Five Filipinos may be executed in China this month over drug-related offenses, a party-list lawmaker said on Wednesday citing information from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
The five — four women and a man — had been recently sentenced with death penalty without reprieve, according to Akbayan Rep. Walden Bello at a press briefing.
He said he got the information from DFA undersecretary for migrant workers Esteban Conejos during the hearing of the House committee on overseas Filipino workers affairs, which he chairs.
Conejos did not provide the names of the accused but said they were used as drug mules by international drug syndicates. He said two of the five cases have already been brought before the higher court of Beijing.
Bello refused to give details of the execution, which he said could happen in two to three weeks, saying he does not want to alarm people.
The DFA, in a statement issued on the same day, said majority of the 302 Filipinos facing drug-related cases in Asia are in China (205 cases), followed by Hong Kong (26) and Malaysia (17). It said 221 of these cases involve women.
It noted that most of the Filipinos caught were lured to act as “drug mules" by international drug syndicates.
In China, drug trafficking of 50 grams or more of illegal drugs is punishable by 15 years in prison, life imprisonment or death. In Muslim countries, drug trafficking is punishable by death, according to Shariah law.
A Filipino lawmaker, Ilocos Sur Rep. Ronald Singson, is currently detained in Hong Kong after he was arrested at an airport there for allegedly carrying cocaine and prescription drug Valium.
In an interview, AGHAM party-list Rep. Angelo Palmones said the government might save the Filipinos through the documents that will be presented by the DFA about the members of the syndicate behind the illegal drug operations in China.
He said two members of the drug syndicate were arrested in the country.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs is in a hurry to save the lives of these five Filipinos by presenting documents proving that they are just victims. The two arrested suspected members of the international drug syndicates will be presented there," said Palmones.
The DFA, for its part, reiterated its warning to Filipinos traveling overseas against possession or trafficking of illegal drugs.
“We warn our countrymen from carrying drugs when traveling overseas and especially not to accept packages, which they suspect contain drugs, and also to be wary of the modus operandi being used by drug-trafficking syndicates. If they are caught, they will face very dire circumstances," Conejos said.
Among the drug-related cases in China, five have been meted the death penalty without reprieve, and 70 with death penalty with two-year reprieve. There are 35 cases given life imprisonment sentences, 68 with fixed-term imprisonment, and 27 pending cases. - with Jerrie Abella/KBK
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
News Update Singapore 2 charged with corruption
Beh Soo Hong -- ST PHOTO: WONG KWAI CHOW
A MAN was charged in court on Wednesday with corruptly getting an $18,000 bribe from a subcontractor for himself and another in relation to an upgrading project at Changi Airport.
Beh Soo Hong, 43, was a mechanical and electrical coordinator of Takenaka Corporation when he and Mohamad Najib Solihin allegedly obtained the bribe from Mr Raymond Loh Ton Yong at a carpark of Changi Airport in 2008.
Mr Loh was a director of Air System Technology, then the subcontractor undertaking the air-conditioner installation work for the upgrading project at Terminal 1.
The bribe was said to have been given in return for Najib to approve AST's application for a 'permit-to-work' and not to find fault with the upgrading works being undertaken by the company.
Najib, 45, then a technical officer with Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, has since been jailed for six months and ordered to pay a penalty of the total amount of bribes he received.
In another case, Takenaka's former senior foreman Heng Yan Kang, 44, was accused of abetting Najib to corruptly get a $3,700 watch from Mr Pour Beng Quey, a director of Hsuen Chow, in return for approving the subcontractor's application for a 'permit-to-work' without delay and refraining from finding fault with the company's upgrading work at Terminal 1.
The two men's cases will be mentioned in a week's time.
If convicted, they can be fined up to $100,000 and/or jailed for up to five years for corruption.
News Update Hostage crisis affecting police morale, PNP chief admits
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Jesus Verzosa admitted that criticisms from around the world against the bloody outcome of the August 23 hostage-taking incident in Manila are affecting the morale of the entire police force. “’Yun rin ang isang concern ko as chief of the PNP. I have to see the morale, to look at them, to talk to them. Para hindi naman maapektuhan ‘yung ating normal police functions," a seemingly gloomy Verzosa told reporters on Wednesday.
(That's one of my concerns as the chief of the PNP. I have to see the morale, to look at them, to talk to them so that our normal police functions are not affected.)
On August 23, dismissed Police Senior Inspector Rolando Mendoza, hijacked a bus carrying 21 Hong Kong tourists and four Filipinos. After an 11-hour hostage drama, nine people died— the hostage-taker and eight Hong Kong tourists.
The bloody conclusion of the hostage crisis, which has angered many Chinese nationals, has been blamed on the police for their alleged poor handling of the incident. The police chief said that up to now, he still feels very sad about the “unfortunate" outcome of the hostage crisis.
“Syempre iisipin natin dahil (sa) impact nung pangyayari sa bansa at sa lahat ng government institutions," he said.
(Of course we have to think about the impact of the incident on the country and all the government institutions.) Despite the low morale of the police force, Verzosa assured that this would not hamper the normal operations of the PNP, especially during the holiday season. “Kinausap na namin ‘yung iba’t ibang units para tuloy-tuloy pa rin at di ma-hamper ‘yung ating public services," he said.
(We have already spoken with different units to make sure that our public services are not hampered.) He added that he has ordered the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) to increase its visibility in malls and other crime-prone areas during the so-called “ber" months— from September to December. –VVP
(That's one of my concerns as the chief of the PNP. I have to see the morale, to look at them, to talk to them so that our normal police functions are not affected.)
On August 23, dismissed Police Senior Inspector Rolando Mendoza, hijacked a bus carrying 21 Hong Kong tourists and four Filipinos. After an 11-hour hostage drama, nine people died— the hostage-taker and eight Hong Kong tourists.
The bloody conclusion of the hostage crisis, which has angered many Chinese nationals, has been blamed on the police for their alleged poor handling of the incident. The police chief said that up to now, he still feels very sad about the “unfortunate" outcome of the hostage crisis.
“Syempre iisipin natin dahil (sa) impact nung pangyayari sa bansa at sa lahat ng government institutions," he said.
(Of course we have to think about the impact of the incident on the country and all the government institutions.) Despite the low morale of the police force, Verzosa assured that this would not hamper the normal operations of the PNP, especially during the holiday season. “Kinausap na namin ‘yung iba’t ibang units para tuloy-tuloy pa rin at di ma-hamper ‘yung ating public services," he said.
(We have already spoken with different units to make sure that our public services are not hampered.) He added that he has ordered the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) to increase its visibility in malls and other crime-prone areas during the so-called “ber" months— from September to December. –VVP
News Update DOH: Over 62,000 dengue cases recorded so far
More than 62,000 dengue cases have been reported in the country in the first eight months of the year, but the Department of Health said the number is expected to go down in the coming months.
At a press briefing in Malacañang on Wednesday, Health Secretary Enrique Ona said his department believes the country has reached the "peak" of dengue cases based on figures from previous years showing the number going down after August.
"We are at the peak, or maybe going down the peak of incidence of dengue," Ona said.
The 62,503 cases recorded from January to August 21 is 88 percent higher than last year's 33,102 for the same period, said Ona, although he noted that the higher figure may be due to the government's improved capability to monitor cases from increased sentinel sites nationwide.
The DOH said the most affected age group was 1 to 10 years old, although cases range from 1 month to 95 years old. Most of the affected, or 52 percent, were male.
The most affected region was Western Visayas, with 16.1 percent of dengue cases coming from the region; according to department data, outbreaks have been detected in Roxas City in Capiz and Iloilo City, as well as in Zamboanga City in Mindanao.
In the National Capital Region, most of the cases were reported from Quezon City.
"The increase in dengue cases can be attributed to the presence of four different strains of the dengue virus circulating in the country today, plus the fact that the country is experiencing the El Niño phenomenon)," said Ona.
Ona said 465 deaths were recorded so far this year compared to the 350 deaths recorded in 2009 over the same period.
He noted, however, that the 2010 fatality figures take up only less than 1 percent of the reported dengue cases, compared to the 2 percent fatality rate of dengue 10 years ago.
Ona said the DOH has instructed local officials down to the barangay level to intensify their campaign to inform the public about dengue symptoms and what can be done to avoid the disease.
"We are on top of it. The administration, the DOH is fully aware of what is going on and lahat po ng tulong na kinakailangan ay binibigay natin sa ating mga kababayan (We give assistance to those who need it)," said the health chief.
Ona said the DOH has teamed up with the Department of Science and Technology to study ways to combat dengue, such as developing vaccines against all four dengue strains and investigating whether the tawa-tawa plant actually has curative properties against dengue as claimed by some.
The DOH chief said continued intake of hot tea derived from the plant can be done, but it should not be used as medicine and those affected with dengue should get proper medical treatment.
He noted that there have also been studies in Asia, wherein many countries are hounded by dengue problems because of the tropical climate, about the possible genetic modification of the Aedes mosquito that will render them less active in biting victims.
For now, Dr. Eric Tayag of the DOH's National Epidemiology Center advised the public to prevent dengue and treat mild cases in their own homes by keeping in mind the following guidelines:
D - Daily monitoring of patient's status; E - Encourage intake of oral fluids like oresol, water, juices; N - Note any dengue warning signs like persistent vomiting and bleeding; G - Give paracetamol, not aspirin because aspirin induces bleeding; U - Use mosquito nets; E - Early consultation is advised for any warning signs.
— RSJ/KBK
At a press briefing in Malacañang on Wednesday, Health Secretary Enrique Ona said his department believes the country has reached the "peak" of dengue cases based on figures from previous years showing the number going down after August.
"We are at the peak, or maybe going down the peak of incidence of dengue," Ona said.
The 62,503 cases recorded from January to August 21 is 88 percent higher than last year's 33,102 for the same period, said Ona, although he noted that the higher figure may be due to the government's improved capability to monitor cases from increased sentinel sites nationwide.
The DOH said the most affected age group was 1 to 10 years old, although cases range from 1 month to 95 years old. Most of the affected, or 52 percent, were male.
The most affected region was Western Visayas, with 16.1 percent of dengue cases coming from the region; according to department data, outbreaks have been detected in Roxas City in Capiz and Iloilo City, as well as in Zamboanga City in Mindanao.
In the National Capital Region, most of the cases were reported from Quezon City.
"The increase in dengue cases can be attributed to the presence of four different strains of the dengue virus circulating in the country today, plus the fact that the country is experiencing the El Niño phenomenon)," said Ona.
Ona said 465 deaths were recorded so far this year compared to the 350 deaths recorded in 2009 over the same period.
He noted, however, that the 2010 fatality figures take up only less than 1 percent of the reported dengue cases, compared to the 2 percent fatality rate of dengue 10 years ago.
Ona said the DOH has instructed local officials down to the barangay level to intensify their campaign to inform the public about dengue symptoms and what can be done to avoid the disease.
"We are on top of it. The administration, the DOH is fully aware of what is going on and lahat po ng tulong na kinakailangan ay binibigay natin sa ating mga kababayan (We give assistance to those who need it)," said the health chief.
Ona said the DOH has teamed up with the Department of Science and Technology to study ways to combat dengue, such as developing vaccines against all four dengue strains and investigating whether the tawa-tawa plant actually has curative properties against dengue as claimed by some.
The DOH chief said continued intake of hot tea derived from the plant can be done, but it should not be used as medicine and those affected with dengue should get proper medical treatment.
He noted that there have also been studies in Asia, wherein many countries are hounded by dengue problems because of the tropical climate, about the possible genetic modification of the Aedes mosquito that will render them less active in biting victims.
For now, Dr. Eric Tayag of the DOH's National Epidemiology Center advised the public to prevent dengue and treat mild cases in their own homes by keeping in mind the following guidelines:
D - Daily monitoring of patient's status; E - Encourage intake of oral fluids like oresol, water, juices; N - Note any dengue warning signs like persistent vomiting and bleeding; G - Give paracetamol, not aspirin because aspirin induces bleeding; U - Use mosquito nets; E - Early consultation is advised for any warning signs.
— RSJ/KBK
News Update Aquino's EO No. 5: Special envoys can't use 'ambassador' title
Special envoys can no longer use the title "ambassador" once President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III's latest order, Executive Order No. 5, takes effect.
EO No. 5, dated August 25 and released late Tuesday night, prevents special envoys from using the title "ambassador" "to preserve the dignity of the said title and position."
EO No. 5 will take effect 15 days after it is published in a newspaper of general circulation.
Aquino's latest issuance effectively amends former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's Executive Order No. 594 — which states the rules governing the appointment or designation and conduct of special envoys — by adding a second paragraph to Section 2.
The additional provision reads: "An appointment/designated Special Envoy shall not use the title 'Ambassador' pursuant to Republic Act 7157, otherwise known as the Philippine Foreign Service Act of 1991, which states that only Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary may carry this title."
Aquino's first three EOs have been questioned before the Supreme Court.
EO No. 1 created the Truth Commission, to be led by retired Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr., which will investigate unresolved corruption controversies in the Arroyo administration. Allies of Mrs. Arroyo led by House Minority Leader and Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman have questioned its constitutionality before the Supreme Court.
Justice assistant secretary Jose Arturo de Castro JD and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) director Eddie Tamondong have also asked the Supreme Court to nullify EO No. 2, which revoked Mrs. Arroyo's so-called midnight appointments.
De Castro likewise is seeking to nullify EO No. 3, which revoked Mrs. Arroyo's EO No. 883 that grants lawyers "occupying legal positions in the government executive service who have obtained graduate degrees in law and successfully passed their bar examinations" with the rank of Career Executive Service Officer III.
On the other hand, Aquino's EO No. 4 restructured the Office of the Press Secretary into the Presidential Communications Operations Office which has two secretaries, Presidential Communications Office head Sonny Coloma and Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning head Ricky Carandang. — RSJ/LBG
EO No. 5, dated August 25 and released late Tuesday night, prevents special envoys from using the title "ambassador" "to preserve the dignity of the said title and position."
EO No. 5 will take effect 15 days after it is published in a newspaper of general circulation.
Aquino's latest issuance effectively amends former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's Executive Order No. 594 — which states the rules governing the appointment or designation and conduct of special envoys — by adding a second paragraph to Section 2.
The additional provision reads: "An appointment/designated Special Envoy shall not use the title 'Ambassador' pursuant to Republic Act 7157, otherwise known as the Philippine Foreign Service Act of 1991, which states that only Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary may carry this title."
Aquino's first three EOs have been questioned before the Supreme Court.
EO No. 1 created the Truth Commission, to be led by retired Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr., which will investigate unresolved corruption controversies in the Arroyo administration. Allies of Mrs. Arroyo led by House Minority Leader and Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman have questioned its constitutionality before the Supreme Court.
Justice assistant secretary Jose Arturo de Castro JD and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) director Eddie Tamondong have also asked the Supreme Court to nullify EO No. 2, which revoked Mrs. Arroyo's so-called midnight appointments.
De Castro likewise is seeking to nullify EO No. 3, which revoked Mrs. Arroyo's EO No. 883 that grants lawyers "occupying legal positions in the government executive service who have obtained graduate degrees in law and successfully passed their bar examinations" with the rank of Career Executive Service Officer III.
On the other hand, Aquino's EO No. 4 restructured the Office of the Press Secretary into the Presidential Communications Operations Office which has two secretaries, Presidential Communications Office head Sonny Coloma and Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning head Ricky Carandang. — RSJ/LBG
News Update Manila cops in hostage incident disarmed
Policemen who responded to the hostage crisis in Manila on August 23 have been disarmed and their weapons subjected to crime laboratory examination.
Radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported some 27 rifles and 34 pistols were brought on Wednesday to the Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory for ballistic tests.
Through the tests, investigators would be able to determine who among the cops fired their weapons during the 11-hour standoff that resulted in the deaths of eight tourists from Hong Kong and the hostage-taker, dismissed Senior Inspector Rolando Mendoza.
The report said the weapons belonged to members of the Manila Police District's Explosives and Ordnance Division and Special Weapons and Tactics teams.
Meanwhile, a radio anchor who last talked to the hostage-taker has expressed willingness to cooperate in the ongoing investigation into the incident.
DzBB's Carlo Mateo on Wednesday reported that radio anchor Michael Rogas indicated his lawyer will accompany him to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) headquarters.
Rogas, a reporter-anchor for Radio Mindanao Network's dzXL, was among the broadcasters the hostage-taker last talked to during the hostage drama near the Quirino Grandstand.
Mendoza commandeered the tourist bus and demanded his job back, as well as the dropping of cases against him.
He was dismissed from service in February 2009 due to charges of robbery and extortion. [See: Rolando Mendoza: From decorated cop to hostage-taker]
On the other hand, other figures in last week's incident were also expected to give their statements to the NBI: Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, Vice Mayor Francisco Domagoso (a.k.a. Isko Moreno), and Manila Police District head on-leave Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay.
Last week, Magtibay said Lim ordered the arrest of Mendoza's brother SPO2 Gregorio Mendoza. The arrest was believed to have triggered the hostage-taker's outrage.
But Lim denied the claim, saying he merely ordered SPO2 Gregorio Mendoza handcuffed. — LBG/RSJ
Radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported some 27 rifles and 34 pistols were brought on Wednesday to the Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory for ballistic tests.
Through the tests, investigators would be able to determine who among the cops fired their weapons during the 11-hour standoff that resulted in the deaths of eight tourists from Hong Kong and the hostage-taker, dismissed Senior Inspector Rolando Mendoza.
The report said the weapons belonged to members of the Manila Police District's Explosives and Ordnance Division and Special Weapons and Tactics teams.
Meanwhile, a radio anchor who last talked to the hostage-taker has expressed willingness to cooperate in the ongoing investigation into the incident.
DzBB's Carlo Mateo on Wednesday reported that radio anchor Michael Rogas indicated his lawyer will accompany him to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) headquarters.
Rogas, a reporter-anchor for Radio Mindanao Network's dzXL, was among the broadcasters the hostage-taker last talked to during the hostage drama near the Quirino Grandstand.
Mendoza commandeered the tourist bus and demanded his job back, as well as the dropping of cases against him.
He was dismissed from service in February 2009 due to charges of robbery and extortion. [See: Rolando Mendoza: From decorated cop to hostage-taker]
On the other hand, other figures in last week's incident were also expected to give their statements to the NBI: Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, Vice Mayor Francisco Domagoso (a.k.a. Isko Moreno), and Manila Police District head on-leave Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay.
Last week, Magtibay said Lim ordered the arrest of Mendoza's brother SPO2 Gregorio Mendoza. The arrest was believed to have triggered the hostage-taker's outrage.
But Lim denied the claim, saying he merely ordered SPO2 Gregorio Mendoza handcuffed. — LBG/RSJ
News Update S'pore 4th largest FX centre
By Hannah Koh
SINGAPORE has been ranked the fourth largest foreign exchange centre globally and the second largest in Asia after Tokyo in an international survey.
According to the latest survey by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) average daily foreign exchange (FX) turnover volume in Singapore was US$266 billion (S$360 billion) during April 2010 compared to US$242 billion in April 2007.
Average daily turnover in over-the-counter (OTC) interest rate derivatives was US$78 billion during April 2010, 37% higher than the US$57 billion recorded during April 2007.
The survey ranks Singapore as the sixth largest centre globally, up from seventh position in 2007 and underscores Singapore's development as a key derivatives trading centre in Asia.
Ong Chong Tee, Deputy Managing Director, MAS said, 'The BIS as well as the SFEMC surveys affirm Singapore's consistent growth as a key foreign exchange centre in the world and in Asia.
'Financial institutions based in Singapore, serving the foreign exchange needs of their clients in the region and beyond, are well-placed to capitalise on this growth'.
The BIS Triennial Central Bank Survey - FX and Derivatives Market Activity uses a data collection approach based on the location of the sales desks. 54 banks in Singapore were involved in the survey.
SINGAPORE has been ranked the fourth largest foreign exchange centre globally and the second largest in Asia after Tokyo in an international survey.
According to the latest survey by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) average daily foreign exchange (FX) turnover volume in Singapore was US$266 billion (S$360 billion) during April 2010 compared to US$242 billion in April 2007.
Average daily turnover in over-the-counter (OTC) interest rate derivatives was US$78 billion during April 2010, 37% higher than the US$57 billion recorded during April 2007.
The survey ranks Singapore as the sixth largest centre globally, up from seventh position in 2007 and underscores Singapore's development as a key derivatives trading centre in Asia.
Ong Chong Tee, Deputy Managing Director, MAS said, 'The BIS as well as the SFEMC surveys affirm Singapore's consistent growth as a key foreign exchange centre in the world and in Asia.
'Financial institutions based in Singapore, serving the foreign exchange needs of their clients in the region and beyond, are well-placed to capitalise on this growth'.
The BIS Triennial Central Bank Survey - FX and Derivatives Market Activity uses a data collection approach based on the location of the sales desks. 54 banks in Singapore were involved in the survey.
Kopi Talk Another "road kill" ?
Imagine I took this video about 11 month ago in Chowking along the national road in front of a public market here in ilagan . Yesterday, It all happened in a horrifying split second when a 10-wheeler truck rammed into a row of parked vehicles and the hawker stall in the public market here.
Haven't you heard "Vehicle don't kill people, People kill People" During my army days we used to learn and know that Automobiles or funnier in a macabre way that a runaway vehicle kill a hell of a lot more percentage of people than gun when used as a weapons of destruction. We all know the dangers of driving, but not many of us stop to think about it. Sometimes, a really bad accident can claim the lives of multiple people and many accidents are just waiting to happen. Should we focus more on trying to prevent these accidents and tackle it upstream like more stringent requirements for vehicle safety and testing both driver, company owner and vehicle capabilities for starters. Some say that it is too easy for the wrong people whether young and inexperienced, old and physically unable, illegal immigrants, or even those convicted of driving under the influence to get behind the wheel legally.
Legislators have an obligation to protect the Constitution. They also have a responsibility to protect citizens from more of the tragedies that keep replaying themselves in communities all across Philippine.
ILAGAN, Isabela — Nine people were hurt, one of them in serious condition, after a 10-wheeler truck rammed into a row of parked vehicles along the national road in front of a public market here, police said Tuesday.
http://www.jorbit.com/news-daily.php?http://www.gmanews.tv/story/199872/9-hurt-as-truck-rams-parked-vehicles-in-isabela.
Haven't you heard "Vehicle don't kill people, People kill People" During my army days we used to learn and know that Automobiles or funnier in a macabre way that a runaway vehicle kill a hell of a lot more percentage of people than gun when used as a weapons of destruction. We all know the dangers of driving, but not many of us stop to think about it. Sometimes, a really bad accident can claim the lives of multiple people and many accidents are just waiting to happen. Should we focus more on trying to prevent these accidents and tackle it upstream like more stringent requirements for vehicle safety and testing both driver, company owner and vehicle capabilities for starters. Some say that it is too easy for the wrong people whether young and inexperienced, old and physically unable, illegal immigrants, or even those convicted of driving under the influence to get behind the wheel legally.
Legislators have an obligation to protect the Constitution. They also have a responsibility to protect citizens from more of the tragedies that keep replaying themselves in communities all across Philippine.
ILAGAN, Isabela — Nine people were hurt, one of them in serious condition, after a 10-wheeler truck rammed into a row of parked vehicles along the national road in front of a public market here, police said Tuesday.
http://www.jorbit.com/news-daily.php?http://www.gmanews.tv/story/199872/9-hurt-as-truck-rams-parked-vehicles-in-isabela.
News Update MWSS officials, employees received 25 bonuses in 2009
Officials and employees of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System received 25 bonuses over and above their regular monthly salaries, showing that abuse and indecent practices were committed in government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs).
"This indicates the kind of abuse that was being done, the kind of indecent practices that is being done in these agencies," Sen. Franklin Drilon, chair of the Senate finance committee, said.
This unfolded Tuesday at the Senate finance committee hearing on fat paychecks and bonuses of executives in GOCCs and government financial institutions.
The water utility’s administrator and officer-in-charge, Macra Cruz, told the committee that those were the anniversary bonus, mid-year bonus, year-end financial assistance, productivity bonus, Collective Negotiation Agreement incentive, GOCC incentive, performance enhancement bonus, corporate Christmas package, traditional Christmas bonus, calamity assistance, educational assistance, scholarship allowance, and family-week allowance.
There were other bonuses, said Cruz. The committee did not get the total amount such bonuses cost the MWSS. —VS,
"This indicates the kind of abuse that was being done, the kind of indecent practices that is being done in these agencies," Sen. Franklin Drilon, chair of the Senate finance committee, said.
This unfolded Tuesday at the Senate finance committee hearing on fat paychecks and bonuses of executives in GOCCs and government financial institutions.
The water utility’s administrator and officer-in-charge, Macra Cruz, told the committee that those were the anniversary bonus, mid-year bonus, year-end financial assistance, productivity bonus, Collective Negotiation Agreement incentive, GOCC incentive, performance enhancement bonus, corporate Christmas package, traditional Christmas bonus, calamity assistance, educational assistance, scholarship allowance, and family-week allowance.
There were other bonuses, said Cruz. The committee did not get the total amount such bonuses cost the MWSS. —VS,
News Update Presidential leadership lacking during hostage crisis
MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III must exert his leadership in succeeding crisis situations.
This was essentially the advice a former Cabinet member of the first Aquino administration gave President Benigno Aquino III as a post script to the Manila hostage crisis.
Cesar Sarino, Interior and Local Government Secretary to the late former President Corazon Aquino, said that as President, Aquino will have to show better leadership in manage the people and resources under him.
Sarino was asked what Aquino's handling of the recent Manila hostage crisis says of his leadership.
"It's good he enjoys, [and] has a high trust rating. People believe he has a good heart and the best intentions, he will not let his people down. But as days go by, he has to show his leadership style. May konting learning curve siya. This crisis will make him mature faster," he said. Sarino noted the apparent vacuum in leadership during the height of the crisis, which is the first crisis under the new administration, now being seen as a bellwether for the rest of the next 6 years.
The government's handling of the crisis has stoked latent underlying fears and questions about the president's managerial competence, owing to a lackluster executive experience in his career prior to the presidency.
Who is in charge?
Sarino, who served as Government Service Insurance Service (GSIS) chief during the Ramos administration, said it should have been clear at the start of the hostage-taking incident "who is in charge."
"From the time I opened my TV to the time they ended the TV coverage, there was no face I could associate with the crisis. I hear of [chief negotiator Oscar] Yebra but he's not senior enough to give the crisis a face. Wala nang nagsasalita on how things will move, and in the 4 hours, there was no mention at all of the process of negotiations," he said.
Sarino stopped short of saying the President should have micro-managed the crisis, but maintained his leadership should have been asserted.
"The President shouldn't be exposed but he should be well advised. The President should be involved in a discreet very diplomatic manner, but not publicly associated. Someone should have taken this role so people know someone is in charge. Even the DILG [Department of Interior and Local Government] secretary, even the communications team should have been well coordinated. Kung meron talagang namamahala diyan, alam niya ang lahat ng facets, lalo na on the information side, importante communicatons in hostage crisis. It was shown [that] obviously, it could have been done in better manner," he said.
At the very least, the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief and one Cabinet official should have been involved, Sarino added.
The problem, said Sarino, is that it seems the President wasn't well advised on how to deal with the crisis.
"I don't think the president was well advised. They never gave it a blueprint of options and alternatives. Sinabi nila, let ground commanders take care of it. It was snapped out of national interest," he said.
Factionalism in Aquino gov't Independent ABS-CBN News sources, however, said it seems this is where rival factions of Aquino supporters are getting in the way.
Essentially, the President's support base come from 2 rival factions vying for power, influence and positions in government. These are the so-called "Balay" and "Samar" groups.
The former, made up of Liberal Party and Hyatt 10 stalwarts and supporters, is so named because they were based in the Balay Aquino-Roxas campaign headquarters in Cubao, Quezon City.
The latter, on the other hand, is composed of close allies and loyalists of the Aquino and Cojuangco families, who were based at the Samar Street office in Quezon City, of the PNOY lawyers group that was headed by now Executive Secretary, Paquito "Jojo" Ochoa. Ochoa is a long time close friend of the President.
In the case of the Manila hostage crisis, the rivalry became more apparent after Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Secretary Ricky Carandang of the Balay Group confirmed the attempted phone call of Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang to the President at the height of the crisis. It was something that was denied on the same day by Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Herminio "Sonny" Coloma of the Samar group.
Earlier on Tuesday, Carandang confirmed the administration did not have a point man to manage the media coverage of the crisis.
"Yes Ted, may mga pagkukulang talaga kami sa pag manage sa media. ... Nakita naman natin nung nakaraan na hindi malinaw kung sino ang point man pag dating sa pag-harap media nung nakaraang crisis, so kailangan naming linawin sa loob kung sino talaga yung magiging point man pag dating sa ganitong klaseng krisis." Carandang told broadcaster Ted Failon on DZMM
Puno vs Robredo
Another case pointed by ABS-CBN sources was the lack of guidance over the PNP. Operationally, in previous presidencies, the PNP was under the supervision of the secretary of Interior and Local Government.
Under this Aquino administration, the PNP was not placed under Jesse Robredo, but under DILG Undersecretary Rico Puno who is said to be a proxy of the President.
Puno was appointed almost a month before Robredo was himself appointed. The PNP, being taken out of Robredo's control, was supposedly a condition for him to make the appointment of Robredo, who is a member of the Liberal Party under the Samar group. This is said to be why Robredo didn't start managing the crisis till much later.
Robredo on Tuesday told ABS-CBN how he really did not have a role in the crisis management.
"I was not in the loop. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang nangyayari sa mga pag-uusap nila. It was treated like an ordinary police situation," he said.
President Aquino himself confirmed that Robredo really did not have a role in the hostage situation management.
Managing factionalism
But, Sarino said, factionalism is something all offices, whether in the private or public sectors, have to live with. It's just incumbent on the principal, in this case the President, to manage the rivalries to ensure it doesn't adversely affect operations.
"We have to study PNoy's leadership quality. Nakikita ko sa kaniya, he doesn't publicly project yung kaniyang anger and resolution. He does it in private because at this point in time, he must also be one with his Cabinet. He's still forming a family, he cannot afford any disunity. He must show he's an organized group. Now they're respecting each other's turf, you also go through a process of adjustment. That's something they'll have to wrestle with. I doubt whether Cabinet members know each other, and nagpapakiramdaman pa sila nun eh," he said.
Sarino added: "First thing is, there will always be factions. You can't have one family of the same mind of one time since Malacañan is where power is.... It's really how you manage the competition. Whether inner circle of power, pagka may diperensiya in terms of policy, compromises can be made. Minsan magbibigay kayo para walang prublema at mabilis desisyon,"
Aquino's managerial competence
Sarino said even the excuse of newness to the job may not even be acceptable.
"Ang problema sa government official, you're not trained [for the job], you just have to be ready for it. Kung mistake is not major, okay lang, but in reality, pag may problema, malaki kaagad. And this where not only competency but the sense of dealing with national problems comes into play."
Aquino's managerial competence has come under question because of the controversy. He was but a last minute candidate, propelled to the presidency on the tide of grief over his mother's passing during the campaign last year.
Observers have also seen that Aquino's popularity was on the tide of the unpopularity of his predecessor.
However, Aquino came under fire when he tried to blame the bungled hostage crisis management on former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo-since the crisis happened 55 days after she left office.
Critics have said this is Aquino's test of leadership.
University of the Philippine Professor Clarita Carlos, however, said Aquino shouldn't be judged yet based on this just one incident.
"It was evident no single command and control was there. It's not fair to make a general statement in regard to one incident. Remember, Noynoy is in his 50s and would have established attributes, he has a way of doing things. There are institutional settings with a life of their own," Carlos said.
This was essentially the advice a former Cabinet member of the first Aquino administration gave President Benigno Aquino III as a post script to the Manila hostage crisis.
Cesar Sarino, Interior and Local Government Secretary to the late former President Corazon Aquino, said that as President, Aquino will have to show better leadership in manage the people and resources under him.
Sarino was asked what Aquino's handling of the recent Manila hostage crisis says of his leadership.
"It's good he enjoys, [and] has a high trust rating. People believe he has a good heart and the best intentions, he will not let his people down. But as days go by, he has to show his leadership style. May konting learning curve siya. This crisis will make him mature faster," he said. Sarino noted the apparent vacuum in leadership during the height of the crisis, which is the first crisis under the new administration, now being seen as a bellwether for the rest of the next 6 years.
The government's handling of the crisis has stoked latent underlying fears and questions about the president's managerial competence, owing to a lackluster executive experience in his career prior to the presidency.
Who is in charge?
Sarino, who served as Government Service Insurance Service (GSIS) chief during the Ramos administration, said it should have been clear at the start of the hostage-taking incident "who is in charge."
"From the time I opened my TV to the time they ended the TV coverage, there was no face I could associate with the crisis. I hear of [chief negotiator Oscar] Yebra but he's not senior enough to give the crisis a face. Wala nang nagsasalita on how things will move, and in the 4 hours, there was no mention at all of the process of negotiations," he said.
Sarino stopped short of saying the President should have micro-managed the crisis, but maintained his leadership should have been asserted.
"The President shouldn't be exposed but he should be well advised. The President should be involved in a discreet very diplomatic manner, but not publicly associated. Someone should have taken this role so people know someone is in charge. Even the DILG [Department of Interior and Local Government] secretary, even the communications team should have been well coordinated. Kung meron talagang namamahala diyan, alam niya ang lahat ng facets, lalo na on the information side, importante communicatons in hostage crisis. It was shown [that] obviously, it could have been done in better manner," he said.
At the very least, the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief and one Cabinet official should have been involved, Sarino added.
The problem, said Sarino, is that it seems the President wasn't well advised on how to deal with the crisis.
"I don't think the president was well advised. They never gave it a blueprint of options and alternatives. Sinabi nila, let ground commanders take care of it. It was snapped out of national interest," he said.
Factionalism in Aquino gov't Independent ABS-CBN News sources, however, said it seems this is where rival factions of Aquino supporters are getting in the way.
Essentially, the President's support base come from 2 rival factions vying for power, influence and positions in government. These are the so-called "Balay" and "Samar" groups.
The former, made up of Liberal Party and Hyatt 10 stalwarts and supporters, is so named because they were based in the Balay Aquino-Roxas campaign headquarters in Cubao, Quezon City.
The latter, on the other hand, is composed of close allies and loyalists of the Aquino and Cojuangco families, who were based at the Samar Street office in Quezon City, of the PNOY lawyers group that was headed by now Executive Secretary, Paquito "Jojo" Ochoa. Ochoa is a long time close friend of the President.
In the case of the Manila hostage crisis, the rivalry became more apparent after Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Secretary Ricky Carandang of the Balay Group confirmed the attempted phone call of Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang to the President at the height of the crisis. It was something that was denied on the same day by Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Herminio "Sonny" Coloma of the Samar group.
Earlier on Tuesday, Carandang confirmed the administration did not have a point man to manage the media coverage of the crisis.
"Yes Ted, may mga pagkukulang talaga kami sa pag manage sa media. ... Nakita naman natin nung nakaraan na hindi malinaw kung sino ang point man pag dating sa pag-harap media nung nakaraang crisis, so kailangan naming linawin sa loob kung sino talaga yung magiging point man pag dating sa ganitong klaseng krisis." Carandang told broadcaster Ted Failon on DZMM
Puno vs Robredo
Another case pointed by ABS-CBN sources was the lack of guidance over the PNP. Operationally, in previous presidencies, the PNP was under the supervision of the secretary of Interior and Local Government.
Under this Aquino administration, the PNP was not placed under Jesse Robredo, but under DILG Undersecretary Rico Puno who is said to be a proxy of the President.
Puno was appointed almost a month before Robredo was himself appointed. The PNP, being taken out of Robredo's control, was supposedly a condition for him to make the appointment of Robredo, who is a member of the Liberal Party under the Samar group. This is said to be why Robredo didn't start managing the crisis till much later.
Robredo on Tuesday told ABS-CBN how he really did not have a role in the crisis management.
"I was not in the loop. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang nangyayari sa mga pag-uusap nila. It was treated like an ordinary police situation," he said.
President Aquino himself confirmed that Robredo really did not have a role in the hostage situation management.
Managing factionalism
But, Sarino said, factionalism is something all offices, whether in the private or public sectors, have to live with. It's just incumbent on the principal, in this case the President, to manage the rivalries to ensure it doesn't adversely affect operations.
"We have to study PNoy's leadership quality. Nakikita ko sa kaniya, he doesn't publicly project yung kaniyang anger and resolution. He does it in private because at this point in time, he must also be one with his Cabinet. He's still forming a family, he cannot afford any disunity. He must show he's an organized group. Now they're respecting each other's turf, you also go through a process of adjustment. That's something they'll have to wrestle with. I doubt whether Cabinet members know each other, and nagpapakiramdaman pa sila nun eh," he said.
Sarino added: "First thing is, there will always be factions. You can't have one family of the same mind of one time since Malacañan is where power is.... It's really how you manage the competition. Whether inner circle of power, pagka may diperensiya in terms of policy, compromises can be made. Minsan magbibigay kayo para walang prublema at mabilis desisyon,"
Aquino's managerial competence
Sarino said even the excuse of newness to the job may not even be acceptable.
"Ang problema sa government official, you're not trained [for the job], you just have to be ready for it. Kung mistake is not major, okay lang, but in reality, pag may problema, malaki kaagad. And this where not only competency but the sense of dealing with national problems comes into play."
Aquino's managerial competence has come under question because of the controversy. He was but a last minute candidate, propelled to the presidency on the tide of grief over his mother's passing during the campaign last year.
Observers have also seen that Aquino's popularity was on the tide of the unpopularity of his predecessor.
However, Aquino came under fire when he tried to blame the bungled hostage crisis management on former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo-since the crisis happened 55 days after she left office.
Critics have said this is Aquino's test of leadership.
University of the Philippine Professor Clarita Carlos, however, said Aquino shouldn't be judged yet based on this just one incident.
"It was evident no single command and control was there. It's not fair to make a general statement in regard to one incident. Remember, Noynoy is in his 50s and would have established attributes, he has a way of doing things. There are institutional settings with a life of their own," Carlos said.
News Update Aquino admin gives zero budget to PAGC, PASG
The Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC) and the Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group (PASG) will not get a slice of the P1.645-trillion national budget for 2011, Budget secretary Butch Abad said Tuesday.
"We have found these offices to be redundant and recommended to the President their abolition and their functions absorbed by the appropriate agencies," Abad told GMANews.TV over the phone.
"They are part of a list of agencies recommended to the President for abolition, deactivation, or transfer to appropriate agency. For this reason, no appropriation was given to them," he added.
The PAGC, created by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in April 2001, is mandated to probe complaints against presidential appointees. Its functions supposedly overlap with those of the Office of the Ombudsman.
The Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 26, meanwhile, has ordered the abolition of PASG after it ruled that the decree that created it, Executive Order No. 624, is "illegal and unconstitutional."
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) utilized a zero-based budgeting process in determining President Benigno Aquino III's proposed budget for 2011. Each item was justified according to the new administration’s priorities and the receiving-agency’s ability to achieve efficiency and effectiveness toward its objective.
The DBM transmitted the proposed budget to the House of Representatives last August 24. It contained significant increases in the allocations for social services like education and health, and huge cuts in the allocations for some government owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs).
Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning head Ricky Carandang said at a news briefing Tuesday that Abad has sent out word to various departments "not to lobby for additional funds" so the government's target to have the 2011 budget signed by January next year will be met.
Abad confirmed this, adding that the DBM has also sent a draft memo for signing by the President.
He said he is hoping that Congress will be able to pass the proposed budget before it goes on recess on December for the Christmas season so Aquino can sign it within the first two weeks of January 2011.
Arroyo signed the 2009 budget in mid-March, and the 2010 budget in mid-February. - KBK
"We have found these offices to be redundant and recommended to the President their abolition and their functions absorbed by the appropriate agencies," Abad told GMANews.TV over the phone.
"They are part of a list of agencies recommended to the President for abolition, deactivation, or transfer to appropriate agency. For this reason, no appropriation was given to them," he added.
The PAGC, created by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in April 2001, is mandated to probe complaints against presidential appointees. Its functions supposedly overlap with those of the Office of the Ombudsman.
The Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 26, meanwhile, has ordered the abolition of PASG after it ruled that the decree that created it, Executive Order No. 624, is "illegal and unconstitutional."
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) utilized a zero-based budgeting process in determining President Benigno Aquino III's proposed budget for 2011. Each item was justified according to the new administration’s priorities and the receiving-agency’s ability to achieve efficiency and effectiveness toward its objective.
The DBM transmitted the proposed budget to the House of Representatives last August 24. It contained significant increases in the allocations for social services like education and health, and huge cuts in the allocations for some government owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs).
Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning head Ricky Carandang said at a news briefing Tuesday that Abad has sent out word to various departments "not to lobby for additional funds" so the government's target to have the 2011 budget signed by January next year will be met.
Abad confirmed this, adding that the DBM has also sent a draft memo for signing by the President.
He said he is hoping that Congress will be able to pass the proposed budget before it goes on recess on December for the Christmas season so Aquino can sign it within the first two weeks of January 2011.
Arroyo signed the 2009 budget in mid-March, and the 2010 budget in mid-February. - KBK
News Update More reward for witnesses
Now, in less than two weeks, the reward has gone up to $3,400 - which includes the $1,000 offered by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. -- PHOTO: SPCA
THE recent death of a pomeranian that was repeatedly hurled against a wall by a man has galvanised animal lovers into action.
In a bid to ferret out who he is, a group of 11 animal lovers pledged more than $2,000 as a reward to bring the assailant to justice.
Now, in less than two weeks, the reward has gone up to $3,400 - which includes the $1,000 offered by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
The pomeranian was bashed to death and its bloodied body left at the void deck of a Housing Board block in Sengkang on Aug 19. Eyewitnesses said they had seen a man repeatedly hurling the dog against the wall. The man, however, has yet to be found.
The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) is investigating the incident, and said that no witnesses have come forward yet. Those found guilty of acts of animal cruelty can be fined up to $10,000 or jailed for up to 12 months, or both.
Although the dog had been microchipped, the owner did not register the animal with the AVA. A post-mortem conducted by the AVA showed that the animal suffered multiple skull fractures and severe brain haemorrhage - evidence of severe blunt force trauma to the head.
News Update Faster, cheaper broadband
By Chua Hian Hou
SINGAPORE'S next-generation broadband network is finally here, and the entry of three new Internet service providers (ISPs) has shaken up the hitherto sleepy broadband market.
On Tuesday, M1, SuperInternet and LGA Telecoms announced that they would launch high-end broadband plans offering speeds of at least 100Mbps.
These plans, equivalent or faster than previous top-of-the-line packages from incumbents SingTel or StarHub, offer more than merely speedier surfing - they make possible new services like high-definition video conferencing and 3D video-on-demand movies, which were not possible before.
SuperInternet's offering will cost just $50 a month, the company's managing director Benjamin Tan said.
Meanwhile, M1 is offering its 100Mbps service at $59 a month. Consumers unsure about what the new service can give them can sign up for a free three-month trial on Wednesday at M1 shops.
By comparison, a similar-speed service from StarHub costs $87 a month. LGC Telecoms will also be launching high-speed packages next month. It declined to reveal details other than to say they will be very competitively priced.
SINGAPORE'S next-generation broadband network is finally here, and the entry of three new Internet service providers (ISPs) has shaken up the hitherto sleepy broadband market.
On Tuesday, M1, SuperInternet and LGA Telecoms announced that they would launch high-end broadband plans offering speeds of at least 100Mbps.
These plans, equivalent or faster than previous top-of-the-line packages from incumbents SingTel or StarHub, offer more than merely speedier surfing - they make possible new services like high-definition video conferencing and 3D video-on-demand movies, which were not possible before.
SuperInternet's offering will cost just $50 a month, the company's managing director Benjamin Tan said.
Meanwhile, M1 is offering its 100Mbps service at $59 a month. Consumers unsure about what the new service can give them can sign up for a free three-month trial on Wednesday at M1 shops.
By comparison, a similar-speed service from StarHub costs $87 a month. LGC Telecoms will also be launching high-speed packages next month. It declined to reveal details other than to say they will be very competitively priced.
News Update S'pore population at 5.08m
By Lai Han-Wei
Singapore's population now stands at 5.08 million as at end-June. --ST PHOTO: STEVEN LEE CT
SINGAPORE's population now stands at 5.08 million as at end-June, according to official data released by the Singapore Department of Statistics on Tuesday.
There were 3.77 million residents, of whom 3.23 million were Singapore citizens and 540,000 permanent residents.
Singapore's total population growth registered a lower growth rate of 1.8 per cent, reflecting the slower growth in the number of permanent residents and non-residents over the past year. The number of permanent residents grew by 1.5 per cent in 2010, down from at least 6 per cent growth per year between 2005 and 2009. Growth in the number of non-residents also slowed to 4.1 per cent in 2010, down from the peaks of 15 per cent in 2007 and 19 per cent in 2008.
Meanwhile, the number of Singapore citizens grew by 0.9 per cent between 2009 and 2010, comparable to the annual growth rate of 0.8 to 1.1 per cent registered between 2005 and 2009.
Singapore's resident population grew older as well, with the median age of the resident population rising from 34.0 in 2000 to 37.4 this year.
However, the data shows that the inflow of permanent residents 'slowed' the pace of ageing.
The old-age support ratio (number of persons aged 15-64 years per elderly aged 65 years and over) for the resident population is 8.2 for this year, higher than the old-age support ratio of 7.2 for the citizen population. The decline in the old-age support ratio among the resident population between 2000 and 2010 was also slower than that for the citizen population.
As for ethnic composition, Chinese formed 74 per cent of the resident population this year, while the Malays and Indians took up 13 per cent and 9.2 per cent of the population share respectively.
Singapore's population now stands at 5.08 million as at end-June. --ST PHOTO: STEVEN LEE CT
SINGAPORE's population now stands at 5.08 million as at end-June, according to official data released by the Singapore Department of Statistics on Tuesday.
There were 3.77 million residents, of whom 3.23 million were Singapore citizens and 540,000 permanent residents.
Singapore's total population growth registered a lower growth rate of 1.8 per cent, reflecting the slower growth in the number of permanent residents and non-residents over the past year. The number of permanent residents grew by 1.5 per cent in 2010, down from at least 6 per cent growth per year between 2005 and 2009. Growth in the number of non-residents also slowed to 4.1 per cent in 2010, down from the peaks of 15 per cent in 2007 and 19 per cent in 2008.
Meanwhile, the number of Singapore citizens grew by 0.9 per cent between 2009 and 2010, comparable to the annual growth rate of 0.8 to 1.1 per cent registered between 2005 and 2009.
Singapore's resident population grew older as well, with the median age of the resident population rising from 34.0 in 2000 to 37.4 this year.
However, the data shows that the inflow of permanent residents 'slowed' the pace of ageing.
The old-age support ratio (number of persons aged 15-64 years per elderly aged 65 years and over) for the resident population is 8.2 for this year, higher than the old-age support ratio of 7.2 for the citizen population. The decline in the old-age support ratio among the resident population between 2000 and 2010 was also slower than that for the citizen population.
As for ethnic composition, Chinese formed 74 per cent of the resident population this year, while the Malays and Indians took up 13 per cent and 9.2 per cent of the population share respectively.
News Update Singapore Workshop on dengue prevention
By Hannah Koh
PREVENTION rather than cure will be on the minds of the 58 participants from 23 countries gathering in Singapore on Tuesday for the 2nd Asia-Pacific Dengue Workshop.
Held as part of a wider effort to respond to the serious dengue situation in the region, the workshop will focus on strengthening an integrated effort that focuses on preventive anti-dengue measures.
The nine-day workshop, which ends on Sept 8, gathers experts from World Health Organisation, Indonesia, France and Cuba.
It is organised by the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs, WHO and National Environment Agency under the Singapore WHO Joint Training Programme.
Over the next few days, participants will seek to:
* build capacity and acquire relevant knowledge and skills in implementing key components of the national integrated dengue control-programmes.
* promote close collaboration among laboratory investigation field operations and clinical management and surveillance teams.
* encourage dengue laboratory surveillance network within the region.
* share clinical management guidelines and best practices for dengue.
The development of warning systems, coupled with constant surveillance and control of the situation even during inter-epidemic periods, could avert or lessen the impact of dengue outbreaks.
The workshop will also provide practical guidance to clinicians in the identification and management of patients infected with dengue.
Dengue continues to be a concern in the Asia Pacific region. In the last 10 years, there were 200,000 to 500,000 reported dengue cases, with an average of 2,000 deaths a year.
PREVENTION rather than cure will be on the minds of the 58 participants from 23 countries gathering in Singapore on Tuesday for the 2nd Asia-Pacific Dengue Workshop.
Held as part of a wider effort to respond to the serious dengue situation in the region, the workshop will focus on strengthening an integrated effort that focuses on preventive anti-dengue measures.
The nine-day workshop, which ends on Sept 8, gathers experts from World Health Organisation, Indonesia, France and Cuba.
It is organised by the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs, WHO and National Environment Agency under the Singapore WHO Joint Training Programme.
Over the next few days, participants will seek to:
* build capacity and acquire relevant knowledge and skills in implementing key components of the national integrated dengue control-programmes.
* promote close collaboration among laboratory investigation field operations and clinical management and surveillance teams.
* encourage dengue laboratory surveillance network within the region.
* share clinical management guidelines and best practices for dengue.
The development of warning systems, coupled with constant surveillance and control of the situation even during inter-epidemic periods, could avert or lessen the impact of dengue outbreaks.
The workshop will also provide practical guidance to clinicians in the identification and management of patients infected with dengue.
Dengue continues to be a concern in the Asia Pacific region. In the last 10 years, there were 200,000 to 500,000 reported dengue cases, with an average of 2,000 deaths a year.
News Update Singapore Dengue cycle broken By Grace Chua
THE six- to seven-year cycle of dengue outbreaks has been broken, and chikungunya and malaria have also been brought under control, the National Environment Agency (NEA) announced on Tuesday.
With dengue, the number of cases typically rises over a period of six years or so, and then climaxes in a major outbreak, explained Mr Tai Ji Choong, who heads operations at NEA?s environmental health department.
Since the last major outbreak in 2005, the number of dengue cases has gone into a long fall - from 8,826 cases in 2007 to 7,031 in 2008, to 4,497 last year. If the dengue cycle was playing to form, these numbers should have been rising instead of falling, Mr Tai said.
In the first 33 weeks of this year - and with the May-to-October dengue breeding season almost done - the number of cases stood at 3,015, lower than last year's total for the same period.
He attributed the year-on-year decline to the NEA's disease management approach, which involves public environment and health agencies working closely with water agency PUB, the Housing Board and other public and private groups.
Called 'integrated vector management', the approach also involves reducing the use of fogging chemicals so the dengue-carrying Aedes mosquito does not become resistant to them, and designing buildings and bus stops so that possible mosquito breeding spots such as gutters and bamboo-pole holders are not a part of their design, Mr Tai said.
With dengue, the number of cases typically rises over a period of six years or so, and then climaxes in a major outbreak, explained Mr Tai Ji Choong, who heads operations at NEA?s environmental health department.
Since the last major outbreak in 2005, the number of dengue cases has gone into a long fall - from 8,826 cases in 2007 to 7,031 in 2008, to 4,497 last year. If the dengue cycle was playing to form, these numbers should have been rising instead of falling, Mr Tai said.
In the first 33 weeks of this year - and with the May-to-October dengue breeding season almost done - the number of cases stood at 3,015, lower than last year's total for the same period.
He attributed the year-on-year decline to the NEA's disease management approach, which involves public environment and health agencies working closely with water agency PUB, the Housing Board and other public and private groups.
Called 'integrated vector management', the approach also involves reducing the use of fogging chemicals so the dengue-carrying Aedes mosquito does not become resistant to them, and designing buildings and bus stops so that possible mosquito breeding spots such as gutters and bamboo-pole holders are not a part of their design, Mr Tai said.
News Update Tourist pass for easy access
Called the Singapore City Pass, it costs between $39.90 and $48.90, depending on the combination of attractions the tourist wants to take in. -- ST PHOTO: DESMOND LIM
A TRAVEL agency has come up with a single pass that will let tourists enjoy the attractions they want to visit, minus the hassle of queueing for tickets.
Called the Singapore City Pass, it costs between $39.90 and $48.90, depending on the combination of attractions the tourist wants to take in. The current menu includes the Singapore Flyer, the Night Safari, Underwater World and a city tour on an open-top bus; a drink at Hard Rock Cafe and a guided Marina Bay walking tour are thrown in free.
The pass saves a tourist 45 per cent in costs.
City Tours developed the postage-label sized pass, which has a sticky side so it can be pasted onto a cellphone. The built-in radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology means the cardholder just has to tap it on a card reader at the entrance of the attraction or a restaurant to gain entry.
City Tours' managing director Ang Eu Khoon said more travellers now prefer tailoring their own programme over being herded in a group as part of a packaged tour with a one-size-fits-all itinerary.
The Singapore City Pass is modelled after the London Pass, which allows cardholders free entry to 56 London tourist attractions for 40 pounds (S$83) for a day pass; a six-day pass costs 90 pounds.
News Update Negotiator: Refrain from bringing kin to hostage scene
MANILA, Philippines - A Philippine Army reservist on Tuesday said negotiators should refrain from bringing a relative to a hostage scene since it causes confusion.
Colonel Marcelo Javier is an Army reservist who was trained by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in negotiation tactics. He gave several pointers on hostage negotiations in a press conference in Anabel's Restaurant on Tuesday.
Javier refrained from commenting on the hostage crisis last August 23, preferring instead to provide general pointers on hostage negotiations.
He said bringing a relative or a loved one to the scene “causes confusion.”
A negotiator would be risking operations since the situation between the hostage-taker and his or her relative would be unclear up to that point.
In fact, he said the presence of the relative could add pressure to the hostage-taker.“Baka awayin pa siya ng relative, bakit ka nandyan? Umalis ka diyan, etc…”
A discharged police officer, Rolando Mendoza, took hostage several tourists inside a bus more than a week ago. After the 12-hour ordeal, 8 Hong Kong tourists and the gunman himself died.
The hostage-taker’s brother, SPO2 Gregorio Mendoza, was in the area at that time supposedly to help in the negotiations.
Later in the day however, he was apprehended by police allegedly due to conspiracy. This supposedly peeved Rolando, pushing him to open fire.
Negotiator should establish relationship
Javier said 1 negotiator should be talking to the hostage-taker.“The negotiator will establish a relationship with the hostage-taker. Build a relationship of trust,” he said.
He said the hostage-taker’s demands should be followed since “they are just demands.” The negotiator should still make sure, however, that he has the upper hand.
He said all discussions should also be recorded.
Negotiators should also contain the situation and disallow anyone from entering the hostage scene, he said.
Thus, members of the media, or any civilian for that matter, should not be involved in the negotiations unless he or she is trained or given the go-signal by the main negotiator.
He said the coverage should not be shown or presented live. Scenes could be shown delayed or after the resolution of the crisis.
Crisis management exercises
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) started Tuesday a series of crisis management exercises to correct errors committed by the police during the August 23 incident.
The exercises would run for 4 days.
Police Senior Superintendent Benjamin Magalong admitted there were lapses on the part of the police, most importantly the lack of preparedness of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team.
Specifically, he said there was a blunder in controlling the authorities, the civilians and the members of the media.
He said the command post need not be so far away from the perimeter.
Media should have been placed outside of the outer circle so that authorities can freely move at the center of the incident, he said.
Magalong added the police should be able to identify and classify a hostage-taker.
He considers Mendoza a “pseudo hostage-taker,” one who is emotional and requires a more toned approach.
Philippine Psychiatric Association’s Gani Gonzales, on the other hand, noted Mendoza was ready to die. Gonzales is also outpatient neuro-pyschiatric screening chief of the National Center for Mental Health.
“If it’s a planned hostage, most probably you’re ready to die, unlike kapag accidental,” he said. – with reports from Niña Corpuz and Zen Hernandez
Colonel Marcelo Javier is an Army reservist who was trained by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in negotiation tactics. He gave several pointers on hostage negotiations in a press conference in Anabel's Restaurant on Tuesday.
Javier refrained from commenting on the hostage crisis last August 23, preferring instead to provide general pointers on hostage negotiations.
He said bringing a relative or a loved one to the scene “causes confusion.”
A negotiator would be risking operations since the situation between the hostage-taker and his or her relative would be unclear up to that point.
In fact, he said the presence of the relative could add pressure to the hostage-taker.“Baka awayin pa siya ng relative, bakit ka nandyan? Umalis ka diyan, etc…”
A discharged police officer, Rolando Mendoza, took hostage several tourists inside a bus more than a week ago. After the 12-hour ordeal, 8 Hong Kong tourists and the gunman himself died.
The hostage-taker’s brother, SPO2 Gregorio Mendoza, was in the area at that time supposedly to help in the negotiations.
Later in the day however, he was apprehended by police allegedly due to conspiracy. This supposedly peeved Rolando, pushing him to open fire.
Negotiator should establish relationship
Javier said 1 negotiator should be talking to the hostage-taker.“The negotiator will establish a relationship with the hostage-taker. Build a relationship of trust,” he said.
He said the hostage-taker’s demands should be followed since “they are just demands.” The negotiator should still make sure, however, that he has the upper hand.
He said all discussions should also be recorded.
Negotiators should also contain the situation and disallow anyone from entering the hostage scene, he said.
Thus, members of the media, or any civilian for that matter, should not be involved in the negotiations unless he or she is trained or given the go-signal by the main negotiator.
He said the coverage should not be shown or presented live. Scenes could be shown delayed or after the resolution of the crisis.
Crisis management exercises
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) started Tuesday a series of crisis management exercises to correct errors committed by the police during the August 23 incident.
The exercises would run for 4 days.
Police Senior Superintendent Benjamin Magalong admitted there were lapses on the part of the police, most importantly the lack of preparedness of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team.
Specifically, he said there was a blunder in controlling the authorities, the civilians and the members of the media.
He said the command post need not be so far away from the perimeter.
Media should have been placed outside of the outer circle so that authorities can freely move at the center of the incident, he said.
Magalong added the police should be able to identify and classify a hostage-taker.
He considers Mendoza a “pseudo hostage-taker,” one who is emotional and requires a more toned approach.
Philippine Psychiatric Association’s Gani Gonzales, on the other hand, noted Mendoza was ready to die. Gonzales is also outpatient neuro-pyschiatric screening chief of the National Center for Mental Health.
“If it’s a planned hostage, most probably you’re ready to die, unlike kapag accidental,” he said. – with reports from Niña Corpuz and Zen Hernandez
News Update Awarding of outstanding cops deferred after hostage tragedy
Metrobank Foundation has deferred its annual awards for outstanding policemen originally scheduled on Tuesday, but officials said it has nothing to do with the tragic end of the Aug. 23 hostage-taking incident that is largely blamed on inept law enforcement.
The foundation, however, pushed through with the awards ceremony for teachers, with President Benigno Aquino III as the guest of honor.
“We just want to concentrate on the teachers," said Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto Sobrepeña.
Ten teachers — four each from the elementary and secondary school levels, and two in the tertiary — were honored during Tuesday’s ceremony.
Sobrepeña said in the past, awarding ceremonies for the Search for the Outstanding Teachers (SOT) and the Country’s Outstanding Policemen in Service (COPS) were held separately.
The foundation was supposed to award 10 outstanding policemen whose names were even included in a Malacañang press release Monday.
Sobrepeña could not say when the COPS awarding would be held, but assured that it will push through within the year.
“They (policemen) will be honored similarly at a future time. They have been chosen already, we will just find another date convenient to the Office of the President for them to be awarded," he said.
Eight tourists from Hong Kong were killed in the 11-hour hostage-taking incident that has caused tension between the Philippines and China. The hostage-taker, Rolando Mendoza, was a decorated police officer but was dismissed from service after he was implicated in a robbery-extortion case.
Mendoza, who was slain by police operatives, demanded his reinstatement into the service when he took over the bus carrying the tourists in Manila. - Jam L. Sisante/KBK
The foundation, however, pushed through with the awards ceremony for teachers, with President Benigno Aquino III as the guest of honor.
“We just want to concentrate on the teachers," said Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto Sobrepeña.
Ten teachers — four each from the elementary and secondary school levels, and two in the tertiary — were honored during Tuesday’s ceremony.
Sobrepeña said in the past, awarding ceremonies for the Search for the Outstanding Teachers (SOT) and the Country’s Outstanding Policemen in Service (COPS) were held separately.
The foundation was supposed to award 10 outstanding policemen whose names were even included in a Malacañang press release Monday.
Sobrepeña could not say when the COPS awarding would be held, but assured that it will push through within the year.
“They (policemen) will be honored similarly at a future time. They have been chosen already, we will just find another date convenient to the Office of the President for them to be awarded," he said.
Eight tourists from Hong Kong were killed in the 11-hour hostage-taking incident that has caused tension between the Philippines and China. The hostage-taker, Rolando Mendoza, was a decorated police officer but was dismissed from service after he was implicated in a robbery-extortion case.
Mendoza, who was slain by police operatives, demanded his reinstatement into the service when he took over the bus carrying the tourists in Manila. - Jam L. Sisante/KBK
News Update AFP to invite activists in its first human rights summit
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is set to hold its first human rights summit in October in accordance with President Benigno Aquino III’s order to prioritize the protection of human rights in its operations. The summit, which will be held in cooperation with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), will be “the first of its kind" in AFP history, Armed Forces public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Arnulfo Burgos said Tuesday.
Surprising idea “This idea surprised (various groups)… Hindi ito ini-expect ng civil society groups, particularly ni CHR chairperson [Etta] Rosales," he said. To be invited to the summit are various cause-oriented groups and even militant organizations.
Burgos said through the summit, the AFP will seek to “identify existing problems and challenges" in connection with the protection of human rights. During the first few days of his term, President Aquino told military officials to prioritize human rights after the string of extrajudicial killings that marked the previous administration.
Militants accused former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo of tolerating extrajudicial killings during her term despite having formed task forces to probe such killings. They alleged that many of the killings of activists were perpetrated by the military.
Handbook In addition to the summit, the military is also set to release a handbook on human rights that will serve as guide to its field units, Burgos said. He said the handbook is currently being “field tested" in randomly selected military units to get feedback from soldiers across the country. - KBK
Surprising idea “This idea surprised (various groups)… Hindi ito ini-expect ng civil society groups, particularly ni CHR chairperson [Etta] Rosales," he said. To be invited to the summit are various cause-oriented groups and even militant organizations.
Burgos said through the summit, the AFP will seek to “identify existing problems and challenges" in connection with the protection of human rights. During the first few days of his term, President Aquino told military officials to prioritize human rights after the string of extrajudicial killings that marked the previous administration.
Militants accused former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo of tolerating extrajudicial killings during her term despite having formed task forces to probe such killings. They alleged that many of the killings of activists were perpetrated by the military.
Handbook In addition to the summit, the military is also set to release a handbook on human rights that will serve as guide to its field units, Burgos said. He said the handbook is currently being “field tested" in randomly selected military units to get feedback from soldiers across the country. - KBK
News Update 2 foreigners allegedly robbed in Pasay City
Two foreigners were allegedly robbed on Tuesday in Pasay City by still unidentified men dressed in police uniforms, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said. PNP spokesperson Agrimero Cruz Jr. said in a text message that a Singaporean national and a Malaysian national were forced to ride a car and were taken away by still unidentified men along Macapagal Avenue in Pasay City at past midnight on Tuesday. Although police are still investigating the incident as of posting time, the Pasay City police investigation unit said the two foreigners were robbed, and not kidnapped as earlier reported. Local police also declined to identify the whereabouts of the foreigners pending investigation of the case.—Andreo C. Calonzo/JV
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