THE GOOD, THE BAD, & THE DEEPFAKE: Q & A GUIDE

 

The Rise of Deepfake Pornography is Devastating for Women – CNN

The recent news banner above exposes the growing problem of deepfake pornography which uses artificial intelligence to create fake sexual videos of women without their consent. It reminds me of my ATABAY article The Great Unfairness I wrote in the thick of the fiercely divisive 2022 presidential election campaign, excerpts of which I am reposting below:

“There is a video of you having sex on the internet. You do not remember being with this person because it never happened. Others are watching the video online, too.

“The video is unfamiliar because it is a deepfake – an “ultrarealistic fake video” where your face is superimposed onto another person’s body through the use of artificial intelligence software. And someone has published it online for the world to see. This is not science fiction.

“All one needs is a computer, a decent graphics card, the FakeApp program, hundreds of pictures of the desired person, and a few hours. A tutorial is easily accessible online.

“Deepfakes are not only going to be used for self-gratification, but also have the potential to be used to extort, humiliate, harass, and blackmail victims.” (Deepfakes: False Pornography Is Here And The Law Cannot Protect You by Douglas Harris)

The noted victim then was Aika, the daughter of former Vice-President Leni Robredo.

Senator Leila de Lima said Aika’s deepfake was “so 2016.” That year, coming at the height of the hearing of her illegal drug-related charges, de Lima also fell victim to an accusation of having a sex video with her security aide. She stressed then:

“Demonizing women has been a go-to, and desperate political strategy in the past 6 years. Galawang sindikato talaga. Matitigil lang yan kapag natanggalan na ng sungay ang mga nagtatangkang bumalik sa kapangyarihan at yung mga nagtatangkang manatili.” (It’s what the syndicates do. It will only stop once we remove the horns of those who want to return to and maintain their power.)

Created in 2017, a deepfake then took hundreds of images of a person’s face to create a convincing video -- today, it will take just one or two images. User-friendly deepfake apps are now available for iPhones. Taking dirt cheap commission, deepfake creators can create explicit videos of a customer’s favorite celebrity, ex, or political targets like Aika or de Lima.

To thrash out this complex subject, we turn to an expert we had invited to Tech Talk.

ME: Welcome everyone to Tech Talk. Today, I’m glad to have with us a special guest, Mr. AI, a tech expert, who will share his knowledge and insights on deepfake technology. Thank you for being here, sir.

MR AI: Thank you for having me on your show. I hope I can enlighten you and your viewers on this provocative and controversial subject: deepfake technology.

ME: Absolutely, we’re excited to dive into this topic. Let’s start with the nuts and bolts. What are deepfakes?

MR AI: A pretty good start. Deepfakes are synthetic media creations made through artificial intelligence and deep learning algorithms.

ME: I’ve heard about both the bad and the good sides of deepfake technology. Can you elaborate on both?

MR. AI: Sure. On the creative side, deepfake technology has breathed new life into the following industries, such as:

Entertainment and art. It can create realistic and immersive content for movies, video games, fashion, and e-commerce. For example, the Beatles' surviving members Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr performed with the late John Lennon, bringing him back to life through his voice in their new song "Now and Then".

Education and research. It can create educational and informative content. For example, a project by Samsung AI Center and Skolkove Institute of Science and Technology used deepfake technology to animate famous artworks, such as Mona Lisa and Portrait of an Unknown Woman.

Social activism. It can raise awareness and inspire action for various causes and issues. For example, a campaign by Malaria No More used deepfake technology to make David Beckham speak nine different languages, urging people to join the fight against malaria.

ME: That’s uplifting, but what about the other side?

MR AI: Fair enough. Unfortunately, there’s a darker side to deepfake technology which can be used maliciously such as:

Pornography and harassment: Deepfakes can be used to create non-consensual pornographic images or videos of real people, usually celebrities or private individuals. They can cause psychological harm, reputational damage, and online harassment for the victims. For example, a study showed that 96% of deepfake videos online were nonconsensual pornography.

Fraud and identity theft. They can be used to impersonate someone’s voice, face, or identity and trick others into giving money, information, or access to valuable assets or data. For example, a CEO of a UK energy firm was tricked into transferring $243,000 to a fraudster who used deepfake technology mimicking the CEO's voice, bypassing the biometric security system, such as facial or voice recognition.

Misinformation and propaganda. Deepfakes can be used to spread false or misleading information, such as fake news, hoaxes, or rumors. They can influence public opinion, incite social conflicts, or manipulate elections. For example, in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, using deepfake technology, some videos have been manipulated to show events that did not happen or to support one side of the conflict.

ME: Yikes. How are deepfake videos created?

MR. AI: Here are some steps:

Choose a tool. Online tools, such as Deepfake Web or AI studios, have features, limitations, and pricing.

Upload your videos. You need two videos: a source and a target. The source is one you change; the target is a reference. For example, you make a deepfake of yourself as Tom Cruise: you need your video as the source; Tom Cruise video, the target.

Train the AI. The tool uses the AI algorithm to learn the facial features and expressions of both videos and create a model that can swap them which can take from a few minutes to many hours depending on the video quality and length, and tool speed.

Generate the video. Once AI finishes the training, it generates a new video that combines the source and target videos. You can preview, edit, download, or share the generated video.

ME: Fascinating and instructive. But it’s unsettling to think about the negative impact of deepfakes especially on pornography. How are researchers and organizations combatting this technology?

MR AI: Fortunately, there are ongoing efforts to detect and combat deepfakes. Researchers are developing AI-based solutions to identify anomalies in media, and metadata analysis can help spot discrepancies between real and fake content. Also, media literacy and awareness campaigns are empowering individuals to recognize and respond to deepfake threats.

ME: Privacy is a huge concern, and we must address it. Could you tell us more about the privacy and ethical concerns surrounding deepfake technology?

MR AI: A pivotal question. Privacy is indeed a significant concern.  Deepfakes can be created using anyone’s likeness without their consent, which raises ethical questions. Whether it’s for entertainment or malicious purposes, respecting an individual’s privacy and consent should be a top priority.

ME: Legal and regulatory measures are crucial in addressing this issue. What’s the current legal landscape when it comes to deepfakes?

MR. AI: Some countries have introduced laws and regulations to mitigate potential harm from deepfake technology. However, legislating and enforcing laws in the ever-evolving digital realm remains a challenge. The legal framework must evolve alongside technology.

ME: As we wrap up our discussion, can you give us a glimpse of the future of deepfake technology?

MR AI: Looking ahead, we can expect advancement in detection and prevention methods. However, just as the technology evolves, so do the capabilities of those who misuse it. Staying informed and vigilant is the key to navigating this ever-evolving digital landscape.

ME: And finally, any parting words for our viewers?

MR AI: Sure. In this age of deepfake technology, our perception of reality is under constant scrutiny. We must understand the technology, recognize its potential for good and bad, and actively engage in discussion about its implications. Technology is a tool, and how we use it, defines its impact. Remember, stay curious, stay vigilant, and stay informed.

Thank you for having me.

ME: Knowledge is power, and as Uncle Ben famously told Peter in Spider-Man movie: "With great power comes great responsibility."

Thank you, Mr. AI, for joining us today on Tech Talk and shedding light on the complex world of deepfake technology. It’s been an eye-opening conversation. Thank you, viewers, for watching Tech Talk. Stay tuned for more interesting and relevant topics in our next episodes. Have a great day!

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NURSING SHORTAGE & MIGRATION: US & PH WIN-WIN APPROACH

 

Imagine that you are a nurse, and you get an offer to work in the US. You are excited by the opportunity to earn more money, experience a different culture, and advance your career. You pack your bags and board the plane, ready to start a new life.

Two Filipino nurses found a need and filled it amid the US nursing shortage.

JERICK

Jerick Tabudlo, 29, left his home in the Philippines and arrived at Detroit Metropolitan Airport 16 hours later. He became an operating room nurse at Henry Ford Hospital.

“It’s exciting,” Jerick said on his first visit to the hospital. “Where I had my experience in the Philippines was at a hospital with a 100-bed capacity, so it’s a much bigger hospital catering to more sophisticated cases from different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.” Henry Ford has 877 licensed beds.

He earns between $70k and $100k a year, the same rate as all other nurses on staff. The hospital also pays for most of his immigration expenses and provides him with a furnished apartment near the hospital.

The hospital helps him with applying for a Social Security card, a driver’s license, and finding a local church. He realizes he needs a car to get around.

“They always say that I’m courageous to be coming here alone, but I’m just excited because it’s a new clinical environment and there are so many different specialties here,” Jerick said after meeting some co-workers for the first time. “I’m a person who always wants to learn.”

JAN

Six years ago, my daughter Jan, equipped with NCLEX-RN, flew to the US alone after being headhunted by Genesis Health Care from her five-year nursing job in the Mideast. She received paid traveling expenses, fetched by her bosses at the airport, and booked for a month-starter stay in a Marriot Hotel.

Schooled with a master's  degree, she works presently in DaVita Kidney Care as nurse practitioner, and has become a naturalized citizen. She now lives in Texas with her family of four in a home they own.

NURSING SHORTAGE

Jerick and Jan are two samples of the Philippines’ best products primed for the global market. They filled a need in the US healthcare system that suffers from a severe nursing shortage.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the US will need 1.1 million new registered nurses for expansion and replacement of retirees. The Bureau lists registered nurses among the top occupations in terms of job growth, expected to reach 3.4 million by 2026.

However, the US does not have enough nurses to meet this demand. The nursing schools nationally graduate only about 200,000 nurses a year. Many nurses are also reaching retirement age and leaving the workforce.

“You could have just taken nursing – the only job here in the US now that will assure you of the bright future.” Jan told her younger sister, Dionne, a management accounting graduate, who plans to join her sister in the US.

BENEFITS OF HIRING FILIPINO NURSES

To address the need in the healthcare system suffering from a severe nursing shortage, US hires foreign nurses, especially from the Philippines, because they have many advantages over other candidates. According to Eric Wallis, Henry Ford’s chief nursing officer, Filipino nurses have:

·         Pool of talent and training similar to the US standards

·         Proficiency in English and communication skills

·         Ample supply of nurses in their home country

·         Strong work ethic and dedication

Hiring Filipino nurses also benefits the Philippines economically, as they send remittances back to their families. According to the Central Bank of the Philippines, total remittances to the country account for 9% of gross domestic product.

CHALLENGES

However, hiring Filipino nurses has some drawbacks and challenges for both the US and the Philippines. For the US, it may not be a long-term solution to its nursing shortage, as it may create ethical and practical problems such as:

·         Exploitation of Filipino nurses by unscrupulous recruiters or employers who charge exorbitant fees, impose unfair contracts, or violate labor rights.

·         Discrimination and integration issue from colleagues or patients who do not respect or appreciate their culture or background.

·         Loss of skilled health workers in the Philippines that can worsen its fragile public health systems and contribute to global health inequity.

For Filipino nurses, migrating to the US may also pose some difficulties and risks such as:

·         Emotional stress and loneliness from leaving their families behind.

·         Cultural shock and adaptation from living and working in a different environment.

·         Uncertainty and insecurity depending on their visa status or employer sponsorship.

TWO-CENTS

To address these challenges, here are some recommendations for improving the situation of both countries and their respective nurses:

·         Investing more in nursing education, research, and practice in both countries, to increase the supply and quality of native-born and immigrant nurses.

·         Improving working conditions and environments for nurses in both countries, to enhance satisfaction, retention, and well-being.

·         Creating fair and sustainable recruitment practices and policies for foreign nurses to protect their interests, rights, and dignity.

·         Enhancing collaboration and cooperation among various stakeholders involved in nursing migration, such as government, employers, recruiters, educators, regulators, professional associations, and civil society groups.

THERE’S THE RUB

In the best of times, immigration attorney Amy Erlbacher-Anderson, who helps rural hospitals in the Midwest with visas for their international nurses, said in a Marketplace article, the visa process takes a year.

According to the most recent State Department visa bulletin, a Filipino nurse would have had to file their paperwork in 2020 to be issued a visa in 2023.

While Congress could pass legislation to increase visas for foreign nurses, Erlbacher-Anderson said that, after 20 years in the business, she’s not holding her breath.

Henry Ford’s leaders are encouraging lawmakers to pass legislation that would speed up the process for international nurses looking to come to the U.S. to help alleviate the shortage.

“Until the ink from the president’s pen is dry on that sheet of paper,” Erlbacher-Anderson said, “it’s not happening,”.

CONCLUSION

Hiring Filipino nurses is a complex phenomenon that has both positive and negative impacts on both the US and the Philippines. It requires careful consideration of benefits and challenges involved, as well as collaboration among various actors to ensure mutual respect, trust, and lasting value.

By following the recommendations, both countries can address the underlying causes or factors that contribute to the nursing shortage and migration, and promote the advancement and recognition of the nursing profession globally.

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THE HEDGEHOG'S DILEMMA: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE MIF AND ITS SUSPENSION

 

ME: Welcome everyone to Tech Talk! Today I’m glad to have with us our special guest Mr. AI, a sovereign wealth fund specialist, who will enlighten us on our country’s Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) and its current situation. Welcome to the show, Sir.

MR. AI: Thank you for inviting me to your show. I’m happy to share with you and your viewers my insights and knowledge about the MIF.

ME: For the benefit of our viewers who may not be familiar with the MIF, could you explain what it is and what it aims to do?

MR AI: Sure. The MIF is a type of sovereign wealth fund which is a state-owned investment fund that manages public financial assets. It aims to optimize the use of these assets, promote sustainable economic development, and advance intergenerational management.

ME: Could you cite some sovereign wealth fund models today?

MR. AI: Certainly. The Norway Government Pension Fund Global is among the world's largest sovereign wealth funds. With over $1.4 trillion in assets, established in 1990, it manages Norway’s surplus revenues from oil and gas.

Singapore GIC Private Limited is one of the most respected and innovative sovereign wealth funds in the world. With over $770 billion in assets, established in 1981, it manages Singapore’s foreign reserves.

ME: That sounds reassuring. Could you give us some ideas of how the MIF plans to invest its assets and what kind of returns and impacts it expects to generate?

MR AI: Yes, of course. The MIF plans to invest in a wide range of assets, both domestically and internationally with a focus on high-impact infrastructure projects and sustainable development.

It may opt to invest in renewable energy, clean technology, green infrastructure, and carbon capture projects that can enhance environmental protection and climate action.

It expects to generate financial returns for the Philippines and the Filipino people, as well as social and environmental impacts that can improve the quality of life and well-being of the present and future generations.

ME: Impressive and ambitious. But I also read lately that the MIF’s launch has put up with a lot of challenges and issues. Its implementing rules and regulations (IRR), were suspended by no less than President Marcos Jr. pending further study and review. Could you tell us more about why this happened and what it means for the MIF?

MR AI: To answer your question, let me share with you first about the hedgehog’s dilemma. Hedgehogs are cute critters famous for their prickly spines for their defense. They seek to move close to one another to share body heat during cold weather. However, they must remain apart, as they cannot avoid hurting one another with their sharp spines. Such a dilemma is a metaphor for many situations where there is a trade-off between pursuing one’s goals and confronting potential risks.

The suspension of IRR of the MIF is a dilemma that reflects such a trade-off. On one hand, the suspension may be seen as an opportunity to address the challenges and issues to improve the design and implementation of the MIF. On the other hand, the suspension may be seen as a setback or a delay that may affect its credibility and performance.

ME: Could you elaborate on what are some of the challenges and issues that led to the IRR suspension?

MR AI: Sure. Some of these challenges and issues are:

THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE

The IRR defines the MIF’s objectives, capital sources, investment guidelines, and oversight mechanisms.

However, some critics have raised concerns about the clarity, consistency, and independence of such provisions coupled with doubting the transparency and accountability of the MIF’s operations and decisions, especially about its investments in industries that are regulated or owned by the government

Some have questioned the role and authority of the Maharlika Investment Corporation, the state-owned corporation that will manage the MIF and its relationship with the government and other stakeholders.

THE INVESTMENT STRATEGY AND PORTFOLIO ALLOCATION

The IRR outlines how the MIF will invest in a wide range of assets, both domestically and internationally, with a focus on high-impact infrastructure projects and sustainable development.

However, some critics have raised concerns about the feasibility, profitability, and riskiness of these investments.

Some have doubted the ability and expertise of the MIF to invest in emerging or frontier markets, or in sectors or industries that are already crowded or subsidized by the government.

THE COORDINATION WITH MACROECONOMIC AND FISCAL POLICIES

The MIF is expected to support the country’s economic goals and development plan and to enhance its financial stability and fiscal balance.

However, some have warned that the MIF may create inflationary pressure, exchange rate fluctuations, or crowding out effects if it is not well-coordinated with the monetary and fiscal policies of the country.

Some have cautioned that the MIF may create fiscal risks if it suffers losses from its investments.

ME:  That’s a wall-to-wall elaboration of the MIF challenges and issues which I’m sure our viewers have found illuminating. Now, let’s turn to not-so-good news. Could you tell us what are some of the specific adverse consequences of suspending the IRR of the MIF?

MR. AI: Yes, of course. The IRR suspension may have some specific adverse consequences for the MIF itself, the government, and society. These consequences may affect the credibility and performance of the MIF and the government. Some of these consequences are:

LOSS OF TRUST AND CONFIDENCE

The IRR suspension may create doubts and uncertainties among the stakeholders and the public about the MIF’s objectives, governance, and operations.

It may damage the reputation and credibility of the MIF and the government, thus, reducing their support and cooperation.

It may affect the confidence of potential investors, partners, or beneficiaries, thus, making them reluctant or skeptical to engage with the MIF.

LOSS OF OPPORTUNITIES AND RETURNS

The IRR suspension may delay or prevent the MIF from starting its investment activities and generating returns for the country.

It may miss out on potential opportunities and deals in the domestic and international markets, thus, facing increased competition and risks.

It may affect the value of the MIF’s portfolio as it may lose out on favorable market conditions or trends.

LOSS OF MOMENTUM AND DIRECTION

The IRR suspension may disrupt or derail the MIF’s plans and strategies, thus, affecting its performance and impacts.

It may create confusion or conflict among the MIF’s management, staff, and partners, thus, affecting their morale and motivation.

It may affect the continuity and consistency of MIF’s operations and decisions as it may require revisions and adjustments to its objectives, guidelines, or processes.

ME: Ouch. These are serious consequences that could have significant implications for the MIF. Thank you, Mr. AI, for sharing your insights and knowledge about the MIF and its current situation. I’m sure our viewers have learned a lot from you today. Do you have any final words?

MR. AI: Thank you, too, for having me in your show. I hope I was able to enlighten you and your viewers about the MIF and its dilemma. Let me leave you off with two product launching stories.

Windows Vista was an operating system launched by Microsoft in 2007. However, it faced many problems, such as compatibility issues, bugs, slow speed, and high system requirements, and like the MIF, drew negative reviews. Microsoft had to delay the launch several times and fix many errors after such a launch. In the end, the product fell flat on its face -- a market failure.

Netflix was a streaming service launched in 2007. However, like the MIF, it grappled with bags of problems, such as licensing issues, content limitations, bandwidth costs, and competition. Today, Netflix is widely considered a success and has become one of the most dominant players in the streaming industry with over $32 billion in revenues and more than 247 million paid subscribers worldwide in 2023.

These two stories faced similar dilemmas as the MIF – one failed while the other succeeded. The difference depended on how well each addressed its challenges and issues.

The MIF is a bold and ambitious product that has the potential to create value for the Philippines and the Filipino people. However, it also faces a complex and uncertain environment that requires diligent risk management.

ME: Thank you, Mr. AI, for your time and expertise. And thank you, viewers, for watching Tech Talk. Stay tuned for more interesting and relevant topics in our next episodes. Have a great day!

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COFFEE SHOP CHAT: ICC - A BITTER PILL FOR PH TO HEAL

 

PETER: Good morning, my friends! How are you?

PAUL: I’m fine. You?

MARY: Me too, I’m fine. Thank God.

PETER: I’m still a bit indignant about what happened to our country under Duterte. As COA revealed lately, a whopping P19 billion in secret funds Duterte had gotten during his six-year term. Oddly enough, among the more than 115 million Filipinos who own such a massive cash through their taxes, nobody knows where it all ended up.

MARY: P19 billion is a colossal number, that is, 19 followed by 9 zeros.

PAUL: One netizen figured out P1 billion is equivalent to a 36-storey high skyscraper of 1,000-peso bills stacked in a single column. For P19 billion, that’s 19 skyscrapers of money.

PETER: Worse, Duterte admitted publicly that as mayor, he used them to hire assassins. 

MARY: But, Pet, don’t be upset anymore. His time is over. We have a new beginning now.

PAUL: Mary is right, Pet. Let’s not dwell on the past. Let’s move on and focus on the present and the future.

PETER: I can’t move on, guys. I can’t forget the thousands of people killed in his war on drugs. I can’t shrug off his corruption and abuse of power. I can’t brush aside his attack on democracy and human rights in our country.

MARY: I understand you, Pet. Me too, I was infuriated by what he did to our country. But we can’t change the past. What matters is what we can do right for today and tomorrow.

PAUL: Yes, Pet. Don’t lose hope. There is still a solution for our country. Do you know what it is?

PETER: What is it, Paul? Tell me.

PAUL: The solution is the International Criminal Court or ICC.

PETER: ICC? What is that?

PAUL: The ICC is a permanent international court that investigates and prosecutes individuals who are accused of committing grave crimes of concern to the international community, such as genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and crimes of aggression. It aims to end impunity, promote accountability, and contribute to justice and peace. It respects the principle of complementarity, which means that it does not replace or interfere with the national courts, but rather supports or supplement them when they are unable to prosecute such crimes.

PETER: I see. And how can the ICC help heal our country from Duterte’s legacy?

PAUL: I will answer your question, Pet, by reading excerpts of an article on how the ICC can help heal our country by doing the following:

INVESTIGATING AND PROSECUTING THOSE WHO ARE MOST RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CRIMES COMMITTED UNDER DUTERTE’S REGIME

The ICC has authorized the opening of a formal investigation into Duterte’s war on drugs in September 2021, after finding reasonable grounds to believe that crimes against humanity of murder, torture, enforced disappearance, and persecution were committed. It has also authorized an investigation into Duterte’s role in the Davao death squad killings when he was mayor of Davao City from 1988 to 2016. It can hold him and his accomplices accountable for their actions, and impose sanctions such as imprisonment or reparations.

PROVIDING REPARATIONS AND RECOGNITION TO THE VICTIMS AND THEIR FAMILIES

The ICC has a mandate to ensure that the victims of the crimes within its jurisdiction have access to justice and redress. It has a Trust Fund for Victims that can provide material or symbolic assistance to the victims and their families, such as medical care, psychological support, education, or livelihood. It can also grant unprecedented rights to the victims to participate in its proceedings, such as presenting their views and concerns, submitting evidence or observations, or questioning witnesses or experts.

REVEALING THE TRUTH AND EXPOSING THE LIES ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED AND WHY IT HAPPENED

The ICC must establish the facts and circumstances of the crimes within its jurisdiction. It can collect and analyze various sources of information, such as documents, reports, testimonies, forensic evidence, or digital data. It can also conduct hearings or trials where witnesses or experts can testify under oath. It can also issue public reports or judgments where it can present its findings or conclusions. It can create a historical record and a collective memory of Duterte’s crimes that can prevent denial, distortion, or revisionism.

PUNISHING THE GUILTY AND PROTECTING THE INNOCENT FROM FURTHER HARM OR RETALIATION

The ICC has the power to issue arrest warrants or summonses for suspect or accused persons who are subject to its jurisdiction. It can also request cooperation from state parties or other entities to arrest or surrender such persons to its custody. It can also impose protective measures for witnesses or victims who may be at risk of harm or intimidation because of their involvement in its proceedings.

DETERRING OR PREVENTING FUTURE CRIMES OR ABUSES BY SENDING A CLEAR MESSAGE THAT NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW

The ICC has a role to play in preventing or discouraging the commission of crimes within its jurisdiction. It can do so by raising awareness and education about its mandate  and activities, enhancing the capacity and willingness of the Philippine authorities to prosecute such crimes, mobilizing the support and cooperation of the international community and civil society, applying the principle of positive complementarity, which means that it can encourage or assist states to fulfill their obligations to investigate or prosecute such crimes. It can also influence the behavior and attitudes of potential perpetrators or victims by creating a sense of deterrence or retribution, or by fostering a culture of human rights and peace.

PETER: Wow, Paul, you are amazing. Thank you for explaining this to me about the ICC.

PAUL: The ICC is the key to the healing of our country and the Filipino people from Duterte’s legacy because it can restore trust and confidence in the rule of law and human rights in our country.

PETER: Now, I understand better why ICC is important for our country.

PAUL: I’m not the smartest among us, guys. I just read some news and articles about the ICC. I just want to know the truth and the solution to our problem.

PETER: It’s good that you read some news and articles about the ICC, Paul. You’ve opened my mind about it. Now, I believe that the ICC is the key to the healing of our country from Duterte’s legacy.

MARY: My feeling and perspective, Paul, have changed about the ICC. I hope it will indeed be the key to ending impunity, promoting accountability, and contributing to justice and peace for our country.

PAUL: Thank you very much. I hope that we are not the only ones who have been enlightened. I wish we can be a part of the movement and change for our country. This is our duty and responsibility as Filipinos. This is our way to help heal our country. This is our expression of our hope, chance, and change.

PETER: Thank you, Paul. You’ve given me new light and courage about our situation. You’ve given me a new purpose and direction about our future.

MARY: Me too, Paul, thank you. I’ve learned a lot in our chat today. You’ve inspired me to become a part of the solution to our country’s problem. I hope there will be a brighter tomorrow for all of us, Filipinos.

PAUL: You’re welcome, my friends. God bless us and our country, the Philippines.

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