In any given country, it is inevitable to encounter various issues and challenges, which highlights the importance of having a competent government to address them for the betterment of its citizens. During the launch event of Capstone-Intel Corporation on June 30, 2023, one of their esteemed board members emphasized this crucial matter. Attorney Nick Conti, the Chief of Public Affairs of Capstone-Intel, emphasized the significance of evidence-based research in solving the Philippines’ pressing issues. He pointed out that the country is facing numerous challenges that require immediate attention based on studies. His message centered on the theme of “Solving the Nation’s Problems with Evidence-Based Research.” “Today we point ourselves at the typical point in history faced with challenges and opportunities that demand our attention and action. From policy making to social progress, the utilization of robust data and objective analysis holds the key, unlocking the solutions to the challenges we face as a nation. What are the main problems of our country? Poverty and income inequality, lack of access to quality education, weak healthcare systems, infrastructure deficit, and environmental education, and many more issues,” began Atty. Conti. During his speech, Atty. Conti elaborated on how Capstone-Intel’s services can help address these problems and provide valuable solutions. “These problems have been exacerbated by a much bigger problem called corruption. Kaya po lumalala ang problema sa sektor, whether it’s public or private, ang problema po ng kawalan ng good governance, transparency, and accountability, and corruption, iyan po ang nagiging suliranin. Ang problema ng kahirapan ay pupuwedeng masolusyunan kung ating pag-aaralan nang mabuti using a research-based approach to identify effective policies, programs, and interventions to address the problem of poverty and income inequality while also promoting transparency and accountability in the allocations of resources. Again, we are offering solutions here at Capstone,” he continued. Moreover, Attorney Conti has effectively conveyed the impact of corruption on the system, which has been extensively analyzed to determine the origin and outcome, ensuring that the solutions implemented are advantageous to all parties involved. “We are offering our solutions at Capstone. We have a research-based approach that can provide everything on the impact of corruption in education, highlight successful anti-corruption strategies, and support evidence-based policy making to ensure quality education,” he added. “With healthcare systems, corruption poses a critical challenge to them. It undermines the delivery of essential healthcare services, misallocates resources, and deteriorates public health infrastructure. Again, at Capstone, we’re offering a research-based approach, so we will be able to analyze the impact of corruption on healthcare outcomes, identify areas for improvement, and inquire about evidence-based policies to strengthen health and deduce corruption,” assured Atty. Conti. ***   For more details, you may reach our Senior Writer, Ann Esternon at 09568434005.   This story: Capstone-Intel’s Atty. Conti emphasizes importance of evidence-based research in solving Philippines’ pressing issues was originally published on Capstone-Intel Corp.

Countries that carry a debt burden of approximately 60% of their GDP (gross domestic product) may face challenges in achieving economic recovery. This was the statement of Senator Robinhood “Robin” Padilla in his keynote message during the grand launch of Capstone-Intel Corporation, a Private Research and Intelligence Company last June 30, at the Marquis Event Place in BGC, Taguig. “Palubog po tayo nang palubog. Nadinig ko po mangungutang na naman tayo ng 2.5 trilyong piso. Galing na po tayo ngayon sa 13 (milyong piso). So, uutang tayo ng dalawa, 15 (trilyong piso na). Ang sabi nila ‘pag ang GDP mo daw lagpas na sa 60% baka hindi ka na maka-recover.” Recently, Department of Budget and Management announced that the government needs to borrow no less P2.46 trillion to fund both 2023 and 2024 budgets. At the launch event, the senator stated that the actions of the government should align with the standards set by initiatives such as Capstone-Intel. These initiatives utilize actionable intelligence that is based on data-driven studies. “Napakahalaga ng edukasyon. Pero may isang mahalaga sa lahat – ‘yong karanasan mo sa kalsada. ‘Yong alam mo kung ano ‘yong nararamdaman ng mga tao. Iyan po ang problema ng gobyerno natin. Lahat ng ginagawa nila (ay) ‘yong gusto nila. Hindi kailanman ‘yong gusto at kailangan ng tao,” the senator continued. “Kailangan po ‘yon eh dahil sinasabi natin ‘data’ – importante. Ibig sabihin, kung magreresearch ka dapat alam mo ‘yong kasaysayan ng gobyerno. Hindi pupuwedeng hindi natin alam ang kasaysayan ng gobyerno,” he insisted. Continuing his message, Senator Padila also recognized the historical significance of the revolution that later became entrapped with politics. “Alam ninyo napakaganda na nagkaroon tayo ng 1896 revolution. Lahat tayo mga Pilipino, mga ninuno natin tuwang-tuwa sila dahil tayo ang unang republika sa Asya. Pero bakit, somewhere along the way na nasira ang rebolusyon? Sapagkat ang rebolusyon na pinag-umpisahan ng mga tunay na rebolusyonaryo (ay) napalitan ng mga pulitiko.” said Padilla. “Dumating ang Espanyol, sinira ang lahat ng mga kingdom. Sinira lahat ang sultanate, sinira ang mga datu (pero) isa lang ang siga – Imperial Manila. What happened? Inadopt lang natin ‘yong sistema ng Espanyol. Iyan po ang political history natin,” added the senator. Senator Padilla reiterated the immense significance of data and underscored the imperative of deriving insights from it. “Hindi kailanman naipaliwanag sa taumbayan kung ano ang nangyari sa political system ng Pilipinas. Hindi naman iyan tinuturo sa paaralan. Sorry ha, pero kung sino ‘yon namumuno, kung sino ‘yong political leader siya ang nasusunod kung anong ituturong kasaysayan sa mga paaralan,” he further explained. The senator is also committed to amending the Constitution in order to boost the nation’s economy. “What is the best course of action? May mga pumasok na investor pero dahil sinasamba natin ang 1987 Constitution na nililimitahan ang mga foreign investor (ay) takot nang pumasok dito. ‘Bakit naman ako papasok diyan, 60-40 (ang hatian)? Pera ko tapos 40 lang ako?’ Lahat ng services dito monopolized lang ng iilang cronies. Kanyakanyang cronies dito eh. Kung sino ang nakaupo may crony din siya. Mayroon siyang sarili niya,” said Padilla. “Kaya sana po mga mahal kong kababayan, mga mahal kong taga-Capstone. ‘Yong pong inyong galing, katulad po ng ginawa ninyo sa akin. Humanap po tayo, marami pong winnable – pero inaapi ng mga honorable. ‘Yong mga honorable na sinasabi na matagal na daw silang matatalino at magagaling, at may decorum sa Senate. Pero kahit kailan (ay) palubog ang Pilipinas,” Padilla said as he ended his speech. For more details, you may reach our Research Director Ella Kristina Domingo-Coronel at 0956 571 1298     This story: Senator Padilla warns Philippines may struggle to recover with high debt burden was originally published on Capstone-Intel Corp.

Gambling is deeply part of the Filipino culture, dating back from betting on cockfights in the 1500s up to the present with horse racing, lottery, and casinos.  Male teenagers play basketball in urban street corners and town plazas with bottles of soda as their bet. During wakes, friends and family members play cards or mahjong to keep a 24-hour vigil. It is part of Filipino beliefs that people must stay awake to guard the dead from bad spirits, thus the gambling practice. Over the years, such traditions in Filipino wakes have been abused, resulting in prolonged gambling such as ‘sakla’ and card games, prompting the Philippine National Police (PNP) to issue regulations.  Digital acceleration and government regulatory controls have made online betting more innovative and accessible to Filipinos, fueling the Php200 billion-a-year gambling industry in the country.  So, who are the biggest gamers in the digital space, and how frequently do they bet online?  A nationwide study conducted by Capstone-Intel Corporation, a research and intelligence agency, showed that online betting is fast becoming popular among Filipinos, cutting across ages, gender, and economic status. E-casino (26 percent) and online bingo (26 percent) both topped the list of the most popular online betting sites, followed by gaming (24 percent). Also, online betting players in the 66–70 age group admit to playing only E-sabong and e-casino.  It also cited that more than a third (38 percent) of the respondents who have engaged in online betting accessed the eGames website, followed by OKBet (25 percent), Bet88 (24 percent), and eSports Bet (20 percent).  The study has 1,200 respondents, both male and female, who said that they are aware of online betting. Of these respondents, 64 percent admitted that they engaged in online betting, and more than half of them are males.  Northern Mindanao has the largest number of online betting players, with 78 percent of respondents from the province engaging in online betting, followed by MIMAROPA with 72 percent of online bettors, and SOCCSKSARGEN provinces in the third rank with 70 percent.  The study showed that close to 30 percent of those who engaged in online betting do it two to three times a week, while the rest do it either once a week or once a month.  Trying their luck (39 percent), and getting easy money (32 percent), are the primary motivations of Filipinos for engaging in online betting, according to the study.  Younger respondents (18–20 years old) said they bet online to get easy money, while most of the older respondents, especially those aged 46 and above, are betting online to try their luck.  “The fatalistic attitude is still very present in many Filipinos who rely on luck to get money,” said Eero Brillantes, CEO and President of Capstone-Intel Corporation. He said gambling is a way of life for many Filipinos because of the “Bahala na” attitude.  Brillantes said the study seeks to analyze the online betting culture in the country, especially the perception, awareness, and practices of online betting.  The study showed older respondents, ages 66–70, are the biggest spenders, placing up to P10,000 per bet, while the rest of the younger gamers (64 percent) spend less than P1,000 in online betting.  “This study is useful to both private online betting firms in developing innovative, more secure, and fun games with targeted populations, as well as to government agencies to implement measures to be able to secure the digital gambling space and benefit better from the revenues,” said Brillantes.  Across all age groups, the highest number of respondents (33 percent) play online betting games two to three times a week, while the rest play once a week and once a month.  High prizes (45 percent) and low betting costs (34 percent) encourage people to participate in online betting, along with more freebies and benefits (25 percent), the study stated.  The study reveals that respondents with a salary of less than Php20,000 are among the largest online gamers (51 percent), those aged 18–20 and 61–65 years old.  Among the advantages of online betting, according to respondents, are that it provides additional income (46 percent), easy money (50 percent), fun (43 percent), and convenience (41 percent).    Winners and losers?  The majority of online betting players admit that their streak is around breakeven. In terms of winning, there are more males (29 percent) compared with females (22 percent) who claim that they are net winners.  Age and gender are also factors in terms of taking risks in online betting. The study showed that a huge number of young online betting players (24 percent) aged 18–20 years old bet online once a month, while those aged 51–55 years old (53 percent) and 56–60 years old (44 percent) bet online up to three times a week.  In terms of sex, the majority of male respondents (32 percent) engage in online betting two to three times a week, while there is a mix of female respondents (27 percent) who bet once a month, and those females (26 percent) who engage in online betting two to three times a week.  Ella Kristina Domingo, Research Director of Capstone Intel Corp. said, “Women, even those who are engaged in online betting tend to be more conservative in spending because they earn less than their male counterparts.”  “This is reflected in the behavior of more female online bettors at 78 percent or respondents who spend less than Php1,000 per game, compared with their male counterparts at 61 percent,” said Coronel.  The study also showed that at least 61 percent of respondents hooked on online betting have tried traditional gambling.  Among the traditional gambling played by respondents are lotto (64 percent), followed by Bingo (62 percent), small town lottery (42 percent), and scratch and match (40 percent). These respondents also admitted that they have tried casino games (19 percent) and mahjong (12 percent).  Metro Manila has the highest number of respondents (67 percent) engaged in traditional gambling across regions, followed by Region X (66 percent), Region VI (66 percent), and Region VII