Resigning from her post may save impeached Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez from a trial at the Senate, but may lead to criminal charges to be handled by her successor, a lawmaker said Friday.
Reacting to news about Gutierrez’s reported resignation, House justice committee chairman Rep. Niel Tupas Jr. said the move, if true, could save her from the Senate trial but not from possible criminal charges that would likely be filed against her.
"Magiging moot ang impeachment trial sa Senado, pero hindi ibig sabihin libre na siya sa ginawa niya. The process of impeachment is only to impeach and remove her from office. Ang second step, ang kaso against [her]," Tupas said in an interview on dzBB radio.
He said the venue of such charges would be before the next Ombudsman.
After her impeachment by the House of Representatives in March, Gutierrez was set to face trial by the Senate starting May 9.
Meanwhile, militant groups that filed an impeachment complaint against Gutierrez said the next step should be to go after former President Gloria Arroyo.
"Sa ngayon totoo yan, walang magaganap na trial kung nag-resign si Merceditas Gutierrez. Ang next step habulin si Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo," Bagong Alyansang Makabayan secretary general Renato Reyes Jr. said in a separate interview on dzBB.
He said many of the impeachment complaints against Gutierrez had involved alleged irregularities under the Arroyo administration.
News about Gutierrez's resignation broke out before noon Friday.
Reports said Gutierrez submitted her letter of resignation to President Benigno Simeon Aquino III earlier in the day, 10 days before her Senate impeachment trial was set to begin on May 9.
Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo said Gutierrez personally handed her resignation letter to Aquino "about an hour ago," when GMA News Online called him up at around noon on Friday. — LBG/RSJ,
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
News Update Aquino names new Comelec commissioner
MANILA, Philippines - Veteran information technology (IT) expert Augusto C. Lagman has been appointed new commissioner of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to help ensure smooth automated elections in the near
future, Malacañang announced Wednesday.
President Aquino has chosen Lagman, a certified computing professional, to assume the seat vacated by Comelec Commissioner Nicodemo Ferrer who retired early this year.
Lagman, whose appointment paper was signed last April 20, will serve the Comelec until February 2, 2018, according to Deputy Presidential Spokeswoman Abigail Valte.
Prior to his appointment, Lagman served as chairman of Vinta Systems, Inc. and a director of STI College and Biometrix Technologies, Inc.
"He is a known expert in the field of IT and he has been very involved in the automated elections. We know that he has spoken out on so many issues relating to the automated elections. We are confident that he can discharge the duties of his office as capably and competently as he has in the past," Valte said.
Valte explained that Lagman was chosen by the President due to his competence in the IT sector. She said the President had always wanted an IT expert to be part of the poll body to avoid the errors committed in the last May automated elections.
Asked why it took a while for the President to find Ferrer's replacement, Valte said the President had to thoroughly screen and interview some nominees for the Comelec post before he finally picked Lagman.
"The President really wanted to find the right person for the job and sometimes it really takes quite, some time to go over the shortlist. Sometimes also, the President takes a personal hand in interviewing some nominees for any prospective position," she said.
future, Malacañang announced Wednesday.
President Aquino has chosen Lagman, a certified computing professional, to assume the seat vacated by Comelec Commissioner Nicodemo Ferrer who retired early this year.
Lagman, whose appointment paper was signed last April 20, will serve the Comelec until February 2, 2018, according to Deputy Presidential Spokeswoman Abigail Valte.
Prior to his appointment, Lagman served as chairman of Vinta Systems, Inc. and a director of STI College and Biometrix Technologies, Inc.
"He is a known expert in the field of IT and he has been very involved in the automated elections. We know that he has spoken out on so many issues relating to the automated elections. We are confident that he can discharge the duties of his office as capably and competently as he has in the past," Valte said.
Valte explained that Lagman was chosen by the President due to his competence in the IT sector. She said the President had always wanted an IT expert to be part of the poll body to avoid the errors committed in the last May automated elections.
Asked why it took a while for the President to find Ferrer's replacement, Valte said the President had to thoroughly screen and interview some nominees for the Comelec post before he finally picked Lagman.
"The President really wanted to find the right person for the job and sometimes it really takes quite, some time to go over the shortlist. Sometimes also, the President takes a personal hand in interviewing some nominees for any prospective position," she said.
News Update Philippines aims to double tourist arrivals
The Philippines is aiming to nearly double foreign tourist arrivals to 6 million by 2016 with an eye on shoppers and big spenders.
Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim says close to 670,000 tourists visited the Southeast Asian archipelago in the first two months of this year, an 18 percent rise.
With 3.5 million tourists last year, the Philippines still lags behind its neighbors.
Lim said Tuesday that the new civil aviation liberalization policy, construction of 9,500 new hotel rooms in the next three years and programs to train small businesses to cash in on tourist shopping are expected to raise tourism revenues and jobs.
Tourism now accounts for 6 percent of gross domestic product and employs 3.4 million Filipinos.
Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim says close to 670,000 tourists visited the Southeast Asian archipelago in the first two months of this year, an 18 percent rise.
With 3.5 million tourists last year, the Philippines still lags behind its neighbors.
Lim said Tuesday that the new civil aviation liberalization policy, construction of 9,500 new hotel rooms in the next three years and programs to train small businesses to cash in on tourist shopping are expected to raise tourism revenues and jobs.
Tourism now accounts for 6 percent of gross domestic product and employs 3.4 million Filipinos.
News Update Bb. Pilipinas Int'l arrives in Albay for dad's wake
MANILA, Philippines – It was an emotional homecoming for Binibining Pilipinas-International 2011 Dianne Necio, whose father died on Tuesday morning due to cardiomyopathy.
Dianne arrived in her hometown Albay around 2 p.m. Wednesday, a day earlier than her scheduled arrival. The beauty queen was supposed to attend the Mutya ng Magayon 2011 contest set on Thursday.
Her relatives were waiting at the airport when she arrived. From the airport, she went straight home for the wake of her father, Edwin.
As she was being tightly embraced by her only sibling, she wept as she saw the remains of her father.
Dianne was in Manila attending to her duties as a beauty queen when Edwin passed away.
Although she already prepared herself for the inevitable ever since her father was diagnosed with the disease, Dianne said it is still hard to accept that he is already gone.
Edwin was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a disease that weakens and enlarges the heart muscle, in 2006.
She said she last talked to him when she went home after winning the Binibining Pilipinas-International title. Her father was then confined at a hospital.
She said her father seemed to be saying her final goodbyes, but she chose to ignore it.
“Hindi ko expected na ‘yon na ‘yon. ‘Yon na ‘yong huli. Sabi ko, ‘Huwag muna kasi pupunta pa tayo ng China,’” she said.
The beauty titlist will compete in 2011 Miss International in Chengdu, Sichuan province in China in November.
As she prepares herself for the international beauty pageant, she said her father and mother, who died when she was in Grade 2, will serve as her inspiration.
Edwin will be buried on May 4. -Report from Thea Omelan, ABS-CBN News
Dianne arrived in her hometown Albay around 2 p.m. Wednesday, a day earlier than her scheduled arrival. The beauty queen was supposed to attend the Mutya ng Magayon 2011 contest set on Thursday.
Her relatives were waiting at the airport when she arrived. From the airport, she went straight home for the wake of her father, Edwin.
As she was being tightly embraced by her only sibling, she wept as she saw the remains of her father.
Dianne was in Manila attending to her duties as a beauty queen when Edwin passed away.
Although she already prepared herself for the inevitable ever since her father was diagnosed with the disease, Dianne said it is still hard to accept that he is already gone.
Edwin was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a disease that weakens and enlarges the heart muscle, in 2006.
She said she last talked to him when she went home after winning the Binibining Pilipinas-International title. Her father was then confined at a hospital.
She said her father seemed to be saying her final goodbyes, but she chose to ignore it.
“Hindi ko expected na ‘yon na ‘yon. ‘Yon na ‘yong huli. Sabi ko, ‘Huwag muna kasi pupunta pa tayo ng China,’” she said.
The beauty titlist will compete in 2011 Miss International in Chengdu, Sichuan province in China in November.
As she prepares herself for the international beauty pageant, she said her father and mother, who died when she was in Grade 2, will serve as her inspiration.
Edwin will be buried on May 4. -Report from Thea Omelan, ABS-CBN News
News Update Sarangani, Gensan host cop training
ALABEL, Sarangani - Police authorities in Sarangani, General Santos City, and various local government units have agreed to enhance crime investigation proficiency through a partnership agreement they signed last week, Sarangani Gov. Rene Miguel A. Dominguez said.
The program that includes two batches of training aims to enhance the investigation skills of police probers, introduce appropriate forms for proper documentation of events in crime scenes, and revisit the duties, responsibilities, and authority of police officers during the conduct of investigations. (Mick Basa)
The program that includes two batches of training aims to enhance the investigation skills of police probers, introduce appropriate forms for proper documentation of events in crime scenes, and revisit the duties, responsibilities, and authority of police officers during the conduct of investigations. (Mick Basa)
News Update South Cotabato intensifies drive
GENERAL SANTOS CITY -Agriculture officials in South Cotabato urged the provincial government here to allocate some P1.35 million to intensify the campaign against rat infestation in the entire province.
David Nicolas, Provincial Integrated Pest Management (IPM) coordinator, said some P30.8 million worth of palay and corn crops have already been damaged by the rat infestation in the province.
"We really need additional funds to continue with our control operation program," he added. Under the food-for-work program, farmers are entitled to redeem a kilo of rice for every 10 tails of rats collected. (Nonoy Lacson)
David Nicolas, Provincial Integrated Pest Management (IPM) coordinator, said some P30.8 million worth of palay and corn crops have already been damaged by the rat infestation in the province.
"We really need additional funds to continue with our control operation program," he added. Under the food-for-work program, farmers are entitled to redeem a kilo of rice for every 10 tails of rats collected. (Nonoy Lacson)
News Update Food sovereignity consutation held
BUTUAN CITY - The ""Food Sovereignty" program was launched in Mindanao, then in the Visayas and Luzon in an effort to support the food requirements of millions of Filipinos in the country, particularly those in far-flung communities.
The "Food Sovereignty" public consultation started in this city on Tuesday and got the nod of the farmers, agriculture organizations, and local leaders.
The public consultation on "Food Sovereignty" is in preparation for the passage of House Bill on May 9, this year. (Mike Crismundo)
The "Food Sovereignty" public consultation started in this city on Tuesday and got the nod of the farmers, agriculture organizations, and local leaders.
The public consultation on "Food Sovereignty" is in preparation for the passage of House Bill on May 9, this year. (Mike Crismundo)
News Update Processing plant set to open in UPI
UPI, Maguindanao - Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Proceso Alcala will lead top local and national government officials in the inauguration of the newly constructed P1 million Trichoderma and Bio-N Processingand Mixing Plants inside the Upi Agricultural School (UAS) in this town tomorrow.
Upi Mayor Ruben D. Platon said provincial, regional, and national officials, including Committee on Agriculture and Social Justice Chairman Senator Francis Pangilinan, DA Assistant Secretary Dennis Araullo, DA-Bureau of Soils and Water Management Director Dr. Silvinio Tejada are expected to attend the inauguration. (Nonoy Lacson)
Upi Mayor Ruben D. Platon said provincial, regional, and national officials, including Committee on Agriculture and Social Justice Chairman Senator Francis Pangilinan, DA Assistant Secretary Dennis Araullo, DA-Bureau of Soils and Water Management Director Dr. Silvinio Tejada are expected to attend the inauguration. (Nonoy Lacson)
News Update Soldiers tapped for school units
OTABATO CITY, Philippines - A freshly forged civilian-military partnership has gained ground in the safe and swift building of school units in remote areas of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), producing two more new edifices in a village in Maguindanao where children used to hike several kilometers daily just to attend elementary studies.
As the Armed Forces of the Philippines shifted paradigm from combat stance to civic actions, the ARMM governance tapped an Army Task Force in building and rehabilitating school buildings in Maguindanao where frequent armed conflicts had worsened rural children's inaccessibility to schools. (Ali Macabalang)
As the Armed Forces of the Philippines shifted paradigm from combat stance to civic actions, the ARMM governance tapped an Army Task Force in building and rehabilitating school buildings in Maguindanao where frequent armed conflicts had worsened rural children's inaccessibility to schools. (Ali Macabalang)
News Update Metro sizzles at 36.1°C
MANILA, Philippines - Metro Manila sizzled Tuesday afternoon with the highest temperature reading for the year at 36.1 degrees Celsius, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported.
The highest temperature in Metro Manila was recorded at the PAGASA Science Garden in Quezon City at 3:55 p.m. Tuesday, making it the hottest day of the year so far this year.
PAGASA said the prevailing easterly wave, a warm and moist wind from the Pacific Ocean, affects Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Last year, May 26, Metro Manila recorded the hottest day of 2010 with 38 degrees Celsius.
In its 5 a.m. bulletin Tuesday, PAGASA said the weather system will bring mostly cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms in Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Eastern and Southern Mindanao will experience cloudy skies with widespread rains, which may trigger flashfloods and landslides in these areas.
Based on PAGASA data, the hottest temperature in Philippine history was 42.2 degrees Celsius, recorded in Tuguegarao, Cagayan, on May 11, 1969.
The hottest weather in Metro Manila was 38.5 recorded on May 14, 1987.
The highest temperature in Metro Manila was recorded at the PAGASA Science Garden in Quezon City at 3:55 p.m. Tuesday, making it the hottest day of the year so far this year.
PAGASA said the prevailing easterly wave, a warm and moist wind from the Pacific Ocean, affects Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Last year, May 26, Metro Manila recorded the hottest day of 2010 with 38 degrees Celsius.
In its 5 a.m. bulletin Tuesday, PAGASA said the weather system will bring mostly cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms in Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Eastern and Southern Mindanao will experience cloudy skies with widespread rains, which may trigger flashfloods and landslides in these areas.
Based on PAGASA data, the hottest temperature in Philippine history was 42.2 degrees Celsius, recorded in Tuguegarao, Cagayan, on May 11, 1969.
The hottest weather in Metro Manila was 38.5 recorded on May 14, 1987.
Kopi Talk NAIA or Ninoy Aquino?
MANILA, Philippines - When the Child Angel of the Las Piñas "Salubong" lifted the veil... instead of the Risen Christ was the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary with the Niño. Again, Christmas one-ups Easter.
* * *
Azkal Phil denies love child rumor in Iloilo... Too Young to be a Husband.
* * *
WHAT'S IN A NAME? When People Power sent off the strongman in 1986, our Embassy in New Delhi fired off a one-sentence dispatch: "When the dust has settled, the best way to honor the memory of the man who began it all is to re-name MIA "Ninoy Aquino Airport."
* * *
Our diplomats do not have monopoly of the idea. There was universal acclaim from throughout the country, and the thought could have spontaneously erupted in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
* * *
And so it came to pass that MIA was renamed the "Ninoy Aquino International Airport"... which became "NAIA" for short.
* * *
Which is the best and shortest way to forget the memory of the man we wanted to honor.
* * *
Of course, my generation still knows "NAIA" stands for "Ninoy Aquino International Airport." But I wonder if our children know it.
* * *
Certainly, our grandchildren would not remember.
* * *
And verily, even today nine out of 10 arriving tourists don't have a clue who "NAIA" is.
* * *
Our penchant for acronyms can get the better of us. You may still know who's EDSA... but can you tell me what ESCOLTA stands for?
* * *
The French call theirs "Charles de Gaulle" airport, (not CdG).
* * *
Yes, the John F. Kennedy International Airport or the "JFK" is a vast improvement over "Idlewild International Airport" because Americans and the world were mesmerized by "JFK" and the Camelot years. (But try calling it "JFKIA" and they'd think it was a garage).
* * *
BTW, the best monument for Ninoy Aquino is still a bronze outline of him like in a detective's whodunit... on the tarmac where he fell. The patch must be hallowed ground.
* * *
$150,000 NANNY. Brad Pit and Angelina Jollie need a nanny for their 3 biological kids + 3 adopted kids. Must be discreet, preferably speaks 2 languages + one of child.
* * *
* * *
Azkal Phil denies love child rumor in Iloilo... Too Young to be a Husband.
* * *
WHAT'S IN A NAME? When People Power sent off the strongman in 1986, our Embassy in New Delhi fired off a one-sentence dispatch: "When the dust has settled, the best way to honor the memory of the man who began it all is to re-name MIA "Ninoy Aquino Airport."
* * *
Our diplomats do not have monopoly of the idea. There was universal acclaim from throughout the country, and the thought could have spontaneously erupted in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
* * *
And so it came to pass that MIA was renamed the "Ninoy Aquino International Airport"... which became "NAIA" for short.
* * *
Which is the best and shortest way to forget the memory of the man we wanted to honor.
* * *
Of course, my generation still knows "NAIA" stands for "Ninoy Aquino International Airport." But I wonder if our children know it.
* * *
Certainly, our grandchildren would not remember.
* * *
And verily, even today nine out of 10 arriving tourists don't have a clue who "NAIA" is.
* * *
Our penchant for acronyms can get the better of us. You may still know who's EDSA... but can you tell me what ESCOLTA stands for?
* * *
The French call theirs "Charles de Gaulle" airport, (not CdG).
* * *
Yes, the John F. Kennedy International Airport or the "JFK" is a vast improvement over "Idlewild International Airport" because Americans and the world were mesmerized by "JFK" and the Camelot years. (But try calling it "JFKIA" and they'd think it was a garage).
* * *
BTW, the best monument for Ninoy Aquino is still a bronze outline of him like in a detective's whodunit... on the tarmac where he fell. The patch must be hallowed ground.
* * *
$150,000 NANNY. Brad Pit and Angelina Jollie need a nanny for their 3 biological kids + 3 adopted kids. Must be discreet, preferably speaks 2 languages + one of child.
* * *
News Update GMA-7 to air earthquake documentary
In a country situated in the Pacific Ring of Fire, laden with volcanoes, earthquake faults and trenches, disaster preparedness is a timeless issue. And yet, with all these realities surrounding us, is the Philippines prepared for natural disasters?
Vicky Morales and a team of GMA’s senior reporters travel from Luzon to Mindanao to find out which cities and provinces are exposed to natural hazards. In this Sunday’s SNBO, “Ground Zero: Sa Gitna ng Nagbabagong Mundo," GMA News and Public Affairs endeavors to give the public a better understanding of one of nature’s big events – earthquakes.
From San Francisco, California, Kara David reports on the world-famous San Andreas Fault. Together with the United States Geological Survey or USGS, Kara David examines the science behind earthquakes and the steps Filipinos in the U.S. are undertaking to prepare for the next “big one."
Like the U.S. the Philippines has been described as “overdue" for a big earthquake. Experts are now studying major faults in Luzon. Chino Gaston takes a look at Baguio City, once devastated by the 1990 earthquake. More than a decade after the tragedy, it seems many lessons still need to be learned. Today, Baguio is overpopulated, with structures built on unstable ground where sink holes have been discovered.
In the Visayas, Cesar Apolinario reports from the landslide-prone province of Leyte to assess potential damage should an earthquake happen here. In the Bicol region, Mariz Umali takes a look at how Bicolanos, survivors of many natural disasters, are preparing for a tsunami scenario. Bicol is one of several provinces facing the massive Philippine Trench, known as the Philippine Deep. GMA’s top divers, Doc Ferds Recio and Kiko Rustia take us to Davao and Mindoro for a survey of the underwater terrain to provide information on how trenches work.
And in major cities in Metro Manila, traversed by the deadly Valley Fault System, Vicky Morales reports on communities identified as danger zones in the event of a big earthquake. Buidlings and other structures are also assessed for earthquake-preparedness.
In times of natural disaters, “ground zero" refers to the epicenter of a quake or an area with the greatest devastation. But with an increased understanding of natural threats and how our commnities might be affected, it is hoped that the toll on lives and livelihood can be minimized.
Vicky Morales and a team of GMA’s senior reporters travel from Luzon to Mindanao to find out which cities and provinces are exposed to natural hazards. In this Sunday’s SNBO, “Ground Zero: Sa Gitna ng Nagbabagong Mundo," GMA News and Public Affairs endeavors to give the public a better understanding of one of nature’s big events – earthquakes.
From San Francisco, California, Kara David reports on the world-famous San Andreas Fault. Together with the United States Geological Survey or USGS, Kara David examines the science behind earthquakes and the steps Filipinos in the U.S. are undertaking to prepare for the next “big one."
Like the U.S. the Philippines has been described as “overdue" for a big earthquake. Experts are now studying major faults in Luzon. Chino Gaston takes a look at Baguio City, once devastated by the 1990 earthquake. More than a decade after the tragedy, it seems many lessons still need to be learned. Today, Baguio is overpopulated, with structures built on unstable ground where sink holes have been discovered.
In the Visayas, Cesar Apolinario reports from the landslide-prone province of Leyte to assess potential damage should an earthquake happen here. In the Bicol region, Mariz Umali takes a look at how Bicolanos, survivors of many natural disasters, are preparing for a tsunami scenario. Bicol is one of several provinces facing the massive Philippine Trench, known as the Philippine Deep. GMA’s top divers, Doc Ferds Recio and Kiko Rustia take us to Davao and Mindoro for a survey of the underwater terrain to provide information on how trenches work.
And in major cities in Metro Manila, traversed by the deadly Valley Fault System, Vicky Morales reports on communities identified as danger zones in the event of a big earthquake. Buidlings and other structures are also assessed for earthquake-preparedness.
In times of natural disaters, “ground zero" refers to the epicenter of a quake or an area with the greatest devastation. But with an increased understanding of natural threats and how our commnities might be affected, it is hoped that the toll on lives and livelihood can be minimized.
News Update Lacson may present evidence in Arroyo plunder case
Senator Panfilo Lacson is willing to present additional evidence that will support the plunder complaints filed against former President and incumbent Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
“Marami pa akong dokumentong nakatago sa baul (I’ve many documents in my possession)," Lacson told reporters Wednesday at the sidelines of the inauguration of the Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway Extension Project.
President Benigno Aquino III presided over the inauguration rites.
“Kaya pagsimula ng session, re-reviewhin ko ang dokumentong sa akin at titingnan ko paano makatulong (When the session resumes I will review these documents to see how they can help with the case)," he added.
He also said he is communicating with someone who has expressed willingness to share documents showing anomalies under the Arroyo government.
“May nakikipag-appointment sa isang meeting para magbigay ng karagdagang dokumentong sa mga bagong anomalyang na-unearth. Dating anomalya pero ngayon lang mailalabas," Lacson said.
(Somebody’s trying to make an appointment with me to share documents regarding a new anomaly that was discovered.)
This page requires a higher version browser
The latest plunder complaint against Mrs. Arroyo was filed Tuesday by former Solicitor General Frank Chavez and migrant rights group Migrante International. The complainants accused the former president and two other former government officials of misusing over P550 million worth of funds from the Overseas Workers' Welfare Administration.
The camp of Mrs. Arroyo has yet to comment on the latest plunder complaint filed against the former Philippine leader.
It was the second plunder complaint filed against Mrs. Arroyo, the first being the one filed in August 2010 for her alleged involvement in the supposedly anomalous sale of the old Iloilo airport property in 2007.
Lacson, who was with President Aquino at the event, said he supports the current administration’s campaign against corruption.
“Kasi kasama na rin [ako] sa laban sa katiwalian ni Presidente Noynoy... Kelangan ungkatin natin ang nakaraang anomalya nang sa ganoon magkaroon ng retribution, maibalik ang nakaw na yaman," he said.
(I am now one with President Aquino in his fight against corruption. We need to look into past anomalies so that we can recover what had been taken from us.)
Lacson, who has accused the Arroyo government of persecuting him by implicating him in a double murder case, said he is “hopeful" that the new plunder complaint against Arroyo will reach a “logical solution."
“I think Juan dela Cruz deserves an explanation or two from the former president," he said.
Lacson surfaced last month after hiding for more than a year due to the double murder charges filed against him. He came out after the Court of Appeals ordered the dismissal of the charges.
Lacson, a former police official, was accused of masterminding the killing of publicist Salvador “Bubby" Dacer and Dacer’s driver Emmanuel Corbito in November 2000. - KBK/RSJ,
“Marami pa akong dokumentong nakatago sa baul (I’ve many documents in my possession)," Lacson told reporters Wednesday at the sidelines of the inauguration of the Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway Extension Project.
President Benigno Aquino III presided over the inauguration rites.
“Kaya pagsimula ng session, re-reviewhin ko ang dokumentong sa akin at titingnan ko paano makatulong (When the session resumes I will review these documents to see how they can help with the case)," he added.
He also said he is communicating with someone who has expressed willingness to share documents showing anomalies under the Arroyo government.
“May nakikipag-appointment sa isang meeting para magbigay ng karagdagang dokumentong sa mga bagong anomalyang na-unearth. Dating anomalya pero ngayon lang mailalabas," Lacson said.
(Somebody’s trying to make an appointment with me to share documents regarding a new anomaly that was discovered.)
This page requires a higher version browser
The latest plunder complaint against Mrs. Arroyo was filed Tuesday by former Solicitor General Frank Chavez and migrant rights group Migrante International. The complainants accused the former president and two other former government officials of misusing over P550 million worth of funds from the Overseas Workers' Welfare Administration.
The camp of Mrs. Arroyo has yet to comment on the latest plunder complaint filed against the former Philippine leader.
It was the second plunder complaint filed against Mrs. Arroyo, the first being the one filed in August 2010 for her alleged involvement in the supposedly anomalous sale of the old Iloilo airport property in 2007.
Lacson, who was with President Aquino at the event, said he supports the current administration’s campaign against corruption.
“Kasi kasama na rin [ako] sa laban sa katiwalian ni Presidente Noynoy... Kelangan ungkatin natin ang nakaraang anomalya nang sa ganoon magkaroon ng retribution, maibalik ang nakaw na yaman," he said.
(I am now one with President Aquino in his fight against corruption. We need to look into past anomalies so that we can recover what had been taken from us.)
Lacson, who has accused the Arroyo government of persecuting him by implicating him in a double murder case, said he is “hopeful" that the new plunder complaint against Arroyo will reach a “logical solution."
“I think Juan dela Cruz deserves an explanation or two from the former president," he said.
Lacson surfaced last month after hiding for more than a year due to the double murder charges filed against him. He came out after the Court of Appeals ordered the dismissal of the charges.
Lacson, a former police official, was accused of masterminding the killing of publicist Salvador “Bubby" Dacer and Dacer’s driver Emmanuel Corbito in November 2000. - KBK/RSJ,
Thursday, April 28, 2011
News Update Massive agri-tourism plan for Aetas starts
FLORIDABLANCA -- The sleepy and inaccessible village of Nabuclud here is now the site of a multi-million peso master plan that aims to draw in tourists and improve the lives of Aeta tribes through high-value crop cultivation.
This developed as Governor Lilia Pineda visited Barangay Nabuclud on Wednesday for the finalization and initial start of the development master plan that includes the construction of tourism-related facilities and the clearing of ancestral lands to be devoted to agricultural cultivation.
Pineda met with barangay chairman Roger Apang and other tribal leaders joined by Board Members Fritzie David-Dizon, Nestor Tolentino, Teresito Lingad and Ricardo Yabut.
She said it is essential to make the 9,000-square meter ancestral land productive to improve the lives of the Aeta community in the area.
This developed as Governor Lilia Pineda visited Barangay Nabuclud on Wednesday for the finalization and initial start of the development master plan that includes the construction of tourism-related facilities and the clearing of ancestral lands to be devoted to agricultural cultivation.
Pineda met with barangay chairman Roger Apang and other tribal leaders joined by Board Members Fritzie David-Dizon, Nestor Tolentino, Teresito Lingad and Ricardo Yabut.
She said it is essential to make the 9,000-square meter ancestral land productive to improve the lives of the Aeta community in the area.
News Update 16 accident in Iloilo
THE Transportation Management and Traffic Regulation Office (TMTRO) and Iloilo City Police Office (Icpo) said the city has an average of 16 cases of traffic accidents per day.
The National Statistics Coordinating Board (NSCB) collated the traffic accidents report, showing that from 2008 to 2010, traffic accidents and casualties are fluctuating.
The NSCB reports showed that in 2010, there were 5,927 cases of traffic accidents, 11 deaths and 844 injuries.
Out of the 5,927 reported traffic accidents in 2010, 84 percent or 4,963 were due to vehicle-to-vehicle collision, eight percent or 474 involved vehicle-to-pedestrian accidents, four percent or 260 involved vehicle-to-fixed objects collision, and another four percent or 230 involved non-collision vehicular accidents.
The National Statistics Coordinating Board (NSCB) collated the traffic accidents report, showing that from 2008 to 2010, traffic accidents and casualties are fluctuating.
The NSCB reports showed that in 2010, there were 5,927 cases of traffic accidents, 11 deaths and 844 injuries.
Out of the 5,927 reported traffic accidents in 2010, 84 percent or 4,963 were due to vehicle-to-vehicle collision, eight percent or 474 involved vehicle-to-pedestrian accidents, four percent or 260 involved vehicle-to-fixed objects collision, and another four percent or 230 involved non-collision vehicular accidents.
News Upate Bb. Pilipinas Int'l arrives in Albay for dad's wake
MANILA, Philippines – It was an emotional homecoming for Binibining Pilipinas-International 2011 Dianne Necio, whose father died on Tuesday morning due to cardiomyopathy.
Dianne arrived in her hometown Albay around 2 p.m. Wednesday, a day earlier than her scheduled arrival. The beauty queen was supposed to attend the Mutya ng Magayon 2011 contest set on Thursday.
Her relatives were waiting at the airport when she arrived. From the airport, she went straight home for the wake of her father, Edwin.
As she was being tightly embraced by her only sibling, she wept as she saw the remains of her father.
Dianne was in Manila attending to her duties as a beauty queen when Edwin passed away.
Although she already prepared herself for the inevitable ever since her father was diagnosed with the disease, Dianne said it is still hard to accept that he is already gone.
Edwin was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a disease that weakens and enlarges the heart muscle, in 2006.
She said she last talked to him when she went home after winning the Binibining Pilipinas-International title. Her father was then confined at a hospital.
She said her father seemed to be saying her final goodbyes, but she chose to ignore it.
“Hindi ko expected na ‘yon na ‘yon. ‘Yon na ‘yong huli. Sabi ko, ‘Huwag muna kasi pupunta pa tayo ng China,’” she said.
The beauty titlist will compete in 2011 Miss International in Chengdu, Sichuan province in China in November.
As she prepares herself for the international beauty pageant, she said her father and mother, who died when she was in Grade 2, will serve as her inspiration.
Edwin will be buried on May 4. -Report from Thea Omelan
Dianne arrived in her hometown Albay around 2 p.m. Wednesday, a day earlier than her scheduled arrival. The beauty queen was supposed to attend the Mutya ng Magayon 2011 contest set on Thursday.
Her relatives were waiting at the airport when she arrived. From the airport, she went straight home for the wake of her father, Edwin.
As she was being tightly embraced by her only sibling, she wept as she saw the remains of her father.
Dianne was in Manila attending to her duties as a beauty queen when Edwin passed away.
Although she already prepared herself for the inevitable ever since her father was diagnosed with the disease, Dianne said it is still hard to accept that he is already gone.
Edwin was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a disease that weakens and enlarges the heart muscle, in 2006.
She said she last talked to him when she went home after winning the Binibining Pilipinas-International title. Her father was then confined at a hospital.
She said her father seemed to be saying her final goodbyes, but she chose to ignore it.
“Hindi ko expected na ‘yon na ‘yon. ‘Yon na ‘yong huli. Sabi ko, ‘Huwag muna kasi pupunta pa tayo ng China,’” she said.
The beauty titlist will compete in 2011 Miss International in Chengdu, Sichuan province in China in November.
As she prepares herself for the international beauty pageant, she said her father and mother, who died when she was in Grade 2, will serve as her inspiration.
Edwin will be buried on May 4. -Report from Thea Omelan
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
News Update Rayver okay to work with Sarah, Cristine
ACTOR Rayver Cruz moves on from issues involving him, girlfriend Cristine Reyes and Sarah Geronimo.
Recently, the two actresses confirmed that they already made peace with each other after their misunderstanding late last year.
Sarah approached Cristine at the dressing room of Sunday program "ASAP Rocks" and from then on, things remain quiet between the three of them.
In a television interview with Rayver, the actor said now that things are looking good, he's okay to work again with Sarah in one project.
"Bakit naman hindi, diba? Masaya na ako, masaya na din siya. Naayos na din ang lahat eh."
Recently, the two actresses confirmed that they already made peace with each other after their misunderstanding late last year.
Sarah approached Cristine at the dressing room of Sunday program "ASAP Rocks" and from then on, things remain quiet between the three of them.
In a television interview with Rayver, the actor said now that things are looking good, he's okay to work again with Sarah in one project.
"Bakit naman hindi, diba? Masaya na ako, masaya na din siya. Naayos na din ang lahat eh."
News Update Trillanes questions P5B yearly fund for RH
SENATOR Antonio Trillanes IV is questioning the automatic appropriation of P5 billion yearly for reproductive health and responsible parenthood bill.
“While I am not for or against the RH bill, there is an urgent need to scrutinize very well every provision of the bill, since the Filipino people and the government could not afford the financial obligation of RH,” Trillanes said.
Trillanes admitted he is also questioning the mandatory sex education subject for preschoolers and grade schoolers.
He said this is a very sensitive issue for the youngsters to understand and good education is the best weapon to understand and appreciate the merits of the bill.
“While I am not for or against the RH bill, there is an urgent need to scrutinize very well every provision of the bill, since the Filipino people and the government could not afford the financial obligation of RH,” Trillanes said.
Trillanes admitted he is also questioning the mandatory sex education subject for preschoolers and grade schoolers.
He said this is a very sensitive issue for the youngsters to understand and good education is the best weapon to understand and appreciate the merits of the bill.
News Upate Phivolcs: 12 quakes around Taal in past 24 hours
Taal Volcano in Batangas remained restive Wednesday as state volcanologists recorded at least 12 volcanic quakes in the last 24 hours.
In its Wednesday update, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) also noted five volcanic quakes at Mayon and two at Bulusan.
"Taal Volcano’s seismic network recorded 12 volcanic earthquakes during the past 24 hours. Field measurements conducted yesterday at the western sector inside the Main Crater Lake showed that the water temperature increased from 30.1 to 31.8 degrees Celsius," it said in its recent update.
The agency said Alert Level 2 remains hoisted over Taal Volcano, which means magma has been intruding towards the surface.
Phivolcs maintained the main crater, Daang Kastila Trail and Mt. Tabaro, are strictly off-limits due to possible occurrences of sudden steam-driven explosions and high concentration of toxic gases, which can be lethal to both humans and animals and may cause damage to vegetation.
It also reminded the public that the entire volcano island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and permanent settlement in the island is strictly not recommended.
Quakes at Mayon
In Albay, at least five volcanic quakes were recorded in the last 24 hours, along with weak to moderate steaming activity, with white steam clouds "creeping downslope towards northwest and west-northwest."
A fair crater glow that can be seen by the naked eye was also observed Tuesday night, it added.
Phivolcs said Alert Level 1 remains hoisted over Mayon Volcano.
"Although this means that no eruption is imminent, it is recommended that the public should not enter the 6-kilometer radius PDZ due to the continuing threat from sudden small explosions and rockfalls from the upper and middle slopes of the volcano," it said.
It added that active stream/river channels and those perennially identified as lahar-prone areas in the southern sector should also be avoided especially during bad weather conditions or heavy and prolonged rainfall.
Restive Bulusan
In Sorsogon, meanwhile, Phivolcs recorded two volcanic earthquakes around Bulusan Volcano during the past 24 hours.
Phivolcs also noted "wispy to weak white steam clouds" at the southeast thermal vents.
The volcano’s status remains at Alert Level 1, meaning the source of activity is hydrothermal and shallow.
"Entry to the 4-kilometer radius PDZ is strictly prohibited, since the area is at risk to sudden steam and ash explosions. Due to the prevailing wind direction, residents in the northwest and southwest sectors of the volcano are reminded to take precautions against ashfalls," the agency said.
Phivolcs said that civil aviation authorities must warn pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit —particularly on its western side— as ejected ash and volcanic fragments carried by the prevailing winds may cause damage to aircrafts.
People living near valleys and river/stream channels, meanwhile, should be vigilant against sediment-laden stream flows and lahars in the event of heavy and prolonged rainfall, it warned. — JMT/TJD
In its Wednesday update, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) also noted five volcanic quakes at Mayon and two at Bulusan.
"Taal Volcano’s seismic network recorded 12 volcanic earthquakes during the past 24 hours. Field measurements conducted yesterday at the western sector inside the Main Crater Lake showed that the water temperature increased from 30.1 to 31.8 degrees Celsius," it said in its recent update.
The agency said Alert Level 2 remains hoisted over Taal Volcano, which means magma has been intruding towards the surface.
Phivolcs maintained the main crater, Daang Kastila Trail and Mt. Tabaro, are strictly off-limits due to possible occurrences of sudden steam-driven explosions and high concentration of toxic gases, which can be lethal to both humans and animals and may cause damage to vegetation.
It also reminded the public that the entire volcano island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and permanent settlement in the island is strictly not recommended.
Quakes at Mayon
In Albay, at least five volcanic quakes were recorded in the last 24 hours, along with weak to moderate steaming activity, with white steam clouds "creeping downslope towards northwest and west-northwest."
A fair crater glow that can be seen by the naked eye was also observed Tuesday night, it added.
Phivolcs said Alert Level 1 remains hoisted over Mayon Volcano.
"Although this means that no eruption is imminent, it is recommended that the public should not enter the 6-kilometer radius PDZ due to the continuing threat from sudden small explosions and rockfalls from the upper and middle slopes of the volcano," it said.
It added that active stream/river channels and those perennially identified as lahar-prone areas in the southern sector should also be avoided especially during bad weather conditions or heavy and prolonged rainfall.
Restive Bulusan
In Sorsogon, meanwhile, Phivolcs recorded two volcanic earthquakes around Bulusan Volcano during the past 24 hours.
Phivolcs also noted "wispy to weak white steam clouds" at the southeast thermal vents.
The volcano’s status remains at Alert Level 1, meaning the source of activity is hydrothermal and shallow.
"Entry to the 4-kilometer radius PDZ is strictly prohibited, since the area is at risk to sudden steam and ash explosions. Due to the prevailing wind direction, residents in the northwest and southwest sectors of the volcano are reminded to take precautions against ashfalls," the agency said.
Phivolcs said that civil aviation authorities must warn pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit —particularly on its western side— as ejected ash and volcanic fragments carried by the prevailing winds may cause damage to aircrafts.
People living near valleys and river/stream channels, meanwhile, should be vigilant against sediment-laden stream flows and lahars in the event of heavy and prolonged rainfall, it warned. — JMT/TJD
News Update PHL Embassy warns vs job scam in Italy
Philippine officials in Rome warned overseas Filipino workers in Italy on Wednesday against bogus email offers for jobs in L'Aquila in Italy.
The Philippine Embassy in Rome said that the bogus email uses the address projecto_laquila@rome.com and the office address "Via Sicilia 162/C."
"There is no Committee for the Reconstruction of L'Aquila at the Ministry's official address in Via Sicilia 162/C cited in the email, and the Italian Ministry of Development Public Works and Housing does not correspond to any Italian office," the Embassy said in a news release posted on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) website.
L'Aquila, a mountainous city in Central Italy, had been hit by a 6.2-magnitude earthquake in April 2009, killing over 260 residents, injuring over 1,000 and leaving 28,000 homeless.
No such project
Citing information reaching it, the Embassy said that the supposed project proponent in the email claimed to be the "Ministry of Development, Public Works and Housing Reconstruction of Earthquake Affected Cities Program."
It was allegedly under the Auspices of World Rehabilitation Program (WRP) and Italian Freedom Corps (IFC).
Among the jobs being offered were truck drivers, machinery operators, plumbers, carpenters, electrically engineers/electricians, metal workers, nurses/dispensers/clinic staff, helpers, brick layers, technical experts, data entry clerk, first aid attendant, quantity surveyor, mechanical engineers, cooks/chefs/stewards, interpreters, and legal advisers.
The DFA said the Philippine Embassy inquired with the Italian Department of Development and Economic Cohesion under Italy's Ministry of Economic Development, which stated that there is no such project.
"Also, there is no registered project involving an alleged Housing Reconstruction of Earthquake Affected Cities Program, either in L'Aquila or Rome, and there is no WRP or IFC accredited with the Ministry, nor operating or registered in Italy," it added.
It said the Ministry has since referred the case to the Italian Police for further investigation. — JMT/TJD
The Philippine Embassy in Rome said that the bogus email uses the address projecto_laquila@rome.com and the office address "Via Sicilia 162/C."
"There is no Committee for the Reconstruction of L'Aquila at the Ministry's official address in Via Sicilia 162/C cited in the email, and the Italian Ministry of Development Public Works and Housing does not correspond to any Italian office," the Embassy said in a news release posted on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) website.
L'Aquila, a mountainous city in Central Italy, had been hit by a 6.2-magnitude earthquake in April 2009, killing over 260 residents, injuring over 1,000 and leaving 28,000 homeless.
No such project
Citing information reaching it, the Embassy said that the supposed project proponent in the email claimed to be the "Ministry of Development, Public Works and Housing Reconstruction of Earthquake Affected Cities Program."
It was allegedly under the Auspices of World Rehabilitation Program (WRP) and Italian Freedom Corps (IFC).
Among the jobs being offered were truck drivers, machinery operators, plumbers, carpenters, electrically engineers/electricians, metal workers, nurses/dispensers/clinic staff, helpers, brick layers, technical experts, data entry clerk, first aid attendant, quantity surveyor, mechanical engineers, cooks/chefs/stewards, interpreters, and legal advisers.
The DFA said the Philippine Embassy inquired with the Italian Department of Development and Economic Cohesion under Italy's Ministry of Economic Development, which stated that there is no such project.
"Also, there is no registered project involving an alleged Housing Reconstruction of Earthquake Affected Cities Program, either in L'Aquila or Rome, and there is no WRP or IFC accredited with the Ministry, nor operating or registered in Italy," it added.
It said the Ministry has since referred the case to the Italian Police for further investigation. — JMT/TJD
DID YOU KNOW THAT IN PHILIPPINE ? The Oldest in Philippine.
Oldest Province
Aklan, originally known as Minuro it Akean, is considered as the oldest province in the country and believed to have been established as early as 1213 by settlers from Borneo. Its first ruler was Datu Dinagandan. In 1399, Kalantiaw grabbed the throne. In 1433, Kalantiaw III formulated a set of laws that is known today as the Code of Kalantiaw.
Oldest Town
Unisan, Quezon could be the oldest town in the Philippines. The people of Unisan claimed that their town is now 481 years old, having been established in 1521, the same year that Ferdinand Magellan discovered the Philippines. All other towns in the country were established not earlier than 1565, when Spain formally occupied the Philippines as a colony.
A Malayan queen named Ladya reportedly founded Calilayan, the old name of the town. In 1876, Calilayan was renamed Unisan which was derived from the Latin word uni-sancti, meaning "holy saint". (Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer)
Oldest City
Cebu City is considered as the oldest city in the country, as this was the site of the earliest European settlement established by Spanish conqueror Miguel Lopez de Legazpi in 1565.
Oldest Fort
The first Spanish settlement in the country, Villa del Santisimo Nombre de Jesus, was located inside Fort San Pedro in Cebu City. The fort's construction began in 1565.
Oldest Street
Calle Colon in Cebu City is considered as the oldest street in the country. Named after explorer Christopher Columbus, Calle Colon was first constructed in 1565 by men of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi.
Oldest Stone Church
The Baclayon Church in Bohol is considered as the oldest stone church in the Philippines. But some historians disagree, claiming that San Agustin Church in Manila deserves the title.
Church historians claim that the cornerstones of San Agustin Church were laid as early as 1571, 25 years before Baclayon Church was built in 1596. But most people believe the title should be kept by the latter, since it is situated in the island first occupied by the troops of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, the country's first Spanish governor general.
Bohol was where a friendship was sealed with blood between chieftain Rajah Sikatuna and Legazpi. The event is known today as ''The Blood Compact.''
Oldest Hospital
The San Lazaro Hospital could be the oldest hospital in the country. According to Pampango historian Zoilo Galang, the San Lazaro hospital was established in 1578; Enfermeria de Naga, 1583; and Hospital de San Juan de Dios, 1596.
Oldest Church Bell
The oldest church bell in the country is said to be the one found in Camalaniugan, Cagayan. That bell was reportedly forged in 1595.
Oldest Bridge
The Jones Bridge, formerly known as Puente de Espana, was first built in 1701. It was rebuilt by the Americans in 1916 and renamed after Atkinson Jones.
Oldest University
The University of San Carlos (USC) in Cebu City is considered as the oldest school in the country and in Asia. Formerly known as the Colegio de San Ildefonso, it was founded by the Spanish Jesuits on August 1, 1595. This makes the Cebu-based university older than the University of Santo Tomas (1611) in Manila and Harvard University (1636) in the United States.
The University of Santo Tomas, however, contests this title. Formerly known as the Colegio de Nuestra Señora del Rosario, UST was the first school, which got a university status in 1645. USC became a university in 1948. UST also claimed that the original USC was closed in 1769 as a result of the expulsion of the Jesuits. It reopened in 1783 under a new name and ownership. But the USC officials stick to their claim. The university observed its 400th foundation day on August 21, 1995.
Oldest Vocational School
The Don Honorio Ventura College of Arts and Trades (DHVCAT) in Bacolor, Pampanga is said to be the oldest vocational school in Asia. Augustinian Friar Juan Zita and civic leader Don Felino Gil established the vocational school on November 4, 1861.
Oldest Company
Ayala Corp., one of the largest conglomerates in the country, is also the oldest existing company around. It was established in 1834 by sugar barons Domingo Roxas and Antonio de Ayala. It was later renamed as Casa Ayala, then as Ayala y Compania and recently as Ayala Corp.
Oldest Bank
In 1881, Domingo Roxas, an ancestor of the Ayala family, became one of the first directors of Banco Español-Filipino de Isabel II, which was founded by virtue of a royal decree issued by Queen Isabel II. The bank issued the country's first currency notes the following year. Considered as the first private commercial bank in the country, the bank came to be known as the Bank of Philippine Islands in 1912. The oldest savings bank was Monte de Piedad, which was established in 1882.
Oldest Military Supply Shop
The oldest military supply shop in the country was said to be Alfredo Roensch and Co.
Oldest Rizal Monument
What can be considered as the oldest Rizal monument in the country is a 20-foot metal structure standing at a park in Daet, Camarines Norte. Its construction reportedly began on December 30, 1898 and was finished in February 1899. In comparison, the Rizal monument at the former Luneta park was built in 1912.
Oldest Vice
The earliest vice among native Filipinos, according to historians, was the chewing of betelnut or "nganga". It was said that Filipinos had been chewing betelnut for 3,000 years.
Oldest Insurance Firm
Insular Life Insurance Company was established on November 26, 1910, becoming the oldest insurance agency in the country.
Oldest Epics
In a 1962 study, E. Arsenio Manuel said the country had at least 19 epics, which were passed to the present generation from our early ancestors through oral chanting. Among these so-called ethnoepics were 13 epics among pagan Filipinos, 2 among Christian Filipinos, and 4 among Muslim Filipinos. These included the Ilocano epic Lam-ang, Manuvu's Tuwaang, Sulod's Hinilawod and Maranaw's Bantugan.
Main sources of information include Zoilo Galang's Encyclopedia of the Philippines and Julio Silverio's Diksyunaryo ng mga Unang Pinoy.
Aklan, originally known as Minuro it Akean, is considered as the oldest province in the country and believed to have been established as early as 1213 by settlers from Borneo. Its first ruler was Datu Dinagandan. In 1399, Kalantiaw grabbed the throne. In 1433, Kalantiaw III formulated a set of laws that is known today as the Code of Kalantiaw.
Oldest Town
Unisan, Quezon could be the oldest town in the Philippines. The people of Unisan claimed that their town is now 481 years old, having been established in 1521, the same year that Ferdinand Magellan discovered the Philippines. All other towns in the country were established not earlier than 1565, when Spain formally occupied the Philippines as a colony.
A Malayan queen named Ladya reportedly founded Calilayan, the old name of the town. In 1876, Calilayan was renamed Unisan which was derived from the Latin word uni-sancti, meaning "holy saint". (Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer)
Oldest City
Cebu City is considered as the oldest city in the country, as this was the site of the earliest European settlement established by Spanish conqueror Miguel Lopez de Legazpi in 1565.
Oldest Fort
The first Spanish settlement in the country, Villa del Santisimo Nombre de Jesus, was located inside Fort San Pedro in Cebu City. The fort's construction began in 1565.
Oldest Street
Calle Colon in Cebu City is considered as the oldest street in the country. Named after explorer Christopher Columbus, Calle Colon was first constructed in 1565 by men of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi.
Oldest Stone Church
The Baclayon Church in Bohol is considered as the oldest stone church in the Philippines. But some historians disagree, claiming that San Agustin Church in Manila deserves the title.
Church historians claim that the cornerstones of San Agustin Church were laid as early as 1571, 25 years before Baclayon Church was built in 1596. But most people believe the title should be kept by the latter, since it is situated in the island first occupied by the troops of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, the country's first Spanish governor general.
Bohol was where a friendship was sealed with blood between chieftain Rajah Sikatuna and Legazpi. The event is known today as ''The Blood Compact.''
Oldest Hospital
The San Lazaro Hospital could be the oldest hospital in the country. According to Pampango historian Zoilo Galang, the San Lazaro hospital was established in 1578; Enfermeria de Naga, 1583; and Hospital de San Juan de Dios, 1596.
Oldest Church Bell
The oldest church bell in the country is said to be the one found in Camalaniugan, Cagayan. That bell was reportedly forged in 1595.
Oldest Bridge
The Jones Bridge, formerly known as Puente de Espana, was first built in 1701. It was rebuilt by the Americans in 1916 and renamed after Atkinson Jones.
Oldest University
The University of San Carlos (USC) in Cebu City is considered as the oldest school in the country and in Asia. Formerly known as the Colegio de San Ildefonso, it was founded by the Spanish Jesuits on August 1, 1595. This makes the Cebu-based university older than the University of Santo Tomas (1611) in Manila and Harvard University (1636) in the United States.
The University of Santo Tomas, however, contests this title. Formerly known as the Colegio de Nuestra Señora del Rosario, UST was the first school, which got a university status in 1645. USC became a university in 1948. UST also claimed that the original USC was closed in 1769 as a result of the expulsion of the Jesuits. It reopened in 1783 under a new name and ownership. But the USC officials stick to their claim. The university observed its 400th foundation day on August 21, 1995.
Oldest Vocational School
The Don Honorio Ventura College of Arts and Trades (DHVCAT) in Bacolor, Pampanga is said to be the oldest vocational school in Asia. Augustinian Friar Juan Zita and civic leader Don Felino Gil established the vocational school on November 4, 1861.
Oldest Company
Ayala Corp., one of the largest conglomerates in the country, is also the oldest existing company around. It was established in 1834 by sugar barons Domingo Roxas and Antonio de Ayala. It was later renamed as Casa Ayala, then as Ayala y Compania and recently as Ayala Corp.
Oldest Bank
In 1881, Domingo Roxas, an ancestor of the Ayala family, became one of the first directors of Banco Español-Filipino de Isabel II, which was founded by virtue of a royal decree issued by Queen Isabel II. The bank issued the country's first currency notes the following year. Considered as the first private commercial bank in the country, the bank came to be known as the Bank of Philippine Islands in 1912. The oldest savings bank was Monte de Piedad, which was established in 1882.
Oldest Military Supply Shop
The oldest military supply shop in the country was said to be Alfredo Roensch and Co.
Oldest Rizal Monument
What can be considered as the oldest Rizal monument in the country is a 20-foot metal structure standing at a park in Daet, Camarines Norte. Its construction reportedly began on December 30, 1898 and was finished in February 1899. In comparison, the Rizal monument at the former Luneta park was built in 1912.
Oldest Vice
The earliest vice among native Filipinos, according to historians, was the chewing of betelnut or "nganga". It was said that Filipinos had been chewing betelnut for 3,000 years.
Oldest Insurance Firm
Insular Life Insurance Company was established on November 26, 1910, becoming the oldest insurance agency in the country.
Oldest Epics
In a 1962 study, E. Arsenio Manuel said the country had at least 19 epics, which were passed to the present generation from our early ancestors through oral chanting. Among these so-called ethnoepics were 13 epics among pagan Filipinos, 2 among Christian Filipinos, and 4 among Muslim Filipinos. These included the Ilocano epic Lam-ang, Manuvu's Tuwaang, Sulod's Hinilawod and Maranaw's Bantugan.
Main sources of information include Zoilo Galang's Encyclopedia of the Philippines and Julio Silverio's Diksyunaryo ng mga Unang Pinoy.
News Update Soroptomist Regional Conference slated
Dr. Paloma B. Papa, Governor of the Soroptimist International of the Philippines Region (A Foundation), Inc., announced that SIPR will be holding its 23rd Mid-Biennial Conference on May 12 to 14, 2011 at the Taal Vista Hotel in Tagaytay City.
Approximately 500 Soroptimists are expected to attend this Regional Conference. Dr. Papa, the overall conference chairperson, said that key women's issues which greatly affect Filipino women and young girls will be tackled in the conference.
One of these issues is sex trafficking. Past President of Soroptimist International of the Americas(SIA), Teresita B. Choa, will be the speaker at a workshop on "Slavery" (Sex Trafficking).
Other significant women's issues and what actions to take will be discussed during the Conference
Approximately 500 Soroptimists are expected to attend this Regional Conference. Dr. Papa, the overall conference chairperson, said that key women's issues which greatly affect Filipino women and young girls will be tackled in the conference.
One of these issues is sex trafficking. Past President of Soroptimist International of the Americas(SIA), Teresita B. Choa, will be the speaker at a workshop on "Slavery" (Sex Trafficking).
Other significant women's issues and what actions to take will be discussed during the Conference
News Update Maynilad builds largest triangular reservoir in the Philippines
Maynilad Water Services, Inc. recently completed its 23 million liters PAGCOR Reservoir near Macapagal Avenue in Paranaque City.
Touted as the largest triangular reservoir in the Philippines, the Pagcor Reservoir has a height of 26 meters, nearly as high as a nine-storey building.
Once fully operational, the P680-million PAGCOR Pumping Station and Reservoir can provide around 300 million liters per day of potable water to customers in Parañaque, Las Piñas, Cavite City and the five municipalities of Cavite Province.
The facility initially benefits over 64,000 customers in Cavite and Las Piñas, but once pipe-laying activities along Aguinaldo Highway and Tirona Road are completed, over 166,000 households more can benefit from the facility
Touted as the largest triangular reservoir in the Philippines, the Pagcor Reservoir has a height of 26 meters, nearly as high as a nine-storey building.
Once fully operational, the P680-million PAGCOR Pumping Station and Reservoir can provide around 300 million liters per day of potable water to customers in Parañaque, Las Piñas, Cavite City and the five municipalities of Cavite Province.
The facility initially benefits over 64,000 customers in Cavite and Las Piñas, but once pipe-laying activities along Aguinaldo Highway and Tirona Road are completed, over 166,000 households more can benefit from the facility
News Update JohnJohnson & Johnson employees G.I.V.E. back to community
Johnson & Johnson Philippines recently launched its G.I.V.E. (Growth and Inspiration through Volunteerism Experiences) program for the year, themed "Lend A Hand. Touch Lives."
The G.I.V.E. program aims to encourage employees to lend their hands and touch lives, as well as ultimately live out the company's credo of making a difference in the lives of underprivileged communities.
Now on its fifth year of implementation with the full support of Johnson & Johnson's Philippine Contributions Committee (PCC), the G.I.V.E. program is the company's local contribution to the initiative of the Asia Pacific Contributions Committee (APCC) to encourage volunteerism among employees of Johnson & Johnson Philippines.
The G.I.V.E. program aims to encourage employees to lend their hands and touch lives, as well as ultimately live out the company's credo of making a difference in the lives of underprivileged communities.
Now on its fifth year of implementation with the full support of Johnson & Johnson's Philippine Contributions Committee (PCC), the G.I.V.E. program is the company's local contribution to the initiative of the Asia Pacific Contributions Committee (APCC) to encourage volunteerism among employees of Johnson & Johnson Philippines.
News Update PLDT SME Nation powers up Jaro Pawnshop with PLDT Watcher
Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company recently partnered with Jaro Pawnshop with the offering of PLDT Watcher, a business-protecting solution, which provides real-time monitoring of remote branches through security cameras.
This gives entrepreneurs the ease and flexibility of keeping a close watch on their branches, take snapshots, record and access videos of their business operations wherever.
PLDT Watcher saves money on loss prevention and security expenses. Established in 1993, Jaro Pawnshop currently operates 60 branches in Luzon and Visayas, with new branches opening in Mindanao within the year.
This gives entrepreneurs the ease and flexibility of keeping a close watch on their branches, take snapshots, record and access videos of their business operations wherever.
PLDT Watcher saves money on loss prevention and security expenses. Established in 1993, Jaro Pawnshop currently operates 60 branches in Luzon and Visayas, with new branches opening in Mindanao within the year.
News Update inContact taps IP-Converge or cloud hosting service
MANILA, Philippines - Cloud-based software provider inContact recently partnered with Philippine-based Internet Data Center operator IP-Converge for its cloud hosting services.
The partnership calls for inContact's application servers to be co-located in IP-Converge's Data Center, and shall provide connectivity to inContact's offices and clients.
According to inContact Country Manager Junie Pama, "This partnership will allow inContact to manage its newly inaugurated site in Bonifacio Global City using the robust network infrastructure of IP-Converge."
The site will serve as inContact's Asia-Pacific headquarters, which will serve the growing BPO industry's solutions needs in the region, primarily the Philippines. IP-Converge will also provide inContact's headquarters with its Global Internet Access, as well as a direct link to the IPC Data Center in Makati City.
The partnership calls for inContact's application servers to be co-located in IP-Converge's Data Center, and shall provide connectivity to inContact's offices and clients.
According to inContact Country Manager Junie Pama, "This partnership will allow inContact to manage its newly inaugurated site in Bonifacio Global City using the robust network infrastructure of IP-Converge."
The site will serve as inContact's Asia-Pacific headquarters, which will serve the growing BPO industry's solutions needs in the region, primarily the Philippines. IP-Converge will also provide inContact's headquarters with its Global Internet Access, as well as a direct link to the IPC Data Center in Makati City.
News Udate ADB says rising food prices threaten Asia's poor
World food prices that surged 30 percent in the first two months of the year threaten to push millions of Asians into extreme poverty and cut economic growth, the Asian Development Bank said Tuesday.
The surging prices translated into domestic food inflation of 10 percent on average in many Asian economies, which could drive 64 million people into poverty, the bank said in a report, adding that it will also erode the living standards of families already living in poverty.
Food prices have been driven higher by surging oil prices, production shortfalls due to bad weather and export restrictions by several food producing countries.
If higher food and oil prices persist for the rest of the year, they could shave as much as 1.5 percentage points from economic growth in developing Asian countries, the report said.
Some countries will be hit harder than others. Singapore is highly vulnerable to inflation because the tiny city-state must import all its food. On the other hand, South Korea, where food accounts for a relatively small part of the consumer price index, will get off more lightly.
The rapid increases in the cost of food are a serious setback for the region that has rebounded rapidly from the global economic crisis.
Declining grain stocks, higher demand from Asian countries with big populations that are growing wealthier and a dwindling amount of agricultural land will continue to keep food prices high in the short term.
So will competition for food grains from biofuel production and stagnant or declining crop yields. Drought in China's major wheat-producing belt and flooding in rice-producing regions of Asia have reduced supplies of those crops.
ADB chief economist Changyong Rhee said food export bans and other short-term measures should be avoided. Instead, he urged greater spending to boost agricultural productivity and more investment to improve irrigation, food storage and other infrastructure.
"Left unchecked, the food crisis will badly undermine recent gains in poverty reduction made in Asia," he said.
Poor families in Asia are hit much harder by food price inflation because they spend as much as 60 percent of their income on food, a much higher proportion than in developed countries. Asia's developing countries are home to two-thirds of the world's poor — about 600 million people — who live on $1.25 a day or less.
In contrast, people in the U.S. and other wealthy countries spend about 15 percent of their income on food, so the impact on rising food prices on their wallets isn't as big. And a lot of the food sold in wealthy countries is processed, so manufacturing costs account for a bigger share of the final price.
The ADB is a development lender whose mission is to alleviate poverty through loans, grants and assistance projects.
Global food prices jumped 34.2 percent in February overAssociated a year ago following a 28.4 percent rise in January, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) benchmark index. Surging cereal, edible oil and meat prices were behind the increases.
The FAO warned that 29 countries in Africa, Asia, Middle East and Latin America and the Caribbean would need food assistance. Afghanistan and Pakistan are among those that will face severe food shortages in part due to factors such as social unrest and ethnic conflicts. Cambodia and Laos also face unfavorable prospects for crops due to delayed and erratic rains.
___Associated Press writer Hrvoje Hranjski in Manila contributed to this report.
The surging prices translated into domestic food inflation of 10 percent on average in many Asian economies, which could drive 64 million people into poverty, the bank said in a report, adding that it will also erode the living standards of families already living in poverty.
Food prices have been driven higher by surging oil prices, production shortfalls due to bad weather and export restrictions by several food producing countries.
If higher food and oil prices persist for the rest of the year, they could shave as much as 1.5 percentage points from economic growth in developing Asian countries, the report said.
Some countries will be hit harder than others. Singapore is highly vulnerable to inflation because the tiny city-state must import all its food. On the other hand, South Korea, where food accounts for a relatively small part of the consumer price index, will get off more lightly.
The rapid increases in the cost of food are a serious setback for the region that has rebounded rapidly from the global economic crisis.
Declining grain stocks, higher demand from Asian countries with big populations that are growing wealthier and a dwindling amount of agricultural land will continue to keep food prices high in the short term.
So will competition for food grains from biofuel production and stagnant or declining crop yields. Drought in China's major wheat-producing belt and flooding in rice-producing regions of Asia have reduced supplies of those crops.
ADB chief economist Changyong Rhee said food export bans and other short-term measures should be avoided. Instead, he urged greater spending to boost agricultural productivity and more investment to improve irrigation, food storage and other infrastructure.
"Left unchecked, the food crisis will badly undermine recent gains in poverty reduction made in Asia," he said.
Poor families in Asia are hit much harder by food price inflation because they spend as much as 60 percent of their income on food, a much higher proportion than in developed countries. Asia's developing countries are home to two-thirds of the world's poor — about 600 million people — who live on $1.25 a day or less.
In contrast, people in the U.S. and other wealthy countries spend about 15 percent of their income on food, so the impact on rising food prices on their wallets isn't as big. And a lot of the food sold in wealthy countries is processed, so manufacturing costs account for a bigger share of the final price.
The ADB is a development lender whose mission is to alleviate poverty through loans, grants and assistance projects.
Global food prices jumped 34.2 percent in February overAssociated a year ago following a 28.4 percent rise in January, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) benchmark index. Surging cereal, edible oil and meat prices were behind the increases.
The FAO warned that 29 countries in Africa, Asia, Middle East and Latin America and the Caribbean would need food assistance. Afghanistan and Pakistan are among those that will face severe food shortages in part due to factors such as social unrest and ethnic conflicts. Cambodia and Laos also face unfavorable prospects for crops due to delayed and erratic rains.
___Associated Press writer Hrvoje Hranjski in Manila contributed to this report.
News Update Philippines aims to double tourist arrivals
MANILA - THE Philippines is aiming to nearly double foreign tourist arrivals to 6 million by 2016 with an eye on shoppers and big spenders.
Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim says close to 670,000 tourists visited the Southeast Asian archipelago in the first two months of this year, an 18 per cent rise.
With 3.5 million tourists last year, the Philippines still lags behind its neighbors.
Mr Lim said on Tuesday that the new civil aviation liberalisation policy, construction of 9,500 new hotel rooms in the next three years and programs to train small businesses to cash in on tourist shopping are expected to raise tourism revenues and jobs.
Tourism now accounts for 6 per cent of gross domestic product and employs 3.4 million Filipinos. -- AP
Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim says close to 670,000 tourists visited the Southeast Asian archipelago in the first two months of this year, an 18 per cent rise.
With 3.5 million tourists last year, the Philippines still lags behind its neighbors.
Mr Lim said on Tuesday that the new civil aviation liberalisation policy, construction of 9,500 new hotel rooms in the next three years and programs to train small businesses to cash in on tourist shopping are expected to raise tourism revenues and jobs.
Tourism now accounts for 6 per cent of gross domestic product and employs 3.4 million Filipinos. -- AP
News Update Philippine ex-president accused of $15.2m plunder
A complaint filed on Tuesday alleges former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo plundered an overseas workers' fund to boost her 2004 election campaign. ST PHOTO: WONG KWAI CHOW
MANILA - A COMPLAINT filed on Tuesday alleges former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo plundered an overseas workers' fund to boost her 2004 election campaign.
The complaint claims Arroyo ordered about 530 million pesos (S$15.2 million) diverted from the fund to pay for health cards with her image on them distributed during the campaign.
About 9 million Filipinos work abroad due to a lack of employment at home, and their contributions to the trust fund pay for repatriation during emergencies, medical care and other needs unique to overseas workers.
The complaint alleges their money was misused when part of the trust fund was allegedly diverted to pay for health cards, which are available to all Filipinos to pay for hospital care.
Mrs Arroyo has long denied wrongdoing but continues to be dogged by allegations of corruption and misrule in her nine-year presidency.
She stepped down last June and now serves in the House of Representatives. -- AP
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
News Update Study shows PH employees 'mostly dissatisfied'
By Alexander Villafania
MAKATI CITY, METRO MANILA – A recent survey by global outsourcing firm Accenture reveals that most employees in the Philippines are not satisfied with their current jobs.
The Accenture report, entitled “Reinvent Opportunity: Looking Through A New Lens”, also shows that Filipino workers are looking for better compensation, benefits and work-life balance.
The study was done in November 2010 and based from an online survey of 3,400 business executives from medium to large scale companies in 29 countries, including the Philippines.
Each country had at least 100 respondents, except in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland where the combined total is 100.
Among the respondents in the Philippines, there were more male employees (72 percent) than females who indicated they are dissastisfied with their current jobs.
Nevertheless, about 65 percent of Filipino respondents still want to increase their knowledge and develop their skill sets. Another 50 percent of the respondents say that career planning is one of their major priorities this year. In fact, about 60 percent of respondents are still not satisfied with their career skill levels.
Accenture Philippines Country Managing Director Manolito Tayag said employers in the country are encouraged to focus on addressing these issues for employee retention and to help them grow in both professional and personal levels.
Some of the reasons for the dissatisfaction include being underpaid, lack of growth opportunities, no career advancements and feeling “trapped”.
However, about 70 percent of those surveyed said they intend to stay in their respective jobs. About 60 percent of the respondents said they will be working on developing their skills to achieve their career goals.
Reasons cited by employees why they want to pursue career advancements iinclude better compensation, new and challenging assignments, flexible work arrangements and targeting higher positions in their companies.
***
MAKATI CITY, METRO MANILA – A recent survey by global outsourcing firm Accenture reveals that most employees in the Philippines are not satisfied with their current jobs.
The Accenture report, entitled “Reinvent Opportunity: Looking Through A New Lens”, also shows that Filipino workers are looking for better compensation, benefits and work-life balance.
The study was done in November 2010 and based from an online survey of 3,400 business executives from medium to large scale companies in 29 countries, including the Philippines.
Each country had at least 100 respondents, except in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland where the combined total is 100.
Among the respondents in the Philippines, there were more male employees (72 percent) than females who indicated they are dissastisfied with their current jobs.
Nevertheless, about 65 percent of Filipino respondents still want to increase their knowledge and develop their skill sets. Another 50 percent of the respondents say that career planning is one of their major priorities this year. In fact, about 60 percent of respondents are still not satisfied with their career skill levels.
Accenture Philippines Country Managing Director Manolito Tayag said employers in the country are encouraged to focus on addressing these issues for employee retention and to help them grow in both professional and personal levels.
Some of the reasons for the dissatisfaction include being underpaid, lack of growth opportunities, no career advancements and feeling “trapped”.
However, about 70 percent of those surveyed said they intend to stay in their respective jobs. About 60 percent of the respondents said they will be working on developing their skills to achieve their career goals.
Reasons cited by employees why they want to pursue career advancements iinclude better compensation, new and challenging assignments, flexible work arrangements and targeting higher positions in their companies.
***
News Update Angle bar makers seek safeguard duty extension
MANILA, Philippines - Local manufacturers have formally asked the Department of Trade and Industry to extend the imposition of safeguard duty on steel angle bars to the maximum 10 years as allowed by law to ensure viability of the local industry by keeping imports at bay.
In separate letters to DTI Secretary Gregory L. Domingo, angle bar makers Cathay Metal Corp., Lunar Steel Corp. and Dragon Asia Rolling Mills Inc. said the extension of the safeguard measure will remedy the serious injury inflicted by imported steel angle bars on the domestic industry.
"The continuation and extension of the safeguard measure is also necessary in order that the positive adjustment to imported competition that the domestic industry has undertaken may continue and be completed," their letters said.
Also, companies belonging to the Steel Angles, Shapes and Sections Manufacturers Association of the Philippines Inc. (SASSMAPI) are hoping the reduction in the safeguard duties that will be slapped on its third year of implementation will not be higher than 5 percent so the measure will continue to be effective in preventing imported angle bars from flooding the market anew.
The DTI, based on the investigation and report of the Tariff Commission, imposed a safeguard duty of P7,700 per metric ton on steel angle bars in September 2009, and then reduced it to P5,133 per metric ton starting April 2010.
The DTI is expected to release its order setting the amount of the safeguard duty for the third year in May.
Under Sec. 19 of RA 8800 (Safeguard Measure Act), safeguard duties can be slapped for a period of 10 years.
From only 154 metric tons (MT) in 2003, the import volume of steel angle bars went up to 31,847 (MT) in 2008, with an average annual growth rate of 391 percent. The local production, on the other hand, shrunk to 37,727 MT in 2008 from 106,699 MT in 2005.
In 2009, importation of steel angle bars dropped dramatically to 1,888 metric tons and further to only 60 tons in 2010.
Local manufacturers, meanwhile, benefited from the imposition of safeguard duty and the subsequent adjustment plans that they initiated.
Dragon, for instance, is now operating at 40 percent capacity utilization from zero before the safeguard duty was imposed. Cathay increased its capacity utilization to 50 percent from 17.19 percent, and Lunar to 44 percent from 8.4 percent
In separate letters to DTI Secretary Gregory L. Domingo, angle bar makers Cathay Metal Corp., Lunar Steel Corp. and Dragon Asia Rolling Mills Inc. said the extension of the safeguard measure will remedy the serious injury inflicted by imported steel angle bars on the domestic industry.
"The continuation and extension of the safeguard measure is also necessary in order that the positive adjustment to imported competition that the domestic industry has undertaken may continue and be completed," their letters said.
Also, companies belonging to the Steel Angles, Shapes and Sections Manufacturers Association of the Philippines Inc. (SASSMAPI) are hoping the reduction in the safeguard duties that will be slapped on its third year of implementation will not be higher than 5 percent so the measure will continue to be effective in preventing imported angle bars from flooding the market anew.
The DTI, based on the investigation and report of the Tariff Commission, imposed a safeguard duty of P7,700 per metric ton on steel angle bars in September 2009, and then reduced it to P5,133 per metric ton starting April 2010.
The DTI is expected to release its order setting the amount of the safeguard duty for the third year in May.
Under Sec. 19 of RA 8800 (Safeguard Measure Act), safeguard duties can be slapped for a period of 10 years.
From only 154 metric tons (MT) in 2003, the import volume of steel angle bars went up to 31,847 (MT) in 2008, with an average annual growth rate of 391 percent. The local production, on the other hand, shrunk to 37,727 MT in 2008 from 106,699 MT in 2005.
In 2009, importation of steel angle bars dropped dramatically to 1,888 metric tons and further to only 60 tons in 2010.
Local manufacturers, meanwhile, benefited from the imposition of safeguard duty and the subsequent adjustment plans that they initiated.
Dragon, for instance, is now operating at 40 percent capacity utilization from zero before the safeguard duty was imposed. Cathay increased its capacity utilization to 50 percent from 17.19 percent, and Lunar to 44 percent from 8.4 percent
News Update Gov't prepares to take action on GSPI for non-operation
MANILA, Philippines - The Indian-owned Global Steel Philippines Inc. (GSPI), operator of formerly state-owned National Steel Corp. (NSC) in Iligan City, has been given a month to submit a status report on its steel manufacturing operation as the government is bent on implementing a course of action, including possible foreclosure and takeover, to make the country's supposedly biggest steel plant back on its feet after almost a year of staying idle.
This developed after the Board of Investments (BoI) has created a taskforce headed by executive director Raul V. Angeles to assess the GSPI situation.
Angeles had met with GSPI officials to require them to submit the status report within a month's time or until the second week of May.
During the meeting, Angeles said that GSPI officials also informed him they were set to resume operation in July this year.
In a separate interview, BoI managing head Cristino L. Panlilio said the government should know the plans of GSPI for the Iligan plant.
It could be recalled that the Indian firm acquired the former NSC facilities in 2004 for P13.25 billion, including an upfront payment of P1 billion down payment it owed to secured NSC creditors and the balance to be paid over an eight-year period in compliance with the asset purchase agreement governing the sale of the Iligan-based steel manufacturing complex.
In 2008, however, GSPI took the creditors to a Singaporean arbitration court to stop its lenders from declaring it in payment default.
GSPI claimed the creditors and the liquidator were in breach of their obligations when they failed to deliver clean titles of the facilities owing to unpaid real estate taxes of the then NSC between 1999, the time when the plant closed, and September 2004 when GSPI took over the facilities. GSPI claimed it was not able to secure loans for its Iligan operation for failure to take possession of the titles to the property.
The company was saddled with financial difficulties including debts from the National Power Corp. and real estate taxes to the local government of Iligan City.
This developed after the Board of Investments (BoI) has created a taskforce headed by executive director Raul V. Angeles to assess the GSPI situation.
Angeles had met with GSPI officials to require them to submit the status report within a month's time or until the second week of May.
During the meeting, Angeles said that GSPI officials also informed him they were set to resume operation in July this year.
In a separate interview, BoI managing head Cristino L. Panlilio said the government should know the plans of GSPI for the Iligan plant.
It could be recalled that the Indian firm acquired the former NSC facilities in 2004 for P13.25 billion, including an upfront payment of P1 billion down payment it owed to secured NSC creditors and the balance to be paid over an eight-year period in compliance with the asset purchase agreement governing the sale of the Iligan-based steel manufacturing complex.
In 2008, however, GSPI took the creditors to a Singaporean arbitration court to stop its lenders from declaring it in payment default.
GSPI claimed the creditors and the liquidator were in breach of their obligations when they failed to deliver clean titles of the facilities owing to unpaid real estate taxes of the then NSC between 1999, the time when the plant closed, and September 2004 when GSPI took over the facilities. GSPI claimed it was not able to secure loans for its Iligan operation for failure to take possession of the titles to the property.
The company was saddled with financial difficulties including debts from the National Power Corp. and real estate taxes to the local government of Iligan City.
News Update Japan situation seen to affect RP exports
MANILA, Philippines - The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has warned that the recent disasters in Japan would affect the country's export performance in the short term.
"There are indications that the softening demand will be compounded in the coming months by shortages of certain electronic components due to disasters in Japan that have started to negatively affect the electronics industry," said NEDA Director-General Cayetano Paderanga, Jr.
Paderanga made this statement after the National Statistics Office (NSO) released the February 2011 export earnings that amounted to US$3.864 billion, or a modest growth of 8.2 percent from the same month last year. This brought total export receipts in the first two months of 2011 to rise by 10.0 percent to US$7.9 billion.
The Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) expects full year exports growth to decelerate this year to 13 percent partly due to base effect and the softening of the demand in some segments of the electronics industry.
Electronic products, which accounted more than half of total exports revenue in February 2011, totaled US$ 2.071 billion, or down by 2.7 percent from a year ago. Export of semiconductors, which comprised more than a third of the total exports share, was also down by 3.8 percent.
"The reduced earnings from semiconductors in February 2011 were partly attributed to the imbalanced supply and demand. Prices are declining, despite the build-up of inventories that still have the capacity to accommodate demand until June 2011," said Paderanga.
The NSO data also showed that Japan was the top destination of Philippine goods in February 2011, with a 17.2 percent share in the total exports. (EHL)
"There are indications that the softening demand will be compounded in the coming months by shortages of certain electronic components due to disasters in Japan that have started to negatively affect the electronics industry," said NEDA Director-General Cayetano Paderanga, Jr.
Paderanga made this statement after the National Statistics Office (NSO) released the February 2011 export earnings that amounted to US$3.864 billion, or a modest growth of 8.2 percent from the same month last year. This brought total export receipts in the first two months of 2011 to rise by 10.0 percent to US$7.9 billion.
The Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) expects full year exports growth to decelerate this year to 13 percent partly due to base effect and the softening of the demand in some segments of the electronics industry.
Electronic products, which accounted more than half of total exports revenue in February 2011, totaled US$ 2.071 billion, or down by 2.7 percent from a year ago. Export of semiconductors, which comprised more than a third of the total exports share, was also down by 3.8 percent.
"The reduced earnings from semiconductors in February 2011 were partly attributed to the imbalanced supply and demand. Prices are declining, despite the build-up of inventories that still have the capacity to accommodate demand until June 2011," said Paderanga.
The NSO data also showed that Japan was the top destination of Philippine goods in February 2011, with a 17.2 percent share in the total exports. (EHL)
News Update DENR moves to improve quality of river basins
MANILA, Philippines - Even though the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) saw a slight improvement in the water quality of rivers, at least 10 out of 19 major river basins in the country remain polluted, a DENR senior official reported.
DENR Undersecretary for Policy and Planning Demetrio Ignacio Jr. said 10 out of the 19 major rivers in the country are polluted because of the high levels of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)-the standard measurement of pollution in the water.
The standard level for Class C water, or water suitable for boating activities, propagation of fish and aquatic resources, and manufacturing processes for industries, is not more than 7 milligrams per liter (mg/L).
Ignacio said the rivers that remain polluted are Meycauayan, Marilao, and Bocaue Rivers in Central Luzon; Calapan River in Oriental Mindoro; Anayan River in Camarines Sur; Iloilo River in Iloilo; Luyang and Sapangdaku River in Central Visayas; Balili River in the Cordillera Autonomous Region; and Parañaque River in the National Capital Region.
He pointed out that in 2009, BOD in these rivers ranged from 2.48 milligrams per liter to as high as 126.27 mg/L, which is over 1,000 percent beyond the standard of <7 mg/L.
However, Ignacio noted that water pollution was reduced by almost 10 percent from 28.84 milligrams per liter in the first half of 2010 to 26.08 mg/L along the 10 major polluted rivers in the country.
The DENR undersecretary attributed the improvement in the rivers' water quality to the business sector's support to the government to clean up the country's waterways.
"There was also increased awareness and concern to clean and protect the environment," he added.
Ignacio said the implementation of the Adopt-an-Estero program, a public-private partnership on the cleanup of creeks and polluted rivers, helped improve the state of rivers nationwide.
DENR Undersecretary for Policy and Planning Demetrio Ignacio Jr. said 10 out of the 19 major rivers in the country are polluted because of the high levels of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)-the standard measurement of pollution in the water.
The standard level for Class C water, or water suitable for boating activities, propagation of fish and aquatic resources, and manufacturing processes for industries, is not more than 7 milligrams per liter (mg/L).
Ignacio said the rivers that remain polluted are Meycauayan, Marilao, and Bocaue Rivers in Central Luzon; Calapan River in Oriental Mindoro; Anayan River in Camarines Sur; Iloilo River in Iloilo; Luyang and Sapangdaku River in Central Visayas; Balili River in the Cordillera Autonomous Region; and Parañaque River in the National Capital Region.
He pointed out that in 2009, BOD in these rivers ranged from 2.48 milligrams per liter to as high as 126.27 mg/L, which is over 1,000 percent beyond the standard of <7 mg/L.
However, Ignacio noted that water pollution was reduced by almost 10 percent from 28.84 milligrams per liter in the first half of 2010 to 26.08 mg/L along the 10 major polluted rivers in the country.
The DENR undersecretary attributed the improvement in the rivers' water quality to the business sector's support to the government to clean up the country's waterways.
"There was also increased awareness and concern to clean and protect the environment," he added.
Ignacio said the implementation of the Adopt-an-Estero program, a public-private partnership on the cleanup of creeks and polluted rivers, helped improve the state of rivers nationwide.
News Update Harmonized organic food standards eyed
MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines looks forward to greater market access to Asia for its organic produce through a harmonization of standards that will remove trade barriers in the region.
Through the Global Organic Market Access (GOMA) project of the United Nations-Food and Agriculture Organization (UN-FAO), Asian countries are now drafting the standards.
Also leading the drafting of the regional organic standards are the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM) and the UN Conference on Trade and Development.
"Hopefully the standards will be launched during the Organic World Congress in Korea late September to October this year," said Pablito M. Villegas, IFOAM international network lead convenor, said in an interview.
The Philippines will also send its representatives to a Laos meeting this June for the draft. Policymakers for the organic standards in the country are headed by Department of Agriculture (DA)-Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Products Standard Executive Director Gilbert Layese.
The UN-FAO supports harmonization of standards for organic food as it claims that "organic agriculture and trade afford the world a high level of agro-ecosystem services, and present social and economic opportunities for people, especially those in need of food security and ways out of poverty."
Certification of farms as one that is totally free from the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers is one of the major concerns in the marketing of organic food.
This will involve an agreement on equivalency on the use of materials for fertilizers and biopesticides. An agreement, for instance, includes acceptance of local plants - madre de cacao or kakawate - as substitute for India's neem tree as a material for fertilizer or biopesticides.
"This will pass through governmental channel. Then it will be recognized as a multilateral agreement. We will then also agree with other regions on a similar standards such as South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation or SAARC," said Villegas.
The PHilippines is pushing for recognition of a first party and second party certification for organic farming, rather than just a third party certification which is more costly and complicated. A first party certification comes from a claim from the owner that his farm grows organically and a second party certification comes from a recognized organic farm owner that affirms as to the truthfulness of such claim.
Villegas said the second party certification is also recognized by the IFOAM and is an effective organic guarantee system much like a self-policing industry.
While US and Europe are among the biggest markets for organic produce, Japan has been a nearby market for organic food. In the US, the USDA reported that its organic agriculture imports accounted for 12 to 18 percent of the $8.6 billion organic retail sales as of 2002.
With the increasing vibrancy of the local organic industry as the Organic Agriculture Act was passed last year, Villegas related a financing window for organic farming has been opened by the Development Bank of the Philippines. Its loan program finances organic rice, muscovado sugar, vegetables, processed organic vegetables such as pickels and chunks, seaweeds, fruits, root crops, culinary herbs, poultry meat and eggs, processed pork meat, beverages, and honey
Through the Global Organic Market Access (GOMA) project of the United Nations-Food and Agriculture Organization (UN-FAO), Asian countries are now drafting the standards.
Also leading the drafting of the regional organic standards are the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM) and the UN Conference on Trade and Development.
"Hopefully the standards will be launched during the Organic World Congress in Korea late September to October this year," said Pablito M. Villegas, IFOAM international network lead convenor, said in an interview.
The Philippines will also send its representatives to a Laos meeting this June for the draft. Policymakers for the organic standards in the country are headed by Department of Agriculture (DA)-Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Products Standard Executive Director Gilbert Layese.
The UN-FAO supports harmonization of standards for organic food as it claims that "organic agriculture and trade afford the world a high level of agro-ecosystem services, and present social and economic opportunities for people, especially those in need of food security and ways out of poverty."
Certification of farms as one that is totally free from the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers is one of the major concerns in the marketing of organic food.
This will involve an agreement on equivalency on the use of materials for fertilizers and biopesticides. An agreement, for instance, includes acceptance of local plants - madre de cacao or kakawate - as substitute for India's neem tree as a material for fertilizer or biopesticides.
"This will pass through governmental channel. Then it will be recognized as a multilateral agreement. We will then also agree with other regions on a similar standards such as South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation or SAARC," said Villegas.
The PHilippines is pushing for recognition of a first party and second party certification for organic farming, rather than just a third party certification which is more costly and complicated. A first party certification comes from a claim from the owner that his farm grows organically and a second party certification comes from a recognized organic farm owner that affirms as to the truthfulness of such claim.
Villegas said the second party certification is also recognized by the IFOAM and is an effective organic guarantee system much like a self-policing industry.
While US and Europe are among the biggest markets for organic produce, Japan has been a nearby market for organic food. In the US, the USDA reported that its organic agriculture imports accounted for 12 to 18 percent of the $8.6 billion organic retail sales as of 2002.
With the increasing vibrancy of the local organic industry as the Organic Agriculture Act was passed last year, Villegas related a financing window for organic farming has been opened by the Development Bank of the Philippines. Its loan program finances organic rice, muscovado sugar, vegetables, processed organic vegetables such as pickels and chunks, seaweeds, fruits, root crops, culinary herbs, poultry meat and eggs, processed pork meat, beverages, and honey
News Update EcoWaste laments 'Alay-Kalat' penitential walk to Antipolo City
MANILA, Philippines - A waste and pollution watchdog has decried the unchecked littering that marred the "Alay-Lakad" penitential walk of thousands of Catholic faithful last Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, which incidentally was the 42nd Earth Day.
"We are saddened by the seemingly apathetic pilgrims who spoiled the penitential trail to Antipolo Cathedral with plastic rubbish and other garbage," said 'Basura Patroller' Manny Calonzo of the EcoWaste Coalition.
"While we're delighted to see families and friends walk together to fulfill their sacrificial vows, we could not help but moan about the uninspiring environmental indifference of some pilgrims as if Mother Earth does not matter," he said.
"Littering was so extensive even though it is banned by Republic Act No. 9003 and related local environmental laws," he added.
The long stretch of Ortigas Avenue Extension, which traverses Pasig City, Cainta and Taytay, Rizal and Antipolo City, was littered with assorted trash such as clear plastic bags for drinking water and "palamig" (coolers), plastic straws, cups and bottles, chips wrappers, paper scraps, cigarette butts and food leftovers, the EcoWaste Coalition noted.
The Antipolo Cathedral, home to the miraculous icon, the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, was "carpeted" with scattered newspapers used by pilgrims that kept church caretakers very busy on Earth Day.
According to a parish personnel interviewed by the EcoWaste Coalition on Friday morning, the 15 staff assigned to clean up the church compound were likely to consume the 150 big garbage bags set aside for the massive occasion.
"While disappointed with what we saw, we remain optimistic that future pilgrimages to Antipolo will treat Mother Earth more kindly. Next time, please abide by the law and don't litter," the EcoWaste Coalition said.
R.A. 9003, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, lists littering, throwing and dumping of waste matters in public places as prohibited acts under the law's penal provision. (PNA)
"We are saddened by the seemingly apathetic pilgrims who spoiled the penitential trail to Antipolo Cathedral with plastic rubbish and other garbage," said 'Basura Patroller' Manny Calonzo of the EcoWaste Coalition.
"While we're delighted to see families and friends walk together to fulfill their sacrificial vows, we could not help but moan about the uninspiring environmental indifference of some pilgrims as if Mother Earth does not matter," he said.
"Littering was so extensive even though it is banned by Republic Act No. 9003 and related local environmental laws," he added.
The long stretch of Ortigas Avenue Extension, which traverses Pasig City, Cainta and Taytay, Rizal and Antipolo City, was littered with assorted trash such as clear plastic bags for drinking water and "palamig" (coolers), plastic straws, cups and bottles, chips wrappers, paper scraps, cigarette butts and food leftovers, the EcoWaste Coalition noted.
The Antipolo Cathedral, home to the miraculous icon, the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, was "carpeted" with scattered newspapers used by pilgrims that kept church caretakers very busy on Earth Day.
According to a parish personnel interviewed by the EcoWaste Coalition on Friday morning, the 15 staff assigned to clean up the church compound were likely to consume the 150 big garbage bags set aside for the massive occasion.
"While disappointed with what we saw, we remain optimistic that future pilgrimages to Antipolo will treat Mother Earth more kindly. Next time, please abide by the law and don't litter," the EcoWaste Coalition said.
R.A. 9003, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, lists littering, throwing and dumping of waste matters in public places as prohibited acts under the law's penal provision. (PNA)
News Update Glitches stall LRT-1, MRT after 4-day maintenance work
Glitches hit the Light and Metro Rail Transit systems early Monday, less than 24 hours after both underwent maintenance checks during the Holy Week.
An LRT-1 coach suffered a glitch at 5:10 a.m. at the Libertad station in Pasay City, while an MRT coach stalled in Mandaluyong City due to under-voltage.
The glitch in the first incident involving an LRT-1 coach at Libertad station delayed LRT operations by six minutes, radio dzBB reported. At the time of the incident, the LRT coach was bound north towards Monumento in Caloocan City.
Worse for LRT-1 passengers, many of the exit stiles at the Libertad station were defective.
"May problema tayo lately sa gate dahil naubusan tayo ng spare parts para maayos ang regular na maintenance. Ang ginawa natin ngayon hinuhulog nila sa box ang card para mabilis ang exit nila," LRT Administration spokesman Hernando Cabrera said in an interview on dzBB radio.
(We have had problems with the stiles because we ran out of spare parts. For now we let the passengers drop their cards into a box and let them leave via a regular gate.)
On the other hand, an MRT train heading north stalled at the Shaw Boulevard Station at Mandaluyong City at 7:30 a.m. Cabrera said this was due to under-voltage for the MRT train.
This prompted MRT personnel to have the passengers get off, he said.
Ironically, the LRT and MRT had undergone a four-day Holy Week break since Holy Thursday last week, to undergo maintenance and repairs.
In past weeks, the LRT-1 had been plagued by glitches that delayed operations by several minutes, many of them involving a faulty door mechanism. - KBK
An LRT-1 coach suffered a glitch at 5:10 a.m. at the Libertad station in Pasay City, while an MRT coach stalled in Mandaluyong City due to under-voltage.
The glitch in the first incident involving an LRT-1 coach at Libertad station delayed LRT operations by six minutes, radio dzBB reported. At the time of the incident, the LRT coach was bound north towards Monumento in Caloocan City.
Worse for LRT-1 passengers, many of the exit stiles at the Libertad station were defective.
"May problema tayo lately sa gate dahil naubusan tayo ng spare parts para maayos ang regular na maintenance. Ang ginawa natin ngayon hinuhulog nila sa box ang card para mabilis ang exit nila," LRT Administration spokesman Hernando Cabrera said in an interview on dzBB radio.
(We have had problems with the stiles because we ran out of spare parts. For now we let the passengers drop their cards into a box and let them leave via a regular gate.)
On the other hand, an MRT train heading north stalled at the Shaw Boulevard Station at Mandaluyong City at 7:30 a.m. Cabrera said this was due to under-voltage for the MRT train.
This prompted MRT personnel to have the passengers get off, he said.
Ironically, the LRT and MRT had undergone a four-day Holy Week break since Holy Thursday last week, to undergo maintenance and repairs.
In past weeks, the LRT-1 had been plagued by glitches that delayed operations by several minutes, many of them involving a faulty door mechanism. - KBK
News Update Pilar Pilapil's female companion now a suspect
The supposed niece of Pilar Pilapil’s partner who supposedly invited and accompanied her to a business meeting on the night she was stabbed and nearly killed has been named suspect to the crime, police said Monday.
Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDG) chief Samuel Pagdilao Jr. said Rosel Peñas is now the subject of a manhunt operation along with two other male suspects in the stabbing incident.
“Her failure to surface after the incident and the fictitious circumstances surrounding her personality have convinced authorities that she is a suspect and not a victim," Pagdilao said in a statement.
Pagdilao said Peñas was considered a suspect after she was spotted in Metro Manila driving the same gold Kia Carens (CIZ-888), where Pilapil was attacked, a day after the incident.
He said Peñas also allegedly made false statements when she told Pilapil that she was in Australia prior to the date of the attack, since records from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) showed she never left the country days before Pilapil’s stabbing.
Peñas supposedly invited Pilapil to a business meeting last April 14 when the actress was stabbed by two men at the Marikina Riverbanks. She was later dumped in a grassy area in Antipolo City.
Police ruled out carjacking as motive behind the attack since no report of the incident has been filed before the Philippine National Police (PNP)’s Highway Patrol Group.
Authorities are now looking at robbery as the possible reason behind the incident, as they gather specific evidence on Peñas and the two other suspects’ involvement in the case.
The task force probing the Pilapil case has earlier released artist's sketches of the actress’ alleged attackers.
Senior Superintendent Joel Napoleon Coronel, head of Task Force Pilapil, said they are considering filing a case of robbery with serious physical injuries against Peñas and the two still unidentified male suspects. - KBK
Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDG) chief Samuel Pagdilao Jr. said Rosel Peñas is now the subject of a manhunt operation along with two other male suspects in the stabbing incident.
“Her failure to surface after the incident and the fictitious circumstances surrounding her personality have convinced authorities that she is a suspect and not a victim," Pagdilao said in a statement.
Pagdilao said Peñas was considered a suspect after she was spotted in Metro Manila driving the same gold Kia Carens (CIZ-888), where Pilapil was attacked, a day after the incident.
He said Peñas also allegedly made false statements when she told Pilapil that she was in Australia prior to the date of the attack, since records from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) showed she never left the country days before Pilapil’s stabbing.
Peñas supposedly invited Pilapil to a business meeting last April 14 when the actress was stabbed by two men at the Marikina Riverbanks. She was later dumped in a grassy area in Antipolo City.
Police ruled out carjacking as motive behind the attack since no report of the incident has been filed before the Philippine National Police (PNP)’s Highway Patrol Group.
Authorities are now looking at robbery as the possible reason behind the incident, as they gather specific evidence on Peñas and the two other suspects’ involvement in the case.
The task force probing the Pilapil case has earlier released artist's sketches of the actress’ alleged attackers.
Senior Superintendent Joel Napoleon Coronel, head of Task Force Pilapil, said they are considering filing a case of robbery with serious physical injuries against Peñas and the two still unidentified male suspects. - KBK
News Update Lacson willing to serve in Aquino's Cabinet
Senator Panfilo Lacson will not refuse if President Benigno Aquino III offers him a Cabinet position at the end of his term in 2013.
"I’m one person who will not shy away from responsibility," Lacson told reporters during an ambush interview on Monday.
However, he was quick to dismiss rumors that he was being offered the post of secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
"That was not taken up during my meeting with the President," said Lacson, who met with Aquino last month shortly after he surfaced from more than a year of hiding to evade arrest in connection with a double murder case.
He likewise said that Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo should be given a chance to do his job. "I think he should stay there and perform his duty as DILG secretary."
Lacson was the chief of the Philippine National Police from November 1999 to January 2001. It was during this time that he allegedly masterminded the abduction and killing of publicist Salvador "Bubby" Dacer and Dacer's driver, Emmanuel Corbito.
The Court of Appeals has already junked the multiple murder cases filed against Lacson.
Lacson was first elected senator on 2001 and to another term in 2007, making him ineligible for reelection in the 2013 midterm elections. He was also an unsuccessful presidential candidate in the 2004 elections. - Kimberly Jane Tan/KBK
"I’m one person who will not shy away from responsibility," Lacson told reporters during an ambush interview on Monday.
However, he was quick to dismiss rumors that he was being offered the post of secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
"That was not taken up during my meeting with the President," said Lacson, who met with Aquino last month shortly after he surfaced from more than a year of hiding to evade arrest in connection with a double murder case.
He likewise said that Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo should be given a chance to do his job. "I think he should stay there and perform his duty as DILG secretary."
Lacson was the chief of the Philippine National Police from November 1999 to January 2001. It was during this time that he allegedly masterminded the abduction and killing of publicist Salvador "Bubby" Dacer and Dacer's driver, Emmanuel Corbito.
The Court of Appeals has already junked the multiple murder cases filed against Lacson.
Lacson was first elected senator on 2001 and to another term in 2007, making him ineligible for reelection in the 2013 midterm elections. He was also an unsuccessful presidential candidate in the 2004 elections. - Kimberly Jane Tan/KBK
Monday, April 25, 2011
News Update Aquino appoints 17 new ambassadors
President Benigno Aquino III has appointed Department Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson Eduardo Malaya and 16 other career diplomats to different ambassadorial positions abroad, deputy president spokesperson Abigail Valte announced on Sunday.
Valte, in an interview on state-run dzRB radio, said President Aquino has named Malaya, also DFA assistant secretary, as Philippine ambassador to Malaysia.
The other appointees were:
Belen Anota to Australia, Nauru, Vanuatu, and Tuvalu;
Victoria Bataclan to Belgium, Luxembourg, European communities and the European Union;
Leslie Gatan to Canada;
Wilfredo Maximo to Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Jamaica;
Cristina Ortega to France and Monaco;
Ma. Cleofe Natividad to Germany;
Meynardo Montealegre to the Hellenic Republic and Cyprus;
Eleanor Jaucian to Hungary, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Montenegro, and the Republic of Serbia;
Generoso Calonge to Israel;
George Reyes to the United Mexican States, Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama;
Lourdes Morales to the Netherlands;
Virginia Benavidez to New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa;
Bayani Mercado to Norway, Iceland, and Denmark;
Edgardo Manuel to Poland;
Leslie Baja to Switzerland and Liechtenstein;
Enrique Manalo to United Kingdom and Northern Ireland
President Aquino appointed the new ambassadors last April 12 in keeping with his administration's resolve to appoint more career officials than political ones in the DFA. - KBK
Valte, in an interview on state-run dzRB radio, said President Aquino has named Malaya, also DFA assistant secretary, as Philippine ambassador to Malaysia.
The other appointees were:
Belen Anota to Australia, Nauru, Vanuatu, and Tuvalu;
Victoria Bataclan to Belgium, Luxembourg, European communities and the European Union;
Leslie Gatan to Canada;
Wilfredo Maximo to Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Jamaica;
Cristina Ortega to France and Monaco;
Ma. Cleofe Natividad to Germany;
Meynardo Montealegre to the Hellenic Republic and Cyprus;
Eleanor Jaucian to Hungary, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Montenegro, and the Republic of Serbia;
Generoso Calonge to Israel;
George Reyes to the United Mexican States, Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama;
Lourdes Morales to the Netherlands;
Virginia Benavidez to New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa;
Bayani Mercado to Norway, Iceland, and Denmark;
Edgardo Manuel to Poland;
Leslie Baja to Switzerland and Liechtenstein;
Enrique Manalo to United Kingdom and Northern Ireland
President Aquino appointed the new ambassadors last April 12 in keeping with his administration's resolve to appoint more career officials than political ones in the DFA. - KBK
News Update ‘Rogue’ MILF commander sends emissary to breakaway leader
A “rogue" Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) commander has sent a four-member delegation to a breakaway leader to urge him to rejoin the secessionist group.
Bravo Macaapar, one of the three MILF commanders declared “rogues" by the government, urged Umbra Kato to return to the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), according to an article in the MILF website.
“Dubbed ‘Bravo Initiative Unity Team,’ the delegation did not have the official approval of the MILF Central Committee, but it allowed it anyway ‘to exhaust all efforts to make Kato and his group to realize their shortcomings and return to the fold of the [BIAF],’" the MILF said.
The MILF said the team, headed by one Khalid Al-Haj, met Kato and some of his lieutenants last April 20 somewhere in the mountains of Maguindanao.
In its summary report dated April 22, 2011, the team had relayed four messages to Kato, two of which were:
That the mission is not only a visitation of comrades in the front but as real brothers in Jihad; and
To understand the real problem of the relationship between Ustaj Ameril Omra Kato and the leadership.
“None of these has been committed by the Murad-led MILF," the article quoted an aide of the team as saying.
Kato and Bravo, along with Alim Ali Pangalian, had been tagged in bloody skirmishes in North Cotabato and Lanao del Norte in 2008.
The three led attacks after the Supreme Court junked a Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) between the government and the MILF.
Both Kato and Bravo carried P10-million rewards on their heads, while Pangalian has a P5-million reward for his arrest.
In 2009, the government and MILF peace panels had tasked the International Monitoring Team (IMT) to investigate the fighting in North Cotabato and Lanao del Norte to determine whether the three MILF commanders were guilty of the allegations against them.
Both the government and MILF have contending and opposing accounts of the fighting, the MILF said. - KBK,
Bravo Macaapar, one of the three MILF commanders declared “rogues" by the government, urged Umbra Kato to return to the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), according to an article in the MILF website.
“Dubbed ‘Bravo Initiative Unity Team,’ the delegation did not have the official approval of the MILF Central Committee, but it allowed it anyway ‘to exhaust all efforts to make Kato and his group to realize their shortcomings and return to the fold of the [BIAF],’" the MILF said.
The MILF said the team, headed by one Khalid Al-Haj, met Kato and some of his lieutenants last April 20 somewhere in the mountains of Maguindanao.
In its summary report dated April 22, 2011, the team had relayed four messages to Kato, two of which were:
That the mission is not only a visitation of comrades in the front but as real brothers in Jihad; and
To understand the real problem of the relationship between Ustaj Ameril Omra Kato and the leadership.
“None of these has been committed by the Murad-led MILF," the article quoted an aide of the team as saying.
Kato and Bravo, along with Alim Ali Pangalian, had been tagged in bloody skirmishes in North Cotabato and Lanao del Norte in 2008.
The three led attacks after the Supreme Court junked a Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) between the government and the MILF.
Both Kato and Bravo carried P10-million rewards on their heads, while Pangalian has a P5-million reward for his arrest.
In 2009, the government and MILF peace panels had tasked the International Monitoring Team (IMT) to investigate the fighting in North Cotabato and Lanao del Norte to determine whether the three MILF commanders were guilty of the allegations against them.
Both the government and MILF have contending and opposing accounts of the fighting, the MILF said. - KBK,
News Update Allegations of lechon ‘theft’ get Cebu City suppliers’ goat
CEBU City’s lechon dealers denied allegations of a scam in which they supposedly lop off part of the meat in their roasted pigs, even when customers pay the full price.
In a regular meeting with Cebu City Hall’s Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF), at least 30 lechon merchants in Cebu City denied a scam alleged by University of the Philippines Cebu City (UPCC) professor Cherry Ballescas.
“Asa man nipalit? Didto reklamo (Where was the lechon bought? She should complain there),” DVMF Chief Dr. Alice Utlang quoted the dealers as saying.
But two city councilors want the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to investigate the “malicious practice” of allegedly taking portions of a roasted hog, in effect shortchanging the buyers.
Councilors Margarita Osmeña and Alvin Dizon believe the practice, if it does exist, must not be allowed as it will hurt tourists in both the city and province.
“This dishonest practice of certain lechon dealers or vendors is not only illegal but also tends to put in a bad light, not only Cebu’s lechon, but the image of Cebu as a province and a city,” the councilors said.
In a regular meeting with Cebu City Hall’s Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF), at least 30 lechon merchants in Cebu City denied a scam alleged by University of the Philippines Cebu City (UPCC) professor Cherry Ballescas.
“Asa man nipalit? Didto reklamo (Where was the lechon bought? She should complain there),” DVMF Chief Dr. Alice Utlang quoted the dealers as saying.
But two city councilors want the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to investigate the “malicious practice” of allegedly taking portions of a roasted hog, in effect shortchanging the buyers.
Councilors Margarita Osmeña and Alvin Dizon believe the practice, if it does exist, must not be allowed as it will hurt tourists in both the city and province.
“This dishonest practice of certain lechon dealers or vendors is not only illegal but also tends to put in a bad light, not only Cebu’s lechon, but the image of Cebu as a province and a city,” the councilors said.
News Update SteelAsia to invest P10.6 B for 3 billet production plants
MANILA, Philippines - New Carcar still Billet Manufacturing Corp., which is majority-owned by the Yao Group of SteelAsia Manufacturing Corp., is investing P10.57 billion for the establishment of three steel billet production facilities in Carcar Cebu in the Visayas, La Union in Luzon, and Davao del Norte in Mindanao in what is deemed as the company's strategic move to take advantage of the current construction boom in the country by making steel products available to their clients nationwide at their convenience and at cheaper cost.
The Board of Investments has already approved the project with tax and fiscal incentives as this activity is listed in the current Investment Priorities Plan of the government.
Lucita P. Reyes, BoI executive director told reporters these new still billet plants would utilize scrap metals from SteelAsia. The agreement is covered under a memorandum of agreement between the two companies.
Reyes explained that each plant has a project cost of P3.523 billion or a combined cost of P10.57 billion for the three projects. Each plant has also the same production capacity of 400,000 metric tons or a combined registered capacity of 1.2 MMT per year, all to be supplied to the local market.
These plants will have simultaneous start of commercial operation in January 2014 with 513 workers.
''For easier administration of incentives and monitoring the BoI has approved the three steel billet projects as one single registration,'' Reyes said.
This makes the Yao Group the biggest steel billet producer in the country with plants strategically located in three regions. In case, one plant bogs down the other plant can fill up the slack, Reyes said.
''They spread out the location so they can be readily available to their clients and to save on freight cost,'' Reyes said.
Reyes pointed out that iron and steel industry is a major economic contributor because of its various applications in the construction industry.
''Production of steel billets will make us competitive because they will be sourced locally,'' she added.
At present, Steel Asia is using imported steel billets to produce rebars.
''The steel billet operation is part of their backward integration,'' Reyes said. SteelAsia is a joint venture between Philippines steel industrialists, Yao and Go families, and NatSteel Holdings Limited of Singapore.
The Yao and Go families have partnered in steel manufacturing for the past 45 years.
NatSteel Holdings Pte. Ltd. is one of the largest steel enterprise in the South East Asia is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Steel of India, the 6th largest steel company in the world.
The Board of Investments has already approved the project with tax and fiscal incentives as this activity is listed in the current Investment Priorities Plan of the government.
Lucita P. Reyes, BoI executive director told reporters these new still billet plants would utilize scrap metals from SteelAsia. The agreement is covered under a memorandum of agreement between the two companies.
Reyes explained that each plant has a project cost of P3.523 billion or a combined cost of P10.57 billion for the three projects. Each plant has also the same production capacity of 400,000 metric tons or a combined registered capacity of 1.2 MMT per year, all to be supplied to the local market.
These plants will have simultaneous start of commercial operation in January 2014 with 513 workers.
''For easier administration of incentives and monitoring the BoI has approved the three steel billet projects as one single registration,'' Reyes said.
This makes the Yao Group the biggest steel billet producer in the country with plants strategically located in three regions. In case, one plant bogs down the other plant can fill up the slack, Reyes said.
''They spread out the location so they can be readily available to their clients and to save on freight cost,'' Reyes said.
Reyes pointed out that iron and steel industry is a major economic contributor because of its various applications in the construction industry.
''Production of steel billets will make us competitive because they will be sourced locally,'' she added.
At present, Steel Asia is using imported steel billets to produce rebars.
''The steel billet operation is part of their backward integration,'' Reyes said. SteelAsia is a joint venture between Philippines steel industrialists, Yao and Go families, and NatSteel Holdings Limited of Singapore.
The Yao and Go families have partnered in steel manufacturing for the past 45 years.
NatSteel Holdings Pte. Ltd. is one of the largest steel enterprise in the South East Asia is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Steel of India, the 6th largest steel company in the world.
News Update Filipino Cardinal urges charm offensive but hits President's lack of faith
Take it from someone who has walked the corridors of power at the Vatican.
Saying that Philippine President Benigno Aquino III was now "losing his popularity", Jose Cardinal Sanchez, the oldest among the country's three living cardinals, has urged Catholic bishops to go on a charm offensive and befriend congressmen to win them over in the reproductive health (RH) bill debate.
Sanchez, 91, also lamented in an interview with CBCP News that President Aquino's mother (the late President Corazon Aquino) and his sisters had "more faith than him".
"He is now losing his popularity. He has no firm idea on marriage. It is too much politics now and no longer religion. (His) mother (the late former President Corazon Aquino) and (his) sisters have more faith than him," said Sanchez, who once oversaw the diocesan priests around the world as prefect of the Vatican Congregation on the Clergy.
Hiking Filipinos' income
Sanchez said that the government should try to improve the lot of Filipino families by increasing their income instead of "destroying" them by pushing for the RH bill.
But with the President losing his popularity, Sanchez said that Congress would not be able to pass the bill. And a charm offensive could help.
Sanchez recalled that when he was once a bishop assigned in Bicol, he was a "friend to all the congressmen" so it was easy for him to confront them when a proposed law contradicted church doctrine.
"If there are bills contradictory to the Catholic teachings, I would go to these congressmen one by one to enlighten them with the Catholic teachings and they would easily agree with me. And as friends, they would find it hard to go against the bishop," Sanchez said.
However, he admitted that it would be harder to do this now since many lawmakers today are non-Christians.
What next?
Sanchez said he came back to the country from Rome to ward off the "tendencies that threaten to destroy the Catholic Church."
He said he was worried that same-sex marriage, which he said had been approved in Brazil - the world's largest Catholic country - might also be "accepted" later in the Philippines.
"I did not come here to fight the RH Bill. I came here to protect the Catholic doctrine. (The RH bill) is insignificant as far as the problems of the world are concerned. But I'm happy that it is being faced seriously by the Philippine Church," Sanchez said.
He said that if the Church fails to reverse these "tendencies" that threaten the Church, there would be fewer priests in the country in 50 years' time.
"The world is changing, and the evil doesn't stop. I hope the Philippines will remain a Christian country. But I know the (Filipino) Christians are not sleeping, they keep on fighting," Sanchez said.
COPYRIGHT: ASIA NEWS NETWORK
Saying that Philippine President Benigno Aquino III was now "losing his popularity", Jose Cardinal Sanchez, the oldest among the country's three living cardinals, has urged Catholic bishops to go on a charm offensive and befriend congressmen to win them over in the reproductive health (RH) bill debate.
Sanchez, 91, also lamented in an interview with CBCP News that President Aquino's mother (the late President Corazon Aquino) and his sisters had "more faith than him".
"He is now losing his popularity. He has no firm idea on marriage. It is too much politics now and no longer religion. (His) mother (the late former President Corazon Aquino) and (his) sisters have more faith than him," said Sanchez, who once oversaw the diocesan priests around the world as prefect of the Vatican Congregation on the Clergy.
Hiking Filipinos' income
Sanchez said that the government should try to improve the lot of Filipino families by increasing their income instead of "destroying" them by pushing for the RH bill.
But with the President losing his popularity, Sanchez said that Congress would not be able to pass the bill. And a charm offensive could help.
Sanchez recalled that when he was once a bishop assigned in Bicol, he was a "friend to all the congressmen" so it was easy for him to confront them when a proposed law contradicted church doctrine.
"If there are bills contradictory to the Catholic teachings, I would go to these congressmen one by one to enlighten them with the Catholic teachings and they would easily agree with me. And as friends, they would find it hard to go against the bishop," Sanchez said.
However, he admitted that it would be harder to do this now since many lawmakers today are non-Christians.
What next?
Sanchez said he came back to the country from Rome to ward off the "tendencies that threaten to destroy the Catholic Church."
He said he was worried that same-sex marriage, which he said had been approved in Brazil - the world's largest Catholic country - might also be "accepted" later in the Philippines.
"I did not come here to fight the RH Bill. I came here to protect the Catholic doctrine. (The RH bill) is insignificant as far as the problems of the world are concerned. But I'm happy that it is being faced seriously by the Philippine Church," Sanchez said.
He said that if the Church fails to reverse these "tendencies" that threaten the Church, there would be fewer priests in the country in 50 years' time.
"The world is changing, and the evil doesn't stop. I hope the Philippines will remain a Christian country. But I know the (Filipino) Christians are not sleeping, they keep on fighting," Sanchez said.
COPYRIGHT: ASIA NEWS NETWORK
News Update 2 soldiers held captive by NPA rebels in NCotabato
Communist rebels on Sunday said they are holding two Army intelligence officers in North Cotabato in southern Philippines.
In a statement, the New People’s Army (NPA) identified the two as Corporal Delfin Sarocam and Private First Class Jayson Valenzuela, both from the Army’s 57th Infantry Battalion (IB).
The two were captured last April 14 in President Roxas town.
This confirms earlier field reports cited by Col. Prudencio Asto of the Philippine Army's 6th Infantry Division that two Army soldiers had been abducted by NPA rebels.
In a statement released on Sunday, rebel spokesperson Isabel Santiago said both officers were conducting “investigations for serious violations and implementing the government’s anti-revolutionary measures."
The 57th IB operates in the towns of President Roxas, Magpet, Antipas and Arakan, all in North Cotabato.
Sarocam and Valenzuela were abducted by around 20 fully-armed men while they were on their way to Sitio Dalinding, Barangay Datu Puas Inda, a lumad-dominated village in President Roxas, according to initial reports from local police.
Lumad refers to the indigenous tribes in the area.
“Sarocam and Valenzuela are part of the AFP's special operations team unleashed in North Cotabato implementing the US-Aquino counter-revolutionary plan ‘Bayanihan.’ Operating under the cover of ‘peace and development’ activities, Sarocam and Valenzuela conducted intelligence operations particularly verifying the presence of red fighters in Barangay Datu Inda when they were arrested," the statement said.
Two caliber .45 pistols were confiscated from Sarocam and Valenzeula, said Santiago.
According to the statement, the special operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) intimidate and harass local residents by forcing them to join the Barangay Defense System (BDS) in rebel-infested areas, including North Cotabato in Southwest Mindanao and Bukidnon in Northern Mindanao.
Appeals to free captive soldiers
Lieutenant Manuel Gatus, chief of the civil-military operations of the 57th IB, said the soldiers were set to conduct consultation-dialogue as part of peace-building efforts in the village when they were abducted and brought to a rebel headquarter somewhere in Bukidnon province.
The relatives of the two captives have since issued appeals to have the two freed.
“I believe my husband was just doing his job. He is a good person and a good provider to his family," said Sarocam’s wife, Jean. Sarocam has previously served as part of a peace contingent in Africa for over six months.
Valenzuela, according to his mother Gina, helps send his siblings to school. “We don’t know where to get money for the enrolment of my other children. June is past approaching. We depend much from my son Jayson," said Gina.
Santiago assured Sarocam and Velenzuela’s families that they would follow war protocols and the Comprehensive Agreement for the Respect of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.
The NPA statement made no mention about the status of a former village official, Eliory Lastimosa, who was seized along with the two soldiers. — MRT/KBK
In a statement, the New People’s Army (NPA) identified the two as Corporal Delfin Sarocam and Private First Class Jayson Valenzuela, both from the Army’s 57th Infantry Battalion (IB).
The two were captured last April 14 in President Roxas town.
This confirms earlier field reports cited by Col. Prudencio Asto of the Philippine Army's 6th Infantry Division that two Army soldiers had been abducted by NPA rebels.
In a statement released on Sunday, rebel spokesperson Isabel Santiago said both officers were conducting “investigations for serious violations and implementing the government’s anti-revolutionary measures."
The 57th IB operates in the towns of President Roxas, Magpet, Antipas and Arakan, all in North Cotabato.
Sarocam and Valenzuela were abducted by around 20 fully-armed men while they were on their way to Sitio Dalinding, Barangay Datu Puas Inda, a lumad-dominated village in President Roxas, according to initial reports from local police.
Lumad refers to the indigenous tribes in the area.
“Sarocam and Valenzuela are part of the AFP's special operations team unleashed in North Cotabato implementing the US-Aquino counter-revolutionary plan ‘Bayanihan.’ Operating under the cover of ‘peace and development’ activities, Sarocam and Valenzuela conducted intelligence operations particularly verifying the presence of red fighters in Barangay Datu Inda when they were arrested," the statement said.
Two caliber .45 pistols were confiscated from Sarocam and Valenzeula, said Santiago.
According to the statement, the special operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) intimidate and harass local residents by forcing them to join the Barangay Defense System (BDS) in rebel-infested areas, including North Cotabato in Southwest Mindanao and Bukidnon in Northern Mindanao.
Appeals to free captive soldiers
Lieutenant Manuel Gatus, chief of the civil-military operations of the 57th IB, said the soldiers were set to conduct consultation-dialogue as part of peace-building efforts in the village when they were abducted and brought to a rebel headquarter somewhere in Bukidnon province.
The relatives of the two captives have since issued appeals to have the two freed.
“I believe my husband was just doing his job. He is a good person and a good provider to his family," said Sarocam’s wife, Jean. Sarocam has previously served as part of a peace contingent in Africa for over six months.
Valenzuela, according to his mother Gina, helps send his siblings to school. “We don’t know where to get money for the enrolment of my other children. June is past approaching. We depend much from my son Jayson," said Gina.
Santiago assured Sarocam and Velenzuela’s families that they would follow war protocols and the Comprehensive Agreement for the Respect of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.
The NPA statement made no mention about the status of a former village official, Eliory Lastimosa, who was seized along with the two soldiers. — MRT/KBK
DID YOU KNOW THAT IN PHILIPPINE? Oldest chinese school.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
News Update Green groups not pleased by trash left by pilgrims
MANILA, Philippines - Green advocates decried on Saturday the massive garbage left by thousands of pilgrims during the "Alay-Lakad" penitential walk last Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.
According to EcoWaste Coalition, the long stretch of Ortigas Avenue Extension, which traverses Pasig City, Antipolo City, and Cainta and Taytay in Rizal, was littered with assorted trash such as clear plastic bags for drinking water and coolers (palamig), plastic straws, cups and bottles, chips wrappers, paper scraps, cigarette butts and food leftovers.
"The Antipolo Cathedral, home to the miraculous icon, the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, was 'carpeted' with scattered newspapers used by pilgrims that kept church caretakers very busy on Earth Day, which was also Good Friday," Eco-Waste said.
According to a parish personnel interviewed by EcoWaste last Friday, the 15 staff assigned to clean up the church compound were likely to consume the 150 big garbage bags set aside for the massive occasion.
"We are saddened by the seemingly apathetic pilgrims who spoiled the penitential trail to Antipolo Cathedral with plastic rubbish and other garbage," Manny Calonzo of EcoWaste said.
"While we're delighted to see families and friends walk together to fulfill their sacrificial vows, we could not help but moan about the uninspiring environmental indifference of some pilgrims as if Mother Earth does not matter. Littering was so extensive even though it is banned by Republic Act (RA) 9003 and related local environmental laws," he added.
RA 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, lists littering, throwing and dumping of waste matters in public places as prohibited acts under the law's penal provision.
Antipolo City, which produces 139 tons of trash daily, has enacted Ordinance 2008-287, also known as the "Basura Code," which prohibits littering, while Ordinance 2009-370, bans plastic bags and polystyrene containers.
EcoWaste volunteers said yellow-clad "Clean and Green" personnel of the Antipolo City government swept up the roads leading to the Cathedral as small trucks hauled the garbage to a disposal site.
Also, child and adult wastepickers were seen painstakingly retrieving recyclables left behind by the pilgrims.
EcoWaste said the garbage collected from the church and the streets of Antipolo would then be dumped at the city's waste disposal facility located in Tanza I, Barangay San Jose, while the recyclables would be sold to junk shops.
According to EcoWaste Coalition, the long stretch of Ortigas Avenue Extension, which traverses Pasig City, Antipolo City, and Cainta and Taytay in Rizal, was littered with assorted trash such as clear plastic bags for drinking water and coolers (palamig), plastic straws, cups and bottles, chips wrappers, paper scraps, cigarette butts and food leftovers.
"The Antipolo Cathedral, home to the miraculous icon, the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, was 'carpeted' with scattered newspapers used by pilgrims that kept church caretakers very busy on Earth Day, which was also Good Friday," Eco-Waste said.
According to a parish personnel interviewed by EcoWaste last Friday, the 15 staff assigned to clean up the church compound were likely to consume the 150 big garbage bags set aside for the massive occasion.
"We are saddened by the seemingly apathetic pilgrims who spoiled the penitential trail to Antipolo Cathedral with plastic rubbish and other garbage," Manny Calonzo of EcoWaste said.
"While we're delighted to see families and friends walk together to fulfill their sacrificial vows, we could not help but moan about the uninspiring environmental indifference of some pilgrims as if Mother Earth does not matter. Littering was so extensive even though it is banned by Republic Act (RA) 9003 and related local environmental laws," he added.
RA 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, lists littering, throwing and dumping of waste matters in public places as prohibited acts under the law's penal provision.
Antipolo City, which produces 139 tons of trash daily, has enacted Ordinance 2008-287, also known as the "Basura Code," which prohibits littering, while Ordinance 2009-370, bans plastic bags and polystyrene containers.
EcoWaste volunteers said yellow-clad "Clean and Green" personnel of the Antipolo City government swept up the roads leading to the Cathedral as small trucks hauled the garbage to a disposal site.
Also, child and adult wastepickers were seen painstakingly retrieving recyclables left behind by the pilgrims.
EcoWaste said the garbage collected from the church and the streets of Antipolo would then be dumped at the city's waste disposal facility located in Tanza I, Barangay San Jose, while the recyclables would be sold to junk shops.
News Update Suspension of mining operations looms
DAVAO CITY -- Compostela Valley's chief executive recommended a 30-day suspension of small-scale mining operations in the province while rescuers scrambled Saturday to find survivors at the landslide-hit mining site in Pantukan town.
"We might suspend. I'm trying to recommend a suspension for a definite time, let's say 30 days. I'll wait for a few more details then we might announce the suspension, then reevaluate and reassess the situation," Governor Arturo Uy said in a television interview.
The assessment, he added, will be done by Mines and Geosciences Bureau, an attached agency of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Hopes fading
Uy admitted Saturday that rescuers who dug by hand to save people buried by a landslide that hit Barangay Kingking in Pantukan were losing hope of finding 21 people who remain missing in the disaster.
The landslide, caused by heavy rains forecasted to last either Monday or Tuesday due to diffused tail-end of a cold front, killed at least three people, while 13 others were injured.
One of the fatalities was identified as Jun Rex Torrejos, 15, a resident of La Filipina in Tagum City. The other two fatalities remained unidentified as of Saturday evening.
"We might suspend. I'm trying to recommend a suspension for a definite time, let's say 30 days. I'll wait for a few more details then we might announce the suspension, then reevaluate and reassess the situation," Governor Arturo Uy said in a television interview.
The assessment, he added, will be done by Mines and Geosciences Bureau, an attached agency of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Hopes fading
Uy admitted Saturday that rescuers who dug by hand to save people buried by a landslide that hit Barangay Kingking in Pantukan were losing hope of finding 21 people who remain missing in the disaster.
The landslide, caused by heavy rains forecasted to last either Monday or Tuesday due to diffused tail-end of a cold front, killed at least three people, while 13 others were injured.
One of the fatalities was identified as Jun Rex Torrejos, 15, a resident of La Filipina in Tagum City. The other two fatalities remained unidentified as of Saturday evening.
News Upate Summer training for preschool teachers
MANILA, Philippines - To make young children's first school experience enjoyable and motivate them to stay in school and complete their education, Department of Education (DepEd) continues its efforts to strengthen the competency of its preschool teachers.
According to Education Secretary Armin Luistro, DepEd-through the Bureau of Elementary Education (BEE)-will conduct a Summer Institute Program (SIP) for Preschool teachers from May 2 to 27 so they could better understand the developmental characteristics of young learners.
"The conduct of the program will provide pre-school teachers quality preparation in meeting the standards required by the department," Luistro said.
The summer training "just shows that nothing can stop us in pursuing an institutionalized preschool program in our public schools," Luistro added.
For the DepEd secretary, "enhancing the competencies of preschool teachers will have a great impact on the young learners so we should ensure that they are ready for the challenge."
The program is expected to make teachers competent in the use of developmentally appropriate methods and strategies to develop the child's potential in their physical, social, emotional and cognitive areas.
"This is also aimed at developing skills by setting up the learning environment and establishing routines using positive guidance," Luistro said. "It will likewise explain basic principles in planning developmentally appropriate practices and activities to preschool children."
Six universities across the country will host the summer program. The University of the Philippines in Diliman, Mariano Marcos Memorial University in Ilocos and Bicol University in Albay will be the venue for 800 participants from Luzon.
A total of 560 teachers from Visayas will attend the program at West Visayas State University, while Southern Mindanao State University and University of Southern Philippines will serve as venues for the program in Mindanao.
According to Education Secretary Armin Luistro, DepEd-through the Bureau of Elementary Education (BEE)-will conduct a Summer Institute Program (SIP) for Preschool teachers from May 2 to 27 so they could better understand the developmental characteristics of young learners.
"The conduct of the program will provide pre-school teachers quality preparation in meeting the standards required by the department," Luistro said.
The summer training "just shows that nothing can stop us in pursuing an institutionalized preschool program in our public schools," Luistro added.
For the DepEd secretary, "enhancing the competencies of preschool teachers will have a great impact on the young learners so we should ensure that they are ready for the challenge."
The program is expected to make teachers competent in the use of developmentally appropriate methods and strategies to develop the child's potential in their physical, social, emotional and cognitive areas.
"This is also aimed at developing skills by setting up the learning environment and establishing routines using positive guidance," Luistro said. "It will likewise explain basic principles in planning developmentally appropriate practices and activities to preschool children."
Six universities across the country will host the summer program. The University of the Philippines in Diliman, Mariano Marcos Memorial University in Ilocos and Bicol University in Albay will be the venue for 800 participants from Luzon.
A total of 560 teachers from Visayas will attend the program at West Visayas State University, while Southern Mindanao State University and University of Southern Philippines will serve as venues for the program in Mindanao.
News Update Zambo farmers get new tools
MANILA, Philippines - Farmers in Barangay Gawil, Kumalarang, Zamboanga del Sur have acquired farm implements thanks to the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP), which is under the Department of Agriculture (DA).
The barangay is a major rice-producing area in Zamboanga del Sur.
Valentin Pabinguit of the Gawil Farmers-Irrigators' Association (GFIA) said the funding they have availed themselves of came from the Community Fund for Agricultural Development (CFAD) of MRDP.
The funds were used to purchase certified seeds, fertilizers and pesticides which were distributed to their members as their inputs for the cropping period.
"Based on our experience, it would be better to provide farm inputs instead of cash so that funds will be actually spent in rice production," he added.
MRDP 1 program director Lealyn Ramos said in her report to Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala that rice farmers are top priority in the MRDP livelihood assistance scheme since it hews closely to the government's goal of attaining sufficiency in rice.
"Unlike Luzon and Visayas, majority of farm areas in Mindanao are typhoon-free, making it ideal for agricultural production. If enough support is given to farmers here, the island region can significantly contribute in ensuring enough rice supply throughout the country," Ramos said.
Pabinguit said the farm inputs were given not as dole out but as loan which in turn the farmers will pay in cash with 10 percent interest. Such interest is affordable compared to 30 percent interest from non-formal lenders.
Aside from financing, lack of adequate farm equipment is another limiting factor for these rice farmers to improve their production and income. The bulk of the expenses go to rental of farm equipment during land preparation and harvest season.
"Private individuals are earning much from rental fees of their farm equipment which sometimes are not available as they have to prioritize their own farming activities," Pabinguit said.
He added: "We have decided to buy thresher, hand tractor, and a carabao as draft animal from the last tranche of funds downloaded to our association. This will not only address availability of farm equipment but also in augmenting our scarce financial resources."
The farm equipment and draft animal they have acquired are available for rent at P1,500 for GFIA members and P1,600 for non-members.
Based on the report of treasurer Laurencio Gaudencio, the association earned at least P15,000 from the previous cropping season, giving them enough amount for equipment maintenance with extra amount for their savings.
The barangay is a major rice-producing area in Zamboanga del Sur.
Valentin Pabinguit of the Gawil Farmers-Irrigators' Association (GFIA) said the funding they have availed themselves of came from the Community Fund for Agricultural Development (CFAD) of MRDP.
The funds were used to purchase certified seeds, fertilizers and pesticides which were distributed to their members as their inputs for the cropping period.
"Based on our experience, it would be better to provide farm inputs instead of cash so that funds will be actually spent in rice production," he added.
MRDP 1 program director Lealyn Ramos said in her report to Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala that rice farmers are top priority in the MRDP livelihood assistance scheme since it hews closely to the government's goal of attaining sufficiency in rice.
"Unlike Luzon and Visayas, majority of farm areas in Mindanao are typhoon-free, making it ideal for agricultural production. If enough support is given to farmers here, the island region can significantly contribute in ensuring enough rice supply throughout the country," Ramos said.
Pabinguit said the farm inputs were given not as dole out but as loan which in turn the farmers will pay in cash with 10 percent interest. Such interest is affordable compared to 30 percent interest from non-formal lenders.
Aside from financing, lack of adequate farm equipment is another limiting factor for these rice farmers to improve their production and income. The bulk of the expenses go to rental of farm equipment during land preparation and harvest season.
"Private individuals are earning much from rental fees of their farm equipment which sometimes are not available as they have to prioritize their own farming activities," Pabinguit said.
He added: "We have decided to buy thresher, hand tractor, and a carabao as draft animal from the last tranche of funds downloaded to our association. This will not only address availability of farm equipment but also in augmenting our scarce financial resources."
The farm equipment and draft animal they have acquired are available for rent at P1,500 for GFIA members and P1,600 for non-members.
Based on the report of treasurer Laurencio Gaudencio, the association earned at least P15,000 from the previous cropping season, giving them enough amount for equipment maintenance with extra amount for their savings.
News Update LBC Ronda holds qualifying in Luzon
MANILA, Philippines - Former champions and a huge wave of new challengers are expected to vie for 54 individual slots in nine Luzon teams as the P7 million LBC Ronda Pilipinas gets under way with the staging of the first three of five regional qualifying races May 6-8 in Tarlac City.
The LBC Ronda Pilipinas organizers said the trials would select the riders that will comprise the nine six-man Luzon teams that will join two squads each from the Visayas and Mindanao in the main race to be held September to October.
The Luzon riders will form the bulk of the 90-man field that will vie for the distinction as first champion of the LBC Ronda Pilipinas, a 20-day, 12- stage, 1650 km cycling race which will cover key cities in Mindanao,Visayas and Luzon and offers a champion's purse of P1 million each to the individual and team champion.
Pangasinan, with its abundance of cycling talents, will be divided into two teams - Pangasinan 1 (West and Central) and Pangasinan 2 (East) - while Nueva Ecija, also home to former tour champions, will compete as one team.
The qualifying race for the three teams will be held May 6.
The second race will be held the next day, May 7, for the teams of Central Luzon, Ilocandia and Cagayan Valley, while the third race, slated May 8, will be for National Capital Region, Southern Tagalog and Bicolandia.
Moe Chulani, LBC sports marketing consultant, said the final number of competing teams would be based on the results of the qualifying races. Initially there will be nine teams from Luzon and two each from the Visayas and Mindanao.
The Visayas qualifying race, for all provinces of the Visayas, is scheduled May 12 in Silay City, Negros Occidental while Mindanao will hold a separate elimination May 15 in Malaybalay, Bukidnon.
A rider may choose a team based on the place of his birth or his residence during the last six months.
The LBC Ronda Pilipinas organizers said the trials would select the riders that will comprise the nine six-man Luzon teams that will join two squads each from the Visayas and Mindanao in the main race to be held September to October.
The Luzon riders will form the bulk of the 90-man field that will vie for the distinction as first champion of the LBC Ronda Pilipinas, a 20-day, 12- stage, 1650 km cycling race which will cover key cities in Mindanao,Visayas and Luzon and offers a champion's purse of P1 million each to the individual and team champion.
Pangasinan, with its abundance of cycling talents, will be divided into two teams - Pangasinan 1 (West and Central) and Pangasinan 2 (East) - while Nueva Ecija, also home to former tour champions, will compete as one team.
The qualifying race for the three teams will be held May 6.
The second race will be held the next day, May 7, for the teams of Central Luzon, Ilocandia and Cagayan Valley, while the third race, slated May 8, will be for National Capital Region, Southern Tagalog and Bicolandia.
Moe Chulani, LBC sports marketing consultant, said the final number of competing teams would be based on the results of the qualifying races. Initially there will be nine teams from Luzon and two each from the Visayas and Mindanao.
The Visayas qualifying race, for all provinces of the Visayas, is scheduled May 12 in Silay City, Negros Occidental while Mindanao will hold a separate elimination May 15 in Malaybalay, Bukidnon.
A rider may choose a team based on the place of his birth or his residence during the last six months.
DID YOU KNOW THAT IN PHILIPPINE ? Urban Legend Creature like Aswang
In our country the Philippines we have these urban legends (to some it isn’t an urban legend) about certain creatures such as aswang, manananggal, mangkukulam and mambabarang. My parents and even my grandparents believed it to be true, my lola (grandma) tells me that in ancient times the Philippines is a part of a lost civilization (sorry I forgot the name) who practices dark magic, and that includes shape-shifting, voodooism, etc. but because of the occupation of other countries that civilization deteriorated, but somehow those practices survived through time. You may ask why I know much of this? Cause I live in Panay northern most of the Visayan Islands, in the province of Iloilo, and the heart of those stories (Capiz, Antique, Dueñas, and Siquijor) are only kilometers away freaky isn’t it?+
According to my grandmother Aswang(s) are ordinary people; their powers came from a cursed stone handed down from generation to generations by their ancestors. This said stone grants them powers and prolong their life; even how old they are they could not die unless someone would inherit the stone and continue the curse of their elders. One of the abilities of an Aswang is to tig-baliw (shape-shift) into different animals, most common animals they shift into are pigs, turkeys, birds and dogs (Have you seen a turkey using high-heels walking the street? or a huge black dog with red fierce eyes from the top of a house? -the people of our barrio have seen these sightings many times). You can distinguish an Aswang attack if you sprinkle salt to the corpse, and you will find a banana trunk instead of the corpse, which the Aswang replaced to devour the real one. Their favorite food are body parts- especially liver and heart. You may say there are different types of aswang such as tik-tik and wak-wak but they are all similar only their sound varies. It was named tik-tik because it makes a ticking sound, so as the wak-wak. My grandmother says that if the sound of the tik-tik or wak-wak seems afar it is surely near you, but if the sound seems near the aswang is far. Don’t you know that these aswangs also had hinop-tanan (pets)? Their pets could be a bird or anything; they serve as the eye to the aswang to watch for the victim. Do you know that an aswang could sneak even in a small opening of a house? Yes, they could!!! My grandmother tells me that they have this lana (oil) put to their body so they could slid to any small openings. So how could we deal with them? First here’s how we could identify them: have you heard the use of oil made from coconut and mixed with plant’s stem and prayed by Lords prayer? Ok, how could we ward them off here’s how: these items such as garlic, holy water, salt, and luya (ginger) are their contra. Don’t you know that aswangs could fly? Yes, and if you’re hooked up by one- bring some coins!!! They are believed that they could not carry you if you have coins ‘cause it is heavy (ask me? I don’t know). And if you think you’re brave enough and want to have a duel with one, I suggest you bring “ikog sang pague” (tail of a stingray) and beat’em. (Authors notice: With this much information how could we tell it’s a myth?
Thanks for the posting by ALIEN EMBRYO
According to my grandmother Aswang(s) are ordinary people; their powers came from a cursed stone handed down from generation to generations by their ancestors. This said stone grants them powers and prolong their life; even how old they are they could not die unless someone would inherit the stone and continue the curse of their elders. One of the abilities of an Aswang is to tig-baliw (shape-shift) into different animals, most common animals they shift into are pigs, turkeys, birds and dogs (Have you seen a turkey using high-heels walking the street? or a huge black dog with red fierce eyes from the top of a house? -the people of our barrio have seen these sightings many times). You can distinguish an Aswang attack if you sprinkle salt to the corpse, and you will find a banana trunk instead of the corpse, which the Aswang replaced to devour the real one. Their favorite food are body parts- especially liver and heart. You may say there are different types of aswang such as tik-tik and wak-wak but they are all similar only their sound varies. It was named tik-tik because it makes a ticking sound, so as the wak-wak. My grandmother says that if the sound of the tik-tik or wak-wak seems afar it is surely near you, but if the sound seems near the aswang is far. Don’t you know that these aswangs also had hinop-tanan (pets)? Their pets could be a bird or anything; they serve as the eye to the aswang to watch for the victim. Do you know that an aswang could sneak even in a small opening of a house? Yes, they could!!! My grandmother tells me that they have this lana (oil) put to their body so they could slid to any small openings. So how could we deal with them? First here’s how we could identify them: have you heard the use of oil made from coconut and mixed with plant’s stem and prayed by Lords prayer? Ok, how could we ward them off here’s how: these items such as garlic, holy water, salt, and luya (ginger) are their contra. Don’t you know that aswangs could fly? Yes, and if you’re hooked up by one- bring some coins!!! They are believed that they could not carry you if you have coins ‘cause it is heavy (ask me? I don’t know). And if you think you’re brave enough and want to have a duel with one, I suggest you bring “ikog sang pague” (tail of a stingray) and beat’em. (Authors notice: With this much information how could we tell it’s a myth?
Thanks for the posting by ALIEN EMBRYO
Saturday, April 23, 2011
News Update Asian stocks muted amid Good Friday holiday
Shares in Japan's top automakers got a boost Friday after a key auto parts supplier announced the early resumption of some operations that had been halted after last month's devastating earthquake.
Renesas Electronics Corp., a key provider of microprocessors that control brakes, engines and transmissions, said operations would resume June 15 at its Naka factory in Ibaraki prefecture, where production was temporarily halted after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami that wreaked havoc in northeastern Japan.
Renesas had earlier said it intended to restart partial manufacturing at the Naka factory in July. The company said it is working "with more than 2,000 additional support workers dispatched from outside Renesas Electronics companies to help speed up the resumption of production as much as possible."
"The schedule assumes a stable source of electric power and no further damage from subsequent aftershocks," the company said.
The news helped lift shares in Japan's automotive sector, which was badly hobbled after the earthquake spawned a mammoth tsunami that slammed into Japan's northeastern coast, killing some 27,000 people. The region was host to a vast network of auto parts suppliers that were wiped off the map in the disaster.
Japan's Nikkei 225 index closed marginally down, less than 4 points, to 9,682.21, with automakers posting gains. Toyota Motor Corp. rose 3.1 percent, Honda Motor Corp. bumped up by 2.3 percent and Nissan Motor Corp. jumped 3.6 percent.
However, some major Japanese exporters slipped as the yen gained against the U.S. dollar. Canon Inc. dropped 1.4 percent, and Sony Corp. was down 1.2 percent.
The Nikkei was one of a handful of exchanges open in Asia on the Good Friday holiday.
South Korea's Kospi index was flat at 2,197.82, and mainland China's Shanghai Composite Index slid 0.5 percent to 3,010.52 as investors booked profits following a week of gains. The smaller Shenzhen Composite Index was down 0.6 percent to 1,274.73. Taiwan's TAIEX rose 0.1 percent to 8,969.43.
Markets in Hong Kong, India, the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore were closed.
On Wall Street, strong earnings from large companies like Apple Inc. and UnitedHealth lifted stocks broadly higher Thursday. Gains were spread across the market, with all 10 company groups that make up the S&P 500 index closing the day with gains.
The Dow rose 52 points to close at 12,506. The S&P 500 rose 7 points to 1,337. The Nasdaq rose 18 points to 2,820.
The euro rose $1.4560 from $1.4544 late Thursday in New York. The dollar was unchanged at 81.90 yen.
Markets will be closed on Friday in the U.S. and most of Europe for the Good Friday holiday. Oil was untraded in Asia due to the holiday.
Renesas Electronics Corp., a key provider of microprocessors that control brakes, engines and transmissions, said operations would resume June 15 at its Naka factory in Ibaraki prefecture, where production was temporarily halted after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami that wreaked havoc in northeastern Japan.
Renesas had earlier said it intended to restart partial manufacturing at the Naka factory in July. The company said it is working "with more than 2,000 additional support workers dispatched from outside Renesas Electronics companies to help speed up the resumption of production as much as possible."
"The schedule assumes a stable source of electric power and no further damage from subsequent aftershocks," the company said.
The news helped lift shares in Japan's automotive sector, which was badly hobbled after the earthquake spawned a mammoth tsunami that slammed into Japan's northeastern coast, killing some 27,000 people. The region was host to a vast network of auto parts suppliers that were wiped off the map in the disaster.
Japan's Nikkei 225 index closed marginally down, less than 4 points, to 9,682.21, with automakers posting gains. Toyota Motor Corp. rose 3.1 percent, Honda Motor Corp. bumped up by 2.3 percent and Nissan Motor Corp. jumped 3.6 percent.
However, some major Japanese exporters slipped as the yen gained against the U.S. dollar. Canon Inc. dropped 1.4 percent, and Sony Corp. was down 1.2 percent.
The Nikkei was one of a handful of exchanges open in Asia on the Good Friday holiday.
South Korea's Kospi index was flat at 2,197.82, and mainland China's Shanghai Composite Index slid 0.5 percent to 3,010.52 as investors booked profits following a week of gains. The smaller Shenzhen Composite Index was down 0.6 percent to 1,274.73. Taiwan's TAIEX rose 0.1 percent to 8,969.43.
Markets in Hong Kong, India, the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore were closed.
On Wall Street, strong earnings from large companies like Apple Inc. and UnitedHealth lifted stocks broadly higher Thursday. Gains were spread across the market, with all 10 company groups that make up the S&P 500 index closing the day with gains.
The Dow rose 52 points to close at 12,506. The S&P 500 rose 7 points to 1,337. The Nasdaq rose 18 points to 2,820.
The euro rose $1.4560 from $1.4544 late Thursday in New York. The dollar was unchanged at 81.90 yen.
Markets will be closed on Friday in the U.S. and most of Europe for the Good Friday holiday. Oil was untraded in Asia due to the holiday.
News Update Phivolcs: 19 quakes recorded around Taal
Restive Taal Volcano in Batangas showed heightened activity anew on Saturday with at least 19 volcanic quakes recorded within 24 hours, state volcanologists said.
In its Saturday update, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) also recorded four quakes in Bulusan Volcano and one in Mayon Volcano.
“Taal Volcano’s seismic network recorded 19 volcanic earthquakes during the past 24 hours. One of these events, which occurred at 12:23 midnight, was felt at Intensity II at Brgy. Calauit on the southeastern part of the Volcano Island. Another event which occurred at 4:31 AM today was felt at Intensity III in Brgy. Pira-piraso at the northeastern part of Volcano Island accompanied by rumbling sounds," Phivolcs said.
Also, it noted the temperature at the Main Crater Lake increased from 30.5 to 31.5 degrees Celsius.
Phivolcs warned that Alert Level 2 remains over Taal Volcano, with magma noted near the surface.
The agency maintained that the Main Crater, Daang Kastila Trail, and Mt. Tabaro are still strictly off-limits to the public because sudden hazardous steam-driven explosions may occur and high concentrations of toxic gases may be present.
“Breathing air with high concentration of gases can be lethal to humans, animals and even cause damage to vegetation," it said.
Also, Phivolcs reminded the public the entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and permanent settlement in the island is strictly not recommended.
Four quakes at Bulusan
In Sorsogon, Phivolcs recorded at least four volcanic earthquakes at Bulusan Volcano during the past 24 hours.
Phivolcs also noted “wispy" steaming activity at the southeast vents.
Bulusan Volcano’s status remains at Alert Level 1, meaning that the source of activity is hydrothermal and shallow.
However, Phivolcs maintained that entry to the 4-km radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) is strictly prohibited, since the area is constantly at risk of sudden steam and ash explosions.
“Due to the prevailing wind direction, residents in the northwest and southwest sectors of the volcano are reminded to take precautions against ashfalls," the agency said.
civil aviation authorities must also warn pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ejected ash and volcanic fragments from sudden explosions may be hazardous to aircraft.
Phivolcs said that aircraft should avoid flying on the western side of the volcano as volcanic debris are likely to be carried in this direction by the prevailing winds.
Also, people living near valleys and river channels are advised to be vigilant against sediment-laden stream flows and lahar in the event of heavy and prolonged rainfall.
One quake, weak steaming at Mayon
Meanwhile, in Albay, Phivolcs recorded one volcanic quake and weak steaming drifting west-northwest and north-northwest in the last 24 hours.
Phivolcs also recorded an Intensity II crater glow Friday night (http://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=863:mayon-volcano-bulletin-23-april-2011-800-am&catid=70:latest-volcano-bulletin&Itemid=500001).
Alert Level 1 remains over Mayon Volcano, meaning that, while no eruption is imminent, the public should still not enter the 6-km radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) due to the continuing threat from sudden small explosions and rockfall from the upper and middle slopes of the volcano.
The agency added that active streams, river channels, and perennially identified as lahar-prone areas in the southern sector should also be avoided, especially during bad weather conditions or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall. - TJD
In its Saturday update, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) also recorded four quakes in Bulusan Volcano and one in Mayon Volcano.
“Taal Volcano’s seismic network recorded 19 volcanic earthquakes during the past 24 hours. One of these events, which occurred at 12:23 midnight, was felt at Intensity II at Brgy. Calauit on the southeastern part of the Volcano Island. Another event which occurred at 4:31 AM today was felt at Intensity III in Brgy. Pira-piraso at the northeastern part of Volcano Island accompanied by rumbling sounds," Phivolcs said.
Also, it noted the temperature at the Main Crater Lake increased from 30.5 to 31.5 degrees Celsius.
Phivolcs warned that Alert Level 2 remains over Taal Volcano, with magma noted near the surface.
The agency maintained that the Main Crater, Daang Kastila Trail, and Mt. Tabaro are still strictly off-limits to the public because sudden hazardous steam-driven explosions may occur and high concentrations of toxic gases may be present.
“Breathing air with high concentration of gases can be lethal to humans, animals and even cause damage to vegetation," it said.
Also, Phivolcs reminded the public the entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and permanent settlement in the island is strictly not recommended.
Four quakes at Bulusan
In Sorsogon, Phivolcs recorded at least four volcanic earthquakes at Bulusan Volcano during the past 24 hours.
Phivolcs also noted “wispy" steaming activity at the southeast vents.
Bulusan Volcano’s status remains at Alert Level 1, meaning that the source of activity is hydrothermal and shallow.
However, Phivolcs maintained that entry to the 4-km radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) is strictly prohibited, since the area is constantly at risk of sudden steam and ash explosions.
“Due to the prevailing wind direction, residents in the northwest and southwest sectors of the volcano are reminded to take precautions against ashfalls," the agency said.
civil aviation authorities must also warn pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ejected ash and volcanic fragments from sudden explosions may be hazardous to aircraft.
Phivolcs said that aircraft should avoid flying on the western side of the volcano as volcanic debris are likely to be carried in this direction by the prevailing winds.
Also, people living near valleys and river channels are advised to be vigilant against sediment-laden stream flows and lahar in the event of heavy and prolonged rainfall.
One quake, weak steaming at Mayon
Meanwhile, in Albay, Phivolcs recorded one volcanic quake and weak steaming drifting west-northwest and north-northwest in the last 24 hours.
Phivolcs also recorded an Intensity II crater glow Friday night (http://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=863:mayon-volcano-bulletin-23-april-2011-800-am&catid=70:latest-volcano-bulletin&Itemid=500001).
Alert Level 1 remains over Mayon Volcano, meaning that, while no eruption is imminent, the public should still not enter the 6-km radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) due to the continuing threat from sudden small explosions and rockfall from the upper and middle slopes of the volcano.
The agency added that active streams, river channels, and perennially identified as lahar-prone areas in the southern sector should also be avoided, especially during bad weather conditions or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall. - TJD
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