News & Archives

By Jessie L Casalda 

P11 Million  estimated damage - several bridges destroyed - list of fatalities and missing

Davao City human tragedy: Rescuers find a dead child at the aftermath of the flashflood. (PIA-XI/Photo by Joemar Lamata)

DAVAO CITY - The death toll in the city's flashflood rises to 26 after a body of a 16-year-old girl was found...

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Saudi Arabia has said it will stop issuing permits for domestic workers (maids, etc) from Indonesia and the Philippines.

According to the BBC reporting from Saudi Arabia and Manila, Riyadh said it was responding to new guidelines issued by the two Asian countries, which have long demanded better protection for their citizens.

What appears to have sparked this off was Indonesia's actions...

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DAVAO CITY - Unlisted Philippine mining firm Jake Mining Corporation has gained support from indigenous peoples in Compostela Valley Province to be their partner in investing and exploring the disputed 950-hectare tribal mining area (Trima) in Diwalwal, Monkayo, Comval Province.

At least four tribes-- Mansaka, Mandaya, Mangguangan and Dibabawon, have claimed ownership over the disputed mineral...

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"Investigative journalism is like playing blindman's bluff with open razors" 

The Bureau of Investigative Journalism is offering recent graduates and entry level journalists the chance to win a three-month paid internship in its office in London.

The challenge is to write an article of up to 1,000 words by August 12 on any issue that fits into the Bureau's four...

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By Cynthia Barker 

The UK Border Agency is pushing ahead with further Immigration Rule changes coming into effect on 4 July 2011, which will have serious consequences for Tier 4 students studying at private colleges.

From 4 July the UK Border Agency will:

• restrict work entitlements to migrants studying at higher educational institutions (HEIs) and publicly funded further education colleges...

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 P-Noy during the Inaguaration KEPCO Power Plant in Cebu (Photo by: Jay Morales/Gil Nartea /Malacañang Photo Bureau).

Manila, 29 June 2011 - Greenpeace is deeply disappointed at yesterday's inauguration of a new coal fired power plant in Naga, Cebu, by President Aquino, the Philippine's second new coal fired power plant this year.

"Coal burning for power generation has been a...

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More photos have come in of the flash floods in Davao.

This as the death toll has risen to 26 with 15 people confirmed as missing.

A major bridge damaged, thousands displaced, this has hit Davao hard, and a lot of people have been left homeless in this disaster.

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CCTV captures rebel attack in Southern Philippines

Updated with a second video 

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Flooding damages and closes  Matina-Balusong Bridge

By Ben O. Tesiorna, Correspondent

DAVAO CITY – Nineteen people are confirmed to have perished in the latest flashflood to hit the city in the evening of June 28, 2011. Three thousand families were meanwhile affected in the flooding that is said to be the worst flooding to hit the city area in the recent...

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Balita Pinoy is launching its news agency, which is essentially for 'Citizen Journalism' - the news service where you tell the stories. Send us your news stories, images and video.

These will then be placed up in Balita Pinoy, and also where newsworthy on a...

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Philippine Consul General Ms Anne Jalando-on Louis gives a speech at the Flag raising Ceremony at Parramatta Town Hall

The Visayan Cultural Dance Group, the cultural arm of the Visayan Association of Australia Inc, was invited by the President-Elect of Banag-Banag Inc, Mr Mitchell Badelles to perform at the Philippine Flag Raising Ceremony held at the Parramatta Town  Hall...

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The Philippine government says it has conveyed "serious concerns" to the Chinese embassy about reports that Chinese ships unloaded building materials and put up military posts on reefs claimed by Manila in the South China Sea. Officials say they are still trying to confirm if the ships were from China.

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs is asking the...

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Ambassador to Ireland Ariel Abadilla & over 5 million pesos of luxury car

The Philippine embassy in Dublin has hit the buffers as far as approval of Filipinos in Ireland are concerned. This is after it was opened only a couple of years ago.

That service to its citizens living and working in Ireland has been seen as poor is...

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Chief Justice Corona (above) has allowed a fixed web cam inside the court for the massacre trial. 

Pursuant to the decision of the Supreme Court partially granting pro hac vice (for this particular occasion) the request for the live broadcast of the Maguindanao Massacre trial, Chief Justice Renato C. Corona has instructed the SC Public Information Office to provide a...

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The continuing saga of Southern Cross Healthcare group (SCH) should need no introduction.

It has been broadcast all over the world, not just in the UK. Everybody is now aware of what a disaster SCH has become, especially the investors.

The residents and their familes will be feeling apprehensive of what the future holds. Also the staffers, many of...

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Ex-Ambassador to Nigeria ordered charged for fund misuse

Umpa is accused of stealing $100,000 of money meant to aid OFW seamen

Acting Ombudsman Orlando C. Casimiro ordered the filing of criminal charges against former Ambassador to Nigeria Masaranga Umpa for misusing Assistance to National (ATN) Standby Funds in the total amount of US$95,856 for the repatriation of abducted Overseas Filipino...

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The Philippine National Bank (PNB) are holding an auction of foreclosed properties located in Leyte, Samar & Cebu.

This is to be held in the Mango Park Hotel in Cebu on the 7th July 2011.

The Bank's acquired assets are offered thru public auctions that are held nationwide. In these auctions, any person eligible to purchase real properties under...

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Large British Law Firms Start Advising Over Southern Cross Financial Mess

By Husnara Begum of The Lawyer Magazine

Clifford Chance, Eversheds, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Lovells have all scooped roles to help Southern Cross Healthcare secure a rescue package that will prevent the stricken care home operator from going into administration.

The UK’s largest care home group, which unusually for...

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By Charles Kelly 

Plans to cut the number of foreign students arriving in the UK could cost £2.4bn more than they save, according to Home Office estimates.

The figures show the total costs could be £3.5bn, but that would be partially offset by savings of £1.1bn.

Officials estimate the new measures, and Immigration Rule changes to student visas set...

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Citizenship & Naturalization Issue

By John Ferris

Irish Minister Shatter says he has introduced major changes to citizenship application processing regime ‘Reforms to include a 6 month turnaround on naturalisation applications and the introduction of a formal citizenship ceremony’  

The Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Alan Shatter, T.D., provided details of a package of measures aimed at...

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A leaked report analysed by, amongst others, The Times and The Australian reveals that more than 10,000 corrupt Chinese officials collectively took $120 billion out of the country in ‘a 15-year spree of embezzlement, bribes and defections.’

The report by the People’s Bank of China was never intended for public release, but was mistakenly uploaded to an official website...

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Finally! A Makati hotel that won't cost you an arm & a leg.

The promise of a 24h Apartment-Hotel is simple and straightforward -Guaranteed 24 hours stay from check-in time.

For early morning arrivals, this means no more waiting for the standard 2pm check-in time or worrying about the 12 noon check-out and be charged for extension of stay....

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Notre Dame Avenue under water, 90% of Cotabato City has been flooded

Cotabato City has suffered three days of flooding as the dreaded water hyacinth has blocked the city's waterways yet again. The problem with the city's flower has been getting steadily worse over the years.

Even the army have been drafted in to try clear the hyacinths out of...

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Junrey Balawing who was born in June 12, 1993 in Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines) is the world's shortest living man according to the Guinness Book of World Records

He got a double celebration, with a birthday and a place in the world record books, measuring at 0.5993 m (1 ft 11 2?3 in).

The declaration came during Balawing's 18th birthday celebration.

Guinness...

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One of China's largest patrol ships is crossing through the South China Sea, where tensions are heightened because of territorial disputes over islands believed to sit on top of huge oil and gas deposits.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said the Haixun 31(above) has already left from its home base in southern Guangdong province.

He said it is heading...

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"DREAM BUYS AUCTION"

June 25, 2011 . Saturday . 9:00 AM L.S. Virata Hall, 2nd Floor Development Academy of the Philippines, San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City of properties by Rizal Commercial Banking Group (RCBC).

This is of properties in Manila & Central Luzon.

Additionally, there is the sale of properties in Angeles, Pampanga known as the "THE ENCLAVE PROPERTIES",...

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The Philippine National Bank (PNB) are holding an auction of foreclosed properties located in Leyte, Samar & Cebu.

This is to be held in the Mango Park Hotel in Cebu on the 7th July 2011.

The Bank's acquired assets are offered thru public auctions that are held nationwide.  In these auctions, any person eligible to purchase real properties under Philippine laws...

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The Philippines navy says it has removed foreign marker posts that were placed on reefs and banks it says are part of its territory in the South China Sea.

Military officials say the unidentified wooden posts were last week removed from Boxall Reef, which is part of the much-disputed Spratly group of islands.

At the end of May, the...

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BPI's Outstanding Expat Pinoy Children awardees show their VIPinoy Card during the Inauguration of the VIPinoy Lounge held at the Glorietta 5 Atrium. Photo shows (L-R) Mary Kay Camille Andal, 2008 awardee; Kirsten Therese Lestor, 2010 awardee; Jezza May Boquilon, 2009 awardee; John Jefferson Besa and Lord Leomer Pomperada, 2010 awardees. 

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and its...

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ROOTCON: 5th Hacker Conference and Information Security Gathering

The eagerly anticipated information security event will commence on September 9 - 10, 2011 at Parklane International Hotel, Cebu City.  

This is the best way to meet and discuss issues pertaining to security of your corporate network and personal computers.  

Expand your knowledge of topics including Evilution of Telephony, IPv6...

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The Blame Game: The GMB union protesting against giant equity group Blackstone 

By Alec Mattinson of PR Week UK

The world's largest private equity group Blackstone has drafted in international public relations firm Finsbury to fight media headlines blaming it for the crisis at care homes operator Southern Cross Healthcare.

The operator was forced last week to defer 30...

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By Sarx Lanos 

This photo taken by Philippine mountaineer Diego Tan shows a man who is reputed to be 120 years old.

The man, Ompo Toyangun Blast, a Mandaya lumad of Sitio Matabang, Taocanga, Manay, Davao Oriental on the island of Mindanao has great great grandchildren.

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"Name of Missing Person(s)" is: Anita Ontoc

"Full Details For Publication" is: We, as her family wondering what happened to her for all this years. Its been 10 years already since she left us.To anybody who knows my mother, please contact me

"Town/City normally resident in" is: Sindangan Zamboanga del Norte 

 "Town/City went missing" is: Caloocan City

"Email for...

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PinoyME, as you may know, is a social consortium of Filipinos that believes that industry and unity is key to helping our people move out of poverty. For the past five years, they have been working to advance microfinance as the new People Power to provide our struggling countrymen with more sustainable economic opportunities. 

PinoyME is our answer to the calling...

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The Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF), with pro bono co-counsel Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP, filed an amicus "friend of the court" brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in Gonzalez v. Arizona, challenging the legality of Proposition 200, Arizona's restrictive voter proof of citizenship law passed in 2004.

On October...

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Morong, Bataan  - The controversial Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) may finally open soon, but not - thankfully - as an operational power plant.  A mixed group of journalists, nature and outdoor club members, travel bloggers, photography enthusiasts, tourism scholars and adventure race organizers today joined Greenpeace and local NGOs (non-government organizations) in entering the bowels of the BNPP to...

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By Charles Kelly 

UK Immigration Minister Damian Green has outlined sweeping reforms and stricter visa criteria for applicants who want to stay or settle in the UK.

Plans include closing or reforming routes for overseas domestic workers who are currently protected from exploitation by the ‘Domestic Workers Concession' introduced by the previous government.

Migrant workers will now be re-classified as...

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The Philippine Government is dedicated to stamping out human rights violations in the country, making human rights protection and justice a priority objective. Furthermore, the passage of the Anti-Torture Act has resulted in more active documentation of incidents of torture. However, the lack of medical documentation standards for torture cases is a problem, which has often resulted in the rejection...

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Three videos making a programme by an organization based in Manila give a cautionary tale to those living in or thinking of living in the Philippines, including investing.

A group known as Foreign Assistance Center Philippines (FAC) has been set up to assist those...

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Cramped cells, inhumane conditions & injustices for poor prisoners

While the rich could buy privileges in jail and mock the justice system, just like what former Batangas governor Antonio Leviste and other high-profile convicts did, the poor, who include political prisoners, suffer from torture, inhumane prison conditions and injustices.

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The former boss of a recruitment company and NVQ training college in north London is facing charges over fake visas and work permits.

Sam Fongho of Concept Care Solutions, in the London suburb of Edgware, is charged at Southwark Crown Court, along with a diplomat at the British embassy in Albania, of arranging 68 fake visa and work permit applications to...

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These people pictured and many more have been reported missing to Balita Pinoy.

Can you help locate them?

Their relatives and loved ones are desperately seeking news on where they have gone

You may be able to put their minds at ease

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"Name of Missing Person(s)" is: Ramil Arnado

The submitted value of field named "Full Details For Publication (include all details of missing person and contact details for replying)" is: He left in the house last March 18,2011. His complexion is white with black hair. He is quiet because he is suffering from mental illness/problem. The best description of him he...

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UnionBank are holding another of their regular sales of foreclosed properties in Metro Manila & Central Luzon.

This is to be held in Pasig 25 June 2011.

Properties include condos which foreigners are allowed to purchase. There are also agricultural and commercial properties on sale.

For residential, 10% deposit required with 15 years to pay being offered. P20,000 "show money" is...

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RILEY ABRIELLE T. PAPA AND YAYA MICHELE GONZALEZ

The submitted value of field named "Full Details For Publication" is: Pls. help us find Riley (11 mos) & Yaya Michelle (19 yrs. old) . Missing since yesterday June 7, 2011. Any information of their whereabouts pls inform us immediately.

The submitted value of field named "Email for replies"

"Phone number...

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"Name of Missing Person(s)" is: OMY MENDOZA

"Full Details For Publication" is: Nawawala po si OMY MENDOZA , 44 YEARS OLD last MARCH, 2011. May sakit po siya,hindi nya kilala ang kanyang sarili.

The submitted value of field named "Email for replies" is:

"Phone number for replies" is: 712-1723 or 711-4732

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A British trade union has published a report on the goings-on at care homes provider Southern Cross Healthcare (SCH).

The GMB union, which represents approximately 11,000 of SCH's 41,000 workforce, has been at loggerheads with the company for several years over...

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Philippines: Keep Human Rights Promises

Joining UN Human Rights Council Means Addressing Killings, Impunity

The high profile Ampatuan/Maguindanao massacre is always uppermost when human rights abuses in the country come to mind

(New York) - The Philippines should take meaningful steps to protect human rights and promote accountability at home as a new member of the United Nations Human Rights...

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Southern Cross Healthcare (SCH), the largest British care homes provider which has been at the center of a corporate fiasco as a result of a ruinous sale and leaseback deal, has been forced to call a meeting of investors as a result of the problems its share price collapse has exposed.

In a statement issued on Monday required by company law, SCH said that it...

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The UK Border Agency has been branded ‘unfit for purpose' by a group of MP's led by Keith Vaz (above) in the wake of accusations that the immigration guidance was tweaked to allow a backdoor amnesty for asylum seekers.

By Charles Kelly

How Does UK Keep Track Of Asylum Numbers?

As a cross party committee of MPs claim a change...

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The man behind the controversial U.S. firm that made £640million from embattled Southern Cross Healthcare (SCH), Stephen Schwarzman, the billionaire boss of private equity firm Blackstone, has a personal property empire worth £77million. 

Graham Sizer, former chief financial officer of SCH sold his shares for £7.9million in December 2007. 

Chairman William Colvin made £6.6million selling shares on the same day in...

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When Debenhams was taken over by private equity in the boom years of the noughties, its executives sold off freehold properties, cut costs, and loaded the business with £1bn in debt, before trebling their money by floating it on the Stock Exchange. By general consensus, the business has never been the same since.

Staff at Southern Cross will know the...

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Struggling care home operator Southern Cross withheld more rent from one of its biggest landlords than initially thought in order to stave off bankruptcy, the Daily Mail has learned.

Four Seasons, which rents 45 homes to Southern Cross and is its biggest rival in the care homes sector, received just half the rent it was owed on Wednesday - far...

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Embattled care home provider Southern Cross Healthcare is to shed nearly a quarter of its homes as its struggles to stave off bankruptcy, reports the Telegraph.

Sources close to the UK's largest care home group have revealed the company is working on a plan that could see it lose up to 180 of its 750 homes.

The plan emerged after...

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The interesting point behind the headline news on the Southern Cross Healthcare (SCH) scandal is who is playing with money? And what are the stakes?

There is also a so far unmentioned aspect, that of the securitization of loans, and how does this affect the present fiasco, or does the present fiasco affect that point. What has securitization of loans got...

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Any kind of overhead that is fixed or rising, at a time when revenues are under pressure, can bring down a business, says BBC business editor Robert Peston.

And in the case of Southern Cross, it is not the burden of large debts that threatens its survival. In fact what is striking about the financial performance of the UK's leading...

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It was all the rage several years back for companies from pub groups to supermarkets to sell off their property, pocket the proceeds (or hand them to shareholders), then rent it back, says the UK's Financial Times.

Describing "This “sale and leaseback” strategy was described as “releasing value” from property, and companies from J Sainsbury to Punch Taverns to HSBC...

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The full extent of U.S. private equity firm Blackstone’s profiteering at the expense of the elderly and the vulnerable is laid bare today.

It was already known that the firm made around £640million through the float of the Southern Cross care home business on the stock market in summer 2006.

But the UK newspaper Daily Mail has now discovered that just...

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The UK's largest operator of care homes is in serious crisis and panic is starting to set in with the worry of what would happen if they went bankrupt.

The prospect of over 30,000 of its residents, mostly elderly, mentally ill and disabled people being forced to wander the streets in bedclothes while the liquidators close all of Southern Cross Healthcare's...

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Attorneys for the suspects in what is known as the Maguindanao massacre of political rivals in the southern Philippines have acknowledged that journalists were among those killed.

In court Thursday, the attorney for 14 of the victims’ families read the names on a list of journalists who were in a convoy when it was attacked in November 2009. Prosecutors charge...

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As thousands of international students move from college to college, care needs to be taken to ensure you stay on the right side of the law. One wrong move and you could find your visa being cancelled by the UK Border Agency.

Immigration Adviser Cynthia Barker has dealt with number of students whose Tier 4 and pre-Tier 4 visas were suddenly...

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