MANILA, Philippines – More than 500 people in the metropolis have been apprehended by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in line with the agency's anti-littering program.
MMDA-Health, Public Safety and Environmental Protection Office figures showed that 588 environmental violation receipts have been issued by the agency's environmental police as of yesterday, September 27.
Of the number, 80 have chosen to settle the P500 fine while 10 opted to do community service as provided for by MMDA regulation no.96-009.
“Despite being harassed, threatened, and shouted at, our environmental police have shown utmost dedication in enforcing this regulation. We’re just hoping that the public will soon realize that throwing even a candy wrapper or a cigarette butt into the streets is a serious offense and will not in any way be tolerated,” MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino said.
Tolentino ordered the revival of the anti-littering drive starting September 16 as part of the MMDA’s renewed thrust to prevent the recurrence of floods caused by the clogging of waterways.
The MMDA chief said that garbage thrown in the street ends up in the drainage and into the pumping stations of the MMDA, causing periodic malfunctions in the agency’s flood control facilities.
“Every day we have to remove hundreds of tons of garbage from our pumping stations just to keep our machines running,” he said.
Violators who choose to do community service will sweep the portion of Edsa from Edsa-Shaw Boulevard underpass up to Camp Crame, Tolentino said. - By Dennis Carcamo
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
News Update Aquino opposes Church on birth control issue
President Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino III will not change his stand on responsible parenthood despite the Catholic Church's opposition to the use of artificial birth control methods, Malacañang said on Tuesday.
In an interview with reporters in Malacañang, Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Aquino, a Catholic, has always supported responsible parenthood and informed choice in family planning.
"Even during the [the presidential] campaign the president already stated his position on the matter. It's more of responsible parenthood, we believe that parents should be the one to decide on the size of their family, the manner and the method by which the planning should be done," Lacierda said.
The presidential spokesman said Aquino respects that parents are "the ultimate decision-maker on the size of the family."
"Ibinibigay ho natin sa ating mga kababayan ang mga kaparaanan sa family planning (We are letting the public decide their preferred family planning method)," he said.
Dialogue with the CBCP
Lacierda, who was also Aquino's spokesman during the campaign period, noted that Aquino sent the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) a letter in February.
Lacierda said Aquino offered to hold a dialogue with the CBCP president to explain his stance on reproductive health.
Aquino's camp does not know what became of the offer but the president remains ready to explain his position, said Lacierda.
"Handa po siyang ipaliwanag sa mga kaparian ang kanyang posisyon sa family planning (He is ready to explain to the priests his stance on family planning)," said the Palace spokesman.
Aquino drew Church's ire
Aquino's stand on reproductive health drew criticism from the Catholic Church once more when he said in a meeting with a Filipino community in San Francisco that the government is obliged to inform the public of their reproductive health and family planning choices.
Aquino said couples would be in the "best position to determine what is best for their families" and the methods that they can use.
The Catholic Church promotes only natural family planning and is opposed to the use of artificial birth control methods such as condoms and birth-control pills, saying these could lead to promiscuity and a rise in abortion cases.
The Aquino administration has so far been vocal about its pro-choice stand despite the church's opposition.
Government supports artificial contraceptives In July, Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Enrique Ona said the government supports artificial contraceptives and a range of choices offered to couples.
“I call for the acceleration of efforts that shall champion reproductive health," Ona told a gathering of mostly reproductive health (RH) advocates.
When asked later if those efforts included government funds for artificial contraceptives in government health centers, he replied in the affirmative and indicated these would be among “cafeteria of choices" that would also include natural family planning methods.
A reproductive health bill that would have required the national government to offer artificial contraceptives to the public and make sex education in public schools mandatory did not flourish in previous Congresses due to opposition from the church and its legislative allies.
Lacierda said Aquino's support for responsible parenthood does not mean he will automatically back a new reproductive health bill in Congress.
Lacierda pointed out that Aquino had reservations about the RH bill filed in the previous Congress. He said the president will still have to study new legislative initiatives on reproductive health.
Responsible parenthood and the US aid
The Palace official described as "unfair" and "below the belt" Fr. Melvin Castro's reported charge that the president's support for responsible parenthood is linked to the $434-million grant from Millennium Challenge Corporation for Philippine social welfare programs.
Castro was quoted by the Philippine Daily Inquirer as saying the government is "selling out the Filipino soul" for "that measly sum of money in the name of fighting poverty."
Lacierda reiterated that the government is open to a dialogue with the Catholic church on reproductive health. "Kung nais po nilang humingi ng dialogo sa pangulo, bukas po kami (If they want a dialogue with the president, we are open to it)." — LBG/VVP
In an interview with reporters in Malacañang, Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Aquino, a Catholic, has always supported responsible parenthood and informed choice in family planning.
"Even during the [the presidential] campaign the president already stated his position on the matter. It's more of responsible parenthood, we believe that parents should be the one to decide on the size of their family, the manner and the method by which the planning should be done," Lacierda said.
The presidential spokesman said Aquino respects that parents are "the ultimate decision-maker on the size of the family."
"Ibinibigay ho natin sa ating mga kababayan ang mga kaparaanan sa family planning (We are letting the public decide their preferred family planning method)," he said.
Dialogue with the CBCP
Lacierda, who was also Aquino's spokesman during the campaign period, noted that Aquino sent the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) a letter in February.
Lacierda said Aquino offered to hold a dialogue with the CBCP president to explain his stance on reproductive health.
Aquino's camp does not know what became of the offer but the president remains ready to explain his position, said Lacierda.
"Handa po siyang ipaliwanag sa mga kaparian ang kanyang posisyon sa family planning (He is ready to explain to the priests his stance on family planning)," said the Palace spokesman.
Aquino drew Church's ire
Aquino's stand on reproductive health drew criticism from the Catholic Church once more when he said in a meeting with a Filipino community in San Francisco that the government is obliged to inform the public of their reproductive health and family planning choices.
Aquino said couples would be in the "best position to determine what is best for their families" and the methods that they can use.
The Catholic Church promotes only natural family planning and is opposed to the use of artificial birth control methods such as condoms and birth-control pills, saying these could lead to promiscuity and a rise in abortion cases.
The Aquino administration has so far been vocal about its pro-choice stand despite the church's opposition.
Government supports artificial contraceptives In July, Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Enrique Ona said the government supports artificial contraceptives and a range of choices offered to couples.
“I call for the acceleration of efforts that shall champion reproductive health," Ona told a gathering of mostly reproductive health (RH) advocates.
When asked later if those efforts included government funds for artificial contraceptives in government health centers, he replied in the affirmative and indicated these would be among “cafeteria of choices" that would also include natural family planning methods.
A reproductive health bill that would have required the national government to offer artificial contraceptives to the public and make sex education in public schools mandatory did not flourish in previous Congresses due to opposition from the church and its legislative allies.
Lacierda said Aquino's support for responsible parenthood does not mean he will automatically back a new reproductive health bill in Congress.
Lacierda pointed out that Aquino had reservations about the RH bill filed in the previous Congress. He said the president will still have to study new legislative initiatives on reproductive health.
Responsible parenthood and the US aid
The Palace official described as "unfair" and "below the belt" Fr. Melvin Castro's reported charge that the president's support for responsible parenthood is linked to the $434-million grant from Millennium Challenge Corporation for Philippine social welfare programs.
Castro was quoted by the Philippine Daily Inquirer as saying the government is "selling out the Filipino soul" for "that measly sum of money in the name of fighting poverty."
Lacierda reiterated that the government is open to a dialogue with the Catholic church on reproductive health. "Kung nais po nilang humingi ng dialogo sa pangulo, bukas po kami (If they want a dialogue with the president, we are open to it)." — LBG/VVP
News Update Military court clears 7 officers of mutiny charges
A military court on Tuesday cleared seven military officers of the mutiny charges filed against them for the alleged plot to overthrow the Arroyo administration in February 2006.
In its resolution, the seven-member military panel said the testimonies of the witnesses presented by the prosecution failed to support arguments that the seven violated Article 67 (mutiny or sedition) of the Articles of War.
Those cleared were: Col. Orlando de Leon; Lt. Col. Custodio Parcon; Lt. Belinda Ferrer; Maj. Jose Leomar Doctolero; Capt. William Upano, 1Lt. Homer Estola, and Recently retired Lt. Col. Achilles Segumalian.
Except for Doctolero, Upano and Estola who are Army officers, the rest are with the Philippine Marines.
With the decision, the officers, except for Segumalian, would be reinstated to the service.
At present, the officers are in the custody of their superiors.
Meanwhile, proceedings for their nine co-accused will continue. The military court, in the same resolution, denied their motion to reconsider its earlier decision to reject a plea to dismiss the case against them.
Those who remain charged are: resigned Army Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim; former Marine Col. Ariel Querubin; Maj. Gen. Renato Miranda; Maj. Jason Aquino; Captains Montano Almodovar; Isagani Criste; Joey Fontiveros; James Sababan, and Dante Langkit.
Querubin and Parcon are both recepients of the Medal of Valor, the military's highest combat recognition.
Both Lim and Querubin, meanwhile, failed to secure Senate seats during the May 10 elections.
Mixed reactions
Defense lawyer Trixie Angeles had mixed reactions on the decision. Although she was delighted with the acquittal of some of her clients, she lamented that her other client, Aquino, still remained uncleared.
She maintained that Aquino could not have committed mutiny by merely planning the same over a drinking session.
"Halimbawa may planning session nang uminom sila ng beer, imposible pa rin na mutiny iyon dahil hindi sila nag-aklas, wala silang baril, wala silang chinallenge, wala silang insubordination. Meron sila, ang pag-inom ng beer," Angeles said.
She said if having a drinking session is construed as an act of mutiny, then "more than 90 percent of the Philippine population should be jailed."
Angeles said Aquino should have been already cleared of any participation in the alleged coup plot because the prosecution failed to prove that the Army officer had a PowerPoint presentation supposedly detailing the uprising during the said drinking session.
"Wala namang na-produce... Hindi ko kayang matanggap na mutiny ang makikipag-inuman ka sa mga kasama mo tapos may nag-fa-flash na PowerPoint sa likod," she said.
"Assuming na umuwi sila [after the drinking session] at natulog at walang nangyaring mutiny. So paanong magkakaroon ng mutiny," she added.
Angeles said the defense will present additional evidence when the proceedings resume. However, she stressed that at this point of the hearing, the prosecution has the burden to prove the guilt of those accused.
She added that of the 15 witnesses presented by the prosecution, only one identified Aquino as being in the said drinking session.
Angeles questionned the credibility of the lone witness who implicated her client, saying the witness "lied in court" in exchange for promotion.
"Ang buong kaso kay Major Aquino ay ibinase sa isang witness na iyon na umaamin sa kanyang peers na after niya mag-testify ay binigyan sya ng prmotion ni [then AFP chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes] Esperon," she said. — with Mark Merueñas/RSJ/VVP
In its resolution, the seven-member military panel said the testimonies of the witnesses presented by the prosecution failed to support arguments that the seven violated Article 67 (mutiny or sedition) of the Articles of War.
Those cleared were: Col. Orlando de Leon; Lt. Col. Custodio Parcon; Lt. Belinda Ferrer; Maj. Jose Leomar Doctolero; Capt. William Upano, 1Lt. Homer Estola, and Recently retired Lt. Col. Achilles Segumalian.
Except for Doctolero, Upano and Estola who are Army officers, the rest are with the Philippine Marines.
With the decision, the officers, except for Segumalian, would be reinstated to the service.
At present, the officers are in the custody of their superiors.
Meanwhile, proceedings for their nine co-accused will continue. The military court, in the same resolution, denied their motion to reconsider its earlier decision to reject a plea to dismiss the case against them.
Those who remain charged are: resigned Army Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim; former Marine Col. Ariel Querubin; Maj. Gen. Renato Miranda; Maj. Jason Aquino; Captains Montano Almodovar; Isagani Criste; Joey Fontiveros; James Sababan, and Dante Langkit.
Querubin and Parcon are both recepients of the Medal of Valor, the military's highest combat recognition.
Both Lim and Querubin, meanwhile, failed to secure Senate seats during the May 10 elections.
Mixed reactions
Defense lawyer Trixie Angeles had mixed reactions on the decision. Although she was delighted with the acquittal of some of her clients, she lamented that her other client, Aquino, still remained uncleared.
She maintained that Aquino could not have committed mutiny by merely planning the same over a drinking session.
"Halimbawa may planning session nang uminom sila ng beer, imposible pa rin na mutiny iyon dahil hindi sila nag-aklas, wala silang baril, wala silang chinallenge, wala silang insubordination. Meron sila, ang pag-inom ng beer," Angeles said.
She said if having a drinking session is construed as an act of mutiny, then "more than 90 percent of the Philippine population should be jailed."
Angeles said Aquino should have been already cleared of any participation in the alleged coup plot because the prosecution failed to prove that the Army officer had a PowerPoint presentation supposedly detailing the uprising during the said drinking session.
"Wala namang na-produce... Hindi ko kayang matanggap na mutiny ang makikipag-inuman ka sa mga kasama mo tapos may nag-fa-flash na PowerPoint sa likod," she said.
"Assuming na umuwi sila [after the drinking session] at natulog at walang nangyaring mutiny. So paanong magkakaroon ng mutiny," she added.
Angeles said the defense will present additional evidence when the proceedings resume. However, she stressed that at this point of the hearing, the prosecution has the burden to prove the guilt of those accused.
She added that of the 15 witnesses presented by the prosecution, only one identified Aquino as being in the said drinking session.
Angeles questionned the credibility of the lone witness who implicated her client, saying the witness "lied in court" in exchange for promotion.
"Ang buong kaso kay Major Aquino ay ibinase sa isang witness na iyon na umaamin sa kanyang peers na after niya mag-testify ay binigyan sya ng prmotion ni [then AFP chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes] Esperon," she said. — with Mark Merueñas/RSJ/VVP
News Update Philippine church hits president on contraception
MANILA, Philippines – Just a few months into his tenure, President Benigno Aquino III has angered the powerful Catholic Church by expressing support for the right to contraception in a televised interview abroad.
The issue of contraception _ which is opposed by the Vatican, whether chemical or physical _ is a traditional third rail in Philippine politics: Elected officials tend to avoid it, even though Philippine law is generally considered to protect a couple's right to use birth control.
Philippine church officials have argued that contraception is a type of abortion, which is banned by the constitution.
Aquino broke that customary silence over the weekend during a forum with Filipino Americans while on a trip to the U.S., where he suggested his administration would be willing to distribute contraceptives to poor couples who couldn't afford it.
The Rev. Deogracias Yniguez of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines criticized that stance on Tuesday.
"The whole church is against it," Yniguez told The Associated Press.
The church is a powerful voice in a Southeast Asian nation _ where the vast majority of the population are practicing Catholics. But proponents of contraception have argued that rapid population growth and high fertility rates have exacerbated crushing poverty, and birth control could be a powerful way to raise living standards.
A church commission dealing with family issues plans to talk to the president about the church's opposition, Yniguez said.
Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Aquino is willing to sit down with church officials to explain his position, which promotes "responsible parenthood."
The Rev. Melvin Castro, who belonged to the commission, said church officials had hoped the president would follow his late mother, pro-democracy icon Corazon Aquino, who supported the church's stance.
"I won't conceal the fact that we are hurt," Castro said in a statement.
Politicians have long avoided clashing with the church, and it has in past proven its ability to successfully intercede in politics. The bishops mobilized protests that toppled late dictator Ferdinand Marcos in 1986 and President Joseph Estrada in 2001 over alleged corruption.
In recent years, the church has spearheaded opposition to a reproductive health bill that calls for contraceptives to be provided in government hospitals and sex education to be taught in public schools. The bill is pending in the House of Representatives.
The issue of contraception _ which is opposed by the Vatican, whether chemical or physical _ is a traditional third rail in Philippine politics: Elected officials tend to avoid it, even though Philippine law is generally considered to protect a couple's right to use birth control.
Philippine church officials have argued that contraception is a type of abortion, which is banned by the constitution.
Aquino broke that customary silence over the weekend during a forum with Filipino Americans while on a trip to the U.S., where he suggested his administration would be willing to distribute contraceptives to poor couples who couldn't afford it.
The Rev. Deogracias Yniguez of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines criticized that stance on Tuesday.
"The whole church is against it," Yniguez told The Associated Press.
The church is a powerful voice in a Southeast Asian nation _ where the vast majority of the population are practicing Catholics. But proponents of contraception have argued that rapid population growth and high fertility rates have exacerbated crushing poverty, and birth control could be a powerful way to raise living standards.
A church commission dealing with family issues plans to talk to the president about the church's opposition, Yniguez said.
Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Aquino is willing to sit down with church officials to explain his position, which promotes "responsible parenthood."
The Rev. Melvin Castro, who belonged to the commission, said church officials had hoped the president would follow his late mother, pro-democracy icon Corazon Aquino, who supported the church's stance.
"I won't conceal the fact that we are hurt," Castro said in a statement.
Politicians have long avoided clashing with the church, and it has in past proven its ability to successfully intercede in politics. The bishops mobilized protests that toppled late dictator Ferdinand Marcos in 1986 and President Joseph Estrada in 2001 over alleged corruption.
In recent years, the church has spearheaded opposition to a reproductive health bill that calls for contraceptives to be provided in government hospitals and sex education to be taught in public schools. The bill is pending in the House of Representatives.
News Update Maid broke toddler's bone
By Elena Chong
A FILIPINO maid who was massaging her employer's three-year-old son pulled his leg so forcefully that his right thigh bone was broken.
Myla Cabradilla Cabuenas, 30, then told her employer that the toddler had fallen at home and injured his knee.
But the employer, who had wired her home with cameras, viewed the video footage and saw what the maid had done to the boy. He has a history of developmental delay and suffers from epilepsy.
She told her husband, a 36-year-old engineer, who then called the police.
Yesterday, the maid was jailed nine months for ill-treating the child under her care at her employer's home on July 1.
Assistant Public Prosecutor Asran Samad said the maid was alone with the boy when she placed him on a mattress and began massaging his legs. She had been hired three months earlier to perform basic physiotherapy techniques, including massaging the boy, and caring for him.
A FILIPINO maid who was massaging her employer's three-year-old son pulled his leg so forcefully that his right thigh bone was broken.
Myla Cabradilla Cabuenas, 30, then told her employer that the toddler had fallen at home and injured his knee.
But the employer, who had wired her home with cameras, viewed the video footage and saw what the maid had done to the boy. He has a history of developmental delay and suffers from epilepsy.
She told her husband, a 36-year-old engineer, who then called the police.
Yesterday, the maid was jailed nine months for ill-treating the child under her care at her employer's home on July 1.
Assistant Public Prosecutor Asran Samad said the maid was alone with the boy when she placed him on a mattress and began massaging his legs. She had been hired three months earlier to perform basic physiotherapy techniques, including massaging the boy, and caring for him.
News Update Baguio Hosts Big Jobs Fair
BAGUIO CITY - At least 15,000 local and overseas jobs are up for grabs during the conduct of a two-day jobs fair at the Baguio Convention Center here which will run from September 29 to 30, 2010. Out of the total jobs at stake, 5,900 job openings are intended for local employment while 8,900 others are for overseas employment in various parts of the global village. Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan said 17 local companies and 10 overseas placement companies have confirmed their participation to the jobs fair which will be instrumental in proving employment opportunities to city residents as well as those coming from the other parts of the Cordillera and Ilocos regions.
The jobs fair is sponsored by the city government of Baguio, through the public service employment office, and the Department of labor and Employment (DoLE), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) as well as the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA), all in the Cordillera region. Domogan said the jobs fair is the culminating activity of the city's month-long celebration of its 101st founding anniversary as a chartered city. The participating local companies include Sitel, Texas Instruments Philippines, Digital, Sanyo, Nople Trends, Greenwitch, Sunshine Supermart, Sutherland NCO, Sagittarius Mines, Inc., PLDT, Kintetsu, Summit Bank, Prime Hotel, ISONN Marketing, SC Laranang General Merchandising and General Construction and Ines International Academy.
The jobs fair is sponsored by the city government of Baguio, through the public service employment office, and the Department of labor and Employment (DoLE), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) as well as the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA), all in the Cordillera region. Domogan said the jobs fair is the culminating activity of the city's month-long celebration of its 101st founding anniversary as a chartered city. The participating local companies include Sitel, Texas Instruments Philippines, Digital, Sanyo, Nople Trends, Greenwitch, Sunshine Supermart, Sutherland NCO, Sagittarius Mines, Inc., PLDT, Kintetsu, Summit Bank, Prime Hotel, ISONN Marketing, SC Laranang General Merchandising and General Construction and Ines International Academy.
News Update Group calls on Gulf States to abolish 'sponsorship system'
MANILA, Philippines – A migrant workers' rights group has urged Gulf States in the Middle East to abolish their sponsorship system and respect the rights and well being of expatriate workers.
This after Kuwait has expressed its intention of scrapping the sponsorship system, locally known as “kafeel,” to give freedom to expatriate workers in terms of travel and the opportunity to look for a better job within the country.
"We are urging other host governments in the Gulf States to follow the same step taken by the Kuwaiti government in abolishing the sponsorship system,” Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator John Monterona said.
Monterona said a local paper in Kuwait quoted Minister of Social Affairs and Labour Mohammed Al-Afasi as saying that the "kafeel" system will be scrapped when a public authority for the recruitment of foreign workers is established in February.
"This will be our gift to foreign workers on the anniversary of Kuwait's liberation," from seven months of Iraqi occupation in 1991,” the minister was quoted as saying.
The sponsorship system serves as the legal basis for one’s residency and employment in Saudi Arabia and even in some other Gulf States.
Monterona said that expatriates cannot enter, work, change jobs or leave the country until they have permission from their sponsor, usually a citizen, company or ministry officials.
“The sponsorship system requires that an expatriate can work only for the sponsor and is entirely dependent on the contract in order to remain in the country,” he said.
Monterona said that usually the laborer’s employer is the one who issues the visa invitation letter, which requires the employee to work only for the original employer, who is also called the employee’s “sponsor.”
Aside from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, calls for the abolishment of sponsorship system received support in Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates from expatriates and nationals of those states. - By Dennis Carcamo
This after Kuwait has expressed its intention of scrapping the sponsorship system, locally known as “kafeel,” to give freedom to expatriate workers in terms of travel and the opportunity to look for a better job within the country.
"We are urging other host governments in the Gulf States to follow the same step taken by the Kuwaiti government in abolishing the sponsorship system,” Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator John Monterona said.
Monterona said a local paper in Kuwait quoted Minister of Social Affairs and Labour Mohammed Al-Afasi as saying that the "kafeel" system will be scrapped when a public authority for the recruitment of foreign workers is established in February.
"This will be our gift to foreign workers on the anniversary of Kuwait's liberation," from seven months of Iraqi occupation in 1991,” the minister was quoted as saying.
The sponsorship system serves as the legal basis for one’s residency and employment in Saudi Arabia and even in some other Gulf States.
Monterona said that expatriates cannot enter, work, change jobs or leave the country until they have permission from their sponsor, usually a citizen, company or ministry officials.
“The sponsorship system requires that an expatriate can work only for the sponsor and is entirely dependent on the contract in order to remain in the country,” he said.
Monterona said that usually the laborer’s employer is the one who issues the visa invitation letter, which requires the employee to work only for the original employer, who is also called the employee’s “sponsor.”
Aside from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, calls for the abolishment of sponsorship system received support in Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates from expatriates and nationals of those states. - By Dennis Carcamo
News Update Aquino enjoyed meeting with Filipinos, comfort food in US
President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III's schedule in the United States was so packed that at one point he reportedly had 13 meetings in a day, but there were a few bright spots in his action-packed working visit.
Among them? American comfort food.
In a one-on-one interview with GMA News' Sandra Aguinaldo before he departed for Manila, Aquino said among the enjoyable parts of his week-long working visit was his interaction with the Filipino communities and American comfort food.
"It was 11 years ago since I last visited America... siyempre yung comfort food nasubukan ko ulit dito si hotdog, si hamburger, tsaka si pizza," he said.
Aquino and some other officials ate In-N-Out burgers at the holding area of the San Francisco International Airport upon their arrival in the US last week.
He had pizza a few times throughout the visit, and caused quite a stir on the streets of New York when he and his entourage had hotdog sandwiches from a corner stand. (See: PNoy and Co. enjoy New York’s famed street-cart hotdogs)
Aquino and his delegation heard Mass at the Basilica Parish Church of Mission Dolores in San Francisco California Monday morning (Manila time) where he was joined by members of Filipino communities from Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Northern Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington State and Wyoming, according to the government's Official Gazette.
In his address after the Mass, Aquino told the Filipino communities that the government was able to secure billions of dollars' worth of investments for the Philippines.
"We came here to generate support from foreign leaders and entice investments, to create jobs for our people and to improve the business climate in the home country. We traveled here to carry forward every Filipino’s dream for a prosperous nation. And I am happy to share with you the news that we are returning home with very substantial commitments," said the president.
Aquino also met with the Filipino community in San Francisco.
The day before, Aquino attended a roundtable discussion with Filipino-American scientists and engineers and trustees of the Philippine Development Foundation USA. He also attended the Philippine Development Forum Gala to "honor outstanding achievers in the fields of Science and Engineering Education, and to celebrate Filipino-American talent," according to the Official Gazette.
Aquino and some members of his delegation arrived in Manila around 3:30 a.m. Tuesday. Aquino said in his arrival statement that more than 43,000 jobs for Filipinos will be generated in the next three years owing to the $2.4 billion in investment deals he and his delegation secured in the US. The Philippines was also granted $434 million by the Millennium Challenge Corporation for social welfare programs. — RSJ/LBG
Among them? American comfort food.
In a one-on-one interview with GMA News' Sandra Aguinaldo before he departed for Manila, Aquino said among the enjoyable parts of his week-long working visit was his interaction with the Filipino communities and American comfort food.
"It was 11 years ago since I last visited America... siyempre yung comfort food nasubukan ko ulit dito si hotdog, si hamburger, tsaka si pizza," he said.
Aquino and some other officials ate In-N-Out burgers at the holding area of the San Francisco International Airport upon their arrival in the US last week.
He had pizza a few times throughout the visit, and caused quite a stir on the streets of New York when he and his entourage had hotdog sandwiches from a corner stand. (See: PNoy and Co. enjoy New York’s famed street-cart hotdogs)
Aquino and his delegation heard Mass at the Basilica Parish Church of Mission Dolores in San Francisco California Monday morning (Manila time) where he was joined by members of Filipino communities from Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Northern Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington State and Wyoming, according to the government's Official Gazette.
In his address after the Mass, Aquino told the Filipino communities that the government was able to secure billions of dollars' worth of investments for the Philippines.
"We came here to generate support from foreign leaders and entice investments, to create jobs for our people and to improve the business climate in the home country. We traveled here to carry forward every Filipino’s dream for a prosperous nation. And I am happy to share with you the news that we are returning home with very substantial commitments," said the president.
Aquino also met with the Filipino community in San Francisco.
The day before, Aquino attended a roundtable discussion with Filipino-American scientists and engineers and trustees of the Philippine Development Foundation USA. He also attended the Philippine Development Forum Gala to "honor outstanding achievers in the fields of Science and Engineering Education, and to celebrate Filipino-American talent," according to the Official Gazette.
Aquino and some members of his delegation arrived in Manila around 3:30 a.m. Tuesday. Aquino said in his arrival statement that more than 43,000 jobs for Filipinos will be generated in the next three years owing to the $2.4 billion in investment deals he and his delegation secured in the US. The Philippines was also granted $434 million by the Millennium Challenge Corporation for social welfare programs. — RSJ/LBG
News Update Comelec to take up gun ban 'technicality' issue in en banc meet
A technical question on the gun ban for the October 25 barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (youth council) elections has prompted an en banc meeting of the Commission on Elections on the matter.
On Tuesday, Comelec Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal said they were to tackle the issue in an en banc session to start at 10 a.m.
"Mag-i-issue kami ng statement today, after the en banc. In deference to Commissioner [Lucenito] Tagle, hintayin natin ang statement (We will issue a statement after the en banc meeting. In deference to Commissioner Lucenito Tagle, who is in charge of the gun ban, we will wait for the statement)," Larrazabal said in an interview on dzBB radio, adding the poll body expects to clarify the issue within the day.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) will consult the Department of Justice (DOJ) on technical issues involving the gun ban for the Oct. 25 elections.
Radio dzBB's Benjie Liwanag Jr. reported Tuesday that the PNP will seek the DOJ's opinion on when the gun ban, which the police enforced last Saturday, is supposed to take effect.
Election lawyer Romulo Macalintal had insisted the ban should have taken effect only on Sept. 27, seven days after it was published in a national newspaper.
The PNP started arresting alleged violators on September 25. Among those the police first accosted was an employee of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.
At least 12 civilians had been arrested for violation of the gun ban since Sept. 25, the dzBB report said.
On the other hand, the PNP insisted it is not doing anything wrong as it merely followed the Commission on Elections' order to start implementing the ban on Sept. 25.
It said it is now up to the DOJ to interpret the pertinent laws. — LBG/RSJ
On Tuesday, Comelec Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal said they were to tackle the issue in an en banc session to start at 10 a.m.
"Mag-i-issue kami ng statement today, after the en banc. In deference to Commissioner [Lucenito] Tagle, hintayin natin ang statement (We will issue a statement after the en banc meeting. In deference to Commissioner Lucenito Tagle, who is in charge of the gun ban, we will wait for the statement)," Larrazabal said in an interview on dzBB radio, adding the poll body expects to clarify the issue within the day.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) will consult the Department of Justice (DOJ) on technical issues involving the gun ban for the Oct. 25 elections.
Radio dzBB's Benjie Liwanag Jr. reported Tuesday that the PNP will seek the DOJ's opinion on when the gun ban, which the police enforced last Saturday, is supposed to take effect.
Election lawyer Romulo Macalintal had insisted the ban should have taken effect only on Sept. 27, seven days after it was published in a national newspaper.
The PNP started arresting alleged violators on September 25. Among those the police first accosted was an employee of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.
At least 12 civilians had been arrested for violation of the gun ban since Sept. 25, the dzBB report said.
On the other hand, the PNP insisted it is not doing anything wrong as it merely followed the Commission on Elections' order to start implementing the ban on Sept. 25.
It said it is now up to the DOJ to interpret the pertinent laws. — LBG/RSJ
Kopi Talk Are you indispensable?
Working in the Civil service or any corporate organization nowadays you had to work hard and increase productivity showing the bosses that you are dependable, committed and caring, and that in an emergency, he can count on you.
Bosses don’t like to do the dirty, hard work. They want someone else to do it. And because you demonstrate that you are always available to do it, they will think of you as indispensable to the company when what it means is that you are indispensable to them. Ever notice how in any retrenchment, the CEO does not sack his secretary?
Seriously, the true fact is that nobody is indispensable to the company or country, not even the founder like Steve Jobs who founded Apple Computer was once sacked by the board because they thought he was leading the company down the road to financial perdition. The civil services food chain
But as long as your boss considers you indispensable to him, and he is considered indispensable to his boss, and so it goes on all the way up, everyone in this “indispensable” food chain is unlikely to get retrenched. Another scenario if the whole company collapses because it has run out of money to feed the excessive number of indispensable food chains within well that’s another story.
So, probably by now, a company or any civil services organization is made up of human food chains. Some chains are seen as more valuable to the company; as a result people belonging to it get to eat more, paid more, enjoy more perks, and keep their jobs longer in a recession. Therefore, is wise to know which food chain you belong to AND make yourself indispensable for now
Still think you are having a bad day?
A woman came home to find her husband in the kitchen shaking frantically, almost in a dancing frenzy, with some kind of wire running from his waist towards the electric kettle. Intending to jolt him away from the deadly current, she chopped him with a handy plank of wood, breaking his arm in two places. Up to that moment, he had been happily listening to his Walkman.
Bosses don’t like to do the dirty, hard work. They want someone else to do it. And because you demonstrate that you are always available to do it, they will think of you as indispensable to the company when what it means is that you are indispensable to them. Ever notice how in any retrenchment, the CEO does not sack his secretary?
Seriously, the true fact is that nobody is indispensable to the company or country, not even the founder like Steve Jobs who founded Apple Computer was once sacked by the board because they thought he was leading the company down the road to financial perdition. The civil services food chain
But as long as your boss considers you indispensable to him, and he is considered indispensable to his boss, and so it goes on all the way up, everyone in this “indispensable” food chain is unlikely to get retrenched. Another scenario if the whole company collapses because it has run out of money to feed the excessive number of indispensable food chains within well that’s another story.
So, probably by now, a company or any civil services organization is made up of human food chains. Some chains are seen as more valuable to the company; as a result people belonging to it get to eat more, paid more, enjoy more perks, and keep their jobs longer in a recession. Therefore, is wise to know which food chain you belong to AND make yourself indispensable for now
Still think you are having a bad day?
A woman came home to find her husband in the kitchen shaking frantically, almost in a dancing frenzy, with some kind of wire running from his waist towards the electric kettle. Intending to jolt him away from the deadly current, she chopped him with a handy plank of wood, breaking his arm in two places. Up to that moment, he had been happily listening to his Walkman.
News Update ISAFP: No plot to kill Aquino
MANILA, Philippines - The Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) has debunked rumors of a plot to assassinate President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.
Quoting ISAFP chief Brig. Gen. Romulo Bambao, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta said there is no existing plot to kill the President from all fronts: the communists, secessionists, and even the terrorists.
"I have just been in touch with our intelligence operatives, particularly the intelligence chief and there is no specific report regarding the assassination plot on the President," he said.
A mayor simply quoted out of context Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, he said.
Gazmin supposedly told Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Vicente Emano that the group of former Ozamis City Mayor Reynaldo “Aldong” Parojinog wants Aquino dead.
Parojinog is allegedly the former leader of Kuratong Baleleng, an anti-communist vigilante group that turned into a kidnapping and smuggling syndicate.
He already denied the plot, noting the rumor could have been spread by political rival, Misamis Occidental Rep. Leo de Ocampos.
Nonetheless, ISAFP proceeded to investigate the matter even if such threat had been previously dismissed by the Department of National Defense.
"There is nothing to it…Initial reports tends to support the thesis that there is no plot against the President….As of now, we can go on record that there is nothing to it," Mabanta said.
Even the Presidential Security Group (PSG) does not need to make adjustments, he said.
“The PSG is on alert whatever the situation is, no change,” he added
Quoting ISAFP chief Brig. Gen. Romulo Bambao, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta said there is no existing plot to kill the President from all fronts: the communists, secessionists, and even the terrorists.
"I have just been in touch with our intelligence operatives, particularly the intelligence chief and there is no specific report regarding the assassination plot on the President," he said.
A mayor simply quoted out of context Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, he said.
Gazmin supposedly told Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Vicente Emano that the group of former Ozamis City Mayor Reynaldo “Aldong” Parojinog wants Aquino dead.
Parojinog is allegedly the former leader of Kuratong Baleleng, an anti-communist vigilante group that turned into a kidnapping and smuggling syndicate.
He already denied the plot, noting the rumor could have been spread by political rival, Misamis Occidental Rep. Leo de Ocampos.
Nonetheless, ISAFP proceeded to investigate the matter even if such threat had been previously dismissed by the Department of National Defense.
"There is nothing to it…Initial reports tends to support the thesis that there is no plot against the President….As of now, we can go on record that there is nothing to it," Mabanta said.
Even the Presidential Security Group (PSG) does not need to make adjustments, he said.
“The PSG is on alert whatever the situation is, no change,” he added
News Update Back from US, Aquino says 43K jobs to be created in 3 years
More than 43,000 new jobs will be generated in the Philippines in the next three years, President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III announced early Tuesday upon his arrival from his week-long working visit to the United States.
In his arrival statement made at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) around 3 a.m., the president said he and his delegation secured $2.4 billion in investments, and a grant $434 million by the Millennium Challenge Corporation for social welfare programs.
"It's good to be home," said Aquino. "In the last week during our visit to the United States, we were able to send our message across: the Philippines is open for business."
Aquino, who attended more than 40 meetings with political, business, and civil society leaders during his week-long visit, said several US investors expressed their readiness to invest in the Philippines.
"These meetings covered a wide range of sectors such as power generation, consumer products, business and knowledge process outsourcing, health care, and garments and leather goods," he said.
The president said: "We were able to secure a commitment of at least 43,650 new jobs in the next three years, including some 4,500 in construction related jobs. And because of the multiplier effect, we estimate 200,000 more jobs to benefit our countrymen."
Aquino said US-based power firm AES Corporation will expand the capacity of its Masinloc coal-fired power plant by up to 660 megawatts, with a project cost of $1 billion. He said the construction of the plant, which may last three to four years, will create 1,500 jobs. More jobs will be created for plant operations.
Beverage giant Coca-Cola will also invest $1 billion in the Philippines for the "upgrading and replacement of equipment and creation of new products and processes," Aquino said.
Other companies will invest a collective total of $400 more million, he said. Among the companies he met with were pharmaceutical firm Pfizer, Hewlett-Packard (HP), JPMorgan Chase, General Electric (GE), and several others.
Aquino said he and the prime ministers of Singapore and Malaysia, with whom he separately met in the US, also agreed to expand trade relations with the Philippines.
"Masasabi natin na ang mga pag-uusap na nanganap ay hindi lamang pakitang tao. Malawak at detalyado ang mga naging usapin natin. At nararamdaman ng mga dayuhan ang bagong sigla at kumpyansa na nararamdaman din ng napakaraming Pilipino ngayon," Aquino said.
(We can say that the talks were not just for a show. They were wide-ranging and detailed. The foreigners felt the confidence that is felt by many Filipinos today.)
"Hinihikayat ko ang ating mga kapwa Pilipino na panay pa rin ang batikos, makiisa sana kayo sa ating pagsisikap (I am urging other Filipinos who keep on criticizing [the government] to be one with us in working hard," he added.
Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, who was one of the four Cabinet secretaries who went with Aquino to the US, said in an ambush interview that Aquino disclosed only the "sure" agreements that have already been signed.
He said the Philippine government expects more investments to come based on the enthusiastic response of business leaders in the US, even as he said the jobs that have already been secured were already "definitely more than what we expected."
Almendras added he was surprised by the very response of the business community to Aquino
"More than focusing on numbers, on amounts, I think what's even worth bigger celebration is the sentiment," said Almendras.
"I was telling myself, my God I've seen the president locally and we would see people rush to him, we would see people shake his hand or even in New York you'd see Filipinos go to him," he said. "But when you see even businessmen, investors, senior government officials really go out of their way and seek him out, it's really a testament to the trust factor that is there."
Aquino was accompanied during his US visit by Almendras, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, and Finance Secretary Cesa Purisima. Several of the country's top business leaders comprised the president's business delegation.
Aside from attending various business meetings, Aquino attended the United Nations general assembly where he delivered a speech calling for "global people power" against inequality; and the US-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders meeting.
He also had a seven-minute one-on-one meeting with US President Barack Obama. GMA News' Sandra Aguinaldo reported that among the topics they discussed was the cleanup of Corregidor because of the ammo dump there supposedly dating back from World War II.
Aquino and Obama are set to hold a longer bilateral meeting in the future although no date has been set, Aguinaldo reported.
Upon his arrival at the NAIA, Aquino was welcomed by other members of his Cabinet, including Executive Secretary Paquito "Jojo" Ochoa Jr., Social Welfare Secretary Corazon "Dinky" Soliman, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim, Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson, Education Secretary Armin Luistro, and Presidential Peace Adviser Teresita Deles.
Aquino's working visit to the US was his first official trip abroad as chief executive. — LBG,
In his arrival statement made at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) around 3 a.m., the president said he and his delegation secured $2.4 billion in investments, and a grant $434 million by the Millennium Challenge Corporation for social welfare programs.
"It's good to be home," said Aquino. "In the last week during our visit to the United States, we were able to send our message across: the Philippines is open for business."
Aquino, who attended more than 40 meetings with political, business, and civil society leaders during his week-long visit, said several US investors expressed their readiness to invest in the Philippines.
"These meetings covered a wide range of sectors such as power generation, consumer products, business and knowledge process outsourcing, health care, and garments and leather goods," he said.
The president said: "We were able to secure a commitment of at least 43,650 new jobs in the next three years, including some 4,500 in construction related jobs. And because of the multiplier effect, we estimate 200,000 more jobs to benefit our countrymen."
Aquino said US-based power firm AES Corporation will expand the capacity of its Masinloc coal-fired power plant by up to 660 megawatts, with a project cost of $1 billion. He said the construction of the plant, which may last three to four years, will create 1,500 jobs. More jobs will be created for plant operations.
Beverage giant Coca-Cola will also invest $1 billion in the Philippines for the "upgrading and replacement of equipment and creation of new products and processes," Aquino said.
Other companies will invest a collective total of $400 more million, he said. Among the companies he met with were pharmaceutical firm Pfizer, Hewlett-Packard (HP), JPMorgan Chase, General Electric (GE), and several others.
Aquino said he and the prime ministers of Singapore and Malaysia, with whom he separately met in the US, also agreed to expand trade relations with the Philippines.
"Masasabi natin na ang mga pag-uusap na nanganap ay hindi lamang pakitang tao. Malawak at detalyado ang mga naging usapin natin. At nararamdaman ng mga dayuhan ang bagong sigla at kumpyansa na nararamdaman din ng napakaraming Pilipino ngayon," Aquino said.
(We can say that the talks were not just for a show. They were wide-ranging and detailed. The foreigners felt the confidence that is felt by many Filipinos today.)
"Hinihikayat ko ang ating mga kapwa Pilipino na panay pa rin ang batikos, makiisa sana kayo sa ating pagsisikap (I am urging other Filipinos who keep on criticizing [the government] to be one with us in working hard," he added.
Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, who was one of the four Cabinet secretaries who went with Aquino to the US, said in an ambush interview that Aquino disclosed only the "sure" agreements that have already been signed.
He said the Philippine government expects more investments to come based on the enthusiastic response of business leaders in the US, even as he said the jobs that have already been secured were already "definitely more than what we expected."
Almendras added he was surprised by the very response of the business community to Aquino
"More than focusing on numbers, on amounts, I think what's even worth bigger celebration is the sentiment," said Almendras.
"I was telling myself, my God I've seen the president locally and we would see people rush to him, we would see people shake his hand or even in New York you'd see Filipinos go to him," he said. "But when you see even businessmen, investors, senior government officials really go out of their way and seek him out, it's really a testament to the trust factor that is there."
Aquino was accompanied during his US visit by Almendras, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, and Finance Secretary Cesa Purisima. Several of the country's top business leaders comprised the president's business delegation.
Aside from attending various business meetings, Aquino attended the United Nations general assembly where he delivered a speech calling for "global people power" against inequality; and the US-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders meeting.
He also had a seven-minute one-on-one meeting with US President Barack Obama. GMA News' Sandra Aguinaldo reported that among the topics they discussed was the cleanup of Corregidor because of the ammo dump there supposedly dating back from World War II.
Aquino and Obama are set to hold a longer bilateral meeting in the future although no date has been set, Aguinaldo reported.
Upon his arrival at the NAIA, Aquino was welcomed by other members of his Cabinet, including Executive Secretary Paquito "Jojo" Ochoa Jr., Social Welfare Secretary Corazon "Dinky" Soliman, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim, Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson, Education Secretary Armin Luistro, and Presidential Peace Adviser Teresita Deles.
Aquino's working visit to the US was his first official trip abroad as chief executive. — LBG,
Kopi Talk Not a Mafia
MANILA, Philippines - (Editor'snote: A young prosecutor in New York was elected governor three times and almost became president for his successful prosecution of the Mafia as noted by the author.) Jueteng, added to hostage-taking, has exhausted and exasperated at least the following agencies:
1) DoJ as the government's prosecution arm dependent on hundreds of prosecutors from Batanes islands to Sulu Archipelago, 2) DILG, 3) PNP, 4) LGU officials linked to jueteng, 6) Senate/House probers, and 7) many more, including religious leaders facing persona-non-grata citation. Subject to review The hostage-taking incident on August 23 has been thoroughly investigated but subject to review by the Palace legal staff that called the report "recommendatory lang." The probers cannot invite the Palace boys/girls who may want to get even a thin "slice of the pie." Two topics on prime time One extremely annoyed café critic has expressed sarcasm, not praise, of the two subjects of an open probe.
His comment: Primetime TV news anchors may not know it - that one and one-half hour is devoted to news items on two topics only and the quick commercials sharing 50-50 and nothing more worth the kuryente. Unsubstantiated In New York, with top RP businessmen, Tonyboy Cojuangco called the statements on jueteng "unsubstantiated and not worth" the full and prior attention of most of us, that he met Bishop Cruz and asked him to present solid evidence of his charges, most of us remember as a yearly game in the Senate. What's decorum Was the bishop's public and open reference to Cojuango's reported girl friend a proper part of decorum?Most of us take this as a major casus belli verging on malice. TV viewers last Friday watched Tonyboy explaining what is a substantiated and proper charge.
Gabby Lopez put his arm on Tonyboy's shoulder without saying a word, after presenting his side with caution. Some fairy tales Ten unsubstantiated charges plus 12 of the same tales may result in 22 fairy tales. Year after year in the last five years, the same faces and charges have reached the attention of the Senate, House, Palace, DoJ, and the courts. If the expected recommendations on the subject were ever written, submitted, and proper sanctions imposed, not one of the 94 M of us could readily affirm. But most of us are not prepared to say the charges openly presented in the Senate were completely untrue. The long test The acid test is: Who, among the hundreds of prosecutors and thousands of members of the PNP vice squads nationwide would dare or bother to file the proper charges against the leading personalities involved in illegal gambling? It's giving the whole nation the impression that all the law enforcers combined, the Palace, Congress, and the courts lack the power and courage to defeat the shadowy gambling lords, their protectors, promoters and financiers. We are not fighting the New York and Chicago branches of the US Mafia, but promdi jueteng promoters fully known to the country, including their protectors who live in style as governors, etc. Young prosecutor In New York in the 1930s, the Mafia criminal syndicate known as Murder, Inc., seemed unbeatable. Democratic Gov. Herbert H. Lehman appointed a young special prosecutor to root out racketeering. Thomas Edmund Dewey, all of 33 and concededly Republican, won national fame for his successful prosecution of mafiosos and their capos led by Charles "Lucky" Luciano (Salvatore Luciana), called "chairman of the board". Luciano ran a $12-million-a-year prostitution ring and monopolized the business in New York, employing 2,000 women in a total of 200 "houses."
He lived in luxury at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel (where Noynoy and Hillary Clinton signed the $434-M grant to RP last Friday). He dipped into the narcotics racket and loan sharking. 120 witnesses Dewey's team paraded before the jury 120 women, former "employees," who testified against Luciano, forcing the state to pay them $36,000 for their helpful deposition. Eight co-defendants were sentenced to 25 years in prison and Luciano was meted out a life term. Reward Prosecutor Tom Dewey was elected NY governor in 1942, 1946, and 1950. He won the Republican nomination for president in 1944 but was defeated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. In 1948 he was again his party's standard-bearer, but the wide lead given him by opinion polls led to fatal self-confidence and defeat by President Harry S. Truman.
(Comments are welcome at roming@pefianco.com).
1) DoJ as the government's prosecution arm dependent on hundreds of prosecutors from Batanes islands to Sulu Archipelago, 2) DILG, 3) PNP, 4) LGU officials linked to jueteng, 6) Senate/House probers, and 7) many more, including religious leaders facing persona-non-grata citation. Subject to review The hostage-taking incident on August 23 has been thoroughly investigated but subject to review by the Palace legal staff that called the report "recommendatory lang." The probers cannot invite the Palace boys/girls who may want to get even a thin "slice of the pie." Two topics on prime time One extremely annoyed café critic has expressed sarcasm, not praise, of the two subjects of an open probe.
His comment: Primetime TV news anchors may not know it - that one and one-half hour is devoted to news items on two topics only and the quick commercials sharing 50-50 and nothing more worth the kuryente. Unsubstantiated In New York, with top RP businessmen, Tonyboy Cojuangco called the statements on jueteng "unsubstantiated and not worth" the full and prior attention of most of us, that he met Bishop Cruz and asked him to present solid evidence of his charges, most of us remember as a yearly game in the Senate. What's decorum Was the bishop's public and open reference to Cojuango's reported girl friend a proper part of decorum?Most of us take this as a major casus belli verging on malice. TV viewers last Friday watched Tonyboy explaining what is a substantiated and proper charge.
Gabby Lopez put his arm on Tonyboy's shoulder without saying a word, after presenting his side with caution. Some fairy tales Ten unsubstantiated charges plus 12 of the same tales may result in 22 fairy tales. Year after year in the last five years, the same faces and charges have reached the attention of the Senate, House, Palace, DoJ, and the courts. If the expected recommendations on the subject were ever written, submitted, and proper sanctions imposed, not one of the 94 M of us could readily affirm. But most of us are not prepared to say the charges openly presented in the Senate were completely untrue. The long test The acid test is: Who, among the hundreds of prosecutors and thousands of members of the PNP vice squads nationwide would dare or bother to file the proper charges against the leading personalities involved in illegal gambling? It's giving the whole nation the impression that all the law enforcers combined, the Palace, Congress, and the courts lack the power and courage to defeat the shadowy gambling lords, their protectors, promoters and financiers. We are not fighting the New York and Chicago branches of the US Mafia, but promdi jueteng promoters fully known to the country, including their protectors who live in style as governors, etc. Young prosecutor In New York in the 1930s, the Mafia criminal syndicate known as Murder, Inc., seemed unbeatable. Democratic Gov. Herbert H. Lehman appointed a young special prosecutor to root out racketeering. Thomas Edmund Dewey, all of 33 and concededly Republican, won national fame for his successful prosecution of mafiosos and their capos led by Charles "Lucky" Luciano (Salvatore Luciana), called "chairman of the board". Luciano ran a $12-million-a-year prostitution ring and monopolized the business in New York, employing 2,000 women in a total of 200 "houses."
He lived in luxury at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel (where Noynoy and Hillary Clinton signed the $434-M grant to RP last Friday). He dipped into the narcotics racket and loan sharking. 120 witnesses Dewey's team paraded before the jury 120 women, former "employees," who testified against Luciano, forcing the state to pay them $36,000 for their helpful deposition. Eight co-defendants were sentenced to 25 years in prison and Luciano was meted out a life term. Reward Prosecutor Tom Dewey was elected NY governor in 1942, 1946, and 1950. He won the Republican nomination for president in 1944 but was defeated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. In 1948 he was again his party's standard-bearer, but the wide lead given him by opinion polls led to fatal self-confidence and defeat by President Harry S. Truman.
(Comments are welcome at roming@pefianco.com).
News Update Tap Asia's talent pool
Making a pitch for Asia, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong said the recent global economic crisis was a transformative movement for Asia -- PHOTO: ST/STEVEN LEE CT
ASIA is not just a key market for quality products and services, it is also emerging as a talent pool for higher-value operations, said Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong.
Making a pitch for Asia, Mr Goh said the recent global economic crisis was a transformative movement for Asia, which is growing into a major global economic engine.
Fuelled by rapidly expanding domestic markets, Asia is fast producing its share of corporate titans. For businesses, the global middle class is expected to explode from some 1.8 billion today to five billion by 2030, with over 80 per cent of the growth coming from Asia.
'It is conventional wisdom that we need to tap on this growing market,' said SM Goh at the 5th Russia-Singapore Business Forum on Monday afternoon.
He said two main trends will underpin Asia's development: A surge in its middle class and rapid urbanisation, which will ll drive demand for better quality products and services.
SM Goh added that businesses should also consider setting up higher-value operations in Asia due to the growing concentration of talent here.
'It is also not just about accessing talent. HQ and knowledge-driven functions sited here will build an in-depth understanding of the region as a large and fast-growing consumer market in its own right,' he told the forum.
' Otherwise, it will be difficult for decision-makers to develop the instincts and local knowledge critical to making good strategic and operational decisions. Whether it is product development, marketing, distribution or cost structures, companies will need to tailor them to local conditions.'
Singapore, said SM Goh, is a good springboard for Russian companies making their foray into Asia.
News Update DepEd Eyes Textbook-Free Education
MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Education (DepEd) is looking forward to a textbook-free education. But the cost will be high but nonetheless this represents a substantial reform as the Philippines moves into a more information technology (IT)-based education mode, DepEd officials said. In a hearing by a Senate finance sub-committee chaired by Sen. Edgardo J. Angara, DepEd Secretary Armin F. Luistro said he recently met with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) officials on this issue where they (USAID officials) agreed to finance a study on a possible textbook-free Philippine education setting.
Luistro said DepEd Undersecretary Francis Varela would sit down with the UISAID to map out strategies in implementing the textbook-free education system. He hinted that this system might begin in the next two years as the DepEd budget has a substantial IT budget. Before Luisto revealed the DepEd-USAID meeting on a textbook-free education, Angara mentioned a possible shift from textbooks to a computer-based education after DepEd officials told Angara that their textbook budget for next year is P3.65 billion. "It is not too early to study such technology," Angara, a former University of the Philippines (UP) president, told Luistro. Angara pushed for this radical shift in education as the cost of computers in the international market is decreasing with price tags ranging from $100 per computer in the US to $37 per computer in India. The former Senate president said that the modernization of Philippine education requires a powerful political will as it takes time to repair the damaged or deteriorating education standards and facilities. He rued that the country is losing its bright students to call centers and other professions because of perceptions that teaching is no longer a dignified profession. He bitterly conceded complaints by teachers that their profession has become "a vow of poverty." The current DepEd budget of P170.74 billion has been increased to P207.05 billion for 2011 or an increase of 18 percent.
The Constitution states that the budget for education should get the lion's share among the various departments in government. The proposed 2011 DepEd budget summary stated that the Ulat ng Bayan survey conducted in Feb. 2009 labeled DepEd as "the least corrupt government agency," the highest public approval rating. As of December 2009 5,296 out of the 6,650 high schools are already provided with computer laboratories. The DepEd has also started its goal of promoting ICT in the elementary level with 2,534 elementary schools are targeted to be given multi-media equipment. "Moreover, curriculum enhancement through ICT is being highly promoted by the department to give students a good place in the world of technology, in partnership with different stakeholders from the private sector and non-government organizations," the summary stated.
Luistro said DepEd Undersecretary Francis Varela would sit down with the UISAID to map out strategies in implementing the textbook-free education system. He hinted that this system might begin in the next two years as the DepEd budget has a substantial IT budget. Before Luisto revealed the DepEd-USAID meeting on a textbook-free education, Angara mentioned a possible shift from textbooks to a computer-based education after DepEd officials told Angara that their textbook budget for next year is P3.65 billion. "It is not too early to study such technology," Angara, a former University of the Philippines (UP) president, told Luistro. Angara pushed for this radical shift in education as the cost of computers in the international market is decreasing with price tags ranging from $100 per computer in the US to $37 per computer in India. The former Senate president said that the modernization of Philippine education requires a powerful political will as it takes time to repair the damaged or deteriorating education standards and facilities. He rued that the country is losing its bright students to call centers and other professions because of perceptions that teaching is no longer a dignified profession. He bitterly conceded complaints by teachers that their profession has become "a vow of poverty." The current DepEd budget of P170.74 billion has been increased to P207.05 billion for 2011 or an increase of 18 percent.
The Constitution states that the budget for education should get the lion's share among the various departments in government. The proposed 2011 DepEd budget summary stated that the Ulat ng Bayan survey conducted in Feb. 2009 labeled DepEd as "the least corrupt government agency," the highest public approval rating. As of December 2009 5,296 out of the 6,650 high schools are already provided with computer laboratories. The DepEd has also started its goal of promoting ICT in the elementary level with 2,534 elementary schools are targeted to be given multi-media equipment. "Moreover, curriculum enhancement through ICT is being highly promoted by the department to give students a good place in the world of technology, in partnership with different stakeholders from the private sector and non-government organizations," the summary stated.
News Update Tawi-Tawi Governor Vows to Further Boost Economy
BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi - As the three-day celebration of Tawi-Tawi's 37th founding anniversary wraps up Monday, Gov. Sadikul Sahali has renewed his vow and assured the people and officials of the 11 towns regarding his commitment to continue his program of government aimed at improving further the economy of the province. During the culmination of the festivities, Sahali spelled out his vision and direction of government to all those who shared their time, particularly the national, provincial, and local officials, including the police and military. "I want to make it sure that I would be able to leave a legacy to the people of the province when I vow out of service as your governor in 2013," Sahali told the crowd. He emphasized that in the next three years, his government will continue to concentrate in the improvement and development of the education system in the province coupled with the needed socio and economic development, including the promotion of the tourism industry here. Sahali also underscored the importance of the soon-to-be completed P100 million Sanga-Sanga/Lapit/Lapid Bridge which is expected to greatly contribute to the trade and commerce in the entire province of Tawi-Tawi.
With the completion of the bridge, Sahali said that farmers from the various areas of mainland Tawi-Tawi could easily transport their produce to this town - the center of trade and commerce in the province. As this developed, the Tawi-Tawi governor also called on the people here to unite and continue to be united for the betterment and improvement of the entire province. He explained that without unity, his government could hardly achieve the needed socio-economic development of the province. "I call on each and every one of you, to help one another and be united for the betterment and development of our province - the only one we have in our country," Sahali said. As a response to the call, town officials stood up and embraced each another as they vowed to help Sahali in his vision for the development of Tawi-Tawi.
With the completion of the bridge, Sahali said that farmers from the various areas of mainland Tawi-Tawi could easily transport their produce to this town - the center of trade and commerce in the province. As this developed, the Tawi-Tawi governor also called on the people here to unite and continue to be united for the betterment and improvement of the entire province. He explained that without unity, his government could hardly achieve the needed socio-economic development of the province. "I call on each and every one of you, to help one another and be united for the betterment and development of our province - the only one we have in our country," Sahali said. As a response to the call, town officials stood up and embraced each another as they vowed to help Sahali in his vision for the development of Tawi-Tawi.
News Update Maguindanao Nurse Gains ARMM Backing
COTABATO CITY - Officials and other aggrieved sectors in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Monday took turns in condemning a reported gang-rape involving a 21-year-old nurse serving a village in South Upi, Maguindanao, even as they urged authorities to bring to the bar of justice the 14 suspects detained Saturday. "We condemn in strongest term what happened as I have ordered concerned agencies to speed up the corresponding investigation and prosecution processes to give justice to the victim and her family," ARMM acting Gov. Ansaruddin Alonto-Adiong told newsmen upon learning about the incident. Dr. Kadil "Jojo" Sinolinding Jr.,
ARMM regional health secretary, aired similar condemnation and assured that his agency will take care of the medical and other immediate needs of the victim, who is currently confined at a government hospital here under tight policy security. Maguindanao Integrated Health Office Chief Dr. Tahir Sulaik said his office and local chapters of the Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) alongside cause-oriented groups have set a rally here Tuesday, to protest the fate the nurse-trainee in the hands of suspected rapists believed to be "intoxicated or high in drugs." The victim, a recipient of the Department of Labor and Employment-funded Nurses Assistance for Rural Services project, belongs to the third batch of the NARS program in Maguindanao where a recipient-trainee gets an P8,000 monthly stipend, said Sulaik.
ARMM regional health secretary, aired similar condemnation and assured that his agency will take care of the medical and other immediate needs of the victim, who is currently confined at a government hospital here under tight policy security. Maguindanao Integrated Health Office Chief Dr. Tahir Sulaik said his office and local chapters of the Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) alongside cause-oriented groups have set a rally here Tuesday, to protest the fate the nurse-trainee in the hands of suspected rapists believed to be "intoxicated or high in drugs." The victim, a recipient of the Department of Labor and Employment-funded Nurses Assistance for Rural Services project, belongs to the third batch of the NARS program in Maguindanao where a recipient-trainee gets an P8,000 monthly stipend, said Sulaik.
News Update Suspects in Tsinoy couple's slay nabbed
MANILA, Philippines - Four suspects in what was believed to have been the kidnapping of a wealthy Isabela-based Filipino-Chinese couple were apprehended by authorities nearly three weeks after the couple’s reported disappearance.
This, after one of the suspects, identified as Eduardo Sapipi, who claimed to have been bothered by his conscience, surfaced and admitted being part of the murder of businessman Lucio Pua, 42; and his wife Rosemarie, 40; and their business partner Gemma Eugenio.
The Puas were rice and palay traders, with Eugenio acting as their agent.
All were residents of Isabela’s Alicia town.
Reports said they were last seen alive on the late afternoon of Sept. 6, or after they went to collect some P1.3 million for the thousands of sacks of rice and palay delivered a week earlier to one Jaylord Dimal, reportedly also a palay buyer in Barangay Ipil in neighboring Echague town.
“Mr. Dimal, through the aid of a (lawyer) surrendered to (Cagayan Valley police director) Chief Superintendent Francisco Villaroman,” said Senior Superintendent Jimmy Ri-vera, Isabela police director.
Dimal, police said, denied any involvement in the case as claimed in the reported extrajudicial confession of Sapipi with the aid of a public attorney.
Police said such a breakthrough in the case had been the result of almost three weeks of surveillance and investigative works by elements from the Isabela and regional police offices and other units.
Sapipi’s turning himself over to authorities was followed by the surrenders of one Allan Castillo alias Gerald and a certain Ernesto Villador, all alleged laborers and identified with Dimal.
Sapipi accused Dimal of being the mastermind behind the killing. In his confession, he claimed he and Castillo had heard gunshots from Dimal’s kitchen, then afterwards, Dimal called them inside and there, according to him, saw the already dead Puas and their companion.
According to Sapipi, Dimal then allegedly ordered them to bring out the bodies, and then Castillo reportedly cut up the victims’ bodies with a knife.
Sapipi also admitted being the one Dimal allegedly told to bring the Puas’ Honda CRV to Santiago City and leave it at the back of the De Vera’s Hospital, adding that he had likewise been ordered to accompany one Michael Miranda in looking for drums to contain the remains.
P10-million debt
He said he and Miranda later threw the two drums containing the victims’ remains into a creek in Sinsayon village around midnight of Sept. 6.
Reports indicated that Sapipi then disappeared for a week with Dimal allegedly giving him some P21,500 pocket money.
According to police, Dimal, who surrendered, accompanied by his father Carlos and a lawyer, admitted to Villaroman that he planned the kidnapping and killing of the three victims over his P10 million debt to them.
Police said the three victims were kidnapped by several suspects at about 10:26 p.m. on Sept. 6 while on their way home. Several hours later, their dismembered bodies were found in different areas in Isabela and Quirino provinces.
According to police, after they were abducted, relatives of the victims received phone calls from the alleged suspects asking for a P10-million ransom. The victims’ relatives informed the Chinese embassy who then sought police assistance.
During the investigation of the case, Sapipi, one of those who snatched the victims surrendered to police and offered to turn witness. – With Cecille Suerte Felipe - By Charlie Lagasca and Mike Frialde
This, after one of the suspects, identified as Eduardo Sapipi, who claimed to have been bothered by his conscience, surfaced and admitted being part of the murder of businessman Lucio Pua, 42; and his wife Rosemarie, 40; and their business partner Gemma Eugenio.
The Puas were rice and palay traders, with Eugenio acting as their agent.
All were residents of Isabela’s Alicia town.
Reports said they were last seen alive on the late afternoon of Sept. 6, or after they went to collect some P1.3 million for the thousands of sacks of rice and palay delivered a week earlier to one Jaylord Dimal, reportedly also a palay buyer in Barangay Ipil in neighboring Echague town.
“Mr. Dimal, through the aid of a (lawyer) surrendered to (Cagayan Valley police director) Chief Superintendent Francisco Villaroman,” said Senior Superintendent Jimmy Ri-vera, Isabela police director.
Dimal, police said, denied any involvement in the case as claimed in the reported extrajudicial confession of Sapipi with the aid of a public attorney.
Police said such a breakthrough in the case had been the result of almost three weeks of surveillance and investigative works by elements from the Isabela and regional police offices and other units.
Sapipi’s turning himself over to authorities was followed by the surrenders of one Allan Castillo alias Gerald and a certain Ernesto Villador, all alleged laborers and identified with Dimal.
Sapipi accused Dimal of being the mastermind behind the killing. In his confession, he claimed he and Castillo had heard gunshots from Dimal’s kitchen, then afterwards, Dimal called them inside and there, according to him, saw the already dead Puas and their companion.
According to Sapipi, Dimal then allegedly ordered them to bring out the bodies, and then Castillo reportedly cut up the victims’ bodies with a knife.
Sapipi also admitted being the one Dimal allegedly told to bring the Puas’ Honda CRV to Santiago City and leave it at the back of the De Vera’s Hospital, adding that he had likewise been ordered to accompany one Michael Miranda in looking for drums to contain the remains.
P10-million debt
He said he and Miranda later threw the two drums containing the victims’ remains into a creek in Sinsayon village around midnight of Sept. 6.
Reports indicated that Sapipi then disappeared for a week with Dimal allegedly giving him some P21,500 pocket money.
According to police, Dimal, who surrendered, accompanied by his father Carlos and a lawyer, admitted to Villaroman that he planned the kidnapping and killing of the three victims over his P10 million debt to them.
Police said the three victims were kidnapped by several suspects at about 10:26 p.m. on Sept. 6 while on their way home. Several hours later, their dismembered bodies were found in different areas in Isabela and Quirino provinces.
According to police, after they were abducted, relatives of the victims received phone calls from the alleged suspects asking for a P10-million ransom. The victims’ relatives informed the Chinese embassy who then sought police assistance.
During the investigation of the case, Sapipi, one of those who snatched the victims surrendered to police and offered to turn witness. – With Cecille Suerte Felipe - By Charlie Lagasca and Mike Frialde
News Update S'porean nabbed for drugs
ST PHOTO: WANG HUI FEN
TOKYO - JAPANESE police have arrested a Singapore man after finding about four kg of illegal drugs hidden inside his wheelchair as he arrived at a Tokyo airport, reports said on Monday.
The unidentified 47-year-old man flew into Narita international airport near Tokyo on Sept 5 on a Cathay Pacific flight from Hong Kong via Taipei, the Kyodo and Jiji Press news agencies reported.
Four bags containing unidentified stimulants worth 360 million yen (S$5.7 million) were found inside the seat cushion of his wheelchair, the reports said, adding that prosecutors had since indicted the man.
A Japanese customs source was quoted by Kyodo as saying that the case was 'quite unconscionable because the suspect probably tried to take advantage of inspectors' attitude toward the disabled'.
It was not immediately clear if the man was genuinely disabled or had used the wheelchair as a ruse. -- AFP.
Kopi Talk Anomalous bids
Eight officials of the National Printing Office have been ordered dismissed by the Office of the Ombudsman. The eight were all members of the NPO’s bids and awards committee, and were dismissed over what the Ombudsman deemed as irregularities in the bidding to subcontract government printing deals in September 2008.
The dismissal of the NPO officials came on the heels of the suspension of members of another bidding committee, this time of the Commission on Elections, for the award of a multimillion-peso contract to supply ballot secrecy folders for use in the general elections in May. The award of the contract was cancelled by Comelec Chairman Jose Melo, who considered the folders overpriced and unnecessary.
Complaints from losing bidders usually lead to the cancellation of anomalous deals and the initiation of administrative and criminal proceedings. Seeing those engaged in irregular deals penalized can discourage similar practices. But a better deterrent is the streamlining of bidding and award procedures in all government agencies, in compliance with requirements in government procurement laws.
Complicated rules and requirements open doors for corruption. Steps in bidding and procurement have been drastically cut in previous years in certain government agencies such as the Department of National Defense, while at the same time promoting transparency and accountability in the bidding process. Those examples can be applied in other agencies. Unless there is a serious emergency, negotiated contracts must be avoided. Negotiated deals are quicker to finalize and implement, but in this country, they are magnets for corruption.
Many deals that are cancelled due to anomalies in bidding are for goods or services that are truly needed by the public. The cancellations delay the delivery of those goods and services. This should provide more impetus for the government to streamline procurement rules and procedures, starting with the bidding process.
The dismissal of the NPO officials came on the heels of the suspension of members of another bidding committee, this time of the Commission on Elections, for the award of a multimillion-peso contract to supply ballot secrecy folders for use in the general elections in May. The award of the contract was cancelled by Comelec Chairman Jose Melo, who considered the folders overpriced and unnecessary.
Complaints from losing bidders usually lead to the cancellation of anomalous deals and the initiation of administrative and criminal proceedings. Seeing those engaged in irregular deals penalized can discourage similar practices. But a better deterrent is the streamlining of bidding and award procedures in all government agencies, in compliance with requirements in government procurement laws.
Complicated rules and requirements open doors for corruption. Steps in bidding and procurement have been drastically cut in previous years in certain government agencies such as the Department of National Defense, while at the same time promoting transparency and accountability in the bidding process. Those examples can be applied in other agencies. Unless there is a serious emergency, negotiated contracts must be avoided. Negotiated deals are quicker to finalize and implement, but in this country, they are magnets for corruption.
Many deals that are cancelled due to anomalies in bidding are for goods or services that are truly needed by the public. The cancellations delay the delivery of those goods and services. This should provide more impetus for the government to streamline procurement rules and procedures, starting with the bidding process.
Monday, September 27, 2010
News Update Miriam claims receiving death threats over jueteng expose
Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago on Monday claimed that she has been receiving "implied" death threats after she identified several personalities as being jueteng lords and operators.
In a statement released on Monday, Santiago said she has been receiving the threats by phone at her office in Quezon City. Santiago is on leave due to health reasons and has instructed that all her calls be referred to her QC office.
She said "unidentified voices" told her to "take it easy on the operators and the Philippine National Police (PNP);" "present witnesses or shut up;" and that "she should resign or else."
She said the calls were received by her executive assistant Sandy Schala and her administrative head Matilde Fuentes and were then relayed to her.
Santiago, however, just dismissed the supposed threats. "Please post all death threats on my Facebook wall," she said.
In a privilege speech last week, Santiago alleged that the heads of the PNP and Department of Interior and Local Government have annually been receiving P300 million in jueteng payoffs.
She likewise identified local officials and other suspected gambling lords to be the main jueteng operators in five regions in the Philippines.
Senator Edgardo Angara, for his part, asked Santiago to name nationally elected officials who are possibly coddling jueteng lords.
Nothing new
Death threats are nothing new to Santiago, the feisty senator from Iloilo.
As Immigration commissioner during the time of the late President Corazon Aquino, Santiago once said that she "eat(s) death threats for breakfast."
At the time, Santiago was going after illegal aliens in the country.
Aside from Santiago, other jueteng whistleblowers have also expressed fears for their lives: retired Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz and Sandra Cam.
In late February this year, jueteng witness Wilfredo "Boy" Mayor was killed in an ambush in Pasay City.
During the Senate hearings in 2005, Mayor had testified that then First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo and several government officials received money from jueteng, a popular but illegal numbers game. The First Gentleman has denied the allegation. — RSJ
In a statement released on Monday, Santiago said she has been receiving the threats by phone at her office in Quezon City. Santiago is on leave due to health reasons and has instructed that all her calls be referred to her QC office.
She said "unidentified voices" told her to "take it easy on the operators and the Philippine National Police (PNP);" "present witnesses or shut up;" and that "she should resign or else."
She said the calls were received by her executive assistant Sandy Schala and her administrative head Matilde Fuentes and were then relayed to her.
Santiago, however, just dismissed the supposed threats. "Please post all death threats on my Facebook wall," she said.
In a privilege speech last week, Santiago alleged that the heads of the PNP and Department of Interior and Local Government have annually been receiving P300 million in jueteng payoffs.
She likewise identified local officials and other suspected gambling lords to be the main jueteng operators in five regions in the Philippines.
Senator Edgardo Angara, for his part, asked Santiago to name nationally elected officials who are possibly coddling jueteng lords.
Nothing new
Death threats are nothing new to Santiago, the feisty senator from Iloilo.
As Immigration commissioner during the time of the late President Corazon Aquino, Santiago once said that she "eat(s) death threats for breakfast."
At the time, Santiago was going after illegal aliens in the country.
Aside from Santiago, other jueteng whistleblowers have also expressed fears for their lives: retired Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz and Sandra Cam.
In late February this year, jueteng witness Wilfredo "Boy" Mayor was killed in an ambush in Pasay City.
During the Senate hearings in 2005, Mayor had testified that then First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo and several government officials received money from jueteng, a popular but illegal numbers game. The First Gentleman has denied the allegation. — RSJ
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