MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine economy, as measured by the gross domestic product (GDP), expanded by 7.3 percent in 2010, the highest in 24 years. The growth was achieved on the back of a strong foreign trade performance and election spending.
The last time the domestic economy grew at this pace was in 1986 following the restoration of democracy in the country after a bloodless People Power revolution that catapulted President Benigno S. Aquino III’s mother, Corazon C. Aquino to power.
The strong economic growth came during a period of peaceful political transition for the Philippines as Aquino easily won the presidential elections in May last year to succeed former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as the nation's leader.
Year-on-year comparison showed that GDP for 2010 grew by leaps and bounds as against the dismal 0.9 percent GDP performance in 2009, the country’s lowest in 11 years as the Philippines struggled amid the global financial crisis.
“From a low base in 2009, significant economic developments both from the supply and demand sides characterized output expansion in 2010. For instance, economic activities were geared toward higher value-added activities as industry outpaced the services and agriculture sectors,” Socio-economic Planning Secretary and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Director General Cayetano Paderanga said.
Market players, on the other hand, traced the good economic performance to the trust and confidence in the new leadership. “This is an extension of the optimism that has followed the new government,” Radhika Rao, an economist at Forecast Pte in Singapore, said.
Aside from the optimism, Rao said the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) managed to maintain benign inflation that has contributed to better spending trends and positive consumption.
BSP Governor Amando M. Tetangco Jr., so far, kept inflation below 5 percent in the past 21 months while holding the benchmark rate at a record low since July 2009.
“We had already incorporated a higher Q4 2010 growth rate than the official government target in our forecast exercise. So for purposes of our forecast path, the higher than market expectation GDP growth would not necessarily throw this off. Inflation remains manageable," Tetangco said.
"There is sufficient liquidity in the system to fund further growth. As long as the unwinding of funds kept with the BSP is orderly and such funds are channeled to productive uses, this should not necessarily be inflationary," Tetangco added.
Paderanga said the robust economic performance for 2010, which is well within the forecast of 7 to 7.4 percent, implies that the domestic economy could be on its way to a higher growth trajectory.
“We are happy to note that the 2010 economic performance bolsters confidence that the economy is on a path of strong recovery,” said Paderanga.
Malacañang is confident that the country’s quick economic growth will be sustained in the coming years due to the government’s ongoing social programs, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) remittances, and foreign direct investments.
“First, the conditional cash transfers (CCT) and our social services, we’re banking on that to help keep our consumption buoyant; second, we continue to expect remittances from abroad; and third, we continue to expect to have more direct investments from investors outside of the country,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a press briefing.
“All these three things taken together, we expect to help keep a healthy economy,” she added.
Paderanga noted that from a strong start of 7.8 percent in the first quarter, GDP growth sustained its momentum during the next three quarters of 2010 – 8.2 percent in the second quarter, 6.3 percent in the third quarter and 7.1 percent in the fourth quarter.
A broader measure, the country’s gross national product (GNP) in 2010 grew by 7.2 percent on account of the 6 percent growth in net factor income from abroad otherwise known as dollar remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Compensation income from abroad grew relatively slower as the peso strengthened in 2010.
It was noted that OFW remittances overseas have not taken a hit after the global financial crisis and these things contribute to strong domestic demand.
The National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) cited the global economic recovery as a major contributor in the strong performance by helping to boost exports and revive key industries.
“The global economic recovery which resulted in record growth rates of foreign trade... contributed to an economic performance in 2010 that well surpassed the government's target of 5.0 percent to 6.0 percent,” NSCB, in a statement, said.
Renewed global demand for Philippine exports allowed industrial growth to accelerate to 8.3 percent in the final quarter of 2010, up from 3.8 percent during the same period the previous year, NSCB said.
Better weather towards the end of the year helped the struggling farming sector, pulling up the agriculture sector to a growth of 5.4 percent in the final three months of the year after storms and drought led to negative growth in the previous four consecutive quarters, NSCB said.
Only two typhoons hit the country compared to seven in the last quarter of 2009. The full-year agriculture, fishery and forestry (AFF) production remained subdued due to the lingering effects of the El Nino weather phenomenon in the first half of 2010 and contributed a negative 0.1 percentage point to GDP.
Other growth drivers include the services sector, which contributed 3.5 percentage points to GDP growth, boosted by the strong performance of trade and private services. This was complemented by flourishing domestic investment, strong growth of business process outsourcing, hotels and restaurants, wholesale and retail trade, and import and export trade.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Palace: Noy keeps lifestyle simple
MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno S. Aquino III has kept his simple lifestyle despite having some luxury vehicles in his garage, a Palace official said Monday.
Secretary Herminio Coloma of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) insisted that nothing has changed about the modest leader since he assumed the presidency last year.
Coloma issued the statement after the President admitted having an armored Lexus LX 570 sports utility vehicle apart from his recently purchased 2007 Porsche. The white security vehicle was supposedly leased by his brother-in-law for the President.
“There has been no change in the lifestyle of our President,” Coloma said in a radio interview, adding the Chief Executive remains a simple person. Apart from having Lexus 570 and Porsche, the petrol-head President owns a Toyota Land Cruiser and a Ford Everest.
Coloma insisted that the Lexus sports vehicle, which the President was seen riding in recent days, was not purchased by the Chief Executive.
“One of the President's brothers-in-law helped him lease the vehicle, which is used for official functions. There is no truth that the Lexus is one of his toys,” he said.
When asked if the Office of the President was paying for the lease of new security vehicle, Coloma said in Filipino: “It could be that way.”
But when sought for clarification, Coloma claimed there was nothing illegal if the OP pays for the lease of vehicles used for official purposes.
“The context of my statement is that it is okay for (the) Office of President to pay for the lease of vehicles that are being used for official functions,” he said in a text message.
He said the Lexus has ample security features to ensure the safety of the President when on the road. The old presidential limousine, a Mercedez Benz, was no longer reliable since it was damaged during the onslaught of typhoon Ondoy in 2009.
Secretary Herminio Coloma of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) insisted that nothing has changed about the modest leader since he assumed the presidency last year.
Coloma issued the statement after the President admitted having an armored Lexus LX 570 sports utility vehicle apart from his recently purchased 2007 Porsche. The white security vehicle was supposedly leased by his brother-in-law for the President.
“There has been no change in the lifestyle of our President,” Coloma said in a radio interview, adding the Chief Executive remains a simple person. Apart from having Lexus 570 and Porsche, the petrol-head President owns a Toyota Land Cruiser and a Ford Everest.
Coloma insisted that the Lexus sports vehicle, which the President was seen riding in recent days, was not purchased by the Chief Executive.
“One of the President's brothers-in-law helped him lease the vehicle, which is used for official functions. There is no truth that the Lexus is one of his toys,” he said.
When asked if the Office of the President was paying for the lease of new security vehicle, Coloma said in Filipino: “It could be that way.”
But when sought for clarification, Coloma claimed there was nothing illegal if the OP pays for the lease of vehicles used for official purposes.
“The context of my statement is that it is okay for (the) Office of President to pay for the lease of vehicles that are being used for official functions,” he said in a text message.
He said the Lexus has ample security features to ensure the safety of the President when on the road. The old presidential limousine, a Mercedez Benz, was no longer reliable since it was damaged during the onslaught of typhoon Ondoy in 2009.
Birth dates used by many lotto winners
MANILA, Philippines – As far as the month of January 2011 is concerned, many winners of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) on-line lotto games said they used their dates of birth in coming up with the winning combination which turned them into instant millionaires.
From Jan. 2 to 30, the PCSO headed by Chairperson Margarita P. Juico has produced 17 jackpot winners starting with Super Lotto 6/49's draw on Jan. 4 with a lone winner grabbing the P61.31 million.
Of the 17 winners, 11 joined the millionaires' club, with the least prize going into three lucky bettors who shared the P4.79 million bonanza in the Mega Lotto 6/45 draw on Jan. 14.
Figures provided to the Manila Bulletin by lawyer Jose Malang and Manuel "Manny" Garcia, managers of the PCSO's Internal Audit Department (PCSO-IAD) and Publicity and Public Relations Department (PCSO-PPRD), respectively, showed that nine of the winners used number combination from their birth dates.
Winners of the draws on Jan. 4 and 25 have not claimed their prizes yet.
The winners who used their birth dates included a retired government employee (Jan. 5), a Small Town Lottery (STL) collector in Laguna on Jan. 7, a building administrator (Jan. 7), a housewife (Jan. 7), a student (Jan. 14), another housewife (Jan. 14), a former security guard (Jan. 14), and two who (Jan. 7 and Jan. 21) did not mention their kind of work.
Based from the profiles of the January lucky lotto patrons, majority of them were from the ranks of the poor.
From Jan. 2 to 30, the PCSO headed by Chairperson Margarita P. Juico has produced 17 jackpot winners starting with Super Lotto 6/49's draw on Jan. 4 with a lone winner grabbing the P61.31 million.
Of the 17 winners, 11 joined the millionaires' club, with the least prize going into three lucky bettors who shared the P4.79 million bonanza in the Mega Lotto 6/45 draw on Jan. 14.
Figures provided to the Manila Bulletin by lawyer Jose Malang and Manuel "Manny" Garcia, managers of the PCSO's Internal Audit Department (PCSO-IAD) and Publicity and Public Relations Department (PCSO-PPRD), respectively, showed that nine of the winners used number combination from their birth dates.
Winners of the draws on Jan. 4 and 25 have not claimed their prizes yet.
The winners who used their birth dates included a retired government employee (Jan. 5), a Small Town Lottery (STL) collector in Laguna on Jan. 7, a building administrator (Jan. 7), a housewife (Jan. 7), a student (Jan. 14), another housewife (Jan. 14), a former security guard (Jan. 14), and two who (Jan. 7 and Jan. 21) did not mention their kind of work.
Based from the profiles of the January lucky lotto patrons, majority of them were from the ranks of the poor.
Baguio mulls construction of first-ever EDSA-like underpasses
BAGUIO CITY — The country’s summer capital will be having its first multi-million underpass similar to that on the famous Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) to help ease the worsening traffic congestion along the junction of Bokawkan and Naguilian Roads at the heart of the city’s central business district.
The proposal to build an underpass that at the junction of the aforesaid roads came after experts from the central office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) assessed the earlier plan to put up a third flyover in the said area which will help ease the daily nightmare of motorists who are always being caught in heavy traffic.
Rep. Bernardo M. Vergara explained the agency’s technical people are quite apprehensive to put up a flyover at the junction of Naguilian and Bokawkan roads because it will greatly affect the scenic beauty of the area as well as it will entail serious road-right-of-way problems that could early the realization of the noble infrastructure project.
Vergara said the planned underpasses, which will have a length of between 500 and 1,000 meters, will be constructed on the said roadlines and subjected to the required consultations with the affected sectors.
These consultations are aimed at giving stakeholders the opportunity to raise issues and concerns against the project so that they may be satisfactorily addressed by the concerned agency prior to its implementation.
The congressman likened the expected opposition to the underpass to that which delayed the construction of the flyover at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC).
The proposal to build an underpass that at the junction of the aforesaid roads came after experts from the central office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) assessed the earlier plan to put up a third flyover in the said area which will help ease the daily nightmare of motorists who are always being caught in heavy traffic.
Rep. Bernardo M. Vergara explained the agency’s technical people are quite apprehensive to put up a flyover at the junction of Naguilian and Bokawkan roads because it will greatly affect the scenic beauty of the area as well as it will entail serious road-right-of-way problems that could early the realization of the noble infrastructure project.
Vergara said the planned underpasses, which will have a length of between 500 and 1,000 meters, will be constructed on the said roadlines and subjected to the required consultations with the affected sectors.
These consultations are aimed at giving stakeholders the opportunity to raise issues and concerns against the project so that they may be satisfactorily addressed by the concerned agency prior to its implementation.
The congressman likened the expected opposition to the underpass to that which delayed the construction of the flyover at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC).
Can coffee prevent diabetes?
Q: I recently read a newspaper article that says coffee can prevent diabetes? Is there scientific evidence that shows this is true? I’m very interested on this matter because we have a strong family history of diabetes and it would be nice if all I need to do to prevent getting the disease is drink coffee.
Willie O., Davao City
A: The results of several studies conducted in the last 10 years on the relationship between coffee drinking and diabetes mellitus indeed suggest that coffee may have some preventive effect on diabetes mellitus.
The first of these studies—which triggered many subsequent ones—employed more than 17,000 Dutch men and women between 30 to 60 years old as subjects and was conducted by a group of Dutch scientists from Vrije University in Amsterdam. The results of the study were discussed in the article entitled “Coffee Consumption and the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus,” which was published in the November 2002 issue of Lancet (a reputable British medical journal). In brief, the study showed that “coffee consumption was associated with substantially lower risk of clinical type 2 diabetes.” What’s more, the more coffee one drinks the better, because those subjects who drank seven or more cups of coffee a day were 50 percent less likely to develop diabetes than those who drank less.
Several succeeding studies conducted in Europe, Japan and the United States have essentially confirmed the Dutch group’s findings that habitual coffee consumption is associated with a substantially lower risk of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, the type of diabetes that accounts for about 90% of all diabetes cases. One American study has also apparently uncovered the reason for this association. They found out that coffee raises the amount of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in the blood, and higher levels of SHBG are known to lower the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
However, before you start drinking coffee by the gallons, let me tell you that the existing evidence on the preventive benefit of coffee on diabetes is still very inconclusive. Besides, it seems that a person has to be a habitual heavy coffee drinker (i.e., seven cups or more a day) to benefit from the preventive effect of the beverage coffee on diabetes. And drinking seven cups of coffee per day may just be enough to create other health problems.
Regular heavy consumption of coffee can raise blood cholesterol levels and increase the risk of osteoporosis or brittle bone disease. It also raises one’s stress level. It, likewise, stains teeth and contributes to bad breath. It can also lead to gastrointestinal problems like heartburn and hyperacidity.
Coffee also increases the heart rate and blood pressure although these effects are more likely transient in nature and cause no permanent damage to the cardiovascular system.
Incidentally, heavy coffee drinking may prevent type 2 diabetes, but for those who already have diabetes, the habit may aggravate the condition. Several studies have shown that in habitual coffee drinkers with type 2 diabetes mellitus, caffeine has adverse effects on glucose metabolism, producing higher average day-time glucose concentrations.
Coffee is one of the most popular forms of beverage worldwide. About 10 billion pounds of the substance are consumed yearly throughout the world. It will certainly be nice if in the future, albeit very unlikely, it is proven that it can prevent diabetes even at low doses. In any case, enjoy the drink, but don’t abuse it.
Willie O., Davao City
A: The results of several studies conducted in the last 10 years on the relationship between coffee drinking and diabetes mellitus indeed suggest that coffee may have some preventive effect on diabetes mellitus.
The first of these studies—which triggered many subsequent ones—employed more than 17,000 Dutch men and women between 30 to 60 years old as subjects and was conducted by a group of Dutch scientists from Vrije University in Amsterdam. The results of the study were discussed in the article entitled “Coffee Consumption and the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus,” which was published in the November 2002 issue of Lancet (a reputable British medical journal). In brief, the study showed that “coffee consumption was associated with substantially lower risk of clinical type 2 diabetes.” What’s more, the more coffee one drinks the better, because those subjects who drank seven or more cups of coffee a day were 50 percent less likely to develop diabetes than those who drank less.
Several succeeding studies conducted in Europe, Japan and the United States have essentially confirmed the Dutch group’s findings that habitual coffee consumption is associated with a substantially lower risk of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, the type of diabetes that accounts for about 90% of all diabetes cases. One American study has also apparently uncovered the reason for this association. They found out that coffee raises the amount of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in the blood, and higher levels of SHBG are known to lower the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
However, before you start drinking coffee by the gallons, let me tell you that the existing evidence on the preventive benefit of coffee on diabetes is still very inconclusive. Besides, it seems that a person has to be a habitual heavy coffee drinker (i.e., seven cups or more a day) to benefit from the preventive effect of the beverage coffee on diabetes. And drinking seven cups of coffee per day may just be enough to create other health problems.
Regular heavy consumption of coffee can raise blood cholesterol levels and increase the risk of osteoporosis or brittle bone disease. It also raises one’s stress level. It, likewise, stains teeth and contributes to bad breath. It can also lead to gastrointestinal problems like heartburn and hyperacidity.
Coffee also increases the heart rate and blood pressure although these effects are more likely transient in nature and cause no permanent damage to the cardiovascular system.
Incidentally, heavy coffee drinking may prevent type 2 diabetes, but for those who already have diabetes, the habit may aggravate the condition. Several studies have shown that in habitual coffee drinkers with type 2 diabetes mellitus, caffeine has adverse effects on glucose metabolism, producing higher average day-time glucose concentrations.
Coffee is one of the most popular forms of beverage worldwide. About 10 billion pounds of the substance are consumed yearly throughout the world. It will certainly be nice if in the future, albeit very unlikely, it is proven that it can prevent diabetes even at low doses. In any case, enjoy the drink, but don’t abuse it.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Families grieve
MANILA, Philippines – As the investigation over the tragic incident at a construction site in Makati City continues, the victims’ families are mourning the death of their loved ones, saying that despite the long working hours and low pay, they worked hard for a living.
Grief-stricken families, while waiting at Funeraria Filipinas in Makati City Friday, could not help but cry and share stories about their loved ones - the 10 construction workers who met their untimely death when the service gondola they were using in the construction site collapsed.
Vicente Pinon, father of victim Edward Pinon, 22, single, was devastated upon learning of the death of his son on television.
"I was shocked when I watched the TV news yesterday and learned that my son was included in the tragedy," said Pinon, a brother of Edward Pinon, head of Pinon Contractors, the sub-contractor that employed the workers.
Pinon said his son wanted to help in providing for the family, allowing him to work when he turned 18.
"He was working for four years as construction worker, and helped in the family," he added.
Edward supported, despite demanding workload, the education of his two siblings, with his P260 daily wage.
Edward's mother nearly collapsed after hearing that her son had been killed.
Meanwhile, the family of another victim Joel Avecilla chose not to disclose the bad news to his mother.
Jojo Avecilla, brother of Joel, said the news of their brother's death was not told to their ailing mother, who is scheduled to undergo an operation at a hospital in Quezon City. "We don't want her to have problems. We fear that her condition may worsen if she learns about the demise of our brother," said Jojo, adding that they will let their mother know after the operation.
"Joel was beside our mother the other day and went home at 3 am to change clothes and went to work," he added. He said their family is not interested in filing charges against the company or even the contractors, adding that "we believe that it was an accident. No one wants it to happen."
"We just want that Jojo will be laid to rest peacefully," he said.
Jojo left his family, including a pregnant wife and one-year-old baby in Mindoro.
Joel said the officials from Arlou Contractors and Pinon Contractors vowed to pay for the interment and burial expenses. "They also vowed to give financial assistance for each and every affected families. But it still has to undergo a series of discussions. It is a big help for the surviving families," said Joel.
Malou Santos, sister of fatality Celso Mabuting, said it was painful to learn of their brother's death. "He is the sole provider of his family," said Santos, adding that Mabuting sent money in Quezon province monthly.
"We want that his remains be transferred to Quezon province but until now we have not talked to officials yet," said Santos.
Grief-stricken families, while waiting at Funeraria Filipinas in Makati City Friday, could not help but cry and share stories about their loved ones - the 10 construction workers who met their untimely death when the service gondola they were using in the construction site collapsed.
Vicente Pinon, father of victim Edward Pinon, 22, single, was devastated upon learning of the death of his son on television.
"I was shocked when I watched the TV news yesterday and learned that my son was included in the tragedy," said Pinon, a brother of Edward Pinon, head of Pinon Contractors, the sub-contractor that employed the workers.
Pinon said his son wanted to help in providing for the family, allowing him to work when he turned 18.
"He was working for four years as construction worker, and helped in the family," he added.
Edward supported, despite demanding workload, the education of his two siblings, with his P260 daily wage.
Edward's mother nearly collapsed after hearing that her son had been killed.
Meanwhile, the family of another victim Joel Avecilla chose not to disclose the bad news to his mother.
Jojo Avecilla, brother of Joel, said the news of their brother's death was not told to their ailing mother, who is scheduled to undergo an operation at a hospital in Quezon City. "We don't want her to have problems. We fear that her condition may worsen if she learns about the demise of our brother," said Jojo, adding that they will let their mother know after the operation.
"Joel was beside our mother the other day and went home at 3 am to change clothes and went to work," he added. He said their family is not interested in filing charges against the company or even the contractors, adding that "we believe that it was an accident. No one wants it to happen."
"We just want that Jojo will be laid to rest peacefully," he said.
Jojo left his family, including a pregnant wife and one-year-old baby in Mindoro.
Joel said the officials from Arlou Contractors and Pinon Contractors vowed to pay for the interment and burial expenses. "They also vowed to give financial assistance for each and every affected families. But it still has to undergo a series of discussions. It is a big help for the surviving families," said Joel.
Malou Santos, sister of fatality Celso Mabuting, said it was painful to learn of their brother's death. "He is the sole provider of his family," said Santos, adding that Mabuting sent money in Quezon province monthly.
"We want that his remains be transferred to Quezon province but until now we have not talked to officials yet," said Santos.
Aquino offers P1-million bounty for Makati bus blast suspects
MANILA, Philippines – With authorities now halfway through with the investigation of the deadly bus explosion in Makati City last Tuesday, President Benigno S. Aquino III Friday offered a P1-million reward for any information on the perpetrators of the attack that left five people dead and 13 others wounded.
The President said the reward, which will be sourced from the contingency and intelligence fund of his office, will be increased as deemed necessary.
“I did order a provision of a million-peso reward of information leading to the arrest of and prosecution of all the suspects involving this case and we will increase that as necessary,” the President said.
The President proposed the reward system during his closed-door meeting with top security officials last Thursday in Malacañang where they scrutinized security measures to protect the people from threats.
At present, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is searching for two male passengers who may have knowledge about the bomb that killed five passengers inside a bus last Tuesday. But the police have yet to identify a particular group that was possibly behind the bus attack.
Composite computer-generated sketches of the two “persons of interest” were presented by National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Nicanor Bartolome in a press conference in the Palace. The sketches of the two passengers were based on the description of witnesses.
Bartolome said these two passengers boarded the Newman Goldline bus at the Heritage Hotel, paid fare until Ayala Avenue, Makati City but disembarked before their destination.
‘Persons of interest’
“They were seated at the sixth row where the bomb was positioned. We are looking for them because they may be able to contribute to the solution of the case. They are not yet considered as suspects but persons of interest,” he said.
Many law enforcement officials refer to a “person of interest” as an individual involved in their investigation but has not been formally charged with the crime as they are not yet sure if he is involved.
Bartolome said the release of the sketches of the suspects showed the police are now halfway through the investigation of the bus explosion in Makati. “The investigation will be tedious but we will do our job properly and not haphazardly,” Bartolome said in Filipino.
The President meantime said he has ordered authorities to reinforce security measures in potential areas of concern or considered soft targets to prevent a repeat of the attack.
Apart from deploying at least 300 bus marshals, he said the government will also tap “force multipliers” such as security guards in private companies and barangay officials to augment government efforts in the campaign against terrorism.
These force multipliers will be mobilized “to provide us a very thorough monitoring arm for the government in our fight against people who will seek to terrorize our citizenry,” he said.
The President said the reward, which will be sourced from the contingency and intelligence fund of his office, will be increased as deemed necessary.
“I did order a provision of a million-peso reward of information leading to the arrest of and prosecution of all the suspects involving this case and we will increase that as necessary,” the President said.
The President proposed the reward system during his closed-door meeting with top security officials last Thursday in Malacañang where they scrutinized security measures to protect the people from threats.
At present, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is searching for two male passengers who may have knowledge about the bomb that killed five passengers inside a bus last Tuesday. But the police have yet to identify a particular group that was possibly behind the bus attack.
Composite computer-generated sketches of the two “persons of interest” were presented by National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Nicanor Bartolome in a press conference in the Palace. The sketches of the two passengers were based on the description of witnesses.
Bartolome said these two passengers boarded the Newman Goldline bus at the Heritage Hotel, paid fare until Ayala Avenue, Makati City but disembarked before their destination.
‘Persons of interest’
“They were seated at the sixth row where the bomb was positioned. We are looking for them because they may be able to contribute to the solution of the case. They are not yet considered as suspects but persons of interest,” he said.
Many law enforcement officials refer to a “person of interest” as an individual involved in their investigation but has not been formally charged with the crime as they are not yet sure if he is involved.
Bartolome said the release of the sketches of the suspects showed the police are now halfway through the investigation of the bus explosion in Makati. “The investigation will be tedious but we will do our job properly and not haphazardly,” Bartolome said in Filipino.
The President meantime said he has ordered authorities to reinforce security measures in potential areas of concern or considered soft targets to prevent a repeat of the attack.
Apart from deploying at least 300 bus marshals, he said the government will also tap “force multipliers” such as security guards in private companies and barangay officials to augment government efforts in the campaign against terrorism.
These force multipliers will be mobilized “to provide us a very thorough monitoring arm for the government in our fight against people who will seek to terrorize our citizenry,” he said.
Charice's mom tells Ogie Diaz: 'You can't blame Chasters'
MANILA, Philippines - Amid the clash between Ogie Diaz and fans of Charice, the singer’s mother, Raquel Pempengco, believes the TV host can’t blame her daughter’s followers for raging against him.
“You cannot blame all Charice fans, especially ‘Chasters,’ to speak out what’s in their mind against you, Ogie D.... You cannot blame them if they won’t accept your apology because of what you did to their idol.
"Because as you said, Ogie Diaz, they have their own opinion and that’s their opinion, too,” ABS-CBN News quoted Pempengco as saying.
Charice, as of this writing, remains mum on the matter.
Fans of the petite diva got incensed towards Diaz after he remarked via Twitter and his tabloid column that Charice’s nerdy glasses---which she famously wore on her “Glee” debut---“looks so ugly on her.”
Diaz, as with other members of the local press, also lambasted Charice for acting “like a foreign artist” during her brief stint in the country earlier this month.
Recall that Charice was accused of snubbing the press when she did a concert with Gary Valenciano at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds last Jan. 8. Interviews were reportedly not allowed, and Charice’s tight security, said to have been sent by her godmother Oprah Winfrey, allegedly prohibited the press and even the fans, to come near her.
Mrs. Pempengco had earlier apologized on behalf of her daughter for the incident, and pleaded for understanding as Charice was already too tired to grant interviews after a very long day.
Ogie has already deleted his controversial tweets about the singer, and consequently, publicly apologized to Charice and her fans, some of whom even called to “boycott” Diaz’s projects. Others even took a swipe at his mother.
Even as fans of Charice are unmoved by his apology, Diaz wishes to put the controversy behind, reported “TV Patrol” on Jan. 27. He also appealed to her supporters, as he did in previous interviews, to spare his mother from demeaning remarks.
Meanwhile, entertainment blog site Pinoy Gossip Boy (PGB) reported on Thursday that Diaz temporarily closed his Twitter, which he earlier made private. As seen in his tweets posted on PGB's page, Diaz thanked his followers for their understanding, as well as the Chasters who have forgiven him.
“You cannot blame all Charice fans, especially ‘Chasters,’ to speak out what’s in their mind against you, Ogie D.... You cannot blame them if they won’t accept your apology because of what you did to their idol.
"Because as you said, Ogie Diaz, they have their own opinion and that’s their opinion, too,” ABS-CBN News quoted Pempengco as saying.
Charice, as of this writing, remains mum on the matter.
Fans of the petite diva got incensed towards Diaz after he remarked via Twitter and his tabloid column that Charice’s nerdy glasses---which she famously wore on her “Glee” debut---“looks so ugly on her.”
Diaz, as with other members of the local press, also lambasted Charice for acting “like a foreign artist” during her brief stint in the country earlier this month.
Recall that Charice was accused of snubbing the press when she did a concert with Gary Valenciano at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds last Jan. 8. Interviews were reportedly not allowed, and Charice’s tight security, said to have been sent by her godmother Oprah Winfrey, allegedly prohibited the press and even the fans, to come near her.
Mrs. Pempengco had earlier apologized on behalf of her daughter for the incident, and pleaded for understanding as Charice was already too tired to grant interviews after a very long day.
Ogie has already deleted his controversial tweets about the singer, and consequently, publicly apologized to Charice and her fans, some of whom even called to “boycott” Diaz’s projects. Others even took a swipe at his mother.
Even as fans of Charice are unmoved by his apology, Diaz wishes to put the controversy behind, reported “TV Patrol” on Jan. 27. He also appealed to her supporters, as he did in previous interviews, to spare his mother from demeaning remarks.
Meanwhile, entertainment blog site Pinoy Gossip Boy (PGB) reported on Thursday that Diaz temporarily closed his Twitter, which he earlier made private. As seen in his tweets posted on PGB's page, Diaz thanked his followers for their understanding, as well as the Chasters who have forgiven him.
Beermen take Game 3
MANILA, Philippines – San Miguel Beer finally showed up for the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.
The Beermen displayed improved defense and a more fluent offense to waylay the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters, 103-82 to take game 3 of the PBA Philippine Cup best of seven finals at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
Danny Ildefonso, Arwind Santos, Alex Cabagot, Olsen Racela and Paul Artadi gave sterling performances to help the Beermen avert a 0-3 hole.
TnT still leads the series with a 2-1 advantage, with the Beermen aiming to equalize on Sunday.
The Texters played without guard Ryan Reyes who had to fly to Anaheim due to the death of his brother. Reyes will be back Saturday and will play in Game 4 set for Sunday.
Ildefonso finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds and was adjudged the game’s best player.
Prior to the start of the game, retiring SMB guard Olsen Racela was feted after 18 years of playing in the PBA.
Racela will hang up his jersey after this conference and will be the new head coach of the 16 and under National team for boys as appointed by the SBP.
Box Scores:
SMB 103 - Santos 20, Salvacion 13, Cabagnot 12, Ildefonso 12, Washington 10, Yeo 9, Hontiveros 9, Artadi 8, Racela 4, Miranda 2, Seigle 2, Pena 2, Pennisi 0.
TnT 82 - Castro 13, Alapag 13, Fonacier 11, De Ocampo 9, Dillinger 8, Aban 8, Carey 8, Oreta 4, Alvarez 3, Peek 3, Williams 2, Yee 0, Lao 0.
Quarters: 25-17; 47-36; 74-56; 103-82
The Beermen displayed improved defense and a more fluent offense to waylay the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters, 103-82 to take game 3 of the PBA Philippine Cup best of seven finals at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
Danny Ildefonso, Arwind Santos, Alex Cabagot, Olsen Racela and Paul Artadi gave sterling performances to help the Beermen avert a 0-3 hole.
TnT still leads the series with a 2-1 advantage, with the Beermen aiming to equalize on Sunday.
The Texters played without guard Ryan Reyes who had to fly to Anaheim due to the death of his brother. Reyes will be back Saturday and will play in Game 4 set for Sunday.
Ildefonso finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds and was adjudged the game’s best player.
Prior to the start of the game, retiring SMB guard Olsen Racela was feted after 18 years of playing in the PBA.
Racela will hang up his jersey after this conference and will be the new head coach of the 16 and under National team for boys as appointed by the SBP.
Box Scores:
SMB 103 - Santos 20, Salvacion 13, Cabagnot 12, Ildefonso 12, Washington 10, Yeo 9, Hontiveros 9, Artadi 8, Racela 4, Miranda 2, Seigle 2, Pena 2, Pennisi 0.
TnT 82 - Castro 13, Alapag 13, Fonacier 11, De Ocampo 9, Dillinger 8, Aban 8, Carey 8, Oreta 4, Alvarez 3, Peek 3, Williams 2, Yee 0, Lao 0.
Quarters: 25-17; 47-36; 74-56; 103-82
Thursday, January 27, 2011
10 die in 2nd tragic incident
MANILA, Philippines – At least 10 construction workers died Thursday on the eve of the day of mourning declared by the Makati city government in the wake of the tragic bus bombing that killed five passengers and injured 13 others last Tuesday.
The workers were killed when an electric gondola they were using while constructing the 39-story Eton Tower at the corner of Paseo de Roxas and Gallardo Streets gave way.
The management of Eton Properties Philippines, Inc., the building owner, expressed its sincerest condolences to the families of the victims as it offered “medical, funeral, and financial assistance.”
“Our hearts go out to the victims’ families. Eton Properties would like to assure the public that the company is doing all it can to ensure that Eton and its contractor extend all necessary assistance to the victims,” Eton spokesperson Erwin de Pedro said.
Eight of the fatalities were identified as Joel Adecilla, Celso Mabuting, Michael Tatlonghari, Vincent Pinon, Rommel Perez, Kevin Mabunga, Jay-K Logado, and Jeffrey Diokado. All were declared dead on arrival at the Ospital ng Makati (OsMak), after sustaining multiple head and body injuries. William Ibañez and an unidentified worker expired at the Makati City Medical Center.
Dr. Perry Ishmael Peralta, OsMak medical director, said the victims suffered head trauma, blunt trauma, and multiple fractures that resulted in their death.
Another victim, Roel Perez, is still being revived at the said hospital. The doctor described Roel's condition as “stable but guarded.”
“He is still under close monitoring. We cannot say, we hope that his condition will not deteriorate,” said Peralta, adding that the victim has fractured right leg and right arm, and a blunt abdominal trauma.
Makati Mayor Jejomar “Junjun” Binay Jr. said the accident took place at about 11:45 a.m. while the workers, who were installing glass panels at the 32nd floor, were going down the building using the gondola.
As the gondola was going down, it collapsed on the 20th floor causing some of the worker to fall. The other workers fell on the 12th and 8th floors.
Binay said he has ordered a stop to the construction until Eton Properties could ensure the safety of the construction workers who belong to ARLO Aluminum, a glass contractor/installer. He also directed the engineering officers to conduct an inspection of the site.
“Later we want to know if there is someone responsible over the incident,” the mayor stressed.
The construction of the building, under E-C Contractors, began in 2008 and expected to be finished early this year.
Makati fire chief, Superintendent Samuel Taddeo, said the electric gondola was carrying 11 workers when its capacity is only six persons.
“The gondola carrying the workers was overloaded. We found out that the cord was cut, may be because the workers were heavy. It gave away,” he added.
“The workers lack complete safety gears as they were only wearing hardhats when found,” said Taddeo.
De Pedro stressed that Eton places a premium on safety and enforces strict safety regulations in all its construction projects.
But due to the unfortunate incident, Eton is reviewing the compliance of its contractors, like ARLO Aluminum, and construction management consultant to these safety regulations.
“Eton, its contractors and construction management consultant are cooperating with police authorities and the city engineer’s office as they investigate the cause of this accident. In the meantime, the company’s priority is to ensure that the victims’ families are informed and extended needed assistance by the contractor,” De Pedro said.
Management said ARLO Aluminum has already engaged the services of St. Peter Memorial Chapels for the workers.
Meanwhile, Malacañang extended its condolences to the families of the victims.
Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said they are saddened by the death of 10 construction workers but would leave to the authorities in Makati City to investigate the tragic incident.
“We express sympathy for the family of those who were killed. Nobody would like to that to happen even owners of the building,” Lacierda told reporters in the Palace.
Aquino should take opportunity for Charter change — Marcos
MANILA, Philippines — President Benigno S. Aquino III has all the chances of seeing the 1987 Constitution amended during his six-year term with the people believing he is not personally interested in any changes after stating he won’t run for office again, according to Senator Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
“It is an opportunity. He should take it,’’ said Marcos amid moves in the House of Representatives to call for a constituent assembly to amend the 24-year-old Charter crafted during the time of the late President Corazon C. Aquino, the President’s mother.
Marcos said that while Aquino administration officials have stated that Charter change was not a priority, it appears the Executive branch is “amenable if there is a Cha-cha and they will allow the process to occur,’’ Marcos said.
Marcos made this comments after Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile said there appears to be a need to amend the Constitution during last Wednesday’s Senate public order committee hearing on rise of high-profile crimes in the country and the bombing of a bus in Makati.
Enrile said the weaknesses in the structure of the Philippine National Police (PNP) should not fall on the PNP leadership but on the Constitution.
The PNP is headless in that decisions made on police matters are done by the National Police Commission (Napolcom) whose decisions are collegial although its chairman is the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) secretary, he said.
After the hearing on the national crime situation conducted by the Senate public order committee chaired by Sen. Gregorio Honasan, Marcos said DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo and PNP Director-General Raul Bacalzo wanted structural changes in their organizations.
“If we are going to do those structural changes, then it is necessary to amend the Constitution,’’ Marcos said.
“We have many things to do. We are hampered our, hands are tied because the Constitution has its own provisions and mandate,’’ he said.
Marcos said he favors a Constitutional convention (Con-con) over a Constituent assembly as the mode for amending the Charter.
“I think the people want those they had voted (to be members of the Con-con) because they suspect Congress, meaning both Houses, we are doing it for our own personal interests,’’ he said.
While the majority of the senators favor the Con-con mode, Sen. Edgardo Angara wanted the Con-ass mode because it is not expensive.
The Constitution mandates that the tenure of the Philippine president is a one-time, six-year term only, President Aquino has stated he is not seeking another term.
The 1986 Constitution was crafted after the 1986 EDSA revolution.
Marcos is the only son of the late President Marcos who was toppled after that EDSA people power phenomenon.
Young Aquino is also the only son of the late Sen. Benigno Aquino whose assassination in 1983 was laid at the doorsteps of Malacañang.
Extension of term was loosely used during the extended nine-year term of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo where supporters of the charter change proposal were greeted with derision because people suspected that Mrs. Arroyo wanted to extend her term.
Since Mrs. Arroyo is no longer in Malacañang and if the Constitution is finally amended, there would be no suspicion that President Aquino wants to extend his term, Marcos said.
After having used up the unexpended last three years of the Estrada presidency, Mrs. Arroyo ran and won in that controversial 2004 presidential election. Having left Malacañang after a nine-year stay, Mrs. Arroyo is now the congresswoman of Pampanga’s second district.
“It is an opportunity. He should take it,’’ said Marcos amid moves in the House of Representatives to call for a constituent assembly to amend the 24-year-old Charter crafted during the time of the late President Corazon C. Aquino, the President’s mother.
Marcos said that while Aquino administration officials have stated that Charter change was not a priority, it appears the Executive branch is “amenable if there is a Cha-cha and they will allow the process to occur,’’ Marcos said.
Marcos made this comments after Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile said there appears to be a need to amend the Constitution during last Wednesday’s Senate public order committee hearing on rise of high-profile crimes in the country and the bombing of a bus in Makati.
Enrile said the weaknesses in the structure of the Philippine National Police (PNP) should not fall on the PNP leadership but on the Constitution.
The PNP is headless in that decisions made on police matters are done by the National Police Commission (Napolcom) whose decisions are collegial although its chairman is the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) secretary, he said.
After the hearing on the national crime situation conducted by the Senate public order committee chaired by Sen. Gregorio Honasan, Marcos said DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo and PNP Director-General Raul Bacalzo wanted structural changes in their organizations.
“If we are going to do those structural changes, then it is necessary to amend the Constitution,’’ Marcos said.
“We have many things to do. We are hampered our, hands are tied because the Constitution has its own provisions and mandate,’’ he said.
Marcos said he favors a Constitutional convention (Con-con) over a Constituent assembly as the mode for amending the Charter.
“I think the people want those they had voted (to be members of the Con-con) because they suspect Congress, meaning both Houses, we are doing it for our own personal interests,’’ he said.
While the majority of the senators favor the Con-con mode, Sen. Edgardo Angara wanted the Con-ass mode because it is not expensive.
The Constitution mandates that the tenure of the Philippine president is a one-time, six-year term only, President Aquino has stated he is not seeking another term.
The 1986 Constitution was crafted after the 1986 EDSA revolution.
Marcos is the only son of the late President Marcos who was toppled after that EDSA people power phenomenon.
Young Aquino is also the only son of the late Sen. Benigno Aquino whose assassination in 1983 was laid at the doorsteps of Malacañang.
Extension of term was loosely used during the extended nine-year term of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo where supporters of the charter change proposal were greeted with derision because people suspected that Mrs. Arroyo wanted to extend her term.
Since Mrs. Arroyo is no longer in Malacañang and if the Constitution is finally amended, there would be no suspicion that President Aquino wants to extend his term, Marcos said.
After having used up the unexpended last three years of the Estrada presidency, Mrs. Arroyo ran and won in that controversial 2004 presidential election. Having left Malacañang after a nine-year stay, Mrs. Arroyo is now the congresswoman of Pampanga’s second district.
Ogie Diaz sorry for tweets on Charice
MANILA, Philippines - Entertainment scribe-talk show host Ogie Diaz has apologized to Charice Pempengco for his tweets about her after fans of the diminutive diva vowed to “boycott” all his projects.
"Patawad kung naka-offend ang aking opinion," he relayed to Charice's fans through abscbnnews.com.
He went on to ask Pempengco’s fans to spare his mother, whom he alleged they also target.
“Kung hindi pa din nila ako mapapatawad, ako na lang ang isumpa nila at huwag na nilang idamay ang nanay ko," he pleaded.
Seemingly eager to put the issue behind him, Diaz suggested that the fans should also look at other colleagues whom he said might also be guilty of the purported misdeed.
"Huwag ninyo namang ibintang sa akin ang lahat, baka naman ibang writers ang nagsabi noon [negative comments],” he said.
Even then, Diaz acknowledged that the public apology is not enough.
"Kapag nakita ko na siya [Pempengco] ng personal ay magso-sorry pa din ako sa kanya," he said.
Diaz, who has over 94, 000 followers on Twitter, said he already deleted all his posts relating to the singer including disparaging comments on how Pempengco wears her eyeglasses [“looks so ugly on her”].
Diaz was among a number of local scribes who expressed dismay over Pempengco seemingly “acting like a foreign artist” during the latter’s “1@11” concert at SM Mall of Asia, a matter which he made explicit in his tabloid column.
Wags accused the group of writers of having taken umbrage from getting snubbed by Pempengco’s entourage when they asked for time with the diva after the concert.
Pempengco is yet to issue a statement on the matter.
Azkals can't afford to lose – Palami
MANILA, Philippines — Philippine football’s steps toward respectability will suffer a huge setback should the national football team known as the Azkals lose to Mongolia in their AFC Cup qualifier on February 9 in Bacolod, Dan Palami, the team manager said.
Palami, the guiding force behind football’s remarkable renaissance in the country as its low-key godfather, said it would be shocking to even contemplate a loss at this juncture of football’s buildup.
“I cannot imagine a loss to Mongolia,” he said. “That would almost be disastrous.”
But Palami said only a totally miserable performance by the Azkals would result in a defeat although the Mongolians, like the Filipinos, are also trying to build their game and their confidence and are aiming for an upset victory.
Palami has so much confidence on his boys, now playing under a new coach, that he has decided not to bring three new players from Europe who he has tapped to reinforce the team for the more difficult days ahead.
“We don’t need them at this point,” he said. “We can handle the Mongolians.”
A second match is scheduled in Mongolia in the home and away encounter where the winner will join Myanmar, Palestine and Bangladesh in the AFC Cup later this year.
The more pressing problem for the Philippine Football Federation is the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod, site of the match, which is way behind in the preparations for the match. He said the lights have not yet been installed, though organizers, who were given P6 million by the Philippine Sports Commission to help them set up the stadium and provide logistics for the team, are confident they will be up on game day.
Among those expected to attend is President Noynoy Aquino whose presence would be another testament to the growing stature of football as a sport that Filipinos can excel in if given the right support.
Proof that many Filipinos have embraced the game is that tickets for the match have all been sold out on line when they came up for sale.
Television has also joined the scramble for a piece of the football pie.
After weighing the offers on the table, the PFF chose ABS-CBN to be exclusive broadcaster of the Mongolia series, both here and abroad.
The network giant reportedly offered the best package, promising to broadcast the Bacolod and Mongolia games live on local TV and on its popular Filipino channel abroad.
Geisler fights back, countersues Kurdi
MANILA, Philippines – The Baron Geisler-Yasmien Kurdi legal tussle continues with him filing a countersuit against her.
According to a report by ABS-CBN News on Jan. 25, Geisler accused Kurdi’s camp of violating Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. The case was filed before the Office of the Ombudsman on Jan. 24.
This comes almost two years after Kurdi charged Geisler with acts of lasciviousness and unjust vexation. Recall that the actress accused Geisler of making “lewd gestures and indecent proposals” to her during the filming of a TV series they starred in.
Atty. Bonifacio Alentajan, Geisler’s legal counsel, claims that his client is being “falsely accused” by Kurdi’s camp.
“We are here to seek justice for him. Sobra na ang pang-aapi 'yong ginagawa sa kanya. Ganyan ang lumalabas sa mga dokumento na ginawa nila. Pinagtulung-tulungan nila ito para maakusahan ng hindi totoo si Baron. Puro conclusions lang ng people who are not even competent to make such conclusions,” he said.
Alentajan agrees with the fiscal’s conclusion that no malicious act happened, contrary to Kurdi’s statements.
“How can that happen nasa set sila, may cameraman, may director at may camera at maraming tao?” he said.
Geisler, facing Kurdi last week at court, pleaded “not guilty” to two counts of acts of lasciviousness and two counts of unjust vexation, leaving the actress teary-eyed and dismayed.
According to a report by ABS-CBN News on Jan. 25, Geisler accused Kurdi’s camp of violating Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. The case was filed before the Office of the Ombudsman on Jan. 24.
This comes almost two years after Kurdi charged Geisler with acts of lasciviousness and unjust vexation. Recall that the actress accused Geisler of making “lewd gestures and indecent proposals” to her during the filming of a TV series they starred in.
Atty. Bonifacio Alentajan, Geisler’s legal counsel, claims that his client is being “falsely accused” by Kurdi’s camp.
“We are here to seek justice for him. Sobra na ang pang-aapi 'yong ginagawa sa kanya. Ganyan ang lumalabas sa mga dokumento na ginawa nila. Pinagtulung-tulungan nila ito para maakusahan ng hindi totoo si Baron. Puro conclusions lang ng people who are not even competent to make such conclusions,” he said.
Alentajan agrees with the fiscal’s conclusion that no malicious act happened, contrary to Kurdi’s statements.
“How can that happen nasa set sila, may cameraman, may director at may camera at maraming tao?” he said.
Geisler, facing Kurdi last week at court, pleaded “not guilty” to two counts of acts of lasciviousness and two counts of unjust vexation, leaving the actress teary-eyed and dismayed.
PBA Philippine Cup Finals Game 2 Results
Talk N' Text 110 - Dillinger 20, Castro 15, De Ocampo 15, Alapag 15, Carey 11, Peek 10, Fonacier 8, Reyes 7, Williams 7, Aban 2
San Miguel 102 - Washington 20, Cabagnot 18, Santos 14, Seigle 12, Hontiveros 10, Pena 8, Salvacion 6, Racela 6, Ildefonso 6, Miranda 2, Yeo 0, Artadi 0, Pennisi 0
Quarters: 21-22, 42-40, 73-69, 110-102
San Miguel 102 - Washington 20, Cabagnot 18, Santos 14, Seigle 12, Hontiveros 10, Pena 8, Salvacion 6, Racela 6, Ildefonso 6, Miranda 2, Yeo 0, Artadi 0, Pennisi 0
Quarters: 21-22, 42-40, 73-69, 110-102
Strawberries sweetest at colder temperatures
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Philippines – Strawberry lovers should have all the reasons to be happy over the prevalence of the cold spell in this capital town because the fruits – farmers said – are sweetest when the temperatures are colder.
Contrary to the case of most vegetables grown in the province that are adversely affected by frost or the formation of ice crystals on the leaves, strawberries are fruits that tend to be juicier and tastier with the colder weather, experts said.
Because of the peculiar weather condition prevailing in the region, strawberry producers claimed the fruit produced in the province is much superior in quality compared to the strawberries produced in other areas in the country.
La Trinidad is the major producer of strawberries in the country with more or less 70 hectares of land planted with the fruit and will peak during the months from January to March.
With the unpredictable weather prevailing in most parts of the region, especially the highly elevated ones, strawberry producers are confident that they will continue to overshoot their projected sales this year because of the influx of more tourists interested to taste the juicy fruit, especially when the weather gets colder in the coming weeks due to the continuous prevalence of the northeast monsoon coupled with the defused tail end of the cold front.
The cold spell usually prevails in the highly elevated areas in the region during the months from November to March, which is also simultaneous with the planting and eventual harvest of strawberries on the fields.
At least 500 farmers rely on strawberry production as their main source of income during this time of the year before again shifting to vegetable or cutflower production during the remaining months of the year to sustain their living condition
Contrary to the case of most vegetables grown in the province that are adversely affected by frost or the formation of ice crystals on the leaves, strawberries are fruits that tend to be juicier and tastier with the colder weather, experts said.
Because of the peculiar weather condition prevailing in the region, strawberry producers claimed the fruit produced in the province is much superior in quality compared to the strawberries produced in other areas in the country.
La Trinidad is the major producer of strawberries in the country with more or less 70 hectares of land planted with the fruit and will peak during the months from January to March.
With the unpredictable weather prevailing in most parts of the region, especially the highly elevated ones, strawberry producers are confident that they will continue to overshoot their projected sales this year because of the influx of more tourists interested to taste the juicy fruit, especially when the weather gets colder in the coming weeks due to the continuous prevalence of the northeast monsoon coupled with the defused tail end of the cold front.
The cold spell usually prevails in the highly elevated areas in the region during the months from November to March, which is also simultaneous with the planting and eventual harvest of strawberries on the fields.
At least 500 farmers rely on strawberry production as their main source of income during this time of the year before again shifting to vegetable or cutflower production during the remaining months of the year to sustain their living condition
Philippines hailed as 'country to explore' in 2011
MANILA, Philippines (PNA) — The Philippines was recently cited as the “country to explore” in 2011 by Ireland’s leading newspaper, The Irish Times.
The daily broadsheet based in Dublin, Ireland, said the Philippines’ pristine beaches and first-class diving sites were the main reasons the country was chosen over other well-known tourist attractions in the region.
In an article published in T.I.T’s January 8, 2011 weekend supplement entitled “What’s Hot for 2011,” writer Alanna Gallagher was all praises for two “stand-out yet accessible” tourist attractions to visit in the Philippines: the islands of Cebu; and Boracay island in Malay, Aklan.
“It (Cebu and Boracay) offers first-class diving and beaches like Thailand had 20 or 30 years ago before it was over-developed,” Gallagher’s article read.
With these distinctions, aside from many other more tourist attractions to see and experience, Gallaghar says, “the new country to explore in Asia is the Philippines.”
The Irish Times, which was established in 1859, is Ireland’s quality daily newspaper with news reports coming from throughout Ireland and from a comprehensive network of foreign correspondents, as well as sports and business coverage, features and arts sections, lifestyle, jobs and property.
Each issue contains well-informed background analysis and assessment of the events of the day, and diversity of debate in the daily opinion columns.
Alanna Gallagher is a freelance journalist who contributes to publications such as the Irish Times and Sunday Times. She has also recently started her own weekly e-zine (electronic-magazine), The Weekly Edit, which gives Alanna’s top picks in fashion, beauty, interiors, and things to do that week.
Below is Ms. Gallagher’s article which can also be found at: http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/travel/2011/0108/1224286988991.html
“You’ve attended full moon parties in Thailand and roasted your bones in Denang on China Beach in Vietnam but the new country to explore in Asia is the Philippines.
“It offers first-class diving and beaches like Thailand had 20 or 30 years ago before it was over-developed. Fly to Abu Dhabi and on to Manila.
“There are two stand-out yet accessible names to drop: the islands of Cebu; and Boracay. Cebu is where Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan first planted the Cross of Christianity in the name of Spain in 1521.
“A nine-night package including seven nights BB at the five-star Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa (on Mactan Island just off the coast of Cebu) and two nights, room only four-star Park Lane Hotel, Hong Kong costs €1,679pps. This price includes return flights with Cathay Pacific via London and Hong Kong to Cebu and is valid from May 5th to June 16th through Trailfinders).
The daily broadsheet based in Dublin, Ireland, said the Philippines’ pristine beaches and first-class diving sites were the main reasons the country was chosen over other well-known tourist attractions in the region.
In an article published in T.I.T’s January 8, 2011 weekend supplement entitled “What’s Hot for 2011,” writer Alanna Gallagher was all praises for two “stand-out yet accessible” tourist attractions to visit in the Philippines: the islands of Cebu; and Boracay island in Malay, Aklan.
“It (Cebu and Boracay) offers first-class diving and beaches like Thailand had 20 or 30 years ago before it was over-developed,” Gallagher’s article read.
With these distinctions, aside from many other more tourist attractions to see and experience, Gallaghar says, “the new country to explore in Asia is the Philippines.”
The Irish Times, which was established in 1859, is Ireland’s quality daily newspaper with news reports coming from throughout Ireland and from a comprehensive network of foreign correspondents, as well as sports and business coverage, features and arts sections, lifestyle, jobs and property.
Each issue contains well-informed background analysis and assessment of the events of the day, and diversity of debate in the daily opinion columns.
Alanna Gallagher is a freelance journalist who contributes to publications such as the Irish Times and Sunday Times. She has also recently started her own weekly e-zine (electronic-magazine), The Weekly Edit, which gives Alanna’s top picks in fashion, beauty, interiors, and things to do that week.
Below is Ms. Gallagher’s article which can also be found at: http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/travel/2011/0108/1224286988991.html
“You’ve attended full moon parties in Thailand and roasted your bones in Denang on China Beach in Vietnam but the new country to explore in Asia is the Philippines.
“It offers first-class diving and beaches like Thailand had 20 or 30 years ago before it was over-developed. Fly to Abu Dhabi and on to Manila.
“There are two stand-out yet accessible names to drop: the islands of Cebu; and Boracay. Cebu is where Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan first planted the Cross of Christianity in the name of Spain in 1521.
“A nine-night package including seven nights BB at the five-star Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa (on Mactan Island just off the coast of Cebu) and two nights, room only four-star Park Lane Hotel, Hong Kong costs €1,679pps. This price includes return flights with Cathay Pacific via London and Hong Kong to Cebu and is valid from May 5th to June 16th through Trailfinders).
3 Mindanao-based groups eyed in Makati bombing
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Monday, January 24, 2011
Making 2011 a good year for good health according to Feng Shui
Feng shui has become part of the Filipino art and science toward wellness. The Chinese have for centuries looked to feng shui to help improve one’s life through balance in the flow of positive Chi (energy) and harness it favorably.
February 3 ushers in the year of the Golden (Metal) Rabbit in the Chinese calendar. Following are some of the interesting forecasts for the year 2011 from feng shui experts.
This year will be a good one for people born in the year of the Ox, Dragon, Tiger, and Snake, who will enjoy good fortune and a positive year ahead as windows of opportunity open. They are most likely to reach their goals as long as they keep their mind focused on what they want to achieve.
Healthwise, people born under the year of the Tiger, Rabbit, Snake and Horse are advised to take extra precautions, as stress and sickness may hinder their progress this year. Charms such as Brass Wu Lou with eight immortals and the jade bracelet are said to counteract bad health. Charms and crystals appear to promote and improve physical, mental and spiritual health.
While medical practitioners believe that there is nothing wrong with applying feng shui principles to enhance wellness, they firmly believe that it should be accompanied by expert medical advice. Healthway Medical, the country’s largest mall-based clinic, believes that everyone should give high importance to their health as it is an individual’s most important investment and biggest asset.
Healthway Medical offers HealthCheQ Gold, a premium brand of executive checkup in partnership with Nurture Spa. Its packages include complete laboratory and imaging studies, a comprehensive physical evaluation, and special examinations combined with an anti-stress activity in a spa. HealthCheQ promises to make medical checkups something that people will look forward to.
Premium perks of the HealthCheQ Gold packages include personalized convenience, quality hygienic medical procedures, online appointment or scheduling, results within 72 hours, quality hard-copy report for future reference, pampering experience from Healthway’s sister company (Clarity Aesthetic Medical and Dental Center), chauffeured service from Healthway Clinic to Nurture Spa Village in Tagaytay, and a choice of overnight wellness experiences.
February 3 ushers in the year of the Golden (Metal) Rabbit in the Chinese calendar. Following are some of the interesting forecasts for the year 2011 from feng shui experts.
This year will be a good one for people born in the year of the Ox, Dragon, Tiger, and Snake, who will enjoy good fortune and a positive year ahead as windows of opportunity open. They are most likely to reach their goals as long as they keep their mind focused on what they want to achieve.
Healthwise, people born under the year of the Tiger, Rabbit, Snake and Horse are advised to take extra precautions, as stress and sickness may hinder their progress this year. Charms such as Brass Wu Lou with eight immortals and the jade bracelet are said to counteract bad health. Charms and crystals appear to promote and improve physical, mental and spiritual health.
While medical practitioners believe that there is nothing wrong with applying feng shui principles to enhance wellness, they firmly believe that it should be accompanied by expert medical advice. Healthway Medical, the country’s largest mall-based clinic, believes that everyone should give high importance to their health as it is an individual’s most important investment and biggest asset.
Healthway Medical offers HealthCheQ Gold, a premium brand of executive checkup in partnership with Nurture Spa. Its packages include complete laboratory and imaging studies, a comprehensive physical evaluation, and special examinations combined with an anti-stress activity in a spa. HealthCheQ promises to make medical checkups something that people will look forward to.
Premium perks of the HealthCheQ Gold packages include personalized convenience, quality hygienic medical procedures, online appointment or scheduling, results within 72 hours, quality hard-copy report for future reference, pampering experience from Healthway’s sister company (Clarity Aesthetic Medical and Dental Center), chauffeured service from Healthway Clinic to Nurture Spa Village in Tagaytay, and a choice of overnight wellness experiences.
Palace, CBCP officials hold second dialogue on family planning program
MANILA, Philippines (PNA) — Palace officials and representatives of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) met anew Monday morning and discussed the responsible parenthood bill that President Benigno S. Aquino III is pushing to strengthen the administration’s poverty reduction measures.
In a press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Atty. Edwin Lacierda said the second dialogue was very cordial, with the government successfully explaining to the prelates the administration plan to prioritize the responsible parenthood bill in lieu of the reproductive health bill still pending at Congress.
Lacierda said the responsible parenthood bill is primarily a poverty reduction measure and not intended to set a parameter or target on population growth rate.
Lacierda was joined by Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman, Health Secretary Enrique Ona and Presidential Management Staff head Julia Abad in the dialogue with catholic clergy leaders.
From the CBCP, present were Archbishop Paciano Aniceto of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of San Fernando City, Pampanga, Bishop Chito Tagle of Imus, Cavite, and Bishop Gabriel Reyes of Antipolo.
He said Secretary Soliman discussed the conditional cash transfer program while Secretary Ona explained the legal aspect of the proposed responsible parenthood bill which they plan to submit to Congress.
Lacierda said the responsible parenthood bill would be among the topics that President Aquino wants to discuss in the forthcoming Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting.
The meeting was the second official talks between the CBCP and the government after President Aquino met with some Catholic bishops at the Bahay Pangarap on Oct. 11, 2010. The first official dialogue was held on Nov. 19 at the Presidential Management Staff office.
In a press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Atty. Edwin Lacierda said the second dialogue was very cordial, with the government successfully explaining to the prelates the administration plan to prioritize the responsible parenthood bill in lieu of the reproductive health bill still pending at Congress.
Lacierda said the responsible parenthood bill is primarily a poverty reduction measure and not intended to set a parameter or target on population growth rate.
Lacierda was joined by Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman, Health Secretary Enrique Ona and Presidential Management Staff head Julia Abad in the dialogue with catholic clergy leaders.
From the CBCP, present were Archbishop Paciano Aniceto of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of San Fernando City, Pampanga, Bishop Chito Tagle of Imus, Cavite, and Bishop Gabriel Reyes of Antipolo.
He said Secretary Soliman discussed the conditional cash transfer program while Secretary Ona explained the legal aspect of the proposed responsible parenthood bill which they plan to submit to Congress.
Lacierda said the responsible parenthood bill would be among the topics that President Aquino wants to discuss in the forthcoming Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting.
The meeting was the second official talks between the CBCP and the government after President Aquino met with some Catholic bishops at the Bahay Pangarap on Oct. 11, 2010. The first official dialogue was held on Nov. 19 at the Presidential Management Staff office.
Dinagyang invited to perform in New York
ILOILO CITY, Philippines — The Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo City has been invited to perform in New York City.
Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog disclosed that the Philippine Independence Day Council Inc. (PIDCI) has an invitation for the city’s famous festival that pays homage to the Santo Niño to perform at the 113th Independence Day commemoration in Manhattan, New York this June.
Mabilog stressed that it will be an opportunity to promote Iloilo City to Americans, Filipino-Americans and a large foreign community.
New York City is considered to be the financial capital and the most populated city in the United States. It is also home to the headquarters of the United Nations.
City tourism officer Ben Jimena explained that PIDCI has only given an invitation, but an agreement has not been reached. Jimena also disclosed that a similar invitation has been extended last 2008, but did not materialize.
“We need to know if how much of the expenses will PIDCI shoulder,” Jimena said.
Jimena further stressed that an agreement must be reached to find out if the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. (IDFI) and the Iloilo City government can afford to send a group of performers to New York.
The Dinagyang has performed in the United States, Japan and Singapore over the years. Its latest foreign performances were in the states of Texas and Minneapolis.
At the home front, the Dinagyang Festival has fostered a strong partnership between the public and private sectors. It led to the city garnering numerous awards including citations from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA), and the Palladium Group.
The Dinagyang has also been inducted into the Hall of Fame by the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) as one of the country’s best tourism events.
Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog disclosed that the Philippine Independence Day Council Inc. (PIDCI) has an invitation for the city’s famous festival that pays homage to the Santo Niño to perform at the 113th Independence Day commemoration in Manhattan, New York this June.
Mabilog stressed that it will be an opportunity to promote Iloilo City to Americans, Filipino-Americans and a large foreign community.
New York City is considered to be the financial capital and the most populated city in the United States. It is also home to the headquarters of the United Nations.
City tourism officer Ben Jimena explained that PIDCI has only given an invitation, but an agreement has not been reached. Jimena also disclosed that a similar invitation has been extended last 2008, but did not materialize.
“We need to know if how much of the expenses will PIDCI shoulder,” Jimena said.
Jimena further stressed that an agreement must be reached to find out if the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. (IDFI) and the Iloilo City government can afford to send a group of performers to New York.
The Dinagyang has performed in the United States, Japan and Singapore over the years. Its latest foreign performances were in the states of Texas and Minneapolis.
At the home front, the Dinagyang Festival has fostered a strong partnership between the public and private sectors. It led to the city garnering numerous awards including citations from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA), and the Palladium Group.
The Dinagyang has also been inducted into the Hall of Fame by the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) as one of the country’s best tourism events.
All-Filipino docs do first liver transplant
MANILA, Philippines – The Medical City announced the first successful pediatric liver transplant Monday performed by an all-Filipino team of doctors.
A three-year old girl who suffered from End-Stage liver disease with complications was the first pediatric patient who benefited from the expertise of the newly established Center for Liver Disease Management and Transplantation of the Medical City.
Charity patient Catherine Erica Buenaventura and her parents have been to several hospitals seeking treatment before she finally met liver transplant surgeon Dr. Vanessa H. de Villa and was referred to The Medical City.
According to hospital experts, the child suffered from complications by portal hypertension, an increase in blood pressure in a system of veins within the stomach, intestine, spleen and pancreas. Erica also suffered from malnutrition and bleeding in the veins around the esophagus.
Through the generosity of her uncle, 18-year old Jefferson Llantino, Erica underwent two operations starting at 7 a.m. on January 7.
Erica’s diseased liver was removed entirely before she received a graft or a portion of her uncle’s liver.
The whole procedure ended at 2:30 a.m. on January 8 and physical therapy sessions began on January 12. In January 18, the feeding tubes were removed.
Today, Erica is feeding normally and she is on her way to full recovery.
“Even when things seemed really difficult, we never lost our faith in God. We knew that He would guide us in this,” Carmela Buenaventura told the press in a conference at the hospital Monday.
Dr. De Villa said they are now working on giving the child full nutrition because at her age, she weighs only 10 kilograms.
The team of doctors who performed the procedure include surgeons Dr. Allan Concejero, Dr. Dante Ang, Dr. Catherine Asedillo, and Dr. Anthony Yap; anesthesiologists Dr. Grace Herbosa, Dr. Celine Ancheta, Dr. Alexandra Odi, Dr. Elena Malong, Dr. Elke Sauz, and Dr. Rolan Carreon.
The medical team was composed of pediatric gastroenterologists Dr. Karen Calixto-Mercado, Dr. Janus Ong, Dr. Eternity Labio, and Jean Guno, among others.
The successful operation was performed through the help of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) which provided P1.25 million for the liver transplant.
The liver transplant procedure amounted to P 3 million, said Dr. Alfredo Bengzon, president and Chief Executive Officer of The Medical City, who described the operation as “a landmark achievement.”
De Villa said that Erica will take lifelong medications, immuno-suppressive drugs that will help her body to respond better to her new liver by suppressing the body’s reactions against a foreign body.
Her medications will be adjusted as she ages and regular medical surveillance is also needed, De Villa noted.
As for the liver donor, De Villa said the liver regenerates and it goes back to pre-donation size in one or two months.
Meanwhile, Margie Juico, PCSO chief, pledged an education grant to 18-year old donor Jefferson.
Liver disease is a common illness in the country affecting both children and adults. Among adults, the culprits are chronic hepatitis B infection, alcoholic liver disease, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Among children, one of the causes is Biliary Atresia, a disease of the bile ducts, the tube-like structures that carry the enzymes for digestion.
This is not the first liver transplant in the country. De Villa said a number of liver transplant procedures have been performed in the past although only a few survived long after the operation.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Deficit likely P310 B to P315 B in 2010 Lower than programmed P325-B ceiling
MANILA, Philippines – The government's budget deficit likely reached between P310 billion and P315 billion last year due to controlled spending, lower interest expense and higher revenue collections compared with 2009, an official said.
A government official, who declined to be identified because the fiscal data are not yet finalized, said the Aquino government was way below the reported P5 billion lower than programmed financing gap for 2010.
The finance department had set a budget deficit ceiling of P325 billion last year, which was equivalent to 3.9 percent of the country's output or gross domestic product (GDP).
The source said the lower deficit spending of the Aquino administration can be gleaned from the revenue collections report for 2010 to the Bureau of Treasury by the first two main tax agencies, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Bureau of Customs.
Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima earlier said that BIR and BoC’s collections last year grew at a faster pace than the country’s 2010 GDP.
The finance department is expected to announce the final budget deficit figure for 2010 next month.
But Purisima confirmed earlier that the government was below the P325 billion programmed deficit for 2010.
Budget and Management Secretary Florencio B. Abad had said the government’s spending last month was at a reasonable level, adding the total spending in December may help the government to end the year with a lower than the P325 billion budget deficit ceiling.
In January to November 2010, the government’s budget deficit stood at P269.8 billion, which was way below by P55.2 billion when compared to the full-year budget gap program.
In November, the government managed to register a small budget surplus of P482 million as revenue climbed 15.8 percent to P111.5 billion while spending rose following a decline in October.
Purisima also said that the government will keep its programmed P290 billion budget deficit for this year despite the lower than expected financing gap in 2010.
He is confident that the government will meet this year’s budget shortfall, which is equivalent to 3.2 percent of GDP.
“I believe in the coming years will be within the targets and we’re sticking to our targets,” Purisima said when asked on the possible revision on the government’s fiscal assumptions due to improved 2010 budget gap.
Several economists have already projected that the government may end the year with a lower than programmed budget gap after the Aquino administration implemented its “austerity measures.”
President Benigno Aquino’s administration plans to increase revenue and spending this year as it seeks investments in roads, bridges and railways to develop an economy, which the World Bank estimated that one in every four lives on a budget of less than $1.25 a day.
A government official, who declined to be identified because the fiscal data are not yet finalized, said the Aquino government was way below the reported P5 billion lower than programmed financing gap for 2010.
The finance department had set a budget deficit ceiling of P325 billion last year, which was equivalent to 3.9 percent of the country's output or gross domestic product (GDP).
The source said the lower deficit spending of the Aquino administration can be gleaned from the revenue collections report for 2010 to the Bureau of Treasury by the first two main tax agencies, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Bureau of Customs.
Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima earlier said that BIR and BoC’s collections last year grew at a faster pace than the country’s 2010 GDP.
The finance department is expected to announce the final budget deficit figure for 2010 next month.
But Purisima confirmed earlier that the government was below the P325 billion programmed deficit for 2010.
Budget and Management Secretary Florencio B. Abad had said the government’s spending last month was at a reasonable level, adding the total spending in December may help the government to end the year with a lower than the P325 billion budget deficit ceiling.
In January to November 2010, the government’s budget deficit stood at P269.8 billion, which was way below by P55.2 billion when compared to the full-year budget gap program.
In November, the government managed to register a small budget surplus of P482 million as revenue climbed 15.8 percent to P111.5 billion while spending rose following a decline in October.
Purisima also said that the government will keep its programmed P290 billion budget deficit for this year despite the lower than expected financing gap in 2010.
He is confident that the government will meet this year’s budget shortfall, which is equivalent to 3.2 percent of GDP.
“I believe in the coming years will be within the targets and we’re sticking to our targets,” Purisima said when asked on the possible revision on the government’s fiscal assumptions due to improved 2010 budget gap.
Several economists have already projected that the government may end the year with a lower than programmed budget gap after the Aquino administration implemented its “austerity measures.”
President Benigno Aquino’s administration plans to increase revenue and spending this year as it seeks investments in roads, bridges and railways to develop an economy, which the World Bank estimated that one in every four lives on a budget of less than $1.25 a day.
Palace on NFA abolition
MANILA, Philippines (PNA) — Malacañang wants to focus on getting the results of the formal audit at the National Food Authority (NFA) before debating on whether or not the agency should be abolished.
"At this point, the discussion of abolition of the NFA has been preliminary. As of the moment, the focus really is to get the details of the audit," Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a radio interview over State-run Radyo ng Bayan.
Earlier, Department of Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Abad said the government is studying the possibility of NFA's abolition.
The plan to abolish the agency came after NFA administrator Angelito Banayo discovered that the government incurred P176.7-billion in debt due to over importation of rice.
"At this point, the discussion of abolition of the NFA has been preliminary. As of the moment, the focus really is to get the details of the audit," Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a radio interview over State-run Radyo ng Bayan.
Earlier, Department of Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Abad said the government is studying the possibility of NFA's abolition.
The plan to abolish the agency came after NFA administrator Angelito Banayo discovered that the government incurred P176.7-billion in debt due to over importation of rice.
Dominguez surrenders
MANILA, Philippines – Raymond Dominguez, alleged leader of the No. 1 carnapping syndicate in the country, surrendered to police in Malolos City, Bulacan, late Saturday night in fear for his life after being tagged as a principal suspect in three gruesome murders last week.
Senior Superintendent Wendy Rosario, Bulacan Police Provincial Office (PPO) director, said Dominguez volunteered to be placed under police custody even without a court-issued warrant for his arrest.
“He told us that he is afraid because of the threats on his life, so he said he will stay here in the camp, under our watch,” Rosario said.
Dominguez, who is one of nine people tagged by police in the murder of car dealer Venson Evangelista, was accompanied by his legal counsel, his mother, and some journalists when he arrived at the PPO Headquarters in Malolos around 10 p.m.
Rosario said Dominguez is not under arrest and is free to leave the camp any time since no arrest warrant has been issued in connection with his alleged involvement in the killings of Evangelista, Emerson Lozano, another car dealer, and the latter’s driver, Ernani Sencil.
“We want to put it in black and white because I don’t want my men to be placed in the bad light regarding this issue, that’s why are drafting some conditions for his stay in our custody,” said Rosario as he clarified that it was Dominguez, in the presence of his legal counsel, who wanted to stay the police headquarters.
“We will present i t to him (Dominguez) and his legal counsel for them to review and sign,” he added, noting that they are still drafting the condition as of 1 p.m. Sunday.
Earlier, two persons in police custody in connection with the Evangelista case, tagged Dominguez and his brother Roger, as the brains behind the abduction and grisly killing of the 30-year-old car dealer.
Evangelista was abducted on January 13 in Quezon City during a test drive of the Land Cruiser he was selling. His burned cadaver was found the following day in Cabanatuan City.
Lawyer Joey Cruz, counsel for Dominguez, said his client decided to surface to shed light and clear his name after he and his brother, Roger, were linked to the series of murder cases that took place after he was granted bail and assumed temporary liberty last Dec. 29, 2010 for a carnapping case.
9 charged with carnapping, murder of Evangelista Alfred Mendiola and Ferdinand Parulan, alias “Batibot,” the two other suspects in police custody since Friday, were subject to marathon inquest proceedings at the Quezon City Prosecutors Office late Saturday night.
Chief Superintendent Benjardi Mantele, Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director, said they were charged with murder and carnapping.
Named co-accused in the case were Raymond Dominguez; his brother Roger Dominguez, alias “Ogie;” an alias “Jayson;” a certain “Joel,” who allegedly posed as a mechanic; one “Rolly;” and two John Does.
Mantele told newsmen similar raps were filed against the suspects who remained at large after Quezon City Assistant Prosecutor Solivan Usman established conspiracy in the crime committed against Evangelista.
Police are eyeing the involvement of the same set of suspects in the killings of Lozano and Sencil, noting the similarity of the incident. All three victims were abducted, shot in the head, their bodies burned before they were dumped.
Mantele said the kidnapping charge was dropped against the suspects since it was “dissolved by the murder raps’’ as there was a premeditated plan to kill Evangelista.
He said the filing of murder and kidnapping raps against the nine suspects is only an initial disposition of Usman that is subjected to the approval of Deputy State Prosecutor and officer-in-charge (OIC) Quezon City Chief Prosecutor Richard Anthony Fadullon.
Mantele stressed that the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office may either uphold or change the initial disposition of Usman against the nine murder and carnapping suspects.
Murder is a non-bailable case while carnapping suspects can post bail of P180, 000 for their temporary freedom.
3 Evangelista witnesses surface Before Mendiola and Parulan were brought to the fourth floor of the Quezon City Hall of Justice where the Quezon City Prosecutors Office is located three men with their faces covered shied away from the media and rushed to Usman’s office with police escorts in tow.
The three men who media men earlier mistaken to be the suspects were identified by their QCPD police escorts as witnesses in the Evangelista case.
As the cameras of the newsmen clicked, the three tried to cover their faces even more prompting the security personnel of the Quezon City Hall of Justice to put a barricade to distance them from the throngs of TV, radio and print reporters.
The victim’s father Arsenio Evangelista and wife Mary Grace, Mantele, Superintendent Antonio Yarra and other police officers and investigators arrived around 8:30 p.m. and joined the witnesses at Usman’s office.
At 10:10 p.m., Mendiola and Parulan with police escorts armed with long rifles led by Superintendent Manuel Lucban Region 3 Investigation and Detection Management chief arrived at Usman’s office from Pampanga.
Earlier, Atty. Noel Quioc, the lawyer of Mendiola, said they were surprised with the sudden decision to inquest his client in Quezon City.
Chief Supt. Alan L.M. Purisima, PRO3 director, assured that Mendiola and Parulan are not “fall guys.”
“They know that we are closing in on them, that’s why they were forced to surrender,” said Purisima, adding that the two were allegedly new in the syndicate and had been moved by their conscience to confess.
He said Mendiola confessed he was the “transvestite” who posed as a buyer by the name of “Allan Torres” when he asked Evangelista to test drive the Land Cruiser last January 13.
Parulan, on the other hand, confessed that he had in his possession Evangelista’s valuables, Purisima said.
Mendiola’s confession Superintendent Antonio Yarra, QCPD chief for the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU), said that an alias “Jojo” helper of the Evangelistas at their car shop on Scout Catolos, Barangay Pinagkaisahan, opened the gate for Mendiola who identified himself as “Allan Torres” on the day that Venson was abducted.
Mendiola disguised as Torres inquired about the black Land Cruiser being sold by the car dealer victim.
Another police officer who requested anonymity said that alias Jomar a neighborhood friend of the victim saw Mendiola talking with Venson Evangelista on that fateful day while a certain Angelo witnessed that the Toyota Land Cruiser was being followed by a green Pajero near the car shop at about 4 p.m. during the test drive.
The police officer said that Angelo saw a man pointing a gun at Evangelista who was then driving the Land Cruiser while another man alighted from the green Pajero went to the other vehicle’s driver seat where he also pointed his gun at the victim.
After the man who alighted from the green Pajero took over the steering wheel of the Land Cruiser both vehicles immediately sped off from the scene.
Another police officer said that Mendiola and Parulan being new members of the group decided to surrender to police authorities for fear of being salvaged by the alleged dreaded carnapping syndicate.
Yarra said that despite Mendiola’s and Parulan’s confession and surrender to proper authorities, they remain as suspects in the Evangelista killing and carnapping case that is why they were subjected to inquest proceedings.
Mendiola and Parulan were later placed under the custody of the Criminal Investigation Detection Group (CIDG) in Region 3 after their inquest proceedings at the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.
Bulacan PD relieved Senior Superintendent Fernando Villanueva, director of the Bulacan Provincial Police Office, was relieved of his post but ranking police officials are mum on the reasons why he was replaced.
Purisima confirmed that Villanueva was administratively relieved and replaced by Rosario.
When asked if the relief was connected to the murders, Purisima said:
“We are investigating something.” Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz, spokesman of the Philippine National Police (PNP), offered a little more detail: “The PD (provincial director) of Bulacan was administratively relieved pending investigations being conducted on several high-profile criminal incidents during his watch.”
Meanwhile, Rosario said the Bulacan PPO assumes that Dominguez will stay under police custody until such time that any arrest warrant would be issued against him in connection with the Evangelista, Lozano and Sencil cases.
Asked to comment on the decision of Dominguez to be inside the camp, Rosario said: “Well, we thank him for trusting us. But beyond that, I cannot comment anymore because our main concern is his security while he is inside our camp.”
Rosario also stressed that placing Dominguez under their custody does not mean anything, explaining that any civilian who want to be placed under custody is open to proceed to their camp.
“It is our responsibility to ensure the security of any civilian who feels his life is at risk. With regard to his case, I think there is also a good side to it, on our part, because we will no longer look for him when the time comes that the police need him,” said Rosario.
Dominguez was taken to Camp Alejo Santos in Malolos City past 9 p.m. by a police car of the Calumpit Police Station that fetched him from his house in Barangay Iba-Este, Calumpit.
Raymond’s brother Roger alias “Ogie”, said to be the owner of the apartment raided by joint elements of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the PNP Regional Office 3 last Friday night in San Fernando City, Pampanga, was not around when Raymond surrendered to the Bulacan police.
Rosario said they have no information, so far, on whether or not Roger will also yield.
Senior Superintendent Wendy Rosario, Bulacan Police Provincial Office (PPO) director, said Dominguez volunteered to be placed under police custody even without a court-issued warrant for his arrest.
“He told us that he is afraid because of the threats on his life, so he said he will stay here in the camp, under our watch,” Rosario said.
Dominguez, who is one of nine people tagged by police in the murder of car dealer Venson Evangelista, was accompanied by his legal counsel, his mother, and some journalists when he arrived at the PPO Headquarters in Malolos around 10 p.m.
Rosario said Dominguez is not under arrest and is free to leave the camp any time since no arrest warrant has been issued in connection with his alleged involvement in the killings of Evangelista, Emerson Lozano, another car dealer, and the latter’s driver, Ernani Sencil.
“We want to put it in black and white because I don’t want my men to be placed in the bad light regarding this issue, that’s why are drafting some conditions for his stay in our custody,” said Rosario as he clarified that it was Dominguez, in the presence of his legal counsel, who wanted to stay the police headquarters.
“We will present i t to him (Dominguez) and his legal counsel for them to review and sign,” he added, noting that they are still drafting the condition as of 1 p.m. Sunday.
Earlier, two persons in police custody in connection with the Evangelista case, tagged Dominguez and his brother Roger, as the brains behind the abduction and grisly killing of the 30-year-old car dealer.
Evangelista was abducted on January 13 in Quezon City during a test drive of the Land Cruiser he was selling. His burned cadaver was found the following day in Cabanatuan City.
Lawyer Joey Cruz, counsel for Dominguez, said his client decided to surface to shed light and clear his name after he and his brother, Roger, were linked to the series of murder cases that took place after he was granted bail and assumed temporary liberty last Dec. 29, 2010 for a carnapping case.
9 charged with carnapping, murder of Evangelista Alfred Mendiola and Ferdinand Parulan, alias “Batibot,” the two other suspects in police custody since Friday, were subject to marathon inquest proceedings at the Quezon City Prosecutors Office late Saturday night.
Chief Superintendent Benjardi Mantele, Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director, said they were charged with murder and carnapping.
Named co-accused in the case were Raymond Dominguez; his brother Roger Dominguez, alias “Ogie;” an alias “Jayson;” a certain “Joel,” who allegedly posed as a mechanic; one “Rolly;” and two John Does.
Mantele told newsmen similar raps were filed against the suspects who remained at large after Quezon City Assistant Prosecutor Solivan Usman established conspiracy in the crime committed against Evangelista.
Police are eyeing the involvement of the same set of suspects in the killings of Lozano and Sencil, noting the similarity of the incident. All three victims were abducted, shot in the head, their bodies burned before they were dumped.
Mantele said the kidnapping charge was dropped against the suspects since it was “dissolved by the murder raps’’ as there was a premeditated plan to kill Evangelista.
He said the filing of murder and kidnapping raps against the nine suspects is only an initial disposition of Usman that is subjected to the approval of Deputy State Prosecutor and officer-in-charge (OIC) Quezon City Chief Prosecutor Richard Anthony Fadullon.
Mantele stressed that the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office may either uphold or change the initial disposition of Usman against the nine murder and carnapping suspects.
Murder is a non-bailable case while carnapping suspects can post bail of P180, 000 for their temporary freedom.
3 Evangelista witnesses surface Before Mendiola and Parulan were brought to the fourth floor of the Quezon City Hall of Justice where the Quezon City Prosecutors Office is located three men with their faces covered shied away from the media and rushed to Usman’s office with police escorts in tow.
The three men who media men earlier mistaken to be the suspects were identified by their QCPD police escorts as witnesses in the Evangelista case.
As the cameras of the newsmen clicked, the three tried to cover their faces even more prompting the security personnel of the Quezon City Hall of Justice to put a barricade to distance them from the throngs of TV, radio and print reporters.
The victim’s father Arsenio Evangelista and wife Mary Grace, Mantele, Superintendent Antonio Yarra and other police officers and investigators arrived around 8:30 p.m. and joined the witnesses at Usman’s office.
At 10:10 p.m., Mendiola and Parulan with police escorts armed with long rifles led by Superintendent Manuel Lucban Region 3 Investigation and Detection Management chief arrived at Usman’s office from Pampanga.
Earlier, Atty. Noel Quioc, the lawyer of Mendiola, said they were surprised with the sudden decision to inquest his client in Quezon City.
Chief Supt. Alan L.M. Purisima, PRO3 director, assured that Mendiola and Parulan are not “fall guys.”
“They know that we are closing in on them, that’s why they were forced to surrender,” said Purisima, adding that the two were allegedly new in the syndicate and had been moved by their conscience to confess.
He said Mendiola confessed he was the “transvestite” who posed as a buyer by the name of “Allan Torres” when he asked Evangelista to test drive the Land Cruiser last January 13.
Parulan, on the other hand, confessed that he had in his possession Evangelista’s valuables, Purisima said.
Mendiola’s confession Superintendent Antonio Yarra, QCPD chief for the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU), said that an alias “Jojo” helper of the Evangelistas at their car shop on Scout Catolos, Barangay Pinagkaisahan, opened the gate for Mendiola who identified himself as “Allan Torres” on the day that Venson was abducted.
Mendiola disguised as Torres inquired about the black Land Cruiser being sold by the car dealer victim.
Another police officer who requested anonymity said that alias Jomar a neighborhood friend of the victim saw Mendiola talking with Venson Evangelista on that fateful day while a certain Angelo witnessed that the Toyota Land Cruiser was being followed by a green Pajero near the car shop at about 4 p.m. during the test drive.
The police officer said that Angelo saw a man pointing a gun at Evangelista who was then driving the Land Cruiser while another man alighted from the green Pajero went to the other vehicle’s driver seat where he also pointed his gun at the victim.
After the man who alighted from the green Pajero took over the steering wheel of the Land Cruiser both vehicles immediately sped off from the scene.
Another police officer said that Mendiola and Parulan being new members of the group decided to surrender to police authorities for fear of being salvaged by the alleged dreaded carnapping syndicate.
Yarra said that despite Mendiola’s and Parulan’s confession and surrender to proper authorities, they remain as suspects in the Evangelista killing and carnapping case that is why they were subjected to inquest proceedings.
Mendiola and Parulan were later placed under the custody of the Criminal Investigation Detection Group (CIDG) in Region 3 after their inquest proceedings at the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.
Bulacan PD relieved Senior Superintendent Fernando Villanueva, director of the Bulacan Provincial Police Office, was relieved of his post but ranking police officials are mum on the reasons why he was replaced.
Purisima confirmed that Villanueva was administratively relieved and replaced by Rosario.
When asked if the relief was connected to the murders, Purisima said:
“We are investigating something.” Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz, spokesman of the Philippine National Police (PNP), offered a little more detail: “The PD (provincial director) of Bulacan was administratively relieved pending investigations being conducted on several high-profile criminal incidents during his watch.”
Meanwhile, Rosario said the Bulacan PPO assumes that Dominguez will stay under police custody until such time that any arrest warrant would be issued against him in connection with the Evangelista, Lozano and Sencil cases.
Asked to comment on the decision of Dominguez to be inside the camp, Rosario said: “Well, we thank him for trusting us. But beyond that, I cannot comment anymore because our main concern is his security while he is inside our camp.”
Rosario also stressed that placing Dominguez under their custody does not mean anything, explaining that any civilian who want to be placed under custody is open to proceed to their camp.
“It is our responsibility to ensure the security of any civilian who feels his life is at risk. With regard to his case, I think there is also a good side to it, on our part, because we will no longer look for him when the time comes that the police need him,” said Rosario.
Dominguez was taken to Camp Alejo Santos in Malolos City past 9 p.m. by a police car of the Calumpit Police Station that fetched him from his house in Barangay Iba-Este, Calumpit.
Raymond’s brother Roger alias “Ogie”, said to be the owner of the apartment raided by joint elements of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the PNP Regional Office 3 last Friday night in San Fernando City, Pampanga, was not around when Raymond surrendered to the Bulacan police.
Rosario said they have no information, so far, on whether or not Roger will also yield.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Students spend only four hours in class daily
MANILA, Philippines — Due to the crippling shortage of classrooms and teachers, public school students are spending too little time in actual learning sessions, and this explains their dismal performance in National Achievement Tests (NATs), Dasmariñas City Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr. said.
"The reality in the ground is that students are actually spending only four to five hours in class every day, when they should be spending all day for thorough and complete sessions," Barzaga said.
Barzaga was reacting to the Department of Education's release of a discussion paper on the administration's proposed Enhanced K+12 Basic Education Program, or kindergarten plus six years of primary and six years of secondary schooling.
The paper cited the low NAT scores of students and a "congested curriculum" as key rationales for the administration's push to add two years to the existing four-year high school program.
Owing to the severe lack of classrooms and teachers, Barzaga said many schools have been forced to adopt a three-shift strategy -- the first from 6 to 10a.m,. the second from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the third from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. -- to accommodate the swelling student population.
He cited the case of Dasmariñas's Pintong Gubat Elementary School, which has three four-hour shifts every day at 50 students per section, and that of Dr. J. P. Rizal Elementary School, which has two five-hour shifts daily at 60 students per section.
Barzaga likewise cited the case of five public secondary schools in Dasmariñas that have two, six-hour shifts with an "excessive" number of 80 students on average per section. They are the Congressional National High School, Dasmariñas West National High School, Dasmariñas East National High School, Dasmariñas North National High School, and the Paliparan National High School.
"Students are spending too little time in class. This is the problem that has to be fixed by government first, before it experiments on a six-year high school program," Barzaga said.
He urged the Aquino administration to spend more to quickly address the lack of teachers and classrooms, and then adopt an intensive single-shift strategy that would enable every student to stay in class from 7a.m. to 5 p.m.
"The only reason this can't be done now is because we don't have enough classrooms and teachers, not to mention textbooks, desks, chairs, etc," he said.
"Of course the school system's curriculum is congested. Because teachers are being forced to compress in four hours the lessons that ought be taught in eight. Because we are packing students in class like sardines, which would not be the case if we have enough school facilities and personnel," Barzaga said.
He also cited the need for government to reinforce existing public day care centers to help prepare toddlers for elementary school, in the absence of a formal kindergarten system.
"Fortunately for us in Dasmariñas, we have ample public free day care facilities because the city government has enough financial resources. But what about the cities and municipalities that do not have the extra funds?" Barzaga said.
"The reality in the ground is that students are actually spending only four to five hours in class every day, when they should be spending all day for thorough and complete sessions," Barzaga said.
Barzaga was reacting to the Department of Education's release of a discussion paper on the administration's proposed Enhanced K+12 Basic Education Program, or kindergarten plus six years of primary and six years of secondary schooling.
The paper cited the low NAT scores of students and a "congested curriculum" as key rationales for the administration's push to add two years to the existing four-year high school program.
Owing to the severe lack of classrooms and teachers, Barzaga said many schools have been forced to adopt a three-shift strategy -- the first from 6 to 10a.m,. the second from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the third from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. -- to accommodate the swelling student population.
He cited the case of Dasmariñas's Pintong Gubat Elementary School, which has three four-hour shifts every day at 50 students per section, and that of Dr. J. P. Rizal Elementary School, which has two five-hour shifts daily at 60 students per section.
Barzaga likewise cited the case of five public secondary schools in Dasmariñas that have two, six-hour shifts with an "excessive" number of 80 students on average per section. They are the Congressional National High School, Dasmariñas West National High School, Dasmariñas East National High School, Dasmariñas North National High School, and the Paliparan National High School.
"Students are spending too little time in class. This is the problem that has to be fixed by government first, before it experiments on a six-year high school program," Barzaga said.
He urged the Aquino administration to spend more to quickly address the lack of teachers and classrooms, and then adopt an intensive single-shift strategy that would enable every student to stay in class from 7a.m. to 5 p.m.
"The only reason this can't be done now is because we don't have enough classrooms and teachers, not to mention textbooks, desks, chairs, etc," he said.
"Of course the school system's curriculum is congested. Because teachers are being forced to compress in four hours the lessons that ought be taught in eight. Because we are packing students in class like sardines, which would not be the case if we have enough school facilities and personnel," Barzaga said.
He also cited the need for government to reinforce existing public day care centers to help prepare toddlers for elementary school, in the absence of a formal kindergarten system.
"Fortunately for us in Dasmariñas, we have ample public free day care facilities because the city government has enough financial resources. But what about the cities and municipalities that do not have the extra funds?" Barzaga said.
Aid urged for thousands of Eastern Samar flood victims
BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Philippines — Thousands of flood victims in Eastern Samar have received relief goods but many more are starving and need urgent help from the Government so as to recover from floods that struck the Eastern Visayas region as a result of continuous rains since December 2010.
Rep. Ben P. Evardone (Lone District, Eastern Samar) said that he has distributed relief goods to flood victims in this city, and the towns of Quinapondan, Can-Avid, Dolores, San Policarpo, Balangkayan, Sulat, and the interior towns of Maslog and Jipapad to alleviate affected residents’ problems of food and medical needs.
He said some 21,166 flood victims from these towns are affected by flood waters that inundated their municipalities, damaging government infrastructure and their personal belongings.
He said he gave 3,200 relief goods composed of rice, noodles and sardines, used clothing and 1,250 sacks of rice funded by his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), and another 250 rice sacks that were donated to him by the Philippine Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
They also received medicines for their immediate medical needs, Evardone said.
The Eastern Samar solon said that while they were quick to distribute relief goods, what remains a big problem and challenge is the rehabilitation of thousands of victims, particularly in recovering their damaged properties and livelihoods.
Rep. Ben P. Evardone (Lone District, Eastern Samar) said that he has distributed relief goods to flood victims in this city, and the towns of Quinapondan, Can-Avid, Dolores, San Policarpo, Balangkayan, Sulat, and the interior towns of Maslog and Jipapad to alleviate affected residents’ problems of food and medical needs.
He said some 21,166 flood victims from these towns are affected by flood waters that inundated their municipalities, damaging government infrastructure and their personal belongings.
He said he gave 3,200 relief goods composed of rice, noodles and sardines, used clothing and 1,250 sacks of rice funded by his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), and another 250 rice sacks that were donated to him by the Philippine Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
They also received medicines for their immediate medical needs, Evardone said.
The Eastern Samar solon said that while they were quick to distribute relief goods, what remains a big problem and challenge is the rehabilitation of thousands of victims, particularly in recovering their damaged properties and livelihoods.
Lapid wants Filipino translation of foreign signages, billboards
MANILA, Philippines (PNA) — A lawmaker who once proposed a Filipino version of the Senate rules now wants signages and billboards written in incomprehensible foreign languages also bear translations in the vernacular.
Senator Lito Lapid has filed Senate Bill 2639 or "An Act Amending Section 447(A) of the Local Government Code of the Philippines," requiring all signs, signboards, or billboards written in a foreign language to bear corresponding Filipino or English translation.
"It has been observed that there has been a widespread emergence of restaurants and other specialty shops in the country bearing signages in foreign languages or characters other than English. This is due to the migration of foreign nationals to the country, and their settlement into different communities within the country," Lapid said.
Lapid noticed the mushrooming of immigrants in the country, while signages and billboards written in Japanese, Korean, Chinese and other foreign languages have also increased specially dotting restaurants and specialty shops.
"As a means of livelihood, these foreign nationals establish businesses which cater primarily to the needs and wants of their fellow migrants," Lapid said.
"It should be remembered that, although these restaurants and shops are meant mainly to provide for the basic necessities of these foreigners, It is deemed irreverent that we Filipinos are left to wonder what these signages mean and what these businesses are for. In effect, we are being alienated in our very own country," he added.
Lapid said it is the responsibility of the government to protect Filipino consumers with the entry of many immigrants specially from India and China.
"We, as Filipinos, should never be subjected to the alienation and seclusion that we are experiencing due to this phenomenon. In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought," Lapid said.
Senator Lito Lapid has filed Senate Bill 2639 or "An Act Amending Section 447(A) of the Local Government Code of the Philippines," requiring all signs, signboards, or billboards written in a foreign language to bear corresponding Filipino or English translation.
"It has been observed that there has been a widespread emergence of restaurants and other specialty shops in the country bearing signages in foreign languages or characters other than English. This is due to the migration of foreign nationals to the country, and their settlement into different communities within the country," Lapid said.
Lapid noticed the mushrooming of immigrants in the country, while signages and billboards written in Japanese, Korean, Chinese and other foreign languages have also increased specially dotting restaurants and specialty shops.
"As a means of livelihood, these foreign nationals establish businesses which cater primarily to the needs and wants of their fellow migrants," Lapid said.
"It should be remembered that, although these restaurants and shops are meant mainly to provide for the basic necessities of these foreigners, It is deemed irreverent that we Filipinos are left to wonder what these signages mean and what these businesses are for. In effect, we are being alienated in our very own country," he added.
Lapid said it is the responsibility of the government to protect Filipino consumers with the entry of many immigrants specially from India and China.
"We, as Filipinos, should never be subjected to the alienation and seclusion that we are experiencing due to this phenomenon. In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought," Lapid said.
Its Nobody but Binay
MANILA, Philippines – Nobody but Vice President Jejomar C. Binay should be the “chief troubleshooter” (CT) of the Aquino administration, his political party, the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), said Wednesday.
In Malacañang, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. said his functions will not be affected should unsuccessful vice-presidential candidate Manual “Mar” Roxas II be appointed as “chief troubleshooter” of the Aquino administration as his role is defined by law.
In its official Facebook page, PDP-Laban said the title should belong to Binay being the second highest official in the land and not to the former senator, who President Benigno S. Aquino III said will be “one of his chief troubleshooters” once the one-year ban for losing candidates in the May 2010 polls ends.
“When P-Noy (Aquino) said that Mar Roxas would be ‘Chief Troubleshooter’, what does this exactly mean? two archbishops from Cebu reacted with this statement and raised fears that the ‘CT’ might be more powerful or influential than Vice President Jejomar Binay or other Cabinet members. We wouldn't want this to happen,” PDP-Laban said.
A supporter of PDP-Laban's official Facebook page said Binay should be given the title of “CT.”
This was seconded by the party chaired by Binay.
“VP Binay must be chief troubleshooter as he is the second highest elected official in the land,” PDP-Laban said.
Binay, who defeated Roxas in the vice presidential race in the May, 2010 elections, had been tight-lipped about Roxas' impending appointment in the Cabinet.
Roxas, who has questioned Binay's win, is viewed to be one of the Vice President's biggest rivals for the presidency in 2016.
Malacañang earlier said that it sees no problem having Binay and Roxas at the same time in the Cabinet despite their political differences, citing that the two have a similar goal, which is pushing for the country's welfare.
Binay is currently the Presidential Adviser for Overseas Filipino Workers' Concerns and Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council chairman.
Aquino had said that he “is no superman who could do everything for the nation,” which is why he needs the help of people he can rely on, like his unsuccessful running mate in the 2010 polls, in running the country.
Some sectors, including Cotabato Auxiliary Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo and Marbel Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez had expressed concern that Roxas could wield tremendous influence in Malacañang.
“Walang magbabago sa setup [The setup will not change]. In the first place, the functions of the Executive Secretary are already mandated by law,” Ochoa said Thursday over Radyo ng Bayan.
“There’s no harm if eventually after the [election] ban, he will be part of the Cabinet. Ever since we started off, we welcome all kinds of help we can get because the presidency is a Herculean task,” he said.
“The President cannot solve everything within the span of six years… The President saw the expertise of Mar Roxas,” Ochoa added.
Meanwhile, Joey Salgado, Binay’s spokesperson, said the Vice President can work with anyone “for as long as the President fulfills his campaign promise to the people.”
“Political loyalties should give way to the more urgent task of restoring of the people’s trust in government and restoring the dignity of the citizens. Trabaho muna, walang pulitika,” Salgado said.
In Malacañang, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. said his functions will not be affected should unsuccessful vice-presidential candidate Manual “Mar” Roxas II be appointed as “chief troubleshooter” of the Aquino administration as his role is defined by law.
In its official Facebook page, PDP-Laban said the title should belong to Binay being the second highest official in the land and not to the former senator, who President Benigno S. Aquino III said will be “one of his chief troubleshooters” once the one-year ban for losing candidates in the May 2010 polls ends.
“When P-Noy (Aquino) said that Mar Roxas would be ‘Chief Troubleshooter’, what does this exactly mean? two archbishops from Cebu reacted with this statement and raised fears that the ‘CT’ might be more powerful or influential than Vice President Jejomar Binay or other Cabinet members. We wouldn't want this to happen,” PDP-Laban said.
A supporter of PDP-Laban's official Facebook page said Binay should be given the title of “CT.”
This was seconded by the party chaired by Binay.
“VP Binay must be chief troubleshooter as he is the second highest elected official in the land,” PDP-Laban said.
Binay, who defeated Roxas in the vice presidential race in the May, 2010 elections, had been tight-lipped about Roxas' impending appointment in the Cabinet.
Roxas, who has questioned Binay's win, is viewed to be one of the Vice President's biggest rivals for the presidency in 2016.
Malacañang earlier said that it sees no problem having Binay and Roxas at the same time in the Cabinet despite their political differences, citing that the two have a similar goal, which is pushing for the country's welfare.
Binay is currently the Presidential Adviser for Overseas Filipino Workers' Concerns and Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council chairman.
Aquino had said that he “is no superman who could do everything for the nation,” which is why he needs the help of people he can rely on, like his unsuccessful running mate in the 2010 polls, in running the country.
Some sectors, including Cotabato Auxiliary Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo and Marbel Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez had expressed concern that Roxas could wield tremendous influence in Malacañang.
“Walang magbabago sa setup [The setup will not change]. In the first place, the functions of the Executive Secretary are already mandated by law,” Ochoa said Thursday over Radyo ng Bayan.
“There’s no harm if eventually after the [election] ban, he will be part of the Cabinet. Ever since we started off, we welcome all kinds of help we can get because the presidency is a Herculean task,” he said.
“The President cannot solve everything within the span of six years… The President saw the expertise of Mar Roxas,” Ochoa added.
Meanwhile, Joey Salgado, Binay’s spokesperson, said the Vice President can work with anyone “for as long as the President fulfills his campaign promise to the people.”
“Political loyalties should give way to the more urgent task of restoring of the people’s trust in government and restoring the dignity of the citizens. Trabaho muna, walang pulitika,” Salgado said.
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