RESCUE TEAMS DEPLOYED AS SANTI STORMS THOUGH LUZON & MANILA
31 October 2009
NDCC deploys rescue teams to Metro Manila, 3 other regions
MANILA
The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) deployed rescue teams and facilities from different defense and police agencies to Regions 3, 4-A, and 5 as well as Metro Manila as part of preparations for the expected onslaught of typhoon "Santi" between dawn of Saturday and Sunday.
Three foreign vessels run aground due to strong winds, huge waves brought by "Santi"
MANILA
Strong winds and huge waves brought by typhoon “Santi” caused three foreign cargo ships to run aground in Manila Bay on Saturday morning, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.
This developed as Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo, PCG commandant, sent his men to conduct search and rescue...
The stranded 7,647 passengers were finally given go signal to leave the different ports to travel via sea after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) downgraded the typhoon signals on Saturday afternoon, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.
Sinnott appears on video, says captors seeking US$ 2-M in ransom
MANILA
The group holding Irish priest Michael Sinnott captive in Mindanao has asked for US$2-million ransom in exchange for his safe release.
Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner, Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman, said the AFP had a copy of a video, showing Sinnott relaying the demand of...
Typhoon Santi inundates at least 50 villages in Laguna
CAMP VICENTE LIM, Canlubang, Laguna (With video)
Waist-high floodwaters, triggered by heavy rains brought about by typhoon "Santi," inundated at least 50 villages in eight towns in Laguna early Saturday morning.
The floods that struck at about 3 a.m. Saturday also triggered an overflow of various rivers, destroying at least four...
TYPHOON SANTI STRANDS THOUSANDS OF FERRY PASSENGERS
31 October 2009
Stranded passengers reach 7,647 as typhoon Santi makes a landfall
MANILA
The number of stranded sea travelers slightly increased to 7,647 as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) suspended vessels from leaving and traveling to areas that have been placed by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) under Public Storm Warning Signal (PSWS) 2 and 3.
More than 50 houses were destroyed and several people were injured when a strong twister swept through a village in this coastal town at the height of typhoon "Santi" (international codename: Mirinae) early Saturday.
The tornado hit Barangay San Jose before dawn, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said, adding that the...
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WANTS DIALOG ON OIL PRICE CONTROL
30 October 2009
PCCI urges government, oil players to talk
MANILA
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the country’s biggest and most influential business organization, has urged the government and oil players to sit down and talk over the issue of oil prices.
PCCI president Edgardo G. Lacson issued this statement following the issuance by Malacanang of Executive Order 839, which...
Pampanga residents near Arnedo dike in danger -- DPWH
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga
Thousands of residents living in several villages along the Arnedo dike – the supposed first line of defense against the overflow of Pampanga River – are permanently in danger.
This was the statement made by Hector Mercado, chief maintenance engineer of the Department of Public Works...
Damaged vital bridge in Pangasinan partially reopens
SISON, Pangasinan
Travel to and from La Union from Sison, Pangasinan via the flood damaged Agat Bridge, across the Bued River, is now possible following installation of a temporary bridge, the Office of Civil Defense (CD) regional office reported.
Construction of the temporary bridge, strengthened by a timber pedestal installed in the mid-section...
Stressing the importance of delicadeza (sense of propriety), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-6 Regional Director Rolando Asis warned district engineers to stay away from cockpits.
He issued the warning as the DPWH-6 administrative office recommended that Guimaras District Engineer Teodoro Castillo be reprimanded for entering a cockpit in Brgy....
No salaries for DPWH personnel with unliquidated cash advances
ILOILO CITY
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-6 Regional Director Rolando Asis warned all district engineers and employees that those who will fail to liquidate their cash advances won’t be getting their salaries or will have them deducted.
The official move as the Commission on Audit (COA) recently issued an...
The Department of Tourism (DOT) now joins Prince Albert II of Monaco and Sir David Attenborough in the Birdlife Species Champions honor roll, as it seals its commitment to the conservation of one of the rarest birds in the world, the Cebu Flowerpecker (Dicaeum quadricolor), only found in...
OLYMPIC COMMITTEE PLEDGE TO RAISE FUNDS FOR SOUTH EAST ASIAN GAMES COMPETITORS
30 October 2009
POC to raise P5.6M for RP athletes bound for Laos SEA Games
MANILA
The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has expressed readiness to raise P5.64 million for the remaining 94 athletes who will not be covered by the P35 million which the Philippines Sports Commission has been allotted for the country's participation in the 25th Southeast Asian Games slated in December...
It's time for the college boys to shine in the bigger basketball arena.
Ateneo’s Nonoy Baclao and University of the East’s Elmer Espiritu, two of the finest young forwards around, will be put to another test Saturday as the Philippine Patriots shoot for their first...
NCAA: SAN BEDA GIFTS COACH BADOLATO A GOING-AWAY CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE
30 October 2009
MANILA
San Beda drew strength from the clutch performance of Arthur dela Cruz and Baser Amer as it ripped Letran, 86-75, Thursday to clinch its 17th juniors title overall while giving its legendary coach a fitting parting gift in the 85th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.
Reigning national champion Mark Fernando held his own against the region’s top players as he put in a solid round of five-under par 67 to trail Chinese Han Ren by three strokes at the start of the inaugural Asian Amateur Championship in Southern China late Thursday.
Fernando rattled off six birdies in an 11-hole stretch at the Mission Hills...
Boxing: Albania vs Kazakh in 3rd Asian Indoor boxfest in Vietnam
HANOI
The boxing competitions in the 3rd Asian Indoor Games reeled off with the draw held Thursday at the Phoenix Resort Hotel in Bac Ninh province, the boxing venue 38 kilometers east of the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi.
The draw was supervised by the tournament's Technical Delegate Nieva Embuldeniya,...
MAYOR & VICE MAYOR SUSPENDED OVER ILLEGAL QUARRYING
30 October 2009
Palawan Provincial Board suspends mayor and vice mayor on admin case
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY
The Palawan Provincial Board (PB) has finally decided on the administrative case filed by the Kilusan Sagip Kalikasan (KSK) against San Vicente Mayor Antonio Gonzales and Coron Vice Mayor Joseph Armstrong Palanca – it imposed a 60-day preventive suspension on them.
COURT OF APPEAL BLOCKS FOREIGNERS CLAIM TO PROPERTY
30 October 2009
CA affirms lower court's decision that aliens are not allowed to acquire private land in RP
By Juancho Gallarde
DUMAGUETE CITY
The Court of Appeals (CA) has affirmed the decision of the lower court that aliens are not allowed by law to acquire any private land in the Philippines, except through inheritance.
DOE tightens watch on violation of oil price freeze order
MANILA
The Department of Energy (DOE) is strictly monitoring the oil companies' compliance with the provision of Executive Order 839 to help consumers cope with the recent tragic incident brought by typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng in Luzon and in Metro Manila.
Energy Secretary Angelo T. Reyes said the DOE and...
Over 7,000 ship passengers stranded in Southern Tagalog, Bicol due to typhoon Santi
MANILA
A total of 7,480 passengers of vessels were stranded after the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) suspended vessels from leaving and traveling to areas that have been placed by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) under Public Storm Warning Signal (PSWS) 2.
Two reservoirs started to spill water in preparation for the intense typhoon heading Luzon Friday night, the state weather bureau said.
Nathaniel Cruz, weather sciences bureau chief, said that the Pantabangan Dam in Nueva Ecija at 4 a.m. Friday began releasing 60 cubic meters per second (cms) via 1.1 meter opening of...
PAGASA GETTING NEW DOPPLER RADAR SYSTEM FROM JAPAN
30 October 2009
Japan grants P1.74-B for RP Doppler weather radar systems
By Gloria Jane Baylon
MANILA
Japan is granting JPY 3.350 billion (about P1.74 billion) to the Philippines to enhance the country’s capability for weather monitoring and weather information/warning dissemination, including the installations of new Doppler (S-band) radar systems.
Notes on the project were exchanged Friday morning between Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto...
RP gets Australian-developed typhoon forecasting system
By Gloria Jane Baylon
MANILA
The Australian Government is granting the Philippines a P17-million early cyclone warning system, through the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Rod Smith announced on Friday.
A press briefing on the enhanced forecasting system that will help the Philippines better prepare for...
Four suspects in Greenbelt 5 robbery slain in shootout with NBI agents in Cebu
By Eddie O. Barrita
CEBU CITY
Four suspected members of the gang that robbed a Rolex shop in the Greenbelt 5 mall in Makati City were killed in a shootout with a joint team of Cebu and Manila National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents Thursday night...
Over 10,000 villagers evacuated in Albay as typhoon 'Santi' hovers over Bicol
By Mar S. Arguelles
LEGAZPI CITY
Disaster authorities here have evacuated at least 10,332 people or 1,987 families living in low-lying areas and mountain slopes prone to flooding and landslide as typhoon "Santi" hovers the Bicol region bringing heavy rains and strong winds.
PAL cancels 50 domestic, int'l flight due to typhoon Santi - planes being evacuated from Manila
By Lynda B. Valencia
MANILA
Philippine Airlines (PAL) cancelled 50 domestic and international flights departing and arriving in Manila starting tonight until noon Saturday due to the expected onslaught of typhoon Santi.
Typhoon Santi is expected to hit Metro Manila and adjoining provinces by...
TOXIC WASTE SAMPLES BEING ANALYSED AFTER GREENPEACE RAIDS CAVITE POLLUTER
30 October 2009
Greenpeace blocks pipe from toxic chemicals company, demands full disclosure of chemicals harming communities and environment - British University testing toxic samples
Silang, Cavite
Greenpeace Water Patrol activists today initiated an investigation into toxic chemical effluents and noxious fumes that have downed around 70 community folk in Silang, Cavite, about 55 kilometers south of Manila.
Wearing protective suits and masks, Greenpeace volunteers collected samples of...
(Typhoon update): 'Santi' accelerates while continuing to move closer to Quezon province -- Pagasa
MANILA
Weathermen hoisted public storm warning signal No. 3 over a wider area of Southern Luzon Friday afternoon as typhoon "Santi" accelerated while continuing to move closer to Quezon province.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said that as of 1:00 p.m. today,...
Bicol experiences rains and winds due to 'Santi' - Pagasa
MANILA
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) on Friday afternoon said that the Bicol Region is now expericing rains and winds due to typhoon "Santi".
According to Pagasa spokesman Dr. Nathaniel Cruz, typhoon "Santi" has yet to make a landfall, however, the Bicol Region is now experiencing...
The government-mandated price rollback of petroleum products is only temporary.
This assurance was made on Friday by Press Secretary Cerge Remonde in a press briefing in Malacanang even as he warned that any deliberate supply shortages by oil companies could be viewed as economic sabotage, saying oil companies have “long-term supply contracts.”
Pagasa: Calm prevails in metropolis hours before Santi's onslaught
By Mediatrix P. Cristobal
MANILA
The state weather bureau has warned the public against complacency amid bright, warm weather across Metro Manila 24 hours before the anticipated passage of typhoon "Santi" in the metropolis.
"Before the day ends, Metro Manila can expect deteriorating weather conditions. We urge the public to take...
The weather bureau has advised the public to skip going to province due to the danger to be spawned by typhoon Santi that is seen to pummel Luzon on the eve of All Saints' Day.
"We advise them to forego their trip, especially those who will travel by sea... it would be dangerous...
Whale shark found dead in Manila Bay finds
'resting place in Dagupan fish 'cemetery'
By Leonardo V. Micua
DAGUPAN CITY
The 5.2 meter whale shark, locally called “butanding” (Rhincodon typhus) founded dead on early Wednesday morning at Manila Bay was buried at the country’s lone cemetery inside the 24-hectare National Integrated Fisheries Technology Development Center (NIFTDC) here at 4:30 a.m....
PGMA issues EO 834 to stabilize rice supply, prime commodities
Manila
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Thursday issued an executive order authorizing the National Food Authority (NFA), Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI) and the Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC) to intervene in the stabilization of the supply and prices of basic commodities in the country.
UPLB research on improved eggplant varieties, a success
By Rosario G. Gabatin
LOS BANOS
More than a decade of research paid off! Pest resistant varieties of eggplant (aubergines) were developed; ways to lessen the use or avoidance of insecticidal spraying were found; there was reduced pest population in the field; and eventually, high production yield was reached.
Trade, investment mission to establish RP-US economic ties
By Judy G. Quiros
DAVAO CITY
The US trade and investment mission to the Philippines, Mindanao leg, proves the commitment of President Barack Obama to establish economic ties between the two countries, according to an American investor.
Alex St. James, vice president, Overseas Market Development of the U.S. Fed Group, said it...
PLDT, Lopez negotiating for the disposal of 6.7% stake in Meralco
MANILA
Negotiations between Metro Pacific Investment Corp. and First Philippine Holdings of the Lopez Group are now ongoing for the 6.7 percent stake in Manila Electric Company (Meralco).
Manny Pangilinan, chairman of Metro Pacific, said they offered P90 per share for the 6.7 percent stake.
The Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) based in this city simultaneously freed two captive-bred eagles in the wilderness of Mt. Kitanglad in Bukidnon Thursday afternoon.
Jayson Ibanez, PEF research director, said the simultaneous release of two Philippine Eagles in the wild was the first time conducted since it...
FILIPINO's IN CHINESE PRISONS MAY GET BETTER CONSULAR SERVICES
29 October 2009
RP, China sign agreement on provisions for imprisoned Filipinos
By Gloria Jane Baylon
MANILA
Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi concluded on Thursday a two-day visit to Manila after signing a landmark consular agreement with Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo on the settlement of disputes and assistance to Filipinos arrested or detained in China.
Oil firms cannot expect the government to believe their claim that they will lose money as a result of the fuel price rollback.
Deputy Spokesperson Gary Olivar remarked at this morning’s media briefing that the companies should have acceded to the request that they open their books. That is, if they...
NORWAY's PEACE NEGOTIATOR MAY MEET INSURGENT GROUPS
29 October 2009
NDF, MILF open to resumption of peace talks
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY
Top officials of the government peace panel revealed today that both the National Democratic Front (NDF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are “open and upbeat” to the resumption of the stalled peace talks.
Newly appointed Peace Process Adviser Secretary Annabelle Abaya and GRP peace panel chairman...
INTENSIVE CHECKS BEING MADE ON LEPTOSPIROSIS OUTBREAK
29 October 2009
Gov’t, WHO team up to fight lepto surge
MANILA
The government has teamed up with the World Health Organization (WHO) to study the exact strain of leptospirosis that affects three towns in La Union and three towns in Pangasinan.
Both La Union and Pangasinan suffered flooding in the back-to-back typhoons.
The Department of Health has been treating La Union patients...
COAST GUARD PUBLICIZES DIRECTORY TO SHIP OPERATORS
29 October 2009
PCG directory out to shipping firms
MANILA
The Philippine Coast Guard has distributed copies of PCG Communications Directory to shipping companies and maritime stakeholders to help improve coordination and communications in support of the conduct of safe, clean and secure sea travel.
The directory includes list of communications devices such as landlines, fax machines, cellular phones, VSAT, Microwave System, email...
HIGAONAN TRIBE GET THEIR ANCESTRAL DOMAIN LAND TITLES
29 October 2009
GMA awards ancestral domain titles to Higaonon tribe
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY
After 12 years of waiting, the Higaonon tribe in a remote village in Claveria, Misamis Oriental, now have a land they can call their own.
In commemoration of the 12th anniversary of the Indigenous People's Right Act (IPRA), President Arroyo distributed Certificates of Ancestral Domain Titles (CADT) to...
RP women boxers poised to perform better in Asian Indoor Games
HANOI, Vietnam
Having no international exposure for this year will not be a hindrance for the RP women’s boxing team’s quest for top honors in the 3rd Asian Indoor Games which opens Thursday at the 40,000 seater My Dinh National Stadium.
TWO-STROKE TRICYCLES GETTING A SLOW DEATH SENTENCE
29 October 2009
Phase-out of tricycles powered with two-stroke engines put drivers, operators on the edge
ILOILO CITY
The government’s policy to phase out motorcycles powered with two-stroke engines by 2010 has placed the tricycle industry in Metro Iloilo which accounts for more than 10,000 registered motorcycles used in the livelihood of more than 15,000 drivers and owners of tricycles here on the...
LPG prices to increase by P4 per kg starting November 1?
By Marie S. Nerie
MANILA
Prices of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) will be hiked by as much as P4 per kilogram next month.
Arnel Ty, president of LPG Marketers Association (LPGMA) said they already asked the Department of Energy to come out with a guidelines in order to put...
HOLIDAY CRUISE FIRM TO HIRE ADDITIONAL 2,000 FILIPINOS
29 October 2009
Cruise ship president vows to hire more Filipino workers
MANILA
Europe’s largest cruise ship company pledged to hire more Filipinos for its growing number of luxury liners.
During his courtesy call this morning on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Pier Luigi Foschi, president and chief executive of Costa Crociere (Cruises), expressed the firm's support for the President’s goal of bringing in 20,000...
The Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office has filed murder charges against seven soldiers in connection with the killing of a policeman and a village watchman last September in Batasan Hills, Quezon City.
The QC Prosecutor’s Office charged with two counts of murder and one count of frustrated murder each at the Quezon City Regional Trial...
PRESS RELEASE: PAVA FLOUR FAVORITE FOR WHEAT CAKES
29 October 2009
PAVA flour "Zhitnitsa" earns recommendation for cooking wheat cakes
Recently, bakers and confectioners from across Russia have been presented a new type of wheat flour by Altay company OJSC PAVA. The "Zhitnitsa" product, containing an unusually rich mix of valuable substances, is interchangeable with standard flour grades in production of various bakery items. The latest tests have shown that it...
CEZA inks contract with Spanish firm for proposed Cagayan airport design
MANILA
Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) has signed a contract with a Spanish company to undertake a feasibility study, master planning and preliminary engineering design for the proposed CEZA International Airport in Cagayan province.
Getinsa Ingenieria SL, a Spanish engineering firm based in Madrid and which has presence in...
Mindanao’s high quality sardines are making a crack at the international market with the planned opening of a production plant in Brunei Darussalam by Zamboanga del Norte-based sardine producers.
Presidential Adviser for Mindanao Jesus Dureza said the state of Brunei has endorsed a proposed joint-venture agreement on sardine production that will allow...
PFIZER ACCUSED OF BULLYING OVER CHEAPER CHOLESTOROL DRUGS
29 October 2009
Roxas to Pfizer: Spare retail drugs stores from patent war
By Jelly F. Musico
MANILA
Senator Mar Roxas said on Thursday that pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, Inc. must stop bullying the retail drugstore industry and leave them out of its patent war with local company United Laboratories over the sale of an anti-cholesterol drug.
FILIPINO UN STAFFER WAS KILLED IN TALIBAN's KABUL BOMBING
29 October 2009
Jossie Esto: 4th Filipino UN staff member to die in recent terrorist attacks on UN agencies -- DFA
By Gloria Jane Baylon
MANILA
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) officially announced on Thursday that Filipino Jossie G. Esto was among five personnel of the United Nations Volunteer Program (UNVP) who died in a terror attack on the Bekhtar Guesthouse in...
TOURISM BOOST AS CRUISE SHIP COMPANY STARTS USING MANILA
29 October 2009
DOT welcomes Costa Classica’s maiden call
By Lynda B. Valencia
MANILA
The Department of Tourism (DOT) recently welcomed Costa Classica, a 14-storey, 53,000 gross-tonnage ship which brought 1,300 guests to Manila.
From Costa Cruises, Italy’s largest tourism group and Europe’s number one cruise company, the maiden call also coincided with the company’s affirmation to commit regular calls in the city’s...
TENNIS: TOP SEEDS TO THE SEMIS OF THE PCA JUNIORS DIVISION
29 October 2009
MANILA
It was swift work Thursday for top seeds Christian San Andres, Hans Asistio and Mimo Tomacruz as they marched into the semifinals of their respective divisions in the 28th Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Open at Plaza Dilao, Paco, Manila.
San Andres pulled the plug on Spenser Sagrado’s bid, 6-0, 6-0, to arrange a final four match with unseeded Vince...
PBL ROOKIE CAMP ASPIRANTS WILL HAVE SOME STRONG COMPETITION
29 October 2009
PBL: Rookie draft for 56 or more players on Nov.10
By Lily O Ramos
MANILA
De La Salle University's pesky guard,Hyram Bagatsing and Nikko Hubalde of Emilio Aguinado College, lead a new crop of players who will strut their wares during the PBL Rookie Camp on November 10.
A total of 56 players have already signified their interest to join...
NCAA: A WARM SEND-OFF FOR BADOLATO IN THE JUNIOR's LEAGUE
28 October 2009
Game Thursday (The Arena, San Juan City)
2 p.m.- San Beda vs Letran (jrs)
MANILA
San Beda hopes to send its legendary coach a parting gift as it aims for the title even as Letran seeks to spoil it as the two collide Thursday in a knockout match in the juniors’ finals of the 85th NCAA basketball tournament at The...
The Brunei Barracudas may have only seven to eight players who can play real basketball but the Philippine Patriots coach Louie Alas is not taking lightly when they clash on Saturday in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) at The Arena in San Juan.
With a few more still unfinished rounds at hand, Gene Bondoc took charge of the field that sputtered under tough playing condition at the Forest Hills Golf Club, carding a one-under par 70 for a one-stroke clubhouse lead over Richard Sinfuego at the start of the ICTSI-Philippine Golf...
WEDDING GUESTS KILLED & INJURED AS TRUCK CRASHES INTO RAVINE
28 October 2009
3 die, 50 others hurt as truck plunges into ravine in North Cotabato
COTABATO CITY
Three hitchhikers were killed while more than 50 others were injured when a truck carrying barangay folks on their way to a wedding reception in Digos City plunged into a deep ravine in North Cotabato Tuesday, officials said Wednesday.
WEATHER: Now a typhoon, "Mirinae" nears east coast of Central Luzon
MANILA
Tropical storm "Mirinae" further gathers might as it howls over the Pacific Ocean, and poised to enter the Philippine territory as a typhoon tonight, the weather bureau said.
"This is forecast to make a landfall in northern part of Central Luzon on Saturday," Rommel Yutuc, forecaster at the...
Malacañang is satisfied with the compliance of oil companies to Executive Order 839 which President Arroyo issued last Friday directing oil firms to roll back prices to October 15 levels in Luzon.
The order remains in effect until the state of calamity the President had declared in Luzon is lifted.
ALBAY's DOUBLE THREAT: A TYPHOON & POSSIBLE VOLCANO
28 October 2009
Albay placed under Alert and Monitoring status due to threats of typhoon, Mayon 'combo disaster'
By Mike dela Rama
LEGAZPI CITY
The entire province of Albay has been placed under Alert and Monitoring status due to the threats of an incoming typhoon and the heightened restiveness of Mayon Volcano.
SC orders Pasig City to pay landowners of illegally taken property
MANILA
The Supreme Court (SC) has ordered the City Government of Pasig to compensate five landowners for illegally taking their property and converted it to a municipal road.
In a ruling penned by Associate Justice Diosdado Peralta, the SC said that the City of Pasig "acted in utter disregard...
This southern highly urbanized city is finalizing its clean air action plan that will encompass all actions to be taken by stakeholders in collaboration with the city government here in an attempt to help solve the issues on global warming and climate change.
City environment and natural resources officer Engr. Noel...
MEIJI ELECTRICS CHARGED WITH FORGING IMPORT CERTIFICATES
28 October 2009
DTI files raps vs. importer of wiring devices
MANILA
The Department of Trade and Industry confiscated uncertified wiring devices that were passed on as Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) bearing products.
DTI filed a formal charge against Meiji Electric Philippines for faking the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) certificates of its 16,300 pieces of socket outlets and 7,250 pieces of snap switches...
Senator Loren Legarda said on Wednesday that she respect the decision of erstwhile fellow Nationalist People’s Coalition member Chiz Escudero to quit one of the country’s old political party.
”I respect the decision of Senator Chiz Escuder to resign from the NPC and understand the noble sentiments behind it,” said Legarda who declared...
Disaster officials in Central Luzon and Metro Manila are warned anew against the looming storm that will hit the area towards the end of the week.
In it's 11 a.m. advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said that tropical storm Mirinae will enter the Philippine Area of...
11 persons die, 21 others injured in Isabela road accident
TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan
Eleven persons died on the spot and 21 others were injured when a Dagupan Bus Liner collided with a car and then fell into an 80-foot deep ravine along the Tagaran Bridge in Cauayan City, Isabela at about 3:45 a.m. Wednesday.
President Arroyo directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to impose tight security in public places in Jolo, Sulu as she condems the bombing of a Roman Catholic Cathedral in Jolo Tuesday morning,
Police and military authorities said the blast at the back of the cathedral came from...
Comelec junks Lozano's petition seeking to disqualify Erap from running in 2010 polls
MANILA
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has denied the petition filed by lawyer Oliver Lozano which seeks to disqualify former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada from running in the May 2010 elections.
“Premature yun. Wait until an application for candidacy is filed,” said Comelec chairman Jose Melo, adding...
Germany provides P70-M for victims of Mindanao conflict
MANILA
The German government has extended the amount of Euros 1-million (about P70 million) for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and those who became ill or were wounded in the Mindanao conflict, German ambassador to Manila Christian-Ludwig Weber-Lortsch said.
The funds are released through the International Committee of the Red Cross, to be...
GRP, MILF agree on civilian protection role of IMT
By Gloria Jane Baylon
MANILA
An Agreement on the Civilian Protection Component of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) of the Mindanao peace process was signed in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Comelec denies Magdalo's application for registration as a political party
By Ferdinand G. Patinio
MANILA
As much as the Magdalo soldiers would like to forget about what happened in the past, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) seems not ready to let go of the Oakwood mutiny in 2003.
This, after the poll body’s second division rejected the group’s petition to...
RP re-elected to UN’s Ecosoc with highest number of votes
MANILA
The Philippines was recently reelected to another two-year term in the United Nations Economic and Social Council (Ecosoc), garnering the biggest number of votes among the 18 countries that won seats in the 54-member body.
In a report to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Ambassador to the U.N....
Sagip Bayan nets P666,000 donations for 'Ondoy' and 'Pepeng' victims
MANILA
Oplan Sagip Bayan on Tuesday said they have received donations and relief goods from various government agencies amounting to P666,101 for the victims of storms "Ondoy" and "Pepeng".
Sagip Bayan officials said they were informed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) that for the period October...
RP’s rice production may drop by 70% in 2050, warns UN body
By Jelly F. Musico
MANILA
The United Nation International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) has warned that the Philippines could face a 50 to 70 percent drop in rice production as early as 2050 due to the climate change.
UNISDR official Gerry Velasquez aired this warning during the...
The Campaigns Officer is a senior campaigns post and the postholder will be responsible for developing and implementing ECPAT UK's public awareness campaigns against child trafficking and child sexual exploitation. One of the main ECPAT UK campaigns is the Three Small Steps campaign. The Campaigns Officer will be...
DOH declares leptospirosis outbreak in three La Union towns
By Leonardo V. Micua
SAN FERNANDO, LA UNION
The Center for Health Development (CHD) of the Department of Health (DOH) in Region 1 has confirmed an outbreak of leptospirosis in three towns of La Union.
DOH regional director Eduardo Janairo, with the approval of health Secretary Francisco Duque III, declared an...
QC prosecutor’s office dismiss Claudine Barretto estafa case (Entertainment)
MANILA
The Quezon City prosecutor’s office on Tuesday dismissed a complaint filed against actress Claudine Barreto by her former aide Nancy Cruz in 2008.
In her complaint, Cruz accused Barreto of not reporting her employment to the Social Security System (SSS). She also alleged that Barreto did not give her financial...
Top seed Shanine Olivarez proved too strong for unseeded Patricia Ong with a merciless 6-0, 6-0 win Tuesday to lead the semifinalists in the girls’ 16-under division of the 28th Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Open at the PCA indoor clay shell courts in Plaza Dilao, Paco, Manila.
The 15-year-old Olivarez tries to seize the first slot in the finals...
Speaker favors voluntary re-alignment of pork barrel to speed up rehab of typhoon-hit areas
By Lilybeth G. Ison
MANILA
Speaker Prospero Nograles on Tuesday said members of the House of Representatives are more than willing to share the Countryside Development Fund (CDF) alloted for their districts for the repair and rehabilitation of important public works projects that were destroyed by...
Leptospirosis kills 15 in Central Luzon; 204 cases traced
By Joel Mapiles
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga
Cases of leptospirosis in Central Luzon continued to rise with 204 cases, including 15 reported deaths.
Dr. Rio Magpantay, regional director of the Department of Health (DOH), pointed out that most cases were traced from Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Aurora and Tarlac....
W.H.O. EXPERTS ARRIVE TO AID FIGHT AGAINST LEPTOSPIROSIS OUTBREAK
27 October 2009
Global experts to help thePhilippinesfight disease outbreak
MANILA
A team of international experts has arrived in the Philippines to help the Government respond to a large-scale outbreak of the disease leptospirosis, which has followed the torrential rains and flooding that hit the country more than three weeks ago.
GSIS members have until Nov. 4 to apply for calamity loans
MANILA
The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) on Tuesday announced that it has extended until November 4, 2009 the deadline for application for emergency loan.
In a statement, the GSIS said this move was made to enable GSIS members living in areas affected by the recent calamities more time...
It’s all systems go for the administration's Lakas-Kampi-CMD (Christian, Muslim Democrats) political party for next year's polls as the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has junked the motion for reconsideration filed by Pangasinan Rep. Jose de Venecia to annul the merger of Lakas-CMD and the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino...
5.3 magnitude earthquake jolts Central Mindanao region
COTABATO CITY
A 5.3 magnitude earthquake shook Central Mindanao region Tuesday morning, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology Phivolcs officials said.
There are no reports, however, of casualties or destruction as of this writing in the tremor which was recorded at about 8 a.m., Romeo Tabanlar, Phivolcs science research specialist.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) is closely monitoring Mt. Mayon after a lava dome was seen developing at the volcano’s crater on Tuesday.
Phivolcs scientists said magmatic materials might be intruding at the volcano’s crater vent that led to the building of a lava...
Cyclone intensifies into a storm, may threaten Central Luzon
MANILA
The tropical depression found over the Pacific Ocean has intensified as it makes a beeline towards Luzon, the weather bureau said.
"Tropical Storm over the Marianas Islands (North of Guam) was estimated at 2,200 kms East Northeast of Visayas with maximum sustained winds of 65 kph and gustiness of up...
Talks start for release of kidnapped Irish priest in Mindanao
COTABATO CITY
Talks for the safe release of kidnapped Irish missionary Fr. Michael Sinnot have begun and are ongoing, a church official in Pagadian City said Tuesday.
“Negotiations for his release have started at this time, I cannot give further details,” Fr. Gilbert Hingone, spokesperson of the Diocese of Pagadian...
BRITISH TV SHOW IN UNUSUAL SLANT ON RP's TRANSPORT SYSTEMS
27 October 2009
United Kingdom TV show features RP's mode of transportation
By Lynda B. Valencia
(With link to the program)
MANILA
A popular United Kingdom-based TV show that airs in the National Geographic and British Broadcasting Corporation channel is featuring the country’s unusual methods of transportation.
Entitled ‘By Any Means,’ the travel documentary presents host Charley Boorman and his cameraman Paul “Mungo”...
The Philippine government is willing to negotiate 200,000 metric tons (MT) to Thailand aside from the 50,000 MT duty-free rice purchase committed by the country to the Thai government.
"We are willing to grant Thailand 200,000 MT rice under a government-to-government negotiation aside from the 50,000...
RP not ready to reduce rice tariff to 20 percent -- Favila
MANILA
Trade and Industry Secretary Peter B. Favila today said that the Philippines is not yet ready to reduce tariff rates on rice to 20 percent, saying Filipino rice farmers still need tariff protection.
Favila in an interview with a local television station stressed the need to protect...
Game Saturday (Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig)
4 p.m. – RP Patriots vs Brunei Barracudas
MANILA
The Philippine Patriots used a big second quarter performance to tame the Thailand Tigers,74-61, in their first home game in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) Sunday evening at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
RP's WWII VETS HAVE TILL FEBRUARY 16 TO FILE THEIR CLAIMS
26 October 2009
Campaign for veterans' claims application intensified as deadline nears
By Gloria Jane Baylon
MANILA
Intensifying their information campaign as the February deadline for veterans equity claims nears, representatives of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) announced Monday a schedule of visits to the cities of Baguio, San Fernando (Pampanga), Cebu, and Davao from Nov. 5 this year to...
PBA: HUGNATAN & CARDONA SHARE PLAYER OF THE WEEK AWARD
26 October 2009
MANILA
Reynel Hugnatan maybe an apple and Mark Cardona an orange but the two men share one thing in common: Their respective overwhelming desire to help their respective teams to win a game.
Coming up with solid performances in the week that was, the Alaska power forward and Talk 'N Text shooting guard were named the KFC/Accel-PBA Press Corps' Co-Players...
ADDITIONAL TYPHOON AID OF $8.5-M FROM US AGRICULTURE DEPT
26 October 2009
USDA announces USD8.5-M in commodity aid to RP typhoon victims
MANILA
Plans for a USD8.5 million assistance for Philippine typhoon victims were announced on Monday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) under its Food for Progress Program (FPP) by Secretary Tom Vilsack, at his meeting with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Malacanang.
The commodity donation is estimated to provide food...
LACSON FORMALLY DENIES HE IS THE DACER MURDERS ARCHITECT
26 October 2009
Lacson denies involvement in Dacer-Corbito double murder
By Perfecto T. Raymundo Jr.
MANILA
Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson personally appeared on Monday before the Department of Justice (DOJ) to deny any complicity in connection with the Dacer-Corbito double murder case.
Lacson was being accused by the Dacer sisters as primarily responsible for the death of their father noted publicist Salvador "Bubby"...
Cebu’s first online grocery to deliver goods to busy mothers
CEBU CITY
A marketing consultancy company is set to open the first online grocery store in Cebu, which aims to replicate the experience of actual grocery shopping and is designed to answer the needs of working mothers.
Belivery.com will initially accept credit card and debit card payments, said Marketworks Asia...
AMERICA's SWINE FLU VACCINATION OFF TO A SHAKY START
26 October 2009
Many people turned away at clinics dispensing A(H1N1) vaccinations in Chicago
CHICAGO
As President Barack Obama has declared swine flu a national emergency, thousands of Chicagoans waited in line for hours Sunday for the vaccine, but many others were turned away after the city's limited supply ran out.
The scene at Chicago's first day of public clinics mirrors the situation...
Zest Air has started last Saturday its international daily flight via Clark-Hong Kong at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) here.
Clark International Airport Corp (CIAC) president and CEO Victor Jose I. Luciano, Chairman Nestor Mangio, Zest Air President and CEO Ambassador Alfredo M. Yao and Subic Secretary...
Soldier dies, 2 civilians hurt in NPA attack in Southern Mindanao
ZAMBOANGA CITY
The New People’s Army (NPA) rebels staged an attack on a religious gathering killing a soldier and injured two civilians in southern Mindanao region, a military official said.
Capt. Emmanuel Garcia, public affairs officer of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division, said the attack took place around 1...
CUSTOMS LAWYERS INVESTIGATED OVER P3.9-B EXTORTION SCAM
25 October 2009
Speedy extortion probe vs four BOC lawyers sought
MANILA
The Professional Customs Brokers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PCBAPI) has asked the Office of the Ombudsman to expedite its investigation of the P3.9-billion extortion complaint against four lawyers of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Legal Service, including the controversial Atty. Rogel C. Gatchalian, those earlier promotion was questioned by his peers...
4 Ilocos Sur towns still isolated due to "Typhoon Pepeng"
SAN FERNANDO, La Union
Several mountainous towns of Ilocos Sur could not yet be reached by any type of motor vehicle due to landslides and erosion caused by Typhoon"Pepeng", according to the Office of Civil Defense (OC) regional office.
The OCD reported at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday that still not...
SUPREME COURT ORDERS SEAMAN TO BE PAID INDUSTRIAL SICKNESS AWARD
25 October 2009
SC affirms CA ruling ordering manning agencies to pay ailing seaman US$60,000
MANILA
The Supreme Court (SC) has affirmed an earlier ruling of the Court of Appeals (CA) ordering manning firms, Wallem Maritime Services, Inc. and Scandic Shipmanagement Limited, to pay an ailing seaman USD60,000 in disability benefits.
The SC Second Division, in a ruling penned by Associate Justice Conchita...
US ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT ARRESTED OPERATING CALL CENTER
25 October 2009
American nabbed for operating BPO in Iligan City without permit, visa
MANILA
Intelligence operatives of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) have arrested an American national for working and doing business in Iligan City without a permit.
In his report to BI Commissioner Nonoy Libanan, Immigration Area director for Regions 10 and 13 Maclin Lanto identified the American as Jeffrey Alans...
MMDA to install 100 CCTV cameras more in Metropolis
MANILA
The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will install 100 more close circuit TV cameras along major thoroughfares starting this week.
The new cameras will be placed along the seven major roads namely Edsa, Commonwealth Avenue, C-5 Road, Marcos Highway, Quirino Avenue, McArthur Highway, and Radial Road 10.
Thirty-one students from Makati’s public and private high schools will have the chance to “run” the country’s premier city as they assume the position of mayor and other key city officials for a day.
The hands-on experience in local governance is part of Makati’s observance of Boys and Girls Week...
Gunman, who fatally shot NBI civilian informant, ended dead after accidentally shooting himself in Manila
MANILA
A motorcycle-riding assailant, who shot dead a civilian informant of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), ended up dead after accidentally shooting himself while fleeing in Manila, on Sunday morning.
Police identified the alleged NBI civilian informant as Diosdado Soriano, 43, a vendor at...
Australian national, two others nabbed in Olongapo City drug raid
MANILA
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said on Sunday their agents have arrested an Australian national and two Filipinos during a raid of suspected drug and sex den in Olongapo City, Zambales Saturday morning.
PDEA Director General Dionisio R. Santiago, combined elements of the elite PDEA Special Enforcement Service...
The Philippine Government has canceled the Summit Meeting of the Non-aligned Movement Ministerial Meeting (SNAMMM) that it was scheduled to host from December 1 to 3 this year, citing exigencies resulting from the onslaught of two recent typhoons.
For now, the plan is to reschedule it to “an appropriate date...
Not all Pangasinan officials support call for decommissioning of San Roque Dam
By Leonardo V. Micua
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan
Not all officials of Pangasinan subscribe to the drastic call for the decommissioning of San Roque Multipurpose Dam Project (SRMDP) in San Manuel town, a proposal that emerged when emotions were still high due to the flood that occurred in 34 towns...
THAILAND DONATES 620 TONNES OF RICE TO PHILIPPINES
25 October 2009
GMA accepts 620 metric tons of rice donation from Thailand
By Faye P. Velasco
CHA-AM, JUA HIN, Thailand
President Arroyo on Saturday accepted the 620 metric tons (mt) of rice donation from Bangkok for the victims of typhoons 'Ondoy' and 'Pepeng' in Metro Manila and other parts of Northern Luzon.'
President Arroyo, who arrived here Saturday to attend the 15th...
ASEAN summit of leaders of 16 Asia-Pacific countries ends
CHA-AM
A multi-tasked summit of the leaders of the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries and their six dialogue partners ended in Cha-am on Sunday with the 10 heads of state signing the declaration launching the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights, agreements to cooperate on climate change,...
ASEAN LOAN CRITERIA SHOULD BE LESS STRINGENT THAN IMF's
25 October 2009
GMA wants ASEAN loans with less conditionalities
CHA-AM, HUA HIN, Thailand
President Arroyo proposed that the release of funds from the $120 billion Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralization (CMIM) to a distressed ASEAN member must be quick and with less conditionalities.
At the Asia-Europe meeting in Beijing in December last year, the ten ASEAN members plus China, Japan and South Korea,...
After five days in captivity, the remaining six forest guards of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), who were abducted by armed men in Agusan del Sur, were finally freed unharmed by their captors Sunday evening.
Chief Supt. Lino Calingasan, Caraga region police chief, said the DENR personnel were released to...
CLIMATE CHANGE COMMISSION WILL OVERSEE IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW ACT
25 October 2009
Palace assures full implementation of Climate Change Act
MANILA
Malacañang is keen on implementing the provisions of the recently signed Climate Change Act to protect the citizens from calamities brought about by weather aberrations that affects the entire world.
In an interview this afternoon, Press Undersecretary Anthony Golez said it was incumbent of the government to ensure proper implementation of...
Customs seizes P16-M worth of smuggled agri products
MANILA
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) apprehended Friday P16 million worth of imported agricultural products in a warehouse located at Trece Martirez City, Cavite.
The approximately 160,000 kilos of imported lettuce, potatoes, carrots and onions were seized for failure to present import permit from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI).
President Arroyo and the nine other ASEAN leaders want to set up a permanent regional emergency rice reserve due to the increased frequency and intensity of natural disasters that hit the region.
ASEAN and China, Japan and South Korea, or ASEAN Plus 3, discussed the issue...
Gov't eyes P90-B investments from 87 new RE projects
By Marie S. Neri
MANILA
The government expects to generate about P90-billion in investments from the 87 renewable energy projects awarded recently to 18 companies.
Energy Secretary Angelo T. Reyes signed the contracts which covers 18 companies and pursuant to Republic Act 9513, otherwise known as Renewable Energy Act of 2008....
Only one transmission line remains disconnected from Luzon Grid
MANILA
Only one transmission line structure in Luzon that was damaged by typhoon Pepeng remained disconnected from the grid, according to the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP).
In a statement NGCP said only the San Manuel-Concepcion 230-kV line, which is “located in the muddy and heavily flooded areas, remains...
B.D.O. JOINS OTHER REMITTERS IN WAIVING TYPHOON DONATION FEES
25 October 2009
BDO waives service fees on typhoon donations
By Priam F. Nepomuceno
MANILA
Banco De Oro (BDO) Unibank, one of the country’s largest remittance banks, waives collection of remittance service fees on donations sent to institutions participating in relief efforts for victims of typhoon “Ondoy” and “Pepeng”.
The bank, through its remittance offices in Hong Kong, Macau, USA, Italy and Germany,...
AGUSAN GOV'T PUSHES FOR INVESTMENT WITH BIG TAX EXEMPTIONS
25 October 2009
Agusan LGU offers big tax exemptions for investors
BUTUAN CITY
In an effort to attract more businessmen, both foreign and domestic, to pour in their capital investment, the provincial government of Agusan del Norte is offering huge tax exemptions to prospective investors, it was learned on Saturday.
The provincial legislative board has unanimously passed a resolution to pave the way...
Surigao City marks 65th anniversary of the Battle of Surigao Strait
By Ben Serrano
SURIGAO CITY
The 65th anniversary of the Battle of Surigao Strait, dubbed by some naval historians as one of the greatest sea battles in history, was commemorated here with austere but solemn ceremonies on Sunday.
City government officials headed by Mayor Alfonso Casurra, an award-winning local...
Would you like to be a cynosure of attention while riding a car on your wedding day?
A recent wedding held in Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati caught the attention of guests and passersby as the bride and groom got into an unusual car -- a 1932 vintage vehicle from the...
LATEST CREDIT CRISIS SPURS ASEAN POOL FUND IMPLEMENTATION
25 October 2009
ASEAN+3 strive to prepare regional reserve pool for kick-off
By Chen Jipeng
HUA HIN, Thailand
Leaders at the ongoing summits of east and southeast Asian leaders at the Thai beach resort of Hua Hin on Saturday urged their finance ministers to speed up preparation work on the region's foreign exchange reserve pool so that it can be launched by the...
BORACAY's WHITE BEACHES UNDER THREAT IF HILL IS REMOVED
25 October 2009
Expert warns of Boracay white sand beaches’ possible end
By Catherine J. Teves
MANILA
World-famous Boracay Island might lose its unique white sand beaches in 30 years or less if authorities push through with plans of flattening a hill in northern Caticlan, Aklan province to make way for extension of its airport's runway.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Mines and...
Jose Rizal University's John Wilson and Louie Vigil were the recipients of the Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards of both the seniors’ and juniors’ divisions of the 85th NCAA basketball tournament in simple awarding rites Friday at the Big Dome.
Wilson edged American rookie Sudan Daniel of San Beda to snare the MVP plum while Vigil ran away with...
NCAA: San Sebastian downs San Beda for Season 85 title
MANILA
San Sebastian shut down San Beda in the fourth quarter as it carved out a masterful 76-61 come-from-behind victory Friday evening to clinch its first title in seven years in the 85th NCAA basketball tournament at the jampacked Araneta Coliseum.
GOLF: AUNZO EYES BACK TO BACK IN ICTSI-PGT CIRCUIT
25 October 2009
MANILA
Ferdie Aunzo tries to become the first double-leg winner on the ICTSI-Philippine Golf Tour as he guns for a second straight victory in the eighth leg of the P10 million circuit at the Forest Hills Golf Club in Antipolo next week.
Aunzo came out smoking from a failed bid at the ICTSI-Riviera Classic, topping the ICTSI-Royal Northwoods Classic with...
The Singapore Slingers walked the tightrope this time before turning back the gritty Brunei Barracudas, 82-80, to stay unbeaten in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) Saturday at the Brunei Indoor Stadium.
Former RP team import Michael LeBlanc sizzled with 32 points while Filipino import Al...
Young RP triathlete wins medal in Hong Kong tourney
MANILA
Young triathlete Johanna Pe Benito claimed her first medal in international competition as she finished third in the female junior elite in the recently-held 2009 Hong Kong ITU Triathlon Premium Race Asian Cup event.
The 15-year-old Pe Benito rallied from fourth place after the swim leg with strong showings in...
BRITAIN's FASCIST PARTY FINALLY GETS MASS EXPOSURE ON BBC FLAGSHIP PROGRAM
24 October 2009
British Far Right Politician's TV Appearance Sparks Free Speech Debate
By Jennifer Glasse in London (with 2 video's, one spoof)
The appearance of a far-right politician on a BBC political program has sparked controversy. Anti-fascist protesters broke through the BBC gates demonstrating against the appearance of the British National Party leader Nick Griffin's TV appearance. The free speech debate focused...
TYPHOON DAMAGE CITED AS REQUEST MADE TO DELAY NON-ALIGNED MOVEMENT MEETING
24 October 2009
RP to push for delay in hosting NAM meet
MANILA
The Philippines will push for the deferment in its hosting of the meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), one of the largest and most influential international bodies pushing for world peace.
Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said in an interview with DZRH before enplaning for Thailand that President Arroyo wanted to...
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said the Palace “is not scared of presidential aspirant Joseph Ejercito Estrada” when it earlier advised Estrada “to brace for the deluge of cases against him.”
“I just said there will be a judicial remedy to this. It will definitely be decided at the judicial level,” Ermita said in an...
The 15th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit issued a Chairman's Statement on Saturday, urging the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to fully comply with the United Nations resolution.
"We urge the DPRK to comply fully with its obligations in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security...
Over 400 United Nations volunteers joined the “Operation Sagip Bayan” a Malacañang-initiated donations and repacking center for victims of typhoons “Ondoy” and “Pepeng.”
The 442 volunteers augmented the 285 local volunteers from different schools, government and non-government agencies, and private individuals who rendered free service in repacking relief goods.
ASEAN looks forward to realization of ASEAN-China Free Trade Area
HUA HIN, Thailand
The 15th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit issued a Chairman's Statement Saturday, saying the bloc looked forward to the realization of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) on January 1, 2010.
"The leaders were pleased to note the progress in the implementation of the ASEAN-China...
Seeing the urgent need to help protect the environment, the House of Representatives recently led the way in the government’s initiatives to help mitigate climate change by purchasing two electric jeepneys or eJeepneys to ferry employees and guests to and from the North and South gates to the different buildings in the...
DAVAO's HOUSEHOLDERS WILL GET 2 FREE LOW ENERGY LIGHT BULBS
23 October 2009
Davao Light to give two energy-saving lamps per household for free
By Judy G. Quiros
DAVAO CITY
The Davao Light and Power Co. (DLPC) has joined the nationwide campaign to save on fuel and ease the impact of climate change by giving out two energy-saving compact flourescent lamps (CFL) to qualified households for free.
CEBU PACIFIC ADDS JAPAN & KOREA TO ITS CHEAP FLIGHT LIST
23 October 2009
CEB offers Korea & Japan seats for as low as P2,499 for winter travel
MANILA
The Philippines’ leading domestic carrier Cebu Pacific (CEB) entices travelers to head to Korea and Japan this coming winter months with a seat sale from Oct. 24 to 27, 2009, for travel from Dec. 1, 2009 to Feb. 28, 2010.
Manila-Incheon, Cebu-Incheon and Cebu-Pusan seats...
DOF still hopeful for Samurai bond issuance this year
MANILA
The Department of Finance (DOF) remains hopeful to issue the government's first tranch of Samurai bond this year but is open to the option that this might push through next year.
Finance Secretary Margarito Teves told reporters Friday that they first need to “close the gap.”
PHILIPPINE AIRLINES FIGHTS BACK AGAINST CEBU PACIFIC's OFFERS
23 October 2009
PAL low-fare promo with 20 kgs. free baggage limit
MANILA
A new low-fare promo – dubbed "More for Less" – is currently available on 28 domestic destinations of Philippine Airlines (PAL) and PAL Express, with the free baggage allowance increased to 20 kilos.
One-way, all-in fares as low as P888 are available on flights from Manila to Legazpi, Cebu or...
BATANGAS FARM COOPERATIVE MAKING SCENTED CANDLES FOR EXPORT
23 October 2009
Farm community also makes export quality aroma-scented decorative candles
CALATAGAN, Batangas
An agrarian reform community (ARC) here is making export quality decorative candles to help boost the Philippine economy and offer livelihood projects to the grassroots level.
The aromatic candles, exported initially to Japan, are made in a small factory amid a sugarcane plantation in Barangay Carretonan here, one of...
REMINDER OF ADDITION TO DANGEROUS DRUGS CLASSIFICATIONS
23 October 2009
PDEA reminds public on newly-classified dangerous drugs
MANILA
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Friday reminded the public on the inclusion of additional substances in the list of Dangerous Drugs based on regulations issued by the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB).
PDEA Director General and Senior Undersecretary Dionisio R. Santiago said that DDB Regulation No. 6, series of 2007 dated...
San Sebastian leaned on the pair of clutch efforts by skipper Jimbo Aquino and rookie Calvin Abueva as it stunned reigning three-peat titlist San Beda, 72-68, in double overtime Thursday night to move on the crest of snaring its first title in seven years in the 85th NCAA basketball...
ASIAN BASKETBALL LEAGUE: PATRIOT's GAME vs TIGERS LIVE ON BOTH ESPN & TV 5
23 October 2009
Game Sunday (Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig)
4 p.m. – RP Patriots vs Thailand Tigers
MANILA
For the first time in the young history of the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL), a match featuring the Philippine Patriots will be beamed live by giant sports network ESPN and local network TV 5 (formerly ABC-5).
Fittingly enough, the RP Patriots will unravel their latest...
Mhark Fernando closed out with another sterling round of three-under 68 to dominate the SEA Games qualifier while Rufino Bayron regained his spot in the national team by edging ICTSI teammate Peter Villaber for the last berth at Riviera’s Langer course Friday.
Fernando, the reigning national champion who took control of the nine-player field with a solid 67 in...
NCAA: STAGS GO FOR THE TITLE, LIONS FIGHT FOR THE EQUALIZER
23 October 2009
Games Saturday (Araneta Coliseum)
2 p.m. - San Beda vs Letran (jrs)
4 p.m. - San Beda vs San Sebastian (srs)
MANILA
San Sebastian goes for the jugular while reigning three-peat champion San Beda seeks the equalizer as the two collide Saturday in Game Two of their best-of-three showdown for the 85th NCAA basketball crown before an expected bigger crowd...
ROACH HAS MAYWEATHER & MARQUEZ IN SIGHTS FOR MANNY FIGHT
23 October 2009
Roach wants Mayweather, Marquez next for Pacquiao
MANILA
American trainer Freddie Roach prefers comebacking Floyd Mayweather as next opponent for Manny Pacquiao if the Filipino ring sensation beats Miguel Cotto in their highly-anticipated match on November 14 in Las Vegas.
”I want Mayweather as next opponent for Manny. That would the biggest fight,” Roach said during the weekly SCOOP sa...
Filipino International Boxing Organization junior-welterweight champion got a well-deserved respite from his hectic training grind when chief trainer Freddie Roach cancelled his scheduled workout with the mitts Friday at the Gerry Penalosa gym in Mandaluyong City.
Roach decided to give his ward a rest, Pacquiao’s first since establishing his training...
138 families evacuated in Ilocos Region due to Typhoon 'Ramil'
SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union
At least 378 families comprising of 1,310 persons were evacuated in La Union and Ilocos Norte due to intermittent rains and winds spawned by Typhoon “Ramil”, which is now threatening the northern part of the country.
UK-drawn climate map indicates RP may experience more typhoons, floods
By Gloria Jane Baylon - (with interactive map)
MANILA
The Philippines may experience more typhoons, floods, droughts, heat waves and crop production shortfall in the coming years, as drawn in a new climate map launched on Friday by the United Kingdom at the Science Museum in London.
Typhoon Ramil has weakened into a tropical storm and started to move northeast or away from Cagayan.
But the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services (Pagasa) continues to warn residents on northern Luzon against complacency as Ramil is still strong enough to trigger landslide and flashfloods in rain soaked areas....
15th ASEAN to champion connectivity, climate change, human rights, education
CHA-AM, HUA HIN, Thailand
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and other heads of state of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) are expected to adopt four courses of action to improve the lives of people in the region.
In line with this year’s theme, “Enhancing Connectivity, Empowering Peoples,” the leaders’...
LOCAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE IN FOREFRONT OF CLIMATE CHANGE LAW ACTION
23 October 2009
LGUs to lead grassroots action on climate change
By Catherine J. Teves
MANILA
A new law which President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed on Friday places local government units (LGUs) nationwide at the forefront of Philippine grassroots-based efforts to address climate change.
Under Republic Act No. 9729, or the Climate Change Act of 2009, LGUs “shall be the frontline agencies in the...
EU envoy cites PGMA's signing of RP Climate Change Act of 2009
By Louie A. Morente
MANILA
The European Union (EU) hailed on Friday the signing by President Arroyo of the Philippine Climate Change Act of 2009, the pioneering landmark bill institutionalizing government prevention and adaptation measures against the impact of climate change.
PNP deploys personnel & equipment to Northern Luzon areas as part of govt preparations for 'Ramil'
MANILA
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has deployed equipment and personnel to Northern Luzon areas as typhoon Ramil starts to trigger winds and rains in Cagayan Friday.
PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa ordered the deployment of newly-acquired inflatable rubber boats propelled by powerful...
A toxin produced by mold on grains can cause liver cancer for large amount of consumption, researchers at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) has said.
"It's shocking how profoundly these molds can affect public health," Sheryl Tsai, associate professor in biochemistry and pharmaceutical sciences was quoted as saying by a...
MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY RESEARCH WILL LOOK AT GENE THERAPY
22 October 2009
Italy obtains European funding for gene therapy to treat muscular dystrophy
ROME
An Italian research group on Wednesday obtained European funding for a new gene therapy aimed at preventing the most common form of muscular dystrophy.
The Italian gene therapy was approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMEA). The researchers team from Rome's La Sapienza State University, led by biologist...
Lapu-Lapu City issues position paper against new tourism law
CEBU CITY
Lapu-Lapu City has issued a strongly-worded position paper against the National Tourism Policy Act (NTPA) of 2009, describing it as a jet’s after burner that will burn the local government units.
”This Department of Tourism’s (DOT) so-called engine of growth will extract the city’s liver or perhaps one of...
San Sebastian leaned on the pair of clutch efforts by skipper Jimbo Aquino and rookie Calvin Abueva as it stunned reigning three-peat titlist San Beda, 72-68, in double overtime Thursday night to move on the crest of snaring its first title in seven years in the 85th NCAA basketball...
Two out of the seven captives who are workers of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) were released unharmed by their abductors late Thursday afternoon in an undisclosed area northeast of this region’s capital city.
Foresters Emeliano Gatillo, Jr. and Efren Sabuero, were personally...
BUSINESS WANT TRANSPORT PROJECTS COMPLETED URGENTLY
22 October 2009
Gov’t urged to fast track implementation of major infra projects
By Leslie D. Venzon
MANILA
Businessmen are asking the government to fast track the implementation of four major infrastructure projects which are crucial for economic growth and development.
In a resolution submitted to President Arroyo during the 35th Philippine Business Conference, members of Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)...
Hundreds of people attended events in New Zealand's Wellington and Auckland on Thursday morning to mark the world's first launch of Microsoft's Windows 7 operating system.
In Auckland's Queen Elizabeth Square in the CBD, throngs of people tried to win Hewlett-Packard computers loaded with the new operating system, given away every 10...
Wall Street hedge fund billionaire closes company after insider trading case
By Wen Xi
NEW YORK
U.S. hedge fund billionaire Raj Rajaratnam, accused of insider trading and security fraud in the country's largest hedge fund prosecution, on Wednesday closed his company Galleon Group.
In a letter to clients and employees, Raj Rajaratnam, who has been released on bail, reassured them...
GOLF: FERNANDO ZEROES IN ON A LAOS S.E.A. GAMES BERTH WITH 67
22 October 2009
MANILA
Reigning national champion Mhark Fernando sizzled with a four-under par 67 and closed in on one of the four berths in the SEA Games bound national team in the third day of the qualifier at Riviera’s Langer course in Silang, Cavite, Thursday.
Fernando, the top Calatagan bet, flaunted the form that netted him the ICTSI Riviera Classic crown on...
Former three-time winner Perpetual Help showed up with a near-perfect performance as it regained the title it lost last year by topping the 2009 Samsung NCAA Cheerleading competition before a huge Wednesday crowd at The Arena in San Juan City.
Combining beautifully choreographed dance with difficult pyramids and stunts and lacing with pop music, the Perps amassed 335.5 points...
Game Sunday (Ynares Sports Arena)
4 p.m.-– RP Patriots vs Thailand Tigers
MANILA
After two tough road games in the Association opf Southeast Asians (ASEAN ) Basketball League (ABL), the Philippine Patriots will be finally playing at home for three straight games, including an expected grudge showdown against league-leading Singapore Slingers...
Benguet farmers frantic in harvesting crops to avoid losses due to 'Ramil'
By Aurelio A. Galacgac
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet
Benguet vegetable farmers since Wednesday have harvested tons of their products and had them shipped to areas with refrigerated storage to avoid losses which might be caused by typhoon "Ramil".
Dominador Dongla, leader of a group of farmers here confirmed that...
Farinas warns on effects of tons of uncollected garbage in Baguio waterways as 'Ramil' hovers
By AA Galacgac
BAGUIO CITY
City Vice Mayor Daniel Farinas on Thursday warned that tons of uncollected garbage here for the last three weeks could clog waterways once typhoon "Ramil" dumps rains in this city.
In the "Radyo ng Bayan Ugnayan" weekly forum, he...
FRANCE PUTS P55-M ON THE TABLE FOR TYPHOON VICTIMS
22 October 2009
France adds P55-M assistance to Filipino typhoon victims
MANILA
France is contributing an additional Euro 800,000 (about P55 million) in humanitarian assistance to Philippine victims of “Ondoy” and “Pepeng,” its embassy in Manila announced today.
The assistance is given to the World Food Program, in response to a United Nations “Flash Appeal” that netted USD75 million in commitment.
A truck helper died after he was pinned between a dump truck and the rear of the stalled vehicle he was trying to push along Commonwealth Ave. in Quezon City before dawn Thursday.
Quezon City Police District traffic investigator Police Officer 3 Edgardo Talacay identified the victim as Roger Jacob, a resident...
Erratic typhoon Ramil accelerated in a span of six hours, now aiming to hit north Luzon Friday morning, two days ahead of its forecast landfall.
"Ramil will make a landfall tomorrow morning in Aparri, Cagayan," Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) chief Prisco Nilo said.
DHL Supply Chain Philippines, Inc. (DSC), which is providing warehousing for international typhoon relief goods, said it would broaden its own corporate relief effort following recent aid missions to Muntinlupa City.
DSC country managing director Olive Ramos said the firm, a leading contract logistics services provider, continues to collect relief supplies and...
DOJ recommends filing of criminal raps vs. Dr. Hayden Kho Jr. on controversial sex video
MANILA
The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday recommended the filing in court of a criminal case against actor Dr. Hayden Kho Jr. in connection with the controversial sex video between him and young actress Katrina Halili.
In a 24-page resolution, the panel of prosecutors,...
Deputy Spokesman Anthony Golez said the government has no plan of questioning the eligibility of deposed President Joseph Estrada in seeking the highest office of the land anew.
Golez added, however, that a lot of people will raise the issue to the Supreme Court.
Golez made the comment during the media briefing this morning....
Police have identified five of the heavily-armed gunmen who robbed a Rolex watch store in Greenbelt 5 mall in Makati City of P6-million worth of watches last Sunday.
Southern Police district director Chief Supt. Jaime Calungsod identified the suspects as Alvin Flores alias “Bunso”, Engineer Dave Maceda, Roland de...
RP-Iran closer cooperation on drugs-smuggling being drawn
By Gloria Jane Baylon
MANILA
Ambassador Ali Mojitaba Rouszbehani of Iran today said the case of two Filipinos apprehended recently in the Islamic Republic for attempted drug smuggling could be related to human trafficking, but indicated that, for now, “it’s a case of common criminality.”
Oil tops 81 dollars on larger-than-expected gasoline draw
NEW YORK
Crude prices jumped about three percent to settle above 81 U.S. dollars a barrel on Wednesday after government data showed a larger-than-expected decrease in gasoline inventories.
Light, sweet crude for December delivery rose 2.25 dollars, or 2.8 percent, to settle at 81.37 dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile...
Ramil continues to lose momentum, but still a threat to North Luzon
By Mediatrix P. Cristobal
MANILA
Typhoon Ramil's weakening and abrupt slowdown will bring lingering stormy weather in North and Central Luzon until Sunday, the state weather bureau said.
"Ramil will still bring rains in central and northern Luzon because of its proximity to extreme northern part of the...
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo appointed today former Presidential Adviser for New Government Centers Victor A. Domingo, as acting chief of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said in a press briefing this afternoon that Domingo, 68, will replace Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. who submitted his irrevocable resignation to President...
PGMA opens Convergy's largest contact center facility in the world
By Louie Morente
MANILA
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo opened Thursday Convergy’s Corporation’s biggest contact center facility in the world, manifesting the company’s confidence in the world-class Filipino workforce and the government’s support to the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry.
The President led the ribbon cutting and unveiling of the marker in...
An officer of the Philippine Marine Corp (PMC) was killed while two others, including a civilian, were wounded when an improvised bomb believed to have been planted by the Abu Sayyaf bandits exploded in the hinterlands of Sulu, a military official disclosed Wednesday.
BORACAY's PUMPBOAT OPERATORS WANT TO SAIL IN SIGNAL No 1
21 October 2009
Boracay stakeholders urge PGMA to lift ban on sailing during typhoon Signal No. 1
By JN Aguirre
BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan
Several stakeholders in Boracay Island have appealed for President Arroyo to reconsider an earlier executive order prohibiting pumpboats from sailing once a storm signal is hoisted over the island.
Eminent Persons Group (EPG) director Reynaldo Dela Rosa said that...
A 30-year-old man died Monday after he was bitten by a snake in San Juan, Ilagan, Isabela.
Dr. Glenn Matthew Baggao, head of the provincial government-run Faustino Dy Sr. Memorial Hospital, said the victim, Arnold Patricio, 30, an engineer of the Noel Builders, was declared dead on arrival at about...
A Korea-based energy business consortium has offered to sell to the city government here its own modern technology on solid wastes to energy conversion through incineration that is allowable by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas said the Korean offer includes a feasibility...
Police authorities have captured the number one most wanted man in Hagonoy town during a manhunt operation at the Stop and Shop store in Sta. Mesa, Manila Tuesday morning.
Bulacan Philippine National Police (PNP) officer in charge said Hagonoy...
Halsema highway reopens, OCD assures Cordilleras prepared for 'Ramil'
BAGUIO CITY
Combined clearing crews of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Goldrich company re-opened Halsema Highway early Wednesday to let light vehicles pass through the vital route of agricultural products to this mountain resort 250 kilometers north of Manila.
Benguet provincial governor Nestor Fongwan has advised motorists...
MARAWI CITY HALL GRENADE ATTACK POLITICAL RIVALRY SAY POLICE
21 October 2009
Intense political rival triggered grenade attack in Marawi City - AFP, PNP
CAMP SK PENDATUN, Maguindanao
Police and military authorities are looking at intense political rivalry as the cause of the grenade throwing incident at the Marawi City Hall Tuesday that left three persons killed and about 20 others wounded.
Chief Supt. Paisal Umpa, Philippine National Police (PNP) regional director...
Seven field personnel of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) were abducted early Wednesday morning by seven unidentified armed men at Barangay Anticala, about 18 kilometers northeast of this region’s capital city.
A report reaching the Northeastern Mindanao Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) at Camp Rafael C. Rodriguez...
Malacanang belied on Wednesday reports that Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Lito Atienza "has jumped ship" to join former President Joseph Estrada’s Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) party.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said in a media briefing at the Palace that Atienza told him Wednesday morning there was no...
San Roque Dam not within fault line zone –- Phivolcs
By Jelly F. Musico
MANILA
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Wednesday allayed fears of the Pangasinan residents that the San Roque Dam may collapse in the event of major earthquakes.
Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum Jr. said the dam, which is being blamed for the floods that...
OUTGOING ELECTED OFFICIALS BARRED FROM MAKING APPOINTMENTS SAY SUPREME COURT
21 October 2009
SC says outgoing incumbent gov't official can't appoint employees
MANILA
The Supreme Court (SC) has ruled that an incumbent government official cannot appoint employees in the service, especially so when the term of office of such official is about to expire.
By a 13-0 vote, the SC affirmed a resolution of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) that prohibits mass appointments...
Senator Manny Villar topped a mock polls conducted on Wednesday by the media members covering regularly the Senate beat among the senators eyeing the 2010 presidential elections.
Villar, the Nacionalista Party’s standard bearer, was the top pick with 12 votes from the 32 reporters who participated in the secret balloting.
Speaker Prospero Nograles on Wednesday said that since repealing or even amending the oil deregulation law is next to impossible at this time, the best way for the government to force the so-called "Big 3" oil companies to shun their abusive pricing is to make the small players...
UN & WFP WILL AID RP's REGENERATION FROM TYPHOON DAMAGE
21 October 2009
The world will help RP recover -– UN-WFP
CANDABA, Pampanga
The United Nations-World Food Program (UN-WFP) assured President Arroyo today the whole world is united in helping victims of typhoons “Ondoy” and “Pepeng.”
“The WFP will always be here to support the government of the people of the Philippines to recover and rebuild and to make sure (they receive) basic...
UN & WFP WILL AID RP's REGENERATION FROM TYPHOON DAMAGE
21 October 2009
The world will help RP recover -– UN-WFP
CANDABA, Pampanga
The United Nations-World Food Program (UN-WFP) assured President Arroyo today the whole world is united in helping victims of typhoons “Ondoy” and “Pepeng.”
“The WFP will always be here to support the government of the people of the Philippines to recover and rebuild and to make sure (they receive) basic...
Ramil loses steam but remains a threat in N. Luzon
MANILA
Typhoon Ramil slightly loses steam as it approaches Cagayan, but still carries strong winds and downpour that may bring hazard to disaster-stricken regions of northern Luzon.
"Ramil is now closer to Northern Luzon. Stormy weather can be expected there until Friday," Nathaniel Cruz, weather branch chief and OIC deputy...
Cebu City clinched a back to back top notch rating for the second straight year in a survey of top emerging global outsourcing cities made by Tholons, an independent investment advisory firm.
A special report by Tholons also noted that this year’s location assessment of outsourcing destinations was made more...
Despite the dollar's drop last week to record lows, many economists said the slide is no cause for alarm.
Atthe same time, long-term economic pressures, if not addressed, could in the long term cause the greenback to lose its status as the global reserve currency, economists said.
Search engine giant Google is facing accusations that its employees, illegally and without permission, scanned Chinese writers' works into its digital library, Google Books, China Daily reported Wednesday.
"Google's infringement to Chinese authors is very severe," Zhang Hongbo, deputy director-general of China Written Works Copyright Society (CWWCS), the only domestic administration of written works...
13th Bikol Fair features Bicol Region's finest products
MANILA
The 13th Orgullo Kan Bikol (OKB) Regional Trade Fair will once again showcase the Bicol Region’s best products on Oct. 22-25 at the SM MegaMall in Mandaluyong City.
In support to the activity spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Tourism (DOT) will again bring “Gayon...
Asia's third-largest low-cost carrier Cabu Pacific (CEB) spreads its trademark low fares to those traveling to and from Taipei, Guangzhou, Macau, Shanghai and Hong Kong this Nov. 1, 2009 to Feb. 28, 2010.
The sale period is only from Oct. 22 to 23, 2009. Those with check-in luggage...
Convergys Corp., the global leader in customer relationship management, will open its 12th and the largest facility in the country.
President Gloria Arroyo will lead the dedication of the new facility on Thursday, Oct. 22. The facility encompasses over 17,000 square meters located in Glorietta 5 along Ayala Avenue in Makati...
SEC asks lawmakers to include P75-M CISA fund in 2010 budget
MANILA
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is calling on lawmakers to approve, as part of the 2010 budget, the P75 million government counterpart fund to the credit bureau.
SEC Secretary Fe Barin said inclusion of the said fund in next year’s budget would enable the government to implement...
ZAMBOANGA's LOCAL DELICACIES STARTING TO GET NOTICED
21 October 2009
Food processors' association promotes Zambo native products
By Teofilo P. Garcia
ZAMBOANGA CITY
An association of local food processors has initiated the One-Barangay One-Product (OBOP) program to promote the products of this southern port city's 98 barangays into the domestic, national as well as in the international market.
The program is a private sector-initiated undertaking aimed to complement the...
The Department of Health (DOH) reported that another six persons succumbed to the leptospirosis, bringing the total number of fatalities of the dreaded disease to 138 during the first 20 days of October.
DOH also reported that the number of leptospirosis cases during the period went up to 1,887 cases or an increase...
D.O.H. BOOSTS PAMPANGA's FAMILY PLANNING PROGRAM WITH P840-K GRANT
21 October 2009
Pampanga Health Office promotes family planning for a better, healthier life
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga
The Pampanga Provincial Health Office (PHO) will intensify its advocacy campaign on family planning in line with the government’s efforts to promote maternal and child health care and ensure a better life among the target populace in the province.
The Southeast Asian Airlines (SEAir) increased its flights to Caticlan with 32 flights a day from 27 flights.
Avelino Zapanta, SEAir president, said the increased in flights starting Oct. 15 is in line with the company’s mission of helping Philippine’s tourism development especially to Boracay.
High-end foreign visitors slated to visit Boracay Island
ILOILO CITY
The white sand beaches of Boracay again captivated more high-end tourists from around the world; the latest from Israel and ‘The World,’ a luxury ocean residence.
Tourism regional director Edwin Trompeta said a group of 20 top distributors of high-tech lighting system from Israel will be staying in Boracay from...
TOURISM DEPT. LINK UP WITH MTV FOR PROMOTIONAL PUSH
21 October 2009
DOT and MTV: a partnership in perfect harmony
By Lynda B. Valencia
MANILA
Fun, exciting and intensely musical - these are words that can easily be used to describe both the Philippines and MTV.
"We have so much in common," stated Bill Roedy, Chairman and CEO of MTVN International, when he remarked on the partnership between the Department of Tourism...
WNCAA:UA&P edges La Consolacion for WNCAA Sr B cage title
MANILA
University of Asia and the Pacific leaned on a second-quarter breakaway to turn back La Consolacion College Manila, 56-53, and snare the Senior B title in the 40th WNCAA tournament at the St. Scholastica's College gym.
Miriam College, meanwhile, secured championship berths in midgets and junior volleyball and junior...
Football Federation Australia chairman Frank Lowy said on Wednesday the nation's position in Asia can help it host soccer's World Cup that will reap the sport more money than the other nations vying for the honor.
Lowy is confident that Australia will win the right to host the coveted event...
Comelec extends registration hours to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday
By Ferdinand G. Patinio
MANILA
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will be accepting applicants for voter's registration until 9 p.m. from Monday to Saturday starting on Thursday (Oct. 22) to accommodate last-minute registrants.
With this announcement, Comelec Spokesman James Jimenez called on all qualified voters nationwide to register during the...
Amateur players who are 25 years old and below come November 7, 2009 may apply for consideration for the Philippine Basketball League’s annual Entry Expo set mid-November in anticipation of the newest season’s opening in December.
The PBL this year will now be strictly a league for those born on...
Zest Air to launch daily Hong Kong flights at DMIA
CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga
Local carrier Zest Air is set to launch its inaugural International flight on October 24 via daily flights to Hong Kong at the bustling Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA), the premier international gateway of the country.
Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) president and CEO Victor Jose I....
BAGUIO LOSES 2 CONVENTIONS IN WAKE OF TYPHOON DAMAGE
21 October 2009
Big conventions in Baguio in November definitely canceled -mayor says
BAGUIO CITY
City mayor Reinaldo Bautista Jr. Wednesday confirmed the cancellation of two big conventions here next month as a result of the recent calamitous effect of typhoon "Pepeng" here which killed 51 persons in flooded areas and communities where landslides occurred.
MURDER CHARGES AGAINST ESTRADA TO BE FILED NEXT WEEK
21 October 2009
Dacer family resets filing of criminal raps vs. Erap next week
MANILA
The camp of the Dacer family on Wednesday reset for next week the filing before the Department of Justice (DOJ) of the double murder case against former President Joseph "Erap" Ejercito Estrada in connection with the abduction and slaying of their father, noted publicist Salvador "Bubby" Dacer and...
Signal No. 3 up in 4 areas as Ramil drifts to northern Luzon
MANILA
Weather conditions have started to deteriorate in extreme northern Luzon, prompting the state weather bureau to raise signal No. 3 in the region as Ramil comes nearer in the target of its landfall, Cagayan province, this Friday.
"Signal No. 3 is now raised over Northern Cagayan,...
Ilocos Sur gov orders preemptive evacuation in preparation for typhoon 'Ramil'
By Freddie G. Lazaro
VIGAN CITY
Ilocos Sur Governor Deogracias Victor Savellano has ordered all Disasters Coordinating Councils (DCCs) in the province to implement preemptive evacuation of residents in communities identified as highly vulnerable to flooding, storm surges and landslides as typhoon “Ramil” is set to hit Northern Luzon....
SC upholds with finality junking of criminal raps vs. "Kokoy" Romualdez
MANILA
The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday denied with finality the petition of the government to prosecute former Leyte Governor Benjamin "Kokoy" Romualdez for getting double compensation for two public posts he held from 1976 to 1986.
In a two-page resolution, the SC upheld its April 29, 2009 ruling...
Mayor Alipio Fernandez Jr. has convened the city disaster coordinating council (PDCC) and immediately put it under alert in view of the approaching typhoon “Ramil” which in now heading toward Northern Luzon.
A meeting called for by Fernandez Tuesday afternoon discussed the pre-positioning of assets for rescue, relief and medical...
Typhoon Ramil starts battering Regions 1 and 2, and some areas in eastern coasts of Visayas, Tuesday night as it makes closer approach, threatening to pound the area for 12 straight hours starting Thursday, state weather bureau said.
“We expect worsening weather in Cagayan Valley and parts of eastern Visayas. Ramil...
OIL COMPANIES FOLLOW THE LEADER IN JACKING UP PRICES
20 October 2009
Oil companies impose petroleum price increases
By Marie S. Neri
MANILA
Despite a warning from the government, oil companies increased the prices of their petroleum products.
Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. (PSPC), Petron Corp., Chevron Philippines, Seaoil Philippines and Eastern Petroleum said they are adjusting prices of gasoline, diesel and kerosene.
Roberto Kanapi, Shell’s vice president for communications, said they are...
University of Santo Tomas overcame Ateneo-OraCare’s gritty stand and pulled off a tough 25-23, 27-25, 19-25, 25-20 victory Tuesday to barge into the quarterfinals of the Shakey’s V-League Season 6 at The Arena in San Juan.
Rookie Maru Banaticla stepped up for the Tigresses in the fourth...
V'LEAGUE: LADY FALCONS TROUNCE BLAZERS, GAIN SECOND
20 October 2009
Games Friday
2 n.h. – FEU vs ADMU
4 n.h. – CSB vs SSC-R
MANILA
Adamson regained its winning ways as it foiled St. Benilde, 25-23, 26-24, 25-16, to hike its record to 3-2 in the Shakey’s V-League Season 6 at The Arena in San Juan City Tuesday.
Skipper Angela Benting took charge for the Lady Falcons with 16 kills...
NCAA: JRU sweeps junior/senior MVP season 85 awards
MANILA
Jose Rizal University made up for its post-season failure by sweeping the Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards in both the seniors and juniors divisions in the 85th NCAA basketball tournament.
John Wilson edged American rookie Sudan Daniel of reigning three-peat champion San Beda for the MVP plum while Light Bomber Louie...
NCAA: Cheerleading battle between JRU and PHC Wednesday
MANILA
The league’s best and the brightest cheerleading teams headed by defending champion Jose Rizal and reigning national titlist Perpetual Help battle it out for supremacy as the 85th NCAA Cheerleading Competition unfolds Wednesday at The Arena in San Juan City.
“We’re excited because we have instituted some changes that should make...
FRANKIE LIM SAYS RED LIONS CAN TAKE THE NCAA BEST OF THREE
20 October 2009
NCAA: San Beda to rely on experience
Games Thursday (Araneta Coliseum)
2 p.m.- San Beda vs Letran (jrs)
4 p.m.- San Beda vs San Sebastian (srs)
MANILA
Reigning three-peat titlist San Beda will rely on its championship experience when they face San Sebastian in the best-of-three finals in the 85th NCAA basketball tournament starting Thursday at Big Dome.
Making up for his failed title retention bid at Cangolf Am last week, Antonio Asistio II, fired a two-under par 69 to post a one-stroke lead over Jhonnel Ababa at the start of the SEA Games qualifier at Riviera’s Langer course in Silang, Cavite Tuesday.
Asistio rattled off three birdies in the last seven holes, including one at the...
Burger King's Wynne Arboleda, who was banned for the rest of the PBA season for attacking a male fan last Friday, is entitled to file an appeal before the office of the commissioner.
“It's his right and I cannot deny him that. We just have to wait if he pursues it and...
IROKPHILIPPINES HOLDING FOOTBALL MARATHON IN AID OF TYPHOON VICTIMS
20 October 2009
Futsal group to hold marathon for typhoon victims
MANILA
A futsal (indoor football) group will hold a 12-hour futsal marathon for at the University of Asia & Pacific (UA&P) gym on Saturday to raise funds for victims of typhoon Pepeng a week ago in a remote village in La Union province.
NORWEGIAN SHIPPING FIRM TO INCREASE PINOY SEAFARERS RECRUITMENT
20 October 2009
Norway shipping firm to hire more Filipinos
By Lynda B. Valencia
MANILA
Norwegian shipping firm Torvald Klaveness Group (TKG) will prioritize the employment of Filipino seafarers to the new vessels that will be purchased within the next three years
Chairman Tom Erik Klaveness, said the company will spend between US$150 million and US$350 million for the purchase of five to...
NAPOCOR DEFENDS SAN ROQUE DAM AS CALLS MADE TO SHUT IT DOWN
20 October 2009
Napocor bucks call for decommissioning of San Roque Dam
MANILA
State-owned National Power Corp.(Napocor) on Tuesday said it strongly opposses calls for the decommissioning of the San Roque Multi-Purpose Dam in San Manuel, Pangasinan.
Napocor also belied allegations that the San Roque dam was built along a fault line and poses danger to both lives and properties during a strong...
The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) on Tuesday rejected bids for the 10-year Treasury bond (T-bond) after investors asked for “unreasonable” yields.
Average rate of the debt paper would have risen to as much as 8.01 percent from the previous average of 7.77 percent if the auction committee accepted the...
NPC engineer resigns over San Roque Dam water release warning fiasco
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan
An official of the National Power Corporation (NPC) who is being pinpointed as the one who may have committed lapses in warning the people in the lowland of Pangasinan about the impending release of huge volume of water from the San Roque Dam was reported to have...
Officials of the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) on Tuesday said the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) is ready to accommodate domestic and international flights that may be diverted due to the threat of typhoon "Ramil" that is expected to make a landfall on the extreme northern Luzon on Thursday....
Alvin Flores Group tagged as Greenbelt 5 mall robbers
By Christopher Lloyd T. Caliwan
MANILA
Police tagged the notorious Alvin Flores Group of robbers as the one who broke into the Rolex watch store at Greenbelt 5 mall in Makati City Sunday noon.
About seven ski-masked wearing men, who were all in black police uniform, engaged two police-escorts of Taguig...
FOREIGN CABLE COMPANIES MAY BE INVESTIGATED OVER TAX EVASION
20 October 2009
House leader wants probe on tax evasion, backdoor operations of foreign cable programmers in RP
By Lilybeth G. Ison
MANILA
The chairman of the committee on good government and public accountability of the House of Representatives has called for an investigation on the alleged non-payment of appropriate taxes of foreign cable programmers from transactions made within the Philippines and for...
Govenment troops raided an armory of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) and seized a cache of weapons and ammunition in Jala-Jala, Rizal on Monday.
Reports reaching PNP Chief, Director General Jesus A. Verzosa in Camp Crame from CALABARZON PNP Regional Director, Chief Supt. Perfecto Palad disclosed that joint elements from the 419th...
SUSPICIONS RAISED OVER SUDDEN INCREASE IN "CAR THEFT" CLAIMS
20 October 2009
PNP counter-checks false reports of car theft
MANILA
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is thoroughly looking into reports and complaints of alleged carjacking incidents over the past several weeks to prevent unscrupulous individuals from filing false reports to make fraudulent insurance claims for vehicles damaged in the recent typhoons.
PNP Chief, Director General Jesus A. Verzosa instructed Chief Superintendent Orlando...
Oil jumps toward 80 U.S. dollars as global equities rise
NEW YORK
Crude prices climbed for the eighth consecutive day toward 80 U.S. dollars a barrel on Monday as global equities rose broadly, adding to hopes for a sooner economic recovery.
Light, sweet crude for November delivery rose 1.08 dollars, or 1.4 percent, to settle at 79.61 dollars a barrel...
HIGH PROTEIN LEVEL MAY INDICATE COMING HEART ATTACK
20 October 2009
US study shows protein may predict heart attack, early death
WASHINGTON
People with high levels of a protein called C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker for inflammation in the blood, may be at higher risk for heart attack and death but not stroke, according to a study that will be published Tuesday in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy...
Nograles to oil firms: 'Spare the people from bleeding'
By Lilybeth G. Ison
MANILA
Calling it "the highest form of ingratitude," House Speaker Prospero Nograles on Tuesday scored the decision of two major oil companies to increase their prices anew even as the country is still reeling from the massive devastation caused by tropical storm 'Ondoy' and typhoon 'Pepeng.'
On October 20, 1944, General Douglas MacArthur at the head of the largest US fleet of transport and warships, and accompanied by Commonwealth President Sergio Osmeña and Gen. Carlos P. Romulo, landed on Palo, Leyte to reclaim the Philippines from the Japanese.
Gen. MacArthur made true his famous vow "I shall return" following...
Batanes, 5 areas placed under Signal No. 2 as Ramil nears
By Mediatrix P. Cristobal
MANILA
Batanes and five other areas in extreme northern Luzon were placed under storm warning signal No. 2 even two days before extremely dangerous typhoon Ramil batters northern Philippines.
"Forecasts say Ramil will make a landfall Thursday morning or afternoon over Cagayan," Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical...
Just a gentle reminder that the PG Golf day is being held this coming Sunday (25th October). Places are limited so if you haven't done so already, please secure your place by registering your interest and leaving a deposit with us via PayPal on our website (http://philippinegenerations.blogspot.com/) today.
We have had a couple of...
Posted at: 09:53 | | | | |
HAY BURNING BANNED IN COTABATO
19 October 2009
Rice-producing town in North Cotabato bans burning of hay
COTABATO CITY
Local officials of a rice producing town in North Cotabato have banned the burning of hay in rice fields, believing that it contributes to climate change.
Mayor Joselito Piñol ordered the local police to implement the approved ordinance which prohibits the burning of hay after harvest by farmers.
Senator Loren Learda announced on Monday that she would declare within this week her plan to seek higher position in the 2010 elections under the Nationalist People’s Coalition.
”I’m running for higher office under my own political party and I will declare my plan within this week,” Legarda said during the...
Reyes relieves Napocor official; San Roque dam probe body formed
MANILA
Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes is forming an independent investigating body to probe the criminal culpability of the officials of state-run National Power Corp. (Napocor) on the alleged irregular release of water from the San Roque Dam in San Miguel, Pangasinan which contributed largely to the flooding in the entire...
YAP SEES CLIMATE CHANGE AS BIGGEST THREAT TO AGRICULTURE
19 October 2009
DA chief cites climate change, global trade as critical challenges to agriculture
By Lilybeth G. Ison
MANILA
As the Philippines is confronted with unpredictable and harsh weather conditions, and the need to increase food and fuel production to meet the growing population demand, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has cited two critical challenges that it must face to accomplish its...
PBA: Arboleda suspended for the rest of the 2009-10 season
MANILA
The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Monday handed down its severest penalty to date, suspending veteran Burger King guard Wynne Arboleda without pay for the rest of the 2009-10 Season.
Arboleda, who was earlier called for his second flagrant foul in the game, went after a heckler at courtside during...
TNT's PARTNERSHIP WITH WFP COMES THROUGH FOR TYPHOON VICTIMS
19 October 2009
TNT, WFP fly in 200MT of food relief for typhoon victims in RP
MANILA
In a continuing cooperative effort to combat global hunger, TNT and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) have joined forces to mount the largest airlift of food relief yet to the Philippines, flying in a total of 200 metric tons of high-energy biscuits for the...
CHED says HEIs agree to extend deadline for payment of tuition
By Hannibal C. Talete
MANILA
Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chair Dr. Emmanuel Angeles on Monday said that majority of colleges and universities in the typhoon-affected areas are amenable to an earlier appeal by parents and students to extend the deadline for payment of school fees.
Pagasa warns of storm surge in extreme northern Luzon
MANILA
Thousands of residents in coastal communities in Cagayan and Ilocos Norte are at risk of storm surge as incoming typhoon Ramil arrives as early as Wednesday afternoon with forceful winds mirroring that of a supertyphoon, the state weather bureau said.
"This is quite strong, Ramil churning in the ocean with...
Germany commits add'l P55-M for RP typhoon victims
By Gloria Jane Baylon
MANILA
The German federal government is providing an additional Euro800,000 (about P55 million) in humanitarian aid for the victims of killer typhoons "Ondoy" and "Pepeng," Ambassador Christian-Ludwig Weber-Lortsch announced today.
Plus, its initial pledge of Euro 500,000 on September 30, the overall aid of the Federal government of...
The Philippine Navy has placed all its Disaster Response and Rescue (DRR) units in Northern and Southern Luzon areas on red alert status in preparation for the threat posed by approaching typhoon "Ramil," a military spokesman reported Monday.
Lt. Col. Edgard Arevalo, Navy spokesman, said units from the Naval Forces Northern...
The Philippine National Police (PNP) today honored two teenagers for their heroism in saving their fellow townsfolk in San Jacinto, Pangasinan during the onslaught of typhoon Pepeng last October 3.
Rhubert Venerayan,17 and his brother Rhuniel Kylle, 16, were cited for saving others at the extreme risk of their own lives when they...
(Typhoon Update as of 11:00 a.m.)
'Ramil' seen to accelerate in the next two days
MANILA
Typhoon "Ramil" is poised to hit Northern Luzon Thursday despite slithering from different directions over the weekend, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said.
"Ramil is expected to move westward after being pulled by a trough, which caused it to remain stationary...
Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña has said he would not endorse the proposed P27-billion Light Rail Transit-Mono Rail Transit (LRT-MRT) project in Metro Cebu, until the study on a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) for Cebu City is finished.
“No endorsement until our BRT studies are finished. I asked for funding...
Marine soldiers seize bomb components in Tawi-Tawi
By Teofilo P. Garcia
ZAMBOANGA CITY
Philippine Marines forces have confiscated some 6,050 kilos of bomb components on two locations in the island province of Tawi-Tawi, a military official disclosed Monday.
Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) spokesman Maj. Ramon David Hontiveros said the confiscations were made around 11 a.m. Friday at the Chinese Pier...
PNP shelve enforcement of gunless policy in Boracay
By JN Aguirre
BORACAY ISLAND
The Boracay Special Tourists Protection Office here has shelved the implementation of a gunless policy in this resort island.
Police Chief Insp. Eugene Rebadomia, acting Boracay police chief, said the cancellation was based on a memorandum issued by the Police Regional Office-Western Visayas.
Duterte to form task force to address garbage problem caused by scavengers
By J S G Dalumpines
DAVAO CITY
Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte has called for the formation of a task force composed of sanitary and environment officers to address the indiscriminate littering of garbage by scavengers within the city.
Speaking during the formal inauguration over the weekend of...
The Mexican government recently has approved 35 requests to test-plant genetically modified (GM) corn, said a government statement.
Still in the test stage, the approved GM corn planting will be confined to closed areas and is subject to the country's ecological security laws, said the departments of agriculture and environment in the...
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), an international non-government environment conservation organization, warned Sunday that there are only five years left to mitigate the effects of fossil fuels and called for prompt action to deal with climate change.
Kim Carstensen, leader of the WWF's Global Climate Initiative, said the findings...
Ireland appreciates Sudan's efforts to free two abducted aid workers
KHARTOUM
The government of Ireland expressed on Sunday appreciation of efforts exerted by Sudanese government to free the two aid workers who had been abducted from Darfur in July.
"We express our appreciation of the role played by the government of Sudan during the past three months to bring about...
RP WILL IMPORT 250,000 TONS OF RICE FROM VIETNAM NEXT YEAR
19 October 2009
Vietnam to sign export rice contracts with Philippines for 2010
HANOI
Vietnamese rice exporters will sign export contracts with the Philippines for the year 2010, the local newspaper Liberty Saigon reported Monday.
According to Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the to-be-signed rice volume to be exported to the Philippines for 2010 will be 250,000 tons of rice. The...
Team Pacquiao likens Baguio City to Hollywood Hill in US
By Aure A. Galacgac
BAGUIO CITY
American boxing trainer Freddie Roach and the rest of the "Team Pacquiao" had a discovery in their two-week sojourn in this 49-square kilometer plateau: the presence of a "Hollywood Hill in Baguio".
Boboy Fernandez, an official of the team preparing Filipino boxing champion Manny...
Conference urges sexual health service for Asia-Pacific youth
BEIJING
The health of young people in Asia-Pacific region is in jeopardy as many of them have inadequate preparation for sexual lives, warns a declaration from the Fifth Asia Pacific Conference on Reproductive and Sexual Health and Rights (APCRSHR).
"Few young people receive adequate preparation for their sexual lives. This leaves them...
Want to stave off dementia? Browse the web, for a new study says that using the Internet can help boost brain power in people as they age.
An international team has carried out the study and found that Internet use can boost the brain activity of the elderly, potentially slowing or even...
Last year’s runner-up Jose Rizal and San Sebastian go at it one final time as the two teams collide Monday in a knockout showdown for the last berth in the championship in the 85th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San...
Three Kenyan marathoners scored a clean sweep of the men's 42.195-kilometer international category with Sammy Kiptoo capturing first place by logging in with a time of two hours 30 minutes and 10 seconds and going home with a check of P300,000 in the 1st Quezon City...
Ssangyong engaged in talks to find new owner: source
INCHEON
South Korea's smallest carmaker is engaged in talks to find a new owner that could help revive the embattled company, which filed for bankruptcy protection earlier in the year, a company source said.
Lee Yoo-il, one of two court-appointed managers at Ssangyong, told reporters on Yeongjong Island in Incheon west...
CHINESE TO GET THE HARD SELL ON INVESTMENT VISAS IN RP
18 October 2009
Chinese traders to help promote RP as investment hub -- FFCCCII
MANILA
Filipino-Chinese businessmen have pledged to support the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in its campaign to encourage foreign investors to avail of the agency’s special visa for employment generation (SVEG).
Paul Ong, who heads the secretariat of the forthcoming World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention (WCEC) in Manila, said the four-day...
Gullas bares plans to put up P27-B LRT project in Cebu
CEBU CITY
If plans don’t miscarry, Cebu will have its own light rail transportation similar to those in Manila in five years, Rep. Eduardo R. Gullas (Cebu, 1st district) said.
Gullas said he secured the commitment of National Economic Development Authority (Neda) Secretary Augusto Santos to approve the creation...
At least 80 detained in U.K. power station protests
LONDON
At least 80 environmental activists were detained in Nottinghamshire, the United Kingdom, during protests near one of the country's largest coal-fired power stations, British media reported.
About 1,000 environmentalists, carrying banners and cardboard gravestones bearing the words 'RIP E.ON' and 'RIP Ratcliffe' made several attempts on Saturday to break through...
US BUSINESSMAN ARRESTED AS A TAMIL TIGER FINANCIER
18 October 2009
U.S. billionaire probed for Sri Lanka terrorism financing -- paper
NEW YORK
One of America's wealthiest men charged as part of an insider-trading case surfaced in a separate probe into allegedly raising funds for a Sri Lankan terrorist group, The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday.
Federal agents uncovered documents showing that Raj Rajaratnam, a portfolio manager for Galleon Group,...
INDONESIA TO BUILD & OPERATE DRONES FOR TERROR SURVEILLANCE
18 October 2009
Indonesia to operate terrorist surveillance aircraft
TANGERANG
The Agency for Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT) will operate an unmanned mini-plane called "Puna" in 2010 to support national defense and terrorist surveillance, Minister Kusmayanto said.
The minister of research and technology said BPPT has conducted a research and successfully developed the surveillance aircraft. He said the aircraft would later be...
SWINE FLU A VICTIM OF POLITICAL CORRECTNESS GONE MAD
18 October 2009
'Swine flu' named 2009's top politically incorrect word
NEW YORK
'Swine flu', used to describe the killer viral infection, has been named the most politically incorrect word of 2009 by Global Language Monitor, a group that studies word usage.
"Though hundreds of millions know of the current pandemic as swine flu, various governments and agencies for political motives ranging from...
DIPLOMATIC WRANGLE AS PLANE LOAD OF US MARINES FORCED TO LAND IN INDIA
18 October 2009
US plane with marines made to land in Mumbai
MUMBAI/NEW DELHI
An American chartered aircraft with 205 passengers, including US marines on board, was forced to land at Mumbai airport today for alleged violation of the Indian airspace.
The plane was on way from Fujiriah in the UAE to Bangkok, a Mumbai International Airport Limited spokesperson said.
Canadian police intercept suspected migrants off west coast
VANCOUVER
Canadian police have detained a shipsuspected of carrying over 70 illegal migrants into its Pacific coast,local media reported on Sunday.
Arusting vessel named Ocean Lady with 76 people on board was interceptedby a Canadian navy ship off Vancouver Island on Friday. The people onboard the ship said they were attempting to...
Canadian police intercept suspected migrants off west coast
VANCOUVER
Canadian police have detained a ship suspected of carrying over 70 illegal migrants into its Pacific coast, local media reported on Sunday.
A rusting vessel named Ocean Lady with 76 people on board was intercepted by a Canadian navy ship off Vancouver Island on Friday. The people on board the ship...
International environmental forum opens in London -- media
LONDON
An international environmental forum bringing together the world's biggest greenhouse gas-emitting countries opened on Sunday in London in an effort to bridge divides over tackling climate change, the BBC reported.
The Major Economies Forum on Sunday and Monday will aim to make progress on protecting forests and providing funds to help...
Iran's Majlis (Parliament) Speaker Ali Larijani on Sunday condemned the suicide attack in southeastern Iran, the official IRNA news agency reported.
"We express our condolences to their martyrdom," Larijani was quoted as saying in an open session of the parliament, "the terrorists' goal is to disturb the security of the Sistan- Baluchestan...
Troops seize big NPA arms cache, bombs in Malaybalay City
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY
Government troops unearthed a huge cache of firearms and explosives belonging to the communist-New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Barangay Busdi, Malaybalay City Saturday morning.
Army spokesman Maj. Mitchele B. Anayron, Jr. on Sunday said that a team of Army troops from the 8th Infantry Battalion,...
Social Security System members from Metro Manila and neighboring provinces expressed gratitude to the SSS on Sunday as the agency released 10,000 checks to them in a special loan program that included extending its office hours at the SSS main office in Diliman, Quezon City.
The administrtion of Silliman University here said is investigating reports that an elementary school teacher had ordered her pupils to eat small pieces of paper inside the classroom Thursday.
SU director for Information and Publication Mark Raygan Garcia said the university was probing whether Grade 3 pupils...
The Bureau of Immigration will issue visas to foreign businessmen who will be attending next month’s international convention of Chinese traders in Manila upon their arrival at the airports. The bureau will also designate special express counters that will process the landed visas of foreign delegates upon their arrival at the airports....
A suspected robber was killed in alleged shootout with police escorts of Taguig City Mayor Freddie Tinga at the ground floor of the Greenbelt 5 in Makati City Sunday afternoon.
About seven ski-masked armed men, wearing SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) uniform, broke into a Rolex watch store located at the ground floor of...
Lim launches city-wide campaign against leptospirosis
MANILA
Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim has launched a city-wide campaign against leptospirosis in view of alarming rise in the number of cases due to typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng.
He tasked the Manila Health Department, headed by Health Superintendent Dr. Marie Lorraine Sanchez, to release an advisory and information materials to Manilans so they...
The Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) is now on heightened alert as Typhoon "Ramil" gained strength.
PNRC Chairman Senator Richard Gordon alerted on Sunday afternoon staff and volunteers from Red Cross chapters in Northern Luzon to closely monitor the situation in their respective areas as typhoon Ramil (international name Lupit) gained...
Plans on RP envoy's residence in Tokyo 'not yet finalized or approved' -- DFA
By Gloria Jane Baylon
MANILA
There is a proposal to develop the official residence of the Philippine ambassador in Tokyo to maximize its benefits for government, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is confirmed, but added that "until now though, nothing has been finalized or approved."...
GOVERNMENT SAYS IT IS IN CONTROL OF IRISH PRIEST KIDNAP CASE
18 October 2009
Gov't authorities on top of Sinnott abduction case - Palace
MANILA
Malacañang today assured the public that government forces are on top of the situation to rescue Irish priest Fr. Michael Sinnott from his abductors in Pagadian City.
Sinnott,79, a member of the Missionary Society of St. Columban, was abducted at the Columban House in Gatas District, Pagadian City at...
In its effort to further enhance disaster relief and humanitarian missions to effectively respond to the needs of the people in times of disaster, the Philippine Army activated the Multi-Role Force (ACE) Battalion in a ceremony led by Army chief Lt. Gen. Delfin N. Bangit at the PA Headquarters Grandstand on Saturday.
Palace says Santiago's bill merits special attention
MANILA
Malacañang said today the bill filed by administration Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago seeking to penalize persons or organizations that would encroach on any waterways should merit special attention following the damage wrought by typhoons "Ondoy" and "Pepeng" in terms of lives and property.
Santiago filed Senate Bill No. 3483 to punish those...
United States embassy officials have officially offered to help resolve the Bangsamoro problem in Southern Philippines when they met with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Saturday.
Al Haj Murad, chief of the biggest Moro rebels in Mindanao, said the offer was presented to him and the MILF central committee by...
DSWD providing assistance to 1.5-M typhoon victims
MANILA
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Esperanza Cabral said that the agency and other government relief organizations are still providing assistance to 292,904 families or equivalent to 1.5 million persons displaced by typhoons “Ondoy” and “Pepeng”.
Cabral said the figures include families who are being served inside and outside evacuation...
MALABON's MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES GET 13th MONTH PAY EARLY
18 October 2009
Malabon gov't releases 13th month pay of its 900 employees due to damages caused by typhoons
MANILA
The Malabon local government has released the 13th month pay of all its 900 employees as part of its effort to assist city hall workers affected by typhoons “Ondoy” and Pepeng”.
Malabon Mayor Canuto “Tito” Oreta said the early release of the Yuletide...
Gov't needs P30B to relocate squatters out of Metro Manila
MANILA
As the nation struggles to recover from the devastation brought about by "Ondoy" and "Pepeng" in various parts of the country, the Metro Manila Inter-Agency Committee (MMIAC), in a report to the Supreme Court, said that the national government needs a minimum of 10 years and more than P30...
SC orders Keppel to refund insurance firm of P320-M
MANILA
The Supreme Court (SC), in a 39-page ruling, has ordered the Keppel Cebu Shipyard Inc. (KCSI) to give back P320 million to the insurance company of a passenger ship which was gutted by fire while being repaired at the company’s dry-dock in 2000.
The decision, penned by Associate Justice Antonio...
'Ramil' still lethargic; continues to pack force over ocean
MANILA
Typhoon Ramil continues to threaten northern Luzon despite its lethargic pace over the ocean, now spotted slowly moving east of Casiguran Aurora.
At 2:00 am today, Typhoon "RAMIL" (international name LUPIT/0920) was located based on satellite and surface data at 970 kms East of Casiguran, Aurora, with maximum sustained winds...
DACER MURDER CASE: NOW COMPLAINT WILL BE FILED AGAINST ESTRADA
18 October 2009
Dacer siblings sign complaint vs Erap
By Priam F. Nepomuceno
MANILA
The daughters of slain publicist Salvador “Bubby” Dacer have signed a complaint seeking the indictment of former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada for the abduction and murder of their father and driver Emmanuel Corbito sometimes in November 2000.
Demetrio Custodio, the legal representative of Carina Dacer, Sabina Dacer-Reyes, Emily Dacer-Hungerford,...
The 40,854-hectare Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary Protected Area in Agusan del Sur is being threatened by the conversion of some areas into agricultural lands and timber poaching.
This was the observation made by two ranking officials of the Department of...
Suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits blasted Lagtoh Bridge in Talipao, Sulu early Saturday morning, military authorities said.
Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) spokesman Maj. Ramon David Hontiveros said improvised bombs set off by suspected Abu Sayyaf almost completely destroyed the bridge,leaving only one lane passable to light...
Police are looking at a possible rift among suspected drug personalities as a possible angle in the recent shooting of a suspected drug dealer in Barangay Looc here.
Shot at close range was Armando Valencia Jamon, 27, married, and a resident of Zone 4 in the...
MOUNTAIN PROVINCE LOOKING SKYWARD AS NEW TYPHOON NEARS
18 October 2009
Cordillera officials fortify preparedness for approaching typhoon 'Ramil'
By AA Galacgac
BAGUIO CITY
Local government officials in the typhoon-battered Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) in Northern Luzon began undertaking massive preemptive measures on Saturday to avert further deaths in the event that incoming typhoon "Ramil" hits the region.
Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Regional Director Olive Luces said all local...
RDCC 3 advises Bulacan disaster officials to take pro-active measures vs. 'Ramil'
By Emil G. Gamos
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan
Even as several villages in the coastal towns of Calumpit and Hagonoy are still submerged in two to six feet of floodwater, the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC-3) in Central Luzon has advised the provincial and municipal disaster coordinating councils...
Rehabilitation of Pangasinan is a herculean task -- Gov. Espino
By Leonardo V. Micua
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan
A herculean task lays ahead for the provincial government in putting back into shape the vastly devastated province of Pangasinan as a result of the destruction and misery wrought by the massive floods from Oct. 8 to 13.
More Californians want to reform public pension system
LOS ANGELES
California's public pension fund has been hard hit by the current financial crisis and mismanagement, and more Californians support changing the pension system to prevent the system from being broken.
California's main pension system, the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), which also administers the retirement systems of numerous local...
Thai anti-gov't group threats to rally at ASEAN Summit's venues
BANGKOK
The anti-government United front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) group has threaten to stage a rally at the ASEAN Summit's venues to demand the government to conduct a referendum to seek public opinion on the 1997 and 2007 constitution, Arisman Pongreungrong, a UDD core leader, said Saturday night.
Maldives holds world's first underwater Cabinet meeting
COLOMBO - with video
Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed, Vice President Mohamed Waheed and 11 cabinet ministers donned scuba gear and submerged four meters below the surface of sea to hold the world's first underwater cabinet meeting on Saturday, in a bid to push for a stronger climate change agreement in the upcoming UN...
BAMBOO RAFTS BEING USED TO AUGMENT SAFETY EQUIPMENT
18 October 2009
Albay develops bamboo rafts for rural flood-prone areas
By Mike dela Rama
LEGAZPI CITY
The Albay Provincial Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) has developed a new rural-based flood preparedness project which can help the rural flood preparedness program in flood-prone areas of the province.
Governor Joey Salceda said the project was conceptualized by APSEMO wherein all identified rural areas...
HOG RAISING PROFITABLE AFTER LEAVING GOVERNMENT EMPLOYMENT
18 October 2009
Camarines Norte couple strikes gold in swine raising
By Danny O. Calleja
DAET, Camarines Norte
With the two heads of hi-breed swine they started with over 10 years ago, a couple of former government employees here discovered swine-raising to be a “gold mine”.
Now, middle-aged Rafael and Mergie Moraleda of this capital town have 150 heads within a family-owned 3.5-hectare...
RP's RAG TRADE HOPING FOR PASSAGE OF U.S. PREFERENTIAL DUTY BILL
18 October 2009
RP garments industry to double exports, triple jobs
MANILA
After a five-year downturn, the local labor-intensive garments industry is in for a revival, if House Resolution 3039 or Save Our Industries Act of 2009 passes the US Congress.
The bill, filed by James McDermott (D-Washington), aims to give preferential duty treatment to Philippine garments exported to the United States.
San Miguel Corp. (SMC) entered into the all-Filipino group constructing the P19 billion Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway.
SMC has also inked an agreement with Private Infrastructure Development Corp. (PDIC), a consortium of construction companies, before it can officially subscribe to a 35 percent stake in PDIC.
The Department of Health (DOH) offers free antiretroviral medication to persons afflicted by the deadly human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS).
The DOH assures HIV/AIDS victims that their identities would not be revealed as they avail of the costly antiretroviral medication.
”HIV/AIDS prevalence in the Philippines is still...
ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN CAN NOW BE PROPERLY REGISTERED
17 October 2009
QC recognizes single parents
MANILA
The Quezon City Civil Registrar is now recognizing single parents by allowing their children born out of wedlock to be registered.
Quezon City civil registrar Ramon Matabang said he was informed by Rep. Magtanggol Gunigundo II of Valenzuela City that the latter’s bill amending Article 177 of the Family Code “is now an enrolled bill...
3 jeepney holdup suspects killed in shootout with QC cops
MANILA
Three suspected holdup men victimizing jeepney commuters between Manila and Novaliches, Quezon City were killed in a shootout with policemen near a checkpoint in La Loma Friday night.
Police Superintendent Carlito Feliciano, Quezon City Police District Station 1 commander in La Loma, said the three still unidentified suspects were...
The Social Security System (SSS) opened its doors during the weekend to a swarm of members claiming salary loan checks to help them cope with difficulties brought about by two consecutive typhoons, a top official said.
SSS spokesman Joel Palacios said the pension fund has processed more than 44,700 checks amounting to over...
Cumulative donations, both in cash and kind, for “Oplan Sagip Bayan” reached P73.9 million as of yesterday (Oct. 16).
Since it started operations last month after the onslaught of typhoon “Ondoy,” the Malacañang-initiated relief operation has benefited 274,268 families. Between Oct. 15 and 16 alone, the center sent 3,950 regular packs of relief...
(Storm update as of 4 p.m.)
Tropical storm 'Ramil' roars northward
MANILA
Typhoon 'Ramil' further gained strength as it shifted direction northward.
As of 4 p.m., the eye of typhoon Ramil was spotted 940 kms East of Casiguran, Aurora with maximum sustained winds of 140 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 170 kph, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical...
DC3 plane on test flight crashes in Las Piñas; 4 dead
MANILA
At least four people were killed aboard a DC3 plane that crashed into a warehouse in Las Pinas City on Saturday noon.
Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) assistant general manager Tirso Serrano said DC-3 aircraft, with tail number RPC 550 crash into a warehouse in Villa Fidela, Elias...
Search continues for passengers of sunken motor boat in Sulu
CAMP SK Pendatun, Maguindanao
The Philippine National Police in Sulu launched search and rescue operations Friday for about 30 passengers of a motorboat that sank off Sulu on Tuesday night.
Senior Supt. Paisal Umpa, police chief in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao which has jurisdictions over Sulu police, said...
Typhoon 'Ramil' gains strength while continuing to move towards Central, Northern Luzon -- PAGASA
By Mediatrix P. Cristobal
MANILA
Typhoon "Ramil" has slowed down but intensified further as it continues to move towards Northern and Central Luzon, the state weather bureau said on Saturday.
"It will slow down in the coming days; but slowing down means it will gather more...
Seven Luzon dams begin releasing water in anticipation of typhoon 'Ramil' -- PAGASA
MANILA
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said seven dams in Luzon started releasing water Saturday morning in anticipation of the rains that maybe generated by incoming typhoon "Ramil."
Pagasa identified the dams as Angat and Ipo in Bulacan, San Roque in San Manuel,...
QC councilor asks MMDA to check Trinoma Mall's drainage plan due to recent floodings
MANILA
A Quezon City councilor on Friday asked the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to check the drainage outflow plan of Trinoma Mall Complex at the corner of EDSA and North Avenue in Pag-Asa, Quezon City.
In her letter to MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando, 1st District...
MALACANANG STUNG BY CRITICS OVER TYPHOON RECONSTRUCTION
16 October 2009
Give Reconstruction Commission a chance-- Palace
MANILA
Malacañang appealed to critics on Friday to give the Special National Public-Private Reconstruction Commission a chance amid fears that funds maybe used for purposes other than rehabilitation.
“The Commission is in good hands,” assured Press Secretary Cerge Remonde in a briefing at Malacanang this afternoon. “The integrity of those appointed to run it...
President Arroyo intensified today government’s campaign against extreme poverty by urging all farmers in the province of Negros Occidental to become agri-entrepreneurs.
The President made her impromptu remarks during the Department of Agriculture (DA) and National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Farmers Forum, which had as its theme: “Sa Ugnayan, Kaunlaran Makakamtan.”
CANADIAN's PUTTING TOO MUCH PRESSURE ON ITS WATER RESOURCES
16 October 2009
Canada's rivers at risk: report
OTTAWA
Climate change, growing water demands and increasing interest in hydropower are putting Canada's major rivers at risk, a report released Thursday said.
Experts examined the health of 10 major rivers and found that the three factors are causing changes in water patterns, affecting water levels and altering the flow of rivers, the report says....
A university research team from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has successfully managed to extract biofuel from minute moss, official WAM news agency reported.
Youssef Al-Hayek, the director of Mechanical Engineering Department at the UAE University, said a four-member research team has successfully used moss to produce biofuel from carbon components of...
NCAA: A RUBBER MATCH FOR SBC AND JRU FOR A FINALS SLOT
16 October 2009
Game Monday (The Arena, San Juan City)
3:30 p.m.-- Jose Rizal vs. San Sebastian (Srs)
MANILA
In the other Final Four match Friday, last year’s losing finalist, Jose Rizal pounced on the absence of scoring demon Jimbo Aquino as it trounced San Sebastian, 72-65, to arrange a winner-take-all showdown on Monday for the last finals berth.
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Listed firm SPC Power Corp., formerly Salcon Power Corp., has acquired, through negotiated bidding, the 55-megawatt (MW) Naga land-based gas turbine (LBGT) power plant for US$1 million, according to the state-owned Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM).
The Naga facility is the seventh operating power...
P95-M in grants to six NGOs signed today with European Union in Manila
By Gloria Jane Baylon
MANILA
More than P95 million in agreements for financial grants to six non-governmental organizations (NGOs), which promised to pursue projects ranging from protecting the rights of Mindanao’s indigenous Filipinos to facilitating the implementation of the newly-passed Republic Act 9262 on women, were signed...
Storm 'Ramil' enters RP, heading towards Central, Northern Luzon
By Mediatrix P. Cristobal
MANILA
Tropical storm 'Ramil' (international name Lupit) entered Philippine area of responsibility at 6:15 p.m. Friday, and maintains its west northwest path heading towards Central and Northern Luzon.
In its 6:30 p.m. report, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services (Pagasa) said that Ramil was spotted 1,000...
NCRPO warns insurance companies of bogus claims by car owners
MANILA
To avoid shouldering hefty sums for the repair of their flood-soaked vehicles, some car owners just decide to declare their vehicles lost or carnapped to make use of the comprehensive coverage of their car insurance
This is the latest scheme that National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director...
NCAA: San Beda barges into the Finals, de la Rosa stars
MANILA
Reigning three-peat champion San Beda leaned on the fourth quarter explosion of rookie Rome dela Rosa as it downed a Rey Guevarra-less Letran, 82-76, Friday to barge into the finals for the fourth straight season in the 85th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City....
DOST grants P500,000 assistance for banana flour production in Davao Norte
By Digna D. Banzon
KAPALONG, Davao del Norte
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has granted fund assistance of P500,000 for the full blast production of banana flour in this province.
DOST regional director Anthony Sales said the agrarian reform beneficiaries who are members of the Andres...
The exports sector is starting to feel the pinch of the strong peso and expressed apprehension that exports recovery may have to be slower and longer that may extend up to 2010.
Sergio Ortiz-Luis, president of the Confederation of Philippine Exporters (PhilExport), said that instead of a recovery late this year the recovery may happen...
Filivent Land Inc. (FLI), in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange Friday, announced that PhilRatings has assigned the highest rating of PRS Aaa to its proposed issuance of P3 billion in fixed-rate bonds which has an over-subscription option of up to P2 billion.
COOPS SEEN TO BE MOVING FORWARD IN BANANA INDUSTRY
16 October 2009
Banana industry training to focus on managing coops in Davao Norte
By Aurelio A. Pena
DAVAO CITY
Negative perceptions of the word “coop” among banana farmers and growers in Sto. Tomas will be one important issue that will be included in the coming leadership training program to be set up by the banana industry cluster group for farmers in...
Games Saturday (Jr basketball, St.Scholastica’s College gym)
8:30 a.m.-- St. Scholastica vs San Beda
10 a.m.-- St. Stephen vs Miriam
11:30 a.m.-- DLSZ vs Chiang Kai Shek
1 p.m.-- La Salle vs Angelicum
2:30 p.m.-- PWU vs St. Jude
(Volleyball, RTU gym)
8 a.m.-- St. Scholastica vs San Beda (Midgets)
9 a.m.-- Angelicum vs St. Stephen (Jrs)
10 a.m.-- La...
VOLLEYBALL: CSB LADY SPIKERS BEAT SSC, SBC DUMPS LETRAN FOR MEN's WINNER TAKE-ALL SEAT
16 October 2009
Games Sunday (EAC Gym)
2 p.m. – SBC vs Letran (men finals)
4 p.m. – SSC-R vs CSB (women finals)
MANILA
St. Benilde leaned on the power-hitting duo of Giza Yumang and Zharmaine Velez as it pulled the rug from fancied defending champion San Sebastian, 26-24, 22-25, 25-17, 26-24, recently to force a winner-take-all game in the women’s division of...
Duque declares leptospirosis outbreak in 3 Marikina barangays
MANILA
Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III Friday declared an outbreak of leptospirosis in the barangays of Tumana, Malanday, and Concepcion I in Marikina.
Duque told a press conference that a mass administration of prophylaxis against leptospirosis will be immediately provided to affected population.
Amid this development, the health chief warned the...
With the recent spate of flooding in the different areas in Central Luzon, the number of leptospirosis cases in the region reached to 89, including the eight reported deaths.
With this development, DOH Regional Director Rio Magpantay has urged people who waded through floodwaters to see a...
Davao tourism group to package Samal Island for global tourists
By Aurelio A. Pena
DAVAO CITY
Packaging the island of Samal as a separate tourism project for global tourists was presented recently by the Davao tourism industry group during its recent meeting held at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Araceli Ayuste, president of the Island Garden City of...
CEB offers all-international seat sale for as low as P999
By Lynda B. Valencia
MANILA
Cebu Pacific (CEB), Asia's third-largest low-cost carrier, gives Asian destinations a boost with an all-international seat from October 16 to 30 for travel from November 15, 2009 until January 31, 2010.
Passengers only need to pay P999 'Go Lite' fare flights from Clark to Bangkok,...
The House of Representatives has ratified the Social Security System (SSS) Condonation Bill that would condone 100 percent of the penalties slapped on unpaid employers' remittances while providing installment options for those who would like to settle through staggered payment over a period of 48 months.
Money sent home by Overseas Filipinos (OFs) continue to be in the billion level mark in August 2009 at US$1.4 billion, bringing the first eight months inflows to US$11.3 billion.
The bulk of these inflows came from the US, Canada, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom, Japan, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, Italy, and Germany....
Mindanao's seaweed output bigger than Luzon, Visayas
By Aurelio A. Pena
DAVAO CITY
Mindanao has been cited as having a bigger potential for seaweed production and exports than Luzon and the Visayan regions.
This was stressed by Gilbert Anguay, technical director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Regional Fisheries and Development Center (RFDC), during a...
RP's end-September ’09 “hot money” registers US$229M net inflow
MANILA
Investors confidence on Philippine economy remain high as proven by the reversal to net inflows of foreign portfolio investments, otherwise known as hot money, at end-September to US$229 million, among others.
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said the latest figure is far better than year-ago’s US$889...
U.S. SAVE ACT SEEN AS A LIFESAVER FOR RP's GARMENT INDUSTRY
15 October 2009
Passage of US bill to help RP's rehab bid
MANILA
The Philippines may appeal before US Congress to fast track the passage of the proposed Save Our Industries Act (Save Act) as the latter's contribution in rebuilding the Philippine infrastructures damaged by the recent typhoons.
Save Act, also known as the 809 Apparel/Pilot Program with the U.S., filed by Rep....
STORMS MEAN DAVAO SELLING MORE VEGETABLES IN MANILA
15 October 2009
Davao ships 40 metric tons of vegetables daily to Manila to help typhoon victims
DAVAO CITY
Davao Region is shipping almost 40 metric tons of assorted vegetables daily to Manila to augment the shortage of food supplies in the National Capital Region (NCR), now experiencing problems due to the destruction of the roads linking it to the production areas in...
Coconut farmers in the Davao region see signs of hope and revival of a dying industry that was beset by seemingly unsurmountable problems during the past years.
Some of these signs include the series of intensive training programs for Davao farmers who want to boost their production...
More than 39,000 New Yorkers are spending their nights in shelters, which is a record high since the city began keeping track 25 years ago, according to local media reports on Wednesday.
The number of homeless sheltered by the city reached an all-time high of 39,243, including 16,500 children, last...
The Norwegian Immigration Directorate (UDI) said there were more asylum seekers going to Norway this year, according to reports reaching here from Oslo on Wednesday.
"So far this year 13,379 asylum seekers have arrived in Norway. This is nearly as many as for the whole of last year, when around 14,400...
Australia introduces plan to help low income earners
CANBERRA
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced Thursday a 33 million Australian dollar (30.4 million U.S. dollars) plan to help struggling low income earners hit by the global financial crisis.
More than 30,000 people were expected to benefit from the plan, with zero interest loans to buy household goods as well as...
NEGROS' GUN AMNESTY GETS 500 PEOPLE HANDING OVER THEIR FIREARMS
15 October 2009
500 gun owners in Negros Oriental avail of government amnesty program
DUMAGUETE CITY
An estimated 500 hundred gun owners have availed of the firearms amnesty program of the government and implemented by the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Negros Oriental under the Bilang Boga and Kontra Boga campaign.
The firearms amnesty program started last October 01 through October 31st this...
The tropical depression spotted east of Visayas has accelerated and may enter the Philippine areas by Friday afternoon, according to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
"Medyo bumilis ito. As of 4 p.m., it was spotted 1,620 kilometers east of Visayas," said Pagasa weather...
Two of China’s largest mining companies have signified interest to invest US$ 1 billion in the Philippines.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Environment Secretary Joselito Atienza, and Chen Jinghe, chairman of Zijin Mining Group Co., Ltd. and Jerry Angping, president of Nihao Mineral Resources International Inc., after making...
NFA increases rice distribution in typhoon-stricken areas
By Lilybeth G. Ison
MANILA
The National Food Authority (NFA) is increasing its rice distribution in typhoon-stricken areas, particularly in Metro Manila, to further ensure the stability in price and supply of the staple and protect consumers.
NFA Administrator Jessup Navarro on Thursday said the agency will be releasing more rice, by as...
President Arroyo is set to sign into law the Climate Change Act of 2009 on Oct. 30, after the Legislative-Executive Development and Advisory Council (LEDAC) agreed that one of the effective tools to face the global challenge of climate change must be institutionalized.
The President today convened LEDAC, which is the...
COAST GUARD JOIN IN SEARCH FOR KIDNAPPED IRISH PRIEST
15 October 2009
PCG aid sought to intercept Sinnott captors
COTABATO CITY
Police authorities in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) have asked the Philippine Coast Guard to deploy some of its vessels to guard the coastlines of Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte where the kidnapped Irish priest was believed to have been taken by his captors.
New landslides stall re-opening of Halsema Highway in Benguet, public cemetery destroyed
By Aure A. Galacgac
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet
Two landslides in the typhoon-ravaged province early Thursday stalled the re-opening of the 100-kilometer Halsema Highway and also destroyed a portion of a public cemetery here.
Roy Manao, regional director of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), said a...
Vegetable prices in Nueva Ecija rise by almost 200%
By Armand Galang
CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija
Prices of vegetables, even in the Bagsakan Center (drop-off point) here have almost tripled due to lack of supply coming from Baguio City and other provinces in the Northern Luzon.
Provincial agriculturist Serafin Santos said the two recent typhoons - Ondoy and Pepeng —...
NEW TAX LAW WILL EXPOSE FOREIGNERS BANK ACCOUNTS TO SCRUTINY
15 October 2009
Senate passes bill amending Nat'l Internal Revenue Code
By Jelly F. Musico
MANILA
The Senate has passed a proposed law seeking to amend the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997 to allow the Bureau of Internal Revenue to exchange information on tax matters with foreign tax authorities in compliance with internationally agreed tax standards (IATS).
A song of hope echoes in flood-stricken Hagonoy village
By Emil G. Gamos
HAGONOY, Bulacan
A song of hope amid the floods.
Instead of sulking and getting miserable on the dilemma brought by backfloods that continue to submerge villages in their town, local folk singer Arnold Mendoza picks up his guitar, sits on the window porch on the second floor...
"Obamacare" enters new phase, but challenges remain
By Yang Qingchuan
WASHINGTON
As the U.S. Senate Finance Committee passed its version of the health care reform bill on Tuesday, the Obama administration's health care overhaul initiative, or the so-called "Obamacare," finally entered a new phase.
However, with lawmakers unable to agree on some key features of the legislation, the "Obamacare" will...
CHR to begin hearing complaint on alleged HR violations by military
DUMAGUETE CITY
Negros Oriental Commission on Human Rights (CHR) special investigator Jess Cañete is set to begin his probe on a complaint filed by the Dacal-dacal family from Barangay Nagbalaye, Sta. Catalina town on alleged human rights violations by the military and a civilian armed auxiliary.
PCG-BMI asks for one-day extension to debate on seaworthiness of SuperFerry 9
MANILA
The Philippine Coast Guard’s Board of Marine Inquiry (BMI) has asked for a one-day extension to debate among its members on the seaworthiness of the sunken M/V SuperFerry 9 before coming out with a final report and recommendations.
Late last week, the BMI terminated its hearing into...
30 people arrested during anti-drug operation in Cavite
MANILA
Thirty persons were arrested during an anti-illegal drug operation by combined police and anti-narcotics agents in Imus, Cavite Thursday morning.
Quoting reports from the field, Chief Supt. Perfecto Palad, CALABARZON police director, said elements of the Cavite Provincial Police Office and agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) swooped down...
PAO assigns "night duty lawyer and staff" for "indigent clients"
MANILA
To better serve the "indigent clients", Public Attorney's Office (PAO) Chief Atty. Persida Rueda-Acosta has ordered the designation of the "night duty lawyer and staff" at the PAO Central office in Quezon City.
The PAO is an attached agency of the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Four of the six gunmen that seized Irish priest Fr. Michael Sinnott were already identified, a military official disclosed Thursday.
Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) chief Maj. Gen. Benjamin Mohammad Dolorfino said the investigators have already completed the artist sketch of the three suspects based on the testimonies of some witnesses.
PANGASINAN's CARABALLO MOUNTAIN DAM IN DANGER OF COLLAPSE
15 October 2009
Collapse of natural dam in east Pangasinan seen; 530 families evacuated
By Leonardo V. Micua
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan
Governor Amado Espino Jr. sent a team of engineers to Umingan in eastern Pangasinan Thursday morning to inspect a big natural dam on top of the Caraballo Mountains, which hillside residents fear might collapse soon.
Espino said some 530 families from five barangays...
MANILA TO FACE FLOOD DANGERS FOR A FURTHER 10 YEARS
15 October 2009
P82-B planned comprehensive flood-control projects remain on the drawing board
By Lynda B. Valencia
MANILA
Some eight million residents in Metro Manila will have to brace for more deadly floodings because plans for the estimated P82-billion flood-control projects that could have averted mega-floods caused by strong typhoons like Ondoy remain in the drawing board for lack of foreign funds.
Three gunmen believed to be Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed while one was injured in a clash with government forces in the hinterlands of Sulu, a military official disclosed Thursday.
Four government soldiers were wounded during the clash, the latest between the government forces and the Abu Sayyaf...
The biggest hatchery in Asia will be operational by end of the year as construction of the P20 million facilities, located in Binugao, Toril here, is underway.
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) director in Region XI George Campeon told the Philippines News Agency that it has a capacity of producing...
260 villages in Central Luzon remain under floodwaters
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga
A total of 260 barangays in Central Luzon remained under floodwaters due to recent typhoon Pepeng.
Neri Amparo, regional director of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), said the villages still under one to eight feet deep floodwaters were located in the provinces of Pampanga, Tarlac and...
Regular flights connecting the two neighboring areas in the Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) are set to resume Friday, as part of trade and tourism exchanges between Zamboanga and Sandakan, Malaysia.
Ken Tan, station manager of Zest Air Zamboanga said Zest Air’s...
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MINDANAO BEING ORDERED TO HAND OVER UNUSED LAND TO FARMERS
15 October 2009
Farmers on state university in Mindanao to stay, says gov
By Malu Cadelina Manar
KIDAPAWAN CITY
More than 2,000 farmer-occupants of a reservation area of a state university in a town in North Cotabato will no longer worry of being evicted from the lands they have been tilling since the 1950s.
Cotabato Governor Jesus Sacdalan said he was given...
SHELL & SEAOIL UNDER INVESTIGATION OVER PREDATORY PRICING
15 October 2009
DOJ chief says task force on oil
deregulation empowered to probe Shell and Seaoil
By Perfecto T. Raymundo
MANILA
Department of Justice (DOJ) Acting Secretary and concurrent Solicitor General Agnes Devanadera on Wednesday said that the task force on oil deregulation law may investigate Shell and Seaoil companies.
Devanadera stressed that the investigation may be conducted against the two giant...
INTERNATIONAL DONATIONS STILL COMING IN FOR TYPHOON VICTIMS
15 October 2009
Donations continue to pour in for victims of typhoon Ondoy
Stockholm, Sweden
Some SEK 4.4 million have been remitted to various organizations in Manila as donations from both Filipinos and expatriates in Sweden continue to pour in for the victims of typhoon Ondoy that devastated the country last week of September, the Philippine Embassy in Stockholm said in its...
Green groups campaign for Zero Waste solutions to lessen ravages of climate change
MANILA
In an audacious demonstration of solidarity and resolve, environmental advocates today vowed to redouble their efforts in pursuing sustainable consumption and Zero Waste solutions to help avert the climate crisis.
As the Filipino people come to grips with the deadly onslaught of storms, floods and landslides,...
Academicians and social scientists believed that fighting corruption in government is not yet hopeless as evidenced by the changes that have taken place in the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
In a recent roundtable discussion, representatives of the government and private educational institutions are in unison that BI Commissioner Marcelino Libanan has proved to naysayers and critics of the government...
MMDA 80% complete in Marikina clearing operation, Pasig next
MANILA
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Thursday said it expects to complete the extensive clearing operations in flood-hit Marikina City is 80 percent complete or will be finished in 10 days before it transfers to Pasig City, which was also severely flooded by tropical storm “Ondoy.”
Donations at DSWD relief goods storage facility all accounted for -- NROC
MANILA
The official responsible for the day to day operations of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)’s national resource operation center (NROC) in Pasay City on Thursday assured the public and donors that no diversion of relief aid is taking place.
NCRPO finalizing security operations for two ASEAN meets next month
MANILA
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) is finalizing its security operations for the country’s hosting of the two important conferences of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Makati City next month.
NCRPO chief Director Roberto Rosales said the Metro Manila police is now on the final...
DepEd offers home study program to typhoon-affected students
MANILA
To make up for the lost school days due to the suspension of classes because of typhoons "Ondoy" and "Pepeng," Department of Education Secretary Jesli Lapus on Thursday said DepEd personnel are now conducting home visitations in typhoon-affected communities to identify students entitled to the home study program as one of...
DSWD organizes relief caravan for victims of typhoon 'Pepeng' in Luzon
MANILA
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has organized a 100-vehicle relief caravan dubbed “Sama-Samang Pagtulong Relief Caravan” that will bring relief goods to Luzon on October 19, Monday, for families affected by typhoon ‘Pepeng.’
This is in line with the instructions of President Arroyo to strengthen...
SC rules Comelec can now proceed with Bulacan gubernatorial poll dispute
By Perfecto T. Raymundo Jr.
MANILA
With a unanimous vote of 11-0, the Supreme Court (SC) ruled on Thursday that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) can now proceed with the poll protest filed by former Bulacan Gov. Roberto Pagdanganan against incumbent Gov. Joselito Mendoza in connection with the May...
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has cited the need for the Philippines to have its own specialized disaster management agency and a highly competent “Disaster Czar” to attend to disaster risk mitigation.
Various sectors, including Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, called for the creation of such agency following the recent onslaughts...
Disaster agencies are warned anew as a potentially strong storm, with similar intensity and track as typhoon Pepeng (international name PARMA) is forming in the Pacific and may hit the country early next week, the state weather bureau said.
“This weather disturbance is still in the ocean. It...
P20-M Subic IT facility offers 'revolutionary' business ideas
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Zambales
Had it crossed anyone’s mind 10 years ago that coffee shops and restaurants today would serve “wi-fi” on their menu to boost sales?
This kind of foresight in emerging and revolutionary trade trends is now available to businesses in this free port with the opening of the P20-million...
New regulations delay rebuilding of damaged portion of Dumaguete port
DUMAGUETE CITY
Reconstruction of the damaged portion of the port of Dumaguete has been stalled due to some regulations and requirements.
To recall, the Super Ferry 5 rammed into Pier I of the port two months ago, making it hard for Manila-bound vessels to dock at the port because only...
All tourism-related enterprises are mandated to get accreditation from the Department of Tourism under Republic Act(RA) 9593, or the National Tourism Act of 2009, said an official from the Department.
DOT Undersecretary Phineas Alburo said this is to make all tourism-based companies compliant with international tourism standards.
CAMBODIA WILL USE ASEAN SUMMIT TO BRING UP ITS BORDER DISPUTE
14 October 2009
Cambodia to raise border issues with Thailand at ASEAN Summit -- Cambodian FM
PHNOM PENH
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen will raise border issues with Thailand at area near the 11th century Khmer Preah Vihear temple at the forthcoming ASEAN summit, Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong said on Wednesday.
"We requested the Thai side (Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya) in...
Cuba solicits worldwide support against U.S. embargo
HAVANA
The National Assembly of People's Power, Cuba's parliament, called for worldwide support on Tuesday to pressure the United States into lifting its economic, commercial and financial embargo against the country.
In a statement published by local press, the International Affairs Commission of the Assembly appealed to governments of all countries for their...
U.S. Senate finance panel OKs health care overhaul bill
WASHINGTON
The U.S. Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday passed a health care reform bill in a vote viewed as critical to help advance the Obama administration's health care overhaul agenda.
The legislation, drafted by Democrats, was approved on a 14-9 vote in the 23-member committee, with Republican Senator from Washington state...
Despite the impact of the global financial crisis, investments and exports targets are on track as the business community has remained bullish on the local economy and exports are picking up again after the lull.
This was bared by Trade and Industry and Board of Investments managing head Secretary Peter B. Favila at...
Cebu power firm wants to supply power to Mactan export zone
CEBU CITY
A consortium set to operate a 246-megawatt (mw) coal-fired power plant in Toledo City next year is now negotiating with Mactan Economic Zone (MEZ) 1 to supply the industrial area in Lapu-Lapu City with power starting next year.
Cebu Energy Development Corp. (Cebu Energy) wants to provide...
BSP revises forecasts on remittances, GIR, other economic indicators
By Joann Villanueva
MANILA
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has revised its projections on remittances and dollar reserves as inflows of money being sent home by Overseas Filipinos (OFs) continue to remain strong.
BSP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr., in a press conference before the Philippine Economic Briefing at a Makati...
CLASSROOMS CLEARED FOR USE AS NEW EVACUATION CENTERS
14 October 2009
Classes in Bicol University suspended to prepare for more evacuees
By Mike dela Rama
LEGAZPI CITY
Albay Governor Joey Salceda on Wednesday ordered the suspension of classes at the Bicol University College of Agriculture and Fisheries (BUCAF) in Guinobatan, Albay in order to clear the classrooms for use as evacuation centers.
Heavy rains brought by a low pressure area (LPA)...
City Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang has sought an investigation on the legitimacy of the Apo Credit Cooperative in the light of news reports that it is the same company closed down by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) last March after it violated SEC rules and...
POLITICS OR FEUD SEEN IN LATEST SULTAN KUDARAT MURDERS
14 October 2009
Village chair in Sultan Kudarat shot dead; police eye 'rido', politics
COTABATO CITY
A village official and his police auxiliary escort were killed in an ambush in Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat, which authorities believed was politically motivated, police said Wednesday.
The Lambayong Philippine National Police (PNP) identified the victims as Barangay Panjanan Chairman Jowari Puto Mombao, and police auxiliary Moktar Ali....
CHED validates non-performing schools in nursing and maritime courses in Western Visayas
ILOILO CITY
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is now conducting a validation of schools that offer nursing and marine engineering courses with "zero performance" during board examinations.
CHED regional director Rex Casiple said that the list of non-performing schools will be published in newspapers and website once...
NBI-NFA team seizes 81 sacks of NFA rice repacked as commercial rice
MANILA
A joint team of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the National Food Authority (NFA) confiscated 81 sacks of NFA rice which were diverted and re-bagged as commercial rice during an operation in Paranaque City over the weekend against undue increases in the prices of basic...
TYPHOON VICTIMS WILL GET PRIORITY DURING JOBS EXPO
14 October 2009
Foreign chambers to prioritize typhoon victims for job placements
MANILA
Victims of the recent typhoons will be given priority for job placement in the two-day “Foreign Chambers Local Employment Expo" on Oct. 23-23 at at the Market! Market! in Taguig City.
This was the commitment made by the American, Australian-New Zealand, British, Canadian, and European chambers of commerce.
3 holdup suspects killed in shootouts with Manila cops
MANILA
Three suspected holdup men were killed when involved in shootouts with operatives of the Manila Police District (MPD) in separate incidents in Sta. Cruz and Tondo, Manila on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
Police investigators said only one of the slain holdup suspects had so far been identified. He was...
Laguna PNP nab two, seize 11 kilos of marijuana in Binan
MANILA
Elements of the Laguna police on Wednesday arrested two persons and seized about 11 kilograms of dried marijuana leaves during an operation in Binan town, a ranking police official said.
Chief Supt. Perfecto Palad, CALABARZON Police Regional Office (PRO) director, identified the arrested suspects as 60-year-old Purificacion Reyes,...
National Development Company (NDC), the government’s investment arm attached to the Department of Trade and Industry, is set to issue P50-billion reconstruction bond this month to fund the reconstruction and rehabilitation of infrastructure projects damaged by the recent typhoons.
This was disclosed on Wednesday by Trade and Industry Secretary Peter B. Favila, who...
Importation of vegetables and more rice this year unlikely
Manila
It would be unlikely that the government would give in to clamor to import vegetables and other agricultural produce including additional rice imports this year, saying prices and domestic supplies have eased up.
Both secretaries of the Departments of Trade and Industry and Agriculture said on Wednesday's Philippine Economic Briefing...
No storm is affecting the country but the weather disturbance over Palawan will dump rains in most parts of Luzon, including disaster-stricken areas until late Thursday, the state weather bureau said.
"We don't have tropical cyclone but there will be heavy rains so we better be prepared," Nathaniel Cruz,...
DOH prepares for rise of leptopirosis cases in Metro Manila
MANILA
The Department of Health (DOH) said Wednesday that it is preparing for the rise of cases of leptospirosis after several hospitals in Metro Manila reported an increase of patients which followed after tropical storm “Ondoy” and typhoon “Pepeng” hit the country.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said they are...
Pampanga steps-up relief, rehab efforts after typhoons
By Zorayda S. Tecson
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga
The provincial government has stepped-up its relief and rehabilitation efforts following the devastation of recent typhoons that caused loss of lives and damages to properties in the province, including agricultural crops and infrastructure.
Filipina Sevilla, unit head of the Pampanga Disaster Monitoring Unit (PDMU),...
Heavy rains spawned by a low pressure area (LPA)in the eastern part of Visayas and Mindanao triggered flooding and lahar to cascade from the slopes of Mt. Mayon rendering some major roads in Albay and Sorsogon to be temporarily impassable to both heavy and light vehicles.
Miss Philippines-Earth 2009 title holders will be painting Boracay green in preparation for the expected beauty pageant to be held in this resort island in November.
Angelo Palmones, station manager of DZMM, said that they have coordinated with the group of Agham and the Carousel production, the organizer of Miss...
'The World Cruise Ship’ from Europe is scheduled to visit this resort island in November.
Niven Maquirang, Caticlan Port administrator, said that on board the vessel are some 300 European travelers who will visit Boracay Island on November 6-7.
"They have requested that their cruise ship be docked in...
UK in top spot as world's leading financial center
MANILA
The United Kingdom is now the world's leading international financial center among 55 ranked systems, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF) Financial Development Report released recently.
Of the 55 leading financial systems and capital markets, UK was rated stronger than Australia and the USA —which ranked 2nd and 3rd...
Teves announces signing of EO for faster entry of imported relief goods
MANILA
Finance Secretary Margarito Teves on Wednesday announced the signing of Executive Order No. 831 that creates a one-stop shop for the faster entry of imported relief goods that should be released within 24 hours upon entry to the country.
SJS lauds GMA's order to open up books of oil firms
MANILA
The Social Justice Society (SJS) lauded on Wednesday the order of President Arroyo to open up the financial books of the oil companies on account of alleged "predatory pricing".
During a Cabinet meeting held last Tuesday in the flood-devastated city of Dagupan in Pangasinan, President Arroyo ordered Department...
Devanadera says Malacanang issued directives on implementation of Oil Deregulation Law
MANILA
Department of Justice (DOJ) Acting Secretary and concurrent Solicitor General Agnes Devanadera on Wednesday said that Malacanang has issued two directives for the strict implementation of the Oil Deregulation Law.
"Dalawa ang instruction (There were two instructions) that came from the Executive Secretary. One is directed to Secretary...
The death toll from typhoon Pepeng has already reached 375, nearly 40 more than that of storm Ondoy which devastated Metro Manila and Southern Tagalog late last month, the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) reported Wednesday.
NDCC executive officer and concurrent Office of Civil Defense Administrator Glenn Rabonza also said that Pepeng also injured...
UN to raise aid for typhoon-ravaged RP beyond original USD74-M commitment
By Gloria Jane Baylon
MANILA
A senior official of the United Nations has pledged to work for the increase of humanitarian assistance to typhoon-ravaged Philippines beyond the UN’s original commitment of USD74 million, even as he noted that so far, the campaign netted just USD19 million or USD55 million...
QC hires 300 emergency employees for 'Ondoy' clearing operations
MANILA
The Quezon City government on Wednesday hired 300 underprivileged residents who were displaced by Storm "Ondoy" to help in the city's clearing operations.
The project, in cooperation with the Deparment of Labor and Employment (DOLE), is aimed to help improve their living conditions.
NHA relocates 145 Marikina City families to Laguna
MANILA
The National Housing Authority (NHA) on Wednesday said it has relocated 145 of 400 families along Marikina City’s river banks to Southville 4 in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
NHA officials said they have shuttled them round the clock to the 35-hectare Southville 4 NHA project in Sta. Rosa town.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has detained a Nigerian suspected of being a member of a credit card fraud syndicate that has victimized many individuals in the country.
Benson Umeh, 47, is now detained at the BI detention center in Bicutan following his arrest by agents of the National Bureau of...
CONTRACTORS SUPPLYING HEAVY EQUIPMENT FREE OF CHARGE FOR TYPHOON RELIEF
14 October 2009
Private contractors waive rent fee on heavy
equipment for emergency road repairs, clearing
By Lynda B. Valencia
MANILA
Public Works and highways Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. on Wednesday said private contractors have waived their P8,000 to P10,000 average daily rental fee for heavy equipment in their effort to help clear up roads and bridges damaged by the recent typhoons.
PPA to sign joint venture contract of North Harbor soon
By Lynda B. Valencia
MANILA
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is set to sign soon the joint venture contract with Harbour Center of Michael Romero group and the Metro Pacific led by Manuel V. Pangilinan to modernize the Manila North Harbor (NH) when the two (Romero and Pangilinan) already formalize...
GUAM's NATIONAL GUARD ARRIVE TO ASSIST IN RELIEF EFFORTS
14 October 2009
Guam national guards help Pepeng victims
MANILA
The Guam National Guard has joined other international groups who trooped to the country to extend relief and humanitarian assistance in northern provinces badly hit by typhoon Pepeng.
Upon arrival Wednesday at Northern Luzon Command headquarters in Tarlac City which is serving as the coordinating cell for disaster relief, rescue, rehabilitation and other...
DSWD allays fears of overseas donors on reported diversion of aid
MANILA
Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary (DSWD) Esperanza I. Cabral allayed fears of foreign donors that their donations will be used for electioneering instead for humanitarian purposes.
This came after reports that Filipinos in Hongkong are apprehensive to channel their donations to the Philippine government for fear...
LPA crossing Visayas and Luzon to bring widespread rains
MANILA
Widespread rains can be expected today across Visayas and Mindanao as a low pressure area traverse the rugged terrains of those regions, which may cause a series of weather-related disasters.
A low pressure area which was spotted hovering Masbate or at 130 kilometers east of Roxas City, the Philippine Atmospheric...
SUSPICIONS GROWING WEST OUT TO DERAIL KYOTO PROTOCOL
13 October 2009
Indonesia watches out industrialized nations' maneuvers to abolish Kyoto Protocol
JAKARTA
Indonesia and other developing countries need to watch out for the maneuvers of the developed nations wishing to abolish the Kyoto Protocol convention on climate change.
The statement was made by Head of the Climate Change National Council Secretariat Agus Purnomo at a press conference in Jakarta Monday on...
More than 900 cargo ships have been held up at a section of a river in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region due to low water level amid continuous drought, the local maritime authority said Monday.
A severe drought began to hit Guangxi in early August. The average water level in Changzhou ship...
INDON PRINT JOURNALISTS CONFIDENT OF SEEING OFF INTERNET RIVALS
13 October 2009
Internet won't be able to replace print media in Indonesia
By Eliswan Azly
JAKARTA
Amidst rising fear of possible bankruptcy of the print media as the result of their declining competitiveness against cyber journalists, some senior journalists and lecturers opined that Indonesian print media companies should not worry about it.
Print media companies in Indonesia would not be replaced by...
French navy hands over five suspected pirates to Somalia
MOGADISHU
The French navy force patrolling Somalia's pirate-invested coast on Monday handed over five suspected pirates to the local authorities in Somalia's northeastern semi-autonomous region of Puntland, police said.
The deputy police commander of the region, Mohamed Said Jaqanaf, told reporters in Bosassa, commercial capital of Puntland, that the five suspected...
FAO says climate change to reduce food output up to 30 percent by 2050
ROME
In 2050 climate change will decrease food and agricultural production by up to 30 percent in parts of developing countries, UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) director-general Jacques Diouf said on Monday.
Opening the High-Level Expert Forum on world hunger, which is being held here...
Indonesia's quake death toll likely to exceed 1,000
JAKARTA
The death toll from the 7.9-magnitude quake in Indonesia's West Sumatra province may rise to more than 1,000 people, local Disaster Management Agency said on Monday.
Sudirman Gani, head of the agency, told Xinhua over phone that rescuers have recovered 809 bodies and predicted that 241 others trapped in the debris...
South Korea topped the ninth place in the global ranking of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas emission in 2007, a government report said Monday.
According to the report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), South Korea's ranking remained frozen at the 2006 level, the Ministry of Knowledge Economy said.
Boeing A160T Unmanned Helicopter Flies With Foliage-Penetrating Radar in DARPA Tests
IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 13, 2009 -- The Boeing [NYSE: BA] A160T Hummingbird unmanned helicopter successfully completed 20 test flights from Aug. 31 to Oct. 8 with the Foliage Penetration Reconnaissance, Surveillance, Tracking and Engagement Radar (FORESTER). The tests, conducted at Fort Stewart, Ga., validated the radar-carrying A160T's flight characteristics...
Indonesia, Timor Leste agree to set borderline to settle territory disputes
JAKARTA
Indonesia and Timor Leste are trying to workout disputes over their territory by agreeing on an exact border between the two nations, the Jakarta Globe reported here on Tuesday.
"We are now in the process of finalizing border lines between Indonesia and Timor Leste," Saut Situmorang, Home Affairs...
The melting of the glaciers in the Himalayan belt may be a hot topic linked to the ongoing debate on climate change.
The total area of the glaciers would shrink from 500,000 to 100, 000 sq km by 2035, local daily The Himalayan Times on Tuesday quoted a report from the World Wildlife Fund...
Japan dispatches two replacement destroyers on anti-piracy mission off Somalia
TOKYO
Japan sent off two Maritime Self-Defense Forces (MSDF) destroyers Tuesday on an anti-piracy mission off Somalia to replace the two operating since July.
It is the first time for the new administration under Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama as well as the third time for the Japanese government to dispatch...
US move to tax worldwide income caused panic, possible backlash
LOS ANGELES
The United States has set Oct. 15 as the deadline for Americans to report their income from foreign countries. The move has caused panic and could draw backlash abroad.
In the past, Americans living and working abroad could open bank accounts in foreign countries and most Americans did...
Indonesia struggles to boost non-oil and gas exports
JAKARTA
Indonesia attempted to increase volume of its non-oil and gas export which has declined by the global financial crisis, Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu said here Tuesday.
Indonesia has registered weakening of its non-oil and gas overseas sales by 18.3 percent to 60 billion US dollars in the first eight months...
Cambodia prohibits any one to use Cambodia as shelter against other countries -- PM
PHNOM PENH
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Tuesday said that his country does not allow foreigners and international organizations to use Cambodia as a stronghold to create illegal political and international organizations to oppose neighboring countries.
First biological control satellite laboratory in Panay launched
ILOILO CITY
The Department of Agriculture-Regional Crop Protection Center (DA-RCPC) recently launched the first biological control satellite laboratory in Panay that will enhance production of friendly biological insects.
The friendly insects such as trichogramma, earwigs and metarhizium will be used as biological control on insect pests in farms, according to the DA...
NPAs mulct businesses, multi-national firms in Makilala, North Cotabato, cops say
COTABATO CITY
About 60 percent of business establishments in Makilala, North Cotabato, including multi-national firms, are milking cows of the communist rebels, police said.
Makilala, one of the developing municipalities in North Cotabato, is situated at the foot of the country's highest peak, Mt. Apo, where the New People's...
Authorities on full alert as Mt. Mayon displays signs of heightened restiveness
By Mar S. Arguelles
LEGAZPI CITY
Mayon volcano continues to show signs of restlessness signified by high level of sulfur dioxide emission and high and low frequency volcanic quakes, prompting disaster authorities to strictly enforce the “no entry” rule in designated danger zone areas surrounding the...
200 soldier-trainees to help clean up Rosales town in Pangasinan
By LV Micua
DAGUPAN CITY
Up to 200 soldier-trainees will be deployed in Rosales to help clean up the town after it was ravaged by flood water when its flood control dike was washed out Friday night due to the release of a big volume of water from San...
About 100 stray dogs were seized during the simultaneous campaign against “asong askal” (stray dogs) by the provincial veterinary office in North Cotabato, officials said.
Dr. Enrico Garzon, North Cotabato provincial veterinarian, said the "arrested dogs" are now impounded at the Kidapawan City veterinary office waiting for claimants.
MANILA TIMES REPORTER ORDERED TO DISCLOSE LEAK SOURCE
13 October 2009
SC orders reporter to explain "leakage" of unpromulgated SC ruling
MANILA
The Supreme Court (SC) has ordered a broadsheet reporter to explain the alleged "leakage" of an unpromulgated decision of the SC on the "constitutionality" of the P7.2-billion poll automation contract between the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Smartmatic International Corporation-Total Information Management Corporation (Smartmatic-TIM) consortium.
Senate defers approval of P12-B supplemental calamity fund
By Jelly F. Musico
MANILA
The Senate deferred on Tuesday the approval of the P12-billion supplemental calamity fund after Senator Noynoy Aquino asked for more time to scrutinize why the P2-billion fund of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) was depleted to P27 million.
Marine troops arrest Abu Sayyaf leader in Tawi-Tawi
By Teofilo P. Garcia
ZAMBOANGA CITY
Philippine Marine troops have arrested a mid-level leader of the Abu Sayyaf group with a P3.3-million reward for his arrest in the island province of Tawi-Tawi, a military official disclosed Tuesday.
Lt. Col. Edgard Arevalo, Philippine Navy spokesman, said the mid-level Abu Sayyaf leader was...
MILITARY CLAIM TO KNOW KIDNAPPED IRISH PRIEST's LOCATION
13 October 2009
Whereabouts of abducted Irish priest known -- Army
By Teofilo P. Garcia
ZAMBOANGA CITY
The military has established the location where Irish priest Michael Sinnott is being held captive, according to Western Mindanao Command chief Maj. Gen. Benjamin Mohammad Dolorfino.
However, Dolorfino declined to mention specific place where Sinnott was being held hostage, citing efforts were underway to recover the...
AN APPEAL BY ROTARY INTERNATIONAL IN AID OF TYPHOON VICTIMS
13 October 2009
Rotary Shelter Box responds to Typhoon Ondoy, Earthquake and Tsunami
By Charles Kelly��- with video
Rotary International has immediately responded to natural disasters through its AquaBox and�Shelter Box deployments in South East Asia and Pacific areas.
p>ShelterBox and AquaBox provides worldwide emergency relief respond instantly to natural and manmade disasters�by delivering boxes of aid to those who... [More]
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NEW CALL FOR TEXT TAX TO BE SCRAPPED
13 October 2009
House leader seeks scrapping of tax on text bill amid relief efforts for calamity victims
By Lilybeth G. Ison
MANILA
A lawmaker on Tuesday called for the scrapping of the tax on text proposal so as not to unduly worsen the people's present grief and pain caused by tropical storm "Ondoy" and typhoon "Pepeng."
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered her Cabinet on Tuesday to look into a 1977 study on flooding in Metro Manila by urban planner Architect Jun Palafox and find out if there’s something in it the government can adapt.
“Let’s look at it again. It was a masterplan for NCR during the Marcos...
The military remain clueless on the whereabouts of Irish priest Fr. Michael Sinnott, who was abducted by abouit six armed men from his home in Columban House in Gatas District, Pagadian City Sunday night.
Major General Romeo Lustestica, commander of the 1st Infantry Tabak Division...
Serial robber preying on gyms and fitness centers arrested
MANILA
A serial robber victimizing hotels, gyms or fitness centers and other similar establishments in Metro Manila was collared by operatives of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) during an operation in Manila on Monday, a ranking police official said today.
NCRPO chief Director Roberto Rosales identified the suspect as...
Liquidness of the market was noticed during Monday’s auction for Treasury bills (T-bills) after bids reached more than five times but the auction committee decided to award as programmed.
Total bids reached P 22.606 billion as against the P6.5 billion offering for 91,182 and 364-day papers.
Cost overruns of foreign-assisted projects down 11.3% to P28.5B
MANILA
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said cost overruns of foreign-funded projects fell by more than a tenth in the third quarter mostly because of closed loans.
Eric Planta, NEDA Project Monitoring Staff director, said cost overruns amounted to P28.53 billion involving 19 projects at end-September, or 11.3 percent...
Century Peak Metals ships 52,783 metric tons of nickel to China
MANILA
Century Peak Metals Holdings Corporation (CPMHC), in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, announced it has shipped some 52,783.39 metric tons of nickel ore to China last week.
The mining firm said the ore was sourced from its mineral property in Loreto, Dinagat Islands, also known as...
RP merchandise exports decline 21% to US$ 3.47 B in August
MANILA
The country’s export earnings dropped to US$ 3.47 billion in August this year, down 21 percent from US$ 4.395 billion a a year ago, according to National Statistics Office (NSO).
But the August export earnings rose by 4.9 percent when compared with US$ 3.311 billion in July 2009...
The Philippines’ free-on-board gold export rose to US$79.23 million in the first eight months this year, up 4,33 percent from US$76 million a year ago, according to National Statistics Office (NSO).
NSO preliminary data released Tuesday also show that export of chromium ore went up 3.69 percent...
After experiencing a sales drought, Sony Philippines hopes to regain market leadership in their electronics products starting next year with enhanced marketing that would give a strong push for the corporate market.
Takao Kuroda, president and managing director of Sony Philippines Inc., said this in an interview at the launch of the company’s...
F.A.M.E. WANTS MORE SMALL COMPANIES AT ITS TRADE FAIRS
13 October 2009
SMEs asked to participate in trade fairs
MANILA
Small and medium enterprises are urged to participate in the government-run trade fairs to test their products’ marketability and explore market opportunities.
Manila F.A.M.E., the premier brand of the government run trade fairs under the Center for International Trade, Expositions and Missions (CITEM), is now on its 50th edition of successfully promoting...
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is optimistic that bank lending will rebound in the coming months as more signs of global economic recovery continue to show up.
Bank lending, as net of reverse repurchase (RRPs) or placements by banks with the BSP, grew 5.9 percent in end-August this year compared with...
11 n.u. – SSC-R vs UPHSD (jrs finals)
2 n.h. – Letran vs SBC (men finals)
4 n.h. – SSC-R vs CSB (women finals)
MANILA
San Sebastian recently rallied from a six-point deficit in the fifth and final set as it turned back College of St. Benilde, 20-25, 25-21, 22-25, 25-19, 16-14, to close in on...
VOLLEYBALL: UST, FEU GO FOR EARLY SHAKEY's V-LEAGUE LEAD
13 October 2009
Games Tuesday (The Arena, San Juan City)
2 p.m. - Adamson vs Lyceum
4 p.m. - UP vs Ateneo
6 p.m. - UST vs FEU
MANILA
University of Santo Tomas (UST) and Far Eastern University (FEU) clash on October 13 in an early duel for the lead in the Shakey's V-League Season 6 with two other teams debuting in the...
NCAA: SAN BEDA & SAN SEBASTIAN BATTLE FOR No 1 TOP SEEDING
13 October 2009
Games Wednesday (The Arena, San Juan City)
11 a.m.- Perpetual vs Jose Rizal (jrs)
2 p.m.- San Beda vs Letran (srs)
4 p.m.- San Beda vs San Sebastian (srs)
MANILA
Reigning three-peat titlist San Beda toughened up its defense in the fourth quarter as it overhauled an eight-point deficit to eke out a come-from-behind 71-67 victory Monday to arrange a...
CEB boosts Cebu, Davao traffic with P688 seat sale
MANILA
Low fare leader Cebu Pacific (CEB) announces a P688 ‘Go Lite’ seat sale for direct flights from Cebu and Davao on Oct. 13 and 14, 2009, for travel from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31, 2009.
From Cebu, CEB flies to 20 domestic destinations including Dumaguete, Roxas, Bacolod, Butuan, Davao, Iloilo,...
GMA reaches out to Benguet calamity survivors, proceeds to inspect newly opened roads to Baguio City
By Aure G. Galacgac
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet
President Arroyo flew early Tuesday in this typhoon disaster site, some 265 kilometers north of Manila, to lead in the distribution of additional relief items to more than 2,000 surviving families.
Senate ends probe on ethical complaints against Villar
MANILA
The Senate committee of the whole wrapped up on Tuesday its adjudicatory hearing on the ethics complaints filed by Senator Jamby Madrigal against Sen. Manny Villar regarding the controversial C-5 extension road project.
Villar did not attend the whole presentation of Madrigal’s witnesses and evidences but Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile...
Police have filed multiple murder charges against two bar workers in connection with the gruesome killing of three members of the Equid family in Makati City last month.
SPO3 Arnaldo Arcilla, case investigator of the Makati police, said police have launched a manhunt against the suspects, identified as Dindo Abenir Ducay,...
2-3 days of rains seen in eastern Visayas and Mindanao - Pagasa
MANILA
Another weather disturbance spotted east of Visayas will bring prolonged rainfall in the region, the weather bureau said.
At 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, the low pressure area (LPA) was spotted 460 kilometers east of Visayas, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration's 11 a.m. advisory said.
For flood victims: P12-M worth of personal hygiene supplies from U.S.
By Gloria Jane Baylon
MANILA
A planeload of personal hygiene supplies worth P12 million (USD250,000) for victims of “Ondoy” and “Pepeng” arrived from the United States today and were turned over to the International Organization of Migration (IOM) for immediate distribution.
IOM-Manila spokesperson Joanna Dabao said that the U.S....
Police have arrested one of the country's top 20 most wanted bank robbers.
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Roberto Rosales identified the suspect as Edwin Ayop, 35, married, a native of Ubay, Bohol and resident of Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City.
Rosales said Ayop was arrested on Oct. 9, 2009,...
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) today announced the arrest of a 27-year-old female nurse wanted for the gruesome murder of a businessman last August.
NCRPO chief Director Roberto Rosales said Geralyn Galinea, a nurse and midwife by profession, who is employed at the Manila City Hall and a resident of Tondo,...
National Organic Agriculture Conference slated in Naga City
By Mike dela Rama
NAGA CITY
Some 300 organic farming practitioners, advocates and enthusiasts will gather on October 13 to 15 for the 6th national Organic Conference at the Villa Caceres Hotel, this city, to discuss current and emerging issues confronting the sector.
Department of Agriculture (DA) regional information officer, Emily Bordado,...
LTO warns private motorists anew against use of fog lamps
By Joey Sem G. Dalumpine
DAVAO CITY
The Land Transportation Office (LTO)-Davao has again warned motorists against the use of fog lamps, citing that only government vehicles are allowed to use them.
Eleanor Calderon, chief of the operations section of the LTO-11 issued the warning amid the observation that even private...
Media urged to respect confidentiality of suspects, victims in human trafficking cases
DUMAGUETE CITY
The Negros Oriental Provincial Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking in Persons (PIACAT) has appealed to local media practitioners to take extra precaution in reporting cases involving human trafficking.
At a recent forum specifically designed for newsmen and information officers, the PIACAT highlighted the confidentiality clause of Republic...
POLITICIANS URGED TO STOP LOBBYING FOR TOBACCO COMPANIES
12 October 2009
Anti-smoking advocates urge political candidates not to protect interests of tobacco companies
DUMAGUETE CITY
Anti-smoking advocates in the country are calling on all presidential aspirants and those running for public offices to set an example as good leaders who will protect the interest of the people and not of the business interest of tobacco corporations or liquor companies.
VP Noli expands Pag-IBIG relief programs to cover 'Pepeng' victims; additional P3B okayed for lending
MANILA
Vice President and concurrent Chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund) Board of Trustees Noli De Castro informed Monday that Pag-IBIG members in Northern Luzon who have existing housing and short term loans can...
CA reminds Ombudsman on Neri's motion for reconsideration
MANILA
The Court of Appeals (CA) on Monday reminded the Office of the Ombudsman (Ombudsman) for sitting on the motion for reconsideration filed by Social Security System (SSS) president Romulo Neri about the six-month suspension without pay imposed against him in connection with the controversial botched US$329.5-million NBN-ZTE deal.
Social Security System (SSS) president Romulo Neri did not show up on Monday's Court of Appeals (CA) hearing on his own petition to restrain the Ombudsman from enforcing a six-month suspension order against him.
Only Neri's legal counsel Paul Lentejas attended the hearing.
In today's hearing, the CA justices questioned the filing of Neri's petition....
The State-run Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) is offering fresh loans of up to PhP150,000 for each member-borrowers whose houses were already mortgaged to Pag-ibig Fund and damaged by typhoon ‘Ondoy.’
HDMF said this new offer under the Pag-ibig Home Rehabilitation Loan Program (PHRL) will be for repair of such houses and...
Petron asks DOE's help to resume normal fuel supply in Baguio
MANILA
Petron Corp. on Monday asked the Department of Energy (DoE) to support them in seeking the assistance of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) as well as the local government units to facilitate the fast delivery of fuel to Baguio.
AFP-US troops speed up relief in typhoon-hit areas
CAMP AQUINO, Tarlac City
Soldiers from Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) and US troops from the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade have shifted their efforts to relief operations in the northern provinces devastated by floods and cut off by landslides as the death toll and damages from the two consecutive typhoons continue to rise....
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Tags: military, operations, philippine, relief, us
Yap orders 69,000 MT of lowland vegetables to address shortfall in Metro Manila
By Lilybeth G. Ison
MANILA
Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap has ordered the delivery of some 69,000 metric tons (MT) of vegetables from lowland areas to Metro Manila in a bid to fill the reported shortfall in the supply of the products as a result of the destruction...
Massive relief operations for 'Pepeng' victims on -- NDCC
MANILA
Massive relief efforts and assistance from government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the international community continue to pour in the affected areas of typhoon "Pepeng" in Northern and Central Luzon, which are mostly severely flooded and isolated.
The typhoon affected a total of 535,856 families or more than 2.5 million individuals,...
DPWH working overtime to open all road networks in Northern Luzon -- Ebdane
By Lynda B. Valencia
MANILA
At least 500 emergency crewmen and 40 heavy equipment vehicles are now deployed to do round-the-clock repair works on all damaged roads and bridge sections in Northern Luzon, including the Cordillera Administrative Region, the Department of Public works and Highways (DPWH) said...
Six Manila policemen hurt in flash bomb blast during hostage-taking drill
MANILA
The “hostage-taking drill” at the Manila Police Academy ended too “realistically” when a flash bomb exploded causing slight injuries to six policemen who participated in the drill in Manila on Monday afternoon.
The explosion shattered the glass windows of the Academy located at the compound of the Manila...
UN official meets GMA on extent of damages of typhoons
MANILA
President Arroyo on Monday afternoon conferred with United Nations (UN) Undersecretary General John Holmes on the UN's Flash Appeal for the victims of typhoons "Ondoy" and "Pepeng".
The UN Flash Appeal was launched in New York and Geneva on October 6. It was followed by a similar launch in...
Malacañang has condemned the abduction of 78-year old Irish priest Fr. Michael Sinnott, a member of the Missionary Society of St. Columban in Pagadian City.
In a press briefing, Deputy Spokesperson Anthony Golez said the Palace “abhors that kind of crime against our people, especially against the clergy.”
GMA allows use of Presidential plane, C-130s to carry relief goods to Baguio, Cordilleras
STO.TOMAS, Pampanga
President Arroyo on Monday allowed the use of presidential plane and the C-130 plane of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) in delivering more relief goods to Baguio City and other parts of Benguet and Mountain Province severely hit by typhoon Pepeng.
DPWH hopes to "punch through" Marcos Highway Tuesday afternoon to bring needed fuel to Baguio City
BAGUIO CITY
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on-site engineers, led by Regional Director Roy Manao, Monday are optimistic to "punch through" the road cut of Marcos Highway to let through the much-needed fuel and food supply to the typhoon-ravaged Baguio City...
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Tags: baguio, food and fuel shortages in baguio, panic
A leaked secret memo reveals Home Office officials changed guidelines in order to grant indefinite leave to remain to 40,000 people because it is going to be too difficult to remove them, the Daily Telegraph reports.
They are among the backlog of 450,000 historic ‘legacy' asylum cases which ministers have pledged to clear by 2011,...
CLIMATE CHANGE & CLOGGED WATERWAYS MAINLY TO BLAME FOR RECENT DISASTERS
11 October 2009
Experts eye climate change, too much rain, clogged waterways in Luzon flooding
MANILA
The recent flooding dumped by the two storms in Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon were caused by climate change, too much rain and clogged waterways, experts said.
One of the clogged waterways that affected Metro Manila was the Napindan Channel by the Laguna de Bay Lake....
Atlas ships 5,570 metric tons of copper concentrates to China
MANILA
Atlas Consolidated Mining and Development Corporation, in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, announced that its subsidiary Carmen Copper Corporation (CCC) has shipped recently 5,570.988 wet metric tons (wmt) of copper concentrates to the Yanggu Xiangguang Copper Co., Ltd. smelter in Qingdao, China.
Triathlete Lea Coline Langit reaped the fruit of herhard work as she won a gold and a bronze medal in the 2009 AsianAquathlon Championship-Invitational Triathlon held in Palenbang,Indonesia over the weekend.
Langitwho was sent by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) fortraining in Australia and Korea the past months, won her firstinternational tournament this...
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Tags: gold bronze, indonesia, lea coline langit, triathlete
SSC, SBC collide for better place in Final Four of NCAA
MANILA
San Sebastian guns for the top seeding in the Final Four while reigning three-peat titlist San Beda seeks to get closer to it as they collide on Monday in what could be a sneak preview of the finals in the 85th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in...
PATRIOTS TAKE FIRST GAME AGAINST SATRIA MUDA BRITAMA
11 October 2009
RP Patriots win first game in ABL
JAKARTA, Indonesia
It was a day of firsts and the Philippine Patriots made sure to be a huge part of it.
The Asean Basketball League tipped off Saturday at the Britama Arena here with the Patriots chalking up the first basket en route to the first victory in the tournament.
Robert Wainwright logged...
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Tags: asian basketball league, jakarta, rp patriots, satria muda britama
MAYOR LIM's ESTAFA RAPS AGAINST RETIRED GENERAL JUNKED
11 October 2009
Justice dismisses estafa raps vs. former general
MANILA
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has dismissed the estafa charges filed by Manila mayor Alfredo S. Lim against retired Gen. Roberto Calinisan for allegedly soliciting millions from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) for lack of evidence.
The DOJ, in a 14-page resolution penned by Acting City Prosecutor Liezel Aquiatan-Morales, recommended...
[More]
Tags: estafa, general calinisan, mayor lim, pagcor
Big-time supermarkets have until Oct. 16 to answer overpricing rap
MANILA
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) gave six big-time supermarkets until Oct. 16 within which to submit counter-affidavits or position paper on allegations they were engaged in overpricing of commodities amid national calamity.
Deputy Director for Intelligence Services lawyer Ruel Lasala said that the representatives of the big-time supermarkets...
28 crew of Chinese vessel rescued off Lubang Island
MANILA
Twenty eight crew members of China-registered bulk carrier were rescued off the vicinity of Lubang Island Sunday morning after their vessel went half-submerged in water.
M/V Wan Shou Shan, a 26,835-ton bulk carrier owned by China Shipping Development Tramp, was loaded with coal when she went half-submerged in water due...
[More]
Tags: chinese, lubang island, mv wan shou shan, ship, sinks
MAYOR LIM's ESTAFA CASE AGAINST RETIRED GENERAL JUNKED
11 October 2009
Justice dismisses estafa raps vs. former general
MANILA
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has dismissed the estafa charges filed by Manila mayor Alfredo S. Lim against retired Gen. Roberto Calinisan for allegedly soliciting millions from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) for lack of evidence.
The DOJ, in a 14-page resolution penned by Acting City Prosecutor Liezel Aquiatan-Morales, recommended...
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Tags: estafa, general calinisan, mayor lim, pagcor
Life in this city is starting to get normal two days after a widespread flood, spawned by typhoon "Pepeng," pummeled Northern and Central Luzon about the middle of the outgoing week.
But relief operations, spearheaded by Governor Amado Espino, continue unabated here and other parts of Pangasinan.
GMA orders CRDCC to relocate communities in disaster-prone areas; immediate reopening of roads to Baguio, and airlifting of more coffins
By Aure A. Galacgac
THE MANSION, Baguio City
President Arroyo instructed today the Cordillera Regional Development Coordinating Council (CRDCC) to relocate all communities within disaster-prone areas in Benguet and the rest of the Cordilleras to suitable relocation sites.
The President...
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Tags: baguio, casualties, coffins to baguio, typhoon
The Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives has approved a still unnumbered joint resolution which would allocate additional P10 billion budget to beef up of what is left of the P2- billion calamity fund that was depleted by the massive devastation caused by the recent weather...
INSURANCE COMPANIES UNDER PRESSURE TO EXPEDITE TYPHOON CLAIMS
11 October 2009
PGMA orders quick processing of insurance claims of typhoon victims
MANILA
President Arroyo today ordered the National Insurance Commission (NIC) to facilitate the immediate payment of all insurance claims of victims of typhoons "Ondoy" and "Pepeng" that recently hit the country and destroyed lives and properties.
The Chief Executive held a private meeting with NIC Commissioner Eduardo Malinis and Justice...
3 suspected kidnappers slain in shootout with Manila cops
MANILA
Three suspected kidnappers were killed in a shootout with operatives of the Manila Police District (MPD) during dragnet operations in Ermita, Manila, on Saturday morning.
Police identified two of the fatalities as Ernesto Nuevas, 42, of 117 Kalamansi St., Manggahan, Pasig City; and Norberto Amora, 47, of San Francisco Floodway,...
Albay suspends deduction of GSIS loan installments among employees
By Mike dela Rama
LEGAZPI CITY
Starting this month, the provincial government will no longer deduct the loan payments in the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) from the salaries of its employees.
“President Arroyo’s approval of my demand side relief package with immediate effectivity will help both local and national government...
Prompt response by elements of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ensured the safety of 47 passengers of a shuttle ferry that ran aground Wednesday afternoon off Hilantagaan island in Sta. Fe, Bantayan Cebu.
Reports received Saturday at the PCG headquarters in Manila said the passengers of the...
GMA THANKS ALL WHO HAVE DONATED TO TYPHOON VICTIMS
10 October 2009
GMA hails donors of typhoon victims
MANILA
President Arroyo hailed private donors, volunteers and the international community for their continued efforts to help calamity victims, especially those hit by typhoons “Ondoy” and “Pepeng.”
“Nagpapasalamat tayo sa balikatan ng mga volunteers mula sa private sector at civil society, at mula sa ibang mga bansa,” the President said this morning before she...
SUMMER PALACE & OTHER GOVERNEMENT OFFICES IN BAGUIO CO-OPTED AS EVACUATION POINTS
10 October 2009
PGMA taps Palace properties in Baguio, Ilocos as evacuation centers for “Pepeng” victims
MANILA
President Arroyo today opened Malacanang properties in Baguio City and Ilocos region as evacuation and monitoring centers of the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) of Region 1.
In her statement issued this morning, the President said the Mansion House, the presidential residence in the country’s summer...
As unexplained volumes of rainwater continue to flood many parts of Luzon as a manifestation of climate change, President Arroyo announced she will be signing a landmark bill that will institutionalize government’s response to the onslaughts of climate change.
At the weekly climate change briefing here conducted...
Road accident kills 70 people in Nigeria's Anambra State
LAGOS
At least 70 persons were burnt to death on Friday while several others sustained serious degrees of burn when a petroleum tanker exploded and set over eight vehicles ablaze in southeast Nigeria's Anambra State.
The vehicles included five 18-seated buses fully loaded with passengers, the Lagos-based Daily Independent reported on...
JAPANESE US$4.5 MILLION GRANT PROVIDES NEEDED FOOD, KEEPS WFP�S NEWLY-ARRIVED CHOPPERS IN THE AIR
10 October 2009
Japanese pay for chopper air time & tons of rice in typhoon aid
MANILA
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today welcomed a US$4.5 million donation from the Government of Japan that will feed hundreds of thousands of flood victims in the Philippines as well as providing much-needed financial support for WFP’s newly-arrived helicopters.
TYPHOONS CAUSED 10 BILLION PESOS DAMAGE TO AGRICULTURE
10 October 2009
Ondoy, Pepeng damages to agriculture jump to P10-B
By Lilybeth G. Ison
MANILA
Value of losses to agriculture and fisheries due to tropical storm 'Ondoy' and typhoon 'Pepeng' have reached P10.1 billion, according to the latest report from the Department of Agriculture Central Action Center (DACAC).
Initial damages to the rice sector brought about by the two weather disturbances amounted...
The Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) of Pangasinan has belied rumors being circulated by pranksters that the San Roque Dam in San Manuel town has cracked and is about to break,
The rumors sent panic to thousands of flood victims marooned in the second floor...
Soldiers and civilian employees of the Army’s Southern Mindanao 10th Infantry (Agila) Division donated their one-day meal allowance to typhoon Ondoy (international name Ketsana) victims.
Alberta Jugarap, chief of the “Agila” Division Civilian Employees Association based in Davao Gulf and ordinary soldiers converted their one-day meal allowance...
Dinagat Island putting up a new provincial capitol building
BUTUAN CITY
A new provincial capitol building of the nearly three-year old Dinagat Islands province in Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga region) will rise soon at the provincial capital town of San Jose.
First Dinagat Islands Gov. Jade Ecleo said the initial funds was already in the pipeline of the provincial treasury and...
A town’s vice mayor was gunned down Friday evening by two unidentified armedmen in front of his residence at Kaskag, Bagong Silang 2, Surigao City, police authorities said today.
Chief Supt. Lino D. Calingasan, regional director of Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13), based at Camp Rafael C. Rodriguez here, identified...
The death toll from typhoon Pepeng has increased to 153, mostly in the worst-affected Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) where a number of landslide incidents were reported as a result of the heavy downpour.
The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) also reported that 40 others remain missing and 75 others were injured as...
Banks' retail loan exposure to recent calamities at least P500B -- BSP
MANILA
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) estimates banks' loan exposures to recent calamities to reach at least P500 billion.
BSP officer-in-charge Nestor Espenilla Jr. told reporters Friday the P500 billion is about 24 percent to the industry's total loan portfolio amounting to about P2.3 trillion and accounts...
BUILDING MATERIAL FIRMS AGREE TO TEMPORARY PRICE CONTROLS
9 October 2009
Manufacturers of construction materials to comply with price ceilings -- FPI
MANILA
Local manufacturers of construction materials have assured the public that they will abide by the price ceilings set by the government even with some discrepancies that have been noted in the established price lists released by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Malaysia is planning to kick off a campaign to minimize the use of plastic bags.
Malaysian Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Peter Chin Fah Kui said that the campaign, called "do not use plastic bags", will help minimize harm to the environment and create an ecologically friendly environment.
Another suspect in the slaying of a witness in the 2000 Salvador “Bubby” Dacer-Emmanuel Corbito double murder case has surrendered to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police – Special Task Force Jimmy Lopez in Cavite.
In a press conference, NBI Deputy Director for Intelligence Services lawyer Ruel...
GLORIA SAYS SELL RICE TO GOVERNMENT AT P17 PER KILO
9 October 2009
PGMA wants farmers to increase production
MAHAYAG, Zamboanga del Sur
In a bid to increase rice and corn production, President Arroyo today asked farmers to sell their harvest to the government which, she said, buys P17 per kilo of rice, the highest in the market.
Speaking to farmers who attended the ceremonial turnover of a check representing the government’s purchase...
Links between earthquakes which have struck Samoa, Indonesia and now Vanuatu cannot be ruled out, an international expert said.
New Zealand could not afford to relax its guard against earthquakes and tsunami, the director of the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii, Charles McCreery, said, The Dominion Post reported on Friday.
RP & US MILITARY CONDUCT MASSIVE RESCUE MISSION IN LUZON
9 October 2009
PNP, AFP assets and personnel deployed in N. Luzon for massive disaster relief ops
MANILA
Police and military personnel and assets were deployed in typhoon-ravaged areas in Northern and Central Luzon regions to conduct massive rescue and disaster relief operations as typhoon "Pepeng" continue to dump heavy rains in the area.
As of Friday morning, the military’s Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom)...
A trial lasting up to 10 days is expected for a woman accused of obtaining money by deception.
St Peter Port, Guernsey
Angelique Blin 48, of Flat 3, 5, Paris Street, St Peter Port, Guernsey denies the seven charges she faces as well as seven alternative charges of theft.
She is accused of obtaining money transfers totalling more than £16,000 from foreign workers...
More than 60 dead, 24 missing and 14 injured in Baguio & Benguet due to 'Pepeng'
By Aure A. Galacgac
BAGUIO CITY
Tropical depression "Pepeng" has turned Baguio City and Benguet province as disaster areas with more than 60 persons dead, 24 missing and 14 injured, officials of the various local disaster councils reported on Friday.
3.5 million Italians live under 'food poverty' line, says report
ROME
Three and a half million people (4.4 percent of the Italian population) are living below the 'food poverty' line, according to a report issued on Thursday by two non- governmental bodies.
A family of two in Italy is living in "food poverty" if their monthly expenditure on food and...
BFAR sets millions in mariculture park investments dependent on clean waters of Davao Gulf
By Lovely A. Carillo
DAVAO CITY
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has set millions of investments with the establishment of mariculture parks in Matina Aplaya, this city and in Malalag, Davao del Sur.
However, these investments will depend on the maintenance of the...
Australia pushes to become Asia's financial services hub
SYDNEY
Australia's second placing on the World Economic Forum's ranking of global financial centers will help the nation's push to become Asia's financial services hub, Financial Services Minister Chris Bowen said on Friday.
Australia has moved into second position, behind the United Kingdom and ahead of the United States in the second...
PANGASINAN, TARLAC & N. ECIJA's ROAD SYSTEM DISRUPTED
9 October 2009
Hundreds of passengers are stranded due to the temporary closure of the 3 major roads connecting Pangasinan, Tarlac and Nueva Ecija
TARLAC CITY, Tarlac
Passengers going north were stranded here due to the temporary closure of the three major roads that separate the provinces of Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija and Tarlac.
Report said the roads are no longer passable to all...
The 7.8 magnitude earthquake off the South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu sparked panic in the Pacific island nations on Thursday, amid concerns of repeating last week's devastating tsunamis in the region.
A regional tsunami warning was issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii for parts of the region,...
AUSSIES PROVIDE WATER PURIFICATION PLANTS FOR INDON's QUAKE AREAS
9 October 2009
Australia begins producing clean water in quake-hit Indonesia's Padang
JAKARTA
Australian Defense Force (ADF) engineers deployed in Padang began producing enough clean water to supply up to 78,000 people in the worst hit areas, Antara news agency reported on Thursday.
At least 23 soldiers from the Darwin-based 1st Combat Engineer Regiment arrived in Padang on Wednesday with water purification equipment...
Top U.S. commander in Afghanistan wants 40,000 more troops as minimum
WASHINGTON
The top U.S. military commander in Afghanistan wants 40,000 more troops as the minimum in a request sent to U.S. President Barack Obama.
Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the commander, said the number is the minimum needed to defeat al-Qaida and Taliban in Afghanistan, according to a copy of the...
BERLUSCONI SQUEALS AS IMMUNITY FROM PROSECUTION IS LIFTED
9 October 2009
Italian PM attacks high court's repeal of his immunity
ROME
A row over a ruling stripping Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi of immunity exploded on Thursday as the premier accused of bias the opposition, the judiciary and even President Giorgio Napolitano, local media reported.
On Wednesday Italy's constitutional court repealed Berlusconi's immunity while in office, following an appeal against the...
40% of Filipino veterans from Western Visayas, Romblon receive lump sum benefit from US gov't
ILOILO CITY
More or less 40 percent of Filipino veterans from Western Visayas and Romblon who applied for the one-time lump sum from the United States government have already received their benefit.
Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) regional head Janette P. Faderan said more than...
City government on alert for possible rise of water level in creeks and coastal barangays
ILOILO CITY
The city government is now on alert for a possible rise of water level at the Jaro River, creeks located in barangays Sambag, Dungon, Calajunan, Buntatala and coastal barangays amid the intermittent but heavy rains affecting this part of the country.
Red Cross installs water tanks in 7 evacuation centers in Metro Manila, Laguna
MANILA
The Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) and International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) installed water bladders in seven evacuation centers in Metro Manila and one in Sta. Maria, Laguna to ensure safe drinking water for the evacuees of the recent storm “Ondoy.”
QC police hunt suspects in strafing of SSS chief's house
MANILA, Oct. 9
The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) has launched a manhunt for the gunmen who fired at the house of Social Security System (SSS) president Romulo Neri in Quezon City Friday morning.
Police investigators said no one was reported injured in the attack which happened at past 9...
The European Union (EU) and the Philippines have signed a Financial Agreement for the EU-Philippine Justice Support Programme (EPJUST) aimed to address extra-judicial killings in the Philippines.
The agreement was signed by European Commission head of delegation to the Philippines Ambassador Alistair MacDonald and Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita. The EU has...
Three road networks in Nueva Ecija not passable to all types of vehicles due to floods, landslide
CARRANGLAN, Nueva Ecija
Three major vital roads in the province remained not passable to all types of vehicles due to high level of floodwaters brought by tropical depression Pepeng.
The Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) said the Bongabon-Rizal-Aurora Road in Barangay Calaocan is...
Update: Round-the-clock rescue operations underway in Pangasinan
DAGUPAN CITY
Thirty-two towns and three cities in Pangasinan are now submerged in floodwaters that also cut off transportation lines and knocked down power and communication facilities.
Round-the-clock rescue operations are now ongoing in severely affected areas in Central and Eastern Pangasinan, where some families are now on rooftops of houses waiting for...
(Typhoon Update)
'Pepeng' floods large areas of Northern Luzon - Baguio under water
By Mediatrix P. Cristobal
MANILA
"Pepeng" ravaged Baguio with persistent rains in the past 18 hours on Thursday evening, leaving 19 fatalities and several towns in the country's summer capital virtually underwater.
The Philippine Information Agency-Cordillera Administrative Region said that Pepeng's damages to agriculture has reached P57.122...
"How sweet it is!" blurted UAAP 72nd season back-to-back champion Ateneo de Manila University coach Norman Black after his wards gave upstart University of the East a big 71-58 spanking Thursday evening at the Araneta Coliseum.
Black proudly commended his boys, particularly Rabeh Al- Hussaini, Nonoy Baclao and Jai Reyes...
SQUATTERS GROUP GOES TO SUPREME COURT OVER MANILA BAY PLANS
8 October 2009
SC asked to convene advisory body on Manila Bay cleanup
MANILA
An urban poor group on Thursday asked the Supreme Court (SC) to convene an advisory committee that will monitor whether human and shelter rights of people have been violated or not by government agencies involved in the cleanup of the Manila Bay.
Thousands of commuters were stranded when operations of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT)-3 ground to a halt for one hour and fifteen minutes on Thursday afternoon due to lack of power supply to its trains.
MRT officials said in train operations were halted at 2:15 p.m. Thursday rendering many commuters stranded in...
Quarantine bureau warns shipping firms of big fines for lavatory lack
CEBU CITY
The Bureau of Quarantine-Cebu Station has warned some Cebu-based shipping lines that they will be fined from P100,000 to P500,000 if they continue to violate the law that provides mandatory hand-washing facilities in their vessels to prevent the spread of swine flu.
FUND MANAGERS SAY RP & OTHER EMERGING MARKETS ARE THE ONES TO CHASE
8 October 2009
Investment fund managers bullish in RP
MANILA
Investment fund managers are bullish in the emerging markets, including the Philippine market, with plans of further increasing their small exposure in the local stock market.
This was declared Thursday by emerging markets expert and executive chairman of Templeton Asset Management Ltd. Mark Mobius, who is in town as keynote speaker of the...
Red Cross volunteers mobilized for possible rescue, relief operations in Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan
MANILA
The Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) on Thursday afternoon mobilized all its chapter volunteers for possible rescue and relief operations in Nueva Ecija and nearby areas that might be displaced by flooding due to release of water from the Pantabangan Dam.
Floods hit Pangasinan towns as major dams spill water
By Mediatrix P. Cristobal
MANILA
The weather bureau warned of major floods in Abra, Agno, Magat, Middle Cagayan and upper Pampanga as major dams reach critical level, brought about by the intense rainings caused by lingering weather disturbance over the Ilocos and Cagayan regions.
Ateneo Blue Eagles repeat as back-to-back champions
MANILA
The Ateneo Blue Eagles bounced back with a lopsided 71-58 victory against the University of the East Red Warriors on Thursday to win their second straight title in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) at the Araneta Coliseum.
The win avenged the Eagles’ 68-88 defeat in Game Two, duplicating the...
Davao banana growers headed by a priest steer up prices for exports
By Charlie V. Monforte
DAVAO DEL NORTE
In the past, for a long time farmgate prices of cavendish bananas in this province and Compostela Valley were always at rock-bottom low, and it seemed only the big landlords and multinational companies can produce and sell the exportable cavendish bananas....
JG Summit Holdings, Inc. (JGSHI), in its disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, announced its proposed P5-billion bond issue has received the highest rating possible from Philippine Rating Services Corporation (PhilRatings).
The bond, which has optional oversubscription notice of P5 billion, was rated PRS Aaa by Philratings.
ASIAN BASKETBALL LEAGUE: RP PATRIOTS LEAVE FOR JAKARTA FRIDAY
8 October 2009
MANILA
The Philippine Patriots go to the territory of their long-time rival Friday as they try to enhance the country’s lofty status in the region in the 1st the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) Invitational Championship in Jakarta, Indonesia.
While they are fully prepared and motivated to face the Indons in their 5 p.m. encounter Saturday at the Britama Arena, the...
11 persons die, 6 injured in ComVal province road mishap
NABUNTURAN, Compostela Valley
Eleven persons, including a church bishop, died and six others were injured in a collision between a multi-cab and a truck in Barangay Magsaysay, Nabunturan, Compostela Valley province at 5:30 a.m. Thursday.
Senior Supt. Aaron Aquino, director of the ComVal Police Office, said one of the fatalities...
Landslide renders highway impassable in southern Negros Oriental
By: Judy Flores-Partlow
DUMAGUETE CITY
Hundreds of commuters were stranded for a few hours Thursday morning at the national highway in southern Negros Oriental after continuous rains triggered a landslide at Sitio Pangpang of Barangay Alangilan, Sta. Catalina town.
Personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), troopers of the...
Subic to launch cost-efficient trucking system via SCTEx
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Zambales
A trucking system popularly used in Argentina, Australia, Mexico, United States and Western Canada to efficiently transport bulky loads will soon be seen for the first time along the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx).
Expected to hit the SCTEx in the fourth quarter this year, the so-called road train or...
NDCC still conducting review, consultations on proposed early lifting of state of calamity -- Golez
MANILA
Malacanang said on Thursday the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) is still conducting consultations among local government officials and thorough review of the extent of the damages caused by storm "Ondoy" and typhoon "Pepeng" in various parts of the country before it can make...
Foreign aid now at US$ 18.59M for 'Ondoy' disaster victims
By Lara Jane M. Climaco
MANILA
The international community has put up US$18.59 million worth of aid to help the country cope with the aftermath of storm "Ondoy," according to the update done Thursday by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
GLORIA WANTS PRIVATE INDUSTRY TO BUILD SOCIAL HOUSING
8 October 2009
GMA to CREBA: Let's transform informal settlers to legitimate homeowners in safer places
By Faye P. Velasco
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo called on the Chamber of Real Estate and Builders Association (CREBA) on Thursday to continue to be government’s partner in building homes for the people and in transforming informal settlers to legitimate homeowners in safer places....
DENR allocates P10M for the dredging of Malabon-Tullahan River
MANILA
The dredging of portion of the Malabon-Tullahan River in Barangays Maysilo and Tenejeros in Malabon City will soon start after Environment Secretary Lito Atienza and Malabon City Mayor Tito Oreta signed Wednesday (Oct. 7) the memorandum of agreement allocating Php10 million for the project.
10 killed, 6 injured in Compostela Valley road mishap
NABUNTURAN, Compostela Valley
At least 10 people died and six others were injured when a multi-cab collided with a truck in Nabunturan, Compostrela Valley province Thursday morning.
The Compostela Valley Provincial Police Office said the identities of the fatalities and the wounded victims were not immediately available.
Eighteen provinces were placed under storm warning signal No. 1 as tropical depression Pepeng glides through northern Luzon Thursday morning for its final bow, before moving westward and away from the country.
"As of 10:00 a.m., Pepeng was seen 60 kilometers Northeast of Tuguegarao City, slowly moving westward, the latest bulletin issued by...
Plans to privatize 40 percent of government’s stake in the PNOC-Exploration Corp. (EC) has been pushed back this year because of unstable market condition.
An official who requested anonymity revealed that the offers for the minority stake were “not favorable” or lower than the government’s reserved price of P11 billion.
Lucio Tan led Eton Properties Philippines recently announced the acquisition of a P4-billion 12-hectare property at the corner of EDSA and Quezon Avenue.
The land acquisition from Paramount Land Equities Inc., also a Lucio Tan-controlled company, is expected to strengthen the balance sheet of Eton, by improving its debt-to-equity ratio to 70:30....
AUSSIE FARMERS TO START USING FUNGUS TO ERADICATE SHEEP LICE
7 October 2009
Australian scientists discover fungus to kill sheep lice
CANBERRA
Australian scientists have found a way to use fungus to cure a multi-million dollar farming problem.
Queensland Primary Industries Minister Tim Mulherin told the state parliament on Wednesday sheep lice cost the industry 123 million Australian dollars (109 million US dollars) a year by damaging wool and reducing yields.
Zambo Norte-based TVIRD completes 7th shipment of copper concentrates
ZAMBOANGA CITY
The TVI Resource Development (Phils.) Inc. (TVIRD) is expected to earn a gross revenue of US$40.9 million this year, higher by $6.8 million from earlier expectations after the completion of its seventh shipment of copper concentrates to a major Chinese smelter last month.
BACK OFFICE SERVICES FOR FOREIGN COMPANIES ON THE INCREASE
7 October 2009
Demand for KPO services is on the rise, survey shows
MANILA
The results of a survey of business process outsourcing industry (BPO) executives suggests that demand for knowledge process outsourcing (KPO) services is increasing.
Firms employing less than 100 up to 500 dominate KPO sectors, but executives in some firms employing thousands said significant numbers of their employees provide KPO...
Cigarette maker wants status quo on current sin tax law
MANILA
The subsidiary of Japan Tobacco International (JTI) has submitted its position to Senate’s Ways and Means Committee calling for a status quo on the current sin tax law.
In a letter to the Ways and Means Committee, headed by Senator Panfilo Lacson, JT International (Philippines) Inc. (JTIP) General Manager...
UAAP: "This should be the end, with a rainbow in the sky" -- Chongson
By Lily O Ramos
MANILA
The Ateneo-University of the East best-of-three championship duel would definitely end Thursday -- with one team whooping it up and the other in a river of tears.
The Blue Eagles have been tabbed from the beginning to reach the finals and...
Second mass vaccination campaign vs filariasis to kick off in Iloilo next week
ILOILO CITY
The Provincial Health Office (PHO) will start its month-long mass vaccination campaign for the elimination of the lymphatic filariasis on Thursday next week.
This is the second mass vaccination in Iloilo, said Dr. Patricia Grace Trabado, provincial health officer. Similar campaign was conducted last year....
HEALTH OFFICIALS TELL EVACUATED MUMS TO BREASTFEED
7 October 2009
DOH tells mothers housed in evacuation centers to breastfeed their babies
MANILA
The Department of Health (DOH) urged lactating mothers housed in evacuation centers to breastfeed their babies to shield and protect infants from deadly diseases in this time of calamity.
“During emergency situations, this is the lifeline for our infants as breast milk provides them the safest and the...
The Mindanao Tourism Council (MTC) and Davao Council of Travel and Tours and Allied Agencies (DCTTAA) have agreed to sell Mindanao as one to local and global tourists through its brainchild project dubbed “Byahe Ta Mindanao”.
MTC and DCTTAA consisting of various tour operators kicked off ‘Biyahe Ta Mindanao” last Oct. 2-4 with...
"Pepeng" loops back to Northern Luzon for 3rd time -- Pagasa
By Mediatrix P. Cristobal
MANILA
Like a possessed spirit, tropical depression Pepeng (international name PARMA) continues to haunt storm-ravaged northern Luzon as it attempts to make a third landfall in and around the outskirts of Cagayan and Ilocos region in the next 24 hours.
RICE IMPORTS TO START EARLIER DUE TO TYPHOON DAMAGE
7 October 2009
NFA may import rice earlier than December auction
By Lilybeth G. Ison
MANILA
The National Food Authority (NFA) on Wednesday said it may import rice earlier than December 2009 auction to ensure the country will have enough supply of the produce for next year.
NFA spokesman Rex Estoperez, in a radio interview, said the agency is just waiting for an...
Marikina City Mayor Marides Fernando vowed to immediately restore normalcy the Ondoy-ravaged city as she mobilized the entire city government workforce in the massive clean-up operations.
Fernando also encouraged everybody, from the local government employees and volunteers, to do their share in helping bring back the cleanliness and orderliness that characterized the...
TRAVEL AGENTS & LAWYERS WILL UNDERGO INCREASED CHECKS FROM IMMIGRATION BUREAU
7 October 2009
BI launches accreditation center
MANILA
To further improve its frontline services and eradicate red tape, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) has established a new center charged with screening and providing accreditation to the hundreds of travel agencies and law offices that transact business in the agency.
Immigration Commissioner Marcelino Libanan on Wednesday said he issued a memorandum order creating the...
House starts plenary debates on proposed P1.541-T national budget for 2010
By Lilybeth G. Ison
MANILA
The House of Representatives on Tuesday afternoon started plenary deliberation of House Bill 6767 or An Act Appropriating Funds for the Operation of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010.
President Arroyo has approved the P86-billion four-point demand-side liquidity strategy earlier proposed by Presidential Economic Adviser and Albay Governor Joey Salceda to address the relief and rehabilitation concerns of the victims of Typhoons "Ondoy" and "Pepeng."
The President announced her approval of Salceda’s comprehensive relief package in her...
INCREASED THREAT OF FLOODING AS PANGASINAN OPENS DAMS
7 October 2009
San Roque Dam releases water; Pangasinan folk told to take necessary precaution
By Leonardo V. Micua
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan
Governor Amado Espino Jr. reactivated the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) anew Wednesday morning and placed it on alert status as Pangasinan was again placed under storm signal number 1 due to resurgence of now tropical storm Pepeng.
Fil-Chi groups donate P20M; total donations reach P55M
MANILA
Two Filipino-Chinese groups have donated P20 million cash for the victims of tropical storm ‘Ondoy’, bringing the total amount of donations received so far to P55 million in cash and kind, latest updates of "Oplan: Sagip Bayan" show.
The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) and the...
New LPA spotted east of Visayas, Pepeng weakens after crossing N Luzon
MANILA
The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) is monitoring a new low-pressure area (LPA) spotted at about 1,800 km east of the Visayas.
This as tropical storm Pepeng further weakened after crossing northern Luzon, while a new weather disturbance was spotted forming near east of...
DBM opposes increasing CDF of House members to P70-M
MANILA
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) opposed on Wednesday the proposal to raise the Countrywide Development Fund (CDF) of the members of the House of Representatives.
Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya Jr., in a radio interview, said he is not amenable to the proposed increase of the present P40 million...
CATANDUANES TO GO BACK TO CRAB FARMING IN A MAJOR WAY
7 October 2009
Catanduanes gears up to reclaim title as RP's 'crab capital'
By Danny O. Calleja
VIRAC, Catanduanes
Provincial Gov. Joseph Cua has given his assurance that with the local crab development program now in place, Catanduanes would be able reclaim the title as the "crab capital" of the country which it lost to Negros province about three decades ago.
UN appeals for 74 million dollars to help flood victims in Philippines
UNITED NATIONS
The United Nations launched an appeal for 74 million U.S. dollars Tuesday to help 1 million flood-stricken people in the Philippines for the next six months.
Some 300 people were killed when Tropical Storm Ketsana (also known as Ondoy) slammed into the South-East Asian nation last...
Former British PM John Major calls on PGMA in Malacañang
MANILA
Former British Prime Minister John Major called on President Arroyo at her alternate official residence, the Bahay Pangarap in Malacañang Park, this morning.
On hand for the distinguished guest’s “personal visit” were British Ambassador to the Philippines Stephen Lillie and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo.
UN provides $7.84M disaster funding for Ondoy victims
By Lara Jane M. Climaco
MANILA
Humanitarian assistance for victims of typhoon Ondoy has reached 7.84 million US dollars, and uncommitted pledges of over 9 million US dollars as of today, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
N Luzon wet until Friday as Pepeng lingers, Quedan leaves PAR Tuesday night
MANILA
Prolonged stormy weather will continue to menace north of Luzon as tropical storm Pepeng (international name PARMA) hovers the region, while typhoon Quedan leaves for Okinawa, Japan Tuesday night, the weather bureau said.
"Good news is that Quedan may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR)...
Pepeng to hit Batanes while making landfalls anew tonight
MANILA
Tropical Storm Pepeng (international code name PARMA) is poised to make a landfall tonight over its original target, extreme northern Luzon.
"The eye of Pepeng is very near northern tip of Ilocos Norte, moving south southwest. Forecasts say Pepeng will hit Batanes Islands around 7 or 8 p.m. tonight," Prisco...
Pepeng intensifies anew, signal number 3 raised in Ilocos
MANILA
The province of Ilocos Norte was again placed under storm warning signal number 3 as tropical storm Pepeng (International Name Parma) intensified anew, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.
“Pepeng strengthened but remains quasi-stationary over northwest side of Luzon. It’s maximum sustained winds reached 105 kilometers...
Some 3,000 job-seekers visit Job Fair in Kidapawan City
By Malu Cadeliña Manar
KIDAPAWAN CITY
Some 3,000 job applicants from different towns in North Cotabato and nearby provinces in Southern Mindanao trooped to the Notre Dame of Kidapawan College (NDKC) gym here where the biggest jobs’ fair in the province was held during the weekend.
GMA orders Atienza, Manda to set aside differences
MANILA
President Arroyo has ordered Environment Secretary Lito Atienza and Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) General Manager Edgardo Manda to set aside their differences and find efficient solutions to the flooding in the Laguna area.
In a press briefing, Deputy Spokesperson Anthony Golez said Manda and Atienza should work together to resolve...
Insurers eye passage of bill abolishing 5.25% annual life insurance tax premium this month
MANILA
Life insurers are hoping that Congress’ Bicameral Committee will approve this month the proposal to cut 5.25 percent tax off life insurance premiums annually.
Philippine Life Insurance Association Inc. (PLIA) President Victor Quisumbing, in a briefing Monday, said tax issues are among the factors why...
Twenty-nine Chinese nationals onboard a motorbanca were rescued safely off Boracay Island, drifting towards Sibuyan Island, Romblon area on Sunday.
Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo, Philippine Coast Guard commandant, said the Chinese nationals aboard Motorbanca Lynn-1 were rescued at vicinity 1.9 nautical miles northeast off Boracay Island, drifting towards Sibuyan Island, Romblon area.
NBI wants a Manila court order to free Gonzales from jail
MANILA
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said on Monday that it still waiting an order from of the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) to release trader Luisito Q. Gonzales from its custody.
This was after the Supreme Court dismissed the murder charges against Gonzales in connection with the...
Go after profiteers, hoarders and price manipulators, PGMA orders DTI
Manila
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Monday to impose sanctions, including imprisonment, against price manipulators, profiteers and hoarders in the wake of the flood and devastation wrought by typhoon "Ondoy" in most parts of Metro Manila.
Deputy Presidential Spokesman Anthony Golez said the...
Northern Luzon will continue to experience stormy weather in the next three days as now tropical storm Pepeng (international code name PARMA) interacts with another weather disturbance that is whipping up in the Pacific Ocean.
"Pepeng continues to interact with typhoon Melor. Our forecasts indicate that Pepeng will remain quasi-stationary northwest of...
The Philippine Embassy is announcing the Search for FASHION MODELS for the upcoming Fashion Show of Ms. Maita Fernandez, in cooperation with the Inter-Cultural Society of London (TICSL) and the Philippine Embassy, to be held either on 16 or 17 June 2010 (TBC) at the English Speaking Union, Dartmouth House, 37 Charles Street, London W1J 5ED.
LONDON's PHILIPPINE EMBASSY - UPDATE ON TYPHOON DONATIONS & SPECIAL MASS
4 October 2009
PHILIPPINE EMBASSY
LONDON
ADVISORY NO. 4: DONATIONS UPDATES / SPECIAL MASS
Further Advisory No. 3 (30 September 2009), the following additional information is provided regarding waiver of fees for monetary donations and donation drop-off points:
Philippine National Bank (Europe) will waive fees for donations to the Philippine National Red Cross, GMA-7 Foundation and Caritas ... [More]
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LONDON's PHILIPPINE EMBASSY ANNOUNCEMENTS
4 October 2009
EMBASSY'S MATRICES OF UPCOMING EVENTS / ANNOUNCEMENTS / PRESS RELEASES
4 OCT 2009
Event
Date/Time
Venue
Remarks
1. Awards Night of the Filipino British Basketball League in Gloucestershire
04 Oct 2009,
7.00pm
Chosen Hill School Auditorium, Brookfield Road, Churchdown GL3 2PL
Organized by the Filipino British Sports and Cultural Club (Mr Steve Hontiveros Canete, Club Secretary & Sports...
Transitional arrangements for earned citizenship announced by Border Agency
By Charles Kelly
04 October 2009
Reprieve for migrants with Indefinite Leave to Remain. The UK Border Agency has announced transitional arrangements for migrants who will be on the ‘journey to British citizenship' when earned citizenship is introduced.
The UK Government has agreed the following transitional arrangements:
Banana growers welcome WHO review on aerial spraying
By Roger M. Balanza
DAVAO CITY
The Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) welcomes the move of the World Health Organization (WHO) stopping the government from taking any action against aerial spraying pending the international body's review.
PBGEA president Stephen Antig said the association welcomed such move and hoped that with...
IMPORTS MUST BE NOTIFIED IN ADVANCE FROM OCTOBER 12
4 October 2009
BOC to implement AIS at Manila's ports
MANILA
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) will be implementing the Import Assessment System (IAS) but limited only to submission of the advance inward foreign manifest (IFM) and penalties for late submission.
IAS, a major end-to-end process automated through the electronic-2-mobile (e2m) Customs Project IAS, is set to be implemented at the Manila International...
COURT OF APPEAL NIXES JACINTO's CLAIM FOR PROPERTY
4 October 2009
CA junks RJ Jacinto’s bid to reclaim Buendia property
By Priam F. Nepomuceno
MANILA
The Court of Appeals (CA) has dismissed the petition of rocker-businessman Ramon “RJ” Jacinto to reclaim an 8,000-square meter property along Gil Puyat Avenue(formerly Buendia Avenue) in Makati City.
Jacinto sought the reversal of CA's July 24, 2009 decision that ordered a Makati Regional Trial Court...
Evacuees enjoy homey atmosphere as relief operations continue in Malacanang
MANILA
Sprawled across the carpeted floor while watching their favorite television cartoons, children and their parents displaced by the wrath of tropical storm Ondoy were having a blast. They cannot imagine living it up in comfortable surroundings, a far cry from the congested evacuation centers where they came from.
UAAP hotshot Khazim Mirza and former PBA star Rob Wainwright will spearhead the campaign of the Philippine Patriots in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) Invitational Tournament which will have its grand opening on Saturday in Jakarta, Indonesia.
This was jointly announced on Sunday by team owners Dr. Mikee Romero, CEO of Harbour...
CALLS MADE FOR COMELEC TO RELEASE CODES TO ENSURE NO CHEATING
4 October 2009
Bishops, lawmakers ask Comelec to release source code for the 2010 automated polls
MANILA
Bishops, lawmakers, IT (Information Technology) educators and practitioners, Non-Government Organizations leaders, and governance advocates have asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for the release of the source code that will be used for the May 2010 automated election.
Bed spacers, boarders and tenants should undergo
mandatory barangay registration, Manila dads propose
MANILA
Manila City councilors have proposed an ordinance that will require the mandatory registration of bed spacers, boarders and tenants in barangay offices in the entire city.
The councilors said the proposed measure is aimed to ensure the proper identification of legitimate residents in the city which...
Strong current in Pasig River drifts four barges towards Lambingan Bridge; one rams house in Sta. Ana, Manila
MANILA
A barge rammed through a house near Lambingan Bridge in Sta. Ana, Manila after it snapped from its rigs and drifted along Pasig River Sunday afternoon.
Fortunately, no one got injured during the incident.
Landslide kills 7 in Benguet; 95 families evacuated from Baguio camp lagoon
By Aurelio A. Galacgac
BAGUIO CITY
A landslide buried a residential house at around 1:00 a.m. today in Ampucao barangay, Itogon, Benguet, some 20 kilometers east of this city and killed seven of the occupants.
Dione Cadasa, owner of the house, said the incident happened during the height...
EcoWaste Coalition pushes community 'bayanihan' to clear streets of storm debris and trash
SAN MATEO, Rizal
The EcoWaste Coalition today pushed for community “bayanihan” as President Arroyo ordered Saturday the cleanup of Metro Manila streets in 72 hours of trash left by tropical storm “Ondoy.”
“Communal unity in the tradition of ‘bayanihan’ is necessary to achieve our shared goal of...
2,000 families evacuated in 17 Cagayan towns due to typhoon 'Pepeng'
By Simeon C. Dilan
TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan
At least 2,027 families comprising 9,566 persons were evacuated from low-lying areas and river banks in 17 towns of Cagayan as strong winds and rains spawned by typhoon "Pepeng" lashed the province Saturday.
The Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) said the families...
SCHOOLS & COLLEGES WILL MAKE UP LOST TIME AFTER TYPHOONS
4 October 2009
Semestral break in elementary, high schools cancelled; Christmas, summer vacation shortened
By Hannibal C. Talete
MANILA
The Department of Education canceled the semestral break for elementary and secondary levels, as well as shortened the Christmas and summer vacation to make up for the number of lost school days due to Typhoon Ondoy.
“Aside from holding Saturday classes in schools, semestral...
Victims-turned-volunteers pouring in Malacanang's Sagip Bayan Relief Center
MANILA
Thirty victims of storm "Ondoy" who were earlier relief recipients of Malacanang’s Operation Sagip Bayan Center poured in Sunday to help in the packing of goods at the Kalayaan Hall upon hearing over radio and television that more volunteers are needed to repack donations
Earlier, the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) through...
Malacanang fire brigade delivers water to 'Ondoy' victims in Rizal town
By Lilybeth G. Ison
MANILA
The Malacanang Fire Brigade on Sunday morning delivered three trucks of potable water to thousands of victims of tropical storm "Ondoy" whose houses and streets are still full of mud in Tanay, Rizal.
According to Senior Inspector Joselito Reyes, brigade commander, the Malacanang Fire...
GMA visits typhoon-damaged dikes, proposed infra projects in Pampanga
By Zorayda S. Tecson
GUAGUA, Pampanga
President Arroyo on Sunday personally checked the extent of damage in the two vital dikes here which were destroyed by the rampaging waters at the height of tropical storm Ondoy last week.
The President first visited the breached portion of the earth dike along the...
Notorious cattle rustlers wiped out in South Cotabato clash
By Teofilo P. Garcia
ZAMBOANGA CITY
Two notorious cattle rustlers who have been victimizing farmers here of their work animals were killed in a clash with government militia forces in South Cotabato, a military official said Sunday.
Three militiamen were killed while two others were wounded in the same clash,...
President Arroyo on Friday placed the entire country under a state of calamity after tropical storm Ondoy wreaked havoc in Metro Manila and several provinces and in preparation for the expected landfall of super typhoon Pepeng.
President Arroyo called an emergency Cabinet and National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) meeting this morning held...
Some 33,230 persons residing in the areas located in the path of Typhoon Pepeng have already been evacuated by the government as of 6 p.m. Friday, National Disaster Coordinating Council spokesman Lt. Col Ernesto Torres said.
Torres said the affected residents, who are from the "risk areas," have been moved to higher...
POEA & OWWA UNDER FIRE FOR INCOMPETENCE & NEGLIGENCE
2 October 2009
Solons want to abolish POEA, OWWA
By Lilybeth G. Ison
MANILA
Two Congressmen on Friday sought for the abolition of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) for their alleged failure to address the plight of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
"POEA and OWWA have been very negligent in the performance of their duties to protect...
The Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) on Friday recommended the evacuation of about 100,000 residents near the Laguna lake in anticipation for the rainfall from typhoon Pepeng.
In a press briefing at the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) office in Camp Aguinaldo, LLDA general Manager Ed Manda said the present water level...
Manila to implement pre-emptive evacuation due to Pepeng
MANILA
The city government will implement pre–emptive evacuation and other measures on Friday to ensure the safety of all its residents from the fury of typhoon "Pepeng."
Mayor Alfredo Lim directed secretary to the mayor Rafaelito Garayblas to mobilize and coordinate with all concerned units of the city for the expeditious and...
Evacuation of Albay residents that are immediately threatened by floods, landslides and lahar flows are going on as ordered by Albay governor Joey Salceda to prevent loss of lives amidst typhoon "Pepeng."
Close to 3,000 residents have so far been evacuated as of 10:30 am Friday, while several...
Bulacan braces for Pepeng; 4 Calumpit villages still flooded
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan
Provincial and disaster control officials on Friday held a meeting with contingents from the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, Bulacan police, various radio groups, village watchmen and rescue volunteers group and prepared contingency measures as the province braces for the onslaught of typhoon "Pepeng."
DA beefs up monitoring of prices of commodities; goes after profiteers
By Lilybeth G. Ison
MANILA
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has beefed up monitoring of prices of basic commodities in public markets in Metro Manila as it warned unscrupulous traders to stop pricing their essential goods above the government-imposed price ceilings or risk the closure of their outlets plus...
Aurora province on alert as typhoon Pepeng approaches
BALER, Aurora
The provincial government on Friday placed its disaster management units on alert as typhoon Pepeng continued to move towards the Aurora-Isabela area in Northern Luzon.
Governor Bella Angara-Castillo said the provincial government has already put in place relief goods, medicines and rescue equipment in the province’s critical areas, including Casiguran...
Sa pagsapit nitong ika-anim na araw magmula nuong humagupit sa atin ang typhoon Ondoy, patuloy ang madalian at malawakang paghatid ng mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan ng tulong at saklolo sa mga nasalanta't nangangailangan.
Una, isasailalim sa price control ng DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) ang mga construction materials.
GOVERNMENT DENIES REPORTS DISASTER MONEY RUNNING OUT
1 October 2009
DBM assures sufficient funds to bankroll relief, rehab efforts to typhoon victims
MANILA
Malacanang on Thursday assured there is sufficient funds for relief operations of flood victims contrary to reports that there is now a fund shortage for this.
According to Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya Jr., in a media briefing at the New Executive Building in Malacanang, there is no...
Global remittance company I-Remit, Inc. (iRemit) waives collection of service fees to overseas Filipinos who are sending money to their families and relatives affected by tropical storm “Ondoy”.
iRemit president Harris Jacildo said remittances going to beneficiaries in areas affected by “Ondoy" would be remitted free-of-charge from Oct. 1 to Oct. 5....
GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES CAN GET REMAINDER OF 13th MONTH PAY NOW
1 October 2009
GMA okays release of 13th month pay
MANILA
Government workers affected by tropical storm Ondoy can avail themselves of the last half of their 13th month pay starting today.
The first half of the year-end bonus was released in May. Budget and Management Secretary Rolando Andaya, Jr. said in a press briefing that employees will only need to inform their...
DONATIONS & CELEBRITIES - THE BANE OF A DISASTER OR HELP?
1 October 2009
Too many barkers for disaster donations are causing disasters?
By Satur P. Apoyon
DAVAO CITY
Almost immediately after the deluge on September 26, donations, cash or in kind, also poured like Typhoon Ondoy’s voluminous rains and violent floodwaters.
The outpouring of sympathy reverberated in the archipelago as well as in foreign nations toward the thousands of sufferers of the 15th...
'Pepeng' gains strength, storm signal No. 1 raised in 7 Luzon areas
By Mediatrix P. Cristobal
MANILA
Typhoon Pepeng gains more strength Thursday afternoon as it enters the Philippine seas, prompting authorities to raise storm warning signal No. 1 in four more areas.
"As of now, there is no indication that it will shift course. Pepeng will make a landfall...
DOTC warns public utility operators/drivers on overcharging of fares
By Lynda B. Valencia
MANILA
Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro R. Mendoza on Thursday warned public utility vehicles (PUV) operators and drivers to refrain from violating rules and regulations, particularly on overcharging of fares in areas affected by the calamity brought about by typhoon Ondoy.
P498.5 M worth of infrastructure damage nationwide
By Lynda B. Valencia
MANILA
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said the estimated damage of infrastructure due to typhoon "Ondoy" roached P498.5 million (as of 12 noon).
The affected district were as follows:
National Capital Region (NCR) -- (roads and bridges), P50.000 million, Flooded road section is Tipas-Napindan Road in...
The Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) has lauded the Senate and the House of Representatives for ratifying the bicameral conference report on the Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) bill that brings it a step closer to becoming a law.
The House approved the REIT bill on third and final...
Malacanang orders forced evacuation of residents in low-lying areas
MANILA
Malacanang on Thursday said that it will impose a forced evacuation on residents in areas identified to be hit by new typhoon Pepeng to prevent another Ondoy incident.
Deputy Presidential Spokesman Anthony Golez said in a media briefing at the Kalayaan Hall that the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) had...
EMERGENCY LOAN RENEWALS FROM SSS FOR ONDOY AFFECTED MEMBERS
1 October 2009
SSS offers loan renewal for members in calamity areas
MANILA
The Social Security System (SSS) offered early renewal of loans to members in areas hit by floods caused by Tropical Storm Ondoy that cut a trail of destruction across the main island of Luzon last weekend, a top official said today.
SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Romulo Neri said...
"Pepeng" howls east of Mindanao, seen to make landfall in Aurora-Isabela Saturday
By Mediatrix P. Cristobal
MANILA
Typhoon Pepeng (International code name PARMA) continues to gather strength over the sea, threatening to slam Aurora-Isabela over the weekend, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.
"This is a significant typhoon in terms of wind intensity," Nathaniel Cruz, Pagasa...
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