MANILA, Philippines – The 10 children, 18 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren of former Senator Jose Diokno condemned President Rodrigo Duterte's bloody war against drugs and the extrajudicial killings that it is believed to have spurred.

"Enough of the slaughter of mostly poor Filipinos. Enough of the perversions of law in the name of the war on drugs," Maria Serena Diokno, daughter of the late senator who was a staunch human rights advocate, wrote on behalf of their clan in a Facebook post on Sunday, August 20.

"The Diokno family, guided by the principles of our parents, pledges to stand for justice and human rights. We lend our voices to the raging cries of the thousands killed and call on the government to comply with the Constitution and laws of our country, and stop the bloody war on drugs, which has only resulted in death, and has not reduced the influx of drugs into the country," she said.

The Dioknos issued the statement after 17-year-old Kian delos Santos was killed in what police called a "shooting encounter" on Wednesday night, August 16. (READ: Our son, Kian: A good, sweet boy)

Delos Santos was among the 81 dead from the latest waves of "one-time, big-time" anti-drug operations by the police in Metro Manila and surrounding areas which Duterte has praised. "Maganda 'yun (It was good)," he said.

Delos Santos' death has fueled criticism of Duterte's war on drugs, which has killed thousands since he took office on June 30, 2016.

"The murder of Kian delos Santos, and the deaths of thousands before him, show how little the government values the lives of Filipinos, and how much contempt it has for the law," Diokno, a former National Historical Commission of the Philippines chairperson, said.

"Enough of the perversions of law in the name of the war on drugs. Killings, rather than the arrests and prosecutions mandated in our laws, have become the standard operating procedure of law enforcement," she stressed. 

'Time to speak out'

Diokno called on the public not to be silent on the killings. 

"It's time to speak out against the killings. Silence abets murder, and we will have none of both," she said. (READ: In the PH drug war, it's likely EJK when...)

"We invite all Filipinos to stand with us, for love of country, justice and human rights," Diokno said.

In his early days in office, Duterte encouraged law enforcers to shoot criminals who fight back. (READ: TRANSCRIPT: 'Pag walang baril, bigyan mo ng baril' – Duterte)

Data from the Philippine National Police (PNP) show that as of July 26, 3,451 suspected drug personalities had been killed in legitimate operations. The Commission on Human Rights believes, however, that killings has exceeded the number the government suggests. (IN NUMBERS: The Philippines' 'war on drugs') – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Hours before an indignation rally on Edsa on Monday, August 21, faculty members of a Jesuit-run university, as well as artists and writers, demanded an end to the government-sponsored killings related to the anti-drugs campaign.

Their separate statements came after the nationwide outrage sparked by the death Kian delos Santos, the 17-year-old boy who was shot by Caloocan cops for allegedly fighting back during an anti-drug raid last week. (READ: Our son, Kian: A good, sweet boy)

Delos Santos was among the 81 dead from the latest waves of "one-time, big-time" operations by the police in Metro Manila and surrounding areas.

Academe

The Ateneo de Manila University faculty condemned in the "strongest possible terms" the death of the 17-year-old and the spate of the extrajudicial killings.

"We denounce the state terror that President Duterte is unleashing upon the citizenry. The culture of violent impunity that he instigates is a threat to the fundamental virtues that bind us as a nation," they said in a statement on Monday.

As of July, one year into President Rodrigo Duterte's term, 3,451 suspected drug personalities have been killed in legitimate operations, based on police data. The Commision on Human Rights believes, however, that more people have died from the drug war.

"One shudders to think of the current numbers of the dead summarily executed without access to their legal rights," the faculty members said. (READ: IN NUMBERS: The Philippines' 'war on drugs')

They Ateneo faculty called on the public to demand an end to summary executions: "We therefore demand an end to the carnage that has created a climate of fear, lawlessness, and abuse. We call on people of conscience to join us in demanding the restoration of the rule of law and the cessation of the arbitrary use of brute force against the most vulnerable sectors of our community: the poor, the ill, and the innocent."

They added: "There is no place for terror in a just society. Stop the killings now!"

Artists, writers

On Sunday, August 20, workers from the cultural industry also denounced the normalization of the killings during police operations.

"We denounce the normalization of these killings, the pardon of rogue police and military men, and the abetting of authorities’ abuse against citizens," they said in a statement. (READ: Countries call for end to killings in PH drug war)

"Where Filipinos are dying on mere suspicion of involvement in drugs, where deaths are justified by victims’ inclusion in questionable drug lists, where a few grams of drugs on a person has been used to justify murder, government has fallen silent on the P6.4-billion worth of smuggled drugs from China, for which there have been no suspects charged. The President himself now says there is no controlling the entry of drugs into the country. We say: then there is no reason to believe in, or stand for, this war the President is waging," they said.

The signatories, which include writer Ricky Lee and filmmaker Lav Diaz, called on the government to stop the killings.

"We call for an end to President Duterte’s war on drugs. We demand that those responsible for the thousands dead in official police operations and the thousands more in summary executions be brought to justice," they wrote.

Even before the start of the campaign period for the May 2016 polls, Duterte had already promised to order the killing of criminals.

In May, shortly after winning the elections, Duterte said he would give security forces "shoot to kill" orders against those who resist arrest. (READ: 'Nanlaban sila': Duterte's war on drugs) – Aika Rey/Rappler.com

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MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Various groups will stage mass protests across the country to demand justice for Kian Loyd delos Santos, the 17-year-old student killed in an anti-drug operation in Caloocan City.

Delos Santos was among the 81 dead from the latest waves of "one-time, big-time" anti-drug operations by the police in Metro Manila and surrounding areas which President Rodrigo Duterte has praised. "Maganda 'yun (It was good)," he said. (READ: Our son, Kian: A good, sweet boy)

The Department of Justice has already ordered an investigation into Delos Santos' death.

Delos Santos' death has fueled criticism of President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs, which has killed thousands since he took office on June 30, 2016. 

Here is a running list of protests against the killings:

AUGUST 21

Metro Manila 

People Power Monument, Quezon City

The rally, called "Tama Na! Protesta laban sa patayan," will take place at 6 pm on Monday. 

Those attending the march are encouraged to wear black and bring candles.

Sta Quiteria, Caloocan City

Concerned citizens will march to the place where Kian delos Santos was killed. They will visit his wake after. Meet-up will be from 4:30 pm to 5 pm at Sta Quiteria Church.

Legazpi City

At 4 pm, Monday, there will be a silent march from Penaranda Park to Legazpi Boulevard.

Organizers encouraged protesters to wear black shirts and to bring placards. However, they discouraged groups from bringing organizational flags and banners.

Bacolod City

A candle-lighting ceremony will be held at the Provincial Capitol Lagoon in Paghimud-os Shrine at 6 pm, Monday. 

AUGUST 22

University of the Philippines - Diliman, Quezon City

An indignation rally and candle-lighting ceremony will be held from 3 pm to 6 pm at Malcolm Hall steps in University of the Philippines - Diliman. Wearing black shirts is encouraged.

AUGUST 23

Camp Crame, Quezon City                                    

A noise barrage will be held in front of the Philippine National Police headquarters at Camp Crame - EDSA Gate in Quezon City. This will be held at 4:30 pm, Wednesday. 

On Monday, August 21, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella acknowledged the people's right to assemble. 

"The President has said time and again that he will allow mass protest as long as it does not cause public inconvenience or compromise public safety. This is consistent with PRRD’s philosophy that criticism – good or bad – is part of the territory of anyone working in the government," Abella said in a statement.

"Having said this, we enjoin protesters to fully cooperate with police authorities who are expected to exercise maximum tolerance during the event." – Rappler.com

Are you organizing a similar protest action? Share your event on X or tag us on Twitter @MovePH.

I've always considered myself a citizen of the world. And while I think that belief stemmed from my experience living abroad, I already had a knack for different cultures even when I was growing up.

I remember looking closely at encyclopedia pictures of tourist spots in America with its anthem playing in the background. Expedia wasn't around back then. I also love learning new languages, even just a few phrases. I don't even have a specific cuisine that I love because I appreciate all kinds of food. Back when I was working for a tech startup in San Francisco, our company would have different cuisines for its daily catered lunches. I also follow foreign news and current events more than national ones even to this day.

One might label me as unpatriotic, but I beg to differ. Perhaps more than those aforementioned things, I do believe that exposure to different cultures and cities reminded me of what being Filipino is all about. 

For those who even bother to look at their passports, one would notice the Philippine motto inscribed on its first few pages: Maka-Diyos, Maka-Tao, Makakalikasan, at Makabansa. These are the core values we Filipinos should have, values that make up the foundation this country was and should be built on. (This is by no means a lesson on how to be patriotic, but an attempt to illustrate how my limited worldview has helped me rekindle these Filipino values.)

Maka-Diyos. I was blessed to be brought up in a devout Catholic household. I am no saint, but the fear of God and example of St Ignatius of Loyola never fail to bring out the follower in me. My time living alone in California also made my faith even stronger. I'd pass by a church on my way downtown and would hear Mass when possible. It helped me gain more perspective into God's plan for me when the future back then was still unclear. It's also interesting how we are similar to others when celebrating certain traditions. I can still vividly recall the Passion of the Christ reenactment I saw in Mission Dolores, located in a predominantly Latino community in the Bay Area. 

Maka-Tao. I was fortunate enough to interact with different cultures that strengthened my respect for other persons regardless of their ethnicity, faith, and orientation. I have been amazed at how some of the developed countries have their own ways of showing compassion for the needy. Singapore, for instance, has a dedicated housing area for its low-income population. This is why there are no squatters in the city-state. Moreover, living in the Bay Area exposed me to communities having the concept of a soup kitchen where homeless people and even drug dependents are welcome.

Makakalikasan. One doesn't have to visit national parks or plant trees to help preserve nature's wonders (though I've been fortunate enough to see Crater Lake and the Grand Canyon, among others). My conscious effort to protect Mother Earth was reinvigorated when I learned to clean my own table in restaurants and to segregate garbage properly. It is all about discipline and accountability in simple, everyday tasks. It has indeed been a constant struggle ever since I came back home a year and a half ago. It pains me, for instance, whenever I see receipts scattered all around ATMs.

Makabansa. Last and definitely not the least, my global experience reminded me that although we share the same goal of living harmoniously with one another, we still have our own respective identities through our nationality. I would always refer to the multicultural term "salad bowl" I encountered during my graduate studies. The term connotes how different ingredients (cultures or nationalities) preserve their own characteristics while mixing with one another to share a common goal of nourishment (global development).

It is quite ironic that it is through exposing one's self to the world that we are able to gain perspective as to where we are and where we should be headed as a nation. We tend to confuse national pride with narrow-mindedness and that "ganyan talaga dito, wala na tayong magagawa" (that's just how it is, we can't do anything) attitude. We seem to be allergic to progressive thinking. I agree that it's not a one-size-fits-all remedy, but to borrow some words from one of America's greatest political icons, Robert F. Kennedy, "There are those that look at things the way they are and ask, 'Why?' I dream of things that never were and ask, 'Why not?'"

Sometimes, we forget how embracing diversity of knowledge and ideas has shaped what we have become this past century. It is only when we go out into the world and find our way back home that we rediscover and appreciate our distinct identity.

One, however, need not abruptly pack his or her bag. As a matter of fact, you have already started just by finishing reading this. – Rappler.com

31-year-old Mark Gerard C. Oga runs a digital marketing startup based in Loyola Heights, Quezon City. Prior to that, he worked in the financial industry for almost a decade until he pursued his goal of experiencing what it's like living independently abroad. He holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Ateneo de Manila University and a master's degree in international marketing from Hult International Business School in San Francisco, California. He considers himself a progressive thinker and a liberal Catholic.

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has prepared P1.45 billion worth of resources in anticipation of the damage that could be brought by Tropical Storm Isang (Hato).

On Monday, August 21, the DSWD said that a total of 371,033 family food packs amounting to P132.87 million and Food and Non-food Items of P884.48 million have been prepositioned.

Some P914.92 billion in funds is also available for use.

The DSWD predicts that some 252,223 families could be affected, of which 54,802 are poor.

Based on state weather bureau PAGASA's 5 am weather forecast, Isang continued heading for Basco, Batanes.

The tropical storm is moving northwest at 20 kilometers per hour. (km/h). It still has maximum winds of 80 km/h and gustiness of up to 97 km/h.

Batanes remains under signal number 2, along with northern Cagayan, Apayao, and Ilocos Norte. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Senator JV Ejercito urged the passage of the child restraints bill during a road safety forum on Tuesday, August 22.

Ejercito said that laws have been passed to address most factors that contribute to road crash incidents, except for the safety of children inside motor vehicles. (READ: Seat belts are not enough for infants and children)

The senator is proposing the Child Safety on Motor Vehicles Act of 2017 that will impose drivers of covered vehicles to secure a child on a child restraint system while driving.

"Here in the Philippines, we already passed 6 out of 7 laws addressing these risk factors and the only measure left is the Child Restraint Law. We must pass this into law," said Ejercito.

These laws cover speeding, drunk or drugged driving, seatbelt or helmet-wearing, and the use of gadgets while driving. (READ: What laws help keep road users safe in the Philippines?)

Across the country, an average of more than 600 children died every year from 2006 to 2014.

Republic Act 8750 or the Seat Belts Use Act of 1999 requires the driver and front seat passenger of a moving vehicle to wear seatbelts. However, these devices are not in the right size to protect children in case of a collision.

"We're working on it hopefully before the 17th Congress adjourns," he said.

Weak enforcement

Despite having good laws on ensuring the safety of Filipinos on the road, implementation remains a problem.

According to Catanduanes lone district Representative Cesar Sarmiento, chair of the House Committee on Transportation, the rising number of deaths resulting from road crash incidents is due to weak implementation of laws. (READ: What's lacking in our road safety laws?)

"Why do road crashes continue to occur nationwide and even rise in number over the years? We all know the answer. Weak enforcement of our laws and low public awareness on the importance of road safety," Sarmiento said.

Sarmiento said his committee continues to push agencies to be "true to their mandates".

"As for strengthening the implementation of our road safety laws, our Committee continues to exercise its oversight function," Sarmiento said.

The Committee is working with the agencies for properly issuing driver's licenses, putting up of the long-delayed Motor Vehicle Inspection System, and strengthening implementation of the Helmet Act.

Sarmiento urged the advocacy groups to help inform the public on road safety.

"We need the help of our NGOs and road safety advocates on this. Please continue to educate the public to invest time, money, and other resources in road safety," he said.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that 8,666 people died in road crash incidents in 2014.

Death resulting from these incidents is the primary cause of fatality in the youth aged 15 to 29 years old.– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines—The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is planning to update the driver's license written examinations it administers by including vehicle-specific questions.  

The purpose for updating the LTO exam is to ensure that there would more capable drivers on the road, hopefully, resulting to lesser road crashes.

A total of 8,666 crash related deaths occurred in the country last 2014. From 2006 to 2014, the total number of casualties was 71,415.

"One of the major culprits for these road crashes is usually attributed to the weak licensing system of the country. It is very crucial to road safety condition," said Jose Regin Regidor of the National Center for Transportation Studies.

A driver's license gives a person the right to drive a vehicle. 

Given this privilege, the LTO wants to know if the licensed drivers are responsible and deserving. The LTO hopes a comprehensive license exam will provide these informations.

" Ano ba yung examination natin? Nag modernize ba tayo? (What are our examinations? Did we modernize?) Kasi like for example, if you go to US or Canada, computerized na yan eh. Then randomly generated yung mga questions. So it's not like you can memorize or ask someone who has taken the exam before to give you tips." Regidor told Rappler.

The current licensing examinations are differentiated by the type of license applied for. However, whether you apply for a professional or non-professional license, the written examinations just consist of general and basic questions. 

Professional drivers are drivers who drive public utility vehicles and light trucks. The pro driver is, in a way, responsible for the lives of their passengers. 

According to Emerita Soliven, head of the Traffic Safety Division of the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the exams will be different in terms of the type of license and classification of the vehicle.

The different vehicle classifications for the new examination will be motorcycles, light, and heavy vehicles. 

Soliven also said there were plans to include a psychological exam. —Rappler.com 

MANILA, Philippines – What were you doing when you were 17?

On the night of August 16, Grade 11 student Kian delos Santos was killed in what the police called a "shooting encounter."

He was 17.

His death sparked outrage, prompting various groups and individuals to stage protests in parts of the country. (READ: Schedule of protests vs Kian delos Santos killing)

On Monday, August 21, Rappler interviewed protesters at the People Power Monument in Quezon City to know what their lives were like when they were 17.

'Just a student'

"Nung 17 ako (When I was 17), I was in second year college," said Shahma Bulangi, co-convenor of Youth Resist. At 17, Bulangi said she was still unsure of what she was passionate about.

Luis Enriquez, 21, a student from Ateneo de Manila University, felt the same.

"Nung 17 ako, estudyante ako sa high school tapos iniisip ko lang 'yung gustong gawin pagkatapos kong mag-aral sa college," he said. (When I was 17, I was a high school student and I was still thinking about what I want to do after college.)

Meanwhile, PJ Punla, 35, said she was enjoying her youth then. "I had just fallen in love. I discovered what it was like to read the things I want, to sing the songs I want to sing, to watch the TV shows I wanted to watch," she said.

Bulangi said experiences such as these are what the police took away from Delos Santos when he was gunned down. (READ: LIST: Minors, college students killed in Duterte's drug war)

"He was set on what he wanted to do. He wanted to be a policeman. What's sad about it is that the police were the ones who killed him and his dreams," she said.

'Anyone could be Kian'

Those Rappler talked to at the rally said the spate of killings in the past months has left them fearful.

"Ngayon nagdadalawang-isip ako magpagabi sa kalsada dahil hindi ko alam kung may sumusunod na sa 'kin. Baka mapabilang na ako sa quota ng kapulisan," said Meanne Manahan of Focus on the Global South. (READ: Where the drug war began)

(Now, I have second thoughts about being out at night because I don't know if somebody's already following me. I might become part of the police's quota.)

Jun Santos of Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa criticized what he described as the apparent disregard for the rule of law in the conduct of the anti-drug campaign. (READ: The Drug War: Legendary)

"Dahil sa nangyari kay Kian at sa iba pang nagiging biktima na kung tawagin nila ay 'collateral damage' lamang pakiramdam namin hindi na ligtas ngayon," he said.

(Because of what happened to Kian and to others who were victims of what they call "collateral damage," we feel that it's not safe anymore.)

"Kahit sino, kahit saan, kahit anong oras ay maari po tayong mabiktima ng mga pangyayaring ito," he added. (Anyone, anywhere, anytime, we can be victims of these incidents.)

Tipping point

Delos Santos' death has fueled criticism of President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs, which has killed thousands since he took office on June 30, 2016.

According to Karla Yu of the Millennials Against Dictators, the death of the 17-year-old is the "tipping point" for many Filipinos.

Actor Dennis Corteza said he condemns the killings and is scared for the youth who may be tagged as "drug runners" without evidence.

"Kahit saan ngayon, kahit pulis puwede silang patayin na walang pakundangan. Nag-aapoy ang aking damdamin," he said. (Anywhere they go, they can be killed with impunity, even by police. I feel strongly about this.)

Delos Santos was among the 81 dead in "one-time, big-time" anti-drug operations recently conducted by police in parts of Metro Manila and Bulacan. Duterte had praised the deadly drug raids, saying "maganda 'yun (that's good)."

In Delos Santos' case, however, the President promised that the cops involved will "rot in jail" if the investigation proves he was murdered.

How many more young lives will be cut short in the war on drugs? – with reports from Iona Mendoza and Alecs Ongcal / Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippine – A decade after An Incovenient Truth brought the climate crisis into the heart of popular culture, comes the riveting and rousing follow-up that shows just how close we are to a real energy revolution.

Former Vice President Al Gore continues his tireless fight, traveling around the world (including Yolanda-hit Tacloban City in the Philippines), training an army of climate champions and influencing international climate policy. (READ: Al Gore visits Yolanda 'ground zero')

An Inconvenient Truth received widespread critical acclaim and brought international attention to the climate crisis. Now, as An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power premieres more than a decade later, the stakes are higher than ever – but we know the climate crisis can be overcome with the renewable energy solutions available right now.

An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power reminds us what can happen when regular citizens take a stand. The film showcases our Climate Reality Leadership Corps trainings, where people from all walks of life come to work with Gore and other experts, learning key climate science and gaining the skills to lead their communities in the fight for climate solutions.

“The film also features how the Philippines experienced the ill-effects of the climate crisis such as Super Typhoon Haiyan while showing hope that the global community is urgently acting on it,” said RodneGalicha, country manager of the Climate Reality Project.

“Through this documentary film, we hope to raise public awareness and understanding of climate change in all sectors and levels in the country and to call for greater and more ambitious climate action,” said Galicha.

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Distributed by Columbia Pictures, An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power will premiere at Cinema 7 in Trinoma Mall in Quezon City. 

The movie will be shown exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas (Trinoma and Glorietta 4) starting August 30, 2017.

How to buy tickets

Regular tickets will be sold at P1000.  Ahead of the premeire screening, Rappler, in partnership with Climate Reality Project Philippines, are selling discounted tickets at P750. 

There are two ways to get your discounted tickets for August 28. 

I. Bank Deposit

You can deposit ticket payments through BPI, Security Bank, or UnionBank.

Once deposit is made, please e-mail your deposit slip to move.ph@rappler.com with the subject title "An Inconvenient Sequel" together with the following details:

• Complete name of attendees
• Company or school organizations 
• Contact information (email address, mobile number, and landline number) 

Once deposit is made, Rappler will reply with confirmation of deposit and will send an Eventbrite ticket.

II. Eventbrite

1. Visit the Eventbrite page here.
2. Use your credit card and Paypal account to make a ticket purchase.
3. After confirmation, you will receive an email with your Eventbrite ticket(s). Download and save this file. 
4. On Monday, simply show your e-ticket at upon registration at the cinema.

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For blocked screening requests in other areas, please contact Climate Reality Project Philippines through e-mail: philippines@climatereality.com. - Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Four died while 3 were injured from a landslide caused by heavy rains in Kabasalan town in Zamboanga Sibugay province, local disaster managers reported on Wednesday, August 23.

Due to heavy rains, the adjacent mountain collapsed toward Penaranda village around 5 am on Tuesday, August 22, according to Kabasalan Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LDRRMO).

Fatalities included Sonnylito Toquib, 21; Jeffry Lamparas, 18; Danilo Balicoco, 53; and Adrian Ledesma, 40. All were residents of Kabasalan. (READ: DSWD prepares P1.45-B for Tropical Storm Isang)

“Naay financial assistance nga madawat ang mga biktima, P10,000 ang mga pamilya sa namatay, P5,000 sab ang mga na-injure,” LDRRM officer Junalyn Maravillo told Rappler.

(Victims will receive financial assistance. P10,000 [will be given] to the family of deceased and P5,000 for the injured.)

Displaced victims are temporarily sheltered at the Barangay Tigbangagan Gymnasium.

According the Maravillo, the two-day heavy downpour in Kabasalan town was caused by Severe Tropical Storm Isang (international name: Hato).

Isang is now outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility, and is headed for Taiwan. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines—To get a driver's license, applicants must pass both the written examination and the practical driving exam. The exam seeks to filter and guarantee responsible drivers on the road. Are the practical exams effective enough?

Process

Applying for a license can take more or less one whole day. Applicants start with taking the written examination.

For non-professional license examiners, a score of 30/40 is needed to be qualified for the practical driving exam. While a score of 45/60 is needed for professional license examiners.

The practical driving exam requires a round of driving or riding in the obstacle course. The types of vehicle available for rent are motorcycles, manual cars, automatic cars and light trucks. Applicants can also opt to use their own vehicles when taking the exam. 

Renting a motorcycle costs P150, a 4-wheeler vehicle (manual or automatic) costs P250, and a 6-wheeler vehicle costs P300.

Criteria to pass the practical exam

Examiners are given a road test score sheet when examining an applicant. Every applicant will start with 100 points. The examiner's criteria for imposing a demerit are based on three criteria: the pre-driving checks, driving skills, and observance of traffic rules. 

The pre driving check up is worth a total of 10 points. Under this criteria, drivers are expected to

• check the tires and batteries
• adjust mirrors, light, and windshield
• use the seatbelt/helmet
• check the hand and foot brake
• disengage the clutch when starting the engine.

Driving skills and observance to traffic rules make up 90 points. Examiners take note of the following criteria during the exam:

Too easy?

The actual practical driving exam will only take 5 minutes. Applicants only need to make one round in the approximately 1000 square kilometers obstacle course and park. 

Despite the different criteria of the exam, not every item on the score sheet is observed accurately due to the limited space and time of the actual test drive. 

Engineer Juan Ordoño Jr., Chief of the Practical Testing Department, admits the practical driving exam is 'easy.'

However, they are simply following the criteria of the road test score sheet. 

"Actually madali ang practical exams. Basta isunod lang nila kung ano ang sinabi sa kanila." he said. 

(Actually, the practical exams are easy as long as they follow the instructions given to them.)

The passing rate of the actual driving exam is 70/100. Ordoño suggests raising the passing rate to 90/100 for stricter assessment. 

He adds their job of determining and assessing the attitude of the driver is not as easy as it seems. 

"It is hard for us to really know the attitude of the driver because everyone will have their best foot forward when taking the exams," Ordoño said in Filipino.

Edison Agbayani, one of the practical examiners, shares how time and resources also limit them for stricter exams. He said that they conduct an average of 300 practical exams per day. 

"If we could extend just extend the practical exams from 5 minutes to 20 minutes, we could really monitor and check their driving skills. However, if we do that, we won't be able to accommodate other applicants." Agbayani explained. 

He adds that a bigger venue or obstacle course will give them more time to better gauge the skills of the driver.

While they admit that the test drive is easy, they also want to remind applicants that they can automatically fail if they hit the gutter or a vehicle. The road test score sheet enumerates the following conditions for a driver to automatically fail the exam: striking another car/ pedestrian or fixed object and improper actions causing collision or near collision of another vehicle

Their advice for the drivers is to make sure they practice before the exam and come early to avoid the long lines. Most of all, they should listen to the briefing and guidelines given to them because it will help them pass. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – As a mother of 3, Jecibel Ocampo's only wish is for her town to have a decent source of electricity.

Ocampo, 30, lives at the foot of the Taal Volcano, in the village of Calawit in Batangas province. Their community of more than 800 people rely mostly on cheap kerosene and battery-powered lamps to light up their homes.

When Ocampo was young, she found it hard to study for the next day's class because there was no electricty in her home. Most of the times, she would wake up early and wait for daybreak so that she could read her books in daylight.

"Mahirap po pag nag-aaral po kami (It's difficult to study)," she recounted.

 "Pag inabot po kami ng gabi, sa umaga na po uli kasi wala nang ilaw. (We study again in the morning because there is no light)," she added.

Her kids are still young but she didn't want them to experience the same.

Off the grid

Ocampo's situation is not an isolated case.

In a study conducted by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) in 2013, some 16 million Filipinos remain to have access to electricity.

Rural electrification has always been a problem in the country especially in towns located in islands and mountains.

Living in the Taal Volcano island, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology resident volcanologist Paolo Reniva hinted that their location is possibly the reason why the community is off the grid.

"Siguro, cost effectiveness lang talaga (dahil) magtatawid ka ng kable. (Maybe it's the cost effectiveness [of the project] because you have to cross [the lake to install] cables,) he said.

"'Yung ibang bahay may mga solar panels so may provision sila for lighting ... but full electrification, wala. (Other homes have solar panels so they have provision for lighting, but they don't have full electrification service,") he added.

Relying mostly on fish farming and agriculture, the residents do not make much from their livelihood – let alone buy a solar panel which will cost them thousands of pesos.

Limited electrification

The local government of Calawit turned over an electric generator for the village sometime in 2010.

They usually put it to use during festivities or emergencies. But it's been 4 years since they last used it because the community cannot afford buying gasoline to make it work.

"Nalipat na sa Balete kaya wala na masyadong magbayad para pang-gasolina. Kaya po nawala na tuloy yung ilaw ng generator," Jecibel said. (Others moved to Balete so there were not enough contributions for gasoline. That's why we're not able to use the generator.)

If not too expensive, applying for access to electricity in areas like Calawit are too tedious and close to impossible. (READ: Rappler Animate: Why electricity rates in Philippines are high)

For international movement Liter of Light, powering homes with limited or no electrification with affordable and sustainable solar lights is their advocacy.

According to Illac Diaz, Liter of Light executive director, lamps powered by green energy is "usually imported, patented, and expensive.".

"When it breaks in about two years, they have to go into debt again to be able to purchase it," Illac said.

Liter of Light produces cheap solar-powered lanterns made up of recycled plastic bottles or kerosene lamps, locally produced microcircuits, and batteries charged by mini solar panels. These are assembled by a network of women cooperatives around the country.

Diaz said that the cheapest lamp they make costs around P200 to P300 which can last for about 10 hours lighted. It has a life span of 5 years before parts need to be replaced.

They also train at least one technician and one entrepreneur from the communities that received their lanterns to make sure that they don't have to buy a new one when it breaks.

"They need something that they themselves can repair. When one part is broken, you don't have to throw away the whole unit," he said.

Sustainable emergency lights

With their cheap units, Liter of Light hopes to make solar-powered lanterns easily accessible, especially in disater-stricken areas.

Diaz said that they started producing lanterns and street lights in 2014 for communities ravaged by Super Typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan).

"In case of disasters, it's not about waiting for imported patented parts from abroad which takes 5 months to 10 months to arrive for large orders. It's something that we can build immediately here in the country," he said.

"We really wanted to make the largest emergency lighting system in the country," he added.

During the Agos Summit on Disaster Preparedness, Diaz said that there is a need to teach people to be able to learn to make their own lights. (READ: Teach people to rebuild homes after disasters, advocate says)

To prove his point, Diaz taught Senator Richard Gordon and Yes Pinoy Foundation executive director Dingdong Dantes to make lanterns for the Liter of Light during the summit.

"Even in disaster, if there's a massive earthquake, it's not that you'll be able to go to your 7-Eleven and buy batteries. You really have to start teaching people to be able to make their own light," he said.

Empowering communities

On July 27 to 29, Liter of Light donated hundreds of solar-powered lamps to communities living at the foot of Taal Volcano, a permanent danger zone according to volcanologists.

Ocampo was among the recipients of those lamps.

"Masaya po kasi ngayon lang ako nakatanggap ng ganito. May magagamit na [mga anak ko] pang-aral sa gabi," she said. (I'm happy because this is the first time I've received a [solar panel]. It can be used [by my children] to study at night.)

All around the world, Liter of Light has helped power over 790,000 homes.

But the work is far from over.

According to World Energy Organization, some 1.2 billion people or 16% of the global population did not have access to electricity in 2014.

"We want to make it part of the grassroots and turn the technology over thousands of people rather than holding it in one company," Diaz said.

"The green jobs shouldn't be about reselling. It could be about building, creating, and innovating." – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines- After the Caloocan police chief admitted that they only found the supposed drug links of Kian de los Santos after he was killed, online users took to social media to air their outrage.

Rappler's story "Caloocan cops 'confirmed' Kian' 'drug ties' after operation through social media" generated at least 6.7 million impressions and more than 3,000 interactions on social media.

Impressions refer to the "times a user is served a post in timeline or search results" while interactions include number of comments, reactions, and shares. 

For instance, a Facebook user commented, "Ganito kababaw ang mga dahilan ng pagpatay sa mga kawawang mga kababayan natin. Pinapatay nang hindi sigurado ang involvement sa drugs." 

(This is how shallow the reason for killing. Killing them without confirming thier involvement in drugs.)

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"Why don't they just admit they screwed up and made a mistake? Talk about saving face after killing a minor," Facebook user Einez Crespo commented on Rappler's Facebook page.  

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Caloocan police officers involved in the operation also testified before the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs on Thursday. They said they checked "social media" to determine the supposed involvement of the teenager in illegal drugs, but only after the anti-drug operation.

"Billions of pesos intelligence fund and you get your intel in social media? That's why gullible people believe everything they see or read in social media because authorities believe it's a credible source of information. Is the human race going backward?" Carlo John Yarisantos said on Facebook.

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The killing of Delos Santos in a drug-operation stirred online reactions of sympathy from social media users that promted the Department of Justice to order the National Bureau of Investigation to investigate the drug raid..- Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Our newsfeeds and timelines present us with the mundane everyday.

But when we harness its full potential, social media is a powerful tool which can help us reach out and help a bigger community.

Rappler realizes the role technology plays in fighting for social good. With this, we’re rolling out Co+Lab, which aims to amplify the social media reach of worthy advocacies, finding people who want to contribute to the cause.  

A single action may not spur change. But the power of social media can bring collaborative actions together, creating a bigger impact. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – On Thursday, August 24, at least two cops arrived at a protest rally organized by students of the Ateneo de Manila University and reportedly asked for the names of leaders and organizers. The activity was intended to show sympathy for victims of the administration's bloody war on drugs.

The Ateneo gathering was just one of the many pocket rallies triggered by the death of 17-year-old Kian delos Santos in a police operation in Caloocan City. He is among the 81 killed inthe latest wave of "one-time, big-time" anti-drug operations in Metro Manila and surrounding areas.

In a Facebook post, The Guidon, Ateneo’s official news publication, said that two policemen reportedly asked for the names of the leaders of the gathering – an old tactic used by policemen to intimidate protesters, according to netizens.

The post said that organizers advised the attendees "to enter school premises, and disperse safely."

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The Guidon also said the police car that parked along Gate 2.5 of the university did not have a license plate.

The photo, posted at 10 pm on Thursday, August 24, went viral overnight. As of posting, it elicited at least 3,000 reactions and was shared at least 2,700 times.

Here are some reactions from netizens:

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According to The Guidon, around 40 to 50 people attended the rally, including faculty members, and high school and undergraduate students. 

The rally was held on the same day that a Senate panel probed the killing of Delos Santos. During the hearing, the police admitted that they "confirmed" – through an arrested drug pusher and on social media – the minor's "drug ties" only after he was killed. (READ: Kian drug ties confirmed via social media? Netizens slam PNP)

Chief Inspector Amor Cerillo, police community precinct commander, also testified at the Senate hearing that the leader of the drug raid shot the teenager. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Filipina blind singer Alienette Coldfire, also known as Katchry Golbin, shared how technology and social media helped her achieve her dreams. 

Coldfire gained popularity when she won 3rd place in France Got Talent in December 2016.

Even before the talent show, she had been visible online after a video of her singing Mariah Carey's "I'll Be There" in a mall in 2014 went viral. 

Coldfire said in an interview with Rappler that the overwhelming number of "likes" she got on social media made her feel like she had accomplished something big. 

"I felt so surprised. My video got viral when I least expected it. That was neither well recorded nor was it the best performance I've ever given. When I uploaded it to YouTube and Facebook, I only thought of my friends and how they would react to it. A few months after I uploaded the video, a friend of mine sent me a link to a Facebook page which made my video viral," she said.

A Capiz native who didn't know anyone from the music industry, social media and technology helped make Coldfire's dream a reality. The presence of different social media platforms allowed people to discover her. 

Social media also connected her with people who wanted her discovered. One of them is Ogie Alcasid, who was a judge at a talent show she auditioned for. He became one of her avid supporters. 

"Whatever connections I made in the past to get to where I wanted to be where all through social media. [It] leads me to the right people I wouldn't have known otherwise, and those people, in one way or the other, helped me reach my dreams," she said.

She considered technology her open window to the world, giving her endless opportunities and making her believe she can be anyone she wants to be.  It not only serves as a stepping stone to reach her dreams but is also her main source of daily learning and knowledge. 

Growing up in the province where textbooks for the blind were not immediately available and Brailles were limited, Coldfire said she felt "useless and isolated."

"I was not the kind of person I wanted myself to be....There were so many things I wanted to learn, so many books I wanted to read, so many ideas I wanted to discover, and so many places I wanted to explore," she said.

When she learned how to make use of technology, she finally felt a sense of fulfillment. She said it gave her hope that it was not too late to learn anything. She even tried to learn the French language.

Coldfire wanted to learn French when one of her friends sent her a link to Edith Piaf's "La Vie En Rose." She immediately fell in love with everything French since then. After studying French for 3 years online – an experience she described as more fun than challenging – and conversing with French people in their native language during that time, she finally became fluent in the language. It was another way that technology helped her.

She thanked technology for serving as her "eyes" and for taking her to places she never thought possible. It also helped her form priceless  friendships all over the world.

"Social media and [technology] has certainly paved the way for my dreams. Without [it], I couldn't even have dreamt big in the first place, knowing how limited my world is. It was social media that showed me the possibility of my impossible dream and lead me to people who helped me realize it," Coldfire said.

She added: "I may not be one whom you can consider a celebrity, but I can proudly say I'm a person with a clear vision, big dreams and definite plans for the future, thanks to technology." – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – MovePH, the civic engagement arm of Rappler, is looking for volunteers who can assist in gathering critical information from social media as Tropical Storm Jolina hits parts of Luzon. 

The digital humanitarians will use the platform Agos, powered by eBayanihan. Agos is a one-stop online platform that helps gather information to achieve #ZeroCasualty when disasters strike.

We need volunteers to gather the following information:

• Reports of floods

• Reports of landslides and other hazards

• People in need of rescue

• Infrastructure damage (e.g., roads, bridges, cell sites)

The information that digital humanitarians gather and verify will be relayed to national government agencies and local responders. 

Citizen journalists can also send reports, photos, and videos on how their families and communities are preparing for the coming tropical cyclone. 

Be an online volunteer today!

Click the button below to register as a volunteer or fill up thisform.

 Be a digital humanitarian today! – Rappler.com

If you have any questions, feedback, or additional information, please email move.ph@rappler.com or tweet @moveph.

Get the latest #WeatherAlert and typhoon updates on Agos.  

MANILA, Philippines – The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) activated the National Response Cluster in anticipation of Tropical Storm Jolina which is expected to make landfall tonight, August 25. (READ: Tropical Storm Jolina threatens Aurora)

Responsible agencies are now on standby 24/7 to respond to the public as Tropical Storm Jolina hits Northern and Central Luzon.  

According to Disaster Response and Management Bureau (DReaMB) Director Felino Castro V, the following clusters have been activated at 6 pm, Friday, August 25, to monitor the effects and immediately provide augmentation response to affected regions.

• Search, Rescue and Retrieval (AFP)
• Health (DOH)
• Food and Non-Food Items (DSWD)
• Camp Coordination and Camp Management (DSWD)
• Internally Displaced Persons Protection (DSWD)
• Emergency Telecommunications (OCD)
• Logistics (OCD)
• Law and Order (PNP)
• Education (DepEd)
• Department of Energy (DOE)
• Department of Transportation (DOTr)
• Department of Information Communications Technology (DICT)
• Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)
• Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)
• National Telecommunications Commission (NTC)
• Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)
• Philippine Red Cross (PRC)

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has already prepared relief items and other needed equipment in both its central and field offices to respond to areas which will likely be affected by the tropical storm.

Regional offices of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Northern Luzon, Bicol Region, Cordillera, and Central Luzon, have earlier raised their alert level to Red.

According to Pagasa, Tropical Storm Jolina has intensified with a maximum sustained winds of 80 kilometer per hour (kph). Signal No. 2 was raised in the provinces of Isabela, Northern Aurora, Quirino, Kalinga, Mt Province, Ifugao, Ilocos Sur, Benguet, Abra, La Union and Nueva Vizcaya. (READ: Signal no.2 in 7 areas as Jolina becomes tropical storm) 

“Naka-alert at standby na din ang ating local response teams sa mga lugar na may mga banta ng pagbabaha at pagguho ng lupa,” NDRRMC spokesperson Romina Marasigan said.

(Our local response teams in areas that are vulnerable to flooding and landslide are also on the alert and on standby.)

She said that the local offices of the Department of Public Works and Highways are equipped and ready to respond in case of floods, landslides, and immediate clearing operations.

“We check our relief supplies in case there is a need for evacuation. We will be ready to give relief to the people,” Marasigan assured the public in Filipino. – Rappler.com  

MovePH, the civic engagement arm of Rappler, is looking for volunteers who can assist in gathering critical information from social media as Tropical Storm Jolina hits parts of Luzon.

The digital humanitarians will use the platform Agos, powered by eBayanihan. Agos is a one-stop online platform that helps gather information to achieve #ZeroCasualty when disasters strike. Be a volunteer now. 

MANILA, Philippines – How close are we to achieving real energy solution?

A decade after An Inconvenient Truth mainstreamed the discussion on global warming, here comes its sequel to highlight the impact of climate change especially on vulnerable nations.

More than that, the documentary also illustrates the various solutions at hand. 

An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power showcases Climate Reality Leadership Corps trainings, where people from all walks of life come to work with former US vice president Al Gore and other experts, learning key climate science and gaining the skills to lead their communities in the fight for climate solutions.

On Monday, August 28, the Climate Reality project is set to bringAn Inconvenient Sequelto the Philippines – one of the most vulnerable nations to the impact of climate change.

The film will premiere at 6 pm on Monday, August 28, at Cinema 7 in Trinoma Mall.

What to expect 

Consider this a wake up call for those who still deny the reality of climate change.

At the film's sequel premiere, we will go back to these questions: Why should Filipinos care about climate change? What can regular citizens do to decisively take a stand against the world's common enemy? 

With our roster of Filipino advocates leading the discussion and fight against climate change, we will discuss both the challenges and the collective achievements of the nation in the past years.

We will also reflect on the country's experience during the onslaught of Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) and how the global community has acted upon it. 

Speakers include Senator Risa Hontiveros, Senator Loren Legarda, former Senator Heherson Alvarez, CCC Secretary Emmanuel de Guzman, CCC Commissioner Vernice Victorio, PCUP Commissioner Joan Lagunda, French Embassy chargé d'affaires Laurent Legodec, Greenpeace Southeast Asia Executive Director Naderev Saño, and Father Edwin Gariguez, Goldman Prize Awardee and CBCP-NASSA Executive Secretary.

TV personalities Atom Araullo, PBB celebrity Cathy Rem, artist-activist Mae Paner, and Miss Universe 2013 runner-up Ariella Arena will also be at the event.

During the program, members of the audience will have the opportunity to ask questions to the speakers. 

How to buy tickets

Don't miss the chance to watch this much-awaited film!

Tickets are currently sold for a discounted price of P750. On the day of the event, tickets will be sold for P1,000.

There are two ways to get your discounted tickets for August 28:

I. Bank Deposit

You can deposit ticket payments through BPI, Security Bank, or UnionBank.

Once a deposit is made, please e-mail your deposit slip to move.ph@rappler.com with the subject title "An Inconvenient Sequel" together with the following details:

• Complete name of attendees
• Company or school organizations 
• Contact information (email address, mobile number, and landline number) 

Once the deposit is made, Rappler will reply with confirmation of deposit and will send an Eventbrite ticket.

II. Eventbrite

1. Visit the Eventbrite page here.
2. Use your credit card and Paypal account to make a ticket purchase.
3. After confirmation, you will receive an email with your Eventbrite ticket(s). Download and save this file. 
4. On Monday, simply show your e-ticket upon registration at the cinema.

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For blocked screening requests in other areas, please contact Climate Reality Project Philippines through e-mail: philippines@climatereality.com. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Interior and Local Government raised on Friday, August 25, alert level Charlie in 16 provinces that are within the path of Tropical Storm Jolina (international name: Pakhar).

According to the DILG, the following provinces will be within the 100-kilometer radius of Tropical Storm Jolina's forecast track:

• Abra
• Apayao
• Aurora
• Benguet
• Cagayan
• Ifugao
• Ilocos Norte
• Ilocos Sur
• Isabela
• Kalinga
• La Union
• Mountain Province
• Nueva Ecija
• Nueva Vizcaya
• Pangasinan
• Quirino

Alert level Charlie is based on Oplan Listo (Operation Plan Alert), a disaster preparedness manual that provides local government officials a checklist on what should be done before, during, and after typhoons.

As of August 24, the interior department has advised regional offices of Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, and Cordillera Administrative Region to activate their disaster monitoring and reporting systems.

Meanwhile, the DILG has also raised alert level Bravo to two provinces that will be within 150 kilometers from the forecast track:

• Catanduanes
• Tarlac

Alert level Alpha was raised in 6 provinces that will be within 200 kilometers from the cyclone path:

• Bulacan
• Camarines Norte
• Camarines Sur
• Pampanga
• Quezon
• Zambales

Based on Oplan Listo, minimum critical activities that LGUs should be enforcing in affected areas include the following:

• Secure power, water supply, and communications
• Start preemptive evacuation
• Announce forced evacuation
• Prepare list of the evacuees
• Distribute relief packs and conduct mass feeding
• Stop traffic in landslide-prone areas

Potential damage due to severe winds in all affected areas are listed as follows:

• Twigs and branches of trees may be broken
• Some banana plants may tilt or land flat on the ground
• Rice in flowering stage may suffer significant damage
• Some nipa and cogon houses may be partially unroofed

State weather bureau Pagasa said Jolina made landfall in Casiguran town in Aurora province on Friday at 8 pm.

Jolina is expected to exit the landmass on Saturday morning, August 26. It will leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) either Saturday evening or early Sunday morning, August 27.– Rappler.com