WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate unanimously approved a resolution on Monday that deplored China's use of force against Vietnamese and Philippine ships in the South China Sea.
China has shown increasing assertiveness in its claim to the entire South China Sea, believed to be rich in oil and gas.
In its nonbinding resolution, the U.S. Senate urged all parties to refrain from using force to assert territorial claims.
"The Senate ... deplores the use of force by naval and maritime security vessels from China in the South China Sea," the resolution said.
Senator Jim Webb, chair of an east Asian and Pacific affairs subcommittee of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said that "a growing number of nations around the South China Sea are now voicing serious concerns about China's pattern of intimidation."
Chinese vessels have harassed Vietnamese oil exploration ships and the Philippines has also complained that one of its ships has been rammed, according to the Senate resolution.
On Sunday, China and Vietnam pledged to resolve their maritime dispute through peaceful negotiations, a sign of possibly easing tension. The dispute was one of several subjects discussed in the first set of talks in Hawaii between the United States and China over the weekend.
(Reporting by Diane Bartz, Editing by Sandra Maler
Thursday, June 30, 2011
News Update NBI: Hubert Webb in PHL during Vizconde massacre
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Tuesday presented testimonies from at least five new witnesses who will prove that acquitted murder suspect Hubert Webb was in the Philippines during the massacre of three members of the Vizconde family in June 1991.
"These are real witnesses. We know their addresses and we have talked to them to verify their sworn statements… We do not see any motive on their part to fabricate their statements," Justice chief Leila de Lima said at a press conference at the NBI headquarters in Manila.
De Lima, however, said the new witnesses were not asked to appear in public and were given aliases for "security reasons."
As of posting time, GMA News Online was still trying to get a reaction from the Webb camp.
New witnesses
Among the new witnesses is a drug dealer named "George," who said he had a transaction with Webb around the time when the massacre happened.
Another witness named "Mario" said Webb got a haircut from him sometime in June 1991.
Two others, "Rey" and "Jerry" said they saw Webb playing basketball in BF Homes in Parañaque sometime between June and July 1991.
"Jack," a security guard in the subdivision where Webb lived, meanwhile also recalled seeing the acquitted murder suspect at the time of the Vizconde massacre.
The testimonies of the new witnesses seek to challenge Webb’s defense that he was in the United States when the massacre happened — the alibi that got him acquitted last December.
The Supreme Court acquitted last year Hubert Webb and six others who had been earlier convicted by a lower court for the murders of Estrellita, Carmela, and Jennifer Vizconde on June 30, 1991.
The Department of Justice launched a reinvestigation of the Vizconde massacre case after the acquittal, following an order from President Benigno Aquino III. — RSJ
"These are real witnesses. We know their addresses and we have talked to them to verify their sworn statements… We do not see any motive on their part to fabricate their statements," Justice chief Leila de Lima said at a press conference at the NBI headquarters in Manila.
De Lima, however, said the new witnesses were not asked to appear in public and were given aliases for "security reasons."
As of posting time, GMA News Online was still trying to get a reaction from the Webb camp.
New witnesses
Among the new witnesses is a drug dealer named "George," who said he had a transaction with Webb around the time when the massacre happened.
Another witness named "Mario" said Webb got a haircut from him sometime in June 1991.
Two others, "Rey" and "Jerry" said they saw Webb playing basketball in BF Homes in Parañaque sometime between June and July 1991.
"Jack," a security guard in the subdivision where Webb lived, meanwhile also recalled seeing the acquitted murder suspect at the time of the Vizconde massacre.
The testimonies of the new witnesses seek to challenge Webb’s defense that he was in the United States when the massacre happened — the alibi that got him acquitted last December.
The Supreme Court acquitted last year Hubert Webb and six others who had been earlier convicted by a lower court for the murders of Estrellita, Carmela, and Jennifer Vizconde on June 30, 1991.
The Department of Justice launched a reinvestigation of the Vizconde massacre case after the acquittal, following an order from President Benigno Aquino III. — RSJ
News Update Cayetano cautions Palace on US military aid
MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines must be cautious in accepting military assistance even from an ally like the United States in its ongoing dispute with China over the Spratly islands, the leader of the Senate's minority said.
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano told reporters on Tuesday the Philippines must be clear on what kind of assistance it really needs.
He said the country must ask itself the question, "How far is the US willing to go?"
"But we have to be the one to tell them what we need," Cayetano said.
The senator added that the US assistance also comes with a price.
"It's a commercial deal rather than a Big Brother type of helping a nation with the same principles," he said.
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano told reporters on Tuesday the Philippines must be clear on what kind of assistance it really needs.
He said the country must ask itself the question, "How far is the US willing to go?"
"But we have to be the one to tell them what we need," Cayetano said.
The senator added that the US assistance also comes with a price.
"It's a commercial deal rather than a Big Brother type of helping a nation with the same principles," he said.
News Update Philippine-US navies unite amid China tensions
The Philippines and the United States will launch naval exercises on Tuesday close to the South China Sea, which is the focus of a simmering regional territorial row.
The longtime allies have emphasised the event is an annual one aimed at deepening defence ties, and not linked to rising concern in Manila about allegedly aggressive Chinese actions in the much coveted seas.
"The US and Philippine navies have a long history of working together, and exercises like (these) provide a great venue for us to hone our skills," said the US commander for the 11-day exercises, Captain David Welch.
Nevertheless the exercises are being seen in Manila as a timely show of unity between the Philippines and its former colonial ruler.
Two state-of-the-art US missile destroyers, along with the host's World War II-era warships, will patrol the Philippine waters of the Sulu Sea.
The Sulu Sea is separated from the South China Sea only by the narrow Philippine island of Palawan.
China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan have overlapping claims to parts of the South China Sea, which is believed to have vast oil and gas deposits, while its shipping lanes are vital for global trade.
Vietnam as well as the Philippines have in recent months accused China of taking increasingly aggressive actions in staking its claim to the disputed waters and its archipelagos.
In response, China has insisted it wants to resolve the territorial dispute peacefully but remained firm in its claims to most of the South China Sea, even waters within the Philippines' 200-nautical-mile economic exclusion zone.
Philippine President Benigno Aquino this month called for US help in containing China's South China Sea ambitions, saying his country was too weak to stand up to the Chinese alone.
Aquino made his plea after accusing China of inciting at least seven recent incidents in the disputed waters, including one in which a Chinese vessel allegedly opened fire on Filipino fishermen.
Aquino also accused China of breaking international law by entering the Philippines' economic exclusion zone.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton last week offered the Philippines some comfort, pledging that the superpower ally would help to modernise the cash-strapped Philippine military.
"We are determined and committed to supporting the defence of the Philippines," Clinton said.
No specifics were immediately announced but Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario later said the US government had vowed to boost the Philippines' intelligence capabilities in the South China Sea.
The Philippine-US exercises, called Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT), officially begin at 3:00pm (0700 GMT) on Tuesday with an opening ceremony on Palawan island.
The first of the US vessels, the USS Chung-Hoon arrived at a pier in Palawan's capital, Puerto Princesa, on Tuesday morning, greeted by a Philippine Navy band playing marching tunes.
US sailors in dress uniforms stood to attention as their vessel was guided into place by tugboats. The second destroyer, the USS Howard, will arrive later in the day said Lieutenant Commander Mike Morley, spokesman of the US forces.
About 800 US sailors and 450 Philippine seamen will be involved in the exercises.
The United States is scheduled to stage similar exercises with Vietnam next month, although it has insisted they too are unrelated to the South China Sea tensions.
The longtime allies have emphasised the event is an annual one aimed at deepening defence ties, and not linked to rising concern in Manila about allegedly aggressive Chinese actions in the much coveted seas.
"The US and Philippine navies have a long history of working together, and exercises like (these) provide a great venue for us to hone our skills," said the US commander for the 11-day exercises, Captain David Welch.
Nevertheless the exercises are being seen in Manila as a timely show of unity between the Philippines and its former colonial ruler.
Two state-of-the-art US missile destroyers, along with the host's World War II-era warships, will patrol the Philippine waters of the Sulu Sea.
The Sulu Sea is separated from the South China Sea only by the narrow Philippine island of Palawan.
China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan have overlapping claims to parts of the South China Sea, which is believed to have vast oil and gas deposits, while its shipping lanes are vital for global trade.
Vietnam as well as the Philippines have in recent months accused China of taking increasingly aggressive actions in staking its claim to the disputed waters and its archipelagos.
In response, China has insisted it wants to resolve the territorial dispute peacefully but remained firm in its claims to most of the South China Sea, even waters within the Philippines' 200-nautical-mile economic exclusion zone.
Philippine President Benigno Aquino this month called for US help in containing China's South China Sea ambitions, saying his country was too weak to stand up to the Chinese alone.
Aquino made his plea after accusing China of inciting at least seven recent incidents in the disputed waters, including one in which a Chinese vessel allegedly opened fire on Filipino fishermen.
Aquino also accused China of breaking international law by entering the Philippines' economic exclusion zone.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton last week offered the Philippines some comfort, pledging that the superpower ally would help to modernise the cash-strapped Philippine military.
"We are determined and committed to supporting the defence of the Philippines," Clinton said.
No specifics were immediately announced but Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario later said the US government had vowed to boost the Philippines' intelligence capabilities in the South China Sea.
The Philippine-US exercises, called Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT), officially begin at 3:00pm (0700 GMT) on Tuesday with an opening ceremony on Palawan island.
The first of the US vessels, the USS Chung-Hoon arrived at a pier in Palawan's capital, Puerto Princesa, on Tuesday morning, greeted by a Philippine Navy band playing marching tunes.
US sailors in dress uniforms stood to attention as their vessel was guided into place by tugboats. The second destroyer, the USS Howard, will arrive later in the day said Lieutenant Commander Mike Morley, spokesman of the US forces.
About 800 US sailors and 450 Philippine seamen will be involved in the exercises.
The United States is scheduled to stage similar exercises with Vietnam next month, although it has insisted they too are unrelated to the South China Sea tensions.
News Update 273 Pampanga villages still under water
PAMPANGA, Philippines - Floods have yet to subside in 273 barangays in 18 towns in Pampanga province.
In Guagua town, residents are using sand bags in an attempt to hold off floodwaters.
In Candaba town, the flooding was aggravated by water hyacinths that have clogged bridges and rivers.
Benny Ocampo, chairman of Barangay Buas in Candaba, said people in the village should join hands to remove the water hyacinths.
The floods have caused around P500 million in damage to infrastructure and around P130 million on farmlands, local disaster officials said.
Around 88,000 families have also been affected.
Officials estimate that it could take another week for the floods to subside.
Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda said the province wants to buy heavy equipment to desilt rivers to solve the floods. - ANC
In Guagua town, residents are using sand bags in an attempt to hold off floodwaters.
In Candaba town, the flooding was aggravated by water hyacinths that have clogged bridges and rivers.
Benny Ocampo, chairman of Barangay Buas in Candaba, said people in the village should join hands to remove the water hyacinths.
The floods have caused around P500 million in damage to infrastructure and around P130 million on farmlands, local disaster officials said.
Around 88,000 families have also been affected.
Officials estimate that it could take another week for the floods to subside.
Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda said the province wants to buy heavy equipment to desilt rivers to solve the floods. - ANC
News Update Group: Philippine president hasn't improved rights
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Philippine President Benigno Aquino III has done little during his first year in office to carry out his campaign promise to achieve justice for human rights victims, an activist group said Wednesday.
Human Rights Watch said Aquino has undertaken a number of reforms but measures to prosecute members of the military and police for serious human rights violations have fallen short.
Killings and enforced disappearances of anti-government activists have continued while police investigations have stalled, the New York-based group said. No member of the military has been arrested for abuses perpetrated since Aquino took office, and no commanders have been actively investigated for their suspected roles.
It cited as an example the government's failure to investigate allegations of torture against security forces behind the 10-month detention of 43 alleged communist rebels. Aquino ordered firearms possession charges against the detainees dropped in December after receiving evidence that the arrest procedures were violated and the detainees denied access to lawyers.
The watchdog said the government also failed to bring charges against soldiers and officers named in a Supreme Court decision as suspects in the disappearances of four leftist activists in 2006 and 2007. The victims' families have filed the charges against military personnel and the cases are still pending. The military denies any responsibility.
Most of the cases date back to a nine-year period under former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, when security forces were suspected of killing and torturing left-wing and other anti-government activists as part of the military's campaign against communist and Muslim rebels.
More than 200 cases of disappearances and at least 305 extrajudicial killings during Arroyo's administration have not been resolved, according to another human rights groups, Amnesty International.
"President Aquino's record during his first year in office shows that human rights have just not been his priority," said Elaine Pearson, Human Rights Watch's deputy Asia director. "He says he won't tolerate killings and disappearances, but he needs to do a lot more to stop them."
Aquino continues to defend the use of poorly trained paramilitary forces to fight rebels despite abuses attributed to them, Human Rights Watch said. Such backup forces are often used as politicians' private armies.
Human Rights Watch praised Aquino for pushing his anti-corruption drive and helping negotiate a new international convention on decent work for domestic workers.
Aquino's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The government has said it is working to strengthen witness protection programs and raise the salaries of prosecutors and judges as part of judicial reforms that are supposed to speed up criminal prosecutions.
Human Rights Watch said Aquino has undertaken a number of reforms but measures to prosecute members of the military and police for serious human rights violations have fallen short.
Killings and enforced disappearances of anti-government activists have continued while police investigations have stalled, the New York-based group said. No member of the military has been arrested for abuses perpetrated since Aquino took office, and no commanders have been actively investigated for their suspected roles.
It cited as an example the government's failure to investigate allegations of torture against security forces behind the 10-month detention of 43 alleged communist rebels. Aquino ordered firearms possession charges against the detainees dropped in December after receiving evidence that the arrest procedures were violated and the detainees denied access to lawyers.
The watchdog said the government also failed to bring charges against soldiers and officers named in a Supreme Court decision as suspects in the disappearances of four leftist activists in 2006 and 2007. The victims' families have filed the charges against military personnel and the cases are still pending. The military denies any responsibility.
Most of the cases date back to a nine-year period under former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, when security forces were suspected of killing and torturing left-wing and other anti-government activists as part of the military's campaign against communist and Muslim rebels.
More than 200 cases of disappearances and at least 305 extrajudicial killings during Arroyo's administration have not been resolved, according to another human rights groups, Amnesty International.
"President Aquino's record during his first year in office shows that human rights have just not been his priority," said Elaine Pearson, Human Rights Watch's deputy Asia director. "He says he won't tolerate killings and disappearances, but he needs to do a lot more to stop them."
Aquino continues to defend the use of poorly trained paramilitary forces to fight rebels despite abuses attributed to them, Human Rights Watch said. Such backup forces are often used as politicians' private armies.
Human Rights Watch praised Aquino for pushing his anti-corruption drive and helping negotiate a new international convention on decent work for domestic workers.
Aquino's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The government has said it is working to strengthen witness protection programs and raise the salaries of prosecutors and judges as part of judicial reforms that are supposed to speed up criminal prosecutions.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
News Update Pinoy gamers head off to Korea for Ragnarok World Championship
By Alexander Villafania
MAKATI CITY, METRO MANILA - Team “Naked Nanaman” beat seven other teams to earn the top spot in the recently held Philippine leg of the Ragnarok World Championship 2011 at the SM North EDSA Skydome.
The team is composed of veteran Ragnarok Online players Bernabe Orbeso, Marion Louise Carlos, Ron Aldwin Silvestre, Cris Elmar Barroquiña, Von Ryan Castillo, Lorenzo Canlas, and Mark Edizon Clemente.
They will represent the Philippines in the global finals of the Ragnarok World Championship to be held on October 14 to 16 in Seoul, South Korea.
For the final game, Orbeso and his team mates faced off with the “Suspects” in a very close best-of-five match. After a protracted fight, Team Naked Nanaman beat the Suspects, 3-2, to emerged the winner.
Apart from being the representative of the Philippines in the global RWC finals, Naked Nanaman also won P120,000 in cash prize.
The Philippines has been participating in the global RWC since 2007. The closest the Philippines ever got to the top spot was in 2009 when the Philippine team ended first runner-up against the Ragnarok team in Japan.
Ragnarok Online, developed by Korean firm Gravity Co., is currently the oldest online game in the Philippines when it was first introduced in 2002.
MAKATI CITY, METRO MANILA - Team “Naked Nanaman” beat seven other teams to earn the top spot in the recently held Philippine leg of the Ragnarok World Championship 2011 at the SM North EDSA Skydome.
The team is composed of veteran Ragnarok Online players Bernabe Orbeso, Marion Louise Carlos, Ron Aldwin Silvestre, Cris Elmar Barroquiña, Von Ryan Castillo, Lorenzo Canlas, and Mark Edizon Clemente.
They will represent the Philippines in the global finals of the Ragnarok World Championship to be held on October 14 to 16 in Seoul, South Korea.
For the final game, Orbeso and his team mates faced off with the “Suspects” in a very close best-of-five match. After a protracted fight, Team Naked Nanaman beat the Suspects, 3-2, to emerged the winner.
Apart from being the representative of the Philippines in the global RWC finals, Naked Nanaman also won P120,000 in cash prize.
The Philippines has been participating in the global RWC since 2007. The closest the Philippines ever got to the top spot was in 2009 when the Philippine team ended first runner-up against the Ragnarok team in Japan.
Ragnarok Online, developed by Korean firm Gravity Co., is currently the oldest online game in the Philippines when it was first introduced in 2002.
News Update Philippines has record 11 billionaires: Forbes
A booming stock market has expanded the Philippines' billionaires' list to a record 11, with the combined wealth of the 40 richest also hitting an all-time high, Forbes.com said Thursday.
Shopping mall king Henry Sy, 86, saw his assets surge 44 percent to $7.2 billion over the past year and remains the Philippines' richest man, the website said in its annual update of the country's wealthiest.
Lucio Tan, 77, tobacco tycoon and former crony of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, kept his spot at number-two with $2.8 billion, while budget airline king John Gokongwei, 83, remained third-richest with $2.4 billion.
Six Filipinos became billionaires for the first time as the paper value of their shares in listed companies soared, boosting their select group's numbers to a record 11.
"The Philippines' economy grew only 4.9 percent in the first quarter of the year... off from 8.4 percent in 2010, but the country's stock market is booming," Forbes said, explaining the surge.
"The stock exchange's composite index is up 27 percent since last year, surpassing its 2007 benchmark."
This also lifted the combined fortunes of the country's 40 richest to an all-time high $34 billion, up from last year's $22.8 billion, the website reported.
Among the six new billionaires are construction magnate David Consunji, 90, and port operator Enrique Razon, at 51 the youngest Filipino with 10-figure assets.
The others are San Miguel Corp. chairman Eduardo Cojuangco, 76, former finance minister Roberto Ongpin, 74, banker George Ty, 78, and hamburger king Tony Tan Caktiong, 58, of the Jollibee restaurant chain.
Ongpin, a key San Miguel shareholder, was the biggest gainer as his wealth increased more than four-fold to become ninth-richest at $1.3 billion, owing mostly to his other investments in a listed gold mining firm.
Jaime Zobel de Ayala, 77, former head of top conglomerate Ayala Corp., slid two rungs to sixth-richest but his fortune still grew 35.71 percent to $1.9 billion.
Property developer Andrew Tan, 58, became the country's fourth-wealthiest man with $2 billion.
The youngest on this year's Filipino richest list was Edgar Sia, a 34-year-old college dropout now worth $85 million after selling his chicken-barbecue restaurant chain to Jollibee.
Forbes said the Filipino rich were also among Asia's most magnanimous.
Lucio Tan sent 700,000 bottles of water to tsunami-hit Japan, and his charity foundation has been a big backer of teacher training, medical missions and housing for the poor, it added
Shopping mall king Henry Sy, 86, saw his assets surge 44 percent to $7.2 billion over the past year and remains the Philippines' richest man, the website said in its annual update of the country's wealthiest.
Lucio Tan, 77, tobacco tycoon and former crony of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, kept his spot at number-two with $2.8 billion, while budget airline king John Gokongwei, 83, remained third-richest with $2.4 billion.
Six Filipinos became billionaires for the first time as the paper value of their shares in listed companies soared, boosting their select group's numbers to a record 11.
"The Philippines' economy grew only 4.9 percent in the first quarter of the year... off from 8.4 percent in 2010, but the country's stock market is booming," Forbes said, explaining the surge.
"The stock exchange's composite index is up 27 percent since last year, surpassing its 2007 benchmark."
This also lifted the combined fortunes of the country's 40 richest to an all-time high $34 billion, up from last year's $22.8 billion, the website reported.
Among the six new billionaires are construction magnate David Consunji, 90, and port operator Enrique Razon, at 51 the youngest Filipino with 10-figure assets.
The others are San Miguel Corp. chairman Eduardo Cojuangco, 76, former finance minister Roberto Ongpin, 74, banker George Ty, 78, and hamburger king Tony Tan Caktiong, 58, of the Jollibee restaurant chain.
Ongpin, a key San Miguel shareholder, was the biggest gainer as his wealth increased more than four-fold to become ninth-richest at $1.3 billion, owing mostly to his other investments in a listed gold mining firm.
Jaime Zobel de Ayala, 77, former head of top conglomerate Ayala Corp., slid two rungs to sixth-richest but his fortune still grew 35.71 percent to $1.9 billion.
Property developer Andrew Tan, 58, became the country's fourth-wealthiest man with $2 billion.
The youngest on this year's Filipino richest list was Edgar Sia, a 34-year-old college dropout now worth $85 million after selling his chicken-barbecue restaurant chain to Jollibee.
Forbes said the Filipino rich were also among Asia's most magnanimous.
Lucio Tan sent 700,000 bottles of water to tsunami-hit Japan, and his charity foundation has been a big backer of teacher training, medical missions and housing for the poor, it added
DID YOU KNOW THAT ? The Pinoy flag
The Independence Flagpole is located at Rizal Park in Manila and stands at 107 feet.
The National flag is permanently at half-mast day and night in all memorial cemeteries dedicated to war veterans such as the Tomb of the Unknown solider at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
The National flag must also be at half-mast during the death of the President or former presidents for ten days; Vice-President, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, for seven days;
Meanwhile, for Cabinet Secretaries, Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, Members of the Senate and House of Representatives, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Director-General of the Philippine National Police, or equivalent in rank, the flag must be at half-mast for five days.
The current Philippine flag, which will mark its 113th year on June 12—coinciding with the country’s Independence Day—stands proud to symbolize people’s freedom.
As mandated under Republic Act 8491, the Philippine flag is “comprised of blue, white and red with an eight-rayed golden-yellow sun and three five-pointed stars.”
This design, personally conceived by Emilio Aguinaldo, the first Philippine President, was sewn in Hong Kong by Marcela Marino Agoncillo, with the help of her daughter Lorenza and Jose Rizal’s niece, Delfina Natividad.
Source: National Historical Commission
The National flag is permanently at half-mast day and night in all memorial cemeteries dedicated to war veterans such as the Tomb of the Unknown solider at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
The National flag must also be at half-mast during the death of the President or former presidents for ten days; Vice-President, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, for seven days;
Meanwhile, for Cabinet Secretaries, Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, Members of the Senate and House of Representatives, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Director-General of the Philippine National Police, or equivalent in rank, the flag must be at half-mast for five days.
The current Philippine flag, which will mark its 113th year on June 12—coinciding with the country’s Independence Day—stands proud to symbolize people’s freedom.
As mandated under Republic Act 8491, the Philippine flag is “comprised of blue, white and red with an eight-rayed golden-yellow sun and three five-pointed stars.”
This design, personally conceived by Emilio Aguinaldo, the first Philippine President, was sewn in Hong Kong by Marcela Marino Agoncillo, with the help of her daughter Lorenza and Jose Rizal’s niece, Delfina Natividad.
Source: National Historical Commission
Kopi Talk Toni Gonzaga answers critics: "Yung opinion ko, napapanood sa telebisyon. Yun nga lang, yung sa inyo, sa computer lang."
Sa live guesting ni Bianca Manalo sa The Buzz noong Linggo, June 19, muling ipinagtanggol ni Toni Gonzaga ang co-host niya sa Happy Yipee Yehey! na hindi ito ang cause ng breakup o third party sa relasyong John Prats at Rachelle Ann Go.
Sa huling segment ng programa, hindi lang si Bianca ang nabigyan ng pagkakataon na magpaliwanag ng kanyang side kung hindi maging si Toni.
Tinanong ni Boy Abunda si Toni kung ano ang masasabi niya sa mga taong tila nagalit sa kanya dahil sa pagsasabi niya ng kanyang opinion tungkol sa breakup nina John at Rachelle two Sundays ago. (CLICK HERE to read rlated story.)
Nagkaroon kasi ito ng negative impression sa ilan dahil bakit daw ito ang nagsasalita about the breakup ng ibang relasyon.
Ayon naman kay Toni, "Alam n'yo ho, nirerespeto ko ang opinion n'yo dahil kanya-kanya naman tayo ng opinion.
"May opinion kayo, meron din naman akong opinion.
"Ang kaibahan lang ho sa opinion nating dalawa... Yung opinion ko, napapanood sa telebisyon.
"Yun nga lang, yung sa inyo, sa computer lang. Kaya yun po."
Dugtong pa niya, "Mag-o-opinion talaga ako. May opinion ako.
"So, kanya-kanya tayo ng opinion."
Sa huling segment ng programa, hindi lang si Bianca ang nabigyan ng pagkakataon na magpaliwanag ng kanyang side kung hindi maging si Toni.
Tinanong ni Boy Abunda si Toni kung ano ang masasabi niya sa mga taong tila nagalit sa kanya dahil sa pagsasabi niya ng kanyang opinion tungkol sa breakup nina John at Rachelle two Sundays ago. (CLICK HERE to read rlated story.)
Nagkaroon kasi ito ng negative impression sa ilan dahil bakit daw ito ang nagsasalita about the breakup ng ibang relasyon.
Ayon naman kay Toni, "Alam n'yo ho, nirerespeto ko ang opinion n'yo dahil kanya-kanya naman tayo ng opinion.
"May opinion kayo, meron din naman akong opinion.
"Ang kaibahan lang ho sa opinion nating dalawa... Yung opinion ko, napapanood sa telebisyon.
"Yun nga lang, yung sa inyo, sa computer lang. Kaya yun po."
Dugtong pa niya, "Mag-o-opinion talaga ako. May opinion ako.
"So, kanya-kanya tayo ng opinion."
News UpdateArms, ammos found in Ampatuan warehouse
DAVAO CITY – A large amount of arms and ammunition was found inside a warehouse owned by a family accused in the massacre of 57 people in Maguindanao province, a military spokesman said.
Colonel Prudencio Asto, Army's 6th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office chief, said the arms and ammo cache was found in a raid around 7:40 p.m. Sunday in Barangay Manungkaling, Mamasapano.
The warehouse is owned by Mamasapano Vice Mayor Akmad Tato Ampatuan. The vice mayor is among the Ampatuan clan members accused in the massacre of political rivals and media workers in Sitio Masalay, Barangay Salman, Ampatuan on November 23, 2009.
Colonel Prudencio Asto, Army's 6th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office chief, said the arms and ammo cache was found in a raid around 7:40 p.m. Sunday in Barangay Manungkaling, Mamasapano.
The warehouse is owned by Mamasapano Vice Mayor Akmad Tato Ampatuan. The vice mayor is among the Ampatuan clan members accused in the massacre of political rivals and media workers in Sitio Masalay, Barangay Salman, Ampatuan on November 23, 2009.
News Update Cebuano engineer ran barefoot to get away from his kidnappers
“THIS is the end of my life.”
This was the thought running through Cebuano engineer Virgilio Fernandez’s head when four Abu Sayyaf group members abducted him last June 3 in Basilan.
In the TV Patrol Central Visayas' report, Fernandez, who wore a black baseball cap and shades, arrived on a wheelchair at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Lapu-Lapu City yesterday morning.
“Pasalamat ko sa Ginoo nga nakabalik pa ko diri (I thank God that I managed to return),” he said.
Fernandez, who was held by his captors for 16 days, was reportedly silent and cried after the plane landed at 11 a.m. He was met with hugs from his two sons.
This was the thought running through Cebuano engineer Virgilio Fernandez’s head when four Abu Sayyaf group members abducted him last June 3 in Basilan.
In the TV Patrol Central Visayas' report, Fernandez, who wore a black baseball cap and shades, arrived on a wheelchair at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Lapu-Lapu City yesterday morning.
“Pasalamat ko sa Ginoo nga nakabalik pa ko diri (I thank God that I managed to return),” he said.
Fernandez, who was held by his captors for 16 days, was reportedly silent and cried after the plane landed at 11 a.m. He was met with hugs from his two sons.
News Update Jollibee eyes 90 stores in China
MANILA, Philippines - Jollibee Foods Corp., the country's top restaurant chain, said Wednesday it planned to set up 280 new stores this year, including 90 in China, as part of a major expansion drive.
The firm is also looking to open 30 other stores in other countries that it did not identify, as well as 160 new branches in the Philippines.
"The rapid expansion this year will be supported by more than P5 billion ($112 million) in funds," listed Jollibee said in a disclosure to the stock exchange, clarifying a newspaper report.
The Jollibee chain has more than 600 restaurants in the Philippines, half of them operated by the company and the other half by franchise-holders.
It also runs 26 stores in the United States and also has outlets in Brunei, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam.
Jollibee had seen its net profits plunge 8.8% from a year earlier to P631 million in the three months to March due to rising inflation.
"JFC (Jollibee) hopes that commodity prices will stabilize and will not rise significantly more," it said Wednesday.
Jollibee, capitalized at P87 billion, saw its share price close 1.43% up to P85.20 after the announcement Wednesday.
The company has already established a presence in China by taking control of several restaurant chains there, including Hongzhuangyuan in 2007 and Shanghai-based Yonghe King in 2004.
Last year it announced it was taking a majority stake in the firm that owns Chinese fast food noodle chain San Pin Wang.
The firm is also looking to open 30 other stores in other countries that it did not identify, as well as 160 new branches in the Philippines.
"The rapid expansion this year will be supported by more than P5 billion ($112 million) in funds," listed Jollibee said in a disclosure to the stock exchange, clarifying a newspaper report.
The Jollibee chain has more than 600 restaurants in the Philippines, half of them operated by the company and the other half by franchise-holders.
It also runs 26 stores in the United States and also has outlets in Brunei, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam.
Jollibee had seen its net profits plunge 8.8% from a year earlier to P631 million in the three months to March due to rising inflation.
"JFC (Jollibee) hopes that commodity prices will stabilize and will not rise significantly more," it said Wednesday.
Jollibee, capitalized at P87 billion, saw its share price close 1.43% up to P85.20 after the announcement Wednesday.
The company has already established a presence in China by taking control of several restaurant chains there, including Hongzhuangyuan in 2007 and Shanghai-based Yonghe King in 2004.
Last year it announced it was taking a majority stake in the firm that owns Chinese fast food noodle chain San Pin Wang.
News Update Hackers expose DOLE website's vulnerability
Yet another Philippine government website was found vulnerable to hackers, with a hacker posting the flaw online Wednesday night.
The hacker, identified only as "No.One," said the site of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) shares the same "host" as Microsoft.com but is vulnerable.
"Now dole.gov.ph is vulnerable To SQL Injection," the hacker "No.One" said in a post on Pastebin.com, adding that the DOLE and Microsoft websites share the same remote address.
Worse, another hacker site said the DOLE may be used as a stepping stone to attack a secure website that shares the DOLE's host server: Microsoft.com.
An "analysis" on The Hacker News hinted that the vulnerability in the DOLE site may be used to get root access on the shared server.
"Now We know that Microsoft.com is Secure site, Lets See another site of same host: http://www.dole.gov.ph/ ... Is it vulnerable? Yes!" it said.
It said a hacker can gain access to the DOLE site via SQL injection and get the database from the site - or upload data to it.
"This Attack may lead to rooting of 125.5.39.135 Server, Which also host Microsoft.com,' the target site. Hackers may be able to deface the site or can steal source code too," the Hacker News article said. — TJD
The hacker, identified only as "No.One," said the site of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) shares the same "host" as Microsoft.com but is vulnerable.
"Now dole.gov.ph is vulnerable To SQL Injection," the hacker "No.One" said in a post on Pastebin.com, adding that the DOLE and Microsoft websites share the same remote address.
Worse, another hacker site said the DOLE may be used as a stepping stone to attack a secure website that shares the DOLE's host server: Microsoft.com.
An "analysis" on The Hacker News hinted that the vulnerability in the DOLE site may be used to get root access on the shared server.
"Now We know that Microsoft.com is Secure site, Lets See another site of same host: http://www.dole.gov.ph/ ... Is it vulnerable? Yes!" it said.
It said a hacker can gain access to the DOLE site via SQL injection and get the database from the site - or upload data to it.
"This Attack may lead to rooting of 125.5.39.135 Server, Which also host Microsoft.com,' the target site. Hackers may be able to deface the site or can steal source code too," the Hacker News article said. — TJD
News Update Weather: ‘Falcon’ intensifies into storm; landfall still unlikely
Tropical cyclone "Falcon" (international code name Meari) intensified into a tropical storm Wednesday afternoon, but state weather forecasters said it was still not likely to make landfall over the Philippines.
In its 5 p.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said "Falcon" was estimated at 370 km east-northeast of Virac, Catanduanes as of 4 p.m.
"Sa ngayon di pa namin nakikitang magla-landfall ito (For now we do not see it making landfall)," PAGASA forecaster Jori Loiz said in an interview on dzBB radio.
Loiz also said there are still no storm signals for now.
"Falcon" packed maximum winds of 65 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph and is forecast to move west northwest at 19 kph.
"The whole country will experience cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms becoming widespread rains over the eastern section of Southern Luzon and Visayas which may trigger flashfloods and landslides," PAGASA said in its 5 p.m. bulletin.
It added moderate to strong winds blowing from southwest to southeast will prevail over northern and Central Luzon and coming from the southwest to west over the rest of the country.
Coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be moderate to rough.
PAGASA also warned of strong to gale force winds that may affect the western seaboards of Luzon and Visayas and eastern seaboards of the country.
"Fishing boats and other small seacrafts are advised not to venture out into the sea while larger sea vessels are alerted against big waves," it said.
Meanwhile, Loiz said PAGASA is still analyzing another weather system outside Philippine territory that may become a cyclone.
Should the LPA become a cyclone in Philippine territory, it will be codenamed "Goring."
"Inaasahan naming pumasok ito next week. Si 'Falcon' lalabas Sabado ng hapon (We expect the next possible cyclone to enter Philippine territory next week, even as 'Falcon' may exit Philippine territory Saturday)," he said. — KBK,
In its 5 p.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said "Falcon" was estimated at 370 km east-northeast of Virac, Catanduanes as of 4 p.m.
"Sa ngayon di pa namin nakikitang magla-landfall ito (For now we do not see it making landfall)," PAGASA forecaster Jori Loiz said in an interview on dzBB radio.
Loiz also said there are still no storm signals for now.
"Falcon" packed maximum winds of 65 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph and is forecast to move west northwest at 19 kph.
"The whole country will experience cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms becoming widespread rains over the eastern section of Southern Luzon and Visayas which may trigger flashfloods and landslides," PAGASA said in its 5 p.m. bulletin.
It added moderate to strong winds blowing from southwest to southeast will prevail over northern and Central Luzon and coming from the southwest to west over the rest of the country.
Coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be moderate to rough.
PAGASA also warned of strong to gale force winds that may affect the western seaboards of Luzon and Visayas and eastern seaboards of the country.
"Fishing boats and other small seacrafts are advised not to venture out into the sea while larger sea vessels are alerted against big waves," it said.
Meanwhile, Loiz said PAGASA is still analyzing another weather system outside Philippine territory that may become a cyclone.
Should the LPA become a cyclone in Philippine territory, it will be codenamed "Goring."
"Inaasahan naming pumasok ito next week. Si 'Falcon' lalabas Sabado ng hapon (We expect the next possible cyclone to enter Philippine territory next week, even as 'Falcon' may exit Philippine territory Saturday)," he said. — KBK,
News Update DSWD says its 'unfair' to say govt isn't helping Mindanao flood victims
Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman on Wednesday belied “unfair" reports that government has not aided flood victims in western Mindanao, saying it has provided at least P19 million in relief goods to affected areas.
Soliman, who accompanied the President to Cotabato earlier in the, told GMA News Online that the government will boost its assistance in the coming days as the affected residents are running out of relief goods while the flood problem is expected to extend for two more weeks.
The secretary acknowledged reports by Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Quevedo that the relief goods so far are not enough. Soliman said, “Iba ang sinasabing walang ginagawa ang national government; iba ang sinasabing nagkukulang."
In a report on GMA News’ “24 Oras" newscast Wednesday, local government officials in western Mindanao were dismayed at President Benigno Aquino III’s supposed inaction on the flood problem. Cotabato City Mayor Japal Guiani Jr. remarked, “I think he just came here to visit."
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For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV
Guiani claimed that the relief goods distributed so far did not come from the President. “The relief goods came from the city government of Cotabato," he said.
During his visit to Cotabato City, Aquino distributed food packs and conducted an aerial inspection to survey the devastation affecting almost a million people in one of the worst calamities in the history of western Mindanao.
Church augmenting resources
Meanwhile, a ranking cleric in the Cotabato Archdiocese said the local Catholic Church has been augmenting the “insufficient" resources provided by the government.
“Sa unang bugso ng relief goods, sa unang bigayan lang, ubos na, eh," said Immaculate Conception Cathedral parish rector Fr. Edwin Degracia in another telephone interview with GMA News Online.
In his church that also serves as an evacuation center, Degracia said that P200,000 worth of relief goods get depleted in two hours’ as the center serves at least 29,000 families. “Ngayon, ang reklamo nila, minsan dalawang beses na lang kumain sa isang araw," he said.
Degracia added that without additional funding, the local church can only support the evacuees until the end of the week. “Kung hindi darating ang tulong, made-deplete na [ang funds namin] and we have to stop the relief operations," he said.
Even private groups from outside Mindanao have started pitching in for the Mindanao flood victims. On Monday, the Catholic social-action group Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan (SLB) said Filipinos who wish to help affected Mindanao residents may course their donations through SLB.
“It’s one way of showing Christian charity," SLB program manager Bro. Neo Saicon said.
On its website, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines also said at least four pastoral jurisdictions – the Archdiocese of Jaro in Iloilo and the Dioceses of Surigao, Marbel, and Basilan – will collect additional donations during Masses on Sunday for the Mindanao relief efforts. — VS
Soliman, who accompanied the President to Cotabato earlier in the, told GMA News Online that the government will boost its assistance in the coming days as the affected residents are running out of relief goods while the flood problem is expected to extend for two more weeks.
The secretary acknowledged reports by Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Quevedo that the relief goods so far are not enough. Soliman said, “Iba ang sinasabing walang ginagawa ang national government; iba ang sinasabing nagkukulang."
In a report on GMA News’ “24 Oras" newscast Wednesday, local government officials in western Mindanao were dismayed at President Benigno Aquino III’s supposed inaction on the flood problem. Cotabato City Mayor Japal Guiani Jr. remarked, “I think he just came here to visit."
This page requires a higher version browser
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV
Guiani claimed that the relief goods distributed so far did not come from the President. “The relief goods came from the city government of Cotabato," he said.
During his visit to Cotabato City, Aquino distributed food packs and conducted an aerial inspection to survey the devastation affecting almost a million people in one of the worst calamities in the history of western Mindanao.
Church augmenting resources
Meanwhile, a ranking cleric in the Cotabato Archdiocese said the local Catholic Church has been augmenting the “insufficient" resources provided by the government.
“Sa unang bugso ng relief goods, sa unang bigayan lang, ubos na, eh," said Immaculate Conception Cathedral parish rector Fr. Edwin Degracia in another telephone interview with GMA News Online.
In his church that also serves as an evacuation center, Degracia said that P200,000 worth of relief goods get depleted in two hours’ as the center serves at least 29,000 families. “Ngayon, ang reklamo nila, minsan dalawang beses na lang kumain sa isang araw," he said.
Degracia added that without additional funding, the local church can only support the evacuees until the end of the week. “Kung hindi darating ang tulong, made-deplete na [ang funds namin] and we have to stop the relief operations," he said.
Even private groups from outside Mindanao have started pitching in for the Mindanao flood victims. On Monday, the Catholic social-action group Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan (SLB) said Filipinos who wish to help affected Mindanao residents may course their donations through SLB.
“It’s one way of showing Christian charity," SLB program manager Bro. Neo Saicon said.
On its website, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines also said at least four pastoral jurisdictions – the Archdiocese of Jaro in Iloilo and the Dioceses of Surigao, Marbel, and Basilan – will collect additional donations during Masses on Sunday for the Mindanao relief efforts. — VS
News Update PNoy: PHL will not abandon claim on disputed Spratlys
COTABATO CITY — The Philippines will not be cowed by China’s size and will keep on asserting the country’s claim over the disputed Spratly Islands, President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday said.
Aquino said the country is not being “belligerent" toward China, the world’s second largest economy and another claimant to the supposedly mineral-rich group of islands.
“Baka certain quarters are saying, bakit ba tayo belligerent, bakit ba binubunggo itong napakahiganteng bansa? Hindi po natin binubunggo, ang ginagawa lang po natin pinoprotektahan natin ang karapatan natin dahil yung karapatan natin kung hindi mo i-e-exercise, inabandon mo," he said.
Aquino said if China is allowed to claim parts of the Spratlys that are within the country’s 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone as stated under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS), the Philippines would lose its right over the islands.
“We believe our basis for claim is well founded especially under this treaty ratified by… so many countries, including China," Aquino said.
“We expect China to adhere to that and with America backing us up and other ASEAN claimants, we expect that the UN, America and the other interested parties [that] have to traverse this body of water will insist on freedom of navigation and [the] adherence to UNCLOS," Aquino said.
The Reed Bank or Recto Bank is under the jurisdiction of the Philippines and not part of the dispute, as it is located 80 nautical miles off Palawan and about 570 miles from Hainan island, the closest point in China.
Where lies the validity of claim...
“Marami na tayong pinayl na protest, marami rin silang pinayl na protest sa atin. Ang importante dito… let them defend themselves in the international fora as to where the validity of their claim lies in," he said.
Aside from the Philippines and China, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam, and Taiwan also claim a part or all of the Spratlys.
Last May 19, the defense ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) reaffirmed their respective commitments "to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and to work towards the adoption of a regional Code of Conduct... that would further promote peace and stability in the region."
The ASEAN defense ministers also stressed in their joint declaration, "freedom of navigation in and overflight above the South China Sea as provided for by universally-recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS."
Defense Undersecretary Eduardo Batac said in a telephone interview on June 13 with GMA News' "Unang Balita" the stance of the country is a "cautious" one of resorting to diplomatic dialogue. In the same newscast, Dr. Prospero de Vera of the University of the Philippines proposed a multilateral solution through ASEAN as the most promising option available to the Philippine government.
According to the Chinese government's official web portal, China's defense expenditure in 2009 was at 495 billion renminbi which, at the current rate of exchange with the peso, converts to P3.33 trillion. The Philippines's 2011 military budget is P29.69 billion.— With Kimberly Jane Tan/Earl Rosero/KBK/VS
Aquino said the country is not being “belligerent" toward China, the world’s second largest economy and another claimant to the supposedly mineral-rich group of islands.
“Baka certain quarters are saying, bakit ba tayo belligerent, bakit ba binubunggo itong napakahiganteng bansa? Hindi po natin binubunggo, ang ginagawa lang po natin pinoprotektahan natin ang karapatan natin dahil yung karapatan natin kung hindi mo i-e-exercise, inabandon mo," he said.
Aquino said if China is allowed to claim parts of the Spratlys that are within the country’s 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone as stated under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS), the Philippines would lose its right over the islands.
“We believe our basis for claim is well founded especially under this treaty ratified by… so many countries, including China," Aquino said.
“We expect China to adhere to that and with America backing us up and other ASEAN claimants, we expect that the UN, America and the other interested parties [that] have to traverse this body of water will insist on freedom of navigation and [the] adherence to UNCLOS," Aquino said.
The Reed Bank or Recto Bank is under the jurisdiction of the Philippines and not part of the dispute, as it is located 80 nautical miles off Palawan and about 570 miles from Hainan island, the closest point in China.
Where lies the validity of claim...
“Marami na tayong pinayl na protest, marami rin silang pinayl na protest sa atin. Ang importante dito… let them defend themselves in the international fora as to where the validity of their claim lies in," he said.
Aside from the Philippines and China, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam, and Taiwan also claim a part or all of the Spratlys.
Last May 19, the defense ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) reaffirmed their respective commitments "to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and to work towards the adoption of a regional Code of Conduct... that would further promote peace and stability in the region."
The ASEAN defense ministers also stressed in their joint declaration, "freedom of navigation in and overflight above the South China Sea as provided for by universally-recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS."
Defense Undersecretary Eduardo Batac said in a telephone interview on June 13 with GMA News' "Unang Balita" the stance of the country is a "cautious" one of resorting to diplomatic dialogue. In the same newscast, Dr. Prospero de Vera of the University of the Philippines proposed a multilateral solution through ASEAN as the most promising option available to the Philippine government.
According to the Chinese government's official web portal, China's defense expenditure in 2009 was at 495 billion renminbi which, at the current rate of exchange with the peso, converts to P3.33 trillion. The Philippines's 2011 military budget is P29.69 billion.— With Kimberly Jane Tan/Earl Rosero/KBK/VS
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
News Update MILF to help in declogging Cotabato river
COTABATO CITY, Philippines – The toll of affected families continues to rise due to incessant rains and increasing water level in the Rio Grande de Mindanao river, which flows into Cotabato City and Sultan Kudarat town.
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) expressed alarm over the situation, as most of the families affected in Maguindanao towns, Midsayap and Pikit in North Cotabato as well as in Cotabato City are MILF communities.
MILF Vice Chairman for Political Affairs Ghadzali Jaafar said they are also concerned with what the affected families are going through.
Jaafar said the MILF is ready to dispatch around 3,000 members, including elements of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces to help declog the river from the thick water hyacinth in Rio Grande de Mindanao.
"Desido ang MILF na tumulong magtanggal ng mga hyacinth o pusaw sa Maguindanaoan," Jaafar said.
The MILF also sent a team to check the situation in the Rio Grande de Mindanao to verify the amount of water hyacinth clogging.
One of the priorities of the team is to remove the water hyacinth under Delta Bridge.
Meanwhile, the MILF assured the public that this move is coordinated with the GRP-MILF Coordinating Committees in the Cessation of Hostilities.
Jaafar also said that those who will be mobilized will not carry firearms while working on the field.
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) expressed alarm over the situation, as most of the families affected in Maguindanao towns, Midsayap and Pikit in North Cotabato as well as in Cotabato City are MILF communities.
MILF Vice Chairman for Political Affairs Ghadzali Jaafar said they are also concerned with what the affected families are going through.
Jaafar said the MILF is ready to dispatch around 3,000 members, including elements of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces to help declog the river from the thick water hyacinth in Rio Grande de Mindanao.
"Desido ang MILF na tumulong magtanggal ng mga hyacinth o pusaw sa Maguindanaoan," Jaafar said.
The MILF also sent a team to check the situation in the Rio Grande de Mindanao to verify the amount of water hyacinth clogging.
One of the priorities of the team is to remove the water hyacinth under Delta Bridge.
Meanwhile, the MILF assured the public that this move is coordinated with the GRP-MILF Coordinating Committees in the Cessation of Hostilities.
Jaafar also said that those who will be mobilized will not carry firearms while working on the field.
News Update MILF to help in declogging Cotabato river
COTABATO CITY, Philippines – The toll of affected families continues to rise due to incessant rains and increasing water level in the Rio Grande de Mindanao river, which flows into Cotabato City and Sultan Kudarat town.
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) expressed alarm over the situation, as most of the families affected in Maguindanao towns, Midsayap and Pikit in North Cotabato as well as in Cotabato City are MILF communities.
MILF Vice Chairman for Political Affairs Ghadzali Jaafar said they are also concerned with what the affected families are going through.
Jaafar said the MILF is ready to dispatch around 3,000 members, including elements of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces to help declog the river from the thick water hyacinth in Rio Grande de Mindanao.
"Desido ang MILF na tumulong magtanggal ng mga hyacinth o pusaw sa Maguindanaoan," Jaafar said.
The MILF also sent a team to check the situation in the Rio Grande de Mindanao to verify the amount of water hyacinth clogging.
One of the priorities of the team is to remove the water hyacinth under Delta Bridge.
Meanwhile, the MILF assured the public that this move is coordinated with the GRP-MILF Coordinating Committees in the Cessation of Hostilities.
Jaafar also said that those who will be mobilized will not carry firearms while working on the field.
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) expressed alarm over the situation, as most of the families affected in Maguindanao towns, Midsayap and Pikit in North Cotabato as well as in Cotabato City are MILF communities.
MILF Vice Chairman for Political Affairs Ghadzali Jaafar said they are also concerned with what the affected families are going through.
Jaafar said the MILF is ready to dispatch around 3,000 members, including elements of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces to help declog the river from the thick water hyacinth in Rio Grande de Mindanao.
"Desido ang MILF na tumulong magtanggal ng mga hyacinth o pusaw sa Maguindanaoan," Jaafar said.
The MILF also sent a team to check the situation in the Rio Grande de Mindanao to verify the amount of water hyacinth clogging.
One of the priorities of the team is to remove the water hyacinth under Delta Bridge.
Meanwhile, the MILF assured the public that this move is coordinated with the GRP-MILF Coordinating Committees in the Cessation of Hostilities.
Jaafar also said that those who will be mobilized will not carry firearms while working on the field.
News Update Starving carabao kills farmer
AGUSAN DEL SUR, Philippines – A domesticated carabao, believed to not have eaten for 3 days, killed a farmer in Purok 4, Barangay Alegria, San Franciso, Agusan del Sur on Saturday.
The victim was identified as 53-year-old Ruben Sanchez Sr.
According to the victim’s son Jam-Jam, his father tried to move the carabao but it wouldn't budge.
His father started hitting the carabao, prompting the carabao to go berserk, he said.
“Pinalo ni Papa ang kalabaw kasi gusto niyang lumakad na ito. Nagapos ng lubid ang sungay nito kaya nang nilapitan ni Papa ay sinunggaban na siya ng kalabaw,” said the victim’s son.
He added that the carabao hadn't eaten for 3 days.
“Nakakalungkot kasi ang kalabaw na ‘yun ang inaasahan namin sa kabuhayan, pagkatapos ganito pa ang nangyari,” said the victim’s wife Inday.
A veterinarian said the carabao may have acted violently because of the trauma from the striking.
The family is planning to sell the carabao and use the money to shoulder the funeral expenses. -- Report from PJ dela Peña, ABS-
The victim was identified as 53-year-old Ruben Sanchez Sr.
According to the victim’s son Jam-Jam, his father tried to move the carabao but it wouldn't budge.
His father started hitting the carabao, prompting the carabao to go berserk, he said.
“Pinalo ni Papa ang kalabaw kasi gusto niyang lumakad na ito. Nagapos ng lubid ang sungay nito kaya nang nilapitan ni Papa ay sinunggaban na siya ng kalabaw,” said the victim’s son.
He added that the carabao hadn't eaten for 3 days.
“Nakakalungkot kasi ang kalabaw na ‘yun ang inaasahan namin sa kabuhayan, pagkatapos ganito pa ang nangyari,” said the victim’s wife Inday.
A veterinarian said the carabao may have acted violently because of the trauma from the striking.
The family is planning to sell the carabao and use the money to shoulder the funeral expenses. -- Report from PJ dela Peña, ABS-
News Update Food poisoining downs 6 in Bukidnon
BUKIDNON, Philippines – Six people were rushed to a hospital in Bukidnon Tuesday morning after allegedly being poisoned by noodles and sardines.
The victims were identified as:
Miriam Ardinis, 19 ·
Erick Dodo Bactalan, 18 ·
Romnick Bactalan, 16 ·
Jomark Bactalan, 12 ·
Beverly Lagang, 12 ·
Ronel Dayanon, 20
They complained of headache, stomachache and vomiting.
According to Citizens Crime Watch, the victims are all from Sitio Badiangon, Barangay San Luis.
Lagang and the Bactalans were recommended to be brought to Northern Mindanao Medical Center.
The condition of the 4 are being closely monitored by doctors while waiting the results of laboratory tests. -- Report from Shiela Joy Labrador, ABS-CBN
The victims were identified as:
Miriam Ardinis, 19 ·
Erick Dodo Bactalan, 18 ·
Romnick Bactalan, 16 ·
Jomark Bactalan, 12 ·
Beverly Lagang, 12 ·
Ronel Dayanon, 20
They complained of headache, stomachache and vomiting.
According to Citizens Crime Watch, the victims are all from Sitio Badiangon, Barangay San Luis.
Lagang and the Bactalans were recommended to be brought to Northern Mindanao Medical Center.
The condition of the 4 are being closely monitored by doctors while waiting the results of laboratory tests. -- Report from Shiela Joy Labrador, ABS-CBN
News Update Retired archbishop disowns Facebook campaign
A retired archbishop on Tuesday disowned a Facebook page appearing to promote him as a senatorial bet in the 2013 elections.
Retired Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz said he was surprised to get calls about the Facebook account "Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz for Senator Movement."
“I was amazed to learn of the Facebook Account named ‘Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz for Senator Movement,’" he said in an article posted on the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) news site.
Cruz, 76, has his own blog site (ovc.blogspot.com).
He added that had his mother been alive today, she would not even vote for him as village watchman.
“Malapit na akong mamatay, bakit naman ngayon ko lang naisipang tumakbo sa halalan (I'm about to die, why think of entering politics at this time)?" he said.
Cruz had gained controversy for being outspoken about various national issues. He heads an anti-jueteng and anti-gambling movement.
The prelate said he was surprised with calls from media practitioners and closest friends asking him of his political plans since early Tuesday morning.
The Facebook account contained pictures of Cruz during his speaking engagements.
But Cruz said he does not feel offended by the controversial page, and expressed appreciation over the creativity of the persons behind the unauthorized Facebook account.
In past years, Cruz clashed with the Arroyo administration on graft and corruption allegations.
Recently, he has scored the Aquino administration over its efforts for the passage of the Reproductive Health bill.
Canon law
Cruz, a Canon Law expert, also said specific provisions of the Code of Canon Law bar clerics from seeking public office.
“I brought up this issue when several priests ran for elected office in the recent past," he added, noting all priests are banned from running for national and local positions.
He said Catholic priest Ed Panlilio had to leave the priesthood in 2007 when he opted to run for provincial governor.
“Ed Panlilio is neither in nor out (of priesthood) and though he’s still a priest, he cannot celebrate mass and perform other priestly functions because he is on leave permanently," he said. — TJD
Retired Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz said he was surprised to get calls about the Facebook account "Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz for Senator Movement."
“I was amazed to learn of the Facebook Account named ‘Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz for Senator Movement,’" he said in an article posted on the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) news site.
Cruz, 76, has his own blog site (ovc.blogspot.com).
He added that had his mother been alive today, she would not even vote for him as village watchman.
“Malapit na akong mamatay, bakit naman ngayon ko lang naisipang tumakbo sa halalan (I'm about to die, why think of entering politics at this time)?" he said.
Cruz had gained controversy for being outspoken about various national issues. He heads an anti-jueteng and anti-gambling movement.
The prelate said he was surprised with calls from media practitioners and closest friends asking him of his political plans since early Tuesday morning.
The Facebook account contained pictures of Cruz during his speaking engagements.
But Cruz said he does not feel offended by the controversial page, and expressed appreciation over the creativity of the persons behind the unauthorized Facebook account.
In past years, Cruz clashed with the Arroyo administration on graft and corruption allegations.
Recently, he has scored the Aquino administration over its efforts for the passage of the Reproductive Health bill.
Canon law
Cruz, a Canon Law expert, also said specific provisions of the Code of Canon Law bar clerics from seeking public office.
“I brought up this issue when several priests ran for elected office in the recent past," he added, noting all priests are banned from running for national and local positions.
He said Catholic priest Ed Panlilio had to leave the priesthood in 2007 when he opted to run for provincial governor.
“Ed Panlilio is neither in nor out (of priesthood) and though he’s still a priest, he cannot celebrate mass and perform other priestly functions because he is on leave permanently," he said. — TJD
News Update Aquino satisfaction ratings dip
President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III's net satisfaction rating has plunged anew—from "very good' to "good"—days before he marks his first year as chief executive.
In a non-commissioned Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey for June, Aquino posted a +46 net satisfaction rating, five points lower than his March 2011 +51 score.
The survey, which has a margin of error of ±3% for national percentage, was conducted from June 3-6 and used face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adults in Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
SWS asked this question:
Maaari po bang pakisabi ninyo kung gaano kayo nasisiyahan o hindi nasisiyahan sa pagganap ng tungkulin ni Benigno Aquino III bilang presidente ng Pilipinas. Kayo ba ay…
Lubos na nasiyahan
Medyo nasiyahan
Hindi tiyak kung nasisiyahan o hindi
Medyo hindi nasisiyahan
Lubos na hindi nasisiyahan
Wala pa akong narinig o nabasa kahit kailan tungkol kay Benigno Aquino III
OR
Please tell me how satisfied or dissatisfied you are in the performance of Benigno Aquino III as President of the Philippines. Are you …
Very satisfied
Somewhat satisfied
Undecided if satisfied or not
Somewhat dissatisfied
Very dissatisfied
I have not heard or read anything about Benigno Aquino III
SWS results noted that the nationwide dissatisfaction rating stayed at 18 percent from the last survey period in March.
For June, most of the dissatisfied were women, those in Class D, are in NCR and at some parts of Luzon, according to SWS.
Those in Mindanao and in Class ABC posted high satisfaction rating for Aquino, the survey showed.
Back in September 2010, Aquino posted a satisfaction rating of +60; then +64 on November, and then plummeted to +51 in March.
Malacañang noted that while nationwide satisfaction ratings dipped, it said in a statement the figure is still "historically very high."
"As the administration marks its first year in office, it is heartening to note that it continues to receive the support of the broad public," the Palace said in a statement.
"The administration has been working to clear the obstacles to good governance put in place by those with a vested interest in seeing the country fail," it added.
In a non-commissioned Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey for June, Aquino posted a +46 net satisfaction rating, five points lower than his March 2011 +51 score.
The survey, which has a margin of error of ±3% for national percentage, was conducted from June 3-6 and used face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adults in Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
SWS asked this question:
Maaari po bang pakisabi ninyo kung gaano kayo nasisiyahan o hindi nasisiyahan sa pagganap ng tungkulin ni Benigno Aquino III bilang presidente ng Pilipinas. Kayo ba ay…
Lubos na nasiyahan
Medyo nasiyahan
Hindi tiyak kung nasisiyahan o hindi
Medyo hindi nasisiyahan
Lubos na hindi nasisiyahan
Wala pa akong narinig o nabasa kahit kailan tungkol kay Benigno Aquino III
OR
Please tell me how satisfied or dissatisfied you are in the performance of Benigno Aquino III as President of the Philippines. Are you …
Very satisfied
Somewhat satisfied
Undecided if satisfied or not
Somewhat dissatisfied
Very dissatisfied
I have not heard or read anything about Benigno Aquino III
SWS results noted that the nationwide dissatisfaction rating stayed at 18 percent from the last survey period in March.
For June, most of the dissatisfied were women, those in Class D, are in NCR and at some parts of Luzon, according to SWS.
Those in Mindanao and in Class ABC posted high satisfaction rating for Aquino, the survey showed.
Back in September 2010, Aquino posted a satisfaction rating of +60; then +64 on November, and then plummeted to +51 in March.
Malacañang noted that while nationwide satisfaction ratings dipped, it said in a statement the figure is still "historically very high."
"As the administration marks its first year in office, it is heartening to note that it continues to receive the support of the broad public," the Palace said in a statement.
"The administration has been working to clear the obstacles to good governance put in place by those with a vested interest in seeing the country fail," it added.
News Update Gov. Vilma Santos, other Batangas officials allay fish kill scare
Batangas governor Vilma Santos-Recto on Tuesday led provincial officials in feasting on bangus (milkfish) and tilapia to send a strong message to the public that these kinds of fish are safe to consume despite recent incidents of fish kill in Taal Lake.
“Hindi ito pang-showbiz. Ang sa akin lang, marunong po kayong pumili ng isda… Please continue to eat fish," said Santos-Recto, a former actress, in an interview aired over GMA News’ “24 Oras."
Santos-Recto also urged Batangas residents to protect Taal Lake and keep it clean, noting that it has been used as “septic tank" by some resorts and piggeries in the province.
“Maraming problema diyan… Maraming resorts diyan, maraming babuyan diyan na ginagawang septic tank ang Taal Lake," she said.
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No fish kill incident was recorded in Taal Lake on Tuesday, although several dead fish could still be seen floating on it, GMA News’ Rawnna Crisostomo said in her report.
The report quoted Batangas officials as saying that the dead fish seen Tuesday were leftovers from Monday’s fish kill incident. Owners of fish cages have been ordered to remove dead fish near their respective areas.
The fish kill incidents in Batangas and Pangasinan have prompted authorities in Metro Manila to keep watch against unscrupulous vendors mixing the dead fish with fresh catch to sell in markets.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources said there are four factors in a fish kill: Oxygen depletion, pollutant toxin, natural toxins, and disease from bacteria.
Estimates by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) showed the fish kill in Batangas and Pangasinan caused at least P184.666 million (1,925 metric tons) in losses. — KBK
“Hindi ito pang-showbiz. Ang sa akin lang, marunong po kayong pumili ng isda… Please continue to eat fish," said Santos-Recto, a former actress, in an interview aired over GMA News’ “24 Oras."
Santos-Recto also urged Batangas residents to protect Taal Lake and keep it clean, noting that it has been used as “septic tank" by some resorts and piggeries in the province.
“Maraming problema diyan… Maraming resorts diyan, maraming babuyan diyan na ginagawang septic tank ang Taal Lake," she said.
This page requires a higher version browser
No fish kill incident was recorded in Taal Lake on Tuesday, although several dead fish could still be seen floating on it, GMA News’ Rawnna Crisostomo said in her report.
The report quoted Batangas officials as saying that the dead fish seen Tuesday were leftovers from Monday’s fish kill incident. Owners of fish cages have been ordered to remove dead fish near their respective areas.
The fish kill incidents in Batangas and Pangasinan have prompted authorities in Metro Manila to keep watch against unscrupulous vendors mixing the dead fish with fresh catch to sell in markets.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources said there are four factors in a fish kill: Oxygen depletion, pollutant toxin, natural toxins, and disease from bacteria.
Estimates by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) showed the fish kill in Batangas and Pangasinan caused at least P184.666 million (1,925 metric tons) in losses. — KBK
News Update PHL to pursue projects when contracts are OK, says Aquino
Following his announcement on Friday that Malacañang has cancelled three foreign-funded projects in the country, President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday assured foreign investors that the Philippines will continue doing business with them as long as the projects are beneficial to Filipinos and the contracts are not anomalous.
The President was trying to assuage the fear of members of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) that investing in the country and dealing with government remains unstable because successive administrations may rescind contracts with foreign investors.
On Friday, Aquino disclosed he had a lake-dredging project funded by Belgians cancelled. Two other foreign-funded contracts — one with a French contractor, the other with a Chinese railroad contractor — were cancelled by the Aquino administration, citing the contracts needed refinements.
The P18.7-billion Laguna Lake dredging project will not benefit the lake itself in terms of better water quality and holding capacity, considering that 12 million cubic meters of sludge to be dredged will be dumped in the same lake, according to the President.
In an interview with GMA News Online, presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda identified the Belgian firm handling the Laguna Lake project as Baggerwerken Decloedt en Zoon.
If ECCP members knew those details, they would probably ask for a review of the project, Aquino said.
Contracts with French, Chinese firms
Also on Friday, the President said he ordered government to restudy a rail line project funded by the Chinese, and renegotiate the contract to a port project funded by the French.
The contracts to those projects need to be improved, Aquino said.
The French company, Eiffel-Matiere SAS was supposed to fund a roll-on, roll-off port project for the Philippine government, Lacierda said.
On the other hand, China National Machineries and Equipment Group was supposed to fund and undertake the NorthRail project, he added.
“We think, and we believe, that the projects that we will be approving will stand whatever scrutiny. Now if a project is called into question, so long as it’s valid, it should be able to withstand scrutiny and therefore will continue, the President said.
“If, however, it is based on very faulty and false premises, then obviously even the tiniest scrutiny will not allow it to pass," he added.
Foreign investors holding back
Some foreign investors are now holding back when it comes to investing in the Philippines in the absence of guarantees that their investments and projects will be able to progress through time unhampered, ECCP president Hubert d’Aboville said on Tuesday.
Investors want Aquino and his Cabinet secretaries to make a commitment their investments will be intact for 30 years, D’Aboville said.
"Perhaps I will ask the Secretary of Foreign Affairs to contact them and to assure them that where there are projects that are reasonable, that are sound, that have economic benefit, and of value to our people, they will continue," Aquino said, in response to the concerns of the ECCP. — With a report by Jesse Edep/PE/VS
The President was trying to assuage the fear of members of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) that investing in the country and dealing with government remains unstable because successive administrations may rescind contracts with foreign investors.
On Friday, Aquino disclosed he had a lake-dredging project funded by Belgians cancelled. Two other foreign-funded contracts — one with a French contractor, the other with a Chinese railroad contractor — were cancelled by the Aquino administration, citing the contracts needed refinements.
The P18.7-billion Laguna Lake dredging project will not benefit the lake itself in terms of better water quality and holding capacity, considering that 12 million cubic meters of sludge to be dredged will be dumped in the same lake, according to the President.
In an interview with GMA News Online, presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda identified the Belgian firm handling the Laguna Lake project as Baggerwerken Decloedt en Zoon.
If ECCP members knew those details, they would probably ask for a review of the project, Aquino said.
Contracts with French, Chinese firms
Also on Friday, the President said he ordered government to restudy a rail line project funded by the Chinese, and renegotiate the contract to a port project funded by the French.
The contracts to those projects need to be improved, Aquino said.
The French company, Eiffel-Matiere SAS was supposed to fund a roll-on, roll-off port project for the Philippine government, Lacierda said.
On the other hand, China National Machineries and Equipment Group was supposed to fund and undertake the NorthRail project, he added.
“We think, and we believe, that the projects that we will be approving will stand whatever scrutiny. Now if a project is called into question, so long as it’s valid, it should be able to withstand scrutiny and therefore will continue, the President said.
“If, however, it is based on very faulty and false premises, then obviously even the tiniest scrutiny will not allow it to pass," he added.
Foreign investors holding back
Some foreign investors are now holding back when it comes to investing in the Philippines in the absence of guarantees that their investments and projects will be able to progress through time unhampered, ECCP president Hubert d’Aboville said on Tuesday.
Investors want Aquino and his Cabinet secretaries to make a commitment their investments will be intact for 30 years, D’Aboville said.
"Perhaps I will ask the Secretary of Foreign Affairs to contact them and to assure them that where there are projects that are reasonable, that are sound, that have economic benefit, and of value to our people, they will continue," Aquino said, in response to the concerns of the ECCP. — With a report by Jesse Edep/PE/VS
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Kopi Talk Asean must speak out over China's violation in South China Sea
Petaling Jaya (The Star/ANN) - On March 2, two Chinese marine surveillance vessels harassed a Philippine seismic survey vessel in the vicinity of Reed Reef in the area claimed by the latter.
This was followed by the discovery of steel posts and a buoy near Amy Douglas Bank in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone on May 24 and the cutting of cable of Vietnamese oil exploration vessel Binh Minh 2 on 27 May 120 nautical miles off the coast of Vietnam.
The flurry of reports on Chinese belligerence against Vietnam and the Philippines in the South China Sea has put the contested area back on the radar screens of observers, analysts and the media alike.
The three incidents highlighted the fragility of the status quo established by the signing of the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) by Asean members and China and utility of the DOC in managing the dispute in the South China Sea.
The incidents also provided a "wake-up call" to the claimants that all may not be well in the South China Sea.
The South China Sea is a vital sea lane for the transportation of goods and materials that has spurred the growth of economies of East Asia. Its role as a trading route dates back to as early as the fifth century when trade between India and China began while Arab and Iranian traders started using the South China Sea route by the eighth and ninth centuries. It is also an area which is claimed in part or in whole by Brunei, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.
Vietnam and the Philippines, for example, remain unconvinced despite the reassuring speech by the Chinese Minister of National Defence General Liang Guanglie at the Shangri-La dialogue in Singapore on June 5. General Liang, among others, maintained China's commitment to the DOC and the need to resolve the dispute in the South China Sea through peaceful means.
Others, however, contended that China needs to match its words with deeds. Evidence to the contrary, however, has been observed time and again.
In the early morning hours of June 9, Chinese vessels again attempted to cut the cables of a Vietnamese-chartered survey vessel, the Viking 2.
Such incidents will put a damper on confidence-building in the South China Sea. Already protests were organised in Manila, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City by irate Filipinos and Vietnamese. In addition, there has been a flurry of protest notes to the Chinese embassies in both countries.
Given that the 18th Asean Regional Forum (ARF) is just around the corner, one wonders whether China is engaging in territorial "scent-marking" in anticipation of Asean's response to its latest actions. Thus far, only the two countries directly affected by the incidents have protested while the rest of Asean remains on the sideline. The 18th ARF could well prove to be the make-or-break point for the DOC and Asean's and China's move towards a more binding code of conduct in the South China Sea.
If no firm commitment is made, there could well be more provocation on the part of China. A prominent South China Sea scholar has already described China's latest actions as akin to "yanking" the life support system from the DOC.
As chair of Asean, Indonesia has a pivotal role to play in managing the dispute in the South China Sea and moving its solution forward. Indonesia's president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his foreign minister Marty Natalegawa have both indicated Indonesia's willingness to advance discussion on the issue.
The ball, however, is firmly at Asean's collective feet. If Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) wants to be at the centre of its security universe, then it must be willing to confront difficult security situations such as the overlapping claims in the South China Sea. This is also an opportunity for various elements of the Asean security architecture such as the ARF and the Asean Defence Ministers Meeting Plus to play a role in managing regional security issues.
The United States too has a role to play albeit one that may require more brain then brawn. A verbal slugfest between Washington and Beijing similar to the one at last year's ARF in Hanoi would probably not ease tension. All the Asean claimants recognise US role in balancing China's burgeoning military power in the region. The United States, however, is beset by a huge deficit and may not be able to sustain its current and proposed engagements in the region indefinitely.
In the final analysis, more should be expected from the Asean claimants of the South China Sea. If what China allegedly did on Amy Douglas Bank violates the DOC provisions against new occupation of uninhabited features, then the Asean signatories of the DOC have to speak out. Silence in this instance should not imply acceptance.
Mohd Nizam Basiron is a Research Fellow at the Maritime Institute of Malaysia. These are his personal views.
This was followed by the discovery of steel posts and a buoy near Amy Douglas Bank in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone on May 24 and the cutting of cable of Vietnamese oil exploration vessel Binh Minh 2 on 27 May 120 nautical miles off the coast of Vietnam.
The flurry of reports on Chinese belligerence against Vietnam and the Philippines in the South China Sea has put the contested area back on the radar screens of observers, analysts and the media alike.
The three incidents highlighted the fragility of the status quo established by the signing of the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) by Asean members and China and utility of the DOC in managing the dispute in the South China Sea.
The incidents also provided a "wake-up call" to the claimants that all may not be well in the South China Sea.
The South China Sea is a vital sea lane for the transportation of goods and materials that has spurred the growth of economies of East Asia. Its role as a trading route dates back to as early as the fifth century when trade between India and China began while Arab and Iranian traders started using the South China Sea route by the eighth and ninth centuries. It is also an area which is claimed in part or in whole by Brunei, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.
Vietnam and the Philippines, for example, remain unconvinced despite the reassuring speech by the Chinese Minister of National Defence General Liang Guanglie at the Shangri-La dialogue in Singapore on June 5. General Liang, among others, maintained China's commitment to the DOC and the need to resolve the dispute in the South China Sea through peaceful means.
Others, however, contended that China needs to match its words with deeds. Evidence to the contrary, however, has been observed time and again.
In the early morning hours of June 9, Chinese vessels again attempted to cut the cables of a Vietnamese-chartered survey vessel, the Viking 2.
Such incidents will put a damper on confidence-building in the South China Sea. Already protests were organised in Manila, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City by irate Filipinos and Vietnamese. In addition, there has been a flurry of protest notes to the Chinese embassies in both countries.
Given that the 18th Asean Regional Forum (ARF) is just around the corner, one wonders whether China is engaging in territorial "scent-marking" in anticipation of Asean's response to its latest actions. Thus far, only the two countries directly affected by the incidents have protested while the rest of Asean remains on the sideline. The 18th ARF could well prove to be the make-or-break point for the DOC and Asean's and China's move towards a more binding code of conduct in the South China Sea.
If no firm commitment is made, there could well be more provocation on the part of China. A prominent South China Sea scholar has already described China's latest actions as akin to "yanking" the life support system from the DOC.
As chair of Asean, Indonesia has a pivotal role to play in managing the dispute in the South China Sea and moving its solution forward. Indonesia's president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his foreign minister Marty Natalegawa have both indicated Indonesia's willingness to advance discussion on the issue.
The ball, however, is firmly at Asean's collective feet. If Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) wants to be at the centre of its security universe, then it must be willing to confront difficult security situations such as the overlapping claims in the South China Sea. This is also an opportunity for various elements of the Asean security architecture such as the ARF and the Asean Defence Ministers Meeting Plus to play a role in managing regional security issues.
The United States too has a role to play albeit one that may require more brain then brawn. A verbal slugfest between Washington and Beijing similar to the one at last year's ARF in Hanoi would probably not ease tension. All the Asean claimants recognise US role in balancing China's burgeoning military power in the region. The United States, however, is beset by a huge deficit and may not be able to sustain its current and proposed engagements in the region indefinitely.
In the final analysis, more should be expected from the Asean claimants of the South China Sea. If what China allegedly did on Amy Douglas Bank violates the DOC provisions against new occupation of uninhabited features, then the Asean signatories of the DOC have to speak out. Silence in this instance should not imply acceptance.
Mohd Nizam Basiron is a Research Fellow at the Maritime Institute of Malaysia. These are his personal views.
News Update Grenade explodes in Basilan; 2 dogs killed
ISABELA CITY, Philippines - Two dogs were killed when a grenade exploded in a barangay here in Isabela City, capital of Basilan province on Sunday night.
The grenade exploded at Kilometer 16 in Barangay Calvario, Isabela City at around 9:30 p.m.
An initial investigation showed that Angelina Aristoteles Bordon was resting in their house when she heard an explosion at the back of the house.
Two of Bordon's dogs sustained multiple injuries and died on the spot.
Parts of the kitchen, including some appliances, and a truck parked near the kitchen, were also damaged.
Recovered from the blast site were the grenade release lever and grenade fragments. -- report from Leila Vicente
The grenade exploded at Kilometer 16 in Barangay Calvario, Isabela City at around 9:30 p.m.
An initial investigation showed that Angelina Aristoteles Bordon was resting in their house when she heard an explosion at the back of the house.
Two of Bordon's dogs sustained multiple injuries and died on the spot.
Parts of the kitchen, including some appliances, and a truck parked near the kitchen, were also damaged.
Recovered from the blast site were the grenade release lever and grenade fragments. -- report from Leila Vicente
News Update PHL payments surplus widens to $4.8B in 1st five mos.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Monday reported a balance of payments (BOP) surplus of $217 million in May, bringing the total BOP to $4.8 billion in the first five months or 71 percent of this year’s forecast.
The BOP, which reflects the Philippines’ transactions with the rest of the world, is expected to hit $6.7 billion for 2011.
“The BOP surplus reflected the [expanded] gross international reserves of $68.9 billion as of end-May 2011," BSP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said.
Tetangco attributed the surplus primarily to the BSP’s foreign-exchange activities in May, the bank’s income from its international investments, and the Treasure Bureau’s foreign currency deposits.
“On the outflow side, there were payments made by the national government and the BSP to meet maturing obligations plus the foreign currency withdrawals of [the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp.]," he added.
Tetangco also said the BOP surplus may have been widened by portfolio investment inflows, better known as “hot" or speculative money, as well as receipts of merchandise exports and foreign-currency earnings of overseas Filipino workers.
“These were the major sources of foreign currency boosting the level of the gross international reserves totaling $68.9 billion reported in the month of May," Tetangco added. — PE/VS
The BOP, which reflects the Philippines’ transactions with the rest of the world, is expected to hit $6.7 billion for 2011.
“The BOP surplus reflected the [expanded] gross international reserves of $68.9 billion as of end-May 2011," BSP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said.
Tetangco attributed the surplus primarily to the BSP’s foreign-exchange activities in May, the bank’s income from its international investments, and the Treasure Bureau’s foreign currency deposits.
“On the outflow side, there were payments made by the national government and the BSP to meet maturing obligations plus the foreign currency withdrawals of [the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp.]," he added.
Tetangco also said the BOP surplus may have been widened by portfolio investment inflows, better known as “hot" or speculative money, as well as receipts of merchandise exports and foreign-currency earnings of overseas Filipino workers.
“These were the major sources of foreign currency boosting the level of the gross international reserves totaling $68.9 billion reported in the month of May," Tetangco added. — PE/VS
News Update Palparan can't comply with SC order to release activists
MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) - Retired Major General Jovito Palparan told ABS-CBN News he cannot comply with a decision of the Supreme Court dated May 31, 2011 ordering him and company to release University of the Philppines (UP) student activists Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeno, along with Manuel Merino, from detention.
Palparan denied the missing activists and their companion is in military custody.
"I cannot really follow the order. I cannot release someone who is not in my possession, who is not in my custody," he said.
The high court affirmed a decision of the Court of Appeals (CA) on September 17, 2008 ordering Palparan, Lt. Col. Rogelio Boac, Lt. Col. Felipe Anotado, Lt. Francis Mirabelle Samson, Arnel Enriquez and Donald Caigas, who were once assigned to the 7th Infantry Division and the 24th Infantry Battalion, to immediately release the activists.
"Yung order noon pa ng CA eh wala naman kaming magagawa kasi unang una, wala naman talaga sa amin, saka yung inimbestigasyon na yan, hindi masasabi na confirmed at kami, di naman namin kino-confirm na nasa amin (sila)," he said.
Palparan said those who are attesting that the activists were abducted and are being held by the military should present proof of their claim.
"Whoever is saying na nasa amin yan, yun ang mga tao na talagang pilitin nila na magsalita kung talagang nakita at nasaan ba the presence of these persons they're looking for na sina Cadapan and Empeno. As of now, wala akong magagawa dyan. I'm retired lalo pa. At even kahit yung nasa active (service) ngayon (na) mga commanders, wala rin silang magagawa, wala silang mare-release kase wala naman talaga sa kanila at wala naman sa amin," he said.
"Yun ang aking problema dyan. I cannot really say that the order can be followed," Palparan said.
Aside from seeking redress from the Supreme Court, relatives of the Cadapan, Empeno and Merino filed charges of rape, serious physical injuries, arbitrary detention, maltreatment of prisoners, grave threats, and grave coercion against Palparan and others at the Department of Justice last May.
Meantime, Quezon Rep. Lorenzo Tañada III welcomed the decision of the SC, but said "it may be too late" since it will not bring back the lives of the 2 UP students.
Palparan denied the missing activists and their companion is in military custody.
"I cannot really follow the order. I cannot release someone who is not in my possession, who is not in my custody," he said.
The high court affirmed a decision of the Court of Appeals (CA) on September 17, 2008 ordering Palparan, Lt. Col. Rogelio Boac, Lt. Col. Felipe Anotado, Lt. Francis Mirabelle Samson, Arnel Enriquez and Donald Caigas, who were once assigned to the 7th Infantry Division and the 24th Infantry Battalion, to immediately release the activists.
"Yung order noon pa ng CA eh wala naman kaming magagawa kasi unang una, wala naman talaga sa amin, saka yung inimbestigasyon na yan, hindi masasabi na confirmed at kami, di naman namin kino-confirm na nasa amin (sila)," he said.
Palparan said those who are attesting that the activists were abducted and are being held by the military should present proof of their claim.
"Whoever is saying na nasa amin yan, yun ang mga tao na talagang pilitin nila na magsalita kung talagang nakita at nasaan ba the presence of these persons they're looking for na sina Cadapan and Empeno. As of now, wala akong magagawa dyan. I'm retired lalo pa. At even kahit yung nasa active (service) ngayon (na) mga commanders, wala rin silang magagawa, wala silang mare-release kase wala naman talaga sa kanila at wala naman sa amin," he said.
"Yun ang aking problema dyan. I cannot really say that the order can be followed," Palparan said.
Aside from seeking redress from the Supreme Court, relatives of the Cadapan, Empeno and Merino filed charges of rape, serious physical injuries, arbitrary detention, maltreatment of prisoners, grave threats, and grave coercion against Palparan and others at the Department of Justice last May.
Meantime, Quezon Rep. Lorenzo Tañada III welcomed the decision of the SC, but said "it may be too late" since it will not bring back the lives of the 2 UP students.
News Update Mt. Pinatubo still shadows lives 20 years on
CABALANTIAN VILLAGE, Philippines - For Corazan Zawal, memories of the devastation caused by Mount Pinatubo remain etched in her mind.
The massive eruption in June 1991 sent volcanic material racing down the mountain's slopes at great speed, engulfing whole villages in its path, burying homes and killing hundreds. Thousands more were displaced.
Over 5 billion cubic meters of ash was released, reaching 34 km (21 miles) up into the atmosphere. Global temperatures dropped by 0.5 degrees C for two years after millions of tonnes of sulfur dioxide ejected in the eruption blocked sunlight and cooled the earth.
For Zawal and others in hard-hit Pampanga province, still further disasters lay ahead.
In 1995, Cabalantian was completely buried when a typhoon turned volcanic sediment into lahars, or mud flows, killing hundreds more.
"In a blink of an eye, lahar was there. My older brother smashed our walls so that we could climb up to our roof," Zawal said.
"What we saw outside was everything, even houses, being whisked away by the flood. I called on my children to see if they were safe. When some of them didn't answer, I knew they were gone."
Her four-year-old niece and one-year-old grandchild were killed when a drifting house crashed against their home.
Now, two decades on, roofs from houses buried 20 feet deep protrude from the hardened lahar. A half-buried church once used for Sunday worship is cordoned off due to the chance of possible collapse.
Zawal and her family have moved back to their village and built a new house directly on top of their old one, praying such disasters will never happen again.
Slow recovery
Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda said that the province has yet to completely recover and faces continuing difficulties with removing tonnes of sediment deposits in 18 villages.
"We still have problems with our river since everything is still silted," Pineda said.
"When there's a calamity like s strong typhoon, the water gets stuck. It doesn't go downstream to Manila Bay."
Ironically, the lahar has turned out to be useful, with sediment being removed from the towns and villages being sold as materials for construction or art.
Funds generated by the sales are used for rehabilitating the province and development projects for an indigenous tribe, the Aetas, who lived in scattered, isolated mountainous areas around Luzon island.
Following the eruption, thousands of Aetas living near the volcano descended to the lowlands. They were later relocated by the provincial government in resettlement areas near the foot of the mountain.
Roger Lawag, a tribal leader, said the Aetas were the first to experience the volcano's wrath, with dozens killed while escaping.
Now, though, with the tribe largely recovered thanks to provincial government help, he wants to give back to the community by transforming part of their ancestral land near the volcano into a tourist site.
Since the late 1990s, the provincial government has been developing tourism at Mt. Pinatubo, setting up trekking tours to the crater lake, camping, and leisure resorts that all boost the local economy.
"We want to use our mountain to achieve progress, so that the resources coming from our mountain, like our water, do not go to waste," Lawag said.
"Everyone, even the people in the lowlands, should benefit from what we have."
The massive eruption in June 1991 sent volcanic material racing down the mountain's slopes at great speed, engulfing whole villages in its path, burying homes and killing hundreds. Thousands more were displaced.
Over 5 billion cubic meters of ash was released, reaching 34 km (21 miles) up into the atmosphere. Global temperatures dropped by 0.5 degrees C for two years after millions of tonnes of sulfur dioxide ejected in the eruption blocked sunlight and cooled the earth.
For Zawal and others in hard-hit Pampanga province, still further disasters lay ahead.
In 1995, Cabalantian was completely buried when a typhoon turned volcanic sediment into lahars, or mud flows, killing hundreds more.
"In a blink of an eye, lahar was there. My older brother smashed our walls so that we could climb up to our roof," Zawal said.
"What we saw outside was everything, even houses, being whisked away by the flood. I called on my children to see if they were safe. When some of them didn't answer, I knew they were gone."
Her four-year-old niece and one-year-old grandchild were killed when a drifting house crashed against their home.
Now, two decades on, roofs from houses buried 20 feet deep protrude from the hardened lahar. A half-buried church once used for Sunday worship is cordoned off due to the chance of possible collapse.
Zawal and her family have moved back to their village and built a new house directly on top of their old one, praying such disasters will never happen again.
Slow recovery
Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda said that the province has yet to completely recover and faces continuing difficulties with removing tonnes of sediment deposits in 18 villages.
"We still have problems with our river since everything is still silted," Pineda said.
"When there's a calamity like s strong typhoon, the water gets stuck. It doesn't go downstream to Manila Bay."
Ironically, the lahar has turned out to be useful, with sediment being removed from the towns and villages being sold as materials for construction or art.
Funds generated by the sales are used for rehabilitating the province and development projects for an indigenous tribe, the Aetas, who lived in scattered, isolated mountainous areas around Luzon island.
Following the eruption, thousands of Aetas living near the volcano descended to the lowlands. They were later relocated by the provincial government in resettlement areas near the foot of the mountain.
Roger Lawag, a tribal leader, said the Aetas were the first to experience the volcano's wrath, with dozens killed while escaping.
Now, though, with the tribe largely recovered thanks to provincial government help, he wants to give back to the community by transforming part of their ancestral land near the volcano into a tourist site.
Since the late 1990s, the provincial government has been developing tourism at Mt. Pinatubo, setting up trekking tours to the crater lake, camping, and leisure resorts that all boost the local economy.
"We want to use our mountain to achieve progress, so that the resources coming from our mountain, like our water, do not go to waste," Lawag said.
"Everyone, even the people in the lowlands, should benefit from what we have."
News Update Tobacco giant wants to ship more PHL product
Having captured 92 percent of the Philippine cigarette market, Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Inc. (PMFTC) on Monday bared plans to maximize the capacity of its Batangas plant by exporting more of the company’s products.
“The company believes it has satisfied the local demand. It is now focusing on increasing the export of excess production to other affiliates in the world," said PMFTC official for public affairs and contributions Amy Eisma on the sidelines of the 5th Bright Leaf Awards in Pasay City.
PMFTC spokesperson Elmer Mesina explained that the company has identified new sites for tobacco expansion in Visayas and Mindanao “to support the company thrust of expanding exports to other affiliates." It is also testing soil compatibility and weather conditions in Visayas and Mindanao, PMFTC said.
The company is now exporting raw tobacco to South Korea and Malaysia.
PMFTC also said cigarette shipments to Thailand have remained steady despite a pending case filed by the Philippine government before the World Trade Organization regarding Bangkok’s policy on imported cigarette taxes.
Meanwhile, anti-smoking advocates have called for an increase in cigarette tax and make smoking less affordable for children and teenagers. Smoking is a P400-billion a year industry in the Philippines and ends up worsening poverty, according to government statistics. — PE/VS,
“The company believes it has satisfied the local demand. It is now focusing on increasing the export of excess production to other affiliates in the world," said PMFTC official for public affairs and contributions Amy Eisma on the sidelines of the 5th Bright Leaf Awards in Pasay City.
PMFTC spokesperson Elmer Mesina explained that the company has identified new sites for tobacco expansion in Visayas and Mindanao “to support the company thrust of expanding exports to other affiliates." It is also testing soil compatibility and weather conditions in Visayas and Mindanao, PMFTC said.
The company is now exporting raw tobacco to South Korea and Malaysia.
PMFTC also said cigarette shipments to Thailand have remained steady despite a pending case filed by the Philippine government before the World Trade Organization regarding Bangkok’s policy on imported cigarette taxes.
Meanwhile, anti-smoking advocates have called for an increase in cigarette tax and make smoking less affordable for children and teenagers. Smoking is a P400-billion a year industry in the Philippines and ends up worsening poverty, according to government statistics. — PE/VS,
News Update 'Escaped' kidnap victim in Basilan reunited with family
ZAMBOANGA CITY - Cebuano engineer Virgilio Fernandez, who was held in captive for 15 days by armed men in Basilan, was reunited with his family on Monday after "escaping" from this captors.
Fernandez had to stay overnight at the headquarters of the Philippine Army's Special Operations Task Force-Basilan camp in Isabela City for his security, following his supposed daring escape from his kidnappers in a hideout between the boundaries of Al-Barka and Tipo-Tipo towns on Sunday.
It was an emotional meeting for the 59-year-old Fernandez and some of his family members who flew in from Cebu City.
Fernandez's estranged wife and one of their sons, Virgil Pierre, were in tears upon seeing the former kidnap victim.
Speaking before reporters, Virgil said the family is "extremely grateful" that his father was freed despite a "harrowing ordeal" that they all had to go through for half a month.
Fernadez was abducted on June 3 while working on a construction project for US troops in Tipo-Tipo town.
"It was a great Father's Day gift and also a belated birthday gift for me," Virgil said.
The younger Fernandez celebrated his birthday on June 8.
Prior to reuniting with his family, Fernandez reiterated to the media that he managed to escape his kidnappers after "more than 10 attempts."
According to Fernandez, he pretended to be suffering from stomache and when he sensed that the "3 to 4 armed men" guarding him had fallen asleep, he took the chance to flee at around 1:30 a.m. on June 19.
Fernandez described his daring escape as "running for his dear life."
After several hours of "running and wandering" while constantly hiding from his kidnappers who may have been pursuing him, he was able to seek help from para-military forces in Barangay Kumetap, which borders the towns of Al-Barka and Tipo-tipo. He was later turned over to the authorities.
Fernandez said his kidnappers made him write a letter addressed to his family demanding a P9.8 million ransom. It was later raised to P20 million and then to P30 million.
Fernandez, however, pointed out that since he "managed to escape," not a single centavo was handed to his captors.
Among the other "ploys" that Fernandez used to "trick" his abductors were faking his identity (introduced himself as a foreman and that he has a twin brother who was the real engineer), pretending to suffer from various illnesses, and pretending to follow instructions.
In real life, Fernandez is an accomplished engineer. He was behind construction of the Bacolod airport, a mall in Manila. and several buildings in Cebu including a now-famous hotel. He was also an engineering licensure exam topnother in the 70s.
Asked what prompted him to take risks by escaping, Fernandez said: "It was my determination to live for my family and my work."
"Since they were likely to kill me anyway, I just took the chance," Fernandez explained. "I will not die without even taking the risk."
The Fernandez family left Basilan on Monday afternoon.
Family members are set to fly to an undisclosed place so that the former kidnap victim "may take some rest" with his family.
The family also said that the engineer will not be allowed to return to Basilan to continue his construction work.
Fernandez had to stay overnight at the headquarters of the Philippine Army's Special Operations Task Force-Basilan camp in Isabela City for his security, following his supposed daring escape from his kidnappers in a hideout between the boundaries of Al-Barka and Tipo-Tipo towns on Sunday.
It was an emotional meeting for the 59-year-old Fernandez and some of his family members who flew in from Cebu City.
Fernandez's estranged wife and one of their sons, Virgil Pierre, were in tears upon seeing the former kidnap victim.
Speaking before reporters, Virgil said the family is "extremely grateful" that his father was freed despite a "harrowing ordeal" that they all had to go through for half a month.
Fernadez was abducted on June 3 while working on a construction project for US troops in Tipo-Tipo town.
"It was a great Father's Day gift and also a belated birthday gift for me," Virgil said.
The younger Fernandez celebrated his birthday on June 8.
Prior to reuniting with his family, Fernandez reiterated to the media that he managed to escape his kidnappers after "more than 10 attempts."
According to Fernandez, he pretended to be suffering from stomache and when he sensed that the "3 to 4 armed men" guarding him had fallen asleep, he took the chance to flee at around 1:30 a.m. on June 19.
Fernandez described his daring escape as "running for his dear life."
After several hours of "running and wandering" while constantly hiding from his kidnappers who may have been pursuing him, he was able to seek help from para-military forces in Barangay Kumetap, which borders the towns of Al-Barka and Tipo-tipo. He was later turned over to the authorities.
Fernandez said his kidnappers made him write a letter addressed to his family demanding a P9.8 million ransom. It was later raised to P20 million and then to P30 million.
Fernandez, however, pointed out that since he "managed to escape," not a single centavo was handed to his captors.
Among the other "ploys" that Fernandez used to "trick" his abductors were faking his identity (introduced himself as a foreman and that he has a twin brother who was the real engineer), pretending to suffer from various illnesses, and pretending to follow instructions.
In real life, Fernandez is an accomplished engineer. He was behind construction of the Bacolod airport, a mall in Manila. and several buildings in Cebu including a now-famous hotel. He was also an engineering licensure exam topnother in the 70s.
Asked what prompted him to take risks by escaping, Fernandez said: "It was my determination to live for my family and my work."
"Since they were likely to kill me anyway, I just took the chance," Fernandez explained. "I will not die without even taking the risk."
The Fernandez family left Basilan on Monday afternoon.
Family members are set to fly to an undisclosed place so that the former kidnap victim "may take some rest" with his family.
The family also said that the engineer will not be allowed to return to Basilan to continue his construction work.
News Update 1M affected by floods in Luzon, Mindanao
MANILA, Philippines - More than a million people have been affected by flooding in several provinces and cities in the country, as tropical depression 'Egay' and the southwest monsoon brought days of incessant rains to large areas of Luzon and Mindanao.
Rains eased in Cotabato City on Monday, but thousands of people are still struggling to cope with massive flooding.
Six out of ten residents are affected by floods, and it may take several more days before evacuees can return to their homes.
Barangay Poblacion in Cotabato City, which has never been flooded, is now underwater. There are no more evacuation centers in the village. Some schools are also flooded while the rest are already full.
An estimated 160,000 residents are affected in Cotabato City alone, and nearly a million in the entire Region 12.
Water hyacinths, which have been clogging the Rio Grande de Mindanao, have been blamed for the flooding. Clearing the hyacinths is slow work.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) expects the operation to pick up with the arrival of a large barge and water pumps from Cagayan de Oro City.
"We have to stop the project in Cagayan de Oro and bring it here… 2 or 3 days starting tomorrow matanggal na yung mga water hyacinths," DPWH Undersecretary Romeo Momo said.
But Task Force Mindanao River Basin said this is just the start of the problem.
An estimated 20,000 hectares of water hyacinths could soon be coming downstream, pushed by the high tide and another storm.
"We have set in motion a network of people that will be giving warnings to the people here 'pag dumadating itong mga water lilies," said Bishop Orlando Quevedo, chief of the task force.
23 towns affected in Maguindanao
Floods have also hit Maguindanao province.
Rice and corn fields in the town of Mother Kabuntalan are now underwater after 2 weeks of rains. Houses, schools and mosques are also submerged in floods.
"'Di na kami makapunta sa poblacion kasi mataas ang tubig, wala narin kaming pananim," said Amir Badar, chairman of Barangay Katidtuan.
Residents though are hesitant to leave their homes and stay in evacuation centers, which is why soldiers and personel of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) are going around to distribute relief goods. Others have to take boats to get their share.
"Sana matulungan kami ng mga agencies tulad ng DepEd kasi ang mga eskwelahan lubog sa baha, at sa Department of Agriculture kasi ang matagal pa [itong baha]," said Mayor Salaban Diocolano of Mother Kabuntalan.
The skies were clear Monday, but should the rains return, residents may have to be forcibly evacuated.
The flooding has affected 77,000 families in 23 towns in Maguindanao.
Central, northern Luzon rains
Days of rains have also triggered landslides and flooding in Central Luzon, but life continues for many. While some used makeshift rafts to move about, others had to wade through knee-high waters.
In Olongapo City, four barangays were flooded: Mabayuan, Santa Rita, Gordon Heights, and New Ilalim.
One of the residents was nearly buried in a landslide.
"Kumukuha ng kalapati nang biglang magkalandslide at gumulong siya," said Carlo Regis. Fifteen-year-old Ariel delos Santos was also reported missing after he was swept away by floodwaters on his way home.
Meanwhile, many areas were also flooded in Pampanga after a river overflowed.
Over in Isabela, some passengers were stranded as the Coast Guard did not allow vessels to go out to sea.
And in Saluysoy, Meycauayan, Bulacan, floodwaters were knee-deep. Some residents made a raft out of plastic bottles, while children were brought to safer ground.
Close eye on dams
Authorities are keeping a close eye on several dams in Luzon as rains continue to pour.
One such reservoir is the La Mesa Dam, which may soon overflow and cause flooding in parts of Quezon City, Navotas, and Malabon.
The dam's water level is currently less than a meter away from overflowing, because excess water from Ipo Dam in Bulacan was dumped at La Mesa Dam after non-stop rains in Bulacan last Sunday.
Aside from Fairview, areas in Navotas and Malabon also get flooded when La Mesa Dam overflows.
Meanwhile, weather bureau PAGASA is also monitoring Bulacan's Angat Dam, where excess water from Ipo Dam is also dumped.
As of Monday morning, Angat's water level is 6 meters away from spilling level.
A new low pressure area is expected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility Tuesday, and there is a high possibility that this will develop into typhoon Falcon. It is expected to follow the path of Egay and will bring much rain due to the southwest monsoon.
"'Pag tinahak nya yung path ni Egay, it will bring rains to Luzon, [at] baka mag-spill ang Angat... payo namin sa mga nakatira jan, alerto," said Dr. Susan Espinueva, chief of PAGASA's hydrometeorology division.
Eight towns in Bulacan get flooded every time Angat overflows: Norzagaray, Angat, San Rafael, Bustos, Baliuag, Pulilan, Plaridel, and Hagonoy.
Authorities are also releasing waters from the Binga Dam in Pangasinan. They said San Roque Dam can still accommodate the excess from Binga.
Officials are also keeping an eye on Magat Dam in Cagayan and Ambuklao Dam in Benguet. With reports from Ron Gagalac in Cotabato City; Lerio Bompat in Maguindanao; Zyann Ambrosio in Olongapo City; and Zen Hernandez,
Rains eased in Cotabato City on Monday, but thousands of people are still struggling to cope with massive flooding.
Six out of ten residents are affected by floods, and it may take several more days before evacuees can return to their homes.
Barangay Poblacion in Cotabato City, which has never been flooded, is now underwater. There are no more evacuation centers in the village. Some schools are also flooded while the rest are already full.
An estimated 160,000 residents are affected in Cotabato City alone, and nearly a million in the entire Region 12.
Water hyacinths, which have been clogging the Rio Grande de Mindanao, have been blamed for the flooding. Clearing the hyacinths is slow work.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) expects the operation to pick up with the arrival of a large barge and water pumps from Cagayan de Oro City.
"We have to stop the project in Cagayan de Oro and bring it here… 2 or 3 days starting tomorrow matanggal na yung mga water hyacinths," DPWH Undersecretary Romeo Momo said.
But Task Force Mindanao River Basin said this is just the start of the problem.
An estimated 20,000 hectares of water hyacinths could soon be coming downstream, pushed by the high tide and another storm.
"We have set in motion a network of people that will be giving warnings to the people here 'pag dumadating itong mga water lilies," said Bishop Orlando Quevedo, chief of the task force.
23 towns affected in Maguindanao
Floods have also hit Maguindanao province.
Rice and corn fields in the town of Mother Kabuntalan are now underwater after 2 weeks of rains. Houses, schools and mosques are also submerged in floods.
"'Di na kami makapunta sa poblacion kasi mataas ang tubig, wala narin kaming pananim," said Amir Badar, chairman of Barangay Katidtuan.
Residents though are hesitant to leave their homes and stay in evacuation centers, which is why soldiers and personel of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) are going around to distribute relief goods. Others have to take boats to get their share.
"Sana matulungan kami ng mga agencies tulad ng DepEd kasi ang mga eskwelahan lubog sa baha, at sa Department of Agriculture kasi ang matagal pa [itong baha]," said Mayor Salaban Diocolano of Mother Kabuntalan.
The skies were clear Monday, but should the rains return, residents may have to be forcibly evacuated.
The flooding has affected 77,000 families in 23 towns in Maguindanao.
Central, northern Luzon rains
Days of rains have also triggered landslides and flooding in Central Luzon, but life continues for many. While some used makeshift rafts to move about, others had to wade through knee-high waters.
In Olongapo City, four barangays were flooded: Mabayuan, Santa Rita, Gordon Heights, and New Ilalim.
One of the residents was nearly buried in a landslide.
"Kumukuha ng kalapati nang biglang magkalandslide at gumulong siya," said Carlo Regis. Fifteen-year-old Ariel delos Santos was also reported missing after he was swept away by floodwaters on his way home.
Meanwhile, many areas were also flooded in Pampanga after a river overflowed.
Over in Isabela, some passengers were stranded as the Coast Guard did not allow vessels to go out to sea.
And in Saluysoy, Meycauayan, Bulacan, floodwaters were knee-deep. Some residents made a raft out of plastic bottles, while children were brought to safer ground.
Close eye on dams
Authorities are keeping a close eye on several dams in Luzon as rains continue to pour.
One such reservoir is the La Mesa Dam, which may soon overflow and cause flooding in parts of Quezon City, Navotas, and Malabon.
The dam's water level is currently less than a meter away from overflowing, because excess water from Ipo Dam in Bulacan was dumped at La Mesa Dam after non-stop rains in Bulacan last Sunday.
Aside from Fairview, areas in Navotas and Malabon also get flooded when La Mesa Dam overflows.
Meanwhile, weather bureau PAGASA is also monitoring Bulacan's Angat Dam, where excess water from Ipo Dam is also dumped.
As of Monday morning, Angat's water level is 6 meters away from spilling level.
A new low pressure area is expected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility Tuesday, and there is a high possibility that this will develop into typhoon Falcon. It is expected to follow the path of Egay and will bring much rain due to the southwest monsoon.
"'Pag tinahak nya yung path ni Egay, it will bring rains to Luzon, [at] baka mag-spill ang Angat... payo namin sa mga nakatira jan, alerto," said Dr. Susan Espinueva, chief of PAGASA's hydrometeorology division.
Eight towns in Bulacan get flooded every time Angat overflows: Norzagaray, Angat, San Rafael, Bustos, Baliuag, Pulilan, Plaridel, and Hagonoy.
Authorities are also releasing waters from the Binga Dam in Pangasinan. They said San Roque Dam can still accommodate the excess from Binga.
Officials are also keeping an eye on Magat Dam in Cagayan and Ambuklao Dam in Benguet. With reports from Ron Gagalac in Cotabato City; Lerio Bompat in Maguindanao; Zyann Ambrosio in Olongapo City; and Zen Hernandez,
Monday, June 20, 2011
Kopi Talk Pursue diplomacy over troubled waters
Manila (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN) - The South China Sea has again resurfaced as an area of concern in the region and of attention to the international community.
Once again the Philippines is poised to exercise its leadership to ease tensions and devise a diplomatic strategy to promote peace and cooperation over these troubled waters.
Foreign secretary Albert F. del Rosario advocates a rules-based South China Sea. It is an ideal proposal which will run smack against several realities.
First, who will enforce the rules and what sanctions will it be for violators of the rules.
Second, China considers the South China Sea as a "Chinese lake." Its baselines extend as far as the territorial and maritime jurisdiction not only of the Philippines, but also of Malaysia.
Since China claims the whole sea and islands of the South China Sea, it has been reluctant to enter a rules-based regime such as a code of conduct over the sea.
Doughnut principle
The "segregation of disputed relevant features from the undisputed of the waters of the South China Sea" for possible cooperation and possible exploration and exploitation of resources had been proposed.
Professor Hashim Djalal of Indonesia had advocated this so-called "doughnut principle" where pockets of seas considered high seas and undisputed waters inside the "doughnut" are proposed as areas for possible exploration and exploitation.
China has rejected the principle. I hope she is not receptive to the concept.
Third, a rules-based international system is the ideal order of things in a perfect world. Our world is very much an imperfect one where geopolitics and bare-knuckled politics are practiced.
Still, the Philippines should push Del Rosario's advocacy which will test the mettle of Philippine diplomacy.
Immediate need
Suggestions for a structure of cooperation on the South China Sea other than peaceful dialogue is the more immediate need.
The South China Sea has become a more complex and complicated issue since the Declaration of the Conduct of Parties on the South China Sea (DOC).
A specific structure in the South China Sea separate from the ad hoc Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) meeting and Asean plus 3 meetings and devoted solely to South China Sea issues should now be pursued.
When we drafted and negotiated the DOC, we had regular contacts with China's Assistant Minister Wang Yi and former Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Fu Ying, Malaysia's Mohamad Abdul Kadir, Vietnam's Tam Chien and Le Cong and Brunei's Lim Jock Sung.
These senior officials, including myself, kept the issue alive and at the same time kept acts and statements from getting out of hand.
Formal structure
The bond of trust and confidence played a crucial role in the drawing up of the DOC. It is now time to elevate the discussion of the South China Sea to a more formal structure.
The DOC has served its purpose. The region has changed and positions of parties concerned have shifted. Other countries outside the region have suddenly become vocal on South China Sea issues.
Instead of geographical segregation, let us think of issue segregation and concentrate on issues where there is a reasonable chance of cooperation such as exploration and exploitation of natural resources in the South China Sea.
Those oil and gas deposits under the South China Sea are useless to claimant states and to mankind if not explored and exploited.
The working Asean-China group entrusted with drafting guidelines for the implementation of the DOC should be able to consider the beneficial multiplier effects which could soften hard issues on the South China Sea.
Philippine leadership
We led the drafting and the negotiation of the DOC. The Philippines should continue the leadership.
We have no other choice. Everybody knows we are in deficit to protect and promote our interests in the area by military means.
The first priority for the Philippines to maintain this leadership is to speak with one voice and avoid a cacophony of confused and uninformed pronouncements from various sectors of government.
Let us not telegraph our thoughts and what we intend to do. Let us try to keep our mouth shut when not on the negotiating table.
Asean unity
Asean should also unify and speak as one. The South China Sea is an Asean-China issue as we should not fall into the trap of China's offer to each one of the claimant states for a bilateral dialogue.
Each of the claimants has its own agenda but we should be able to present a united front as we did 10 years ago. This will diminish instances when China could bully claimant states, which Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago correctly observed.
Asean must be able to read more clearly and accurately China's intentions in the area and understand its history, culture and power structure.
More important, Asean must be able to present to China a political and economic framework for cooperation in the South China Sea which will hold her on the negotiating table instead of in the sea.
Without any such initiative, the South China Sea issue will drift and allow unhampered Chinese activities in the area.
Track II diplomacy
The so-called Track II diplomacy as a means to resolve the South China Sea, which was enunciated by former Foreign Secretary Alberto G. Romulo, should be supported.
Two challenges have to be addressed.
First, who will be involved in the dialogue?
Second, how will the recommendations of the Track II diplomacy be translated into government policy? Governments have a forgettable record on this aspect and salutary suggestions had often been lost in translation.
There are troubles over the waters of the South China Sea. There are also opportunities for radical, agile and aggressive diplomacy to resolve the issues there.
The Philippines should seize these opportunities.
Once again the Philippines is poised to exercise its leadership to ease tensions and devise a diplomatic strategy to promote peace and cooperation over these troubled waters.
Foreign secretary Albert F. del Rosario advocates a rules-based South China Sea. It is an ideal proposal which will run smack against several realities.
First, who will enforce the rules and what sanctions will it be for violators of the rules.
Second, China considers the South China Sea as a "Chinese lake." Its baselines extend as far as the territorial and maritime jurisdiction not only of the Philippines, but also of Malaysia.
Since China claims the whole sea and islands of the South China Sea, it has been reluctant to enter a rules-based regime such as a code of conduct over the sea.
Doughnut principle
The "segregation of disputed relevant features from the undisputed of the waters of the South China Sea" for possible cooperation and possible exploration and exploitation of resources had been proposed.
Professor Hashim Djalal of Indonesia had advocated this so-called "doughnut principle" where pockets of seas considered high seas and undisputed waters inside the "doughnut" are proposed as areas for possible exploration and exploitation.
China has rejected the principle. I hope she is not receptive to the concept.
Third, a rules-based international system is the ideal order of things in a perfect world. Our world is very much an imperfect one where geopolitics and bare-knuckled politics are practiced.
Still, the Philippines should push Del Rosario's advocacy which will test the mettle of Philippine diplomacy.
Immediate need
Suggestions for a structure of cooperation on the South China Sea other than peaceful dialogue is the more immediate need.
The South China Sea has become a more complex and complicated issue since the Declaration of the Conduct of Parties on the South China Sea (DOC).
A specific structure in the South China Sea separate from the ad hoc Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) meeting and Asean plus 3 meetings and devoted solely to South China Sea issues should now be pursued.
When we drafted and negotiated the DOC, we had regular contacts with China's Assistant Minister Wang Yi and former Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Fu Ying, Malaysia's Mohamad Abdul Kadir, Vietnam's Tam Chien and Le Cong and Brunei's Lim Jock Sung.
These senior officials, including myself, kept the issue alive and at the same time kept acts and statements from getting out of hand.
Formal structure
The bond of trust and confidence played a crucial role in the drawing up of the DOC. It is now time to elevate the discussion of the South China Sea to a more formal structure.
The DOC has served its purpose. The region has changed and positions of parties concerned have shifted. Other countries outside the region have suddenly become vocal on South China Sea issues.
Instead of geographical segregation, let us think of issue segregation and concentrate on issues where there is a reasonable chance of cooperation such as exploration and exploitation of natural resources in the South China Sea.
Those oil and gas deposits under the South China Sea are useless to claimant states and to mankind if not explored and exploited.
The working Asean-China group entrusted with drafting guidelines for the implementation of the DOC should be able to consider the beneficial multiplier effects which could soften hard issues on the South China Sea.
Philippine leadership
We led the drafting and the negotiation of the DOC. The Philippines should continue the leadership.
We have no other choice. Everybody knows we are in deficit to protect and promote our interests in the area by military means.
The first priority for the Philippines to maintain this leadership is to speak with one voice and avoid a cacophony of confused and uninformed pronouncements from various sectors of government.
Let us not telegraph our thoughts and what we intend to do. Let us try to keep our mouth shut when not on the negotiating table.
Asean unity
Asean should also unify and speak as one. The South China Sea is an Asean-China issue as we should not fall into the trap of China's offer to each one of the claimant states for a bilateral dialogue.
Each of the claimants has its own agenda but we should be able to present a united front as we did 10 years ago. This will diminish instances when China could bully claimant states, which Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago correctly observed.
Asean must be able to read more clearly and accurately China's intentions in the area and understand its history, culture and power structure.
More important, Asean must be able to present to China a political and economic framework for cooperation in the South China Sea which will hold her on the negotiating table instead of in the sea.
Without any such initiative, the South China Sea issue will drift and allow unhampered Chinese activities in the area.
Track II diplomacy
The so-called Track II diplomacy as a means to resolve the South China Sea, which was enunciated by former Foreign Secretary Alberto G. Romulo, should be supported.
Two challenges have to be addressed.
First, who will be involved in the dialogue?
Second, how will the recommendations of the Track II diplomacy be translated into government policy? Governments have a forgettable record on this aspect and salutary suggestions had often been lost in translation.
There are troubles over the waters of the South China Sea. There are also opportunities for radical, agile and aggressive diplomacy to resolve the issues there.
The Philippines should seize these opportunities.
News Update NAIA Reforms; Passports for Pinoys
"A candle burns itself out so that others may have light. May your candle always be on fire to light up the dark world around you."
MANILA, Philippines -- Happy day to all fathers! Today, you truly are "kings" of your kingdoms! Bear hugs for all fathers!
As for our national hero, who would have been 150 years old had he outlived the Spanish firing squad at Bagumbayan, Dr. Jose Rizal is the "father of the Republic." Without doubt, he inspired his countrymen to break off from Spain and be independent!
Now, as a popular saying goes, "it is easy to sire a child; difficult to earn the title father." The first role connotes enjoyment and self-satisfaction on the ability to co-produce an offspring. The second one is more difficult as it carries heavy physical, mental and spiritual obligations to the offspring. This is where you separate the thinking, intelligent man from the merely human.
My father, Amado, in my unbiased opinion, truly deserved to be an "ama" to all of six of us, and so did my hubby, Sonny. I can see my son-in-law Andrew relishing his role as "dad' to my granddaughter Amanda, and my son Junie following his dad's footsteps to Monchu and Miggy. David and AJ will have their turn.
I was feeling nostalgic over memories of my hubby and my daddy last week, especially when I visited my mother's gravesite on her 103rd birthday with my sisters Cielo and Lita and two aunties, Nelly Jhocson, Baby Intengan and my mom's faithful "kasambahay" of over half a century, Gloria "Mamang" Villanueva, also our "yaya" and second mother. We heard the mass offered by Fr. Dante Venus and celebrated life under a young acacia tree, shaded from the searing sun by a huge ruffled white tent. How my mom would have enjoyed that little luxury to protect her delicate complexion!
Then, we proceeded to XO46 Filipino Bistro in Valero street, Salcedo Village in Makati for lunch where we ordered my mom's favorites-sopa de mariscos, callos, and sigarilyas sa gata. After all, what is a celebration of life without our favorite foods!
The cozy old-world ambience of XO46 on Le Grand building has become a magnet for the Makati crowd because of the Filipino and Spanish offerings of Chef CK and the charming atmosphere of the cosy restaurant. And today, it will be open for the celebration of Father's Day. All fathers dining with their families get dessert free!
On another front, we had as guests of our Bulong Pulungan, sponsored by the PCSO, NAIA general manager Angel "Bodet" Honrado and assistant secretary Jaime Victor Ledda or "Jett" of the Consular Affairs of the DFA. Ledda's office is at the sleek three-storey building in Macapagal Avenue, where passport applications are received, processed, and released.
The lines are long but orderly everyday and applicants are seated under tents or inside the air-conditioned structure. They process some 80,000 applicants monthly in that main office and in satellite offices around the country. Their goal, Ledda stressed, is to make the process of obtaining a passport easier and faster for every Filipino.
I have passed through the consular affairs office of Ledda and can say that yes, papers are processed fast and you won't mind waiting for your turn. The machine-readable passports now being issued make us pretty up-to-date with other countries and owning a passport is within reach for Pinoys, who are getting more mobile these days. Good work, assistant secretary Ledda and your young and able staff!
Ledda is in favor of making Philippine passports for all and perhaps having it served as the National ID. Why not? Sounds great to me.
At the NAIA, the 30-year old terminal 1 continues to receive brickbats but Honrado pointed out that the management is trying to give services to outgoing and in-coming passengers to the best of their capabilities. Unfortunately, terminal 1 has antiquated structures, limited space and facilities. It used to be the best in Asia but that was decades ago.
However, Honrado assured us that as far as management is concerned, they will continue to make the country's premiere international gateway comfortable and secure for their clients. He regularly meets with stakeholders and maps out ways to make their services better and more visible.
The volume of passengers has multiplied over the years, and while this is a good indicator for more economic activities around the country, the terminals have not grown or expanded proportionately.
Terminal 3 will hopefully be fully operational in a year with a program of work to be implemented all drawn up already. P-Noy is determined to solve all ownership and compensation issues to give Filipinos a world-class terminal facility. So, go, Gen. Bodet, go!
Bouquets to the new set of Philippine Ballet Theatre (PBT) Board headed by Chairwoman Chingbee E. Kalaw and vice chairwoman Triccie C. Sison, president Cha-Cha N. Camacho, vice president Sylvia Lichauco-de Leon, secretary Mars B. Lambino, treasurer Marichu H. Nepomuceno, and legal counsel Atty. Randy Perez Jr. Trustees are Yoli Ayson, Anna York Bondoc, Julie Borromeo, Gener Caringal, Noemi Estrella-Casiño, Marie O'Connor, Shirley Halili-Cruz, Eddie Elejar, Vicky Magadia, Marilou Magsaysay, Mila Santos and Carol Sy.
They were recently inducted by Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) president, Dr. Raul Sunico, who I believe should be declared a "National Artist" already, now that he is still in his prime. Ditto for Ryan Cayabyab, another musical genius.
"This is going to be another exciting year for PBT. We will be staging three full-length productions, two of the shows will be "Romeo and Juliet" directed by Maniya Barredo and "Cinderella and The Nutcracker. We are stepping up our outreach program, too, in the hope of reaching a wider audience and discover up and coming ballet dancers in the country," Camacho declared.
PBT started 43 years ago with three passionate and gifted dancers: Tita Radaic, Eddie Elejar, and Julie Borromeo. The triumvirate formed Dance Theatre Philippines, mother company of what is now Philippine Ballet Theatre. PBT's primary mission is to perform classical ballet before the Filipino audience and develop in them an appreciation of ballet as art through their outreach program, Cultural Outreach in Education or CORE. This aims to develop and hone raw talents in the countryside and to give them the opportunity to perform professionally. PBT trains public school students in Quezon City, Las Piñas, and Mandaluyong, discovering young dancers' dancing talents.
MANILA, Philippines -- Happy day to all fathers! Today, you truly are "kings" of your kingdoms! Bear hugs for all fathers!
As for our national hero, who would have been 150 years old had he outlived the Spanish firing squad at Bagumbayan, Dr. Jose Rizal is the "father of the Republic." Without doubt, he inspired his countrymen to break off from Spain and be independent!
Now, as a popular saying goes, "it is easy to sire a child; difficult to earn the title father." The first role connotes enjoyment and self-satisfaction on the ability to co-produce an offspring. The second one is more difficult as it carries heavy physical, mental and spiritual obligations to the offspring. This is where you separate the thinking, intelligent man from the merely human.
My father, Amado, in my unbiased opinion, truly deserved to be an "ama" to all of six of us, and so did my hubby, Sonny. I can see my son-in-law Andrew relishing his role as "dad' to my granddaughter Amanda, and my son Junie following his dad's footsteps to Monchu and Miggy. David and AJ will have their turn.
I was feeling nostalgic over memories of my hubby and my daddy last week, especially when I visited my mother's gravesite on her 103rd birthday with my sisters Cielo and Lita and two aunties, Nelly Jhocson, Baby Intengan and my mom's faithful "kasambahay" of over half a century, Gloria "Mamang" Villanueva, also our "yaya" and second mother. We heard the mass offered by Fr. Dante Venus and celebrated life under a young acacia tree, shaded from the searing sun by a huge ruffled white tent. How my mom would have enjoyed that little luxury to protect her delicate complexion!
Then, we proceeded to XO46 Filipino Bistro in Valero street, Salcedo Village in Makati for lunch where we ordered my mom's favorites-sopa de mariscos, callos, and sigarilyas sa gata. After all, what is a celebration of life without our favorite foods!
The cozy old-world ambience of XO46 on Le Grand building has become a magnet for the Makati crowd because of the Filipino and Spanish offerings of Chef CK and the charming atmosphere of the cosy restaurant. And today, it will be open for the celebration of Father's Day. All fathers dining with their families get dessert free!
On another front, we had as guests of our Bulong Pulungan, sponsored by the PCSO, NAIA general manager Angel "Bodet" Honrado and assistant secretary Jaime Victor Ledda or "Jett" of the Consular Affairs of the DFA. Ledda's office is at the sleek three-storey building in Macapagal Avenue, where passport applications are received, processed, and released.
The lines are long but orderly everyday and applicants are seated under tents or inside the air-conditioned structure. They process some 80,000 applicants monthly in that main office and in satellite offices around the country. Their goal, Ledda stressed, is to make the process of obtaining a passport easier and faster for every Filipino.
I have passed through the consular affairs office of Ledda and can say that yes, papers are processed fast and you won't mind waiting for your turn. The machine-readable passports now being issued make us pretty up-to-date with other countries and owning a passport is within reach for Pinoys, who are getting more mobile these days. Good work, assistant secretary Ledda and your young and able staff!
Ledda is in favor of making Philippine passports for all and perhaps having it served as the National ID. Why not? Sounds great to me.
At the NAIA, the 30-year old terminal 1 continues to receive brickbats but Honrado pointed out that the management is trying to give services to outgoing and in-coming passengers to the best of their capabilities. Unfortunately, terminal 1 has antiquated structures, limited space and facilities. It used to be the best in Asia but that was decades ago.
However, Honrado assured us that as far as management is concerned, they will continue to make the country's premiere international gateway comfortable and secure for their clients. He regularly meets with stakeholders and maps out ways to make their services better and more visible.
The volume of passengers has multiplied over the years, and while this is a good indicator for more economic activities around the country, the terminals have not grown or expanded proportionately.
Terminal 3 will hopefully be fully operational in a year with a program of work to be implemented all drawn up already. P-Noy is determined to solve all ownership and compensation issues to give Filipinos a world-class terminal facility. So, go, Gen. Bodet, go!
Bouquets to the new set of Philippine Ballet Theatre (PBT) Board headed by Chairwoman Chingbee E. Kalaw and vice chairwoman Triccie C. Sison, president Cha-Cha N. Camacho, vice president Sylvia Lichauco-de Leon, secretary Mars B. Lambino, treasurer Marichu H. Nepomuceno, and legal counsel Atty. Randy Perez Jr. Trustees are Yoli Ayson, Anna York Bondoc, Julie Borromeo, Gener Caringal, Noemi Estrella-Casiño, Marie O'Connor, Shirley Halili-Cruz, Eddie Elejar, Vicky Magadia, Marilou Magsaysay, Mila Santos and Carol Sy.
They were recently inducted by Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) president, Dr. Raul Sunico, who I believe should be declared a "National Artist" already, now that he is still in his prime. Ditto for Ryan Cayabyab, another musical genius.
"This is going to be another exciting year for PBT. We will be staging three full-length productions, two of the shows will be "Romeo and Juliet" directed by Maniya Barredo and "Cinderella and The Nutcracker. We are stepping up our outreach program, too, in the hope of reaching a wider audience and discover up and coming ballet dancers in the country," Camacho declared.
PBT started 43 years ago with three passionate and gifted dancers: Tita Radaic, Eddie Elejar, and Julie Borromeo. The triumvirate formed Dance Theatre Philippines, mother company of what is now Philippine Ballet Theatre. PBT's primary mission is to perform classical ballet before the Filipino audience and develop in them an appreciation of ballet as art through their outreach program, Cultural Outreach in Education or CORE. This aims to develop and hone raw talents in the countryside and to give them the opportunity to perform professionally. PBT trains public school students in Quezon City, Las Piñas, and Mandaluyong, discovering young dancers' dancing talents.
News Update 'Egay' moves toward Cagayan; 14 areas under storm signal 1
Tropical depression "Egay" maintained its strength as it moved closer toward the Cagayan area in Northern Luzon before noon Sunday.
In its 11 a.m. advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Egay continued moving northwest at 17 kph.
As of 10 a.m., it said Egay had sustained winds of 55 kph near the center and was 170 km east-northeast of Casiguran, Aurora or at 230 km southeast of Aparri, Cagayan.
By Monday morning it is expected to be 130 km northwest of Aparri, Cagayan or 120 km north of Laoag City.
By Tuesday morning it is expected to be 410 km northwest of Basco, Batanes or at 240 km west of Southern Taiwan.
Areas under Storm Signal No. 1 are:Aurora
Quirino
Nueva Vizcaya
Ifugao
Mt. Province
Isabela
Cagayan
Calayan
Babuyan Group of Islands
Batanes Group of Islands
Kalinga
Abra
Apayao
Ilocos NortePAGASA reminded residents in low-lying and mountainous areas under Signal No. 1 to be alert against possible flash floods and landslides.
It said Egay is expected to enhance the Southwest Monsoon and will bring rains over the western parts of Central and Southern Luzon and Visayas. — LBG
In its 11 a.m. advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Egay continued moving northwest at 17 kph.
As of 10 a.m., it said Egay had sustained winds of 55 kph near the center and was 170 km east-northeast of Casiguran, Aurora or at 230 km southeast of Aparri, Cagayan.
By Monday morning it is expected to be 130 km northwest of Aparri, Cagayan or 120 km north of Laoag City.
By Tuesday morning it is expected to be 410 km northwest of Basco, Batanes or at 240 km west of Southern Taiwan.
Areas under Storm Signal No. 1 are:Aurora
Quirino
Nueva Vizcaya
Ifugao
Mt. Province
Isabela
Cagayan
Calayan
Babuyan Group of Islands
Batanes Group of Islands
Kalinga
Abra
Apayao
Ilocos NortePAGASA reminded residents in low-lying and mountainous areas under Signal No. 1 to be alert against possible flash floods and landslides.
It said Egay is expected to enhance the Southwest Monsoon and will bring rains over the western parts of Central and Southern Luzon and Visayas. — LBG
News Update Customs chief relieved after P2-million offer
CEBU CITY -- A Bureau of Customs (BOC) official was told to transfer effective June 15, several days after he reportedly refused an offer of P2 million for the release of a P15-million batch of black corals.
Captain Jerry Arrizabal, commander of the Customs Police Division in the Port of Cebu, said he will abide by the decision of his superiors in Manila and will do his best, wherever he is assigned.
Arrizabal was transferred to the Port of Davao. He will be replaced by Captain Isidro Estrera, who is currently at the Port of Cagayan de Oro.
Importers and exporters in Cebu who denounced unscrupulous business owners for illegally harvesting corals suspect that influential coral poachers are behind Arrizabal's transfer.
Captain Jerry Arrizabal, commander of the Customs Police Division in the Port of Cebu, said he will abide by the decision of his superiors in Manila and will do his best, wherever he is assigned.
Arrizabal was transferred to the Port of Davao. He will be replaced by Captain Isidro Estrera, who is currently at the Port of Cagayan de Oro.
Importers and exporters in Cebu who denounced unscrupulous business owners for illegally harvesting corals suspect that influential coral poachers are behind Arrizabal's transfer.
News Update Palace: Gov't ready for 'Egay,' possible incoming cyclone
Malacañang reassured the public on Sunday concerned government agencies are ready for the effects of tropical cyclone “Egay" and potential incoming cyclone “Falcon."
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has coordinated with its local counterparts on what measures to take.
“Mino-monitor natin ang situation. Sabi ng PAGASA [Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration] may magkasunod na dalawang bagyo," Valte said on government radio dzRB.
She was referring to PAGASA’s forecasts that a potential incoming cyclone may enter Philippine territory shortly after Egay leaves the country.
Earlier, PAGASA said Egay poses a threat to the Cagayan area in northern Luzon as the tropical depression continues moving north.
Aside from the NDRRMC, Valte said PAGASA is regularly informing the public on the position of Egay through hourly updates on its Twitter account.
She also said the Department of Social Welfare and Development has stockpiled relief items in areas likely to be affected by the cyclone.
Other agencies such as the Department of Public Works and Highways have also pre-positioned equipment to clear or repair roads and bridges, she said.
Meanwhile, Valte echoed the advice of PAGASA to residents in low-lying areas of the possibility of flash floods and landslides.
“As it is, saturated ang lupa, mas malaki ang posibilidad na magkaroon ng baha. Ibayong ingat lang po at subaybayan ang update ng Department of Science and Technology-PAGASA para malaman ang track ng bagyo," she said. — LBG
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has coordinated with its local counterparts on what measures to take.
“Mino-monitor natin ang situation. Sabi ng PAGASA [Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration] may magkasunod na dalawang bagyo," Valte said on government radio dzRB.
She was referring to PAGASA’s forecasts that a potential incoming cyclone may enter Philippine territory shortly after Egay leaves the country.
Earlier, PAGASA said Egay poses a threat to the Cagayan area in northern Luzon as the tropical depression continues moving north.
Aside from the NDRRMC, Valte said PAGASA is regularly informing the public on the position of Egay through hourly updates on its Twitter account.
She also said the Department of Social Welfare and Development has stockpiled relief items in areas likely to be affected by the cyclone.
Other agencies such as the Department of Public Works and Highways have also pre-positioned equipment to clear or repair roads and bridges, she said.
Meanwhile, Valte echoed the advice of PAGASA to residents in low-lying areas of the possibility of flash floods and landslides.
“As it is, saturated ang lupa, mas malaki ang posibilidad na magkaroon ng baha. Ibayong ingat lang po at subaybayan ang update ng Department of Science and Technology-PAGASA para malaman ang track ng bagyo," she said. — LBG
News Update Pastry shop offers unique-looking cakes by Cebu artists
By Marjorie Gorospe
MANDAUE CITY, CEBU— Richard Pepito knows that every Filipino occasion would not be complete without a cake on the table. But he saw something beyond the usual round or square-shaped cakes.
This motivated Richard and his wife, both pastry lovers, to put up (http://loqal.ph/food-and-beverage/2011/06/17/cakes-r-us-cookies-pastries-co/)Cakes R’ Us Cookies and Pastries Co., partly inspired by their travels abroad.
Their business official started in in March 2009 when they began making unique-looking cakes. Instead of “Happy Birthday”, their cakes would carry what the celebrants may wish for – a camera, a pirate ship (inspired by the movie Pirates of the Caribbean) or a Louis Vuitton handbag.
All of these edible, of course. According to Richard, one of the most laborious and complicated cakes they have ever done is the two-feet rotating carousel cake during one of events they joined.
“We started our business with the talents and professional artists in Cebu. What we offer is different from other pastry makers,” he says. He adds they are also conscious about customer expectations and try to adjust their pricing according to budget.
Their cakes well during Valentine’s Day and Mother's Day.
“We Filipinos have this trend of celebrating occasions with a cake. You can give your loved one a dress or other material things but cakes simply become priceless for someone you remember on his or her special day because both of you can enjoy eating it.”
But Richard admits cakes are becoming more expensive to make due to rising costs of ingredients. “It has actually been a challenge in this industry because cakes are really expensive so we try to offer relatively cheaper cakes without compromising quality and taste.”
Cakes R' Us also offer caricature cakes done by real artists – you can have an edible bahay kubo if you wish. Regular-sized cakes range from P2,000 to P3,000 while wedding cakes go for P7,000. They also sell mini-cakes from P150 to P300.
“We’re just happy that we can offer great cakes at reasonable prices. We just simply want to translate our customers' thoughtfulness into something we create,” says Richard.
MANDAUE CITY, CEBU— Richard Pepito knows that every Filipino occasion would not be complete without a cake on the table. But he saw something beyond the usual round or square-shaped cakes.
This motivated Richard and his wife, both pastry lovers, to put up (http://loqal.ph/food-and-beverage/2011/06/17/cakes-r-us-cookies-pastries-co/)Cakes R’ Us Cookies and Pastries Co., partly inspired by their travels abroad.
Their business official started in in March 2009 when they began making unique-looking cakes. Instead of “Happy Birthday”, their cakes would carry what the celebrants may wish for – a camera, a pirate ship (inspired by the movie Pirates of the Caribbean) or a Louis Vuitton handbag.
All of these edible, of course. According to Richard, one of the most laborious and complicated cakes they have ever done is the two-feet rotating carousel cake during one of events they joined.
“We started our business with the talents and professional artists in Cebu. What we offer is different from other pastry makers,” he says. He adds they are also conscious about customer expectations and try to adjust their pricing according to budget.
Their cakes well during Valentine’s Day and Mother's Day.
“We Filipinos have this trend of celebrating occasions with a cake. You can give your loved one a dress or other material things but cakes simply become priceless for someone you remember on his or her special day because both of you can enjoy eating it.”
But Richard admits cakes are becoming more expensive to make due to rising costs of ingredients. “It has actually been a challenge in this industry because cakes are really expensive so we try to offer relatively cheaper cakes without compromising quality and taste.”
Cakes R' Us also offer caricature cakes done by real artists – you can have an edible bahay kubo if you wish. Regular-sized cakes range from P2,000 to P3,000 while wedding cakes go for P7,000. They also sell mini-cakes from P150 to P300.
“We’re just happy that we can offer great cakes at reasonable prices. We just simply want to translate our customers' thoughtfulness into something we create,” says Richard.
News Update Aquino wants to uplift Filipino families: sister
INVESTING on poor families is not only President Benigno Aquino III's concern, but his family's too, said presidential sister Kris Aquino.
"His favorite pamangkins - Josh and Bimby, sila mismo tumutulong kay PNoy (President Aquino)," she said.
The TV host, together with Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman and Mayor Mauricio Domogan, handed bags, school supplies and other personal things to 700 disadvantaged children at the Elpidio Quirino Elementary School in Barangay Irisan, Baguio City on Friday.
Aquino said both her sons are keeping the family's tradition of bringing hope to the Filipino youth by helping them.
"His favorite pamangkins - Josh and Bimby, sila mismo tumutulong kay PNoy (President Aquino)," she said.
The TV host, together with Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman and Mayor Mauricio Domogan, handed bags, school supplies and other personal things to 700 disadvantaged children at the Elpidio Quirino Elementary School in Barangay Irisan, Baguio City on Friday.
Aquino said both her sons are keeping the family's tradition of bringing hope to the Filipino youth by helping them.
News Update Philippines vows to defend territory
Manila (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN) - The deployment of the BRP Rajah Humabon - the Philippines' only warship - to patrol the seas near Scarborough Shoal is meant to show the country's resolve to defend its sovereignty over what it considers its undisputed territory, Malacanang (presidential palace) said Saturday (June 18).
On Friday (June 17), President Benigno Aquino III said the Philippines "will not be pushed around (just) because we are a tiny state compared to (China)."
He reiterated the Philippines' right to explore its seas despite China's claims over the same.
The only World War II-era destroyer still in active service, the Humabon was sent to patrol the waters off Zambales province after China sent Haixun 31, a helicopter-equipped 3,000-ton maritime patrol ship, on a voyage that will see it passing through the West Philippine Sea.
The Humabon's displacement is only 1,390 tons. Acquired in December 1978 and commissioned by the Philippine Navy in February 1980, it is the Philippines' only warship.
In Baguio City, Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Eduardo Oban Jr. said on Saturday that "miracles on the table will resolve" the Spratlys row.
"Diplomacy will work," he said at the Philippine Military Academy where he was the guest during the incorporation of 195 new cadets.
"It's a way of saying that this is ours," secretary Ramon Carandang, head of the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office, said of Scarborough Shoal, which is also being claimed by China.
Scarborough Shoal lies about 220km from Zambales, 350km from Manila, and more than 800km from Hong Kong.
"We may be a small country, but we will do whatever we can to defend our sovereignty ... Whatever capabilities we have, no matter how big or small, we're going to assert our sovereignty," Carandang said.
He also said that while the Philippines wanted a diplomatic and peaceful resolution to the dispute over the Spratly island chain-which is being claimed wholly or partly by the Philippines, China, Viet Nam, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan - it was asserting its sovereignty over its territories.
Also on Saturday in a news briefing over government radio, presidential deputy spokesperson, Abigail Valte, said Malacanang expected China to continue its support for a peaceful and diplomatic solution to the ongoing dispute with respect to territories in the West Philippine Sea.
"Our statements have always been very clear... Our approach is a rules-based settlement of the dispute, and we are seeking a multilateral approach to the dispute resolution," Valte said.
"But I think our counterparts in China are saying the same thing. (T)here will be no use of force and they also want a diplomatic means to come up with a peaceful resolution of the problem," she said.
Through its spokesperson, Commodore Miguel Rodriguez, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said it found "no cause for worry" over the three-day military drills conducted by the Chinese Navy near the potentially resource-rich Spratlys.
In fact, he said in a text message, the military hoped to someday participate in joint military drills with China, with whom the Philippines had traded diplomatic barbs over alleged intrusions in disputed waters.
On the other hand, Paranaque Representative Roilo Golez cautioned the government against relaxing its claim over parts of the Spratlys despite repeated assurances from other claimant-countries, particularly China, that they would not start a war there.
"We should always keep our guard up, in spite of the conciliatory tone of the latest China statement on the Spratlys," he said.
Golez said that when China occupied Mischief Reef near Palawan province in 1995, Chinese authorities lulled their counterparts in the Philippines that they had only built temporary structures for their fishermen. Four years later, he said, the AFP discovered full-blown concrete military structures and facilities on Mischief.
Only recently, Golez said, China issued warnings, combined with physical harassment, that it owned the seas all the way to Recto (Reed) Bank, followed by a conciliatory message that it would not allow force.
"If we allow them to lull us again, we might wake up one morning witnessing a flotilla of PLA (China's People's Liberation Army) frigates patrolling Recto Bank which is a stone's throw from Palawan's west shoreline," he said.
Henry Bensurto, secretary general of the Philippine permanent mission to the UN in New York, has pointed out that recent events in Recto bank tended to widen disputed areas in the Spratlys to include even those falling within Philippine jurisdiction.
"The Philippines firmly rejects any efforts in this regard. Such actions are inconsistent with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea," Bensurto said at the 21st Meeting of States Parties to the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea held on June 13-17 at the United Nations.
At the same meeting, other nations such as Viet Nam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos and Singapore also echoed the need to maintain peace and security in the region.
They also called "for the peaceful resolution of disputes as enshrined in the (Unclos)" in their national statements, according to the department of foreign affairs (DFA).
In a statement on the DFA website, Bensurto called for the adherence to the rule of law in the West Philippine Sea and rejected efforts to broaden disputes.
He said the Philippines was committed to international law, particularly the Unclos. He added: "We expect nothing less from our international partners." With reports from DJ Yap, Cynthia D. Balana and Julie M. Aurelio
On Friday (June 17), President Benigno Aquino III said the Philippines "will not be pushed around (just) because we are a tiny state compared to (China)."
He reiterated the Philippines' right to explore its seas despite China's claims over the same.
The only World War II-era destroyer still in active service, the Humabon was sent to patrol the waters off Zambales province after China sent Haixun 31, a helicopter-equipped 3,000-ton maritime patrol ship, on a voyage that will see it passing through the West Philippine Sea.
The Humabon's displacement is only 1,390 tons. Acquired in December 1978 and commissioned by the Philippine Navy in February 1980, it is the Philippines' only warship.
In Baguio City, Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Eduardo Oban Jr. said on Saturday that "miracles on the table will resolve" the Spratlys row.
"Diplomacy will work," he said at the Philippine Military Academy where he was the guest during the incorporation of 195 new cadets.
"It's a way of saying that this is ours," secretary Ramon Carandang, head of the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office, said of Scarborough Shoal, which is also being claimed by China.
Scarborough Shoal lies about 220km from Zambales, 350km from Manila, and more than 800km from Hong Kong.
"We may be a small country, but we will do whatever we can to defend our sovereignty ... Whatever capabilities we have, no matter how big or small, we're going to assert our sovereignty," Carandang said.
He also said that while the Philippines wanted a diplomatic and peaceful resolution to the dispute over the Spratly island chain-which is being claimed wholly or partly by the Philippines, China, Viet Nam, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan - it was asserting its sovereignty over its territories.
Also on Saturday in a news briefing over government radio, presidential deputy spokesperson, Abigail Valte, said Malacanang expected China to continue its support for a peaceful and diplomatic solution to the ongoing dispute with respect to territories in the West Philippine Sea.
"Our statements have always been very clear... Our approach is a rules-based settlement of the dispute, and we are seeking a multilateral approach to the dispute resolution," Valte said.
"But I think our counterparts in China are saying the same thing. (T)here will be no use of force and they also want a diplomatic means to come up with a peaceful resolution of the problem," she said.
Through its spokesperson, Commodore Miguel Rodriguez, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said it found "no cause for worry" over the three-day military drills conducted by the Chinese Navy near the potentially resource-rich Spratlys.
In fact, he said in a text message, the military hoped to someday participate in joint military drills with China, with whom the Philippines had traded diplomatic barbs over alleged intrusions in disputed waters.
On the other hand, Paranaque Representative Roilo Golez cautioned the government against relaxing its claim over parts of the Spratlys despite repeated assurances from other claimant-countries, particularly China, that they would not start a war there.
"We should always keep our guard up, in spite of the conciliatory tone of the latest China statement on the Spratlys," he said.
Golez said that when China occupied Mischief Reef near Palawan province in 1995, Chinese authorities lulled their counterparts in the Philippines that they had only built temporary structures for their fishermen. Four years later, he said, the AFP discovered full-blown concrete military structures and facilities on Mischief.
Only recently, Golez said, China issued warnings, combined with physical harassment, that it owned the seas all the way to Recto (Reed) Bank, followed by a conciliatory message that it would not allow force.
"If we allow them to lull us again, we might wake up one morning witnessing a flotilla of PLA (China's People's Liberation Army) frigates patrolling Recto Bank which is a stone's throw from Palawan's west shoreline," he said.
Henry Bensurto, secretary general of the Philippine permanent mission to the UN in New York, has pointed out that recent events in Recto bank tended to widen disputed areas in the Spratlys to include even those falling within Philippine jurisdiction.
"The Philippines firmly rejects any efforts in this regard. Such actions are inconsistent with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea," Bensurto said at the 21st Meeting of States Parties to the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea held on June 13-17 at the United Nations.
At the same meeting, other nations such as Viet Nam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos and Singapore also echoed the need to maintain peace and security in the region.
They also called "for the peaceful resolution of disputes as enshrined in the (Unclos)" in their national statements, according to the department of foreign affairs (DFA).
In a statement on the DFA website, Bensurto called for the adherence to the rule of law in the West Philippine Sea and rejected efforts to broaden disputes.
He said the Philippines was committed to international law, particularly the Unclos. He added: "We expect nothing less from our international partners." With reports from DJ Yap, Cynthia D. Balana and Julie M. Aurelio
News Update CBCP tells PNoy to start taking sides on Luisita land dispute
President Benigno Aquino III should stop staying neutral on the Hacienda Luisita issue, said the social-action arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), asking the chief executive to “intervene in favor of the farmers."
“Whatever decision he arrives at will have huge moral and political implications particularly on the current peace process with National Democratic Front in which agrarian reform is a central issue, and on the poor’s reception of his affirmations that he is for the poor," said Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo, national director of the CBCP's National Secretariat for Social Action, Justice, and Peace (NASSA), in a statement.
Last year, President Benigno Aquino III said he is implementing a “hands-off" policy on the case of Hacienda Luisita Inc. as he has supposedly divested himself of his one-percent stake in the corporation.
In a one-on-one interview with GMA anchor Jessica Soho last year, Aquino asserted this hands-off policy, choosing to leave the resolution of the issue to the hacienda's stakeholders.
“The resolution of the Hacienda Luisita case is a test of the administration’s political will. It will send a strong signal for the successful, or failed, implementation of agrarian reform," NASSA said.
‘Revoke SDO’
NASSA also urged the government to revoke the stock distribution option (SDO) scheme, a mode of compliance with the land reform law through distribution of stocks instead of the actual transfer of land to tillers.
The land distribution scheme, NASSA asserted, remains more effective. “Thus, it is disappointing to note that the Cojuangcos have managed to evade agrarian reform law for more than five decades, even as the legitimate beneficiaries of the land continue to live in grinding, abject poverty," NASSA said.
The SDO has allowed Hacienda Luisita Inc. to retain ownership of the land and also “legitimized" the distribution of paltry shares of stocks to farmers, NASSA added.
Moreover, the Church social-action group said: “NASSA’s opposition to SDO is grounded on the social teachings of the Church, which explicitly condemn exploitation of human labor, especially when rewarded with wages or other forms of payment that are unworthy of human dignity, such as in the case of the farmers in Hacienda Luisita."
Meanwhile, Pabillo urged the Supreme Court to exercise its “intrinsic political independence" on the case.
Earlier this month, a farmers’ group picketed the Supreme Court to ask the magistrates to expedite their decision on the decades-old Hacienda Luisita land dispute.
The protesters noted that in January, Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona said the decision would be out “soon."
The Supreme Court has not made the landmark decision up to now.
“Honorable Chief Justice, please allow us to remind you and all members of this collegiate body that there is a saying that justice delayed is justice denied," said Unyon ng Manggagawa sa Agrikultura secretary general Rodel Mesa during the protest.
Since the Spanish era and even after the Cojuangco family acquired Hacienda Luisita, disputes between the farmers and its owners have continued to haunt the over 6,000-hectare agricultural estate in Tarlac province. — with a report by Paterno Esmaquel II/LBG
“Whatever decision he arrives at will have huge moral and political implications particularly on the current peace process with National Democratic Front in which agrarian reform is a central issue, and on the poor’s reception of his affirmations that he is for the poor," said Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo, national director of the CBCP's National Secretariat for Social Action, Justice, and Peace (NASSA), in a statement.
Last year, President Benigno Aquino III said he is implementing a “hands-off" policy on the case of Hacienda Luisita Inc. as he has supposedly divested himself of his one-percent stake in the corporation.
In a one-on-one interview with GMA anchor Jessica Soho last year, Aquino asserted this hands-off policy, choosing to leave the resolution of the issue to the hacienda's stakeholders.
“The resolution of the Hacienda Luisita case is a test of the administration’s political will. It will send a strong signal for the successful, or failed, implementation of agrarian reform," NASSA said.
‘Revoke SDO’
NASSA also urged the government to revoke the stock distribution option (SDO) scheme, a mode of compliance with the land reform law through distribution of stocks instead of the actual transfer of land to tillers.
The land distribution scheme, NASSA asserted, remains more effective. “Thus, it is disappointing to note that the Cojuangcos have managed to evade agrarian reform law for more than five decades, even as the legitimate beneficiaries of the land continue to live in grinding, abject poverty," NASSA said.
The SDO has allowed Hacienda Luisita Inc. to retain ownership of the land and also “legitimized" the distribution of paltry shares of stocks to farmers, NASSA added.
Moreover, the Church social-action group said: “NASSA’s opposition to SDO is grounded on the social teachings of the Church, which explicitly condemn exploitation of human labor, especially when rewarded with wages or other forms of payment that are unworthy of human dignity, such as in the case of the farmers in Hacienda Luisita."
Meanwhile, Pabillo urged the Supreme Court to exercise its “intrinsic political independence" on the case.
Earlier this month, a farmers’ group picketed the Supreme Court to ask the magistrates to expedite their decision on the decades-old Hacienda Luisita land dispute.
The protesters noted that in January, Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona said the decision would be out “soon."
The Supreme Court has not made the landmark decision up to now.
“Honorable Chief Justice, please allow us to remind you and all members of this collegiate body that there is a saying that justice delayed is justice denied," said Unyon ng Manggagawa sa Agrikultura secretary general Rodel Mesa during the protest.
Since the Spanish era and even after the Cojuangco family acquired Hacienda Luisita, disputes between the farmers and its owners have continued to haunt the over 6,000-hectare agricultural estate in Tarlac province. — with a report by Paterno Esmaquel II/LBG
Sunday, June 19, 2011
News Update Palace to watch 'with interest' civil suit vs Arroyo
Malacañang will be watching “with interest" the developments on the P5.4-million civil case filed by a Christian Church group against former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Arroyo.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the Palace cannot “interfere" in the case as it has no knowledge of the details of the complaint and is not a direct party to the case.
“Wala kaming detalye sa kaso at hindi kami party to it. Just like most of our citizens, we just watch ano ang mangyayari sa kasong ito," Valte said on government radio dzRB.
Meanwhile, another umbrella Church group threw its support behind the civil case against Arroyo.
The National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) voiced support for the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) in seeking justice for the extrajudicial killings under the Arroyo administration.
“The NCCP lauds the recourse of the UCCP to seek legal redress in the pursuit of justice for her pastors and church workers who have been victims of extrajudicial killings, arrests without warrants, illegal detention and other forms of human rights violations," NCCP general secretary Rex Reyes Jr. said in an article posted Friday afternoon on the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines news site.
Earlier, the UCCP lodged a civil suit against Arroyo for some of its pastors who were abducted and killed in the provinces from 2003 to 2006, supposedly by military operatives.
It added the UCCP’s move is a “leap of faith much more so in a system that shows partiality to those in position of wealth and power."
“Something indeed is terribly wrong when pastors and church workers are killed, arrested and detained or go missing while they are teaching people to know, defend and fight for their rights," the NCCP said.
“The cry of our sisters and brothers unjustly vexed call on us today to stand firm and persist in demanding justice," Reyes added.
In its suit, the UCCP asked the Quezon City court to order Arroyo to pay the organization P1 million for moral damages; P500,000 each for the relatives of the six alleged victims and also for moral damages; P500,000 for exemplary damages; and P300,000 each for litigation and attorneys' fees.
Another plaintiff, Pastor Berlin Guerrero, is also seeking P300,000 moral damages for his alleged illegal arrest, detention and the torture he claimed to have suffered at the hands of government soldiers.
Among the alleged victims of the killings were: Joel Baclao, UCCP Disaster Relief Program Coordinator in Bicol who was shot dead on Nov. 10, 2004;
UCCP Pastor Edison Lapuz of Tacloban City, who was killed on May 12, 2003;
Noel Capulong, chairperson of UCCP’s Christian Witness Program in Calamba, who was killed on May 27, 2006;
UCCP Pastors Raul Domingo and Andy Pawican, who were shot dead on Aug. 20, 2005 and May 21, 2006, respectively.Guerrero was allegedly abducted on May 27, 2007 while on his way from servicing the Local Church in Malabanan, Santa Rosa, Laguna.
The military allegedly detained him for 16 months and tortured him several times.
The UCCP also claimed that there were at least 22 others in the organization who were either killed or suffered violent attacks from the military. — LBG
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the Palace cannot “interfere" in the case as it has no knowledge of the details of the complaint and is not a direct party to the case.
“Wala kaming detalye sa kaso at hindi kami party to it. Just like most of our citizens, we just watch ano ang mangyayari sa kasong ito," Valte said on government radio dzRB.
Meanwhile, another umbrella Church group threw its support behind the civil case against Arroyo.
The National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) voiced support for the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) in seeking justice for the extrajudicial killings under the Arroyo administration.
“The NCCP lauds the recourse of the UCCP to seek legal redress in the pursuit of justice for her pastors and church workers who have been victims of extrajudicial killings, arrests without warrants, illegal detention and other forms of human rights violations," NCCP general secretary Rex Reyes Jr. said in an article posted Friday afternoon on the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines news site.
Earlier, the UCCP lodged a civil suit against Arroyo for some of its pastors who were abducted and killed in the provinces from 2003 to 2006, supposedly by military operatives.
It added the UCCP’s move is a “leap of faith much more so in a system that shows partiality to those in position of wealth and power."
“Something indeed is terribly wrong when pastors and church workers are killed, arrested and detained or go missing while they are teaching people to know, defend and fight for their rights," the NCCP said.
“The cry of our sisters and brothers unjustly vexed call on us today to stand firm and persist in demanding justice," Reyes added.
In its suit, the UCCP asked the Quezon City court to order Arroyo to pay the organization P1 million for moral damages; P500,000 each for the relatives of the six alleged victims and also for moral damages; P500,000 for exemplary damages; and P300,000 each for litigation and attorneys' fees.
Another plaintiff, Pastor Berlin Guerrero, is also seeking P300,000 moral damages for his alleged illegal arrest, detention and the torture he claimed to have suffered at the hands of government soldiers.
Among the alleged victims of the killings were: Joel Baclao, UCCP Disaster Relief Program Coordinator in Bicol who was shot dead on Nov. 10, 2004;
UCCP Pastor Edison Lapuz of Tacloban City, who was killed on May 12, 2003;
Noel Capulong, chairperson of UCCP’s Christian Witness Program in Calamba, who was killed on May 27, 2006;
UCCP Pastors Raul Domingo and Andy Pawican, who were shot dead on Aug. 20, 2005 and May 21, 2006, respectively.Guerrero was allegedly abducted on May 27, 2007 while on his way from servicing the Local Church in Malabanan, Santa Rosa, Laguna.
The military allegedly detained him for 16 months and tortured him several times.
The UCCP also claimed that there were at least 22 others in the organization who were either killed or suffered violent attacks from the military. — LBG
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