MANILA - AN ART exhibit featuring a Jesus Christ poster with a wooden penis glued to His face has sparked protests in the mainly Catholic Philippines.
Bishops and lay groups have demanded the state-run Cultural Centre of the Philippines close the exhibit on grounds it is blasphemous, immoral, illegal and offends the country's Catholic majority.
The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines said on its website that Christian lay groups were also preparing a lawsuit.
'Those responsible for the public exhibit... have a liability because they offended the religious beliefs of a country that is 85 per cent Christian,' the website quoted well-known Catholic activist Jo Imbong as saying.
She said the cultural centre could be charged with violating a law on 'immoral exhibitions' that normally applies to pornography.
The artwork, a collage by local artist Mideo Cruz, is part of an exhibit showcasing works by alumni from a church-run university aiming to challenge people's perceptions of figures they idolise. -- AFP
Thursday, August 4, 2011
News Update Philippine senator quits over cheating allegations
MANILA - A PHILIPPINE opposition senator has resigned, saying he wants to spare his family from further pain due to allegations of vote fraud in the 2007 election.
Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri announced his resignation on Wednesday in a speech in the Senate. He maintains the accusations are unfounded.
Senator Zubiri won the twelfth and last senate seat in the 2007 election by more than 18,000 votes over his closest rival, lawyer Aquilino Pimentel III.
Mr Pimentel has protested Senator Zubiri's election victory and says he is disappointed that the senator labeled his charges baseless. He says his case is backed by evidence and several poll officials have attested to fake ballots being used in the polls.
The Senate Electoral Tribunal is investigating the protest filed by Mr Pimentel. -- AP
Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri announced his resignation on Wednesday in a speech in the Senate. He maintains the accusations are unfounded.
Senator Zubiri won the twelfth and last senate seat in the 2007 election by more than 18,000 votes over his closest rival, lawyer Aquilino Pimentel III.
Mr Pimentel has protested Senator Zubiri's election victory and says he is disappointed that the senator labeled his charges baseless. He says his case is backed by evidence and several poll officials have attested to fake ballots being used in the polls.
The Senate Electoral Tribunal is investigating the protest filed by Mr Pimentel. -- AP
News Update Bomb blast kills 1, wounds 12 in Philippines
Police investigators carry the remains of a motorcycle where explosives were hidden after it exploded near a drug store in Cotabato City, on the southern island of Mindanao on August 2, 2011. -- PHOTO: AFP
COTABATO (Philippines) - AL-QAEDA-LINKED militants are among the suspects in a powerful bomb blast that killed one person and wounded 12 others in the southern Philippines, the military said on Wednesday.
The bomb, made of four 81mm mortar rounds and detonated by cellphone, went off on a parked motorcycle in front of a gun store in Cotabato City on Tuesday, officials said.
A security guard on his way to work was killed while shrapnel and glass splinters from shattered window panes wounded 12 others, including a 7-year-old girl, Cotabato city police chief Superintendent Roberto Badian said.
No one has claimed responsibility for the attack but army ordnance experts reported that the bomb design closely resembled those used by suspected Muslim guerrillas and militants belonging to the South-east Asian terrorist network Jemaah Islamiah in at least three recent attacks, said regional army spokesman Col Prudencio Asto.
Police also have no suspects but are looking into reports that the owner of the gun store was involved in a land dispute, said police regional operations chief Felicisimo Khu Jr.
Cotabato City Administrator Cynthia Guiani Sayadi called the bombing 'barbaric and un-Islamic' and noted it occurred during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. -- AP
News Update Philippine police held over chilli torture video
MANILA - EIGHT Philippine police officers have been detained for allegedly force-feeding trainees with chillies and rubbing the pungent red fruit on the victims' genitals, officials said on Wednesday.
The detained men face possible charges of grave misconduct after video footage of the incident emerged, police spokesman chief superintendent Agrimero Cruz said.
'Actions like these do not have any place in the (Philippine National Police) where respect for human rights and the rule of law is a policy,' he said.
'The video clips presented before the (Commission on Human Rights) speak for themselves and clearly establish the culpability of those involved,' Mr Cruz said.
The victims, whose number he did not specify, were on a special counter-insurgency course south of Manila at the time the video was apparently made last year, and have since joined the police ranks, he added.
The video appears to show the victims being forced to eat fistfuls of red-hot chillies by men who are presumably their trainers, Marissa Cruz, spokesman for the rights commission told AFP. -- AF
The detained men face possible charges of grave misconduct after video footage of the incident emerged, police spokesman chief superintendent Agrimero Cruz said.
'Actions like these do not have any place in the (Philippine National Police) where respect for human rights and the rule of law is a policy,' he said.
'The video clips presented before the (Commission on Human Rights) speak for themselves and clearly establish the culpability of those involved,' Mr Cruz said.
The victims, whose number he did not specify, were on a special counter-insurgency course south of Manila at the time the video was apparently made last year, and have since joined the police ranks, he added.
The video appears to show the victims being forced to eat fistfuls of red-hot chillies by men who are presumably their trainers, Marissa Cruz, spokesman for the rights commission told AFP. -- AF
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
News Update HSBC: BSP likely to up reserve requirement anew to manage liquidity
Higher reserve requirements are likely to happen in the months ahead because of the “extraordinary situation" of high foreign capital inflows, according to a top treasury executive of Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp. (HSBC).
"The cheapest way for the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to manage excess liquidity is to increase the reserve requirement to encourage growth," HSBC head of treasury operations Arnulfo Veloso said in a news conference Tuesday.
Veloso said the BSP may be reluctant to raise its overnight borrowing rate beyond 4.5 percent because higher interest rates would encourage even more foreign capital to flow in, increase liquidity and heighten inflation pressures.
The BSP Monetary Board raised the reserve requirement by two percentage points to 21 percent from 19 percent. The move, which will take effect this Friday, will keep some P70 billion out of the financial system.
Veloso explained that other monetary tools available to the BSP, like the special deposit accounts, will entail interest costs.
"Why pay for something that you can also get for free?" Veloso said.
HSBC forecast inflation rising to the higher range of the BSP target of 3 to 5 percent.
"Despite an expected economic slowdown, inflation is set to accelerate in the coming months fuelled by food and energy, staying above the central bank's target band of 3 to 5 percent in the second half and peaking in the fourth quarter," HSBC said. — ELR/VS,
"The cheapest way for the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to manage excess liquidity is to increase the reserve requirement to encourage growth," HSBC head of treasury operations Arnulfo Veloso said in a news conference Tuesday.
Veloso said the BSP may be reluctant to raise its overnight borrowing rate beyond 4.5 percent because higher interest rates would encourage even more foreign capital to flow in, increase liquidity and heighten inflation pressures.
The BSP Monetary Board raised the reserve requirement by two percentage points to 21 percent from 19 percent. The move, which will take effect this Friday, will keep some P70 billion out of the financial system.
Veloso explained that other monetary tools available to the BSP, like the special deposit accounts, will entail interest costs.
"Why pay for something that you can also get for free?" Veloso said.
HSBC forecast inflation rising to the higher range of the BSP target of 3 to 5 percent.
"Despite an expected economic slowdown, inflation is set to accelerate in the coming months fuelled by food and energy, staying above the central bank's target band of 3 to 5 percent in the second half and peaking in the fourth quarter," HSBC said. — ELR/VS,
News Update Efficient energy use may save PHL P59B a year – DOE
Through a more efficient energy stance, the Philippines could save as much as P59 billion a year with a 10-percent reduction in energy consumption, an official of the Energy Department said on Tuesday.
Speaking at the 2nd Philippine Energy Efficiency Forum, Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras said wiser use of electricity could mean lesser need for new capacities in the coming years.
"Imagine the possibilities of the little things you can do such as switching to more efficient bulbs or switching off electronics and appliances when not in use," Almendras said.
With such savings, Almendras said Luzon could tap a potential available power of 2,000 megawatts (MW), eliminating the need for new capacity until 2015.
In the Visayas region, this could mean an additional 500 MW of capacity, while 400 MW will be available for Mindanao, effectively solving power requirements until 2018 and 2013, respectively.
Between 2009 and 2014, Luzon requires an additional energy capacity of 1,050 MW, while Mindanao needs 500 MW of new capacity so as not to slip into a crisis.
Almendras said that the simple manner of switching to LED lights from incandescent bulbs is already a big step toward realizing energy savings.
"We have also been aggressively appealing to all Filipinos to take the shift, a change to a more sustainable lifestyle through practical and energy efficient ways of living," he added.
The Energy chief said the passage of an energy efficiency law could help drive more savings for the Philippines.
He added that the government has set a modest target of achieving energy savings of about 23 million barrels of fuel oil.
"The best way to do and set standards is [to] try putting legislation [in place]. You want to reward people who will endeavor to become energy efficient," Almendras said.
"In the same breath, you also want to punish those that are not energy efficient," he added. —JMT/VS
Speaking at the 2nd Philippine Energy Efficiency Forum, Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras said wiser use of electricity could mean lesser need for new capacities in the coming years.
"Imagine the possibilities of the little things you can do such as switching to more efficient bulbs or switching off electronics and appliances when not in use," Almendras said.
With such savings, Almendras said Luzon could tap a potential available power of 2,000 megawatts (MW), eliminating the need for new capacity until 2015.
In the Visayas region, this could mean an additional 500 MW of capacity, while 400 MW will be available for Mindanao, effectively solving power requirements until 2018 and 2013, respectively.
Between 2009 and 2014, Luzon requires an additional energy capacity of 1,050 MW, while Mindanao needs 500 MW of new capacity so as not to slip into a crisis.
Almendras said that the simple manner of switching to LED lights from incandescent bulbs is already a big step toward realizing energy savings.
"We have also been aggressively appealing to all Filipinos to take the shift, a change to a more sustainable lifestyle through practical and energy efficient ways of living," he added.
The Energy chief said the passage of an energy efficiency law could help drive more savings for the Philippines.
He added that the government has set a modest target of achieving energy savings of about 23 million barrels of fuel oil.
"The best way to do and set standards is [to] try putting legislation [in place]. You want to reward people who will endeavor to become energy efficient," Almendras said.
"In the same breath, you also want to punish those that are not energy efficient," he added. —JMT/VS
News Update 'Kabayan' intensifies, rain looms over parts of PHL
Tropical storm "Kabayan" (Muifa) intensified early Friday as it moved closer to Eastern Visayas, but state weather forecasters maintained it is not likely to make landfall over the Philippines.
Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecaster Bernard Punzalan said Kabayan may enhance the southwest monsoon to bring rains over parts of the country.
"Sa ngayon wala pa ring nakikitang posibilidad na ito ay magla-landfall bagama't maari itong magbigay ng pag-ulan dulot ng habagat," Punzalan said in an interview on dzBB radio.
He added no storm warning signals have been raised in any part of the country as of Friday morning.
On the other hand, he said Metro Manila can expect "improved" weather conditions compared to past days when it experienced heavy rain from storm "Juaning" (Nock-Ten).
PAGASA said that as of 2 a.m. Friday, Kabayan was estimated at 840 km East of Catarman, Northern Samar.
It packed maximum sustained winds of 85 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 100 kph and is forecast to move west-northwest at 15 kph.
"The western section of Luzon will experience monsoon rains while the rest of the country will be mostly cloudy with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms," it said in its 5 a.m. bulletin.
PAGASA's 11 p.m. Thursday advisory forecast Kabayan to be 780 km east-northeast of Virac, Catanduanes Friday evening; and 790 km east of Aparri, Cagayan Saturday evening.
By Sunday evening, Kabayan is forecast to be 875 km east-northeast of Basco, Batanes.
Meanwhile, PAGASA said strong to gale-force winds are expected to affect the western seaboard of Luzon. — LBG
Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecaster Bernard Punzalan said Kabayan may enhance the southwest monsoon to bring rains over parts of the country.
"Sa ngayon wala pa ring nakikitang posibilidad na ito ay magla-landfall bagama't maari itong magbigay ng pag-ulan dulot ng habagat," Punzalan said in an interview on dzBB radio.
He added no storm warning signals have been raised in any part of the country as of Friday morning.
On the other hand, he said Metro Manila can expect "improved" weather conditions compared to past days when it experienced heavy rain from storm "Juaning" (Nock-Ten).
PAGASA said that as of 2 a.m. Friday, Kabayan was estimated at 840 km East of Catarman, Northern Samar.
It packed maximum sustained winds of 85 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 100 kph and is forecast to move west-northwest at 15 kph.
"The western section of Luzon will experience monsoon rains while the rest of the country will be mostly cloudy with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms," it said in its 5 a.m. bulletin.
PAGASA's 11 p.m. Thursday advisory forecast Kabayan to be 780 km east-northeast of Virac, Catanduanes Friday evening; and 790 km east of Aparri, Cagayan Saturday evening.
By Sunday evening, Kabayan is forecast to be 875 km east-northeast of Basco, Batanes.
Meanwhile, PAGASA said strong to gale-force winds are expected to affect the western seaboard of Luzon. — LBG
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
DID YOU KNOW THAT ? Barong Batik
MANILA, Philippines -- In today's fast-paced world where everything is measured in nano-seconds, it's nice to know that there are still a number of hand-made arts and crafts that take the time to create. Yes, while it only takes seconds to send messages across the world, it takes a long time to create Barong Batik. Do you have any idea about how long it takes? Let us take you to a journey. The Barong Batik first starts with jusi fabric from the Philippines, which used to be hand-woven and now is mechanically created from delicate yet strong silk organza fiber. The cream colored fabric is then shipped to Jakarta and then sent to the villages of Pekalongan in the island of Java in Indonesia where Batik motifs passed on from one generation to the next are hand-drawn using the cjanting (a pen-like implement that uses melted wax as its ''ink'') to create intricate patterns that make this Barong Batik a creation that's truly unique, a fusion of two cultures. One piece of Barong in Jusi material can take weeks or even months to create. Indonesian tailors then fashion these Batik printed Jusi into Barongs, which take about a week per shirt. Each Barong Batik shirt takes almost a month to create and is a unique hand-made work of art. The idea for Barong Batik came to Jakarta-based Filipino entrepreneur and artist Freddy Mercado and his partner, Thelma Victorio when they witnessed the painstaking process of creating batik in a mall. ''I was amazed when I witnessed how Batik was made.'' said Freddy. ''Immediately, it gave me the idea to blend our jusi [material blend of raw silk and pineapple fibers] from the Philippines and the art of batik into one.''
After he finished his contract in 2005, he created is first Barong Batik together with a Jakarta-based batik artist who took almost four months to create the unique garment. Freddy wore the Barong Batik to the Philippine Independence Day celebration and it was a big hit.
''I was surprised because a lot of guests asked what kind of batik I was wearing, what kind of material was used and where they could buy it. So, I saw the opportunity and told them - You can buy it from me. And that's how the business started.''
For Barong Batik Indonesia, Freddy partnered with Romi Oktabirawa, a fourth-generation batik entrepreneur from Pekalongan, Central Java, who owns a large batik business that employs more than 500 people.
''He invited me to his place, so I could see the entire process of batik tulis [hand-drawn batik] myself,'' Freddy recalls. Romi, who is also the chairman of Paguyuban Pencinta Batik Pekalongan (Pekalongan Batik Fans Association), works with Freddy in applying traditional batik motifs on the jusi.
Various motifs from fine butterflies, ''kawung'' [geometrical shapes], ''parang'' (knives) as well as dragons of a Chinese influence are selected and artfully laid out in the jusi fabric by Freddy. The production process takes time. For hand-stamped batik, the process may take between three weeks and one month for one piece of jusi. For hand-drawn batik, it can take two to three months. The traditional Barong Filipino, the national dress of the Philippines is very similar to the formal Batik shirt of Indonesia. The main difference of the two garments is in terms of the fabric used - Barong Filipino is made usually made from Jusi, hand-woven piña (from pineapple fiber), linen or cotton blend while Batik shirt is traditionally made of Silk for formal wear or Cotton for every day. The style is similar except that the Indonesian Batik shirt is usually open all the way in front while the Barong usually has a button/ placket opening that stops just below the waist line. The Filipino Barong also usually has the Design in a U-shape around the bodice, the cuffs and the collar, while the Indonesian dress shirt has the Batik motif all over the jusi fabric akin to the callado embroidery of traditional Barong Filipino. Both styles (the Filipino Barong and Indonesian Dress Shirt) are available for the discriminating gentleman.
Barong Batik - the Barong of today
Today, the Barong has evolved from the cream jusi; it now comes in vibrant jewel colors and instead of callado embroidery, people can wear it with hand-made Batik patterns. Like the Indonesian Batik shirt, Barong Batik comes in short sleeves for a more casual look or the long-sleeved version for formal receptions and events. ''Our Barong Batik has made it to the wardrobe of top diplomats like His Excellency Vidal Querol, Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia and businessman Peter Gontha who owns 20 pieces. Roberto Feliciano of Lippo Group, Mel Regalado-CEO of Hypermart are proud owners of Barong Batik to mention some,'' says Freddy, CEO and Designer of Barong Batik. Washington Sycip, well-known businessman, educator and founder of SGV has Barong Batiks in his collection - ''He saw it in Jakarta and asked people where he can get some. I met with him and he got six Barongs immediately!'' adds Thelma, chief marketing officer of Barong Batik. The production is limited since the barongs are hand-made in Pekalongan Village, Java, so the proud owners can be assured that they belong to an exclusive group.
In Manila, Barong Batik can be ordered by contacting Mr. Jeff Victorio - cell phone: 0916-7389699, landline: (02) 869-2448. In Jakarta, Barong Batik email: Thelma_Victorio@yahoo.com or jcmerc@yahoo.com.
After he finished his contract in 2005, he created is first Barong Batik together with a Jakarta-based batik artist who took almost four months to create the unique garment. Freddy wore the Barong Batik to the Philippine Independence Day celebration and it was a big hit.
''I was surprised because a lot of guests asked what kind of batik I was wearing, what kind of material was used and where they could buy it. So, I saw the opportunity and told them - You can buy it from me. And that's how the business started.''
For Barong Batik Indonesia, Freddy partnered with Romi Oktabirawa, a fourth-generation batik entrepreneur from Pekalongan, Central Java, who owns a large batik business that employs more than 500 people.
''He invited me to his place, so I could see the entire process of batik tulis [hand-drawn batik] myself,'' Freddy recalls. Romi, who is also the chairman of Paguyuban Pencinta Batik Pekalongan (Pekalongan Batik Fans Association), works with Freddy in applying traditional batik motifs on the jusi.
Various motifs from fine butterflies, ''kawung'' [geometrical shapes], ''parang'' (knives) as well as dragons of a Chinese influence are selected and artfully laid out in the jusi fabric by Freddy. The production process takes time. For hand-stamped batik, the process may take between three weeks and one month for one piece of jusi. For hand-drawn batik, it can take two to three months. The traditional Barong Filipino, the national dress of the Philippines is very similar to the formal Batik shirt of Indonesia. The main difference of the two garments is in terms of the fabric used - Barong Filipino is made usually made from Jusi, hand-woven piña (from pineapple fiber), linen or cotton blend while Batik shirt is traditionally made of Silk for formal wear or Cotton for every day. The style is similar except that the Indonesian Batik shirt is usually open all the way in front while the Barong usually has a button/ placket opening that stops just below the waist line. The Filipino Barong also usually has the Design in a U-shape around the bodice, the cuffs and the collar, while the Indonesian dress shirt has the Batik motif all over the jusi fabric akin to the callado embroidery of traditional Barong Filipino. Both styles (the Filipino Barong and Indonesian Dress Shirt) are available for the discriminating gentleman.
Barong Batik - the Barong of today
Today, the Barong has evolved from the cream jusi; it now comes in vibrant jewel colors and instead of callado embroidery, people can wear it with hand-made Batik patterns. Like the Indonesian Batik shirt, Barong Batik comes in short sleeves for a more casual look or the long-sleeved version for formal receptions and events. ''Our Barong Batik has made it to the wardrobe of top diplomats like His Excellency Vidal Querol, Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia and businessman Peter Gontha who owns 20 pieces. Roberto Feliciano of Lippo Group, Mel Regalado-CEO of Hypermart are proud owners of Barong Batik to mention some,'' says Freddy, CEO and Designer of Barong Batik. Washington Sycip, well-known businessman, educator and founder of SGV has Barong Batiks in his collection - ''He saw it in Jakarta and asked people where he can get some. I met with him and he got six Barongs immediately!'' adds Thelma, chief marketing officer of Barong Batik. The production is limited since the barongs are hand-made in Pekalongan Village, Java, so the proud owners can be assured that they belong to an exclusive group.
In Manila, Barong Batik can be ordered by contacting Mr. Jeff Victorio - cell phone: 0916-7389699, landline: (02) 869-2448. In Jakarta, Barong Batik email: Thelma_Victorio@yahoo.com or jcmerc@yahoo.com.
News Update Customs tightens rules on imported books
Customs Commissioner Angelito Alvarez has issued an order tightening the rules for the entry of imported books into the Philippines, requiring importers to apply with the Finance Department for duty- and tax-free importation of books.
In Customs Memorandum Order No. 25-2011, Alvarez said importers must state the legal basis for requesting exemptions for their books in their applications.
The order covers educational, scientific, and cultural materials under the Florence Agreement. The directive also includes books and raw materials under Republic Act 8047 or the Book Publishing Industry Development Act.
Similarly covered is the importation of books by non-stock and non-profit educational institutions.
“The Florence Agreement, signed in 1952 in Florence, Italy by 17 countries, waived tariffs on books and other printed materials in order to facilitate the free flow of educational, scientific, and cultural materials. The Philippines became a signatory to the Florence Agreement on August 7, 1979," the Bureau of Customs (BOC) said in a statement Monday.
The BOC also said imported books, newspapers, magazines, reviews, or bulletins, which appear at regular intervals with fixed prices for subscription and sale, are also exempted from value-added tax (VAT).
For the purpose of a VAT exemption, however, importers still need to secure an exemption from the Finance Department.
Books and materials not covered by the regulation, on the other hand, are levied the corresponding BOC rate of duty. Examples of these are dictionaries and encyclopedias, maps and hydrographic or similar charts, and plans and drawings for architectural, engineering, industrial, commercial, topographical, and similar purposes. — PE/VS
In Customs Memorandum Order No. 25-2011, Alvarez said importers must state the legal basis for requesting exemptions for their books in their applications.
The order covers educational, scientific, and cultural materials under the Florence Agreement. The directive also includes books and raw materials under Republic Act 8047 or the Book Publishing Industry Development Act.
Similarly covered is the importation of books by non-stock and non-profit educational institutions.
“The Florence Agreement, signed in 1952 in Florence, Italy by 17 countries, waived tariffs on books and other printed materials in order to facilitate the free flow of educational, scientific, and cultural materials. The Philippines became a signatory to the Florence Agreement on August 7, 1979," the Bureau of Customs (BOC) said in a statement Monday.
The BOC also said imported books, newspapers, magazines, reviews, or bulletins, which appear at regular intervals with fixed prices for subscription and sale, are also exempted from value-added tax (VAT).
For the purpose of a VAT exemption, however, importers still need to secure an exemption from the Finance Department.
Books and materials not covered by the regulation, on the other hand, are levied the corresponding BOC rate of duty. Examples of these are dictionaries and encyclopedias, maps and hydrographic or similar charts, and plans and drawings for architectural, engineering, industrial, commercial, topographical, and similar purposes. — PE/VS
News Update Contact center biz in PH to grow double by 2016
By Alexander Villafania
MAKATI CITY, METRO MAHILA – Fueled by continued growth in the past decade, the contact center industry in the Philippines is expected to achieve around $15 billion in revenues by 2016, according to an industry group.
The Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP) predicts the industry to grow by at least 15 percent annually, or about $14.7 billion or nearly double to the $6.2 billion revenues posted in 2010.
CCAP also sees contact centers hiring more than 800,000 workers in the next five years, or nearly double the number employed by the end of 2011.
The Philippines should also be able to continue dominating the global contact center services business with a global share of about 24 percent as of 2010. Only India would be the other voice service provider that has a major hold on this industry.
The double-digit growth of the contact center industry should stem from new, higher level voice and none-voice services, diversification to other vertical industries, and expansion to countries other than the US.
CCAP President Benedict Hernandez cited data from a study by research firm Everest. He noted that the growth of the contact center industry globally has been continuous largely due to new businesses looking to outsource their internal processes and support operations to other locations.
“Outsourcing is a business decision that many companies are making because the value is that they can focus on strengthening their business and less on their day-to-day operations. This is where our expertise in the voice services comes in,” Hernandez said.
Hernandez noted that other than technical and help desk support, the contact center business in the Philippines has begun providing higher level services, such as financial advisory, healthcare management, legal help desk, among others. These services have higher yields both in terms of revenues as well as the skills training that could further improve the scalability of Philippine-based contact center companies.
Higher level services are also largely provided to major industries, such as banking, information technology, telecommunications, power, airline, and even government services.
Hernandez also noted that more local contact center firms are targeting other countries, both predominantly English and non-English. For instance, other English-speaking markets are Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and New Zealand.
Bong Borja, CCAP external affairs committee head, said targeting these markets also has other benefits; normal contact center operations happen at night in Philippine time, to accommodate the US time zone. This means daytime operations are almost empty.
However, the time zone in Australia and New Zealand are closer to the Philippines. This would allow contact center firms to maximize their facilities for both day and night operations.
In addition, the Philippines will also be able to accommodate none-English speaking markets in Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia. Borja said the CCAP is looking to partner with educational institutions to establish training programs for potential hires who could be part in offering services to these countries.
Some of these plans will be presented during the upcoming International Contact Center Conference and Expo at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
MAKATI CITY, METRO MAHILA – Fueled by continued growth in the past decade, the contact center industry in the Philippines is expected to achieve around $15 billion in revenues by 2016, according to an industry group.
The Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP) predicts the industry to grow by at least 15 percent annually, or about $14.7 billion or nearly double to the $6.2 billion revenues posted in 2010.
CCAP also sees contact centers hiring more than 800,000 workers in the next five years, or nearly double the number employed by the end of 2011.
The Philippines should also be able to continue dominating the global contact center services business with a global share of about 24 percent as of 2010. Only India would be the other voice service provider that has a major hold on this industry.
The double-digit growth of the contact center industry should stem from new, higher level voice and none-voice services, diversification to other vertical industries, and expansion to countries other than the US.
CCAP President Benedict Hernandez cited data from a study by research firm Everest. He noted that the growth of the contact center industry globally has been continuous largely due to new businesses looking to outsource their internal processes and support operations to other locations.
“Outsourcing is a business decision that many companies are making because the value is that they can focus on strengthening their business and less on their day-to-day operations. This is where our expertise in the voice services comes in,” Hernandez said.
Hernandez noted that other than technical and help desk support, the contact center business in the Philippines has begun providing higher level services, such as financial advisory, healthcare management, legal help desk, among others. These services have higher yields both in terms of revenues as well as the skills training that could further improve the scalability of Philippine-based contact center companies.
Higher level services are also largely provided to major industries, such as banking, information technology, telecommunications, power, airline, and even government services.
Hernandez also noted that more local contact center firms are targeting other countries, both predominantly English and non-English. For instance, other English-speaking markets are Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and New Zealand.
Bong Borja, CCAP external affairs committee head, said targeting these markets also has other benefits; normal contact center operations happen at night in Philippine time, to accommodate the US time zone. This means daytime operations are almost empty.
However, the time zone in Australia and New Zealand are closer to the Philippines. This would allow contact center firms to maximize their facilities for both day and night operations.
In addition, the Philippines will also be able to accommodate none-English speaking markets in Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia. Borja said the CCAP is looking to partner with educational institutions to establish training programs for potential hires who could be part in offering services to these countries.
Some of these plans will be presented during the upcoming International Contact Center Conference and Expo at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
News Update Supplier says PNP choppers owned by Mike Arrroyo
The supplier of the two helicopters that were sold as new to the Philippine National Police (PNP) has confirmed that the same aircraft were previously owned by former First Gentleman Jose Miguel "Mike" Arroyo.
During Tuesday's blue ribbon committee hearing on the alleged misrepresentations in the PNP's multi-million purchase of helicopters, Lion Air president Archibald Legaspi Po said Mr. Arroyo approached him in 2003 to inquire about chartering helicopters.
Po said he told the former First Gentleman that all their available choppers were already loaned to the late actor Fernando Poe Jr.. At the time, Poe was running against Mike Arroyo's wife, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
"I oflered to him the Robinson R44 Raven 1 helicopters, five units of which wouid be the price for just one European helicopter. FG then told me to go ahead, buy him five (5) Robinson helicopters," he said.
He said Mr. Arroyo even remitted $475,000 as deposit. He likewise revealed that Mr. Arroyo asked that the importation of the choppers be coursed through his other company — Asian Spirit — because it would make the importation tax free.
"I agreed to FG's proposal, and the helicopters were delivered to Asian Spirit at the Clark Export Processing Zone," he said.
Lion Air was the company which sold two pre-owned R44 Raven I choppers to the Manila Aerospace Trading Corporation (MAPTRA), which later sold and priced them as brand new to the PNP.
During last week's hearing, Supt. Claudio Gaspar Jr. had confirmed that he used to pilot the two choppers, which were used by the First Family when former President Arroyo was still in power.
Gaspar noted, however, that from what he understood, the choppers were owned by Lion Air and not the former First Family.
Earlier, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said that two more choppers owned by the former First Gentleman were still with Lion Air. — RSJ
During Tuesday's blue ribbon committee hearing on the alleged misrepresentations in the PNP's multi-million purchase of helicopters, Lion Air president Archibald Legaspi Po said Mr. Arroyo approached him in 2003 to inquire about chartering helicopters.
Po said he told the former First Gentleman that all their available choppers were already loaned to the late actor Fernando Poe Jr.. At the time, Poe was running against Mike Arroyo's wife, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
"I oflered to him the Robinson R44 Raven 1 helicopters, five units of which wouid be the price for just one European helicopter. FG then told me to go ahead, buy him five (5) Robinson helicopters," he said.
He said Mr. Arroyo even remitted $475,000 as deposit. He likewise revealed that Mr. Arroyo asked that the importation of the choppers be coursed through his other company — Asian Spirit — because it would make the importation tax free.
"I agreed to FG's proposal, and the helicopters were delivered to Asian Spirit at the Clark Export Processing Zone," he said.
Lion Air was the company which sold two pre-owned R44 Raven I choppers to the Manila Aerospace Trading Corporation (MAPTRA), which later sold and priced them as brand new to the PNP.
During last week's hearing, Supt. Claudio Gaspar Jr. had confirmed that he used to pilot the two choppers, which were used by the First Family when former President Arroyo was still in power.
Gaspar noted, however, that from what he understood, the choppers were owned by Lion Air and not the former First Family.
Earlier, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said that two more choppers owned by the former First Gentleman were still with Lion Air. — RSJ
News Update DA: Juaning leaves over P937-M in farm damages
Tropical Storm Juaning, which battered the Bicol region and northern Luzon last week, wrought P937.7 million in farm damages, the Department of Agriculture reported on over the weekend.
Valued at P392.6 million, the largest was sustained by irrigation facilities, according to reports from DA regional field units.
About P326.6 million worth of standing corn crops. Also damaged were palay or paddy rice [P202 million], high value commercial crops (P14.1 mllion0), and fisheries facilities (P1.1 million).
The affected palay areas involve 32,621 hectares in nine rice-producing provinces, with 2,957 metric tons (MT) of paddy rice reportedly lost in the storm. This forms 0.08 percent of the Philippines’ national target production of 3.49 million MT in the third quarter of 2011.
Meanwhile, the corn crops damaged totaled 23,502 MT from four corn-producing provinces, with about 17,620 hectares affected by Juaning. This volume represents 1 percent of the Philippines’ target production of 2.35 million MT for the third quarter. — PE/VS,
Valued at P392.6 million, the largest was sustained by irrigation facilities, according to reports from DA regional field units.
About P326.6 million worth of standing corn crops. Also damaged were palay or paddy rice [P202 million], high value commercial crops (P14.1 mllion0), and fisheries facilities (P1.1 million).
The affected palay areas involve 32,621 hectares in nine rice-producing provinces, with 2,957 metric tons (MT) of paddy rice reportedly lost in the storm. This forms 0.08 percent of the Philippines’ national target production of 3.49 million MT in the third quarter of 2011.
Meanwhile, the corn crops damaged totaled 23,502 MT from four corn-producing provinces, with about 17,620 hectares affected by Juaning. This volume represents 1 percent of the Philippines’ target production of 2.35 million MT for the third quarter. — PE/VS,
News update DOH: HIV-tainted blood donations double in 2011
The number of blood donations contaminated by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) almost doubled this year, the Department of Health (DOH) reported Monday.
This year, 32 bags of blood donations tested positive for HIV from 17 in 2010, the DOH said in a report on GMA News’ “24 Oras" newscast. The DOH conducted the testing in June.
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“Medyo nababahala kami kasi taun-taon, dumarami ang nagpa-positive sa screening at confirmation," said DOH National Epidemiology Center director Dr. Enrique Tayag in an interview on “24 Oras."
Transfusion of HIV-contaminated blood is one way to spread the virus, aside from unprotected sex with a partner, among other things.
HIV patients in the Philippines rose to 178 in June 2011 from 109 in the same period last year. — PE/VS,
This year, 32 bags of blood donations tested positive for HIV from 17 in 2010, the DOH said in a report on GMA News’ “24 Oras" newscast. The DOH conducted the testing in June.
This page requires a higher version browser
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV
“Medyo nababahala kami kasi taun-taon, dumarami ang nagpa-positive sa screening at confirmation," said DOH National Epidemiology Center director Dr. Enrique Tayag in an interview on “24 Oras."
Transfusion of HIV-contaminated blood is one way to spread the virus, aside from unprotected sex with a partner, among other things.
HIV patients in the Philippines rose to 178 in June 2011 from 109 in the same period last year. — PE/VS,
Monday, August 1, 2011
News Update Surigao Sur cops nab wounded NPA fighters at hospital
Authorities in Surigao del Sur on Sunday took custody of two wounded communist rebels, who sought treatment at the city’s district hospital shortly after attacking last Saturday a police station in nearby Trento town in Agusan del Sur.
Chief Superintendent Reynaldo Rafal, regional director of the Philippine National Police-Caraga Region, said police elements acting on a tip from civilians nabbed the two suspects being treated at the hospital.
Rafal said Bislig City police operatives went to the hospital and came upon the suspects Sammy Calibayan and Ricky Salde, who sustained gunshot wounds.
Also, he said the suspects promised to bring authorities to the site where some of the slain rebels were buried after the foiled attack on the Trento police station.
Earlier, eyewitnesses claimed they saw the armed men carrying several casualties while fleeing from Trento.
Police Inspector Charity Galvez, Trento Chief of Police, claimed the rebels who attacked them were about 250-strong.
Galvez said they were able to engage the attackers in a gunfight that lasted about an hour. But one of her civilian aides, Salvador Rall Jr., died in the attack while PO1 Joel Lazarte and PO3 Mhel Hubo were wounded.
The attackers left on foot, leaving behind the three trucks they used during the siege, she said.
Also, Galvez said that a six-man team reinforcement from the town of Sta. Josefa was ambushed while on its way to Trento.
Former civilian militiaman Virgilio M Perocho died in the ambush while Alexander Lagulao of the Agusan del Sur Provincial Treasurer’s Office was wounded, she added. [See story: 3 killed in Agusan Sur police HQ attack]
Moreover, Galvez said, a reinforcement team from the Philippine Army's 75th Infantry Brigade got snagged by a landmine blast while on its way to Trento, but the Scout Rangers did not suffer any casualties. — Ben Serrano, with a report by Earl Victor Rosero/LBG
Chief Superintendent Reynaldo Rafal, regional director of the Philippine National Police-Caraga Region, said police elements acting on a tip from civilians nabbed the two suspects being treated at the hospital.
Rafal said Bislig City police operatives went to the hospital and came upon the suspects Sammy Calibayan and Ricky Salde, who sustained gunshot wounds.
Also, he said the suspects promised to bring authorities to the site where some of the slain rebels were buried after the foiled attack on the Trento police station.
Earlier, eyewitnesses claimed they saw the armed men carrying several casualties while fleeing from Trento.
Police Inspector Charity Galvez, Trento Chief of Police, claimed the rebels who attacked them were about 250-strong.
Galvez said they were able to engage the attackers in a gunfight that lasted about an hour. But one of her civilian aides, Salvador Rall Jr., died in the attack while PO1 Joel Lazarte and PO3 Mhel Hubo were wounded.
The attackers left on foot, leaving behind the three trucks they used during the siege, she said.
Also, Galvez said that a six-man team reinforcement from the town of Sta. Josefa was ambushed while on its way to Trento.
Former civilian militiaman Virgilio M Perocho died in the ambush while Alexander Lagulao of the Agusan del Sur Provincial Treasurer’s Office was wounded, she added. [See story: 3 killed in Agusan Sur police HQ attack]
Moreover, Galvez said, a reinforcement team from the Philippine Army's 75th Infantry Brigade got snagged by a landmine blast while on its way to Trento, but the Scout Rangers did not suffer any casualties. — Ben Serrano, with a report by Earl Victor Rosero/LBG
News Update Visit Corregidor and learn more about Filipino heroism
By KC Santos
CORREGIDOR ISLAND, BATAAN – A visit to the historic Corregidor Island is a must if you want to learn more about Filipino heroism beyond what you can read in history textbooks.
The island lies at the entrance of the Manila Bay, southwest of Luzon, and is a repository of old artillery. Due to its rocky geographical landscape, it became known as “The Rock” at the height of the war in December 1941. It became the fortress and a key bastion of Filipino and American soldiers who formed an alliance against Japanese troops.
For someone who knows very little about this part of Philippine history, I knew that would help me form a visual image of what really transpired during the historic Battle of Corregidor.
The trip from the very beginning was extra special. Instead of a luxury cruise ship, I got to take the more exciting ride aboard one of the boats of the Philippine Coast Guard.
It took three to four hours before our boat finally docked on the Corregidor port where we were met by a troop of Navy men who anchored and strapped the ship before we were all escorted down safely.
The island was deceivingly small but we had to be shuttled for another 15 minutes to reach the main hotel which was nestled in the higher section of the island.
Our tour was not unlike the typical tours done by the tourism office; our tour guide was one heck of a comic. The tour officially started once everybody of the guests were on board the viewing bus.
The tour gave us a back story on the ruins of the barracks and the remaining weaponry found at the top, middle, bottom and tail sides of the entire island. We were given the chance to take photos on every stop but we had to be huddled back after a few minutes.
I am no expert in military tactics but judging on how some of the cannons were concealed, it seems soldiers made a great warfare strategy. I could only imagine how battered the soldiers were with the remaining artillery scarred with visible gun shots. The tour guide said the Japanese troops were heavily armed and the “Fall of Bataan” was inevitable.
The highlight of the tour for me was the stopover at the Corregidor Lighthouse which was heavily damaged during the siege but was reconstructed in the 1950’s and now runs on solar power. Climbing at least 50 steps up to this lighthouse was challenging but the 360 degree view of Corregidor made the effort worthwhile.
Another favorite among visitors is the Pacific War Memorial which is a dome-shaped commemorative altar whose main feature is the oculus on top of the dome which funnels light directly from the sun.
There is also the Malinta Tunnel. Inside the 390-foot tall and 835-foot long tunnel for guests was an audio and video presentation by National Artist and film director Lamberto Avellana and made aesthetically engaging with sculptures by national artist Napoleon Abueva which showed us the most significant events of World War II.
As long as Corregidor stands, the selflessness and heroism of war heroes will never be forgotten.
****
loQal.ph (http://loqal.ph/ ) is a website owned and operated by Filquest Media Concepts, Inc. It works under the principle of giving voice to the voiceless, empowering Filipinos and uplifting the image of the Philippines by highlighting its unique culture. To do this, the loQal.ph team produces stories, video, photos and other multimedia content types to inspire and celebrate Filipino achievements, ideas, products and places.
CORREGIDOR ISLAND, BATAAN – A visit to the historic Corregidor Island is a must if you want to learn more about Filipino heroism beyond what you can read in history textbooks.
The island lies at the entrance of the Manila Bay, southwest of Luzon, and is a repository of old artillery. Due to its rocky geographical landscape, it became known as “The Rock” at the height of the war in December 1941. It became the fortress and a key bastion of Filipino and American soldiers who formed an alliance against Japanese troops.
For someone who knows very little about this part of Philippine history, I knew that would help me form a visual image of what really transpired during the historic Battle of Corregidor.
The trip from the very beginning was extra special. Instead of a luxury cruise ship, I got to take the more exciting ride aboard one of the boats of the Philippine Coast Guard.
It took three to four hours before our boat finally docked on the Corregidor port where we were met by a troop of Navy men who anchored and strapped the ship before we were all escorted down safely.
The island was deceivingly small but we had to be shuttled for another 15 minutes to reach the main hotel which was nestled in the higher section of the island.
Our tour was not unlike the typical tours done by the tourism office; our tour guide was one heck of a comic. The tour officially started once everybody of the guests were on board the viewing bus.
The tour gave us a back story on the ruins of the barracks and the remaining weaponry found at the top, middle, bottom and tail sides of the entire island. We were given the chance to take photos on every stop but we had to be huddled back after a few minutes.
I am no expert in military tactics but judging on how some of the cannons were concealed, it seems soldiers made a great warfare strategy. I could only imagine how battered the soldiers were with the remaining artillery scarred with visible gun shots. The tour guide said the Japanese troops were heavily armed and the “Fall of Bataan” was inevitable.
The highlight of the tour for me was the stopover at the Corregidor Lighthouse which was heavily damaged during the siege but was reconstructed in the 1950’s and now runs on solar power. Climbing at least 50 steps up to this lighthouse was challenging but the 360 degree view of Corregidor made the effort worthwhile.
Another favorite among visitors is the Pacific War Memorial which is a dome-shaped commemorative altar whose main feature is the oculus on top of the dome which funnels light directly from the sun.
There is also the Malinta Tunnel. Inside the 390-foot tall and 835-foot long tunnel for guests was an audio and video presentation by National Artist and film director Lamberto Avellana and made aesthetically engaging with sculptures by national artist Napoleon Abueva which showed us the most significant events of World War II.
As long as Corregidor stands, the selflessness and heroism of war heroes will never be forgotten.
****
loQal.ph (http://loqal.ph/ ) is a website owned and operated by Filquest Media Concepts, Inc. It works under the principle of giving voice to the voiceless, empowering Filipinos and uplifting the image of the Philippines by highlighting its unique culture. To do this, the loQal.ph team produces stories, video, photos and other multimedia content types to inspire and celebrate Filipino achievements, ideas, products and places.
News Update Rights group hits posthumous clemency for political prisoner
Human rights group Task Force Detainees of the Philippines on Friday criticized President Benigno Aquino III's granting of clemency to political prisoner Mariano Umbrero, who died on July 15.
“Apparently the President did not know he gave conditional pardon to a dead man – 'Tatay Umbrero' who died on July 15, 2011 – whose release paper was signed by PNoy on July 19," said Emmanuel Amistad, TFDP's executive director.
"It seems that Umbrero’s release papers stopped at a bureaucratic red light and did not move until he was dead," Amistad added.
Mariano Umbrero. TFDP file photo
But deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte on Friday told reporters at Malacañang no one had informed the president that the prisoner, whose name she can't even remember, was already dead.
“Pumanaw [yung inmate] on the 15th at napirmahan yung kanyang pardon on the 19th... In the interim, wala hong nag-inform sa Office of the President na pumanaw na pala...."
A day after Umbrero died at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) Hospital, TFDP and other human rights groups called Aquino a heartless president for turning a deaf ear on the appeal of the political prisoner's family for clemency.
Umbrero was diagnosed with lung cancer (stage 4) in February this year. However, unfavorable condition at the national penitentiary may have aggravated his illness, human rights organization Medical Action Group (MAG) had said.
According to Amistad, TFDP got a copy of Umbrero’s release papers only on July 28.
But Valte said “We tried to find out what happened, wala pong maibigay na impormasyon," adding that with the incident, the Palace would now look into closer coordination to prevent the same from happening again.
She extended Malacanang’s sympathy to the family of the inmate and wished the clemency – though late – may comfort them.
“Gusto po nating ipaabot ang ating pakikiramay sa mga naiwan niya ang we find it deeply unfortunate na nagkaroon ng supervening event," she said.
“Sana yung naibigay na clemency sa kanya ng Pangulo kahit na dumating pagkatapos ng kanyang pagpanaw sana po kahit konti, kahit papaano, kahit kakarampot ay maibsan ang pagdadalamhati ng kanyang naiwan," she added.
According to prison records Umbrero was sentenced by the Aparri Regional Trial Court for kidnapping and serious illegal detention. The sentence was affirmed by the Supreme Court.
As of May 2011, Umbrero had served only eight years of his sentence.
A political prisoner
To Malacañang, Umbrero, 63, maybe a common prisoner, but to the TFDP and other human rights groups, he was a political prisoner.
Early in March, human rights group led by the TFDP launched a campaign to free Umbrero for humanitarian grounds.
According to TFDP’s records, "Tatay Umbrero" as they fondly called him, was one of the 320 political prisoners languishing in jails nationwide.
“PNoy must listen and look into the plight of our political prisoners. He should learn the lesson and heed the call of the political prisoners who have been on hunger strike since July 25. PNoy should act immediately again before another Umbrero happens," TFDP's Amistad said.
Hunger strike
Political prisoners at the NBP in Muntinlupa City, launched a hunger strike on the day Aquino delivered his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 25.
Last Thursday, members of human rights groups, peoples’ organizations, religious groups and supporters gathered inside the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) compound and held a solidarity fast for political detainees.
“On their fifth day of their hunger strike, the political prisoners at the NBP stopped all food intakes and only took in liquids to dramatize their demand for government to look into the gravity of injustice they suffered," TFDP said.
"Let us hope and pray that no more lives will be lost before government acts on political prisoners' demands. Baka kailangan pa nila ng mas maraming kape para dumilat ang kanilang mga mata at makita ang kalagayan ng mga bilanggong pulitikal," MAG's executive director Edeliza P. Hernandez said
According to TFDP, the regular supply of meals of the prisoners or “rancho" as the inmates call it are now piling up in front of the NBP Building 11, where the political prisoners stage their hunger strike.
“The on-going hunger strike of political prisoners for freedom and human rights are guided and inspired by the lessons from the prison struggles of the late Sen. Ninoy Aquino, P-Noy’s father and other political prisoners during the Marcos dictatorship in the 1970s and first half of the 1980s," TFDP said.
In a letter of appeal sent to the Office of the President, the political prisoners laid down their calls for PNoy to pronounce a clear National Human Rights program, for immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners and for prison reforms particularly to amend the Rules on Parole and Guidelines for Recommending Executive Clemency which is not in conformity with the principles of restorative justice.
For his part, Max De Mesa, chairperson of the Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA) said: “It is imperative that the government declares its clear program for the respect and protection of human rights which we find lacking in the first year of the Aquino administration and in his recent SONA." — Amita Legaspi, with a report by Egay Cabalitan Jr.
“Apparently the President did not know he gave conditional pardon to a dead man – 'Tatay Umbrero' who died on July 15, 2011 – whose release paper was signed by PNoy on July 19," said Emmanuel Amistad, TFDP's executive director.
"It seems that Umbrero’s release papers stopped at a bureaucratic red light and did not move until he was dead," Amistad added.
Mariano Umbrero. TFDP file photo
But deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte on Friday told reporters at Malacañang no one had informed the president that the prisoner, whose name she can't even remember, was already dead.
“Pumanaw [yung inmate] on the 15th at napirmahan yung kanyang pardon on the 19th... In the interim, wala hong nag-inform sa Office of the President na pumanaw na pala...."
A day after Umbrero died at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) Hospital, TFDP and other human rights groups called Aquino a heartless president for turning a deaf ear on the appeal of the political prisoner's family for clemency.
Umbrero was diagnosed with lung cancer (stage 4) in February this year. However, unfavorable condition at the national penitentiary may have aggravated his illness, human rights organization Medical Action Group (MAG) had said.
According to Amistad, TFDP got a copy of Umbrero’s release papers only on July 28.
But Valte said “We tried to find out what happened, wala pong maibigay na impormasyon," adding that with the incident, the Palace would now look into closer coordination to prevent the same from happening again.
She extended Malacanang’s sympathy to the family of the inmate and wished the clemency – though late – may comfort them.
“Gusto po nating ipaabot ang ating pakikiramay sa mga naiwan niya ang we find it deeply unfortunate na nagkaroon ng supervening event," she said.
“Sana yung naibigay na clemency sa kanya ng Pangulo kahit na dumating pagkatapos ng kanyang pagpanaw sana po kahit konti, kahit papaano, kahit kakarampot ay maibsan ang pagdadalamhati ng kanyang naiwan," she added.
According to prison records Umbrero was sentenced by the Aparri Regional Trial Court for kidnapping and serious illegal detention. The sentence was affirmed by the Supreme Court.
As of May 2011, Umbrero had served only eight years of his sentence.
A political prisoner
To Malacañang, Umbrero, 63, maybe a common prisoner, but to the TFDP and other human rights groups, he was a political prisoner.
Early in March, human rights group led by the TFDP launched a campaign to free Umbrero for humanitarian grounds.
According to TFDP’s records, "Tatay Umbrero" as they fondly called him, was one of the 320 political prisoners languishing in jails nationwide.
“PNoy must listen and look into the plight of our political prisoners. He should learn the lesson and heed the call of the political prisoners who have been on hunger strike since July 25. PNoy should act immediately again before another Umbrero happens," TFDP's Amistad said.
Hunger strike
Political prisoners at the NBP in Muntinlupa City, launched a hunger strike on the day Aquino delivered his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 25.
Last Thursday, members of human rights groups, peoples’ organizations, religious groups and supporters gathered inside the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) compound and held a solidarity fast for political detainees.
“On their fifth day of their hunger strike, the political prisoners at the NBP stopped all food intakes and only took in liquids to dramatize their demand for government to look into the gravity of injustice they suffered," TFDP said.
"Let us hope and pray that no more lives will be lost before government acts on political prisoners' demands. Baka kailangan pa nila ng mas maraming kape para dumilat ang kanilang mga mata at makita ang kalagayan ng mga bilanggong pulitikal," MAG's executive director Edeliza P. Hernandez said
According to TFDP, the regular supply of meals of the prisoners or “rancho" as the inmates call it are now piling up in front of the NBP Building 11, where the political prisoners stage their hunger strike.
“The on-going hunger strike of political prisoners for freedom and human rights are guided and inspired by the lessons from the prison struggles of the late Sen. Ninoy Aquino, P-Noy’s father and other political prisoners during the Marcos dictatorship in the 1970s and first half of the 1980s," TFDP said.
In a letter of appeal sent to the Office of the President, the political prisoners laid down their calls for PNoy to pronounce a clear National Human Rights program, for immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners and for prison reforms particularly to amend the Rules on Parole and Guidelines for Recommending Executive Clemency which is not in conformity with the principles of restorative justice.
For his part, Max De Mesa, chairperson of the Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA) said: “It is imperative that the government declares its clear program for the respect and protection of human rights which we find lacking in the first year of the Aquino administration and in his recent SONA." — Amita Legaspi, with a report by Egay Cabalitan Jr.
News Update Palace maintains ‘posthumous clemency’ in good faith
Even as it voiced sorrow over the incident, Malacañang maintained Saturday the “posthumous" clemency President Benigno Aquino III granted to a “political" prisoner this month was made in good faith.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Aquino had no idea the prisoner, Mariano Umbrero, had died days before he signed the order granting him clemency.
“The president (acted) in good faith, di niya alam, napirmahan ng pangulo. He was very proud of the fact nakapirma unang clemency. It’s very unfortunate nagkaroon ng ganitong supervening event," Valte said on government-run dzRB radio.
She said there was no notice of Umbrero’s death to the Office of the President.
“No one can control when one will die. On our part, we were not informed about his death," she said.
For now, she said the best the government can do is to update its procedures to make sure this does not happen again.
On Friday, human rights group Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP) criticized Aquino’s granting of clemency to Umbrero, four days after he died last July 15.
“Apparently the President did not know he gave conditional pardon to a dead man – ‘Tatay Umbrero’ who died on July 15, 2011 – whose release paper was signed by PNoy on July 19," said Emmanuel Amistad, TFDP’s executive director.
“It seems that Umbrero’s release papers stopped at a bureaucratic red light and did not move until he was dead," Amistad added.
A day after Umbrero died at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) Hospital, TFDP and other human rights groups called Aquino a heartless president for turning a deaf ear on the appeal of Umbrero’s family for clemency.
Umbrero was diagnosed with lung cancer (stage 4) in February this year. However, unfavorable condition at the national penitentiary may have aggravated his illness, human rights organization Medical Action Group (MAG) had said.
Prison records showed Umbrero was sentenced by the Aparri Regional Trial Court for kidnapping and serious illegal detention. The sentence was affirmed by the Supreme Court.
As of May 2011, Umbrero had served only eight years of his sentence. — LBG
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Aquino had no idea the prisoner, Mariano Umbrero, had died days before he signed the order granting him clemency.
“The president (acted) in good faith, di niya alam, napirmahan ng pangulo. He was very proud of the fact nakapirma unang clemency. It’s very unfortunate nagkaroon ng ganitong supervening event," Valte said on government-run dzRB radio.
She said there was no notice of Umbrero’s death to the Office of the President.
“No one can control when one will die. On our part, we were not informed about his death," she said.
For now, she said the best the government can do is to update its procedures to make sure this does not happen again.
On Friday, human rights group Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP) criticized Aquino’s granting of clemency to Umbrero, four days after he died last July 15.
“Apparently the President did not know he gave conditional pardon to a dead man – ‘Tatay Umbrero’ who died on July 15, 2011 – whose release paper was signed by PNoy on July 19," said Emmanuel Amistad, TFDP’s executive director.
“It seems that Umbrero’s release papers stopped at a bureaucratic red light and did not move until he was dead," Amistad added.
A day after Umbrero died at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) Hospital, TFDP and other human rights groups called Aquino a heartless president for turning a deaf ear on the appeal of Umbrero’s family for clemency.
Umbrero was diagnosed with lung cancer (stage 4) in February this year. However, unfavorable condition at the national penitentiary may have aggravated his illness, human rights organization Medical Action Group (MAG) had said.
Prison records showed Umbrero was sentenced by the Aparri Regional Trial Court for kidnapping and serious illegal detention. The sentence was affirmed by the Supreme Court.
As of May 2011, Umbrero had served only eight years of his sentence. — LBG
News Update House inquiry on porn urged
CEBU CITY -- A Cebu lawmaker wants Congress to pay attention to porn -- the kind produced with children in some homes in Cordova and other towns in the country.
Representative Gabriel Luis "Luigi" Quisumbing (Cebu, sixth district) filed House Resolution 1488, asking the House committee on the welfare of children to investigate, in aid of legislation, cybersex dens.
In the resolution he filed last Thursday, Quisumbing cited recent operations by law enforcement agencies and the Cebu Provincial Women's Commission (PWC) in two barangays in Cordova town, which led to the rescue of children allegedly exploited in these dens.
He pointed out these crimes violate Republic Acts 7610, or Special Protection of Children against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, and 9775, or the Anti-Child Pornography Act.
"There are alarming accounts of the existence of cybersex dens in Cordova where minors were made to pose naked in front of a webcam, in clear violation of the laws against child pornography, child abuse and human trafficking," Quisumbing said.
"Such act violates the rights of children, destroys their innocence and fosters immoral values in the youth," he added.
Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy, in an interview Saturday, said he is glad Quisumbing filed the resolution.
Sitoy said that should the resolution gain support from Congress, he would propose to subpoena those "conduits of money" to operators of cybersex dens.
Last June, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), in coordination with PWC and the United States Department of Homeland Security, raided a house in Barangay Ibabao, Cordova town. They arrested a couple who used their children in cybersex operations.
The couple was eventually charged with violating the special law against child pornography, child abuse and qualified human trafficking, and all their children were taken from them.
Earlier this month, three minors were rescued from another cybersex den in Barangay Cogon, in the same town. Three women were arrested in the operation.
As this developed, three countries have signified their interest and cooperation in helping Philippine authorities go after cybersex cases in court, said Vice Governor Agnes Magpale.
They also want to trace who among their citizens pay for cybersex shows performed in the Philippines.
Australia wants to put up a Manila-based center that will monitor cybersex crimes and serve as a training center for the police, NBI and prosecutors in handling such crimes, said Magpale.
Australian Police Federal Agent Michael Kilfoyle informed her Friday about the project.
"Governor Gwen (Garcia) asked me to tell Kilfoyle that Capitol will provide a facility for them here in Cebu," Magpale said.
Representatives from the United States and Sweden have also expressed interest in helping the Philippines crack down on cybersex.
"We asked for forensic experts" who can closely examine the evidence, said Magpale. She said the experts are also studying the possibility of sharing notes on evidence gathered abroad.
Four Swedish officers, including two lawyers, recently asked for the PWC's permission to speak with victims of an alleged Swedish pedophile in Dalaguete town.
He was allegedly previously convicted in Sweden of a similar offense.
Although Sweden has no mutual legal assistance treaty with the Philippines, Magpale said the Swedish officials expressed their willingness to support the case filed against their national here in Cebu.
Philippine National Police-Central Visayas Director Ager Ontog Jr. earlier admitted that of the region's 7,000 police operatives, only 30 are properly trained against cybercrimes.
Representative Gabriel Luis "Luigi" Quisumbing (Cebu, sixth district) filed House Resolution 1488, asking the House committee on the welfare of children to investigate, in aid of legislation, cybersex dens.
In the resolution he filed last Thursday, Quisumbing cited recent operations by law enforcement agencies and the Cebu Provincial Women's Commission (PWC) in two barangays in Cordova town, which led to the rescue of children allegedly exploited in these dens.
He pointed out these crimes violate Republic Acts 7610, or Special Protection of Children against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, and 9775, or the Anti-Child Pornography Act.
"There are alarming accounts of the existence of cybersex dens in Cordova where minors were made to pose naked in front of a webcam, in clear violation of the laws against child pornography, child abuse and human trafficking," Quisumbing said.
"Such act violates the rights of children, destroys their innocence and fosters immoral values in the youth," he added.
Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy, in an interview Saturday, said he is glad Quisumbing filed the resolution.
Sitoy said that should the resolution gain support from Congress, he would propose to subpoena those "conduits of money" to operators of cybersex dens.
Last June, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), in coordination with PWC and the United States Department of Homeland Security, raided a house in Barangay Ibabao, Cordova town. They arrested a couple who used their children in cybersex operations.
The couple was eventually charged with violating the special law against child pornography, child abuse and qualified human trafficking, and all their children were taken from them.
Earlier this month, three minors were rescued from another cybersex den in Barangay Cogon, in the same town. Three women were arrested in the operation.
As this developed, three countries have signified their interest and cooperation in helping Philippine authorities go after cybersex cases in court, said Vice Governor Agnes Magpale.
They also want to trace who among their citizens pay for cybersex shows performed in the Philippines.
Australia wants to put up a Manila-based center that will monitor cybersex crimes and serve as a training center for the police, NBI and prosecutors in handling such crimes, said Magpale.
Australian Police Federal Agent Michael Kilfoyle informed her Friday about the project.
"Governor Gwen (Garcia) asked me to tell Kilfoyle that Capitol will provide a facility for them here in Cebu," Magpale said.
Representatives from the United States and Sweden have also expressed interest in helping the Philippines crack down on cybersex.
"We asked for forensic experts" who can closely examine the evidence, said Magpale. She said the experts are also studying the possibility of sharing notes on evidence gathered abroad.
Four Swedish officers, including two lawyers, recently asked for the PWC's permission to speak with victims of an alleged Swedish pedophile in Dalaguete town.
He was allegedly previously convicted in Sweden of a similar offense.
Although Sweden has no mutual legal assistance treaty with the Philippines, Magpale said the Swedish officials expressed their willingness to support the case filed against their national here in Cebu.
Philippine National Police-Central Visayas Director Ager Ontog Jr. earlier admitted that of the region's 7,000 police operatives, only 30 are properly trained against cybercrimes.
News Update No divorce an honor for Philippines, says Vatican envoy
Manila (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN) - The absence of divorce in the Philippines is a ¿point of honor for the Philippines," according to the new papal nuncio, suggesting that the Vatican favored the Catholic Church¿s opposition to legislation allowing divorce here.
The Philippines and the Vatican -Catholic bishops, priests and members of religious orders are required to practice celibacy¿are the only remaining states that do not have laws allowing divorce.
Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto told reporters Saturday that Catholic bishops had the right to speak out on pressing social issues like the pending divorce bill in Congress.
However, Pinto declined to comment when asked if the Vatican was pleased with the strong position taken by the Catholic Bishops¿ Conference of the Philippines, which has clashed with the Aquino government over the reproductive health bill.
¿I think it is a point of honor for the Philippines to have this¿ for the family and in keeping the family with the traditional¿doctrine of the Church," Pinto said at the CBCP headquarters in Intramuros, Manila.
When asked if there were instructions from the Holy See about ¿preserving¿ marriage in the country, the 59-year-old Church diplomat said, ¿When in question of politics like in this case¿the bishops are entitled to intervene and they did in fact with their declarations."
But he quickly added that ¿this is their own (initiative)."
Asked if the Vatican was satisfied with how the CBCP was standing against the RH bill, Pinto chose to be diplomatic. ¿The bishops themselves, they are responsible for their community," he said. ¿To give judgment is not my task. My task is to collaborate with the bishops, to work together."
Pinto, a previous nuncio to Chile and the African countries of Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Cape Verde and Senegal, said he was thankful for the way Filipinos had ¿warmly received¿ him.
Pope Benedict XVI appointed Pinto as his representative to the Philippines on May 10 after the former nuncio, American Archbishop Edward Adams, was transferred to Greece.
Pinto, who was ordained on April 1, 1978, also previously served as an apostolic delegate to Mauritania. He is a native of Noci, Italy.
The Philippines and the Vatican -Catholic bishops, priests and members of religious orders are required to practice celibacy¿are the only remaining states that do not have laws allowing divorce.
Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto told reporters Saturday that Catholic bishops had the right to speak out on pressing social issues like the pending divorce bill in Congress.
However, Pinto declined to comment when asked if the Vatican was pleased with the strong position taken by the Catholic Bishops¿ Conference of the Philippines, which has clashed with the Aquino government over the reproductive health bill.
¿I think it is a point of honor for the Philippines to have this¿ for the family and in keeping the family with the traditional¿doctrine of the Church," Pinto said at the CBCP headquarters in Intramuros, Manila.
When asked if there were instructions from the Holy See about ¿preserving¿ marriage in the country, the 59-year-old Church diplomat said, ¿When in question of politics like in this case¿the bishops are entitled to intervene and they did in fact with their declarations."
But he quickly added that ¿this is their own (initiative)."
Asked if the Vatican was satisfied with how the CBCP was standing against the RH bill, Pinto chose to be diplomatic. ¿The bishops themselves, they are responsible for their community," he said. ¿To give judgment is not my task. My task is to collaborate with the bishops, to work together."
Pinto, a previous nuncio to Chile and the African countries of Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Cape Verde and Senegal, said he was thankful for the way Filipinos had ¿warmly received¿ him.
Pope Benedict XVI appointed Pinto as his representative to the Philippines on May 10 after the former nuncio, American Archbishop Edward Adams, was transferred to Greece.
Pinto, who was ordained on April 1, 1978, also previously served as an apostolic delegate to Mauritania. He is a native of Noci, Italy.
News Update Philippine rebels urge halt to oil and gas projects
Muslim rebels in the Philippines said Sunday that oil and gas projects in southern areas they consider their homeland should be suspended and the issue incorporated into ongoing peace talks.
The statement by the 12,000-strong, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) said they were not against economic development but warned that such energy plans could not be "unilaterally determined" by the government.
"The natural resources of the Bangsamoro homeland belongs to the Bangsamoro people," said the separatist group on their official website.
Bangsamoro is the term the rebels use to refer to the southern region of Mindanao where the country's Muslim minority is based.
The MILF statement called on the government to suspend on-shore and off-shore oil and gas exploration in the south, saying this could affect the often-troubled peace talks.
The rebels also called on Manila to halt plans to privatise power plants in the south, saying this could also affect the talks.
However chief government negotiator Marivic Leonen said in a statement that there was "no existing agreement with them which would put any development project on hold while talks are ongoing."
He said the website statement was not an official communication.
"We negotiate face-to-face. Not through public statements," Leonen said.
The largely-Christian Philippines has developed oil and gas resources off the western island of Palawan and is offering up more areas for exploration including the waters of Mindanao and its surrounding islands.
Manila and the MILF signed a truce to open the way to formal peace talks but sporadic violence has repeatedly marred the ceasefire, causing the negotiations to sometimes stall or break down completely.
Negotiations restarted in February and both sides held informal talks in Kuala Lumpur in June. The government described these talks as "productive," ahead of the next formal negotiations scheduled in August.
The MILF started its rebellion for an independent Islamic state in the mineral-rich Mindanao region in 1978 and more than 150,000 people have since been killed in the struggle.
The statement by the 12,000-strong, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) said they were not against economic development but warned that such energy plans could not be "unilaterally determined" by the government.
"The natural resources of the Bangsamoro homeland belongs to the Bangsamoro people," said the separatist group on their official website.
Bangsamoro is the term the rebels use to refer to the southern region of Mindanao where the country's Muslim minority is based.
The MILF statement called on the government to suspend on-shore and off-shore oil and gas exploration in the south, saying this could affect the often-troubled peace talks.
The rebels also called on Manila to halt plans to privatise power plants in the south, saying this could also affect the talks.
However chief government negotiator Marivic Leonen said in a statement that there was "no existing agreement with them which would put any development project on hold while talks are ongoing."
He said the website statement was not an official communication.
"We negotiate face-to-face. Not through public statements," Leonen said.
The largely-Christian Philippines has developed oil and gas resources off the western island of Palawan and is offering up more areas for exploration including the waters of Mindanao and its surrounding islands.
Manila and the MILF signed a truce to open the way to formal peace talks but sporadic violence has repeatedly marred the ceasefire, causing the negotiations to sometimes stall or break down completely.
Negotiations restarted in February and both sides held informal talks in Kuala Lumpur in June. The government described these talks as "productive," ahead of the next formal negotiations scheduled in August.
The MILF started its rebellion for an independent Islamic state in the mineral-rich Mindanao region in 1978 and more than 150,000 people have since been killed in the struggle.
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