MANILA, Philippines -- One of the things topping the list of things Filipinos love and cherish most is family. Our definition of family extends well beyond the usual boundaries of marriage and having children. We have established familial ties with friends, neighbors, even co-workers. Knowing this, we can form a family through many ways, one of which is through adoption.
Adoption is defined as a socio-legal process of providing a permanent family to a child whose parents have voluntarily or involuntarily relinquished parental authority over the child. Abandoned and neglected children benefit the most from adoption.
"It is the duty of each Filipino to ensure that each Filipino child is cared for properly," said Dr. Stella Guerrero-Manalo, M.D., Child Protection Network Associate Director and Conference and Scientific Chair of Ako Para sa Bata (I Am For The Child) Manila Conference. "Instead of debating about the RH Bill, Filipinos should commit to caring for the existing abandoned and neglected children rather than "potential" children i.e. children not even conceived. Resources should be channeled to promoting adoption and foster care."
Nowadays, adoption is quickly becoming a more popular and accepted option in forming a family, thanks in part to the help of Hollywood celebrities like Angelina Jolie, Sandra Bullock, and Madonna. While interest in adoption is on the rise, there are still many myths surrounding it. Here are ten facts you should know about adoption:
1. Many birthparents who relinquished their child for adoption did not abandon their children but rather made a sacrifice to give their children a better life.
2. The adoption process is composed of 3 important groups of individuals: the individuals who are adopted, adoptive parents, and the birth parents.
3. Local adoption can be coursed through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Kaisahang Buhay Foundation (KBF) or Norfil Foundation, Inc.
4. International adoption goes through Inter-Country Adoption Board (ICAB).
5. Individuals who are adopted need to know about their adoptive status as early as possible.
6. There is no significant difference in the psychological functioning between individuals who were adopted and those who were not adopted.
7. Adoption and foster care are much better alternatives for abandoned and neglected children. Young children are best nurtured in a family environment with a consistent caregiver rather than in an institution because it ensures better future cognitive and socio-emotional functioning.
8. The Adopted Child Syndrome (formerly used to explain the behavior problems of adopted children such as lying, stealing, attachment problems, defiance in authority and the likes) has been debunked by more recent studies such as Smit, 2001. It is not the adoption status that leads to behavioral and attitudinal problems but rather the child's feeling of being accepted or rejected by his or her family
9. Kinship adoption, wherein a child is adopted by a relative of either the birth parents, is a common practice in the country.
10. Simulated birth, a term used when adoptive parents register someone else's child as their own, is not a legal process of adoption and is not encouraged.
The process of adoption, challenges in current practices and experiences will be among the many issues discussed during the upcoming Ako Para Sa Bata (I Am For The Child) Manila Conference to be held at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Manila from December 5 - 7, 2011. Organized by the Child Protection Network Foundation (CPN), the three-day conference with the theme "Creating Safe and Caring Environments for Children" will tackle a wide range of topics including: media, sex and violence; proper media guidelines for children; family values in children; preventing child neglect and child endangerment; safety of children on the road, in public place and in organizations; caring homes; parent education; non-violence in the school; and safety in the field, in court or at home.
Interested delegates and sponsors may contact the Conference Secretariat, Child Protection Network Foundation c/o Ms. Tere Clemente at Tel. No. (632) 404-3954; Fax No: (632) 404-3955; or email manilacanconference@yahoo.com. You may also contact the Event Manager, Global-Link MP Events International Inc. c/o Ms. Melissa David at Tel. Nos.: (632) 750-8588 to 92 / 887-1304; Fax Nos.: (632) 750-8585/ 844-2882 or email manilaconference@globallinkmp.com for more information.
"At the end of the day, it should not matter if a child one brings into your family is your biological or adopted child as all children are from God and are just entrusted to our care for such a short time on this earth. What should matter is for the child to grow up in a safe and loving environment so they can develop into the best they can be. It is his/her well-being that should always be the number one concern," concluded Dr. Manalo.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
News Update 'Anybody with an idea, just go for it'
MANILA, Philippines -- "I am not a big-surf kind of guy, I got to be honest, I wouldn't want to die," Sanuk founder Jeff Kelley was overheard saying, tongue-in-cheek, as he judged surfers in costumes during his brand's "Opening Act" event in San Juan Surf Resort, San Juan, La Union. Kelley was in town to grace the first of, perhaps, many upcoming activities Sanuk has in store for the thriving surfing scene. Surfer/musician and Sanuk's mustached brand ambassador Donavon Frankenreiter also came along with his surfing knack and feel-good music.
While straightforward with his "average" surfing flair, Kelley is audacious at taking things up a notch as he shares with Manila Bulletin how he built the company as a CEO whose usual day at the office is another man's ultimate weekend getaway.
Manila Bulletin: Why did you make 'having fun' the cornerstone of your brand?
Jeff Kelley: Doesn't everybody want their brand to be fun? (laughs) When I started Sanuk, I was looking for a very positive company, something that could be very inclusive. I encountered the word "sanuk" which is a Thai word for fun and then came up with the tag line "smile... pass it on" and that has been my goal from the very beginning. To create something that everybody can be a part of and have fun.
MB: How does Sanuk fair in the Philippines?
Amazing. You guys have year-round summer here, so the brand really fits the culture. And it's at an interesting time because the surfing culture, which is the reach of my brand, is currently starting to take hold here. You can see it with all the people getting into surfing today. Even those who are getting pushed into the waves, though they never caught waves before, are all smiles. Unbelievable. They will definitely be back out here, so basically we're seeing a boom of local surf culture.
MB: You are known for your innovations such as getting first-hand experience of mimicking barefoot walking, even before athletic labs did, thus, giving birth to the Sanuk Sidewalk Surfers. Is it important to make a key product succeed to eventually carry the entire brand up?
Yes, absolutely. In fact, the brand took off after I created the Sidewalk Surfers. It happened as I was running the stairs in my then office, in the morning wearing New Balance running shoes. Living in Cardiff, we have a lot of stairs there, and on that afternoon coming back after running and surfing, I felt the range of motion was more effective as I climbed the stairs barefoot. So I thought, if shoes sort of restricted or even isolated the movement of my foot and toes, then sandals which do not have stitched-on soles would get me closer to that bare foot, more efficient motion.
I then literally took my bestselling sandal at that time, which was the Lazy Boy, and sewed up a deconstructed upper, stuck it on top of one of my sandal foot beds. I wore them around and I knew right there and then without any question whatsoever that it's going to be a super popular thing. That was before Nike Free, Vibram Five Fingers, before any of those pairs now talking about barefoot research, Sanuk was already promoting how simple barefoot walking can get.
MB: How did you realize the possibility of penetrating even the most saturated retail market?
I think we didn't even think of having to do that. We are just doing what we do and at the same time, having fun doing it. And because we are having so much fun doing it, I think people gravitate to it just because the product is fun and so inclusive, and comfortable, too.
MB: How did you realize that footwear sales are anchored on impulse buys?
We knew for sure that 60-something percent of people walking to our stores are not actually thinking of buying shoes. So, in order to take advantage of that I created the "hanging footwear" category. By putting our shoes, because they are made like sandals, on a rack, we really did increase the impulse buy because when people walk into the store they see the whole selection. They don't have to wait for the stock person to go and get a pair from the backroom and find something for them. They can try out pairs immediately by themselves.
MB: Have you ever viewed that your way of supporting the lifestyles attached with your brand is more of a promotion rather than actually giving support?
Not at all. The people that we choose to be associated with the brand are people (Kelley points at esteemed Sanuk Philippines rider Luke Landrigan) who are passionate about what they are doing. We are not going to sign an athlete just because the guy is popular. If he does not actually live the lifestyle that we aim to convey, then he is deemed unfit for our brand.
MB: You mentioned in an interview that you won't see your brand doing a clothing line and would rather keep doing well at making footwear. But with your Sanuk Swag Line, are you now considering putting up a complete clothing line?
We don't actually do clothing. I don't define clothing as shirts, and hats and beanies and things like that. Those are just accessories. Clothing is when you start to cut and sew, when you make a complete line of board shorts and denim and jackets and things similar to that. So with the growth that the brand is having, it will only be a diversion for us to start doing clothing.
MB: How would you like to see your brand and your market going farther?
I see it continuing to expand as more people realize the simple pleasures of unrestrained walking; with it I believe more people would opt to wear Sanuks.
MB: How do you deal with fakes and how would you want other entrepreneurs emulate the success you have?
Of course, it bums you out when Crocs and Sketchers and all those guys that don't have any significant innovation actually try to knock off smaller yet totally innovative brands. But we are rather fortunate that we have patents on our designs, they can't copy the designs only the looks. And we are grateful that the customer that buys Sanuk or does know Sanuk, wouldn't want to buy knock-offs or wear a knock-off brand anyway. On the business side of things, I would encourage anybody with an idea, to do everything they can to at least go for the idea. Because, it's worse not to do an idea and always wonder "what if," than to just go for it and fail. You should at least know you tried.
While straightforward with his "average" surfing flair, Kelley is audacious at taking things up a notch as he shares with Manila Bulletin how he built the company as a CEO whose usual day at the office is another man's ultimate weekend getaway.
Manila Bulletin: Why did you make 'having fun' the cornerstone of your brand?
Jeff Kelley: Doesn't everybody want their brand to be fun? (laughs) When I started Sanuk, I was looking for a very positive company, something that could be very inclusive. I encountered the word "sanuk" which is a Thai word for fun and then came up with the tag line "smile... pass it on" and that has been my goal from the very beginning. To create something that everybody can be a part of and have fun.
MB: How does Sanuk fair in the Philippines?
Amazing. You guys have year-round summer here, so the brand really fits the culture. And it's at an interesting time because the surfing culture, which is the reach of my brand, is currently starting to take hold here. You can see it with all the people getting into surfing today. Even those who are getting pushed into the waves, though they never caught waves before, are all smiles. Unbelievable. They will definitely be back out here, so basically we're seeing a boom of local surf culture.
MB: You are known for your innovations such as getting first-hand experience of mimicking barefoot walking, even before athletic labs did, thus, giving birth to the Sanuk Sidewalk Surfers. Is it important to make a key product succeed to eventually carry the entire brand up?
Yes, absolutely. In fact, the brand took off after I created the Sidewalk Surfers. It happened as I was running the stairs in my then office, in the morning wearing New Balance running shoes. Living in Cardiff, we have a lot of stairs there, and on that afternoon coming back after running and surfing, I felt the range of motion was more effective as I climbed the stairs barefoot. So I thought, if shoes sort of restricted or even isolated the movement of my foot and toes, then sandals which do not have stitched-on soles would get me closer to that bare foot, more efficient motion.
I then literally took my bestselling sandal at that time, which was the Lazy Boy, and sewed up a deconstructed upper, stuck it on top of one of my sandal foot beds. I wore them around and I knew right there and then without any question whatsoever that it's going to be a super popular thing. That was before Nike Free, Vibram Five Fingers, before any of those pairs now talking about barefoot research, Sanuk was already promoting how simple barefoot walking can get.
MB: How did you realize the possibility of penetrating even the most saturated retail market?
I think we didn't even think of having to do that. We are just doing what we do and at the same time, having fun doing it. And because we are having so much fun doing it, I think people gravitate to it just because the product is fun and so inclusive, and comfortable, too.
MB: How did you realize that footwear sales are anchored on impulse buys?
We knew for sure that 60-something percent of people walking to our stores are not actually thinking of buying shoes. So, in order to take advantage of that I created the "hanging footwear" category. By putting our shoes, because they are made like sandals, on a rack, we really did increase the impulse buy because when people walk into the store they see the whole selection. They don't have to wait for the stock person to go and get a pair from the backroom and find something for them. They can try out pairs immediately by themselves.
MB: Have you ever viewed that your way of supporting the lifestyles attached with your brand is more of a promotion rather than actually giving support?
Not at all. The people that we choose to be associated with the brand are people (Kelley points at esteemed Sanuk Philippines rider Luke Landrigan) who are passionate about what they are doing. We are not going to sign an athlete just because the guy is popular. If he does not actually live the lifestyle that we aim to convey, then he is deemed unfit for our brand.
MB: You mentioned in an interview that you won't see your brand doing a clothing line and would rather keep doing well at making footwear. But with your Sanuk Swag Line, are you now considering putting up a complete clothing line?
We don't actually do clothing. I don't define clothing as shirts, and hats and beanies and things like that. Those are just accessories. Clothing is when you start to cut and sew, when you make a complete line of board shorts and denim and jackets and things similar to that. So with the growth that the brand is having, it will only be a diversion for us to start doing clothing.
MB: How would you like to see your brand and your market going farther?
I see it continuing to expand as more people realize the simple pleasures of unrestrained walking; with it I believe more people would opt to wear Sanuks.
MB: How do you deal with fakes and how would you want other entrepreneurs emulate the success you have?
Of course, it bums you out when Crocs and Sketchers and all those guys that don't have any significant innovation actually try to knock off smaller yet totally innovative brands. But we are rather fortunate that we have patents on our designs, they can't copy the designs only the looks. And we are grateful that the customer that buys Sanuk or does know Sanuk, wouldn't want to buy knock-offs or wear a knock-off brand anyway. On the business side of things, I would encourage anybody with an idea, to do everything they can to at least go for the idea. Because, it's worse not to do an idea and always wonder "what if," than to just go for it and fail. You should at least know you tried.
Friday, November 4, 2011
News Update Clark Freeport needs more workers
CLARK FREEPORT ZONE -- A total of 3,008 job vacancies have been posted for various firms inside this freeport, the Clark Development Corporation’s Customer Services Department (CSD) said.
Firms related to Information and Communications Technology/Business Process Outsourcing (ICT/BPO) have the most number of vacancies with 2,222 (75 percent), a report by the CSD showed.
According to the report by CSD Manager Rodem Perez, ICT/BPO-related workers include web designers and developers, programmers, technical support operators, Linux and Windows Systems administrators, English online teachers, and call center agents.
The CSD report said both Cyber City Teleservices Inc. and Sutherland Global Services have 500 vacancies each; Nozomi Fortune Services has an opening for 400 workers; while Ivonline Contents Center Incorporated is in need of 200 new workers for the firm.
Others with significant job openings are Advanpoint (90), Clark On Line It Hub (50), Mepcon Phils. Inc (170), Services Resources Inc (55), GFL System Clark Inc. (105), Global Standard English Learning Center (75), among others.
Coming in second is the industrial (electronic) or the semiconductor sector, which is in need of 340 workers (10.2 percent) before the end of the year.
Also needing workers are Texas Instruments, Nanox Phils. Inc., Phoenix Semiconductor Phils. Corporation, Poongsan Microtec Phils. Corporation, and SMK Electronics (Phils.) Corporation.
Moreover, there is a noticeable shift in locators’ preferences for applicants who have college credits at the very least.
CSD’s latest report reflects a preference for college level applicants (53 percent or almost 1,600), and college graduates (20 percent or more than 600).
In the previous months, job vacancies for high school graduates accounted for more than 50 percent of the total workforce requirements.
Perez explained that the shift in locators’ preferences can be attributed to CSD’s continuous advertisement of job vacancies and broadcast media such as the “Jobs Fair on the Air” at GVFM 99.1, and the twice annual Jobs Fair that the department coordinates with all stakeholders.
These efforts have allowed labor-intensive sectors to almost fill up their vacancies and they are now in the process of filling up positions for supervisory and managerial positions, Perez said.
The latest report also showed that total employment at Clark has now reached an all-time high of 63,223 spread over 509 stakeholders. (Reynaldo G. Navales)
Firms related to Information and Communications Technology/Business Process Outsourcing (ICT/BPO) have the most number of vacancies with 2,222 (75 percent), a report by the CSD showed.
According to the report by CSD Manager Rodem Perez, ICT/BPO-related workers include web designers and developers, programmers, technical support operators, Linux and Windows Systems administrators, English online teachers, and call center agents.
The CSD report said both Cyber City Teleservices Inc. and Sutherland Global Services have 500 vacancies each; Nozomi Fortune Services has an opening for 400 workers; while Ivonline Contents Center Incorporated is in need of 200 new workers for the firm.
Others with significant job openings are Advanpoint (90), Clark On Line It Hub (50), Mepcon Phils. Inc (170), Services Resources Inc (55), GFL System Clark Inc. (105), Global Standard English Learning Center (75), among others.
Coming in second is the industrial (electronic) or the semiconductor sector, which is in need of 340 workers (10.2 percent) before the end of the year.
Also needing workers are Texas Instruments, Nanox Phils. Inc., Phoenix Semiconductor Phils. Corporation, Poongsan Microtec Phils. Corporation, and SMK Electronics (Phils.) Corporation.
Moreover, there is a noticeable shift in locators’ preferences for applicants who have college credits at the very least.
CSD’s latest report reflects a preference for college level applicants (53 percent or almost 1,600), and college graduates (20 percent or more than 600).
In the previous months, job vacancies for high school graduates accounted for more than 50 percent of the total workforce requirements.
Perez explained that the shift in locators’ preferences can be attributed to CSD’s continuous advertisement of job vacancies and broadcast media such as the “Jobs Fair on the Air” at GVFM 99.1, and the twice annual Jobs Fair that the department coordinates with all stakeholders.
These efforts have allowed labor-intensive sectors to almost fill up their vacancies and they are now in the process of filling up positions for supervisory and managerial positions, Perez said.
The latest report also showed that total employment at Clark has now reached an all-time high of 63,223 spread over 509 stakeholders. (Reynaldo G. Navales)
News Update Palace: Erap government struck deal with ABB
MANILA, Philippines - The Aquino administration is pursuing an agreement the government forged with the communist breakaway group Alex Boncayao Brigade (ABB) during the term of former President Joseph Estrada in December 2000, a Malacañang official said yesterday.
This was Malacañang’s explanation for the grant of P31 million for livelihood and other aid to communities where former insurgents and their families live.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the government is “committed to the five negotiating tables that are pursuing a just and lasting peace,” which include the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-ABB, a breakaway group of the communist insurgents.
“The RPMP (Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas)-RPA-ABB signed an agreement with the government last Dec. 6, 2000 under the Estrada administration,” Valte said in defending the “reintegration and development fund” for the RPA-ABB.
Valte said this binds the government – now under the Aquino administration – to “commit fund releases for reintegration and development to establish, operate, and support livelihood projects, housing assistance.”
This also includes “education and training, primary health care, agriculture and irrigation facilities, farm-to-market roads, microfinance, among others,” Valte said.
“The funds will be released to the local government units (LGUs) in areas that will be identified for community development and livelihood assistance,” she said.
Estrada, however, denied having signed such an agreement with the ABB during his term. He challenged Malacañang to present proof that the P31-million fund that the Aquino administration gave to the RPMP-RPA-ABB was his idea.
“No. We have no agreement. There is no such thing as that. It is not our brainchild. I challenge them to present proof if they have any,” Estrada said.
Valte said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is supporting the peace initiatives with the ABB.
“The AFP, through Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, commander of the AFP’s 3rd Infantry Division, has expressed its support for the peace process with the RPMP-RPA-ABB, as it impacts on security concerns on the ground,” she said.
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) led by Secretary Teresita Deles, however, denied insinuations that the P31 million was payoff to the ABB, or that OPAPP gave the ABB such amount.
“There is no truth to that report. OPAPP never gave P31 million to the ABB,” Undersecretary Luisito Montalbo said.
Montalbo pointed out that it was a fund from Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA), a government program and framework for peace and development in conflict-affected areas.
“The use of ABB alone to refer to the group that signed the peace agreement with the government in 2000, as reported by a media network yesterday afternoon, is likewise misleading. We are dealing with the RPMP-RPA-ABB, the three groups who banded together to break away from the NPA (New People’s Army), and chose to return to the fold of the law and join mainstream society,” Montalbo explained.
Montalbo said the information on the P31-million fund quoted in news reports is from the PAMANA website.
“OPAPP is very transparent in its disbursement of funds,” Montalbo stressed.
“The PAMANA website clearly states that the P31 million is for community development and livelihood projects for three peace and development community sites in Negros Island where there are members of the RPMP-RPA-ABB,” he said.
Montalbo said the government has been conducting socio-economic profiling of members of the RPMP-RPA-ABB to determine appropriate livelihood and other development interventions for their communities.
“It is part of PAMANA’s funds for 2011 amounting to P568 million, and were provided for conflict-affected communities who find it more difficult compared to other communities to jumpstart their development,” he added.
“The funds are granted for implementation of peace and development projects to LGUs or regional implementing agencies such as DSWD for implementation. Other beneficiary communities from Luzon, Mindanao and other parts of Visayas can also be found in the same website where the information on the P31-million fund for Negros Island was seen,” Montalbo said.
Montalbo cited that the series of profiling held last month in Negros and Panay Islands for the former combatants belonging to the Tabara-Paduano Group (TPG) of the RPMP-RPA-ABB is almost finished.
“A total of 495 TPG members were profiled on Oct. 20-30. Negros Occidental accounted for 358 members, while Negros Oriental and Panay Island (Iloilo, Antique and Aklan) have 50 and 87 members profiled,” Montalbo said.
Montalbo stressed that the profiling will guide the government in creating peace and development communities that will serve as resettlement sites for TPG members.
“This is fully supported by the local chief executives, civil society organizations and the local AFP and Philippine National Police (PNP) commands,” Montalbo said. – With Jose Rodel Clapano - By Delon Porcalla
This was Malacañang’s explanation for the grant of P31 million for livelihood and other aid to communities where former insurgents and their families live.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the government is “committed to the five negotiating tables that are pursuing a just and lasting peace,” which include the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-ABB, a breakaway group of the communist insurgents.
“The RPMP (Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas)-RPA-ABB signed an agreement with the government last Dec. 6, 2000 under the Estrada administration,” Valte said in defending the “reintegration and development fund” for the RPA-ABB.
Valte said this binds the government – now under the Aquino administration – to “commit fund releases for reintegration and development to establish, operate, and support livelihood projects, housing assistance.”
This also includes “education and training, primary health care, agriculture and irrigation facilities, farm-to-market roads, microfinance, among others,” Valte said.
“The funds will be released to the local government units (LGUs) in areas that will be identified for community development and livelihood assistance,” she said.
Estrada, however, denied having signed such an agreement with the ABB during his term. He challenged Malacañang to present proof that the P31-million fund that the Aquino administration gave to the RPMP-RPA-ABB was his idea.
“No. We have no agreement. There is no such thing as that. It is not our brainchild. I challenge them to present proof if they have any,” Estrada said.
Valte said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is supporting the peace initiatives with the ABB.
“The AFP, through Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, commander of the AFP’s 3rd Infantry Division, has expressed its support for the peace process with the RPMP-RPA-ABB, as it impacts on security concerns on the ground,” she said.
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) led by Secretary Teresita Deles, however, denied insinuations that the P31 million was payoff to the ABB, or that OPAPP gave the ABB such amount.
“There is no truth to that report. OPAPP never gave P31 million to the ABB,” Undersecretary Luisito Montalbo said.
Montalbo pointed out that it was a fund from Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA), a government program and framework for peace and development in conflict-affected areas.
“The use of ABB alone to refer to the group that signed the peace agreement with the government in 2000, as reported by a media network yesterday afternoon, is likewise misleading. We are dealing with the RPMP-RPA-ABB, the three groups who banded together to break away from the NPA (New People’s Army), and chose to return to the fold of the law and join mainstream society,” Montalbo explained.
Montalbo said the information on the P31-million fund quoted in news reports is from the PAMANA website.
“OPAPP is very transparent in its disbursement of funds,” Montalbo stressed.
“The PAMANA website clearly states that the P31 million is for community development and livelihood projects for three peace and development community sites in Negros Island where there are members of the RPMP-RPA-ABB,” he said.
Montalbo said the government has been conducting socio-economic profiling of members of the RPMP-RPA-ABB to determine appropriate livelihood and other development interventions for their communities.
“It is part of PAMANA’s funds for 2011 amounting to P568 million, and were provided for conflict-affected communities who find it more difficult compared to other communities to jumpstart their development,” he added.
“The funds are granted for implementation of peace and development projects to LGUs or regional implementing agencies such as DSWD for implementation. Other beneficiary communities from Luzon, Mindanao and other parts of Visayas can also be found in the same website where the information on the P31-million fund for Negros Island was seen,” Montalbo said.
Montalbo cited that the series of profiling held last month in Negros and Panay Islands for the former combatants belonging to the Tabara-Paduano Group (TPG) of the RPMP-RPA-ABB is almost finished.
“A total of 495 TPG members were profiled on Oct. 20-30. Negros Occidental accounted for 358 members, while Negros Oriental and Panay Island (Iloilo, Antique and Aklan) have 50 and 87 members profiled,” Montalbo said.
Montalbo stressed that the profiling will guide the government in creating peace and development communities that will serve as resettlement sites for TPG members.
“This is fully supported by the local chief executives, civil society organizations and the local AFP and Philippine National Police (PNP) commands,” Montalbo said. – With Jose Rodel Clapano - By Delon Porcalla
News Update Mayor asks council to ban firecrackers
BAGUIO City Mayor Mauricio Domogan implored to the city councilors to ban pyrotechnics and firecrackers all over the summer capital.
The mayor said the total ban includes the selling of firecrackers and pyrotechnics in all establishments in the city.
He said the ban will cover the Christmas and New Year’s Eve, stressing there is no budget earmarked for a city-sponsored fireworks display, usually held during holidays.
However, Domogan did not discount the likelihood of residents gaining access to these from neighboring towns and provinces.
He said he is supporting the Department of Health’s call for a safer holiday celebration with less accidents and pollution.
He added the city would have a more peaceful and meaningful celebration even without sky light displays.
Meanwhile, the mayor earlier issued Administrative Order 145 creating the Christmas in Baguio executive committee composed of city officials and representatives from the private sector to organize crowd-drawing events next month.
Different program committees were created to supervise yearly city-wide celebrations such Bonifacio and Rizal Day, Silahis ng Pasko, Diwa ng Pasko, charismatic and religious services, Baguio Christmas cultural events, Fil-Am Golf Tournament, tallest Christmas tree lighting, City Hall Christmas party, foreign and balikbayan homecoming celebrations, and other technical and aesthetic programs needed to spruce up the yuletide celebrations.
The mayor said the total ban includes the selling of firecrackers and pyrotechnics in all establishments in the city.
He said the ban will cover the Christmas and New Year’s Eve, stressing there is no budget earmarked for a city-sponsored fireworks display, usually held during holidays.
However, Domogan did not discount the likelihood of residents gaining access to these from neighboring towns and provinces.
He said he is supporting the Department of Health’s call for a safer holiday celebration with less accidents and pollution.
He added the city would have a more peaceful and meaningful celebration even without sky light displays.
Meanwhile, the mayor earlier issued Administrative Order 145 creating the Christmas in Baguio executive committee composed of city officials and representatives from the private sector to organize crowd-drawing events next month.
Different program committees were created to supervise yearly city-wide celebrations such Bonifacio and Rizal Day, Silahis ng Pasko, Diwa ng Pasko, charismatic and religious services, Baguio Christmas cultural events, Fil-Am Golf Tournament, tallest Christmas tree lighting, City Hall Christmas party, foreign and balikbayan homecoming celebrations, and other technical and aesthetic programs needed to spruce up the yuletide celebrations.
News Update Cebu port execs, employees told to refund P31.7-million perks
MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Audit (COA) is ordering the Cebu Ports Authority (CPA) to cause the refund of over P31.7 million in traditional cash gifts illegally granted to its officials and employees in 2009 and 2010.
State auditors said the grant of mid-year and year-end bonuses along with gift checks to executives and personnel of the government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) during the past two years was in violation of Republic Acts 6686 and 8441, the laws that allow government employees to receive cash gifts during Christmas.
In its 2010 audit report, COA said the CPA failed to secure the approval of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) before giving out additional benefits and also violated the law on how state-owned institutions should prepare and approve its operational budget as well as the Government Auditing Code of the Philippines.
“The grant of traditional mid-year and year-end benefits and gift checks in the total amount of P31,790,466.42, of which P15,261,903.46 was paid in 2009, and P16,528,562.96 in 2010, was unauthorized,” COA said.
The concerned CPA officers and employees, according to state auditors, should be required to refund the bonuses and cash gifts they received and that the grant of these benefits should be stopped.
Records show that CPA officials and personnel received more than P4.9 million in mid-year bonuses, over P11.4 million in year-end bonuses, and more than P15.3 million in cash gifts in 2009 and 2010.
These benefits were supposedly granted in compliance with an order issued by Branch 5 of the Cebu City regional trial court (RTC), 7th Judicial Region directing the CPA “to immediately release to the petitioners, their co-employees and/or officers, their traditional one-month mid-year and two months’ year-end benefits, including gift checks of P10,000 to each employee and/or officer for the years 2003 and 2004, and to continue every year thereafter.”
The COA, however, believes that the CPA should not follow the court’s order based on an opinion by its Office of the General Counsel (OGC) of the Legal Service Sector dated April 24, 2009.
“The foregoing elucidation abundantly provides reasonable bases for declaring the continuous grant of traditional year-end incentives to be legally infirm,” the legal opinion read.
As to the payment of traditional benefits by virtue of a decision issued by the RTC 7th Judicial Region Branch 5 in Cebu City, the General Counsel cited a Supreme Court (SC) ruling: “The erroneous application and enforcement of the law by public officers does not estop the Government from making a subsequent correction of such errors.”
“More specifically, where there is an express provision of law prohibiting the grant of certain benefits, the law must be enforced even if it prejudices certain parties due to an error committed by public officials in granting benefit. Practice, without more, no matter how long continued, cannot give rise to any vested right if it is contrary to law,” further stated the SC decision in the case of Baybay Water District versus COA dated Jan. 23, 2002.
On such basis, COA said the P31.7 million in traditional cash gifts granted to the CPA officials and employees should be refunded and the practice should be stopped.
Despite the directive, state auditors said the CPA management is refusing to heed COA’s recommendations, saying “they will abide with the ruling of the (RTC) to pay the traditional benefits and gift checks” for fear of being cited in contempt. - By Michael Punongbayan
State auditors said the grant of mid-year and year-end bonuses along with gift checks to executives and personnel of the government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) during the past two years was in violation of Republic Acts 6686 and 8441, the laws that allow government employees to receive cash gifts during Christmas.
In its 2010 audit report, COA said the CPA failed to secure the approval of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) before giving out additional benefits and also violated the law on how state-owned institutions should prepare and approve its operational budget as well as the Government Auditing Code of the Philippines.
“The grant of traditional mid-year and year-end benefits and gift checks in the total amount of P31,790,466.42, of which P15,261,903.46 was paid in 2009, and P16,528,562.96 in 2010, was unauthorized,” COA said.
The concerned CPA officers and employees, according to state auditors, should be required to refund the bonuses and cash gifts they received and that the grant of these benefits should be stopped.
Records show that CPA officials and personnel received more than P4.9 million in mid-year bonuses, over P11.4 million in year-end bonuses, and more than P15.3 million in cash gifts in 2009 and 2010.
These benefits were supposedly granted in compliance with an order issued by Branch 5 of the Cebu City regional trial court (RTC), 7th Judicial Region directing the CPA “to immediately release to the petitioners, their co-employees and/or officers, their traditional one-month mid-year and two months’ year-end benefits, including gift checks of P10,000 to each employee and/or officer for the years 2003 and 2004, and to continue every year thereafter.”
The COA, however, believes that the CPA should not follow the court’s order based on an opinion by its Office of the General Counsel (OGC) of the Legal Service Sector dated April 24, 2009.
“The foregoing elucidation abundantly provides reasonable bases for declaring the continuous grant of traditional year-end incentives to be legally infirm,” the legal opinion read.
As to the payment of traditional benefits by virtue of a decision issued by the RTC 7th Judicial Region Branch 5 in Cebu City, the General Counsel cited a Supreme Court (SC) ruling: “The erroneous application and enforcement of the law by public officers does not estop the Government from making a subsequent correction of such errors.”
“More specifically, where there is an express provision of law prohibiting the grant of certain benefits, the law must be enforced even if it prejudices certain parties due to an error committed by public officials in granting benefit. Practice, without more, no matter how long continued, cannot give rise to any vested right if it is contrary to law,” further stated the SC decision in the case of Baybay Water District versus COA dated Jan. 23, 2002.
On such basis, COA said the P31.7 million in traditional cash gifts granted to the CPA officials and employees should be refunded and the practice should be stopped.
Despite the directive, state auditors said the CPA management is refusing to heed COA’s recommendations, saying “they will abide with the ruling of the (RTC) to pay the traditional benefits and gift checks” for fear of being cited in contempt. - By Michael Punongbayan
News Update Philippines - Market factors to watch - Nov 3
re are news stories and press reports which may influence local financial markets on Thursday:
WHAT IS HAPPENING TODAY IN THE PHILIPPINES:
- Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co holds press briefing and teleconference on its nine-months financial and operating results, PLDT mezzanine, Ramon Cojuangco Building, 1:00 p.m. [0700 GMT]
- Bureau of Customs and Department of Justice hold joint press conference on latest smuggling case, DOJ head office, Manila, 2:00 p.m. [0600 GMT]
- First Metro Investments Corp holds investors' briefing for its 5-year fixed rate corporate bond offer, Rizal Ballroom, Makati Shangri-La Hotel, 11:30 a.m [0330 GMT]
REUTERS NEWS - PHILIPPINES > Meralco Q3 profit up 24 pct, lifts guidance > WNS acquires partner's stake in Philippines JV > PLDT to issue fixed-rate notes on Nov 8 > Manila: No need to use foreign debt allocation > Philippine inflation may have picked up in Oct > Ayala power project gets $210 mln funding
LOCAL PRESS REPORTS
(Reuters has not verified these stories)
- East Asia Power Resources Corp , the backdoor listing vehicle of Century Properties Inc, said it had obtained regulatory approval to adjust its capital stock level and amend its articles of incorporation ahead of the planned takeover. (BUSINESSWORLD)
- Chinatrust (Philippines) Commercial Bank Corp said its January to September net income declined by 16 percent from a year earlier to 63.29 million pesos ($1.5 million) on lower net interest income. (BUSINESSWORLD)
- Philex Mining Corp said it was planning to meet local officials of Zamboanga del Norte to discuss a newly imposed ban on open pit mining in the province, which could jeopardise its copper-gold exploration project. (BUSINESSWORLD)
- Citigroup said it was upbeat on consumer and infrastructure stocks in the Philippines, with Energy Development Corp , Metro Pacific Investments Corp , Ayala Land Inc , Banco de Oro Unibank Inc and Alliance Global Group Inc as its top picks. (PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER)
- Singapore-based Tiger Airways Holdings Ltd and the Philippines' Southeast Asian Airlines have amended their marketing agreement in a bid to lift a Civil Aeronautics Board order prohibiting the two low-cost carriers from mounting flights in Davao and Cebu, CAB deputy executive director Porvenir Porciuncula said. (MANILA TIMES)
MARKET NEWS > South East Asia stocks rebound > Global stocks, euro rise but Greece worries linger > Oil mixed weighing Europe woes, Fed outlook > Euro subdued as ECB meeting, G20 Summit loom > Gold rises after Fed sees stronger Q3; EU eyed
---------------- MARKET SNAPSHOT AT 0009 GMT -----------------
INSTRUMENT LAST PCT CHG NET CHG S&P 500 1237.90 1.61 19.62 USD/JPY 78.09 0.06 0.05 US 10YR 1.99 -0.09 0.00 SPOT GOLD 1735.09 -0.15 -2.61 US CRUDE 92.05 -0.50 -0.46 DOW JONES 11836.04 1.53 178.08 ASIA ADRS 119.50 1.31 1.55 FTSE 100 5484.10 1.15 62.53 --------------------------------------------------------------
($1 = 42.8 pesos) Pan-Asia...... Japan........ S.Korea.... S.E. Asia............ Hong Kong... Taiwan..... Australia/NZ......... India....... China.....
OTHER MARKETS: Wall Street........... Gold....... Currency. Eurostocks........... Oil......... JP bonds.. ADR Report.......... LME metals.. US bonds.. Stocks News US... Stocks News Europe..
DIARIES & DATA: IPO diary & data Asia earnings diary U.S. earnings diary European diary Wall Street Week Ahead Eurostocks Week Ahead World forecasts
TOP NEWS: For top Asian company news, double click on: U.S. company news European company news Forex news Global Economy news Technology news Telecoms news Media news Banking news Politics/General news Asia Macro data A multimedia version of Reuters Top News is available at: http://topnews.session.rservices.com
LIVE PRICES & DATA: Philippine stocks Philippine peso Philippine debt Debt <0#USBMK=> World Stocks <0#.INDEX> Currency rates Dow Jones/NASDAQ Nikkei FTSE 100 LME price overview (Reporting by Manila Newsroom)
WHAT IS HAPPENING TODAY IN THE PHILIPPINES:
- Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co holds press briefing and teleconference on its nine-months financial and operating results, PLDT mezzanine, Ramon Cojuangco Building, 1:00 p.m. [0700 GMT]
- Bureau of Customs and Department of Justice hold joint press conference on latest smuggling case, DOJ head office, Manila, 2:00 p.m. [0600 GMT]
- First Metro Investments Corp holds investors' briefing for its 5-year fixed rate corporate bond offer, Rizal Ballroom, Makati Shangri-La Hotel, 11:30 a.m [0330 GMT]
REUTERS NEWS - PHILIPPINES > Meralco Q3 profit up 24 pct, lifts guidance > WNS acquires partner's stake in Philippines JV > PLDT to issue fixed-rate notes on Nov 8 > Manila: No need to use foreign debt allocation > Philippine inflation may have picked up in Oct > Ayala power project gets $210 mln funding
LOCAL PRESS REPORTS
(Reuters has not verified these stories)
- East Asia Power Resources Corp , the backdoor listing vehicle of Century Properties Inc, said it had obtained regulatory approval to adjust its capital stock level and amend its articles of incorporation ahead of the planned takeover. (BUSINESSWORLD)
- Chinatrust (Philippines) Commercial Bank Corp said its January to September net income declined by 16 percent from a year earlier to 63.29 million pesos ($1.5 million) on lower net interest income. (BUSINESSWORLD)
- Philex Mining Corp said it was planning to meet local officials of Zamboanga del Norte to discuss a newly imposed ban on open pit mining in the province, which could jeopardise its copper-gold exploration project. (BUSINESSWORLD)
- Citigroup said it was upbeat on consumer and infrastructure stocks in the Philippines, with Energy Development Corp , Metro Pacific Investments Corp , Ayala Land Inc , Banco de Oro Unibank Inc and Alliance Global Group Inc as its top picks. (PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER)
- Singapore-based Tiger Airways Holdings Ltd and the Philippines' Southeast Asian Airlines have amended their marketing agreement in a bid to lift a Civil Aeronautics Board order prohibiting the two low-cost carriers from mounting flights in Davao and Cebu, CAB deputy executive director Porvenir Porciuncula said. (MANILA TIMES)
MARKET NEWS > South East Asia stocks rebound > Global stocks, euro rise but Greece worries linger > Oil mixed weighing Europe woes, Fed outlook > Euro subdued as ECB meeting, G20 Summit loom > Gold rises after Fed sees stronger Q3; EU eyed
---------------- MARKET SNAPSHOT AT 0009 GMT -----------------
INSTRUMENT LAST PCT CHG NET CHG S&P 500 1237.90 1.61 19.62 USD/JPY 78.09 0.06 0.05 US 10YR 1.99 -0.09 0.00 SPOT GOLD 1735.09 -0.15 -2.61 US CRUDE 92.05 -0.50 -0.46 DOW JONES 11836.04 1.53 178.08 ASIA ADRS 119.50 1.31 1.55 FTSE 100 5484.10 1.15 62.53 --------------------------------------------------------------
($1 = 42.8 pesos) Pan-Asia...... Japan........ S.Korea.... S.E. Asia............ Hong Kong... Taiwan..... Australia/NZ......... India....... China.....
OTHER MARKETS: Wall Street........... Gold....... Currency. Eurostocks........... Oil......... JP bonds.. ADR Report.......... LME metals.. US bonds.. Stocks News US... Stocks News Europe..
DIARIES & DATA: IPO diary & data Asia earnings diary U.S. earnings diary European diary Wall Street Week Ahead Eurostocks Week Ahead World forecasts
TOP NEWS: For top Asian company news, double click on: U.S. company news European company news Forex news Global Economy news Technology news Telecoms news Media news Banking news Politics/General news Asia Macro data A multimedia version of Reuters Top News is available at: http://topnews.session.rservices.com
LIVE PRICES & DATA: Philippine stocks Philippine peso Philippine debt Debt <0#USBMK=> World Stocks <0#.INDEX> Currency rates Dow Jones/NASDAQ Nikkei FTSE 100 LME price overview (Reporting by Manila Newsroom)
News Update BSP earnings, forex trading boost PHL reserves to $75.8B
Strong earnings from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) investments overseas and gains from foreign exchange operations kept the country’s gross international reserves above $75 billion and over 11 months of import cover for three consecutive months now.
The October level of $75.814 billion gave the country 11.16 months of import cover and foreign debt buffer of 6.4 times residual maturity, the Bangko Sentral reported Friday.
BSP earnings from investments abroad jumped 35.5 percent to $65.918 billion in October compared to the $48.64 billion a year ago.
End-October earnings from foreign exchange operations stood at $398.86 million after surging 34.5 percent from $296.43 million
The Aquino administration’s economic planners are aiming for investment grade rating for its international debt by early next year and the international reserves position is one of the key factors that could achieve that goal.
High reserve levels and the consequently higher import cover and foreign debt buffer are indicators of a national economy’s liquidity and capacity to absorb external shocks especially during times of financial crises. — ELR/VS
The October level of $75.814 billion gave the country 11.16 months of import cover and foreign debt buffer of 6.4 times residual maturity, the Bangko Sentral reported Friday.
BSP earnings from investments abroad jumped 35.5 percent to $65.918 billion in October compared to the $48.64 billion a year ago.
End-October earnings from foreign exchange operations stood at $398.86 million after surging 34.5 percent from $296.43 million
The Aquino administration’s economic planners are aiming for investment grade rating for its international debt by early next year and the international reserves position is one of the key factors that could achieve that goal.
High reserve levels and the consequently higher import cover and foreign debt buffer are indicators of a national economy’s liquidity and capacity to absorb external shocks especially during times of financial crises. — ELR/VS
News Update Ram’s GF contradicts Ramona Revilla’s statement
The testimony of eyewitness and actor Ram Revilla’s girlfriend Janelle Manahan sheds new light on the current investigation of the Parañaque City Police on the murder of Ram.
Ram was shot and stabbed dead inside his house in BF Homes Parañaque last October 28. His girlfriend Janelle was also shot in the face and is currently recovering at the Asian Hospital and Medical Center in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.
Ram’s sister, Ramona, said she was abducted and abandoned somewhere in Las Piñas City after the murder.
But, according to the press conference called Thursday, November 3, by the Parañaque City Police, Janelle’s statement contradicted Ramona’s earlier claims.
“Yung sinasabing allegations ni Ramona ay contradicting sa sinasabi ni Janelle. It’s up to the prosecutors to evaluate their testimonies,” Chief Inspector Enrique Sy, head of Task Force Ramgen, said during the coverage of ANC’s “Dateline Philippines.”
What Janelle saw
Revilla siblings Ramona and Ramon Joseph were charged with murder and frustrated murder after other suspects pointed to Ram’s younger brother, Ramon Joseph, as the one who plotted the murder. Police say Ramona is an accessory to the crime. Other suspects are Michael Cruz Altia, Roy Francis Tolisora, Glaiza Vista, Norwyn Dela Cruz, and a certain Bryan.
The Parañaque City Police said that Janelle’s testimony can strengthen the case.
“Malaki (ang tulong). Dahil sa nakita niya ang pangyayari,” Sy said.
When asked what Janelle saw at the incident, “Yung pumasok si Ramona na maya-maya kasama yung gun man na naka-maskara,” Sy answered.
Reinvestigation urged by Revillas
Bautista, Altia and Tolisora were already arrested while Ramona under the custody of her half-brother, Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla.
With family members implicated in the murder of Ram, the Revilla family called for a reinvestigation of the case.
“Ginagalang po namin at welcome po sa amin at kami naman ay tumutupad lang sa aming tungkulin,” Sy said.
Ram was laid to rest Wednesday afternoon, November 2, at the Angelus Eternal Garden in Imus, Cavite.
Ram was shot and stabbed dead inside his house in BF Homes Parañaque last October 28. His girlfriend Janelle was also shot in the face and is currently recovering at the Asian Hospital and Medical Center in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.
Ram’s sister, Ramona, said she was abducted and abandoned somewhere in Las Piñas City after the murder.
But, according to the press conference called Thursday, November 3, by the Parañaque City Police, Janelle’s statement contradicted Ramona’s earlier claims.
“Yung sinasabing allegations ni Ramona ay contradicting sa sinasabi ni Janelle. It’s up to the prosecutors to evaluate their testimonies,” Chief Inspector Enrique Sy, head of Task Force Ramgen, said during the coverage of ANC’s “Dateline Philippines.”
What Janelle saw
Revilla siblings Ramona and Ramon Joseph were charged with murder and frustrated murder after other suspects pointed to Ram’s younger brother, Ramon Joseph, as the one who plotted the murder. Police say Ramona is an accessory to the crime. Other suspects are Michael Cruz Altia, Roy Francis Tolisora, Glaiza Vista, Norwyn Dela Cruz, and a certain Bryan.
The Parañaque City Police said that Janelle’s testimony can strengthen the case.
“Malaki (ang tulong). Dahil sa nakita niya ang pangyayari,” Sy said.
When asked what Janelle saw at the incident, “Yung pumasok si Ramona na maya-maya kasama yung gun man na naka-maskara,” Sy answered.
Reinvestigation urged by Revillas
Bautista, Altia and Tolisora were already arrested while Ramona under the custody of her half-brother, Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla.
With family members implicated in the murder of Ram, the Revilla family called for a reinvestigation of the case.
“Ginagalang po namin at welcome po sa amin at kami naman ay tumutupad lang sa aming tungkulin,” Sy said.
Ram was laid to rest Wednesday afternoon, November 2, at the Angelus Eternal Garden in Imus, Cavite.
News Update Customs charges broker, trader for smuggling P97-M Asus computers
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Thursday charged with smuggling a trader and a broker for the failed attempt to sneak into the country 3,915 Asus laptop computers worth P96 million.
Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon led the filing of cases against Orza Marketing owner and general manager Rolando Peralta, as well as his broker, Manuel Lancero Sarmiento, before the Department of Justice.
They were charged with the violation of Sections 2503 and 2530 of the Tariffs and Customs Code of the Philippines.
Biazon said that he had already “instructed all our [BOC] operatives to be even more vigilant in monitoring all shipments entering the country," considering that “the months immediately preceding the Christmas holidays are the peak months of smuggling."
The shipment declared as computer parts and monitors was found to contain complete units of Asus brand laptop computers. The BOC said the value of the computers smuggled in from China was around P96,840,590.96.
Deputy Customs Commissioner Horacio Suansing Jr., whose BOC Enforcement Group confiscated the Peralta shipment of misdeclared and undervalued computers, said it was part of the commission’s “relentless efforts to go after smugglers."
Deputy Customs Commissioner Peter Manzano of the Revenue Collection Monitoring Group, who is also in charge of the Run After The Smugglers Program or RATS, said his department was currently studying measures to tighten the cases filed against smugglers. —MRT/VS
Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon led the filing of cases against Orza Marketing owner and general manager Rolando Peralta, as well as his broker, Manuel Lancero Sarmiento, before the Department of Justice.
They were charged with the violation of Sections 2503 and 2530 of the Tariffs and Customs Code of the Philippines.
Biazon said that he had already “instructed all our [BOC] operatives to be even more vigilant in monitoring all shipments entering the country," considering that “the months immediately preceding the Christmas holidays are the peak months of smuggling."
The shipment declared as computer parts and monitors was found to contain complete units of Asus brand laptop computers. The BOC said the value of the computers smuggled in from China was around P96,840,590.96.
Deputy Customs Commissioner Horacio Suansing Jr., whose BOC Enforcement Group confiscated the Peralta shipment of misdeclared and undervalued computers, said it was part of the commission’s “relentless efforts to go after smugglers."
Deputy Customs Commissioner Peter Manzano of the Revenue Collection Monitoring Group, who is also in charge of the Run After The Smugglers Program or RATS, said his department was currently studying measures to tighten the cases filed against smugglers. —MRT/VS
News Update Philippines, Muslim rebels 'clear the air'
The Philippine government and Muslim rebels said Thursday their first meeting since an outburst of bloody clashes had helped rebuild mutual confidence as they pursue a peace deal.
Mohagher Iqbal, peace envoy for the rebel Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), told AFP their meeting in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur was "positive."
"It was an informal meeting... It's a positive way forward but nothing definite was reached," he said.
Philippine government peace panel chair Marvic Leonen said in a statement that both sides "cleared the air about pressing issues regarding the negotiations" in the one-day talks.
Iqbal said both sides also agreed to investigate the recent clashes, including an October 18 incident on Basilan island off the large southern island of Mindanao in which 19 soldiers were killed by MILF fighters.
It was among a series of clashes in October triggered by a government pursuit of wanted outlaws that turned into pitched battles with rebel fighters.
The violence left as many as 40 soldiers, police and civilians dead, and cast a pall over the already shaky peace process.
"Let's wait for this (the outcome of the investigation)," Iqbal said, when asked whether the MILF would take any action against members involved in the violence.
The two sides are holding a series of meetings in Kuala Lumpur aimed at ending a decades-long insurgency by the 12,000-strong rebel group. A date for the next round has not been set.
Philippine deputy presidential spokeswoman Abigail Valte told AFP Manila would "continue to push for the peace talks" even as the military pursues "lawless elements" in Mindanao.
The two sides are supposed to be observing a ceasefire but the long-running negotiations stalled after the MILF snubbed Manila's "roadmap" for peace in August.
The peace proposal was the first by the government since a 2008 Supreme Court decision outlawing a proposed autonomy deal that would have given the MILF control over 700 towns and villages in the south, including some Christian areas.
An estimated 150,000 people have died in the conflict, which began in the 1970s.
Mohagher Iqbal, peace envoy for the rebel Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), told AFP their meeting in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur was "positive."
"It was an informal meeting... It's a positive way forward but nothing definite was reached," he said.
Philippine government peace panel chair Marvic Leonen said in a statement that both sides "cleared the air about pressing issues regarding the negotiations" in the one-day talks.
Iqbal said both sides also agreed to investigate the recent clashes, including an October 18 incident on Basilan island off the large southern island of Mindanao in which 19 soldiers were killed by MILF fighters.
It was among a series of clashes in October triggered by a government pursuit of wanted outlaws that turned into pitched battles with rebel fighters.
The violence left as many as 40 soldiers, police and civilians dead, and cast a pall over the already shaky peace process.
"Let's wait for this (the outcome of the investigation)," Iqbal said, when asked whether the MILF would take any action against members involved in the violence.
The two sides are holding a series of meetings in Kuala Lumpur aimed at ending a decades-long insurgency by the 12,000-strong rebel group. A date for the next round has not been set.
Philippine deputy presidential spokeswoman Abigail Valte told AFP Manila would "continue to push for the peace talks" even as the military pursues "lawless elements" in Mindanao.
The two sides are supposed to be observing a ceasefire but the long-running negotiations stalled after the MILF snubbed Manila's "roadmap" for peace in August.
The peace proposal was the first by the government since a 2008 Supreme Court decision outlawing a proposed autonomy deal that would have given the MILF control over 700 towns and villages in the south, including some Christian areas.
An estimated 150,000 people have died in the conflict, which began in the 1970s.
News Update Thai floods force Honda Philippines to close
Japanese automaker Honda has suspended production at its Philippine plant because suppliers in flooded Thailand are unable to deliver parts, a company official said Thursday.
Honda Philippines shut its factory this week and will not re-open until it can find alternative suppliers to those in Thailand, human resources manager Joseph Tacorda said.
"At this point, we are still waiting for materials to come in from other manufacturing centres of Honda because Thailand has been cut off," Tacorda told AFP, adding it was not yet clear when fresh supplies would be delivered.
Honda Philippines, a subsidiary of Honda in Japan, assembles and distributes five vehicles locally, including the CR-V sport utility vehicle and the Accord coupe, according to the company's website.
Honda was the third biggest seller of cars in the Philippines in the first eight months of the year with 9,062 units sold, or 9.7 percent of the market, according to the local auto industry association.
Three months of unusually heavy rains and a failure to release enough water from dams early in the monsoon season have caused Thailand's worst floods in half a century, killing 437 people and submerging large parts of the country.
Honda had already announced on Monday that it would slash production at its North America plants by 50 percent this week because of the supply problems in Thailand.
Honda Philippines shut its factory this week and will not re-open until it can find alternative suppliers to those in Thailand, human resources manager Joseph Tacorda said.
"At this point, we are still waiting for materials to come in from other manufacturing centres of Honda because Thailand has been cut off," Tacorda told AFP, adding it was not yet clear when fresh supplies would be delivered.
Honda Philippines, a subsidiary of Honda in Japan, assembles and distributes five vehicles locally, including the CR-V sport utility vehicle and the Accord coupe, according to the company's website.
Honda was the third biggest seller of cars in the Philippines in the first eight months of the year with 9,062 units sold, or 9.7 percent of the market, according to the local auto industry association.
Three months of unusually heavy rains and a failure to release enough water from dams early in the monsoon season have caused Thailand's worst floods in half a century, killing 437 people and submerging large parts of the country.
Honda had already announced on Monday that it would slash production at its North America plants by 50 percent this week because of the supply problems in Thailand.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Kopi Talk Daily make-over
MANILA, Philippines -- Chef Tatung's, a private dining restaurant, began quite simply.
Myke "Tatung" Sarthou, a self-taught chef who took up culinary courses in Europe, hosted one gourmet dinner for a handful of friends one Friday evening. To cover the cost of the ingredients, he charged a minimal fee. The guests liked the food and invited other friends to dinner the following week. This time the guest list swelled to 24. "Half of them, hindi ko kilala," Chef Tatung recalls. More people showed up to on the third consecutive week-all of whom were strangers to Tatung!
He soon started accepting requests to cook for small parties, reunions, birthdays, dates and cozy get-togethers.
His venture is growing by word-of-mouth. Today, the resto offers a regular menu and maintains set hours for lunch and dinner. It continues to cater for private functions.
The clients range from residents and professionals within the village, to foodies from as far as Alabang. The chef-entrepreneur says, "They (customers) hear about us from friends." He believes that people are drawn to the concept of a restaurant in a home. "It's like going to a friend's home and being served food cooked straight from the kitchen."
In keeping with the concept of being a "a resto within a home," Chef Tatung, together with his friend Devi de Veyra, and his lean staff of nine embarked on interior renovations. Actually, the project had been brewing in the mind of the chef-entrepreneur for some time now but he had held it off for fear of the effort and the huge expenses that it will involve. "Hesistant ako sa gan'on," says Chef Tatung. "Kasi once you start, kailangang tuluy-tuloy."
Nothing was done until a few weeks ago when Devi bought a wrought iron grill from a passing diyaryo-bote vendor pushing a kariton. She had that painted and placed it on the wall as décor. Pretty soon, both Devi and Chef Tatung found themselves re-organizing and re-decorating.
"Before the restaurant had too many elements," explains Devi who is also an interior specialist of a home and interior design magazine. Their design goal was to create a bright and homey place that reflected their chosen theme of colonial tropical.
Chef Tatung kept a good number of antiques, frames and paintings, some of which were from his mom who is an art dealer. "Because most of these were ornate, we decided to paint the walls white to highlight the pieces," says Devi.
Admittedly, Devi and Chef Tatung couldn't just rely on what they had in order to accomplish their goal. One of the things that they wanted was a capiz window. Luckily, Liza Esposo, a friend who is an antique dealer and a frequent diner, had not just one but six pieces of capiz windows of the same size. "She was so gracious to offer the windows for a very minimal fee," says Chef Tatung.
The chef describes the renovation process as "organic and playful." They just had a basic idea in mind. No drawings were done. They simply proceeded based on their gut feel. A wall was knocked down to create more room inside. Chairs were repainted. A number of the previous décor and art work were put away in favor of simpler pieces. This last task was the hardest to do, says Chef Tatung. "If you have too much stuff, it takes a lot of restraint to choose. The first instinct would be to put everything you have."
Devi is happy with the result. "It feels homey and more polished. Hindi na gan'on ka-psychedelic. Hindi na gan'on ka-weird!" she laughs.
Best of all, the renovation was done way under budget, prompting the chef to impart this realization to others who would also like to improve their personal spaces. "It happened when I willed it to happen," Chef Tatung muses. "When my mind became open to it, things just started falling into place."
Chef Tatung is located at 17 Matipid St., Sikatuna Village, Quezon City. For inquiries, call 352-6121.
Myke "Tatung" Sarthou, a self-taught chef who took up culinary courses in Europe, hosted one gourmet dinner for a handful of friends one Friday evening. To cover the cost of the ingredients, he charged a minimal fee. The guests liked the food and invited other friends to dinner the following week. This time the guest list swelled to 24. "Half of them, hindi ko kilala," Chef Tatung recalls. More people showed up to on the third consecutive week-all of whom were strangers to Tatung!
He soon started accepting requests to cook for small parties, reunions, birthdays, dates and cozy get-togethers.
His venture is growing by word-of-mouth. Today, the resto offers a regular menu and maintains set hours for lunch and dinner. It continues to cater for private functions.
The clients range from residents and professionals within the village, to foodies from as far as Alabang. The chef-entrepreneur says, "They (customers) hear about us from friends." He believes that people are drawn to the concept of a restaurant in a home. "It's like going to a friend's home and being served food cooked straight from the kitchen."
In keeping with the concept of being a "a resto within a home," Chef Tatung, together with his friend Devi de Veyra, and his lean staff of nine embarked on interior renovations. Actually, the project had been brewing in the mind of the chef-entrepreneur for some time now but he had held it off for fear of the effort and the huge expenses that it will involve. "Hesistant ako sa gan'on," says Chef Tatung. "Kasi once you start, kailangang tuluy-tuloy."
Nothing was done until a few weeks ago when Devi bought a wrought iron grill from a passing diyaryo-bote vendor pushing a kariton. She had that painted and placed it on the wall as décor. Pretty soon, both Devi and Chef Tatung found themselves re-organizing and re-decorating.
"Before the restaurant had too many elements," explains Devi who is also an interior specialist of a home and interior design magazine. Their design goal was to create a bright and homey place that reflected their chosen theme of colonial tropical.
Chef Tatung kept a good number of antiques, frames and paintings, some of which were from his mom who is an art dealer. "Because most of these were ornate, we decided to paint the walls white to highlight the pieces," says Devi.
Admittedly, Devi and Chef Tatung couldn't just rely on what they had in order to accomplish their goal. One of the things that they wanted was a capiz window. Luckily, Liza Esposo, a friend who is an antique dealer and a frequent diner, had not just one but six pieces of capiz windows of the same size. "She was so gracious to offer the windows for a very minimal fee," says Chef Tatung.
The chef describes the renovation process as "organic and playful." They just had a basic idea in mind. No drawings were done. They simply proceeded based on their gut feel. A wall was knocked down to create more room inside. Chairs were repainted. A number of the previous décor and art work were put away in favor of simpler pieces. This last task was the hardest to do, says Chef Tatung. "If you have too much stuff, it takes a lot of restraint to choose. The first instinct would be to put everything you have."
Devi is happy with the result. "It feels homey and more polished. Hindi na gan'on ka-psychedelic. Hindi na gan'on ka-weird!" she laughs.
Best of all, the renovation was done way under budget, prompting the chef to impart this realization to others who would also like to improve their personal spaces. "It happened when I willed it to happen," Chef Tatung muses. "When my mind became open to it, things just started falling into place."
Chef Tatung is located at 17 Matipid St., Sikatuna Village, Quezon City. For inquiries, call 352-6121.
News Update Sow ‘transforms’ into an old woman
DAVAO CITY -- Residents in Sitio Kurbada, Bansalan, Davao del Sur have been stirred by a story about a female swine that turned into an old woman after a vehicle ran over it.
The sow, estimated to be around 200 kilos, turned into a woman who was in her 60s to 70s, said three men who witnessed the incident midnight two weeks ago.
Residents near the cemetery also said they have seen the old woman before.
Joel Tumanda, 44, said he was seated in front of a vehicle when it ran over the black sow with yellow and brown spots. The sow had a long snout and long fangs with bloodshot eyes, he added.
"Nakita namo ang baboy sa sapa mga 10 metros ang gilay-on gikan sa sementeryo, apan dihang miabot mi sa iyang tungod, kalit lang midasmag sa multicab (We saw the sow about 10 meters and it hurled itself in front of the vehicle as we passed)," he said.
Tumanda said they thought the sow died due to the impact but when they looked back and checked, they saw an old woman with long hair instead.
The woman, said Tumanda, crossed the street casually.
"Taas og buhok pero di namo maklaro ang nawong kay nagtalikod man siya (We could not see her face because she had her back toward us)," he said.
He admitted that they were drunk after having a few drinks but what they saw was enough to sober them up.
"Nanindog gani among balahibo unya na-problema na hinuon mi unsaon pagpauli kay moagi man gyud mi sa menteryo pagbalik (We had goosebumps and faced a dilemma as we had to pass through the cemetery to reach our destination)," he said.
Tumanda said he believes in old folktales of human beings turning into animals.
Tumanda’s companions, Dondon Gutierrez and a certain Kumander Dagami, also witnessed the incident.
"Di man gud na sila motuo sa una kay istorya-istorya ra man gud ng abat abat dinhi, unya mga laki pa gyud sila so kinsa man magdahum (They never believed ghost stories here)," Jennifer Gutierrez, wife of Dondon, said.
Some people also said they have seen a huge dog near the area where the sow transformed into a woman.
Ruth Granada also said that when they lived across the cemetery, they saw lights flickering at night.
"Santilmo gyud to siya kay mora man og bola nga nag-kalayo (It was like a ball of fire walking)," Granada said. (Orlando B. Dinoy/Sun.Star Davao/Sunnex)
The sow, estimated to be around 200 kilos, turned into a woman who was in her 60s to 70s, said three men who witnessed the incident midnight two weeks ago.
Residents near the cemetery also said they have seen the old woman before.
Joel Tumanda, 44, said he was seated in front of a vehicle when it ran over the black sow with yellow and brown spots. The sow had a long snout and long fangs with bloodshot eyes, he added.
"Nakita namo ang baboy sa sapa mga 10 metros ang gilay-on gikan sa sementeryo, apan dihang miabot mi sa iyang tungod, kalit lang midasmag sa multicab (We saw the sow about 10 meters and it hurled itself in front of the vehicle as we passed)," he said.
Tumanda said they thought the sow died due to the impact but when they looked back and checked, they saw an old woman with long hair instead.
The woman, said Tumanda, crossed the street casually.
"Taas og buhok pero di namo maklaro ang nawong kay nagtalikod man siya (We could not see her face because she had her back toward us)," he said.
He admitted that they were drunk after having a few drinks but what they saw was enough to sober them up.
"Nanindog gani among balahibo unya na-problema na hinuon mi unsaon pagpauli kay moagi man gyud mi sa menteryo pagbalik (We had goosebumps and faced a dilemma as we had to pass through the cemetery to reach our destination)," he said.
Tumanda said he believes in old folktales of human beings turning into animals.
Tumanda’s companions, Dondon Gutierrez and a certain Kumander Dagami, also witnessed the incident.
"Di man gud na sila motuo sa una kay istorya-istorya ra man gud ng abat abat dinhi, unya mga laki pa gyud sila so kinsa man magdahum (They never believed ghost stories here)," Jennifer Gutierrez, wife of Dondon, said.
Some people also said they have seen a huge dog near the area where the sow transformed into a woman.
Ruth Granada also said that when they lived across the cemetery, they saw lights flickering at night.
"Santilmo gyud to siya kay mora man og bola nga nag-kalayo (It was like a ball of fire walking)," Granada said. (Orlando B. Dinoy/Sun.Star Davao/Sunnex)
News Update Fire destroys 2-storey house, left P50T in damaged properties
CEBU CITY -- The loss of a two-storey house during a fire in Barangay Poblacion Pardo, Cebu City felt like the death of a loved one, the fire victims said.
“Mura gyud mi ug namatyan (It’s as if we have lost a loved one),” 31-year-old Junior Lapitan said.
His family failed to save their belongings when the fire razed their house yesterday morning.
Two other nearby houses were also damaged by the flames.
In the spirit of “Bayanihan,” residents in the area helped in the firefighting.
The house, which was made of light materials, however, was quickly devoured by the flames.
No one was reported hurt or killed, except for a man who fainted after he fell from a house while helping put out the fire.
Wake
Nearby, the wake of a five-month-old baby had to be secured for fear that the flames could reach them.
The baby’s coffin was brought to a safer place, where family members kept a close
watch.
Poblacion Pardo Barangay Captain Fermin Dasmariñas said they will ask assistance from the Cebu City Government for the fire victims.
In an interview, he said, he feared many residents may have been affected because the area was densely-populated.
SFO2 Jimmy Layao of the Cebu City Fire Department pegged the damaged properties at P50,000.
He said they received the alarm at 8:44 a.m., but was declared under control after three minutes.
Several volunteer fire brigades aided in the firefighting, which was raised to a second alarm.
Layao identified the narrow roads as the major stumbling block in the firefighting.
As to what caused the blaze, Layao said it is still under investigation.
Some residents told Sun.Star Cebu that the family may have left a lighted mosquito repellant unattended.
Junior, however, dismissed this speculation and claimed that the fire was caused by an electric wire that exploded atop their rooftop.
“Dili lang ‘ta mi i-blame kay aksidente mani (We should not be blamed because it was an accident),” Junior said.
“Mura gyud mi ug namatyan (It’s as if we have lost a loved one),” 31-year-old Junior Lapitan said.
His family failed to save their belongings when the fire razed their house yesterday morning.
Two other nearby houses were also damaged by the flames.
In the spirit of “Bayanihan,” residents in the area helped in the firefighting.
The house, which was made of light materials, however, was quickly devoured by the flames.
No one was reported hurt or killed, except for a man who fainted after he fell from a house while helping put out the fire.
Wake
Nearby, the wake of a five-month-old baby had to be secured for fear that the flames could reach them.
The baby’s coffin was brought to a safer place, where family members kept a close
watch.
Poblacion Pardo Barangay Captain Fermin Dasmariñas said they will ask assistance from the Cebu City Government for the fire victims.
In an interview, he said, he feared many residents may have been affected because the area was densely-populated.
SFO2 Jimmy Layao of the Cebu City Fire Department pegged the damaged properties at P50,000.
He said they received the alarm at 8:44 a.m., but was declared under control after three minutes.
Several volunteer fire brigades aided in the firefighting, which was raised to a second alarm.
Layao identified the narrow roads as the major stumbling block in the firefighting.
As to what caused the blaze, Layao said it is still under investigation.
Some residents told Sun.Star Cebu that the family may have left a lighted mosquito repellant unattended.
Junior, however, dismissed this speculation and claimed that the fire was caused by an electric wire that exploded atop their rooftop.
“Dili lang ‘ta mi i-blame kay aksidente mani (We should not be blamed because it was an accident),” Junior said.
News Update Kraft Foods wins Excellence in Economy and Ecology Award
Kraft Foods Philippines’ (KFP) “Go Green" Program was recently recognized at the Excellence in Ecology and Economy (E3) Awards last October 13, 2011. “Go Green" is an improvement initiative which continuously looks for ways to save on the use of energy and water, and reduce CO2 emission and material waste.
Given annually by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the E3 honors companies for their innovative and outstanding environmental performance. At the awarding ceremony held at the Manila Hotel, the PCCI E3 recognized companies like Kraft Foods who have shown that environmental sustainability is an important part of any business.
“Our ‘Go Green’ Program has been creating significant improvements for our sustainability since we began in 2008," shares Sudip Mall, Kraft Foods Philippines’ General Manager. “We have worked hard to contribute to preserving the environment in our own way. It is a great honor to see how we have evolved in the last three years and to know that the efforts of our people are being recognized and rewarded."
Go Green: From a dream to reality
There’s a lot of talk about taking actions to live a ‘greener’ life. From reusable shopping bags to environmentally-friendly cleaning products, people are making choices that fit their lives.
Kraft Foods’ Operations Director Gautam Pal explains that “Sustainability is all about meeting the needs of the present without compromising those of the future generation. It’s about conducting business in a way that is environmentally, socially and economically responsible."
Pal continues “We have a robust roadmap based on our three R’s: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Some of our sustainability initiatives are considered as “best in the industry" and are being adopted globally within Kraft Foods."
Today, Kraft Foods is on its way to achieving 5% year-on-year reduction for its water and energy usage, and carbon emissions in 2013. It’s because of “Go Green" that Kraft Foods has been able save enough water to fill 5 Olympic-sized swimming pools annually and reduced enough CO2 emissions equivalent to 500 round-trips from Manila to the USA.
You can find simple ways to live a more environmentally-friendly existence too. Like saving money in the bank, being green is simply about saving up for your future.
Actions that impact you
To plan ahead, you need to know what your assets are. Do you have buckets where you can save water from the shower or dishwashing duties? Think of the amount of water you use every day, and how you can save some of it to use for other things like flushing the toilet or cleaning the garage.
Kraft Foods invested on assets which recycle treated water and for rainwater harvesting. These help the Company reuse and recycle this very precious resource for other purposes.
For energy, the Company invested in energy efficient motors, environmentally-friendly boilers, an innovative cooling technology, intelligent illumination systems, and route optimisation.
There is also a culture of energy saving evident among employees. It has become part of everyday life as offices use solatubes, LED lamps and street lights, which use solar technology.
For Kraft Foods and you, saving means meeting the needs of the present without compromising those of the future. So, start saving water and energy to enjoy a delicious tomorrow too.
Find out more about Kraft Foods’ Go Green program and other activities that make a delicious difference by visiting www.kraftfoods.ph.
Given annually by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the E3 honors companies for their innovative and outstanding environmental performance. At the awarding ceremony held at the Manila Hotel, the PCCI E3 recognized companies like Kraft Foods who have shown that environmental sustainability is an important part of any business.
“Our ‘Go Green’ Program has been creating significant improvements for our sustainability since we began in 2008," shares Sudip Mall, Kraft Foods Philippines’ General Manager. “We have worked hard to contribute to preserving the environment in our own way. It is a great honor to see how we have evolved in the last three years and to know that the efforts of our people are being recognized and rewarded."
Go Green: From a dream to reality
There’s a lot of talk about taking actions to live a ‘greener’ life. From reusable shopping bags to environmentally-friendly cleaning products, people are making choices that fit their lives.
Kraft Foods’ Operations Director Gautam Pal explains that “Sustainability is all about meeting the needs of the present without compromising those of the future generation. It’s about conducting business in a way that is environmentally, socially and economically responsible."
Pal continues “We have a robust roadmap based on our three R’s: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Some of our sustainability initiatives are considered as “best in the industry" and are being adopted globally within Kraft Foods."
Today, Kraft Foods is on its way to achieving 5% year-on-year reduction for its water and energy usage, and carbon emissions in 2013. It’s because of “Go Green" that Kraft Foods has been able save enough water to fill 5 Olympic-sized swimming pools annually and reduced enough CO2 emissions equivalent to 500 round-trips from Manila to the USA.
You can find simple ways to live a more environmentally-friendly existence too. Like saving money in the bank, being green is simply about saving up for your future.
Actions that impact you
To plan ahead, you need to know what your assets are. Do you have buckets where you can save water from the shower or dishwashing duties? Think of the amount of water you use every day, and how you can save some of it to use for other things like flushing the toilet or cleaning the garage.
Kraft Foods invested on assets which recycle treated water and for rainwater harvesting. These help the Company reuse and recycle this very precious resource for other purposes.
For energy, the Company invested in energy efficient motors, environmentally-friendly boilers, an innovative cooling technology, intelligent illumination systems, and route optimisation.
There is also a culture of energy saving evident among employees. It has become part of everyday life as offices use solatubes, LED lamps and street lights, which use solar technology.
For Kraft Foods and you, saving means meeting the needs of the present without compromising those of the future. So, start saving water and energy to enjoy a delicious tomorrow too.
Find out more about Kraft Foods’ Go Green program and other activities that make a delicious difference by visiting www.kraftfoods.ph.
News Update For serving lunch boxes PAL says sorry to passengers
Flag carrier Philippine Airlines on Wednesday issued an apology to its passengers who had to eat in lunch boxes on board recent flights.
In messages on its Twitter account, PAL said protesters blocked its In-Flight Center and hampered its catering service.
"Sorry about this. Our catering service was severely hampered by protesters blockading our Inflight Center that houses our kitchen," it said.
"PAL can not gain entry and are deprived usage of the facility. For food safety, we have temporarily switched to meal boxes," it said.
At least one passenger complained that they had to eat out of meal boxes.
Some passengers of Philippine Airlines, such as @ja_oben, complained of the lunch boxes used to serve their food. PAL outsourced three of its non-core businesses but members of its ground crew union had been barricading the I-Flight Center in protest of the move. — VS
In messages on its Twitter account, PAL said protesters blocked its In-Flight Center and hampered its catering service.
"Sorry about this. Our catering service was severely hampered by protesters blockading our Inflight Center that houses our kitchen," it said.
"PAL can not gain entry and are deprived usage of the facility. For food safety, we have temporarily switched to meal boxes," it said.
At least one passenger complained that they had to eat out of meal boxes.
Some passengers of Philippine Airlines, such as @ja_oben, complained of the lunch boxes used to serve their food. PAL outsourced three of its non-core businesses but members of its ground crew union had been barricading the I-Flight Center in protest of the move. — VS
News Update Newsweek hails Manny new Filipino 'Godfather'
MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao is all over the news.
The Filipino boxing icon, who owns probably the greatest rags-to-riches story in sports, is on this week’s cover of Newsweek’s Latin America and Philippine editions.
It’s no longer a surprise to see Pacquiao on the cover of such a widely-read magazine, but what should easily catch one’s attention is the title, “Pacquiao the Godfather.”
His face covers the entire page, signifying how big the treatment is. But he’d been on the cover of Time Magazine, and had been featured by Sports Illustrated and GQ Magazine.
In the Newsweek article written by Lawrence Osborne, Pacquiao was described as a “boxer, Godfather, saint and politician.”
The author recently traveled to Manila and General Santos City to see, for himself, how Pacquiao runs his day. He first met the boxer at the airport, and they shook hands.
Osborne must have thought it was his chance, but in the wink of an eye, Pacquiao, mobbed and surrounded by bodyguards, was gone, in a trail of SUVs.
“If I had amputated my hand, which had just shaken Pacquiao’s, I could probably have sold it to souvenir hunters,” Osborne wrote.
He quoted one of Pacquiao’s aides, who said, “It’s like trying to get lunch with Jesus Christ.”
Pacquiao is all set to face Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico for the third time, and in the article he looked back at some of the great fights he had, particularly the one against Oscar dela Hoya.
Osborne knew how big Pacquiao, the fighting congressman, is, and how he had amazingly crossed the boundaries of sports.
“To call Manny Pacquiao a boxer is one of those descriptions that don’t quite fly, like calling Mahatma Gandhi a Hindu lawyer,” he wrote.
Before he knew it, Osborne was watching Pacquiao play “Godfather” to the thousands lining up for his television game show “Manny, Many Prizes,” and around the pool tables of the Pan Pacific Hotel in Manila, and JMix in General Santos City.
In Manila he saw Pacquiao trying his luck against Filipino pool icon Efren “Bata” Reyes who just couldn’t miss a shot, and winning close to P2 million on a different night on the pool table.
In the boxer’s P35 million mansion in General Santos, Osborne found his moment, and heard what he wanted to hear from Pacquiao.
“It’s like being the parent of the whole Filipino people. I fulfill all my promises, unlike most politicians in this country,” Pacuiao told Osborne.
“Did you enjoy the hospital ceremony this morning? Sarangani, the place I grew up, doesn’t even have a hospital, not even one – 500,000 people and no hospital. So I built a hospital. Remember, I don’t need to enter politics. I have all the money I need. I could just be enjoying myself. But I have a duty to the people. I want to set the new example, to change the Philippines.”
Osborne also wrote about Pacquiao’s plans to run for governor in the next local elections in 2013, and then for senator in 2016.
But that’s getting ahead of the story. It’s all about the Godfather for now. - By Abac Cordero
The Filipino boxing icon, who owns probably the greatest rags-to-riches story in sports, is on this week’s cover of Newsweek’s Latin America and Philippine editions.
It’s no longer a surprise to see Pacquiao on the cover of such a widely-read magazine, but what should easily catch one’s attention is the title, “Pacquiao the Godfather.”
His face covers the entire page, signifying how big the treatment is. But he’d been on the cover of Time Magazine, and had been featured by Sports Illustrated and GQ Magazine.
In the Newsweek article written by Lawrence Osborne, Pacquiao was described as a “boxer, Godfather, saint and politician.”
The author recently traveled to Manila and General Santos City to see, for himself, how Pacquiao runs his day. He first met the boxer at the airport, and they shook hands.
Osborne must have thought it was his chance, but in the wink of an eye, Pacquiao, mobbed and surrounded by bodyguards, was gone, in a trail of SUVs.
“If I had amputated my hand, which had just shaken Pacquiao’s, I could probably have sold it to souvenir hunters,” Osborne wrote.
He quoted one of Pacquiao’s aides, who said, “It’s like trying to get lunch with Jesus Christ.”
Pacquiao is all set to face Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico for the third time, and in the article he looked back at some of the great fights he had, particularly the one against Oscar dela Hoya.
Osborne knew how big Pacquiao, the fighting congressman, is, and how he had amazingly crossed the boundaries of sports.
“To call Manny Pacquiao a boxer is one of those descriptions that don’t quite fly, like calling Mahatma Gandhi a Hindu lawyer,” he wrote.
Before he knew it, Osborne was watching Pacquiao play “Godfather” to the thousands lining up for his television game show “Manny, Many Prizes,” and around the pool tables of the Pan Pacific Hotel in Manila, and JMix in General Santos City.
In Manila he saw Pacquiao trying his luck against Filipino pool icon Efren “Bata” Reyes who just couldn’t miss a shot, and winning close to P2 million on a different night on the pool table.
In the boxer’s P35 million mansion in General Santos, Osborne found his moment, and heard what he wanted to hear from Pacquiao.
“It’s like being the parent of the whole Filipino people. I fulfill all my promises, unlike most politicians in this country,” Pacuiao told Osborne.
“Did you enjoy the hospital ceremony this morning? Sarangani, the place I grew up, doesn’t even have a hospital, not even one – 500,000 people and no hospital. So I built a hospital. Remember, I don’t need to enter politics. I have all the money I need. I could just be enjoying myself. But I have a duty to the people. I want to set the new example, to change the Philippines.”
Osborne also wrote about Pacquiao’s plans to run for governor in the next local elections in 2013, and then for senator in 2016.
But that’s getting ahead of the story. It’s all about the Godfather for now. - By Abac Cordero
News Update 100 soldiers to go after NPA raiders in Samar
MANILA, Philippines - A hundred Army soldiers have been tasked to run after suspected communist rebels who raided a provincial jail in Eastern Samar last Monday.
Army spokesman Maj. Harold Cabunoc said the 100 soldiers would come from the 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan, Samar.
Army chief Lt. Gen. Arturo Ortiz has directed Maj. Gen. Mario Chan, 8th ID commander, to hunt down the rebels in coordination with the police, Cabunoc said in a text message.
Cabunoc condemned the raid, saying such activities could hamper development in the countryside.
“These attacks on government facilities and business establishments show the true color of the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front),” he said.
“Peace and prosperity would be elusive if the rebels’ armed group continues to terrorize our people in the name of a lost cause,” he added.
On Monday morning, 30 suspected NPA guerrillas raided the provincial jail in Oras, Eastern Samar and seized various firearms and belongings of jail guards. Only three jail personnel were on duty during the raid.
Eastern Samar is one of the provinces with a huge concentration of NPA rebels. Other areas heavily influenced by the insurgents are the Bicol provinces, Leyte and parts of the Davao region. - By Alexis Romero
Army spokesman Maj. Harold Cabunoc said the 100 soldiers would come from the 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan, Samar.
Army chief Lt. Gen. Arturo Ortiz has directed Maj. Gen. Mario Chan, 8th ID commander, to hunt down the rebels in coordination with the police, Cabunoc said in a text message.
Cabunoc condemned the raid, saying such activities could hamper development in the countryside.
“These attacks on government facilities and business establishments show the true color of the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front),” he said.
“Peace and prosperity would be elusive if the rebels’ armed group continues to terrorize our people in the name of a lost cause,” he added.
On Monday morning, 30 suspected NPA guerrillas raided the provincial jail in Oras, Eastern Samar and seized various firearms and belongings of jail guards. Only three jail personnel were on duty during the raid.
Eastern Samar is one of the provinces with a huge concentration of NPA rebels. Other areas heavily influenced by the insurgents are the Bicol provinces, Leyte and parts of the Davao region. - By Alexis Romero
News Update 16 Phl banks in Asia's 500 list
Sixteen Philippine banks have made it to the list of 500 strongest banks in the region, based on a study by The Asian Banker.
Of the 16 Philippine banks, 13 are commercial banks and three are thrift banks.
The Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) has been adjudged the strongest bank in the Philippines, and the Philippine Savings Bank (PSbank) the strongest among the three thrift banks.
Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. (BDO) has been classified as the largest Philippine bank – at 186th among the top 500 banks in the region.
East West Banking Corp. (EastWest Bank) has been recognized as the largest gainer, with its reported 191-percent increase in net profit.
The study recognizes Security Banking Corp. (Security Bank) as having the highest return on assets among regional banks. It has the highest return-on-equity among Philippine banks.
As the biggest Philippine bank, BDO has been ranked 186th from 195th in 2010. Metrobank kept its ranking at 197th.
The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) has improved to 200th spot from 211th while Land Bank of the Philippines is at 264th down from 251st in 2010.
The Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) has been ranked 317th from last year’s 310th.
The Philippine National Bank (PNB) placed 324th from 313th, while China Banking Corp. has settled at 338th from 340th.
Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) landed on the 343rd slot from 331st a year ago. Allied Banking Corp. has been ranked 384th from 366th, while United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB) has settled at 387th from 406th.
Meanwhile, Security Bank made it to the list for the first time at 398th. Also making its debut in the list was BPI Family Savings Bank at 415th.
Bank of Commerce is at 449th from 420th, while PSBank is at 452nd from 426th. EastWest Bank is at 466th, the first time it has made it to the list. RCBC Savings Bank has also made it to the list for the first time at 497th.
The top two banks in the region, based on the list, are Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group of Japan (assets worth $2 trillion), and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China or ICBC (assets worth $2 trillion). Of the top 10, four are from mainland China, three from Japan, two from Australia and one from Hong Kong.
Curiously, no Philippine bank has made it to the list of top 50 banks with the largest profit, largest growth in loans, largest growth in deposits, lowest cost to income ratio, highest non-interest income to total operating income ratio, lowest gross NPL ratio, and highest capital adequacy ratio.
Of the top 50 banks in South and Southeast Asia, BDO has been ranked 36th; Metrobank, 40th; and BPI, 43rd.
The State Bank of India with assets worth $321 billion and the DBS Group (Singapore) with assets worth $220 billion are the top two banks in South and Southeast Asia.
Among the top 50 banks in South Asia and Southeast Asia, 23 are Indian banks, four are from Singapore, nine from Malaysia, seven from Thailand, and four from Indonesia.
The next three leading Indian banks are ICICI Bank, Punjab National Bank and Bank of Baroda.
Maybank, with $103 billion in assets, is the top Malaysian bank. The next is CIMB Group Holdings with $87 billion in assets. The top three Thai banks are Bangkok Bank, Krung Thai Bank, and Kasikornbank.
Aside from DBS Group, the other top Singaporean banks are Overseas Chinese Banking Corp. and United Overseas Bank
Of the 16 Philippine banks, 13 are commercial banks and three are thrift banks.
The Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) has been adjudged the strongest bank in the Philippines, and the Philippine Savings Bank (PSbank) the strongest among the three thrift banks.
Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. (BDO) has been classified as the largest Philippine bank – at 186th among the top 500 banks in the region.
East West Banking Corp. (EastWest Bank) has been recognized as the largest gainer, with its reported 191-percent increase in net profit.
The study recognizes Security Banking Corp. (Security Bank) as having the highest return on assets among regional banks. It has the highest return-on-equity among Philippine banks.
As the biggest Philippine bank, BDO has been ranked 186th from 195th in 2010. Metrobank kept its ranking at 197th.
The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) has improved to 200th spot from 211th while Land Bank of the Philippines is at 264th down from 251st in 2010.
The Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) has been ranked 317th from last year’s 310th.
The Philippine National Bank (PNB) placed 324th from 313th, while China Banking Corp. has settled at 338th from 340th.
Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) landed on the 343rd slot from 331st a year ago. Allied Banking Corp. has been ranked 384th from 366th, while United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB) has settled at 387th from 406th.
Meanwhile, Security Bank made it to the list for the first time at 398th. Also making its debut in the list was BPI Family Savings Bank at 415th.
Bank of Commerce is at 449th from 420th, while PSBank is at 452nd from 426th. EastWest Bank is at 466th, the first time it has made it to the list. RCBC Savings Bank has also made it to the list for the first time at 497th.
The top two banks in the region, based on the list, are Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group of Japan (assets worth $2 trillion), and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China or ICBC (assets worth $2 trillion). Of the top 10, four are from mainland China, three from Japan, two from Australia and one from Hong Kong.
Curiously, no Philippine bank has made it to the list of top 50 banks with the largest profit, largest growth in loans, largest growth in deposits, lowest cost to income ratio, highest non-interest income to total operating income ratio, lowest gross NPL ratio, and highest capital adequacy ratio.
Of the top 50 banks in South and Southeast Asia, BDO has been ranked 36th; Metrobank, 40th; and BPI, 43rd.
The State Bank of India with assets worth $321 billion and the DBS Group (Singapore) with assets worth $220 billion are the top two banks in South and Southeast Asia.
Among the top 50 banks in South Asia and Southeast Asia, 23 are Indian banks, four are from Singapore, nine from Malaysia, seven from Thailand, and four from Indonesia.
The next three leading Indian banks are ICICI Bank, Punjab National Bank and Bank of Baroda.
Maybank, with $103 billion in assets, is the top Malaysian bank. The next is CIMB Group Holdings with $87 billion in assets. The top three Thai banks are Bangkok Bank, Krung Thai Bank, and Kasikornbank.
Aside from DBS Group, the other top Singaporean banks are Overseas Chinese Banking Corp. and United Overseas Bank
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
News Update Philippines bans citizens from working in 41 countries
Published on Nov 2, 2011
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MANILA (AFP) - The Philippines said on Wednesday it had banned Filipinos from travelling to work in 41 countries and territories that had allegedly failed to provide enough safeguards to protect them from abuse.
The Department of Labour and Employment in a board resolution posted on its website said the blacklisted countries failed to sign international conventions protecting foreign workers.
Neither have these countries signed bilateral agreements with the Philippines 'on the protection of the rights of overseas Filipino workers,' the resolution said.
They also do not have their own laws protecting foreign workers, the resolution added. Included in the list were strife-torn countries such as Afghanistan, Libya, Iraq, Sudan, Chad and Pakistan. It was not clear how the deployment ban could affect the country's economy.
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MANILA (AFP) - The Philippines said on Wednesday it had banned Filipinos from travelling to work in 41 countries and territories that had allegedly failed to provide enough safeguards to protect them from abuse.
The Department of Labour and Employment in a board resolution posted on its website said the blacklisted countries failed to sign international conventions protecting foreign workers.
Neither have these countries signed bilateral agreements with the Philippines 'on the protection of the rights of overseas Filipino workers,' the resolution said.
They also do not have their own laws protecting foreign workers, the resolution added. Included in the list were strife-torn countries such as Afghanistan, Libya, Iraq, Sudan, Chad and Pakistan. It was not clear how the deployment ban could affect the country's economy.
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