Philippine Navy officials in Palawan are searching for a Chinese diver who went missing off the Tubbataha Reef area after their boat encountered big waves and sank last weekend.
The Naval Forces West said the diver, initially identified only as Chang, 44, disappeared after waves buffeted the boat carrying eight other passengers, radio dzBB’s Palawan affiliate reported.
An initial information indicated the incident occurred last Saturday.
So far, the boatman and seven other passengers of the boat had been rescued, even as a Navy Islander plane was dispatched to the area to look for Chang. — RSJ
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
News Update PCIJ: President’s office still 'secretive' under Aquino
The Office of the President remains to be "secretive" under the leadership of President Benigno Aquino III, the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) said Monday.
PCIJ executive director Malou Mangahas said Aquino’s office has imposed "barriers" to free access of government records such as additional documentary requirements, despite the President’s transparency platform during the elections.
"The President has been an exemplar in filing complete and prompt reports… If the President could be this good, this should be the case in the entire bureaucracy," Mangahas said in a forum in Quezon City.
A PCIJ report said Aquino’s office demanded various documents such as registration records, mayor’s permit and an executive summary describing where the files before giving out copies of statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALNs).
"Instead of taking the lead in pushing for transparency in government, the Office of the President seems to be following the footsteps of other state agencies that would rather keep documents close to their closets," the report said.
The PCIJ report added that three of the government’s "integrity" institutions — the Commission on Audit, the Commission on Elections and the Civil Service Commission — are among the "most secretive" agencies in the country.
The three agencies "restrict" access to public records such as SALNs and personal data sheets of government officials through various ways, ranging from imposing high prices for photocopying to sheer "ignorance" of the relevant laws on free access to information.
Mangahas said that one of the ways to address the continuing lack of access to information in the Aquino administration is the passage of the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill currently pending in Congress.
"The FOI bill is non-partisan and it protects the people most of all. Freedom of information is constitutionally mandated… Nananawagan kami sa Senado at sa House of Representatives na kung puwede ay balikan ang bill na ito," she said.
Two separate versions of the FOI bill, Senate Bill 11 and House Bill 53, are still pending at the committee level in both chambers of Congress.
Clear stand
Various members of civil society groups meanwhile urged Aquino to state a clear stand on the FOI bill.
Lawyer Nepomuceno Malaluan, co-director of the Institute for Freedom of Information, said the President should go beyond "undemocratic tendencies" and back the measure.
"We ask President Aquino to categorically state whether or not he supports the passage of the FOI act, and if so, when," he said during the same forum.
He added that his group has already sent a letter to Aquino’s office appealing for a dialogue to convince the President to include the FOI bill in his priority measures.
During the presidential campaign, Aquino vowed to prioritize the FOI bill, but did not include the measure in his priority legislations during the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting last February. [See: Palace: FOI bill may yet be prioritized later this year]
Transparency and Accountability Network (TAN) executive director Vincent Lazatin meanwhile said that Aquino should consider the FOI bill as a "central" tool for his anti-corruption agenda.
"Transparency and access to information can be Aquino’s most potent weapon against corruption and poverty," he said. — RSJ
PCIJ executive director Malou Mangahas said Aquino’s office has imposed "barriers" to free access of government records such as additional documentary requirements, despite the President’s transparency platform during the elections.
"The President has been an exemplar in filing complete and prompt reports… If the President could be this good, this should be the case in the entire bureaucracy," Mangahas said in a forum in Quezon City.
A PCIJ report said Aquino’s office demanded various documents such as registration records, mayor’s permit and an executive summary describing where the files before giving out copies of statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALNs).
"Instead of taking the lead in pushing for transparency in government, the Office of the President seems to be following the footsteps of other state agencies that would rather keep documents close to their closets," the report said.
The PCIJ report added that three of the government’s "integrity" institutions — the Commission on Audit, the Commission on Elections and the Civil Service Commission — are among the "most secretive" agencies in the country.
The three agencies "restrict" access to public records such as SALNs and personal data sheets of government officials through various ways, ranging from imposing high prices for photocopying to sheer "ignorance" of the relevant laws on free access to information.
Mangahas said that one of the ways to address the continuing lack of access to information in the Aquino administration is the passage of the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill currently pending in Congress.
"The FOI bill is non-partisan and it protects the people most of all. Freedom of information is constitutionally mandated… Nananawagan kami sa Senado at sa House of Representatives na kung puwede ay balikan ang bill na ito," she said.
Two separate versions of the FOI bill, Senate Bill 11 and House Bill 53, are still pending at the committee level in both chambers of Congress.
Clear stand
Various members of civil society groups meanwhile urged Aquino to state a clear stand on the FOI bill.
Lawyer Nepomuceno Malaluan, co-director of the Institute for Freedom of Information, said the President should go beyond "undemocratic tendencies" and back the measure.
"We ask President Aquino to categorically state whether or not he supports the passage of the FOI act, and if so, when," he said during the same forum.
He added that his group has already sent a letter to Aquino’s office appealing for a dialogue to convince the President to include the FOI bill in his priority measures.
During the presidential campaign, Aquino vowed to prioritize the FOI bill, but did not include the measure in his priority legislations during the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting last February. [See: Palace: FOI bill may yet be prioritized later this year]
Transparency and Accountability Network (TAN) executive director Vincent Lazatin meanwhile said that Aquino should consider the FOI bill as a "central" tool for his anti-corruption agenda.
"Transparency and access to information can be Aquino’s most potent weapon against corruption and poverty," he said. — RSJ
News Update DENR moves to improve quality of river basins
MANILA, Philippines - Even though the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) saw a slight improvement in the water quality of rivers, at least 10 out of 19 major river basins in the country remain polluted, a DENR senior official reported.
DENR Undersecretary for Policy and Planning Demetrio Ignacio Jr. said 10 out of the 19 major rivers in the country are polluted because of the high levels of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)-the standard measurement of pollution in the water.
The standard level for Class C water, or water suitable for boating activities, propagation of fish and aquatic resources, and manufacturing processes for industries, is not more than 7 milligrams per liter (mg/L).
Ignacio said the rivers that remain polluted are Meycauayan, Marilao, and Bocaue Rivers in Central Luzon; Calapan River in Oriental Mindoro; Anayan River in Camarines Sur; Iloilo River in Iloilo; Luyang and Sapangdaku River in Central Visayas; Balili River in the Cordillera Autonomous Region; and Parañaque River in the National Capital Region.
He pointed out that in 2009, BOD in these rivers ranged from 2.48 milligrams per liter to as high as 126.27 mg/L, which is over 1,000 percent beyond the standard of <7 mg/L.
However, Ignacio noted that water pollution was reduced by almost 10 percent from 28.84 milligrams per liter in the first half of 2010 to 26.08 mg/L along the 10 major polluted rivers in the country.
The DENR undersecretary attributed the improvement in the rivers' water quality to the business sector's support to the government to clean up the country's waterways.
"There was also increased awareness and concern to clean and protect the environment," he added.
Ignacio said the implementation of the Adopt-an-Estero program, a public-private partnership on the cleanup of creeks and polluted rivers, helped improve the state of rivers nationwide.
DENR Undersecretary for Policy and Planning Demetrio Ignacio Jr. said 10 out of the 19 major rivers in the country are polluted because of the high levels of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)-the standard measurement of pollution in the water.
The standard level for Class C water, or water suitable for boating activities, propagation of fish and aquatic resources, and manufacturing processes for industries, is not more than 7 milligrams per liter (mg/L).
Ignacio said the rivers that remain polluted are Meycauayan, Marilao, and Bocaue Rivers in Central Luzon; Calapan River in Oriental Mindoro; Anayan River in Camarines Sur; Iloilo River in Iloilo; Luyang and Sapangdaku River in Central Visayas; Balili River in the Cordillera Autonomous Region; and Parañaque River in the National Capital Region.
He pointed out that in 2009, BOD in these rivers ranged from 2.48 milligrams per liter to as high as 126.27 mg/L, which is over 1,000 percent beyond the standard of <7 mg/L.
However, Ignacio noted that water pollution was reduced by almost 10 percent from 28.84 milligrams per liter in the first half of 2010 to 26.08 mg/L along the 10 major polluted rivers in the country.
The DENR undersecretary attributed the improvement in the rivers' water quality to the business sector's support to the government to clean up the country's waterways.
"There was also increased awareness and concern to clean and protect the environment," he added.
Ignacio said the implementation of the Adopt-an-Estero program, a public-private partnership on the cleanup of creeks and polluted rivers, helped improve the state of rivers nationwide.
News Update Metro sizzles at 36.1°C
MANILA, Philippines - Metro Manila sizzled Tuesday afternoon with the highest temperature reading for the year at 36.1 degrees Celsius, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported.
The highest temperature in Metro Manila was recorded at the PAGASA Science Garden in Quezon City at 3:55 p.m. Tuesday, making it the hottest day of the year so far this year.
PAGASA said the prevailing easterly wave, a warm and moist wind from the Pacific Ocean, affects Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Last year, May 26, Metro Manila recorded the hottest day of 2010 with 38 degrees Celsius.
In its 5 a.m. bulletin Tuesday, PAGASA said the weather system will bring mostly cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms in Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Eastern and Southern Mindanao will experience cloudy skies with widespread rains, which may trigger flashfloods and landslides in these areas.
Based on PAGASA data, the hottest temperature in Philippine history was 42.2 degrees Celsius, recorded in Tuguegarao, Cagayan, on May 11, 1969.
The hottest weather in Metro Manila was 38.5 recorded on May 14, 1987.
The highest temperature in Metro Manila was recorded at the PAGASA Science Garden in Quezon City at 3:55 p.m. Tuesday, making it the hottest day of the year so far this year.
PAGASA said the prevailing easterly wave, a warm and moist wind from the Pacific Ocean, affects Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Last year, May 26, Metro Manila recorded the hottest day of 2010 with 38 degrees Celsius.
In its 5 a.m. bulletin Tuesday, PAGASA said the weather system will bring mostly cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms in Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Eastern and Southern Mindanao will experience cloudy skies with widespread rains, which may trigger flashfloods and landslides in these areas.
Based on PAGASA data, the hottest temperature in Philippine history was 42.2 degrees Celsius, recorded in Tuguegarao, Cagayan, on May 11, 1969.
The hottest weather in Metro Manila was 38.5 recorded on May 14, 1987.
News Update Abu Sayyaf's defeat seen after bin Laden's death
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) believes the killing of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan will eventually lead to the downfall of the Abu Sayyaf group, which is linked to the terrorist leader's al-Qaeda network.
“The AFP is optimistic that Osama's death would lead to the eventual demise of the link of the local terrorist group with Jemaah Islamiyah who has links with bin Laden's al-Qaeda," said AFP chief Gen. Eduardo Oban on Monday.
US President Barack Obama announced late Sunday (Monday in Manila) that the elusive bin Laden was killed in a US-led operation involving helicopters and troops in Pakistan.
Oban said the AFP would remain vigilant against possible attacks by groups supportive of bin Laden. “We would like to assure the people that your AFP would remain alert and vigilant amidst this very significant development."
AFP spokesperson Commodore Miguel Jose Rodriguez, meanwhile, noted that bin Laden had been an “inspiration" to local terrorists.
“Ngayon na nawala na yung kanilang ulo, nakikita natin na siguro mawawalan na sila ng inspirasyon na ipagpatuloy ang kanilang mga terroristic act," he said.
(Now that their overall leader is gone, they will no longer have inspiration to carry out their terroristic acts.)
Rodriguez said Asian terrorist groups like the Jemaah Islamiyah has been silent these days as the funds they used to receive from bin Laden’s al-Qaeda terrorist network have diminished overtime.
“Yung funding support na binibigay ng al-Qaeda sa Jemaah Islamiyah has trickled down to almost zero, kaya kung nakikita nyo yung ating mga terrorist groups dito sa Pilipinas ay parang walang kagana-gana, wala silang kalatoy-latoy," he said.
Still, Rodriguez said they will closely monitor the security situation in the country for possible attacks by bin Laden sympathizers following the death of the dreaded terrorist leader. — KBK
“The AFP is optimistic that Osama's death would lead to the eventual demise of the link of the local terrorist group with Jemaah Islamiyah who has links with bin Laden's al-Qaeda," said AFP chief Gen. Eduardo Oban on Monday.
US President Barack Obama announced late Sunday (Monday in Manila) that the elusive bin Laden was killed in a US-led operation involving helicopters and troops in Pakistan.
Oban said the AFP would remain vigilant against possible attacks by groups supportive of bin Laden. “We would like to assure the people that your AFP would remain alert and vigilant amidst this very significant development."
AFP spokesperson Commodore Miguel Jose Rodriguez, meanwhile, noted that bin Laden had been an “inspiration" to local terrorists.
“Ngayon na nawala na yung kanilang ulo, nakikita natin na siguro mawawalan na sila ng inspirasyon na ipagpatuloy ang kanilang mga terroristic act," he said.
(Now that their overall leader is gone, they will no longer have inspiration to carry out their terroristic acts.)
Rodriguez said Asian terrorist groups like the Jemaah Islamiyah has been silent these days as the funds they used to receive from bin Laden’s al-Qaeda terrorist network have diminished overtime.
“Yung funding support na binibigay ng al-Qaeda sa Jemaah Islamiyah has trickled down to almost zero, kaya kung nakikita nyo yung ating mga terrorist groups dito sa Pilipinas ay parang walang kagana-gana, wala silang kalatoy-latoy," he said.
Still, Rodriguez said they will closely monitor the security situation in the country for possible attacks by bin Laden sympathizers following the death of the dreaded terrorist leader. — KBK
DID YOU KNOW THAT ? PALANAN ISABELA
There are no roads going to Palanan, so the other option of taking the foot trail, known as Aguinaldo trail, from San Mariano in Cauayan is already out of the question. We were told by Reynante that, that’s like five days of hiking! Several bodies of water traverse the municipality, which finally drain to the coastal area. Most, if not all, of these waters are used as fishing grounds and means of transportation. It has two big rivers with numerous tributaries. The Palanan River, which is almost parallel to the municipality from south to north and the Dibenbenan River, which originate from the western part of the municipality. According to Department of Tourism (DoT) Region 2 Director Blessida Diwa, for a long time, tourism has not been given much attention here despite its diverse offerings to both environmentalists and tourists. But the DoT, with the help of the local government of Isabela, is trying to change that now. Palanan’s colorful historical background, natural harbors, abundant corals, prolific marine life, rich terrestrial areas, numerous picnic grounds, and large tracts of virgin forest are just among the resources that it can offer for eco-tourism destinations. These same resources also interest the scientific communities and academia to conduct research.
source: http://origparanan.wordpress.com/
Monday, May 2, 2011
Kopi Talk Our man in Tokyo
MANILA, Philippines- Tokyo, Japan. The more things change, the more they remain the same. Pachingko, the Japanese pinball ball-bearing pastime which is virtual gambling for cigarettes, is ubiquitous despite video games.
Japan hiked taxes on cigarettes by ¥100 per pack, but it hasn't deterred smokers.
Seoul Incheon rated best international airport, followed by Singapore Changi and Hong Kong. Ninoy Aquino International Airport wasn't even a blip despite 25th anniversary of EDSA. But some good news follows...
After passing the baton to MVP as Meralco Chairman and CEO, Manuel Lopez is now our man in Tokyo. Ambassador Lopez knows that Ambassador Domingo Siazon Jr., who spoke Nihongo like a native, is a hard act to follow.
Moreover, unlike his previous job, in diplomacy, one doesn't just push a button and Redi Kilowatt lights up at the other end. He has professionals to help him make haste slowly.
Before presenting his letters of credence to His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Akihito, on 14 March 2011, our new envoy is already flying high... not as a Blue Eagle but onboard the inaugural flight of All Nippon Airways.
ANA 949 inaugural flight to Manila landed last night at 21.15H at NAIA3...thus ending the suspended animation of our Dumbo White Elephant.
DoTC Secretary Ping de Jesus welcomed the inaugural flight. Huli man at dumating... 9 years after its scheduled ribbon-cutting... magaling din ang take-off ng NAIA3. Cathay Pacific will soon follow to NAIA3... and so will other major airlines.
A cultural dance performance by students of foreign studies of the Tokyo University sent off the ANA inaugural flight.
VIPs accompanying the Ambassador and Mme. Maria Teresa Lagdameo Lopez are Shinya Katano, Executive VP of ANA, Kosaburo Morinakja and Hishashi Katakoa (President and General Manager, respectively, of Narita Airport Terminal CO.), and the big prize, Akira Kanai, Chairman of the Japan Association of Travel Agents, Jungo Kikuma (Vice Chairman), Kosuke Shibata (President), and 10 other board members representing their respective travel agencies.
Our envoy believes that tourism brings trade... and trade brings investments.
Ende gut, alles gut (German translation of Shakespeare's ''All's well that ends well''). Finally a thorn on the side of Philippine-German economic relations (NAIA vs Fraport) has been removed.
It wasn't fair for Fraport to heap the blame on NAIA3...when it wasn't exactly Little Red Riding Hood waylaid by a wolf. Eyes wide open, it upped the ante. It takes two to tango.
Both sides were consenting adults; and happily, an amicable settlement is reached.
Ambassador Lopez is betting on much better results of the just-concluded qualifying exams in Japan for our Filipina nurses. (This time some questions were in English). With their TLC, our nurses are our best ambassadors of goodwill.
Our man in Tokyo can have multiplier with the ''Manila Club'' ...an informal gathering of the 25 foreign envoys in Tokyo who are concurrently accredited to the Philippines.
He dropped running to take on the role as presiding chairman of the ASEAN Center in Tokyo. Feedback: jaz_aide@yahoo.com.
Japan hiked taxes on cigarettes by ¥100 per pack, but it hasn't deterred smokers.
Seoul Incheon rated best international airport, followed by Singapore Changi and Hong Kong. Ninoy Aquino International Airport wasn't even a blip despite 25th anniversary of EDSA. But some good news follows...
After passing the baton to MVP as Meralco Chairman and CEO, Manuel Lopez is now our man in Tokyo. Ambassador Lopez knows that Ambassador Domingo Siazon Jr., who spoke Nihongo like a native, is a hard act to follow.
Moreover, unlike his previous job, in diplomacy, one doesn't just push a button and Redi Kilowatt lights up at the other end. He has professionals to help him make haste slowly.
Before presenting his letters of credence to His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Akihito, on 14 March 2011, our new envoy is already flying high... not as a Blue Eagle but onboard the inaugural flight of All Nippon Airways.
ANA 949 inaugural flight to Manila landed last night at 21.15H at NAIA3...thus ending the suspended animation of our Dumbo White Elephant.
DoTC Secretary Ping de Jesus welcomed the inaugural flight. Huli man at dumating... 9 years after its scheduled ribbon-cutting... magaling din ang take-off ng NAIA3. Cathay Pacific will soon follow to NAIA3... and so will other major airlines.
A cultural dance performance by students of foreign studies of the Tokyo University sent off the ANA inaugural flight.
VIPs accompanying the Ambassador and Mme. Maria Teresa Lagdameo Lopez are Shinya Katano, Executive VP of ANA, Kosaburo Morinakja and Hishashi Katakoa (President and General Manager, respectively, of Narita Airport Terminal CO.), and the big prize, Akira Kanai, Chairman of the Japan Association of Travel Agents, Jungo Kikuma (Vice Chairman), Kosuke Shibata (President), and 10 other board members representing their respective travel agencies.
Our envoy believes that tourism brings trade... and trade brings investments.
Ende gut, alles gut (German translation of Shakespeare's ''All's well that ends well''). Finally a thorn on the side of Philippine-German economic relations (NAIA vs Fraport) has been removed.
It wasn't fair for Fraport to heap the blame on NAIA3...when it wasn't exactly Little Red Riding Hood waylaid by a wolf. Eyes wide open, it upped the ante. It takes two to tango.
Both sides were consenting adults; and happily, an amicable settlement is reached.
Ambassador Lopez is betting on much better results of the just-concluded qualifying exams in Japan for our Filipina nurses. (This time some questions were in English). With their TLC, our nurses are our best ambassadors of goodwill.
Our man in Tokyo can have multiplier with the ''Manila Club'' ...an informal gathering of the 25 foreign envoys in Tokyo who are concurrently accredited to the Philippines.
He dropped running to take on the role as presiding chairman of the ASEAN Center in Tokyo. Feedback: jaz_aide@yahoo.com.
News Update Philippine rebels seek to speed up peace process
The largest Muslim rebel group in the Philippines urged the government Wednesday to speed up peace talks, but remained vague about its plans to handle a renegade commander who threatens to derail the process.
The negotiations seek to end a decades-long armed struggle by the 11,000-strong Moro Islamic Liberation Front for Muslim self-rule in the southern Philippines, the homeland of minority Muslims in the mostly Roman Catholic country.
In a speech to start the latest round of two-day talks brokered by Malaysia, rebel chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal noted that negotiations have gone on since 1997, which he called "too long a process."
Iqbal urged the Philippine government to submit a draft of a comprehensive accord when both sides hold their next meeting in Kuala Lumpur. Upcoming talks are expected in June.
Iqbal added that the rebels were working to solve problems with Ameril Umbra Kato, a hard-line commander who opposes the talks because he says they have yielded no major results for years. Kato has formed his own group of a few hundred followers but has indicated that he still belongs to the Moro group.
Rebel leaders have "exerted efforts to make him realize his mistakes," Iqbal said. "But more efforts are still wanting and we are not giving up. The Kato problem is internal to the MILF. Leave this problem to us."
Government negotiator Marvic Leonen voiced concerns about whether a peace deal can be implemented if there were "unaddressed splinter groups." He added that patience was necessary for consultations on complicated issues.
The peace process stalled in 2008 when a preliminary accord expanding an existing autonomous Muslim region fell apart and was later declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. The government has accused Kato and rebel fighters of killing dozens of civilians when they rampaged through Christian communities to protest the failure of talks.
Despite the violence, Iqbal said last September that his group was no longer demanding independence from the Philippines but status similar to a U.S. state.
The United States, which has hundreds of troops training Filipino soldiers, is supporting the peace process with the aim of denying sanctuary for al-Qaida-linked militants.
Muslim insurgents also include the brutal Abu Sayyaf group, notorious for kidnappings and beheadings, and Indonesian militants linked to the regional terrorist network Jemaah Islamiyah.
This week's meeting resolved a dispute over the talks' Malaysian facilitator. Othman Abdul Razak, an official in the Malaysian prime minister's office who mediated for nearly nine years, stepped down after the Philippine government indicated it considers him biased in favor of the rebels.
Tengku Ab Ghafar Tengku Mohamed, a Malaysian ex-diplomat who once served in Manila, replaced Othman.
The negotiations seek to end a decades-long armed struggle by the 11,000-strong Moro Islamic Liberation Front for Muslim self-rule in the southern Philippines, the homeland of minority Muslims in the mostly Roman Catholic country.
In a speech to start the latest round of two-day talks brokered by Malaysia, rebel chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal noted that negotiations have gone on since 1997, which he called "too long a process."
Iqbal urged the Philippine government to submit a draft of a comprehensive accord when both sides hold their next meeting in Kuala Lumpur. Upcoming talks are expected in June.
Iqbal added that the rebels were working to solve problems with Ameril Umbra Kato, a hard-line commander who opposes the talks because he says they have yielded no major results for years. Kato has formed his own group of a few hundred followers but has indicated that he still belongs to the Moro group.
Rebel leaders have "exerted efforts to make him realize his mistakes," Iqbal said. "But more efforts are still wanting and we are not giving up. The Kato problem is internal to the MILF. Leave this problem to us."
Government negotiator Marvic Leonen voiced concerns about whether a peace deal can be implemented if there were "unaddressed splinter groups." He added that patience was necessary for consultations on complicated issues.
The peace process stalled in 2008 when a preliminary accord expanding an existing autonomous Muslim region fell apart and was later declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. The government has accused Kato and rebel fighters of killing dozens of civilians when they rampaged through Christian communities to protest the failure of talks.
Despite the violence, Iqbal said last September that his group was no longer demanding independence from the Philippines but status similar to a U.S. state.
The United States, which has hundreds of troops training Filipino soldiers, is supporting the peace process with the aim of denying sanctuary for al-Qaida-linked militants.
Muslim insurgents also include the brutal Abu Sayyaf group, notorious for kidnappings and beheadings, and Indonesian militants linked to the regional terrorist network Jemaah Islamiyah.
This week's meeting resolved a dispute over the talks' Malaysian facilitator. Othman Abdul Razak, an official in the Malaysian prime minister's office who mediated for nearly nine years, stepped down after the Philippine government indicated it considers him biased in favor of the rebels.
Tengku Ab Ghafar Tengku Mohamed, a Malaysian ex-diplomat who once served in Manila, replaced Othman.
News Update Truck with workers crashes in Philippines; 9 dead
The military says a dump truck transporting workers to a palm oil plantation has plunged into a ravine in the southern Philippines, killing nine people and injuring 53.
Army spokesman Maj. Eugenio Julio Osias says soldiers helped retrieve the injured after the truck veered off the road and cascaded down the ravine Friday in Opol town in Misamis Oriental province.
It is not clear what caused the accident.
Trucks are often used to carry workers in the Philippines.
Many accidents in the country are blamed on poorly maintained vehicles and roads, inadequate driver training and weak traffic law enforcement.
Army spokesman Maj. Eugenio Julio Osias says soldiers helped retrieve the injured after the truck veered off the road and cascaded down the ravine Friday in Opol town in Misamis Oriental province.
It is not clear what caused the accident.
Trucks are often used to carry workers in the Philippines.
Many accidents in the country are blamed on poorly maintained vehicles and roads, inadequate driver training and weak traffic law enforcement.
News Update JM, Lauren closer than ever
KAPAMILYA actor JM De Guzman and his leading lady Lauren Young are getting to know more each other on the set of "Mula Sa Puso."
News has it that the two are spending more time off camera and would even fool around the set, teasing and tickling each other.
JM would reportedly put his chair right beside Lauren's whenever they are within the standby area inside the tent.
This particular news was not denied by the actor, but clarified the real reason behind it.
News has it that the two are spending more time off camera and would even fool around the set, teasing and tickling each other.
JM would reportedly put his chair right beside Lauren's whenever they are within the standby area inside the tent.
This particular news was not denied by the actor, but clarified the real reason behind it.
News Update Cancer claims Cebu vice guv's life
CEBU CITY -- Cebu Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez Jr. succumbed to lung cancer at 2:40 a.m. Friday in the intensive care unit of Chong Hua Hospital.
He was 68. He died less than two weeks after his two daughters first confirmed he was suffering from stage four lung cancer.
"Of all the bosses I had, he may not have been the best, but he was the kindest," his chief of staff, Evangeline de Paula, told reporters. She said she first met the vice governor in 1986.
The wake for Sanchez is being held at the Crystal Palace, a complementary facility of the Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes in Nivel Hills, Lahug, Cebu City.
Governor Gwendolyn Garcia said she will harmonize plans with the Legislative Department for a necrological service for the vice governor. She extended her "deepest condolences and sympathies" to the family and said she will visit the wake "at the proper time.
He was 68. He died less than two weeks after his two daughters first confirmed he was suffering from stage four lung cancer.
"Of all the bosses I had, he may not have been the best, but he was the kindest," his chief of staff, Evangeline de Paula, told reporters. She said she first met the vice governor in 1986.
The wake for Sanchez is being held at the Crystal Palace, a complementary facility of the Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes in Nivel Hills, Lahug, Cebu City.
Governor Gwendolyn Garcia said she will harmonize plans with the Legislative Department for a necrological service for the vice governor. She extended her "deepest condolences and sympathies" to the family and said she will visit the wake "at the proper time.
News Update Happy, Yipee, Yehey' invades Pangasinan
MANILA, Philippines – An estimated 30,000 people trooped to Lingayen Beach Front in Pangasinan to watch the first provincial tour of ABS-CBN afternoon show “Happy, Yipee, Yehey!”
They braved the scorching sun just to get a glimpse of their idols and win big prizes in the television program.
Not minding her condition, disabled Abby Lopez, 68, went to watch the show so that she could see Mariel Rodriguez, wife of action star Robin Padilla, in person.
"Gusto ko talaga siya makita.. nagkasama kami sa pelikula ni Robin," she said.
The Pangasinenses warmly welcomed the “Happy Yipee Yehey” family that includes Toni Gonzaga, Rodriguez, Randy Santiago, John Estrada, Bianca Manalo, Melai Cantiveros, John Prats, Bentong and Matteo Guidicelli.
Teen stars Kiray, Miles Ocampo and Makisig, rapper Andrew E and Mocha Uson performed before the huge crowd.
“Sobrang nakakataba ng puso. Ang dami ng tao dito sa Pangasinan kaya nagpapasalamat po kami," Santiago said.
Estrada said: "Masaya ang stay namin dito… sayang nga lang, hindi nakuha ang handog naming jackpot."
They promised to return to the province to bring joy and fun to their fans.
“Happy Yipee Yehey!” airs Mondays through Saturdays after Showtime on ABS-CBN. -Report from Nevi Calma, ABS-CBN Dagupan
They braved the scorching sun just to get a glimpse of their idols and win big prizes in the television program.
Not minding her condition, disabled Abby Lopez, 68, went to watch the show so that she could see Mariel Rodriguez, wife of action star Robin Padilla, in person.
"Gusto ko talaga siya makita.. nagkasama kami sa pelikula ni Robin," she said.
The Pangasinenses warmly welcomed the “Happy Yipee Yehey” family that includes Toni Gonzaga, Rodriguez, Randy Santiago, John Estrada, Bianca Manalo, Melai Cantiveros, John Prats, Bentong and Matteo Guidicelli.
Teen stars Kiray, Miles Ocampo and Makisig, rapper Andrew E and Mocha Uson performed before the huge crowd.
“Sobrang nakakataba ng puso. Ang dami ng tao dito sa Pangasinan kaya nagpapasalamat po kami," Santiago said.
Estrada said: "Masaya ang stay namin dito… sayang nga lang, hindi nakuha ang handog naming jackpot."
They promised to return to the province to bring joy and fun to their fans.
“Happy Yipee Yehey!” airs Mondays through Saturdays after Showtime on ABS-CBN. -Report from Nevi Calma, ABS-CBN Dagupan
News Update Ex-promoter expects Mosley to beat Pacquiao
MANILA, Philippines – A former promoter of “Sugar” Shane Mosley is confident that his former ward will beat Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao.
Cedric Kushner said in an Examiner.com report that “absolutely, Shane has a chance to win” in the 2 boxers’ welterweight clash, which will be held on May 7 (May 8 in Manila) at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
"I don't wish to speak in riddles so I'll make it plain. I am picking Shane to win this fight over Pacman," the head of Cedric Kushner Promotions Ltd. said.
The fight will put Pacquiao’s World Boxing Organization welterweight belt at stake.
The Filipino has the apparent advantage in terms of speed, but Mosley has the experience and the power too, Kushner said.
"But I will go further than that. I'm picking Shane to win this fight. He's been one of the great fighters of his generation and he retains his power. I also think that this might be the time, might be the fight where as great as Manny is and has been, he's going to be impacted negatively from fighting a bigger man,” he said.
Kushner, however, admitted that Pacquiao definitely has the goods to stop Mosley.
"On the other hand, you ask me if Pacquiao can stop Shane? I'd say that Manny can stop anybody but Shane takes a helluva rap, he's always had a solid chin. Sure, Manny is more than capable of hurting Shane," he said, "but the opposite is also true."
Kushner, who has trained Mosley when the boxer was still in the flyweight division, has spent the past 30 years in the boxing industry.
Kushner has promoted 30 world champions, including Mosley.
he has also staged more than 300 world title fights in North America, Europe, Asia, South America, Australia and Africa
Cedric Kushner said in an Examiner.com report that “absolutely, Shane has a chance to win” in the 2 boxers’ welterweight clash, which will be held on May 7 (May 8 in Manila) at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
"I don't wish to speak in riddles so I'll make it plain. I am picking Shane to win this fight over Pacman," the head of Cedric Kushner Promotions Ltd. said.
The fight will put Pacquiao’s World Boxing Organization welterweight belt at stake.
The Filipino has the apparent advantage in terms of speed, but Mosley has the experience and the power too, Kushner said.
"But I will go further than that. I'm picking Shane to win this fight. He's been one of the great fighters of his generation and he retains his power. I also think that this might be the time, might be the fight where as great as Manny is and has been, he's going to be impacted negatively from fighting a bigger man,” he said.
Kushner, however, admitted that Pacquiao definitely has the goods to stop Mosley.
"On the other hand, you ask me if Pacquiao can stop Shane? I'd say that Manny can stop anybody but Shane takes a helluva rap, he's always had a solid chin. Sure, Manny is more than capable of hurting Shane," he said, "but the opposite is also true."
Kushner, who has trained Mosley when the boxer was still in the flyweight division, has spent the past 30 years in the boxing industry.
Kushner has promoted 30 world champions, including Mosley.
he has also staged more than 300 world title fights in North America, Europe, Asia, South America, Australia and Africa
Sunday, May 1, 2011
News Update Thousands demand wage hike in Philippines
MANILA - THOUSANDS of workers and activists marched on Philippine streets on Sunday to protest the government's migrant labour policy and demand higher wages amid rising prices for basic commodities.
Carrying slogans and banners criticising the government, the marchers accused President Benigno Aquino of reneging on his campaign promise last year to raise the living standards of the country's workforce.
They also demanded an end to the government's policy of sending workers overseas - an estimated nine million Filipinos work abroad and their millions in dollar remittances have traditionally buoyed the economy.
'All of Aquino's announcements are literally 'spare change' to appease workers,' said Vencer Crisostomo, chairman of the group Anakbayan, after Mr Aquino ignored a demand for a nationwide increase in monthly minimum wages.
'For the past several years, the government has always made a show of holding Labor Day job fairs. But why do many Filipinos still go overseas to look for greener pastures, even at their own risk? It's because these job fairs do not solve the problem of low wages in locally based jobs.' The largest May Day protest took place in Manila, but there were also marches in major cities in the central and southern Philippines.
Mr Aquino, in his labour day message, insisted the government was not deaf to the demands of workers, but stressed the country's poor fiscal position made it difficult to quickly deliver on his promises. -- AFP
Carrying slogans and banners criticising the government, the marchers accused President Benigno Aquino of reneging on his campaign promise last year to raise the living standards of the country's workforce.
They also demanded an end to the government's policy of sending workers overseas - an estimated nine million Filipinos work abroad and their millions in dollar remittances have traditionally buoyed the economy.
'All of Aquino's announcements are literally 'spare change' to appease workers,' said Vencer Crisostomo, chairman of the group Anakbayan, after Mr Aquino ignored a demand for a nationwide increase in monthly minimum wages.
'For the past several years, the government has always made a show of holding Labor Day job fairs. But why do many Filipinos still go overseas to look for greener pastures, even at their own risk? It's because these job fairs do not solve the problem of low wages in locally based jobs.' The largest May Day protest took place in Manila, but there were also marches in major cities in the central and southern Philippines.
Mr Aquino, in his labour day message, insisted the government was not deaf to the demands of workers, but stressed the country's poor fiscal position made it difficult to quickly deliver on his promises. -- AFP
DID YOU KNOW THAT ? Horsefighting thrives in Philippines despite ban
KAPATAGAN, Philippines - More than 12 years after horsefighting was banned in the Philippines, the brutal and bloody sport remains very much alive in the betting underworld of the country.Horsefighting remains big business especially here on the southern island of Mindanao.
Authorities and local officials turn a blind eye toward this illegal sport that forces two stallions to fight each other over a mare in heat that is tethered inside the center circle of an enclosure.
The Philippines, China, Indonesia and South Korea are among the few countries that continue to practice horsefighting.
Kyodo News witnessed nine of 25 horse duels involving 50 horses, the highlight of a three-day horsefighting event to celebrate the founding of Kapatagan, a remote mountain village in Davao del Sur province.
More than 500 villagers, including schoolchildren, gathered in a makeshift bamboo and wood enclosure in a vacant farm lot in the town to witness the bloody, and sometimes deadly, duel of stallions.Organizers charged an entry fee of 150 pesos (about $3.20) to spectators. Those who could not afford to pay climbed the trees around the enclosure and perched on tree branches to get a view of fights.
Baby Oliamot, 45, brought her husband and five children, including her 5-year-old daughter, to watch the horsefights. Another daughter will catch up with them after school, she said.
"We came to have a good time. This is a form of relaxation to us farmers. It is not every day that we get to witness horsefighting," said Oliamot, a vegetable farmer. She lost 350 pesos in one of the matches.
Peter James Paluger, 12, and his classmates were among the spectators that also included drunk teenage boys and men who came after downing a few shots of local rum.
Vegetable farmer Jimjim Mazon, 22, said horsefighting is very popular among the villagers here.
"People love horses so they also love watching the horses fight. It's like seeing the other side of the horse -- from a farm to a fighting animal," he said.Horse owner Junel Castillo, 34, was beaming with pride after his 6-year-old stallion Bugoy won his bout.
"This is his sixth win," Castillo said. "He's a very strong horse. His fighting spirit is superb. I am very proud of my horse." He declined to discuss his winnings.
Castillo said he trained his horse for a month before entering him in the contest. "I make sure that my horse is properly fed and given vitamins to prepare him for the fight. It's worth it," he said.
It is not uncommon to see scarred stallions grazing in this farming village, a sign that horsefighting is indeed part of the villagers' way of life.
The scarred horses are the lucky ones. Other horses have gotten maimed or killed, according to some villagers.
Horsefighting, known locally "paaway kuda," is part of the culture of some of the indigenous peoples of Mindanao such as the Manobos, Bagobos and Matigsalugs.
"It's an old tradition. It's embedded in our culture," said Castillo, noting that Filipinos have a long tradition of blood sports involving spiders, dogs, and horses in addition to roosters or cocks.
Cockfighting is legal in the Philippines and is, in fact, a popular cultural tradition among Filipinos, rich and poor alike.
Horsefighting was outlawed by the Philippine government in 1998, but local officials and police seldom enforce the law.
The Animal Welfare Act of 1998 specifically bans horsefighting, with Section 6 of the law categorically stating that it is "unlawful to subject any dog or horse to dogfights or horsefights."
Animal welfare and rights activists are urging the government to strictly implement the law, saying that subjecting animals like horses to fights is cruel.
"We oppose any acts whereby humans incite, allow, or cause animals to fight," said Anna Cabrera of the Philippine Animal Welfare Society.Dogfighting, cockfighting, bullfighting and horsefighting are examples of animal blood sports, which glorify violence for the sake of monetary gain, entertainment, or other purposes.
Each horsefight lasts from a few minutes to an hour.
Before the horses are pitted against each other, their respective handlers douse them with water laced with sugar. A bread roll is then used to sponge off the water from the horse's body, mane and tail, and then fed to the horse. This is meant to ensure that no poison or harmful substances have been applied to the horse's body, giving it an unfair advantage over its opponent.
Around 30 bookies crowd inside the enclosure, shouting out bets.
When all the bets are in, the mare is then brought inside the center circle. The kicking, biting and galloping begin, officially kicking off a fight.
If one of the fighting stallions runs out of the circle and fails to enter the circle in one minute then that stallion loses the bout. A stallion also loses if it gallops out of the enclosure through a single exit
News Update North Cotabato grenade blast kills 2, hurts 4
KIDAPAWAN CITY – Two people were killed while four others, including a six-year-old girl, were wounded when a hand grenade exploded inside a house in Poblacion, Kabacan in North Cotabato around 6 p.m. Thursday, police reports said.
Superintendent Joseph Semillano, Kabacan police chief, identified the fatalities as Bashir Taba and a certain Misuari, both residents of Purok Krislam in Poblacion.
Those hurt were Johaybin Badal, 6; Benzar Guiamalon; Jemar Suelo; and Mudsing Guiamalon, all residents of Mantawil Street, Poblacion. They were taken to the Kabacan Medical Specialist Hospital in Kabacan town for treatment.
Reports said the blast occurred inside the house of a certain Max Badal while a birthday party was being held.
Accordingly, the victims — Misuari and Bashir — were playing with the grenade while everyone was busy preparing for the celebration inside Badal’s house.
Police are still clueless as to how the victims got hold of the explosive or if it belonged to one of them.
The blast occurred a day after bomb experts successfully detonated an improvised explosive device in Cotabato City, some 150 kilometers north of Kabacan town.
The IED, fashioned from an M203 grenade with a mobile phone attached to it, was placed inside a baggage left by still unidentified guest in an inn, reports said. — RSJ
Superintendent Joseph Semillano, Kabacan police chief, identified the fatalities as Bashir Taba and a certain Misuari, both residents of Purok Krislam in Poblacion.
Those hurt were Johaybin Badal, 6; Benzar Guiamalon; Jemar Suelo; and Mudsing Guiamalon, all residents of Mantawil Street, Poblacion. They were taken to the Kabacan Medical Specialist Hospital in Kabacan town for treatment.
Reports said the blast occurred inside the house of a certain Max Badal while a birthday party was being held.
Accordingly, the victims — Misuari and Bashir — were playing with the grenade while everyone was busy preparing for the celebration inside Badal’s house.
Police are still clueless as to how the victims got hold of the explosive or if it belonged to one of them.
The blast occurred a day after bomb experts successfully detonated an improvised explosive device in Cotabato City, some 150 kilometers north of Kabacan town.
The IED, fashioned from an M203 grenade with a mobile phone attached to it, was placed inside a baggage left by still unidentified guest in an inn, reports said. — RSJ
News Update Gov't to deploy e-buses in Makati
Following the launch of e-tricycles and e-jeepneys in the country, the Department of Energy (DOE) is now looking into rolling out e-buses.
Electric vehicles are a crucial element in the government's Alternative Fuels Roadmap, a basic policy framework that aims to diversify power sources for use in transport systems in the country.
In furtherance of this initiative, Philip Apostol —manager of Green Frog Zero Emissions Transport Corp. and son of Rep. Sergio Apostol— disclosed plans to acquire about 3,000 electric buses over the next seven years.
He said that his company plans to get an initial fleet of 38 e-buses from China this year. The 36-passenger buses are to be deployed along various routes in Makati City and will charge just P8 per passenger.
"The plan is to implement the project within 90 days after the signing of the MOA with the Makati LGU. This is a PPP (Public-Private-Partnership) with Makati," Apostol said.
Apostol expects the first shipment of ten buses to arrive within the next three months, and will be plying the Buendia route.
He added that charging stations will be set up in Makati, and the e-buses will be plugged in at night. The cost of charging each bus will run to just P60 for three hours, for a total range of 120km —the equivalent of 15 round trips on the Buendia route.
Green Frog also expects to earn income through advertising.
"About half of the revenues will come from advertising," Apostol said.
Green Frog director Servillano Batac said that the company is currently in talks with the government and potential financiers to implement a "tap-and-go" system for the e-buses.
"The idea is that you will be able to use your MRT cards to pay our electric buses, just like in other countries," Batac said.
Apostol declined to reveal the acquisition cost for the e-buses, but assured that talks are well under way for financing the first phase of the project.
"We hope to reach financial closure in a month," he said.
"If they (government) are serious about this, they should give incentives like duty-free importation of equipment," Apostol added. — TJD
Electric vehicles are a crucial element in the government's Alternative Fuels Roadmap, a basic policy framework that aims to diversify power sources for use in transport systems in the country.
In furtherance of this initiative, Philip Apostol —manager of Green Frog Zero Emissions Transport Corp. and son of Rep. Sergio Apostol— disclosed plans to acquire about 3,000 electric buses over the next seven years.
He said that his company plans to get an initial fleet of 38 e-buses from China this year. The 36-passenger buses are to be deployed along various routes in Makati City and will charge just P8 per passenger.
"The plan is to implement the project within 90 days after the signing of the MOA with the Makati LGU. This is a PPP (Public-Private-Partnership) with Makati," Apostol said.
Apostol expects the first shipment of ten buses to arrive within the next three months, and will be plying the Buendia route.
He added that charging stations will be set up in Makati, and the e-buses will be plugged in at night. The cost of charging each bus will run to just P60 for three hours, for a total range of 120km —the equivalent of 15 round trips on the Buendia route.
Green Frog also expects to earn income through advertising.
"About half of the revenues will come from advertising," Apostol said.
Green Frog director Servillano Batac said that the company is currently in talks with the government and potential financiers to implement a "tap-and-go" system for the e-buses.
"The idea is that you will be able to use your MRT cards to pay our electric buses, just like in other countries," Batac said.
Apostol declined to reveal the acquisition cost for the e-buses, but assured that talks are well under way for financing the first phase of the project.
"We hope to reach financial closure in a month," he said.
"If they (government) are serious about this, they should give incentives like duty-free importation of equipment," Apostol added. — TJD
News Update PHL asks Australia to subsidize dairy plants
The National Dairy Authority (NDA) is set to ask the Australian government to subsidize as many as 50 dairy processing facilities in the Philippines.
"We're proposing that Australia make us a satellite processing center. We could start to service local consumption and try to slowly penetrate the region (Asian)," said NDA manager Rene De Guzman on Thursday at the inaugural meeting of the Philippine Australian Agriculture Forum at the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel In Mandaluyong City.
"we'll be needing, at the onset, 50 facilities that will be dispersed in various dairy-producing provinces. These facilities will enable our dairy sector to rise above the challenges of improving production and the quality of our milk and dairy products," he added, noting that each facility would cost at least 100,000 Australian dollars.
According to government statistics, the Philippines' dairy sector would need some P2.41 billion on average per year for the next six years in order to double its milk sufficiency to 43 percent of the entire local liquid milk market and to triple daily production from to 45 million liters or from 43 metric tons (MT) to 131 MT by 2016.
If these goals are realized, it would offset some $1.06 billion of milk imports, according Dairy Agency Administrator Grace Cenas.
Most of the Philippines' milk imports come from New Zealand (52 percent), followed by the US (16 percent) and Australia (9 percent).
Of the country's yearly milk requirements, imports make up some 76 percent of the supply.
Philippine agriculture secretary Proceso Alcala is hoping to forge a closer partnership with Australia, the world's 13th largest economy and a fellow member of the Cairns Group at the World Trade Organization.
“As the Philippines strives to modernize its agriculture and fishery sector, we recognize the need to expand economic and trading relations with our neighbors in Asia and the Pacific, including Australia," Alcala said.
Figures presented from the Philippine Bureau of Agricultural Statistics showed that the total trade in agricultural products between the two countries reached $292 million in 2009. — TJD
"We're proposing that Australia make us a satellite processing center. We could start to service local consumption and try to slowly penetrate the region (Asian)," said NDA manager Rene De Guzman on Thursday at the inaugural meeting of the Philippine Australian Agriculture Forum at the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel In Mandaluyong City.
"we'll be needing, at the onset, 50 facilities that will be dispersed in various dairy-producing provinces. These facilities will enable our dairy sector to rise above the challenges of improving production and the quality of our milk and dairy products," he added, noting that each facility would cost at least 100,000 Australian dollars.
According to government statistics, the Philippines' dairy sector would need some P2.41 billion on average per year for the next six years in order to double its milk sufficiency to 43 percent of the entire local liquid milk market and to triple daily production from to 45 million liters or from 43 metric tons (MT) to 131 MT by 2016.
If these goals are realized, it would offset some $1.06 billion of milk imports, according Dairy Agency Administrator Grace Cenas.
Most of the Philippines' milk imports come from New Zealand (52 percent), followed by the US (16 percent) and Australia (9 percent).
Of the country's yearly milk requirements, imports make up some 76 percent of the supply.
Philippine agriculture secretary Proceso Alcala is hoping to forge a closer partnership with Australia, the world's 13th largest economy and a fellow member of the Cairns Group at the World Trade Organization.
“As the Philippines strives to modernize its agriculture and fishery sector, we recognize the need to expand economic and trading relations with our neighbors in Asia and the Pacific, including Australia," Alcala said.
Figures presented from the Philippine Bureau of Agricultural Statistics showed that the total trade in agricultural products between the two countries reached $292 million in 2009. — TJD
News Update Merci's family opposed her resignation, says daughter
The family of Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez was not in favor of her decision to resign from the post she had been holding for the past six years, her daughter said on Friday.
"Ayaw namin talaga siya mag-resign... talagang lahat kami against it (We didn't want her to resign. We were all against it)," Gutierrez's lawyer daughter Margarita said in an interview aired over GMA News TV.
Gutierrez announced her resignation on Friday, 10 days before the Senate impeachment trial against her was to start.
The case was elevated to the Senate after the House of Representatives impeached Gutierrez for alleged betrayal of public trust due to the low conviction rates and her supposed inaction on five high-profile cases during the Arroyo administration.
Margarita said that although they were having a hard time, they wanted the former Ombudsman to continue with the trial, believing that their defense had merit.
"Gusto namin ipakita sa tao na wala siyang kasalanan. Alam namin malalaban namin ito (We want to show the people that she did not do anything wrong. We know we would have been able to fight it)," she said.
She explained that they would have been able to prove that her mother did not sit on the cases enumerated on the articles of impeachment.
"Talagang maayos siya, na wala talagang delays sa mga trabaho niya (She was doing her job well, there were no real delays)," she said.
But Margarita said that flak from critics and the public eventually took a toll on Gutierrez and their family, which eventually led the public official to step down from office.
"Sobra na, sobra na talaga. Parang mahihirapan kami ioverturn yung public perception (It was just too much. We knew we would have a hard time overtuning public perception)," she said.
She likewise said that the former Ombudsman did not want the Senate to focus on her trial instead of its legislative work.
But Margarita noted that despite her mother's "tough" appearance, she was hurt and saddened by what happened.
She said that Gutierrez will probably rest after finishing her remaining work at the Office of the Ombudsman.
Her resignation will take effect on May 6 but her term was supposed to end in December 2012 yet.
Senators, however, earlier said that Gutierrez is not yet safe from other possible charges that may be filed against her. — RSJ, GMA
"Ayaw namin talaga siya mag-resign... talagang lahat kami against it (We didn't want her to resign. We were all against it)," Gutierrez's lawyer daughter Margarita said in an interview aired over GMA News TV.
Gutierrez announced her resignation on Friday, 10 days before the Senate impeachment trial against her was to start.
The case was elevated to the Senate after the House of Representatives impeached Gutierrez for alleged betrayal of public trust due to the low conviction rates and her supposed inaction on five high-profile cases during the Arroyo administration.
Margarita said that although they were having a hard time, they wanted the former Ombudsman to continue with the trial, believing that their defense had merit.
"Gusto namin ipakita sa tao na wala siyang kasalanan. Alam namin malalaban namin ito (We want to show the people that she did not do anything wrong. We know we would have been able to fight it)," she said.
She explained that they would have been able to prove that her mother did not sit on the cases enumerated on the articles of impeachment.
"Talagang maayos siya, na wala talagang delays sa mga trabaho niya (She was doing her job well, there were no real delays)," she said.
But Margarita said that flak from critics and the public eventually took a toll on Gutierrez and their family, which eventually led the public official to step down from office.
"Sobra na, sobra na talaga. Parang mahihirapan kami ioverturn yung public perception (It was just too much. We knew we would have a hard time overtuning public perception)," she said.
She likewise said that the former Ombudsman did not want the Senate to focus on her trial instead of its legislative work.
But Margarita noted that despite her mother's "tough" appearance, she was hurt and saddened by what happened.
She said that Gutierrez will probably rest after finishing her remaining work at the Office of the Ombudsman.
Her resignation will take effect on May 6 but her term was supposed to end in December 2012 yet.
Senators, however, earlier said that Gutierrez is not yet safe from other possible charges that may be filed against her. — RSJ, GMA
News Update Malacañang declares June 20 a special non-working holiday for Jose Rizal's 150th birthday
To commemorate the 150th birthday of the country's national hero, Jose Rizal, Malacañang has declared June 20 a special non-working holiday, reports GMA News Online.
Rizal's birthday, June 19, falls on a Sunday this year but the National Historical Commission of the Philippines requested the holiday to be moved to June 20, Monday.
The holiday was declared "to give all Filipinos the opportunity to commemorate Rizal's patriotic deeds and sacrifices for the country, rekindle their admiration and respect for him, and to celebrate this milestone with appropriate ceremonies," according to Proclamation No. 154.
Rizal's birthday, June 19, falls on a Sunday this year but the National Historical Commission of the Philippines requested the holiday to be moved to June 20, Monday.
The holiday was declared "to give all Filipinos the opportunity to commemorate Rizal's patriotic deeds and sacrifices for the country, rekindle their admiration and respect for him, and to celebrate this milestone with appropriate ceremonies," according to Proclamation No. 154.
News Update Merci: My loyalty has been to Filipino people, not Arroyo
Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez personally hands over her resignation letter to President Aquino. Jay MoralesUPDATED 3:30 p.m. - As she announced her resignation on Friday afternoon, Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez said her loyalty has always been to the Filipino people and not to former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who appointed her to office five years ago.
At a press conference, Gutierrez said she submitted to President Benigno Simeon Aquino III on Friday her resignation effective on May 6, or three days before the Senate impeachment trial against her was set to begin on May 9.
Gutierrez said while she was grateful to Arroyo for having appointed her to office, her "undivided loyalty" was to the Filipino people, and not to the former President.
She said she wanted to erase the "misconception" that she is an Arroyo lackey, having been a batch mate of Mrs. Arroyo's husband former First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo at the Ateneo Law School.
"As I leave the Office of the Ombudsman, however, it is my fervent hope that the misconception bred that having been appointed to public office by former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, I owed my allegiance to her and am accountable only to her, and not to the Filipino people and the Constitution be discarded and laid to rest," she said.
Several employees of the Office of the Ombudsman filled the conference room as Gutierrez announced her resignation.
They showed their support to Gutierrez right before she read out her prepared speech by shouting, "We love you, ma'am!"
Some employees shed tears, including a female employee who said while trying to hold back her tears, "Ayan na, ayan na. Hindi ko na kaya. Naiiyak na ko (There, I can't take this anymore. I'm about to cry)."
She said the Aquino administration has been negatively affected by the long impeachment proceedings against her that began at the House of Representatives in September last year and ended in this year.
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The House of Representatives approved on March 22 the articles of impeachment to bring Gutierrez to trial at the Senate for her alleged betrayal of public trust.
In a 212-46 vote with four abstentions, the lawmakers impeached Gutierrez for alleged betrayal of public trust due to the low conviction rates during her term and her supposed inaction on five high-profile cases.
"The impeachment proceedings have consumed not only the members of the House of Representatives and the Senate, but the Chief Executive of the land as well," Gutierrez noted.
"At a time when the present administration is in its infancy and beset with more urgent problems, the last thing that the nation needs is for the House and the Senate to be embroiled in a long drawn-out impeachment proceeding against a single public official," Gutierrez said.
"The President needs an Ombudsman in whom he has complete trust and confidence. To carry on my battle to cleanse my name before the Senate would detract from the time which could otherwise be devoted to legislative work which would address the needs of millions of Filipino people," she said.
"By tendering my resignation effective May 6, 2011, I hope we can now all focus on the impelling problems of our people rather than expending so much time, effort and resources to remove me from public office," she added.
Regretful but grateful
"I shall leave this Office with regret at not completing my term, but with gratitude for the privilege of serving as Ombudsman for the past five years," Gutierrez said.
"In almost four decades of devoting my life to government service, I have always been guided by the precepts that the public and moral responsibilities of public officials transcend all other considerations," Gutierrez added.
"It is in accordance with these principles that I have strived and persevered to build and maintain an unblemished record in public service. For me, this is the greatest and lasting legacy that I can leave my family, my children and my children’s children," Gutierrez said as she turned emotional, her voice already breaking and she was almost teary-eyed.
One of the articles of impeachment against the Ombudsman cited her alleged failure to take immediate action on complaints filed against various officials including Arroyo.
Senate impeachment trialStatement of Ombudsman Gutierrez
Good Afternoon. This morning at 10:30 a.m. I personally went to Malacanang to meet with our President, His Excellency Benigno Aquino III, to tender my resignation.
I thank the President for graciously accommodating me on very short notice, and for all the kind words he said to me.
In almost four decades of devoting my life to government service, I have always been guided by the precepts that the public and moral responsibilities of public officials transcend all other considerations. It is in accordance with these principles that I have strived and persevered to build and maintain an unblemished record in public service.
For me, this is the greatest and lasting legacy that I can leave my family, my children and my children’s children. Since September of last year, I have been subjected to impeachment proceedings which seek my removal as the Ombudsman. I have been charged with allegedly betraying the public trust which was vested in me when I assumed office in December of 2005 – this because I allegedly slept and failed to act promptly on cases of national concern.
Because of my strong belief in the falsity of the charges leveled against me, I was firm and resolute that I shall participate in the impeachment trial before the Senate and prove to the Filipino people that the allegations against me are untrue, as they are groundless. I felt that I owed it to the people and the Office of the Ombudsman to vindicate and protect the integrity and independence of the institution. Read more
She said she wanted the Senate impeachment trial against her to proceed so that she could prove that the allegations against her were untrue.
"Because of my strong belief in the falsity of the charges leveled against me, I was firm and resolute that I shall participate in the impeachment trial before the Senate and prove to the Filipino people that the allegations against me are untrue, as they are groundless," she said.
"I felt that I owed it to the people and the Office of the Ombudsman to vindicate and protect the integrity and independence of the institution," she added.
She said she believed she would have the chance to vindicate herself before the Senate.
"I also believed that in the Senate, I shall receive a verdict that would come only after the presentation of credible witnesses and evidence, unswayed by any kind of pressure, whether open or subtle, in proceedings that are devoid of histrionics that might detract from its basic aim to ferret out the truth and decreed by the cold neutrality of Senator-jurors," Gutierrez said.
However, she said she felt that her detractors would continue to hurl accusations at her as it had since September last year when the impeachment trial against her at the House of Representatives began.
"I wanted to face my accusers whatever the personal agony it would have involved. But the interests of my family, my Office, and more importantly the nation, must always come before any personal considerations," Gutierrez said.
"I have not shirked in the face of pressure, have never been cowed into submission, have never been influenced other than by truth and justice. To leave before the end of my term in December 2012 is abhorrent to me," she said.
"But as a government official, I must place first and foremost the interests of the Nation, the interest of my Office, and as a mother and wife, my family," she added.
No rancor
Gutierrez said she bears no hatred toward her detractors.
"To my detractors, I bear them no rancor because I have learned to make myself believe that we all love our country and our people no matter how our
judgments might differ," she said.
"While our detractors will always find cause to criticize and charge delay in what we do, it is because we deem it better to accord due process to our own public officials whose lives we affect when we decide on their cases," she said.
Earlier on Friday, in a text message to GMA News Online, Senator Francis Pangilinan on Friday said Gutierrez's resignation has effectively made her impeachment case before Congress moot and academic.
"A resigned official can no longer be removed by impeachment. Her resignation however does not prevent the state from pursuing criminal cases should there be sufficient grounds to do so," he said.
Click image for a larger view of Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez's resignation letter. GMANews.TVPangilinan had asked Gutierrez to resign even before the impeachment proceedings reach the Senate because the trial will only bring the legislative process to a “standstill."
Lawyer Harry Roque, in a statement on the resignation of Gutierrez, said, "As the first to call for impeachment of Gutierrez, I am happy she spared the nation from the spectacle and expense of a trial."
"I hope the President will appoint an Ombudsman who will make the office relevant in upholding public accounatibility. I hope the new Ombudsman will also heed the Alston Report and embrace the challenge for the Ombudsman to also deal with human rights violations," Roque said.
Two weeks ago
Lawyer Tomas Syquia, Gutierrez's impeachment spokesman, said the Ombudsman's resignation will only be effective on May 6 "to give her time to wind down her affairs and deal with some pending issues. ANd one week is just enough time."
Syquia faced reporters after Gutierrez, after reading her prepared statement immediately stood up from her seat and left the room, refusing to accommodate questions from the media.
Gutierrez's lawyer also clarified that reports that several officials from the Office of the Ombudsman were planing to testify against her did not pressure her to resign. "That was not even taken into consideration."
In fact, the lawyer added, Gutierrez was already contemplating on resigning as early as two weeks ago. Gutierrez spent one week "to pray over it" and another week to consult her family, he said.
Syquia said there was "no personal pressure" coming from any sector or individual for her to resign, adding that she only considered "personal anguish, her family, and the national interest."
Asked if Gutierrez's resignation could prompt several of her subordinated to follow her suit and vacate their posts, Syquia said: "I have not heard of any mass resignation."
Syquia said Gutierrez and Aquino did not talk much when the two met in the Palace. "She just tendered her resignation." Syquia said Budget Secretary Florencio "Butch" Abad witnessed the meeting.
Articles of impeachment
Gutierrez, who was scheduled to retire in December 2012, was accused of the following articles of impeachment:
(1) the Office of the Ombudsman has performed dismally as shown by the low conviction rate during her term;
(2) the unreasonable failure to take prompt and immediate action on complaints filed against various public officials, including Arroyo and her husband Jose Miguel Arroyo regarding the controversial NBN-ZTE broadband project;
(3) the inexcusable delay of the Ombudsman in conducting and concluding its investigation into the wrongful death of Ensign Philip Andrew Pestaño aboard a Philippine navy vessel;
(4) inaction on the Fertilizer Fund Scam;
(5) inaction on the Mega Pacific deal on the purchase of voting machines; and
(6) inaction on the “Euro Generals" issue. - with Mark Merueñas, Kim Tan, RSJ
At a press conference, Gutierrez said she submitted to President Benigno Simeon Aquino III on Friday her resignation effective on May 6, or three days before the Senate impeachment trial against her was set to begin on May 9.
Gutierrez said while she was grateful to Arroyo for having appointed her to office, her "undivided loyalty" was to the Filipino people, and not to the former President.
She said she wanted to erase the "misconception" that she is an Arroyo lackey, having been a batch mate of Mrs. Arroyo's husband former First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo at the Ateneo Law School.
"As I leave the Office of the Ombudsman, however, it is my fervent hope that the misconception bred that having been appointed to public office by former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, I owed my allegiance to her and am accountable only to her, and not to the Filipino people and the Constitution be discarded and laid to rest," she said.
Several employees of the Office of the Ombudsman filled the conference room as Gutierrez announced her resignation.
They showed their support to Gutierrez right before she read out her prepared speech by shouting, "We love you, ma'am!"
Some employees shed tears, including a female employee who said while trying to hold back her tears, "Ayan na, ayan na. Hindi ko na kaya. Naiiyak na ko (There, I can't take this anymore. I'm about to cry)."
She said the Aquino administration has been negatively affected by the long impeachment proceedings against her that began at the House of Representatives in September last year and ended in this year.
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The House of Representatives approved on March 22 the articles of impeachment to bring Gutierrez to trial at the Senate for her alleged betrayal of public trust.
In a 212-46 vote with four abstentions, the lawmakers impeached Gutierrez for alleged betrayal of public trust due to the low conviction rates during her term and her supposed inaction on five high-profile cases.
"The impeachment proceedings have consumed not only the members of the House of Representatives and the Senate, but the Chief Executive of the land as well," Gutierrez noted.
"At a time when the present administration is in its infancy and beset with more urgent problems, the last thing that the nation needs is for the House and the Senate to be embroiled in a long drawn-out impeachment proceeding against a single public official," Gutierrez said.
"The President needs an Ombudsman in whom he has complete trust and confidence. To carry on my battle to cleanse my name before the Senate would detract from the time which could otherwise be devoted to legislative work which would address the needs of millions of Filipino people," she said.
"By tendering my resignation effective May 6, 2011, I hope we can now all focus on the impelling problems of our people rather than expending so much time, effort and resources to remove me from public office," she added.
Regretful but grateful
"I shall leave this Office with regret at not completing my term, but with gratitude for the privilege of serving as Ombudsman for the past five years," Gutierrez said.
"In almost four decades of devoting my life to government service, I have always been guided by the precepts that the public and moral responsibilities of public officials transcend all other considerations," Gutierrez added.
"It is in accordance with these principles that I have strived and persevered to build and maintain an unblemished record in public service. For me, this is the greatest and lasting legacy that I can leave my family, my children and my children’s children," Gutierrez said as she turned emotional, her voice already breaking and she was almost teary-eyed.
One of the articles of impeachment against the Ombudsman cited her alleged failure to take immediate action on complaints filed against various officials including Arroyo.
Senate impeachment trialStatement of Ombudsman Gutierrez
Good Afternoon. This morning at 10:30 a.m. I personally went to Malacanang to meet with our President, His Excellency Benigno Aquino III, to tender my resignation.
I thank the President for graciously accommodating me on very short notice, and for all the kind words he said to me.
In almost four decades of devoting my life to government service, I have always been guided by the precepts that the public and moral responsibilities of public officials transcend all other considerations. It is in accordance with these principles that I have strived and persevered to build and maintain an unblemished record in public service.
For me, this is the greatest and lasting legacy that I can leave my family, my children and my children’s children. Since September of last year, I have been subjected to impeachment proceedings which seek my removal as the Ombudsman. I have been charged with allegedly betraying the public trust which was vested in me when I assumed office in December of 2005 – this because I allegedly slept and failed to act promptly on cases of national concern.
Because of my strong belief in the falsity of the charges leveled against me, I was firm and resolute that I shall participate in the impeachment trial before the Senate and prove to the Filipino people that the allegations against me are untrue, as they are groundless. I felt that I owed it to the people and the Office of the Ombudsman to vindicate and protect the integrity and independence of the institution. Read more
She said she wanted the Senate impeachment trial against her to proceed so that she could prove that the allegations against her were untrue.
"Because of my strong belief in the falsity of the charges leveled against me, I was firm and resolute that I shall participate in the impeachment trial before the Senate and prove to the Filipino people that the allegations against me are untrue, as they are groundless," she said.
"I felt that I owed it to the people and the Office of the Ombudsman to vindicate and protect the integrity and independence of the institution," she added.
She said she believed she would have the chance to vindicate herself before the Senate.
"I also believed that in the Senate, I shall receive a verdict that would come only after the presentation of credible witnesses and evidence, unswayed by any kind of pressure, whether open or subtle, in proceedings that are devoid of histrionics that might detract from its basic aim to ferret out the truth and decreed by the cold neutrality of Senator-jurors," Gutierrez said.
However, she said she felt that her detractors would continue to hurl accusations at her as it had since September last year when the impeachment trial against her at the House of Representatives began.
"I wanted to face my accusers whatever the personal agony it would have involved. But the interests of my family, my Office, and more importantly the nation, must always come before any personal considerations," Gutierrez said.
"I have not shirked in the face of pressure, have never been cowed into submission, have never been influenced other than by truth and justice. To leave before the end of my term in December 2012 is abhorrent to me," she said.
"But as a government official, I must place first and foremost the interests of the Nation, the interest of my Office, and as a mother and wife, my family," she added.
No rancor
Gutierrez said she bears no hatred toward her detractors.
"To my detractors, I bear them no rancor because I have learned to make myself believe that we all love our country and our people no matter how our
judgments might differ," she said.
"While our detractors will always find cause to criticize and charge delay in what we do, it is because we deem it better to accord due process to our own public officials whose lives we affect when we decide on their cases," she said.
Earlier on Friday, in a text message to GMA News Online, Senator Francis Pangilinan on Friday said Gutierrez's resignation has effectively made her impeachment case before Congress moot and academic.
"A resigned official can no longer be removed by impeachment. Her resignation however does not prevent the state from pursuing criminal cases should there be sufficient grounds to do so," he said.
Click image for a larger view of Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez's resignation letter. GMANews.TVPangilinan had asked Gutierrez to resign even before the impeachment proceedings reach the Senate because the trial will only bring the legislative process to a “standstill."
Lawyer Harry Roque, in a statement on the resignation of Gutierrez, said, "As the first to call for impeachment of Gutierrez, I am happy she spared the nation from the spectacle and expense of a trial."
"I hope the President will appoint an Ombudsman who will make the office relevant in upholding public accounatibility. I hope the new Ombudsman will also heed the Alston Report and embrace the challenge for the Ombudsman to also deal with human rights violations," Roque said.
Two weeks ago
Lawyer Tomas Syquia, Gutierrez's impeachment spokesman, said the Ombudsman's resignation will only be effective on May 6 "to give her time to wind down her affairs and deal with some pending issues. ANd one week is just enough time."
Syquia faced reporters after Gutierrez, after reading her prepared statement immediately stood up from her seat and left the room, refusing to accommodate questions from the media.
Gutierrez's lawyer also clarified that reports that several officials from the Office of the Ombudsman were planing to testify against her did not pressure her to resign. "That was not even taken into consideration."
In fact, the lawyer added, Gutierrez was already contemplating on resigning as early as two weeks ago. Gutierrez spent one week "to pray over it" and another week to consult her family, he said.
Syquia said there was "no personal pressure" coming from any sector or individual for her to resign, adding that she only considered "personal anguish, her family, and the national interest."
Asked if Gutierrez's resignation could prompt several of her subordinated to follow her suit and vacate their posts, Syquia said: "I have not heard of any mass resignation."
Syquia said Gutierrez and Aquino did not talk much when the two met in the Palace. "She just tendered her resignation." Syquia said Budget Secretary Florencio "Butch" Abad witnessed the meeting.
Articles of impeachment
Gutierrez, who was scheduled to retire in December 2012, was accused of the following articles of impeachment:
(1) the Office of the Ombudsman has performed dismally as shown by the low conviction rate during her term;
(2) the unreasonable failure to take prompt and immediate action on complaints filed against various public officials, including Arroyo and her husband Jose Miguel Arroyo regarding the controversial NBN-ZTE broadband project;
(3) the inexcusable delay of the Ombudsman in conducting and concluding its investigation into the wrongful death of Ensign Philip Andrew Pestaño aboard a Philippine navy vessel;
(4) inaction on the Fertilizer Fund Scam;
(5) inaction on the Mega Pacific deal on the purchase of voting machines; and
(6) inaction on the “Euro Generals" issue. - with Mark Merueñas, Kim Tan, RSJ
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