried calling customer service, but it's often a frustrating experience.  Long wait times, generic responses, and ultimately, I'm left feeling like my concerns are falling on deaf ears.  They explain the fees, sure, but they don't really address the feeling that I'm being bled dry.

So, here I am, venting my frustrations into the internet void.  Maybe someone at BDO will actually read this.  Maybe other people feel the same way.  Maybe this will just disappear into the digital abyss.

But if you're out there, BDO, hear me:  I get it, you're a business.  But please, find a better way to make money that doesn't feel like you're actively trying to make my savings account disappear.  There are other banks out there, and eventually, I might just reach my breaking point and take my (rapidly dwindling) savings elsewhere.

Anyone else feel this way?  Let me know in the comments.  Misery loves company, right?  And maybe, just maybe, if enough of us complain, something might actually change.  A girl can dream, can't she?

BENEFITS OF A SOLO PARENT

Solo Parent ID Benefits in the Philippines

The Solo Parent ID isn’t just an identification card—it’s a key that unlocks a variety of benefits specifically designed to support solo parents in their unique journey. These benefits, which are protected by law, aim to provide financial assistance, educational opportunities, and health care support, among other things.


Let’s take a closer look at these:

Employment-Related Benefits

As a solo parent, you are entitled to flexible work schedules as long as it doesn’t interfere with your productivity or that of the company. Additionally, if you have been with your company for at least a year, you are eligible for a parental leave of up to seven days per year.

Educational Benefits

The government provides educational benefits to solo parents and their children. This can be in the form of scholarships, student loans, and special projects that aim to improve the educational prospects of solo parents and their offspring.

Health Benefits

Health benefits are also part of the package. The government assists solo parents by providing comprehensive health programs for their children.

Housing Benefits

Solo parents have the right to avail of housing benefits under the law. This includes allocation in government low-cost housing projects and more liberal terms of payment on such housing.

Livelihood Development Services

To help solo parents enhance their employability and earning potential, the government offers livelihood development and skills training. It includes access to seed capital or materials, technology transfer, production and management training, and marketing assistance.

How to Renew Solo Parent ID

Renewing a Solo Parent ID is a straightforward process that you can accomplish by visiting the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) office in your municipality or local government unit (LGU).

The Solo Parent ID is valid for one year, and it’s essential to renew it upon expiration to continue enjoying the benefits it offers.

Here are the steps to renew your Solo Parent ID:

Visit the DSWD Office

Go to the DSWD office where you initially applied for your Solo Parent ID. If you’re unsure where this is, you can visit any DSWD office, and they should be able to guide you.

Submit the Required Documents

Just like the initial application, you will need to submit certain documents for renewal. These typically include a filled-out application form for renewal and a valid government-issued ID.

Wait for the Evaluation Result

After submitting the requirements, the DSWD office will evaluate your renewal application. The duration of this process can vary, so it’s best to ask the DSWD office for an estimated timeline.

Claim your Solo Parent ID

Once approved, you can claim your renewed Solo Parent ID from the DSWD office.

Remember, each DSWD office might have slightly different requirements or processes, so it’s always a good idea to call ahead or check their website for the most accurate and updated information.

Wrapping Up!

Renewing your Solo Parent ID is an important step to ensure you continue to receive the benefits provided to solo parents. The process involves visiting the DSWD office, submitting the required documents for renewal, waiting for the evaluation result, and then claiming your renewed ID.

A key point to remember is that the Solo Parent ID is valid for one year and must be renewed at the DSWD office upon expiration. Also, keep in mind that specific requirements or processes may vary slightly depending on the DSWD office, so it’s recommended to check with them for the most accurate information.

FAQs
How do you qualify as a solo parent?

To qualify as a solo parent, you must be the sole caregiver for your child or children due to reasons such as the other parent’s death, absence, incarceration, or if you have sole custody of the children due to legal separation or divorce.

What is the difference between single parent and solo parent?

A single parent refers to a parent who is not married or is divorced and has primary responsibilities for the child. A solo parent, however, is fully responsible for all parental duties due to the other parent’s complete absence.

How much is the monthly allowance of a solo parent?

In some regions, solo parents who earn a minimum wage are entitled to a cash subsidy. For example, in the Philippines, solo parents can receive a monthly cash subsidy of Php 1,000, provided they are not beneficiaries of any other government cash assistance

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