Cherry Mobile CEO Maynard S. Ngu allegedly received at least ₱280 million in two tranches in early 2025 as part of a supposed 20% kickback from flood control and infrastructure projects linked to Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero, according to testimony presented at the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on Friday, Nov. 14.
Under Senate Bill 782, or the proposed Physical Identity Protection Act, Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero aims to address the misuse of AI in generating and disseminating content that mimics a person’s physical attributes without authorization — a practice he warns could undermine public trust and harm individuals.
Senators Chiz Escudero and Allan Peter Cayetano are backing the proposal to expand and strengthen the role of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), including the power to block inappropriate contents on video streaming platforms that do not fit the moral values of Filipinos.
The government can build a "credible and secure firewall against cyberattacks" without having to use confidential funds for the purpose, Sen. Chiz Escudero said on Tuesday, Nov. 7.
