Saturday, August 6, 2011
News UpdateAbu Sayyaf gunmen kidnap midwife in Sulu
ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Abu Sayyaf gunmen have seized a government midwife in the island province of Sulu Wednesday afternoon, the military said.
Malacañang condemned Thursday the latest kidnapping blamed on the al-Qaeda-linked bandits blamed for the recent kidnapping of a couple in Sulu.
Police commander Felicisimo Khu says Evangeline Taverisma, who is married to a retired army soldier, was on her way home from work in a government clinic when she was snatched at gunpoint Wednesday.
The four attackers took her in a jeep from Indanan town in Sulu Province.
Military spokesman Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang said the gunmen took Taverisma around 3 p.m. Wednesday in the village of Tagbak, Indanan, where she is assigned as midwife.
Cabangbang said the gunmen are followers of Abu Sayyaf leaders Nasir Timbang and a certain Commander Palu.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the government doing its best to rescue Taverisma.
"We were assured that the AFP (Armed Forces of Philippines) is now coordinating with the Sulu PNP (Philippine National Police) as well as the local government unit for the rescue of this lady,” said Valte.
She said the military already has initial results regarding the investigation but she refused to divulge them owing to security reasons.
She added that the Palace is in constant communication with military spokesman Commodore Miguel Rodriguez.
Taverisma was seized three days after Jocelyn Batronel was released by the Abu Sayyaf bandits in downtown Jolo, the capital town of Sulu, after her husband paid P100,000 ransom.
The husband, Jose, 50, was released last July 16 but the Abu Sayyaf bandits kept his wife to force him to produce the P100,000 ransom.
The Batronel couple, who is into the businesses of foam, appliances and lending, was kidnapped last July 13 from their rented house in the village of Busbus, Jolo.
The government has expressed concerns over the series of abductions in Mindanao, especially after intense firefighting between the government troops and Abu Sayyaf bandits last week that led to the death of seven soldiers and hurt 21 others.
"We have to admit that the last incident involving the seven soldiers. It did not spark alarm but it was more of the emotions that were evoked particularly in reference to the manner that they were treated," Valte said.
She stressed that the government will make sure that someone will be punished for the violence happening in the southern Philippines.
"The President has continually emphasized is that when it comes to matters like this one, kailangan po kasi nating maipakita that there will be certainty of punishment para ma-deter po. (We need to show that there will be certainty of punishment to act as deterrent)," she said.
Valte said the government would want to ensure that apart from the continuing law enforcement operations against the bandits, the culprits should also face justice.
Malacanang, meanwhile, is confident that there will be no spillover of the kidnapping incidents in Metro Manila. (Sunnex)
Malacañang condemned Thursday the latest kidnapping blamed on the al-Qaeda-linked bandits blamed for the recent kidnapping of a couple in Sulu.
Police commander Felicisimo Khu says Evangeline Taverisma, who is married to a retired army soldier, was on her way home from work in a government clinic when she was snatched at gunpoint Wednesday.
The four attackers took her in a jeep from Indanan town in Sulu Province.
Military spokesman Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang said the gunmen took Taverisma around 3 p.m. Wednesday in the village of Tagbak, Indanan, where she is assigned as midwife.
Cabangbang said the gunmen are followers of Abu Sayyaf leaders Nasir Timbang and a certain Commander Palu.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the government doing its best to rescue Taverisma.
"We were assured that the AFP (Armed Forces of Philippines) is now coordinating with the Sulu PNP (Philippine National Police) as well as the local government unit for the rescue of this lady,” said Valte.
She said the military already has initial results regarding the investigation but she refused to divulge them owing to security reasons.
She added that the Palace is in constant communication with military spokesman Commodore Miguel Rodriguez.
Taverisma was seized three days after Jocelyn Batronel was released by the Abu Sayyaf bandits in downtown Jolo, the capital town of Sulu, after her husband paid P100,000 ransom.
The husband, Jose, 50, was released last July 16 but the Abu Sayyaf bandits kept his wife to force him to produce the P100,000 ransom.
The Batronel couple, who is into the businesses of foam, appliances and lending, was kidnapped last July 13 from their rented house in the village of Busbus, Jolo.
The government has expressed concerns over the series of abductions in Mindanao, especially after intense firefighting between the government troops and Abu Sayyaf bandits last week that led to the death of seven soldiers and hurt 21 others.
"We have to admit that the last incident involving the seven soldiers. It did not spark alarm but it was more of the emotions that were evoked particularly in reference to the manner that they were treated," Valte said.
She stressed that the government will make sure that someone will be punished for the violence happening in the southern Philippines.
"The President has continually emphasized is that when it comes to matters like this one, kailangan po kasi nating maipakita that there will be certainty of punishment para ma-deter po. (We need to show that there will be certainty of punishment to act as deterrent)," she said.
Valte said the government would want to ensure that apart from the continuing law enforcement operations against the bandits, the culprits should also face justice.
Malacanang, meanwhile, is confident that there will be no spillover of the kidnapping incidents in Metro Manila. (Sunnex)
News Update Huawei taps Asia Pacific College to train Filipino engineers
By Anna Valmero
PASAY CITY, METRO MANILA - Huawei Technologies has partnered with Asia Pacific College to establish a a certification training program for engineering and ICT (information and communications technology) students.
“Through this certification program, we are preparing a qualified manpower pool to fit the requirements of the industry,” said Richard Yang, Huawei country manager for enterprise business group.
After a decade of doing business in the country, this is the first time the network equipment maker assigned a local college as its authorized learning partner under the Huawei certified Datacom Associate or HCDA program.
Yang said this signals Huawei’s business expansion from its traditional base of telecom clients to the bigger enterprise market.
The HCDA program is available to IP network maintenance engineers and other professionals working with carrier-class IP networks.
The curriculum includes IP network basics, Ethernet technology, WAN technology, RIP protocol basics, OSPF protocol basics and its actualization in VRP, fire-wall basics, product knowledge, know-how for network equipment O&M.
HCDA capabilities include conforming with industry norms, and skills to apply routing technology and switching technology.
“Bringing-in Huawei technology and the HCDA courseware in the college can enable the students in learning computer networking and infrastructure beyond classroom experience,” said Yang.
Engineer Stanley Brucal, School of Engineering program director at Asia Pacific College, said the Huawei certification program will help students to learn computer networking beyond classroom work and equip them with skills needed by the industry.
“It will be integrated into the current Computer and Electronics Engineering curricula to strengthen the data communication knowledge and skills of its students,” said Brucal.
Huawei has implemented this training program in China, Indonesia and Thailand.
PASAY CITY, METRO MANILA - Huawei Technologies has partnered with Asia Pacific College to establish a a certification training program for engineering and ICT (information and communications technology) students.
“Through this certification program, we are preparing a qualified manpower pool to fit the requirements of the industry,” said Richard Yang, Huawei country manager for enterprise business group.
After a decade of doing business in the country, this is the first time the network equipment maker assigned a local college as its authorized learning partner under the Huawei certified Datacom Associate or HCDA program.
Yang said this signals Huawei’s business expansion from its traditional base of telecom clients to the bigger enterprise market.
The HCDA program is available to IP network maintenance engineers and other professionals working with carrier-class IP networks.
The curriculum includes IP network basics, Ethernet technology, WAN technology, RIP protocol basics, OSPF protocol basics and its actualization in VRP, fire-wall basics, product knowledge, know-how for network equipment O&M.
HCDA capabilities include conforming with industry norms, and skills to apply routing technology and switching technology.
“Bringing-in Huawei technology and the HCDA courseware in the college can enable the students in learning computer networking and infrastructure beyond classroom experience,” said Yang.
Engineer Stanley Brucal, School of Engineering program director at Asia Pacific College, said the Huawei certification program will help students to learn computer networking beyond classroom work and equip them with skills needed by the industry.
“It will be integrated into the current Computer and Electronics Engineering curricula to strengthen the data communication knowledge and skills of its students,” said Brucal.
Huawei has implemented this training program in China, Indonesia and Thailand.
News Update Estrada, Anwar want ‘poll fraud’ perpetrators punished
Former President Joseph Estrada and his visiting ally, Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, are demanding the punishment of the perpetrators of the alleged 2004 and 2007 poll fraud, a television report said Friday.
In a forum at Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan City, Estrada challenged former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to face the poll fraud allegations, reported Mark Salazar on GMA News TV’s “Balitanghali" newscast.
Anwar, who once served as Malaysia’s deputy prime minister, supported Estrada’s call, noting that the evidence on the alleged poll fraud is "overwhelming."
Both leaders underwent imprisonment in the past – Estrada for plunder and Anwar for sodomy and corruption, "Balitanghali" reported.
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Estrada also commended resigned Senator Miguel Zubiri for giving up his Senate seat, and suggested that Zubiri take the witness stand on the alleged election cheating. Estrada said he believes Zubiri is innocent, according to the same television report.
The former chief executive also took a jab at the Arroyo couple, saying that the former president and her husband, lawyer Jose Miguel “Mike" Arroyo, are faking their illnesses.
Estrada said the real disease afflicting the couple is corruption.
His wish is for the Arroyo couple to be jailed, Estrada said.
At the same time, Estrada criticized the "slow" processes to investigate and prosecute the Arroyos. He contrasted this with the process to prosecute him during the Arroyo administration, when the government even formed a special court to expedite the prosecution process.
Tamer than Malaysia
Meanwhile, the Philippines suffers a tamer corruption problem than Malaysia, Anwar was quoted in "Balitanghali" report as saying.
He said the extent of corruption in Malaysia would not only involve two helicopters, for example, but two submarines. Malaysia’s judicial system is also dysfunctional and its media remains unfree, Anwar added.
At present, the Philippine Senate is investigating the sale of two used helicopters passed of as new to the Philippine National Police in 2009. A businessman has tagged Mr. Arroyo as the owner of the two helicopters, an allegation denied by the camp of the First Gentleman. — Paterno Esmaquel II/RSJ
In a forum at Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan City, Estrada challenged former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to face the poll fraud allegations, reported Mark Salazar on GMA News TV’s “Balitanghali" newscast.
Anwar, who once served as Malaysia’s deputy prime minister, supported Estrada’s call, noting that the evidence on the alleged poll fraud is "overwhelming."
Both leaders underwent imprisonment in the past – Estrada for plunder and Anwar for sodomy and corruption, "Balitanghali" reported.
This page requires a higher version browser
Estrada also commended resigned Senator Miguel Zubiri for giving up his Senate seat, and suggested that Zubiri take the witness stand on the alleged election cheating. Estrada said he believes Zubiri is innocent, according to the same television report.
The former chief executive also took a jab at the Arroyo couple, saying that the former president and her husband, lawyer Jose Miguel “Mike" Arroyo, are faking their illnesses.
Estrada said the real disease afflicting the couple is corruption.
His wish is for the Arroyo couple to be jailed, Estrada said.
At the same time, Estrada criticized the "slow" processes to investigate and prosecute the Arroyos. He contrasted this with the process to prosecute him during the Arroyo administration, when the government even formed a special court to expedite the prosecution process.
Tamer than Malaysia
Meanwhile, the Philippines suffers a tamer corruption problem than Malaysia, Anwar was quoted in "Balitanghali" report as saying.
He said the extent of corruption in Malaysia would not only involve two helicopters, for example, but two submarines. Malaysia’s judicial system is also dysfunctional and its media remains unfree, Anwar added.
At present, the Philippine Senate is investigating the sale of two used helicopters passed of as new to the Philippine National Police in 2009. A businessman has tagged Mr. Arroyo as the owner of the two helicopters, an allegation denied by the camp of the First Gentleman. — Paterno Esmaquel II/RSJ
News Update Philippine president meets Muslim rebel chief
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Talks between Philippine President Benigno Aquino III and the chief of the country's main Muslim rebel group have given a tremendous boost to efforts to end the decades-long insurgency, the guerrillas said Friday.
Aquino met with Murad Ibrahim of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in a suburb of Tokyo late Thursday and discussed ways to push the peace process forward, presidential peace adviser Teresita Deles said.
It was the first time that a Philippine president has met with the chairman of the rebel group since on-and-off peace talks started 14 years ago. Aquino, who has been in office for a year, has placed a high priority on settling the country's long-running Muslim and communist insurgencies.
The rebel group called Aquino's effort to meet Murad a "grand gesture" that gave "a tremendous boost to the peace negotiations."
Chief government negotiator Marvic Leonen said Japan was chosen for the meeting for security reasons and because it is the closest member of the International Contact Group, a grouping of nations that is attempting to promote trust between the two sides. The other members are Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Britain.
Japanese Foreign Minister Takeaki Matsumoto said the meeting was "a meaningful opportunity for smoothly proceeding" with the peace process.
"Japan strongly expects that both parties will continue sincere talks based on the result of the meeting and reach a final peace agreement at an early stage," he said in a statement.
The 11,000-strong rebel group has waged a bloody insurgency for self-rule in the southern Mindanao region, the homeland of minority Muslims in the predominantly Roman Catholic country. The rebels have dropped their demand for independence but are seeking the establishment of a "sub-state" under the central government in Manila.
Leonen said Thursday's meeting was "cordial but consisted of a frank and candid exchange of their views about the frames of the continuing peace talks and some possible approaches that the parties can take to bring about a peaceful settlement."
"Both agreed that the implementation of any agreement should happen within the current administration. Both agreed to fast-track the negotiations," he said.
Leonen refused to give details of the two-hour meeting because negotiators still need to work on the points raised. He said, however, that the meeting did not supplant formal negotiations.
"All I can say is it was very positive," he said. "My marching orders from the president is a pragmatic, principled and a politically, economically and socially viable solution."
The last major clashes between government and rebel forces followed the rejection by the Supreme Court of a proposed preliminary peace agreement in August 2008 on grounds that it was unconstitutional.
More than 700,000 people were displaced before the fighting subsided and the two sides agreed to resume talks, with the first meeting held in February.
The conflict has killed more than 120,000 people and stunted development of the resource-rich Mindanao region.
Aquino's mother, late President Corazon Aquino, met 25 years ago with the leader of another Muslim rebel group, the Moro National Liberation Front. Peace negotiations with that group were concluded 10 years later.
___
Associated Press writers Teresa Cerojano and Jim Gomez contributed to this report.
Aquino met with Murad Ibrahim of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in a suburb of Tokyo late Thursday and discussed ways to push the peace process forward, presidential peace adviser Teresita Deles said.
It was the first time that a Philippine president has met with the chairman of the rebel group since on-and-off peace talks started 14 years ago. Aquino, who has been in office for a year, has placed a high priority on settling the country's long-running Muslim and communist insurgencies.
The rebel group called Aquino's effort to meet Murad a "grand gesture" that gave "a tremendous boost to the peace negotiations."
Chief government negotiator Marvic Leonen said Japan was chosen for the meeting for security reasons and because it is the closest member of the International Contact Group, a grouping of nations that is attempting to promote trust between the two sides. The other members are Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Britain.
Japanese Foreign Minister Takeaki Matsumoto said the meeting was "a meaningful opportunity for smoothly proceeding" with the peace process.
"Japan strongly expects that both parties will continue sincere talks based on the result of the meeting and reach a final peace agreement at an early stage," he said in a statement.
The 11,000-strong rebel group has waged a bloody insurgency for self-rule in the southern Mindanao region, the homeland of minority Muslims in the predominantly Roman Catholic country. The rebels have dropped their demand for independence but are seeking the establishment of a "sub-state" under the central government in Manila.
Leonen said Thursday's meeting was "cordial but consisted of a frank and candid exchange of their views about the frames of the continuing peace talks and some possible approaches that the parties can take to bring about a peaceful settlement."
"Both agreed that the implementation of any agreement should happen within the current administration. Both agreed to fast-track the negotiations," he said.
Leonen refused to give details of the two-hour meeting because negotiators still need to work on the points raised. He said, however, that the meeting did not supplant formal negotiations.
"All I can say is it was very positive," he said. "My marching orders from the president is a pragmatic, principled and a politically, economically and socially viable solution."
The last major clashes between government and rebel forces followed the rejection by the Supreme Court of a proposed preliminary peace agreement in August 2008 on grounds that it was unconstitutional.
More than 700,000 people were displaced before the fighting subsided and the two sides agreed to resume talks, with the first meeting held in February.
The conflict has killed more than 120,000 people and stunted development of the resource-rich Mindanao region.
Aquino's mother, late President Corazon Aquino, met 25 years ago with the leader of another Muslim rebel group, the Moro National Liberation Front. Peace negotiations with that group were concluded 10 years later.
___
Associated Press writers Teresa Cerojano and Jim Gomez contributed to this report.
Friday, August 5, 2011
News Update Filipina loses leg in Cambodia crash
Manila (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN) - A short vacation turned into a nightmare for a 30-year-old Filipino tourist who lost her right leg in a bus collision in Cambodia.
Nina Kristine Abad, a senior operations manager of a well-renowned contact center in Makati, was with other foreign tourists on board the Kampuchea Angkor Express, a double-decker bus, when it careened and collided with a truck filled with corn early Monday morning in Prey Veng, Cambodia.
Nina, a travel enthusiast, was in Cambodia to see the Angkor Wat, an item in her bucket list.
The first thing I did, I checked my teeth, my collarbone, and my eyes." She was lucid and while she wished she were unconscious, she felt assured that she will be fine. She even did a few multiplications and recited the alphabet in her head to check for any brain injury from the impact.
It took over an hour before the passengers were rescued from the wreckage, with about seven of them suffering major injuries, two of whom did not survive.
The first hospital Nina was brought to was only about 20 minutes away but it did not have complete facilities, so Nina was taken to Calmette Hospital in Phnom Penh, where she is now confined.
There were 34 passengers on the bus. Other foreign tourists came from South Korea, Spain, Indonesia and Ireland.
The road accident is still under investigation while the driver, who reportedly fled the scene, is still at large. An online news article quoted Peam Ro district police chief Seng Ponlok as saying, "(W)e think that it was caused by the driver being sleepy."
The Philippine Consulate in Cambodia, represented by lawyer Norman Corneros, was quick to offer assistance to Nina.
I already had a feeling since the accident that I may have to lose a leg," Nina said. When she was pulled from the bus wreckage, Nina saw that her left leg looked broken, but her right leg had it worse, and the X-rays confirmed her suspicion. Nina¿s left femur bone was repaired, but her right leg was amputated Tuesday morning.
They cut below the knee and I know there are prosthetics available so I know I¿ll be all right," Nina said, full of hope, not sounding upset at all. Her doctor said she could be ready for a skin grafting in 10 days, after which her wound will be closed up and she could be ready to travel via an air ambulance.
Filipinos living in Cambodia who read about the accident on The Cambodian Daily have flocked to visit Nina and to wish her well.
Nina Kristine Abad, a senior operations manager of a well-renowned contact center in Makati, was with other foreign tourists on board the Kampuchea Angkor Express, a double-decker bus, when it careened and collided with a truck filled with corn early Monday morning in Prey Veng, Cambodia.
Nina, a travel enthusiast, was in Cambodia to see the Angkor Wat, an item in her bucket list.
The first thing I did, I checked my teeth, my collarbone, and my eyes." She was lucid and while she wished she were unconscious, she felt assured that she will be fine. She even did a few multiplications and recited the alphabet in her head to check for any brain injury from the impact.
It took over an hour before the passengers were rescued from the wreckage, with about seven of them suffering major injuries, two of whom did not survive.
The first hospital Nina was brought to was only about 20 minutes away but it did not have complete facilities, so Nina was taken to Calmette Hospital in Phnom Penh, where she is now confined.
There were 34 passengers on the bus. Other foreign tourists came from South Korea, Spain, Indonesia and Ireland.
The road accident is still under investigation while the driver, who reportedly fled the scene, is still at large. An online news article quoted Peam Ro district police chief Seng Ponlok as saying, "(W)e think that it was caused by the driver being sleepy."
The Philippine Consulate in Cambodia, represented by lawyer Norman Corneros, was quick to offer assistance to Nina.
I already had a feeling since the accident that I may have to lose a leg," Nina said. When she was pulled from the bus wreckage, Nina saw that her left leg looked broken, but her right leg had it worse, and the X-rays confirmed her suspicion. Nina¿s left femur bone was repaired, but her right leg was amputated Tuesday morning.
They cut below the knee and I know there are prosthetics available so I know I¿ll be all right," Nina said, full of hope, not sounding upset at all. Her doctor said she could be ready for a skin grafting in 10 days, after which her wound will be closed up and she could be ready to travel via an air ambulance.
Filipinos living in Cambodia who read about the accident on The Cambodian Daily have flocked to visit Nina and to wish her well.
News Update Cebu leaders question Trans-Asia fleet's suspension
CEBU CITY – Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama questioned Wednesday the decision to suspend the entire fleet of Trans-Asia Shipping Lines, saying it will hurt not only the company's workers but the local economy.
The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) "should be circumspect," the mayor said.
"They should only suspend units that are not undergoing repairs, and they have a record of that."
The governor appealed to Marina to reconsider, pointing out that the ship owners are supposed to be assured of due process under Republic Act 9295 or the Domestic Shipping Development Act, before any suspension can be ordered.
"These are passenger vessels that are plying set routes, so not only the workers of Tran-Asia will be severely affected…The riding public will be just as affected. So, we do appeal to Marina to consider the consequences again of this action, which I find rather drastic," Governor Garcia told reporters.
Marina's suspension order on the nine remaining Trans-Asia vessels came a day after its M/V Asia-Malaysia sank while sailing from Cebu to Iloilo last Sunday morning. Over 170 passengers and crew were rescued.
Fire
But a freak accident hit just as a Marina team began inspecting the fleet Wednesday in Cebu City.
While the Marina team was inspecting the M/V Trans-Asia 5, a fire broke out in a pile of cargo that was being unloaded from a nearby vessel, the Trans-Asia 2. The pile had rubber, carpets and corrugated roofing.
The flames were controlled in five minutes and the damage to property was less than P5,000, said Julian Sy Jr., Trans-Asia management representative and spokesman.
He said the fire began when a laborer, who was smoking in secret, tossed a cigarette butt that hit a pile of cargo.
“The cargo is not part of the vessel, so the vessel did not catch fire,” Sy said in a press conference Wednesday afternoon.
Flordelito Ortiz, head of the Trans-Asia security and safety department, said the cargo came from Ozamiz City. Trans-Asia 2 was supposed to depart for Iloilo to replace the Asia-Malaysia, but was held at the Cebu port for inspection and audit.
Two vessels were already inspected and audited as of Wednesday by the Marina, in coordination with the Coast Guard, as ordered by Administrator Emerson Lorenzo. The Trans-Asia 2 and 3 have been checked.
Spill
Lawyer Jose Cabatingan, Marina-Central Visayas public information officer, said the inspection and audit team found some deficiencies and that Trans-Asia Shipping will get some time to fix these.
Of the fleet, the Asia Philippines is still drydocked, while Asia Japan is not operating. The Asia Pacific, a cargo vessel, arrived last night from Zamboanga City, and Asia China was still in Cagayan de Oro City Wednesday.
Cabatingan said that the joint inspection and audit team will submit their reports to Marina-Central Visayas Director Nannette Villamor-Dinopol, who will forward it to Administrator Lorenzo.
Meanwhile, Sy said that Trans-Asia has sent safety engineers to conduct suction of oil and fuel from inside the sunken M/V Asia Malaysia off Calabasa Island.
He said the oil spill that resulted from the sinking is “very manageable” and that the company has sent oil dispersants to protect the seawater in the vicinity.
In a news conference Wednesday, Mayor Rama said he will talk to the officials of Marina regarding the suspension, after he meets with ship owners in Cebu City.
In a separate interview, Governor Garcia said that Marina can inspect the fleet without necessarily suspending it.
"I fully support the outcry of our shipping operators," she added.
Rescue
Meanwhile, Cebu City Councilor Edgardo Labella commended the management of Cokaliong Shipping Lines led by its owner, Chester Cokaliong, for immediately responding to M/V Asia Malaysia's distress call last Sunday dawn.
Cokaliong Shipping's M/V Filipinas Cebu was the first vessel to reach the M/V Asia Malaysia and rescue 40 of its 107 passengers.
The remaining passengers and crew members were rescued by the crew of the motor tanker Fil-Visayas, which was bound for Bacolod, and some fishermen who were in the area.
"Not in any way discounting the efforts of local fishermen in Ajuy and Iloilo's Bantay Dagat, it is noteworthy that one of the rescuers is a Cebu City-based shipping liner, which is not only the sunken vessel's competitor-company, but also one recorded to have helped out similar situations in the past, rescuing passengers from sea ordeals," Labella said in a proposed resolution.
Labella, a survivor of the sinking of Sulpicio Lines' M/V Princess of the Orient in 1998, described Cokaliong as "a businessman with a heart."
The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) "should be circumspect," the mayor said.
"They should only suspend units that are not undergoing repairs, and they have a record of that."
The governor appealed to Marina to reconsider, pointing out that the ship owners are supposed to be assured of due process under Republic Act 9295 or the Domestic Shipping Development Act, before any suspension can be ordered.
"These are passenger vessels that are plying set routes, so not only the workers of Tran-Asia will be severely affected…The riding public will be just as affected. So, we do appeal to Marina to consider the consequences again of this action, which I find rather drastic," Governor Garcia told reporters.
Marina's suspension order on the nine remaining Trans-Asia vessels came a day after its M/V Asia-Malaysia sank while sailing from Cebu to Iloilo last Sunday morning. Over 170 passengers and crew were rescued.
Fire
But a freak accident hit just as a Marina team began inspecting the fleet Wednesday in Cebu City.
While the Marina team was inspecting the M/V Trans-Asia 5, a fire broke out in a pile of cargo that was being unloaded from a nearby vessel, the Trans-Asia 2. The pile had rubber, carpets and corrugated roofing.
The flames were controlled in five minutes and the damage to property was less than P5,000, said Julian Sy Jr., Trans-Asia management representative and spokesman.
He said the fire began when a laborer, who was smoking in secret, tossed a cigarette butt that hit a pile of cargo.
“The cargo is not part of the vessel, so the vessel did not catch fire,” Sy said in a press conference Wednesday afternoon.
Flordelito Ortiz, head of the Trans-Asia security and safety department, said the cargo came from Ozamiz City. Trans-Asia 2 was supposed to depart for Iloilo to replace the Asia-Malaysia, but was held at the Cebu port for inspection and audit.
Two vessels were already inspected and audited as of Wednesday by the Marina, in coordination with the Coast Guard, as ordered by Administrator Emerson Lorenzo. The Trans-Asia 2 and 3 have been checked.
Spill
Lawyer Jose Cabatingan, Marina-Central Visayas public information officer, said the inspection and audit team found some deficiencies and that Trans-Asia Shipping will get some time to fix these.
Of the fleet, the Asia Philippines is still drydocked, while Asia Japan is not operating. The Asia Pacific, a cargo vessel, arrived last night from Zamboanga City, and Asia China was still in Cagayan de Oro City Wednesday.
Cabatingan said that the joint inspection and audit team will submit their reports to Marina-Central Visayas Director Nannette Villamor-Dinopol, who will forward it to Administrator Lorenzo.
Meanwhile, Sy said that Trans-Asia has sent safety engineers to conduct suction of oil and fuel from inside the sunken M/V Asia Malaysia off Calabasa Island.
He said the oil spill that resulted from the sinking is “very manageable” and that the company has sent oil dispersants to protect the seawater in the vicinity.
In a news conference Wednesday, Mayor Rama said he will talk to the officials of Marina regarding the suspension, after he meets with ship owners in Cebu City.
In a separate interview, Governor Garcia said that Marina can inspect the fleet without necessarily suspending it.
"I fully support the outcry of our shipping operators," she added.
Rescue
Meanwhile, Cebu City Councilor Edgardo Labella commended the management of Cokaliong Shipping Lines led by its owner, Chester Cokaliong, for immediately responding to M/V Asia Malaysia's distress call last Sunday dawn.
Cokaliong Shipping's M/V Filipinas Cebu was the first vessel to reach the M/V Asia Malaysia and rescue 40 of its 107 passengers.
The remaining passengers and crew members were rescued by the crew of the motor tanker Fil-Visayas, which was bound for Bacolod, and some fishermen who were in the area.
"Not in any way discounting the efforts of local fishermen in Ajuy and Iloilo's Bantay Dagat, it is noteworthy that one of the rescuers is a Cebu City-based shipping liner, which is not only the sunken vessel's competitor-company, but also one recorded to have helped out similar situations in the past, rescuing passengers from sea ordeals," Labella said in a proposed resolution.
Labella, a survivor of the sinking of Sulpicio Lines' M/V Princess of the Orient in 1998, described Cokaliong as "a businessman with a heart."
News Update Malacañang ready to litigate if RORO proponents sue
Malacañang on Thursday said it will put up a good defense in international courts should proponents of “unnecessary and disadvantageous" roll-on, roll-off (RORO) port projects contest the impending cancellation of their contracts.
Wednesday, President Benigno Aquino III said 66 RORO contracts failed to hurdle a feasibility review by Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC). Palace officials said cancellation of the projects is an option under serious study.
“We will do our best to prepare, lalo po if it is litigated abroad. Lagi naman po tayong handa," deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said at a press briefing.
The Aquino administration is “ready to do what it takes to make this deal something that will benefit the public," according to Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Secretary Ramon “Ricky" Carandang.
In its current form, it clearly does not and we cannot allow this deal.. to go through. Within those very broad parameters, there are many things that can be done… All the options are on the table," Carandang added.
Valte also explained that Malacañang understands the concerns of the foreign proponents of the RORO projects.
But Valte said the Aquino administration cannot just let the contracts “persist despite the loss to the government…“Hindi po pwedeng ganoon ang mangyari. It cannot be at the expense of the interest of the Filipino people," Valte said. — ELR/VS
Wednesday, President Benigno Aquino III said 66 RORO contracts failed to hurdle a feasibility review by Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC). Palace officials said cancellation of the projects is an option under serious study.
“We will do our best to prepare, lalo po if it is litigated abroad. Lagi naman po tayong handa," deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said at a press briefing.
The Aquino administration is “ready to do what it takes to make this deal something that will benefit the public," according to Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Secretary Ramon “Ricky" Carandang.
In its current form, it clearly does not and we cannot allow this deal.. to go through. Within those very broad parameters, there are many things that can be done… All the options are on the table," Carandang added.
Valte also explained that Malacañang understands the concerns of the foreign proponents of the RORO projects.
But Valte said the Aquino administration cannot just let the contracts “persist despite the loss to the government…“Hindi po pwedeng ganoon ang mangyari. It cannot be at the expense of the interest of the Filipino people," Valte said. — ELR/VS
News Update Arroyos need to answer poll fraud allegations – Zubiri
Resigned Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri urged former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and former First Gentleman Mike Arroyo to respond to allegations of cheating during the 2007 elections.
“May mga alegasyon na lumalabas [at] dapat sagutin nila ‘yan. Kaya naman nilang sagutin iyan, mayroon naman silang mga abugado," said Zubiri in an interview aired Thursday on GMA News’ “24 Oras."
Thursday at the Department of Justice (DOJ), former Police Senior Superintendent Rafael Santiago submitted his sworn affidavit on the alleged operation to switch election returns (ER) from the 2004 presidential elections.
However, Santiago, contrary to his previous statement last week, did not identify in his affidavit the former first gentleman as the “financier" of the alleged ER switching.
In his previous statement, Santiago said Mr. Arroyo was the financier of the operation to tamper with the results of the 2004 elections.
Also on Thursday, the DOJ and the Commission on Elections launched their joint investigation of the alleged massive cheating in the 2004 and 2007 elections. They formed the joint committee that will conduct the probe.
Zubiri quits electoral protest
Zubiri was part of Team Unity, the coalition the Arroyo administration organized for the 2007 elections.
He announced his resignation as senator during a privilege speech on Wednesday. His victory in the 2007 midterm elections continues to be questioned before the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET).
Thursday afternoon, Zubiri withdrew his counter-protest against an electoral protest Atty. Aquilino “Koko" Pimentel III filed four years ago.
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV
Fraud revealed
Allegations of cheating during the 2007 elections were revived anew when Maguindanao massacre suspect Zaldy Ampatuan and former Maguindanao election supervisor Lintang Bedol came forward, accusing Arroyo and the former first gentleman of electoral fraud.
Ampatuan claimed that the Arroyos gave orders to lessen votes for senatorial opposition candidates, including then-Tarlac Rep. Benigno Aquino III, then-Taguig Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano, and re-electionist Sen. Panfilo Lacson.
The votes taken from the opposition candidates would then be added on to the votes of Arroyo’s senatorial bets. Ampatuan alleged that Zubiri, who was part of the administration’s ticket, benefited from the alleged fraud.
Meanwhile, Bedol accused former Commission on Elections (Comelec) chair Benjamin Abalos of orchestrating the cheating in 2007, saying that Abalos, along with Comelec Commissioners Nicodemo Ferrer and Rene Sarmiento doctored election returns from Maguindanao.
Wednesday evening on GMA News TV’s “State of the Nation," Pimentel said Bedol’s and Ampatuan’s revelations were signs of “God’s hand at work."
Team Unity didn’t know
Zubiri claimed that none of the senators under Team Unity knew of any plans to cheat in Maguindanao.
“In fairness to the former President, wala po siyang sinabi sa amin na ganon," said Zubiri.
In a press conference held shortly after Ampatuan and Bedol emerged, Zubiri denied any knowledge of the alleged poll rigging, asking the public to wait for the SET’s ruling.
In the “24 Oras" interview, Zubiri admitted that he first thought of resigning when Bedol and Ampatuan made their revelations of wholesale elections fraud.
“Mas mabuti nalang na magbitiw na ako sa puwesto dahil nakakahiya at baka sabihin pa ng mga tao na wala akong delikadesa," he said.
Following Zubiri’s resignation, the Senate agreed on a new rule that would make the resignation of any members of the chamber irrevocable.
According to Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, old Senate rules required senators to vote before accepting a senator’s resignation.
The real 12th winning senator
Pimentel may be declared the real 12th winning senator as early as next week, according to Senator Edgardo Angara, GMA News TV’s “News To Go" reported Thursday morning.
Angara is a member of the SET.
Zubiri’s withdrawal of the counter-protest, Angara explained, could be the “trigger" that will complete the SET’s ruling on Pimentel’s protest.
“Based on the count now, [Pimentel] is ahead of the vote count," Angara said while noting that it is the Comelec that will officially proclaim Pimentel as the 12th senator, as well as administer his oath. — With Bea Cupin and Earl Rosero/VS,
“May mga alegasyon na lumalabas [at] dapat sagutin nila ‘yan. Kaya naman nilang sagutin iyan, mayroon naman silang mga abugado," said Zubiri in an interview aired Thursday on GMA News’ “24 Oras."
Thursday at the Department of Justice (DOJ), former Police Senior Superintendent Rafael Santiago submitted his sworn affidavit on the alleged operation to switch election returns (ER) from the 2004 presidential elections.
However, Santiago, contrary to his previous statement last week, did not identify in his affidavit the former first gentleman as the “financier" of the alleged ER switching.
In his previous statement, Santiago said Mr. Arroyo was the financier of the operation to tamper with the results of the 2004 elections.
Also on Thursday, the DOJ and the Commission on Elections launched their joint investigation of the alleged massive cheating in the 2004 and 2007 elections. They formed the joint committee that will conduct the probe.
Zubiri quits electoral protest
Zubiri was part of Team Unity, the coalition the Arroyo administration organized for the 2007 elections.
He announced his resignation as senator during a privilege speech on Wednesday. His victory in the 2007 midterm elections continues to be questioned before the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET).
Thursday afternoon, Zubiri withdrew his counter-protest against an electoral protest Atty. Aquilino “Koko" Pimentel III filed four years ago.
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV
Fraud revealed
Allegations of cheating during the 2007 elections were revived anew when Maguindanao massacre suspect Zaldy Ampatuan and former Maguindanao election supervisor Lintang Bedol came forward, accusing Arroyo and the former first gentleman of electoral fraud.
Ampatuan claimed that the Arroyos gave orders to lessen votes for senatorial opposition candidates, including then-Tarlac Rep. Benigno Aquino III, then-Taguig Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano, and re-electionist Sen. Panfilo Lacson.
The votes taken from the opposition candidates would then be added on to the votes of Arroyo’s senatorial bets. Ampatuan alleged that Zubiri, who was part of the administration’s ticket, benefited from the alleged fraud.
Meanwhile, Bedol accused former Commission on Elections (Comelec) chair Benjamin Abalos of orchestrating the cheating in 2007, saying that Abalos, along with Comelec Commissioners Nicodemo Ferrer and Rene Sarmiento doctored election returns from Maguindanao.
Wednesday evening on GMA News TV’s “State of the Nation," Pimentel said Bedol’s and Ampatuan’s revelations were signs of “God’s hand at work."
Team Unity didn’t know
Zubiri claimed that none of the senators under Team Unity knew of any plans to cheat in Maguindanao.
“In fairness to the former President, wala po siyang sinabi sa amin na ganon," said Zubiri.
In a press conference held shortly after Ampatuan and Bedol emerged, Zubiri denied any knowledge of the alleged poll rigging, asking the public to wait for the SET’s ruling.
In the “24 Oras" interview, Zubiri admitted that he first thought of resigning when Bedol and Ampatuan made their revelations of wholesale elections fraud.
“Mas mabuti nalang na magbitiw na ako sa puwesto dahil nakakahiya at baka sabihin pa ng mga tao na wala akong delikadesa," he said.
Following Zubiri’s resignation, the Senate agreed on a new rule that would make the resignation of any members of the chamber irrevocable.
According to Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, old Senate rules required senators to vote before accepting a senator’s resignation.
The real 12th winning senator
Pimentel may be declared the real 12th winning senator as early as next week, according to Senator Edgardo Angara, GMA News TV’s “News To Go" reported Thursday morning.
Angara is a member of the SET.
Zubiri’s withdrawal of the counter-protest, Angara explained, could be the “trigger" that will complete the SET’s ruling on Pimentel’s protest.
“Based on the count now, [Pimentel] is ahead of the vote count," Angara said while noting that it is the Comelec that will officially proclaim Pimentel as the 12th senator, as well as administer his oath. — With Bea Cupin and Earl Rosero/VS,
News Update ILO sees 296-M tourism jobs, DOT to lure 6-M tourists to PHL
The International Labour Organization (ILO) expects the travel and tourism industry to create 296 million jobs by 2019, which is definitely good news for the Philippines because the country intends to double last year’s tourist arrivals from three million to six million in 2016.
An ILO report has urged governments to invest in the travel and tourism industry to address poverty and unemployment because the industry will soon make up more than a third of the total global services trade. It said tourism contributed at least 9 percent of total GDP and provided more than 235 million jobs in 2010, representing 8 percent of global employment.
Here in the Philippines the Department of Tourism (DOT) has lined up several investments, including the establishment of international airports and seaports as well as building infrastructures such as resorts and hotels.
Wolfgang Weinz, ILO senior technical specialist for the hotels, catering, tourism sector said the industry must address the growing significance of technology as well as customers who have become more demanding, specifically by upgrading of education and vocational training to make their operations effective.
“Its [tourism and travel industry] workers tend to have limited professional qualifications, and a need for enhanced training and education, including health-related issues, has become visible," said Weinz.
He pointed out that the competitiveness and productivity of tourism workers depend on their skill levels, professionalism, commitment, passion, and loyalty.
The ILO report said that the Americas suffered a 1.7 percent decrease in employment, but employment in the Asia-Pacific region gained 4.6 per cent.
“Today we have a shortage of qualified employees. Hotels need to train their employees. It is the only way to improve the quality," said Ghassan Aidi, President of the International Hotel and Restaurant Association.
He explained that the tourism industry should hire talented workers and enhance their soft skills, such as languages, communication skills, courtesy, discipline, conscientiousness, self confidence, adaptability, creativity and punctuality. — MRT/VS
An ILO report has urged governments to invest in the travel and tourism industry to address poverty and unemployment because the industry will soon make up more than a third of the total global services trade. It said tourism contributed at least 9 percent of total GDP and provided more than 235 million jobs in 2010, representing 8 percent of global employment.
Here in the Philippines the Department of Tourism (DOT) has lined up several investments, including the establishment of international airports and seaports as well as building infrastructures such as resorts and hotels.
Wolfgang Weinz, ILO senior technical specialist for the hotels, catering, tourism sector said the industry must address the growing significance of technology as well as customers who have become more demanding, specifically by upgrading of education and vocational training to make their operations effective.
“Its [tourism and travel industry] workers tend to have limited professional qualifications, and a need for enhanced training and education, including health-related issues, has become visible," said Weinz.
He pointed out that the competitiveness and productivity of tourism workers depend on their skill levels, professionalism, commitment, passion, and loyalty.
The ILO report said that the Americas suffered a 1.7 percent decrease in employment, but employment in the Asia-Pacific region gained 4.6 per cent.
“Today we have a shortage of qualified employees. Hotels need to train their employees. It is the only way to improve the quality," said Ghassan Aidi, President of the International Hotel and Restaurant Association.
He explained that the tourism industry should hire talented workers and enhance their soft skills, such as languages, communication skills, courtesy, discipline, conscientiousness, self confidence, adaptability, creativity and punctuality. — MRT/VS
Thursday, August 4, 2011
DID YOU KNOW THAT ? Cassia fistula PUDDING PIPE TREE IN PHILIPPINE
Botany Moderate-sized, erect deciduous tree. Leaves are pinnate, smooth, 30-40 cm long. Leaflets are ovate, 8-16, about 10 cm long. Flowers are fragrant and bright yellow; borne in long, lax racemes, 30-50 cm long. Pod is cylindric, 30-60 cm long, about 2.5 cm thick, dark brown, pendulous, smooth and shiny. Seeds are numerous, embedded in black, sweet pulp. Distribution Found in northern Luzon to Mindanao. Cuultivated as an ornamental flowering tree. Properties • Considered antitumor, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective, antibacterial, hypocholesterolemic and antidiabetic. Constituents • Tannin; saccharose, 53-66%; invert sugar; citric acid; coloring matter; pectin; anthraquinone. • No alkaloid principle. • Flower and leaf essential oil study yielded 44 compounds. The main components of the flower oil were (E)-nerolidol (38%) and 2-hexadecanone (17%), while the leaf oil consisted mainly of phytol (16.1%). Parts used and preparation Leaves, roots and pods. Uses Folkloric Ringworn and other fungal skin infections: Grind leaves into a paste and rub on affected parts. Laxative: Eat pulp of ripe fruit (4-10 segments). Powdered leaves are also laxative. Roots are given as a tonic and febrifuge; also, a strong purgative. Flowers are demulcent and laxative. In Rhodesia, used for malaria, blackwater fever, blood poisoning, anthrax and dysentery. In Hindu medicine, pulp is used as cathartic. Folk remedy for burns, cancer, constipation, convulsion, delirium. Ayurvedic medicine considers thye seed antibilious and caminative; the root used for adenopathy, leprosy, syphilis, skin diseases; the fruit for abdominal pain, constipation, fever, heart disease, and leprosy. Yunani use the leaves for inflammation; the flowers as purgative, fruit as antiinflammatory, antipyretic, abortifacient. In Rhodesia, pulp used for anthrax, food poisoning, blackwater fever, dysentery and malaria. In the Gold Coast, pulp used as purgative. In the Far East, uncooked pulp of pods used for constipation. In Thai traditional medicine, long used as a laxative drug. Others Planted as an ornamental tree. In Mexico, used a firewood source. Hard reddish wood used for cabinetry, posts, implements, etc. |
News Update Gold does grow on trees
MANILA, Philippines -- The Golden Shower, scientifically known as the Cassia fistula, belongs to the Fabaceae plant family and is native to southern Asia, particularly Pakistan, India, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. The tree and its flower happen to be the national tree and national flower of Thailand. It is also the state tree and state flower of Kerala in India. It is a popular ornamental plant and is an important source of herbal medicine.
This a medium-sized tree that grows up to 10 to 20 meters tall. It can grow very quickly and has strong and durable wood. Its leaves are deciduous, about 15 to 60 centimeters long, pinnate with roughly eight pairs of leaflets. Each of these leaflets is about seven to 21 centimeters long and four to nine centimeters wide. The flowers are produced in pendulous racemes about 20 to 40 centimeters long. The flower usually measures around four to seven centimeters in diameter and has five yellow petals of equal size and shape. The fruit is black and cylindrical and has a pungent odor. Its seeds are said to be poisonous.
The tree blooms profusely during the summer and it usually gets almost entirely covered by flowers. No doubt, it's a spectacular sight, especially when it's exposed to full sunlight and grown in dry climates. It thrives in well-drained soil and is relatively drought-tolerant and slightly salt-tolerant. It's vulnerable to pest and disease problems, usually to powdery mildew or leaf spot, and sometimes some leaf eating caterpillars.
In India, the Golden Shower tree is known as the aragvadha, meaning ''disease killer.'' Experts say its fruit pulp is used as a mild laxative against fevers, arthritis, nervous system diseases, bleeding (hematemesis or hemorrhages), cardiac conditions, and stomach problems. The root is considered a very strong purgative, and thus, it should not be used without medical supervision.
This a medium-sized tree that grows up to 10 to 20 meters tall. It can grow very quickly and has strong and durable wood. Its leaves are deciduous, about 15 to 60 centimeters long, pinnate with roughly eight pairs of leaflets. Each of these leaflets is about seven to 21 centimeters long and four to nine centimeters wide. The flowers are produced in pendulous racemes about 20 to 40 centimeters long. The flower usually measures around four to seven centimeters in diameter and has five yellow petals of equal size and shape. The fruit is black and cylindrical and has a pungent odor. Its seeds are said to be poisonous.
The tree blooms profusely during the summer and it usually gets almost entirely covered by flowers. No doubt, it's a spectacular sight, especially when it's exposed to full sunlight and grown in dry climates. It thrives in well-drained soil and is relatively drought-tolerant and slightly salt-tolerant. It's vulnerable to pest and disease problems, usually to powdery mildew or leaf spot, and sometimes some leaf eating caterpillars.
In India, the Golden Shower tree is known as the aragvadha, meaning ''disease killer.'' Experts say its fruit pulp is used as a mild laxative against fevers, arthritis, nervous system diseases, bleeding (hematemesis or hemorrhages), cardiac conditions, and stomach problems. The root is considered a very strong purgative, and thus, it should not be used without medical supervision.
News Update Study shows BPO firms generate 2M 'secondary' jobs
By Alexander Villafania
MAKATI CITY, METRO MANILA - The growth of the business process outsourcing (BPO) indirectly generates employment in supporting industries such as food and beverage and retail, according to a study by research firm Tholons.
According to the study, the BPO industry in the Philippines has generated 530,000 direct jobs and $8.9 billion in export revenues.
But the presence of BPO companies also resulted in nearly 2.1 million “associative” jobs from other sectors .
The study, titled “IT-BPO Industry’s Direct and Indirect Economic Impact, cited that half of those hired in indirect jobs belong to the 18 to 30 years old age group, which is the typical working age of many Filipinos.
Tholons noted the “multiplier effect” of BPO firms in the Philippines and India. It highlights the impact of outsourcing on other industries and how it strengthens the overall business ecosystem in the countries where they are present.
The report cited that the higher income capacity of just an entry level contact center agent - around $330 to $340 per month - has increased disposable income and better purchasing power.
This resulted in the rise of rest and recreation services, targeting the BPO market. In the Philippines, the study cited at least 20 malls were built over the last 10 years in response to higher buying power.
BPO firms have also encouraged the development of special government policies to support the continued growth and sustainability of the industry. The most common policies are related to technical skills development, basic and tertiary educational development, and scholarships and retraining for “near-hires” who are then redeployed to BPO firms.
Another indirect result of BPO’s presence in the Philippines is infrastructural changes, such as telecommunications, public works, and utilities. There have also been increases in capital investments for information technology parks where BPO firms are most commonly found.
Tholons identified 152 IT parks in operation and another 60 IT parks being built in the Philippines.
Anika Vashistha, Tholons Director for Strategy and Growth, said BPOs have a direct impact on the economy but there are also ancillary effects that create ripples for growth.
“From a local standpoint, and as a country’s service delivery matures, more Tier II cities have emerged to fulfill the unmet demands of larger Tier I locations. For instance, in the Philippines, Manila is known to be the top outsourcing destination. But the country also has Cebu City as another emerging destination for outsourced services,” Vashistha said.
MAKATI CITY, METRO MANILA - The growth of the business process outsourcing (BPO) indirectly generates employment in supporting industries such as food and beverage and retail, according to a study by research firm Tholons.
According to the study, the BPO industry in the Philippines has generated 530,000 direct jobs and $8.9 billion in export revenues.
But the presence of BPO companies also resulted in nearly 2.1 million “associative” jobs from other sectors .
The study, titled “IT-BPO Industry’s Direct and Indirect Economic Impact, cited that half of those hired in indirect jobs belong to the 18 to 30 years old age group, which is the typical working age of many Filipinos.
Tholons noted the “multiplier effect” of BPO firms in the Philippines and India. It highlights the impact of outsourcing on other industries and how it strengthens the overall business ecosystem in the countries where they are present.
The report cited that the higher income capacity of just an entry level contact center agent - around $330 to $340 per month - has increased disposable income and better purchasing power.
This resulted in the rise of rest and recreation services, targeting the BPO market. In the Philippines, the study cited at least 20 malls were built over the last 10 years in response to higher buying power.
BPO firms have also encouraged the development of special government policies to support the continued growth and sustainability of the industry. The most common policies are related to technical skills development, basic and tertiary educational development, and scholarships and retraining for “near-hires” who are then redeployed to BPO firms.
Another indirect result of BPO’s presence in the Philippines is infrastructural changes, such as telecommunications, public works, and utilities. There have also been increases in capital investments for information technology parks where BPO firms are most commonly found.
Tholons identified 152 IT parks in operation and another 60 IT parks being built in the Philippines.
Anika Vashistha, Tholons Director for Strategy and Growth, said BPOs have a direct impact on the economy but there are also ancillary effects that create ripples for growth.
“From a local standpoint, and as a country’s service delivery matures, more Tier II cities have emerged to fulfill the unmet demands of larger Tier I locations. For instance, in the Philippines, Manila is known to be the top outsourcing destination. But the country also has Cebu City as another emerging destination for outsourced services,” Vashistha said.
News Update Bill seeks to provide free medicines in all barangays
By Marjorie Gorospe
QUEZON CITY, METRO MANILA—A bill filed in the House of Representatives is seeking to provide free basic medicines to all the barangays.
House Bill 4901, or the Free Basic Medicines Act filed by Camarines Sur Representative Salvio Fortuno, seeks to make basic medicines accessible to poor families in all 42,025 barangays nationwide.
The measure specifically defines indigent residents as “those families whose family income is below P50,000 per year and who have no visible means of income”.
Fortuno said the bill is in line with the mandate of the Constitution that the the State shall protect and promote the right to health of all Filipinos.
The medicines would be distributed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
However, beneficiaries of the DSWD's Conditional Cash Transfer Program will not be covered by the free medicines.
Fortuno said the amount necessary to implement this law shall be included in the yearly budget of the DSWD.
According to the bill, DSWD shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations in coordination with the “Liga ng mga Barangay” to provide a system of distribution to ensure that all beneficiaries receive free basic medicines.
QUEZON CITY, METRO MANILA—A bill filed in the House of Representatives is seeking to provide free basic medicines to all the barangays.
House Bill 4901, or the Free Basic Medicines Act filed by Camarines Sur Representative Salvio Fortuno, seeks to make basic medicines accessible to poor families in all 42,025 barangays nationwide.
The measure specifically defines indigent residents as “those families whose family income is below P50,000 per year and who have no visible means of income”.
Fortuno said the bill is in line with the mandate of the Constitution that the the State shall protect and promote the right to health of all Filipinos.
The medicines would be distributed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
However, beneficiaries of the DSWD's Conditional Cash Transfer Program will not be covered by the free medicines.
Fortuno said the amount necessary to implement this law shall be included in the yearly budget of the DSWD.
According to the bill, DSWD shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations in coordination with the “Liga ng mga Barangay” to provide a system of distribution to ensure that all beneficiaries receive free basic medicines.
DID YOU KNOW THAT ? Bahay Kubo Butikis, the house Lizards
Each territory has its own unique variety of native animals, bugs and creatures; the island of Mindanao is no exception and has some interesting species as well. Allow me to introduce you to the most famous and notorious of them all; the Butiki, alias the Philippine Gecko, also known as our house lizards.
Butiki means lizard in Pilipino. Every single Philippine home, big or small, rich or poor, has at least a few of them, you may find big and little lizards scurrying around on ceilings and crawling on walls, they are really everywhere, behind the closets and curtains, on the back and in front of our television, under the bed and next to the refrigerator. These impressive critters unexpectedly jump out of drawers and cupboards, scaring the jeepers out of me. Waking up in the morning and staring directly at this big-eyed lizard’s head, that is sticking its slippery tongue out at me, is not a very pleasant experience. When pairing, they have a tendency to sometimes drop off the ceiling they're stuck on, losing their balance and fall on our bed or floor, giving me the shivers all over my spine. I am not really afraid of lizards and I don’t have any resentment against this indigenous vagabond, in any form or variety. I just don't like the idea of one creeping up on me and will limp along all over various parts of my body.
The Koronadal City neighbourhood, we live in is not highly populated, there are only a few houses scattered around the mainly agricultural area and I asked myself why these undersized dragons have chosen our humble house as their most favourite human dwelling. Although there are large areas to bum around and hunt, plenty of safe places to lay their eggs, the surrounding wide open fields and lush forests are harbouring more than enough tasty prey to feed themselves and nourish any off spring they may produce, our long-tailed rascals really make themselves at home in the house. They don't seem to care that we live beside them under one roof, most members of my family don't mind them either; they consider these insect-eating ruffians as kith and kin. Because they helpfully prey on everyday bugs, that we don’t feel we need around the place, I’ve been told to ignore them and should not be bothered by their ongoing presence. But for me it is difficult to take these pocket-sized leguanas for granted, I do not like to come across their crummy droppings all over the place. This crap has to be removed on a daily basis and the spot where this substance was left behind thoroughly cleaned. I understand that I cannot expect a lizard to be housebroken but it is clear to me that these four legged scoundrels do not share my particular views on domestic hygiene. Naturally, these animals must reproduce and I know that most lizards lay eggs in simple nests, so why not doing the same thing on this island? Many hard crusted embryos have been found in cabinets, on window frames and shelves in and around electrical boxes and sockets. Most of the times I try to collect these cackle berries and put them outside, at least these fragile eggs do not run away. Unfortunally, some days later I can only find the cracked, empty shells and can look ahead to run-in to a few green colored, lingering juveniles in our living quarters once more.
A Butiki spends much of its time high up on ceilings and walls, but a legend goes that every afternoon all Butikis in the country descend to kiss the ground. At exactly six o’clock every night, the Butikis are supposed to come down and make slight ticking sounds like quick kisses. It is believed that the Butikis with its tiny ears could hear an ancient heartbeat and a never-ending lullaby coming from cracks in the soil. A night-time song, sung by a mother’s heart that was ripped out by her own son who was tested by God, deceived, by a beautiful woman and later changed into a lizard, kissing the ground and begging for forgiveness.
It is not known if there is any truth in this intriguing anecdote, in my straightforward opinion and with all due respect I do have my doubts. I have been watching these stray ramblers very closely at that specific time and nothing happened at all, in fact I can tell you that they stayed where they were, on the ceiling or the wall, only moving to catch an insect or small spider.
Trying to photograph a Butiki is great fun and fascinating, because they are shy and very hard to snap it is a challenging and intensive activity. It felt like an eternity when trying to get a good shot, every time I had the miniature mugger in focus, thinking I had a perfect picture, it turned its back on me and wiggled away, waiving its tail at me. Just like it wanted to say: “sorry mate, not now, better luck next time”. It took some time to get the images I wanted, however, I have learned that simply observing these short legged carnivores helped me to understand, respect and appreciate them. By getting closer I realized these critters are more afraid of me than I am for them, so keeping more distance and using another lens on my camera did solve this problem. I discovered the beauty of our small housemates and became interested in their, sometimes funny, behaviour. While in the process of waiting for the ideal image, pushing myself to the limits of my patience, I saw bustling, harmless individuals crawling in their own wayward manner to and from each other, sneaking on their potential prey, many times a careless mosquito, and eating its victim alive after a rapid surprise attack. They truly are amazing busy stalkers, always on the move to get their daily food supply.
I was astounded to see these creeping drifters remarkable ability to defy gravity and attach themselves to smooth surfaces and fascinated by their capacity to walk on walls and upside down on the ceilings. I could not help wondering how the world would look from a lizard’s perspective, most of the time seeing the earth upside down. If one of these die-hards was a little bit too enthousiastic when fooling around with the opposite sex and fell down on the ground, it nearly always made a four-claw landing. But once lying on its back it was incredibly helpless, awfully vulnerable and not being able to return on its paws by itself.
It appeared to be in terrible desolation and under excessive pressure, probably speculating when this enormous predator would bite its throat, tear it apart and eat it. As soft-hearted as I am, I do not like to see animals in distress, so scooping the unfortunate scavenger up with a dustpan was the only sensible thing to do. The minuscule Gila monster instinctively sprinted as fast as its legs could carry it, enabling it to get to higher grounds and join its fellow hunters. After several skirmishes, that seemed to be more like a territorial dispute with some cold blooded clubbers of its own kind, the lucky dude regained its place on the plaster once more.
Choosing its personal space close to electric light it made chirping sounds when interacting with other geckos, a kind of noise that is reminiscent of a cricket. I have to be honest and admit that I love to listen to these well-tuned trailblazers, I realize it is a warm and familiar sound that is an inseparable piece of this wonderful place I call home.
Like the iconic Jeepney and the Bahay Kubo, the Butiki is a symbol of the Philippines and an integral part and parcel of every day life. It is a general believe that they bring good fortune to their host family; simply killing them will bring bad luck. The Filipino culture is rich with colourful superstitions about almost everything and anything, passed down through the generations, it is said that if a Butiki falls on your head, it will start raining, when a house lizard makes its sound near a door, it means there will be a visitor very soon, if the sound is coming from a window, you have received mail. If one opens an umbrella inside the house, a lizard will fall from the ceiling and a Butiki indoors will prevent a snake from entering the building. Believe it or not but these ubiquitous nocturnal mosquito killers are, when crispy fried, also considered as medicinal and presumed to be a cure for asthma and cough, some people told me that this unusual and bizarre local delicacy tastes like chicken. I'm not a medical expert or an authority on food, I always like to try any regional home cooking and in fact I have an appetite for the culinary unusual, all the same, I reckon I will definitely pass the opportunity to taste this once-wriggling and tropical treat.
All folkloric believes has grown from something and there is no smoke without a fire, but these elusive invaders predictive talent and healing potential is not going to change my mind about them hanging around in our homestead. I think it will be better to look for a logical explanation and find a creative solution for my personal dilemma. I have tried to figure out many ways to catch these small-scaled wanderers and put them outdoors, I made numerous attempts to remove these tiny visitors from our premises and sadly had to find out I couldn’t, because they sure are fast little buggers. These irritating trippers run too quick for me and are able to disappear in almost every crack and hidden hole that they can find. Just putting them outside is impractical and actually not an option, they will be back even before I enter the house again. I think our inevitable lodgers made a long term commitment to stay with us and I have a nasty feeling I may never completely get rid of this unwanted household annoyances. For some people the keeping of reptiles as pets in their house is a challenging hobby, I am not much of a reptile fancier myself, so it would not be a great pass time for me. I really hate harming wildlife and I do not believe animals should be locked up in cages or glass boxes, these living beings are supposed to hang back freely in the countryside.
Even though now I passively accept the existence of the dozen or more of these rural dwellers in and around our residence, I do have mixed feelings about them. I can adapt to changes very well, so it is not that hard to acclimatize to the life in this equatorial climate, but that does not mean I will regard my newly acquired scrubby friends as welcome guests. They are indeed, in every sense of the word, wonderful, versatile and useful creatures of Mother Nature; they help us keep the number of stinging insects and aggravating bugs in our house down. I know they do not bite and are not poisonous, I acknowledge the fact that there is absolutely no need to be afraid of these indoor cliff-hangers but it's best to leave them alone and I understand there are much dirtier and more dangerous squirming, strolling and flying intruders roaming around in Mindanao.
However, despite all the good reasons being told to me, regardless their indisputable advantages, notwithstanding the gecko’s significant contribution to the ecological system and nature’s diversity on this charming and exotic islet, I just wish, certainly for my own peace of mind, that these uninvited squatters would stay where they belong, in their natural habitat ...outside!
Text and Images by Ronald de Jong
News Update AFP in Basilan accused of torture anew
A day after Malacañang said it would go after human rights violators, a male youth has accused Basilan-based Armed Forces soldiers of torture anew.
GMA News’ “24 Oras" reported that the alleged torture victim was arrested on June 23, 2011 in his Basilan home. He was then brought to the Special Operations Task Force Headquarters in Basilan.
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The youth, whose identity was withheld, alleged that while he was in custody of the soldiers, he was beaten up and dunked in a barrel of water so he would admit to being part of the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf. The youth maintains that he is a student and is not part of the Abu Sayyaf.
He is now detained at the Basilan Provincial Jail for illegal possession of explosives, an accusation he has also denied.
Armed Forces Human Rights Office chief Colonel Domingo Tutaan Jr. said the military will investigate the matter.
On Monday, Malacañang said it would go after human rights violators in light of news that soldiers of the Philippine Army had tortured Abdulkan Ajid Balinting, 39, who also arrested on suspicion of being member of Abu Sayyaf. — BC/VS
GMA News’ “24 Oras" reported that the alleged torture victim was arrested on June 23, 2011 in his Basilan home. He was then brought to the Special Operations Task Force Headquarters in Basilan.
This page requires a higher version browser
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV
The youth, whose identity was withheld, alleged that while he was in custody of the soldiers, he was beaten up and dunked in a barrel of water so he would admit to being part of the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf. The youth maintains that he is a student and is not part of the Abu Sayyaf.
He is now detained at the Basilan Provincial Jail for illegal possession of explosives, an accusation he has also denied.
Armed Forces Human Rights Office chief Colonel Domingo Tutaan Jr. said the military will investigate the matter.
On Monday, Malacañang said it would go after human rights violators in light of news that soldiers of the Philippine Army had tortured Abdulkan Ajid Balinting, 39, who also arrested on suspicion of being member of Abu Sayyaf. — BC/VS
News Update Catholic Church opposition to contraceptives 'outdated'
MANILA -- Catholic Church officials renewed Monday appeals to Malacañang to withdraw support for the Reproductive Health (RH) bill just as its author supposed that the Church opposition to the measure may be based on outdated doctrine.
Fr. Melvin Castro, an official of the influential Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), remained hopeful that President Benigno Aquino III will soon be "enlightened" regarding his position on the issue of RH bill.
"(We) Pray for his enlightenment and fortitude," said Castro, executive secretary of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Family and Life, citing the President Aquino's mother, late President Corazon C. Aquino.
The late president was a pro-life and pro-family advocate while his son is a staunch advocate of the bill that will allow universal access to methods and information about birth control even before he became President.
The CBCP has strongly opposed the bill it has dubbed as anti-life since it promotes the use of artificial contraceptives.
On Monday, the Senate opened its own plenary debates on the RH bill, which is a consolidated version of Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago's Senate Bill (SB) 2378, Senator Panfilo Lacson's SB 2738, and Senator Pia Cayetano's Resolution 238.
Speaking as author and co-sponsor of the Senate version of the RH bill, Senator Santiago said the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II), which convened from 1962 to 1965, has changed Church doctrines.
"With Vatican II, the seeds of a democratic revolution were sown. In the past, Catholics simply obeyed the bishops. But now, many Catholics are no longer willing to give blind obedience to the Church," she said.
The senator said Humanae Vitae, the encyclical on which the Church bases its opposition to contraception, was based on the minority report. The majority report recognized that "in some cases, intercourse can be required as a manifestation of self-giving love" and not just for procreation.
She said the adoption of the minority report was opposed by some Catholic theologians. Santiago also cited a survey that found that 80 percent of Catholics in the United States do not follow Humanae Vitae.
"The teaching of the Catholic Church on contraception is one of the important reasons why the absolute authority of the Church has grown weaker over the years," Santiago added.
Santiago, who has a master's degree from the Maryhill School of Theology, said Humanae Vitae contradicts Vatican II, "which allowed for a wider basis for evaluating the morality of (sex)."
Santiago said contraception falls under liberation theology, which sees the Catholic Church as "an earthly community of human beings who have a mission that includes the struggle on behalf of justice, peace, and human rights."
"I humbly submit that the struggle for an RH bill to protect the health and quality of life of the mother and child in the context of unspeakable poverty is part of liberation theology," she said.
Santiago added that Vatican II taught the "primacy of conscience."
"Conscience is inviolable, and the individual Catholic has a right to follow her own conscience, even when it is erroneous,” she said.
She said that other Christian churches and congregations have put their support behind the RH bill, including the Interfaith Partnership for the Promotion of Responsible Parenthood, National Council of Churches in the Philippines, Iglesia ni Cristo, and the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches.
She said the Assembly of Darul-Iftah of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the highest authoritative body of Muslim clerics in the Philippines, gave Muslims the choice on what forms of contraception to use as early as 2003.
"In our country, the Catholic church is the only major religion that opposes the RH bill," she said. (AMN/Sunnex)
Fr. Melvin Castro, an official of the influential Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), remained hopeful that President Benigno Aquino III will soon be "enlightened" regarding his position on the issue of RH bill.
"(We) Pray for his enlightenment and fortitude," said Castro, executive secretary of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Family and Life, citing the President Aquino's mother, late President Corazon C. Aquino.
The late president was a pro-life and pro-family advocate while his son is a staunch advocate of the bill that will allow universal access to methods and information about birth control even before he became President.
The CBCP has strongly opposed the bill it has dubbed as anti-life since it promotes the use of artificial contraceptives.
On Monday, the Senate opened its own plenary debates on the RH bill, which is a consolidated version of Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago's Senate Bill (SB) 2378, Senator Panfilo Lacson's SB 2738, and Senator Pia Cayetano's Resolution 238.
Speaking as author and co-sponsor of the Senate version of the RH bill, Senator Santiago said the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II), which convened from 1962 to 1965, has changed Church doctrines.
"With Vatican II, the seeds of a democratic revolution were sown. In the past, Catholics simply obeyed the bishops. But now, many Catholics are no longer willing to give blind obedience to the Church," she said.
The senator said Humanae Vitae, the encyclical on which the Church bases its opposition to contraception, was based on the minority report. The majority report recognized that "in some cases, intercourse can be required as a manifestation of self-giving love" and not just for procreation.
She said the adoption of the minority report was opposed by some Catholic theologians. Santiago also cited a survey that found that 80 percent of Catholics in the United States do not follow Humanae Vitae.
"The teaching of the Catholic Church on contraception is one of the important reasons why the absolute authority of the Church has grown weaker over the years," Santiago added.
Santiago, who has a master's degree from the Maryhill School of Theology, said Humanae Vitae contradicts Vatican II, "which allowed for a wider basis for evaluating the morality of (sex)."
Santiago said contraception falls under liberation theology, which sees the Catholic Church as "an earthly community of human beings who have a mission that includes the struggle on behalf of justice, peace, and human rights."
"I humbly submit that the struggle for an RH bill to protect the health and quality of life of the mother and child in the context of unspeakable poverty is part of liberation theology," she said.
Santiago added that Vatican II taught the "primacy of conscience."
"Conscience is inviolable, and the individual Catholic has a right to follow her own conscience, even when it is erroneous,” she said.
She said that other Christian churches and congregations have put their support behind the RH bill, including the Interfaith Partnership for the Promotion of Responsible Parenthood, National Council of Churches in the Philippines, Iglesia ni Cristo, and the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches.
She said the Assembly of Darul-Iftah of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the highest authoritative body of Muslim clerics in the Philippines, gave Muslims the choice on what forms of contraception to use as early as 2003.
"In our country, the Catholic church is the only major religion that opposes the RH bill," she said. (AMN/Sunnex)
News Update 'The Firm' denies lawyering for Arroyo in PNP chopper mess
Amid reports tagging the husband of former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in the allegedly anomalous purchase of Philippine National Police (PNP) helicopters, a prominent law firm has denied reports that it will be representing Arroyo in the ongoing Senate investigation on the case.
In a statement released Wednesday, Villaraza Cruz Marcelo & Angangco Law Offices (CVC Law), also known as “The Firm" said that it “does not and will not represent former First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo."
CVC Law was known to have had close ties with the Arroyo administration.
“Mike" Arroyo is currently represented by Atty. Inocencio Ferrer, who resigned from The Firm in 2002, the statement noted.
The law firm clarified that it has a policy of “declining any engagement to represent any party in cases before the Ombudsman" since 2002 when Simeon Marcelo was then the Ombudsman before returning to CVC Law as a senior partner.
“Consistent with this policy, we have declined requests for engagement to represent individuals who face charges before the Ombudsman.
“We have maintained this policy and intend to keep it," according to the law firm’s statement.
Immigration watch list
Thursday last week, PNP pilot Superintendent Claudio Gaspar Jr. said that two of the three helicopters that were allegedly forcibly sold to the PNP in 2009 were previously owned by then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s family.
The supplier of the aircraft, Lion Air president Archibald Legaspi Po has since confirmed that the choppers that were sold as new in 2009 were owned by Mr. Arroyo.
Last month, however, Mr. Arroyo denied selling used choppers to the PNP.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima ordered a review of the Senate’s request to put the former first gentleman on the Immigration watch list while the legislative inquiry on the so-called “PNP choppers mess" is ongoing. — MRT/VS,
In a statement released Wednesday, Villaraza Cruz Marcelo & Angangco Law Offices (CVC Law), also known as “The Firm" said that it “does not and will not represent former First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo."
CVC Law was known to have had close ties with the Arroyo administration.
“Mike" Arroyo is currently represented by Atty. Inocencio Ferrer, who resigned from The Firm in 2002, the statement noted.
The law firm clarified that it has a policy of “declining any engagement to represent any party in cases before the Ombudsman" since 2002 when Simeon Marcelo was then the Ombudsman before returning to CVC Law as a senior partner.
“Consistent with this policy, we have declined requests for engagement to represent individuals who face charges before the Ombudsman.
“We have maintained this policy and intend to keep it," according to the law firm’s statement.
Immigration watch list
Thursday last week, PNP pilot Superintendent Claudio Gaspar Jr. said that two of the three helicopters that were allegedly forcibly sold to the PNP in 2009 were previously owned by then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s family.
The supplier of the aircraft, Lion Air president Archibald Legaspi Po has since confirmed that the choppers that were sold as new in 2009 were owned by Mr. Arroyo.
Last month, however, Mr. Arroyo denied selling used choppers to the PNP.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima ordered a review of the Senate’s request to put the former first gentleman on the Immigration watch list while the legislative inquiry on the so-called “PNP choppers mess" is ongoing. — MRT/VS,
News Update Zubiri resignation generates buzz among Pinoys online
By Marjorie Gorospe
QUEZON CITY, METRO MANILA— The resignation of Senator Miguel Zubiri is now one of the top trending topics in social networking sites.
The lawmaker submitted his resignation during a privilege speech at the Senate on Wednesday.
Zubiri resigned due to allegations of electoral fraud by his rival, lawyer Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, who lost against Zubiri for the 12th slot in the 2007 senatorial elections.
The former Bukidnon congressman said the series of allegations have already hurt his family.
On Twitter, the #zubiri hash tag is currently the second top trending topic while “Migz Zubiri” is the top search topic on Yahoo! Philippines.
Filipinos online shared mixed reactions on Zubiri’s resignation. Musician Jim Paredes tweeted that he agrees with Zubiri’s resignation: “His win was cast in great doubt due to revelations. Resignation was right.”
Senator Francis Escudero posted on his Facebook status that he admires Zubiri’s courage in making a difficult decision: “It must be a tough time for him and his family and I wish them well as they go through it”.
Blogger Noemi Dado tweeted: “I wished GMA (Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo) resigned when the cloud of doubt loomed. Must have been hard for @sen_migzzubirito do this.”
Maine Galvez tweeted that there’s a lesson to be learned from Zubiri’s resignation: “It’s ok to cheat as long as you work hard, you’ll still be a hero. Filipinos are so forgiving.”
User “joycesufi” tweeted about Zubiri being one of the more hardworking: “I would have been pleased if it were somebody else who resigned.”
Malacañang has released a statement saying it respects the decision of Zubiri.
“We call on Mr. Zubiri to further demonstrate his willingness to help restore the dignity of our electoral process. Any contribution he makes can be vital in restoring the people's mandate and in giving the Filipinos the meaningful electoral reforms they rightfully deserve,”
QUEZON CITY, METRO MANILA— The resignation of Senator Miguel Zubiri is now one of the top trending topics in social networking sites.
The lawmaker submitted his resignation during a privilege speech at the Senate on Wednesday.
Zubiri resigned due to allegations of electoral fraud by his rival, lawyer Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, who lost against Zubiri for the 12th slot in the 2007 senatorial elections.
The former Bukidnon congressman said the series of allegations have already hurt his family.
On Twitter, the #zubiri hash tag is currently the second top trending topic while “Migz Zubiri” is the top search topic on Yahoo! Philippines.
Filipinos online shared mixed reactions on Zubiri’s resignation. Musician Jim Paredes tweeted that he agrees with Zubiri’s resignation: “His win was cast in great doubt due to revelations. Resignation was right.”
Senator Francis Escudero posted on his Facebook status that he admires Zubiri’s courage in making a difficult decision: “It must be a tough time for him and his family and I wish them well as they go through it”.
Blogger Noemi Dado tweeted: “I wished GMA (Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo) resigned when the cloud of doubt loomed. Must have been hard for @sen_migzzubirito do this.”
Maine Galvez tweeted that there’s a lesson to be learned from Zubiri’s resignation: “It’s ok to cheat as long as you work hard, you’ll still be a hero. Filipinos are so forgiving.”
User “joycesufi” tweeted about Zubiri being one of the more hardworking: “I would have been pleased if it were somebody else who resigned.”
Malacañang has released a statement saying it respects the decision of Zubiri.
“We call on Mr. Zubiri to further demonstrate his willingness to help restore the dignity of our electoral process. Any contribution he makes can be vital in restoring the people's mandate and in giving the Filipinos the meaningful electoral reforms they rightfully deserve,”
News Update President Aquino: I really miss my mother
Manila (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN) - In times of frustration, the country¿s most powerful man still finds himself thinking of ¿Mom¿-but is careful not to bother her anymore with his own problems.
Philippine President Benigno Aquino III on Monday led the nation in paying tribute to his late mother, former President Corazon Aquino, whose death two years ago triggered popular sentiments for her only son to follow in her footsteps leading to Malacanang.
In an impromptu speech before his mother¿s tomb at Manila Memorial Park in Paranaque City, Mr. Aquino talked at length about how he missed his mother who died of colon cancer on Aug. 1, 2009, at 76.
I can't help but really feel a little bit-how shall I put it-I really miss my mother," he said. ¿I¿m occupied with so many matters that in those very few moments that give me pause, (I) really just sit down and, well, (feel) depressed."
Of course, there are times when frustrations come my way, especially these days. I do have my mom (in my thoughts) still," he said.
"(But) I do not pray to her and tell her: ¿Mom, this is the problem I¿m confronted with, what do you think I should do?' That would be embarrassing after all she had done for us all those years," he said in a mix of English and Filipino.
I guess it¿s no longer right to pass problems on to her," the President said before family members, friends and Cabinet officials who marked the second anniversary of his mother¿s death with a Mass and simple rites on a rainy Monday afternoon.
The gathering mostly turned up in yellow, the signature campaign color of the late democracy icon.
To open his speech, President Aquino joked that his mother used to remind him to keep his remarks short and sweet.
Because I keep remembering my mom¿s admonition: Anything you say over 10 minutes is really a waste of other people¿s time," he said.
But then he quickly explained that he made an exception during his State of the Nation Address (Sona) last week, where the speech almost ran for an hour.
The memories of his mother and his equally famous father-the martyred former Sen. Benigno Ninoy Aquino Jr.-have provided constancy and tremendous comfort for him and his siblings.
Cory was laid to rest next to Ninoy, whose assassination in 1983 led to her unexpected entry into politics. The ¿plain housewife¿ rose to lead the opposition against the Marcos dictatorship till it was toppled by the Edsa People Power Revolution of 1986.
Tremendous comfort
No matter what travails we would go through, no matter how impossible the situation we found ourselves in, somehow just talking to either one or both of them produces such tremendous comfort in all of us," Mr. Aquino said.
Perhaps we don¿t even have to dwell on the abstractions because they really did (have) exceptional lives, and one cannot help but feel grateful for having these tremendous influences in the lives we share together," he said.
The President thanked the people who also remained constant in our lives¿ even after the death of his parents.
Mr. Aquino also mentioned the recent deaths of his mother's elder siblings Pedro Coujangco and Josephine Cojuangco-Reyes, who died within a few days of each other.
In the Mass, Cory¿s then spiritual adviser, Fr. Catalino Arevalo, recalled that even when she was in pain because of cancer, she still offered her suffering to the people."
Arevalo also said he would always remember the former President for the ¿depth of her faith¿ in God.
Before the service, the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation turned over a check amounting to more than 1 million pesos (US$24,000) to Education Secretary Armin Luistro, to help his department address the classroom shortage.
The donation came from the fund-raising runs held in February during the 25th anniversary of the Edsa People Power Revolution.
Also present were President Aquino¿s four sisters and their families, Cory¿s spokesperson Deedee Siytangco, former Sen. Rene Saguisag, former Public Works Secretary Jose de Jesus, and Pangasinan Rep. Gina de Venecia.
Some of Mr. Aquinos Cabinet members also attended the Mass, including Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, and Presidential Communications and Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma.
Philippine President Benigno Aquino III on Monday led the nation in paying tribute to his late mother, former President Corazon Aquino, whose death two years ago triggered popular sentiments for her only son to follow in her footsteps leading to Malacanang.
In an impromptu speech before his mother¿s tomb at Manila Memorial Park in Paranaque City, Mr. Aquino talked at length about how he missed his mother who died of colon cancer on Aug. 1, 2009, at 76.
I can't help but really feel a little bit-how shall I put it-I really miss my mother," he said. ¿I¿m occupied with so many matters that in those very few moments that give me pause, (I) really just sit down and, well, (feel) depressed."
Of course, there are times when frustrations come my way, especially these days. I do have my mom (in my thoughts) still," he said.
"(But) I do not pray to her and tell her: ¿Mom, this is the problem I¿m confronted with, what do you think I should do?' That would be embarrassing after all she had done for us all those years," he said in a mix of English and Filipino.
I guess it¿s no longer right to pass problems on to her," the President said before family members, friends and Cabinet officials who marked the second anniversary of his mother¿s death with a Mass and simple rites on a rainy Monday afternoon.
The gathering mostly turned up in yellow, the signature campaign color of the late democracy icon.
To open his speech, President Aquino joked that his mother used to remind him to keep his remarks short and sweet.
Because I keep remembering my mom¿s admonition: Anything you say over 10 minutes is really a waste of other people¿s time," he said.
But then he quickly explained that he made an exception during his State of the Nation Address (Sona) last week, where the speech almost ran for an hour.
The memories of his mother and his equally famous father-the martyred former Sen. Benigno Ninoy Aquino Jr.-have provided constancy and tremendous comfort for him and his siblings.
Cory was laid to rest next to Ninoy, whose assassination in 1983 led to her unexpected entry into politics. The ¿plain housewife¿ rose to lead the opposition against the Marcos dictatorship till it was toppled by the Edsa People Power Revolution of 1986.
Tremendous comfort
No matter what travails we would go through, no matter how impossible the situation we found ourselves in, somehow just talking to either one or both of them produces such tremendous comfort in all of us," Mr. Aquino said.
Perhaps we don¿t even have to dwell on the abstractions because they really did (have) exceptional lives, and one cannot help but feel grateful for having these tremendous influences in the lives we share together," he said.
The President thanked the people who also remained constant in our lives¿ even after the death of his parents.
Mr. Aquino also mentioned the recent deaths of his mother's elder siblings Pedro Coujangco and Josephine Cojuangco-Reyes, who died within a few days of each other.
In the Mass, Cory¿s then spiritual adviser, Fr. Catalino Arevalo, recalled that even when she was in pain because of cancer, she still offered her suffering to the people."
Arevalo also said he would always remember the former President for the ¿depth of her faith¿ in God.
Before the service, the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation turned over a check amounting to more than 1 million pesos (US$24,000) to Education Secretary Armin Luistro, to help his department address the classroom shortage.
The donation came from the fund-raising runs held in February during the 25th anniversary of the Edsa People Power Revolution.
Also present were President Aquino¿s four sisters and their families, Cory¿s spokesperson Deedee Siytangco, former Sen. Rene Saguisag, former Public Works Secretary Jose de Jesus, and Pangasinan Rep. Gina de Venecia.
Some of Mr. Aquinos Cabinet members also attended the Mass, including Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, and Presidential Communications and Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma.
News Update It is not for Senate to accept Zubiri resignation – Pimentel
Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri’s resignation is not subject to acceptance by the Senate, according to Atty. Aquilino Pimentel III, who has a protest against Zubiri’s proclamation in the 2007 national elections pending before the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET).
On GMA News’ State of the Nation, Pimentel said the mandate of senators comes not from the Senate but from the electorate, so Zubiri’s resignation “is addressed to the people."
He said it is only Zubiri’s counter-protest to his protest that has been rendered moot and academic.
Pimentel clarified that his protest still stands and to assume the vacated Senate seat, he needs the SET to proclaim him as the duly-elected Senator with a lead of 257,000 votes over Zubiri.
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima agrees that Zubiri's resignation does not automatically mean Pimentel becomes the country’s newest senator “although it can speed up the process."
If the SET proclaims him as duly-elected senator, Pimentel has less than two years to serve before the next elections in 2013.
In the history of SET, no petitioner has ever won a protest. Cases were either dismissed or withdrawn.
Sen. Francis Pangilinan, a member of the SET, told GMA News Online that the body has not yet decided on the protest.
"Ballots (are) still being revised based on Zubiri's counter protest. That's the status of the SET case. No final decision is being prepared at this time," Pangilinan revealed Wednesday.
He refused to comment on what the next procedure is for the seat Zubiri has abandoned. "Let's just wait for developments if any," Pangilinan said.
Special polls not an option
Calling for special elections is not among the options of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is considering, according to COMELEC chair Sixto Brillantes.
Brillantes ruled out holding a special election because the position Zubiri left cannot yet be considered vacant. He said Pimentel is still contesting that seat.
“In the first place, almost one half of the term is finished, or lampas na ng one half. And you don’t call a special election for senator because that will be a very, very expensive process, plus the fact that a protest case is still pending," Brillantes said.
Pimentel said he plans to ask the Senate Electoral Tribunal to speed up its resolution of the protest he filed now that Zubiri has resigned his post.
"Walang timetable ‘yan pero sa amin siguro as a lawyer ang basa ko ang resignation ng isang pinoprotesta dapat mapabilis sa protesta," he said.
Zubiri said hastening the resolution of the case was one of his intentions in resigning. "Pinadali ko lang ‘yung proseso," he said.
"It was against the wishes of our lawyers [pero] hindi ko na itutuloy ang counter-protest ko…As far as we are concerned, we are out of it," Zubiri declared.
However, Secretary De Lima said she has “yet to be convinced of the true [motive or motives] behind this surprising development."
She did acknowledge, however, that the resignation was a “a pleasant surprise for the cause of truth and electoral justice."
The DOJ and the Commission on Elections are set to begin a joint inquiry into the alleged fraud in the 2004 and 2007 elections.
"Zubiri's resignation, instead of foreclosing issues of electoral fraud in the 2007 elections, further throws them wide open for deeper investigation by the soon-to-be constituted DOJ/Comelec joint committee," De Lima said.
Pimentel claimed that in Maguindanao, all 12 candidates under the Arroyo administration’s Team Unity slate won while each of the 18 other senatorial candidates received zero votes in the entire province.
He argued that Zubiri’s votes from Maguindanao were “statistically improbable... I would say impossible."
Pimentel called the circumstances surrounding Zubiri’s resignation — such as former Maguindanao provincial election supervisor Lintang Bedol resurfacing — as “God’s hand at work."
He also added that he will seek “re-election" in the 2013 senatorial elections. “I’ll be available to run and it's my obligation to my party and myself to give me a chance to serve a full term as senator," he said.
Zubiri said he also plans to run again in 2013 and hopes to post a “convincing" victory. — With Paterno Esmaquel/VS,
On GMA News’ State of the Nation, Pimentel said the mandate of senators comes not from the Senate but from the electorate, so Zubiri’s resignation “is addressed to the people."
He said it is only Zubiri’s counter-protest to his protest that has been rendered moot and academic.
Pimentel clarified that his protest still stands and to assume the vacated Senate seat, he needs the SET to proclaim him as the duly-elected Senator with a lead of 257,000 votes over Zubiri.
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima agrees that Zubiri's resignation does not automatically mean Pimentel becomes the country’s newest senator “although it can speed up the process."
If the SET proclaims him as duly-elected senator, Pimentel has less than two years to serve before the next elections in 2013.
In the history of SET, no petitioner has ever won a protest. Cases were either dismissed or withdrawn.
Sen. Francis Pangilinan, a member of the SET, told GMA News Online that the body has not yet decided on the protest.
"Ballots (are) still being revised based on Zubiri's counter protest. That's the status of the SET case. No final decision is being prepared at this time," Pangilinan revealed Wednesday.
He refused to comment on what the next procedure is for the seat Zubiri has abandoned. "Let's just wait for developments if any," Pangilinan said.
Special polls not an option
Calling for special elections is not among the options of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is considering, according to COMELEC chair Sixto Brillantes.
Brillantes ruled out holding a special election because the position Zubiri left cannot yet be considered vacant. He said Pimentel is still contesting that seat.
“In the first place, almost one half of the term is finished, or lampas na ng one half. And you don’t call a special election for senator because that will be a very, very expensive process, plus the fact that a protest case is still pending," Brillantes said.
Pimentel said he plans to ask the Senate Electoral Tribunal to speed up its resolution of the protest he filed now that Zubiri has resigned his post.
"Walang timetable ‘yan pero sa amin siguro as a lawyer ang basa ko ang resignation ng isang pinoprotesta dapat mapabilis sa protesta," he said.
Zubiri said hastening the resolution of the case was one of his intentions in resigning. "Pinadali ko lang ‘yung proseso," he said.
"It was against the wishes of our lawyers [pero] hindi ko na itutuloy ang counter-protest ko…As far as we are concerned, we are out of it," Zubiri declared.
However, Secretary De Lima said she has “yet to be convinced of the true [motive or motives] behind this surprising development."
She did acknowledge, however, that the resignation was a “a pleasant surprise for the cause of truth and electoral justice."
The DOJ and the Commission on Elections are set to begin a joint inquiry into the alleged fraud in the 2004 and 2007 elections.
"Zubiri's resignation, instead of foreclosing issues of electoral fraud in the 2007 elections, further throws them wide open for deeper investigation by the soon-to-be constituted DOJ/Comelec joint committee," De Lima said.
Pimentel claimed that in Maguindanao, all 12 candidates under the Arroyo administration’s Team Unity slate won while each of the 18 other senatorial candidates received zero votes in the entire province.
He argued that Zubiri’s votes from Maguindanao were “statistically improbable... I would say impossible."
Pimentel called the circumstances surrounding Zubiri’s resignation — such as former Maguindanao provincial election supervisor Lintang Bedol resurfacing — as “God’s hand at work."
He also added that he will seek “re-election" in the 2013 senatorial elections. “I’ll be available to run and it's my obligation to my party and myself to give me a chance to serve a full term as senator," he said.
Zubiri said he also plans to run again in 2013 and hopes to post a “convincing" victory. — With Paterno Esmaquel/VS,
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