TOTOY BATO
Ang DJ na TIGAS naaaaaaaaaah TIGAS tuwing umaga at napakahilig mag 6to9.
KRISTINE DERA
Ang tinderang engkantada na nagmula sa langit bumagsak sa lupa ayon pulakda..
LALA BANDERAS
basta makinig lang lagi tuwing alas dose hangang alas tres ng hapon mga kapwa..
DIEGO BANDIDO
Ang talipandas sa balat ng radyo subaybayan at pakingan alas 3ng hapon hanggang 6 ng gabi.
New Batch
(top row)Sir Mark Ignacio (oic),R-yhell,Wilson,Risky, Chief Rei,Biboy Bibo,Diego Bandido,(front row)Totoy Bato,Kristine Dera,Maam Vanessa Ignacio,Maria Maldita,Benz Cason
AUTOMATIC YAN
Yan yung mga Astig...hehehehe
THE ORIGINAL
(Top row) Jim Butido,Ryhell,Risky,Fred Rice,Wilson, Bench,(front row)John Donut,Chief Rei,Mags Mallow, Paparonie
Sunday, June 23, 2013
cobra hero
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Southwest Monsoon to bring rain to SLuzon, Visayas
A weak southwest monsoon may bring rain to parts of Southern Luzon
and Visayas in the next 24 hours, state weather forecasters said
Tuesday afternoon.
PAGASA, in its 5 p.m. bulletin, said the southwest monsoon is affecting the western sections of Southern Luzon and Visayas.
"Mimaropa, Bicol region, (and) Visayas will experience cloudy skies
with light to moderate rain showers and thunderstorms,"it said.
It added Metro Manila and the rest of the country will be "partly
cloudy to cloudy with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms mostly in
the afternoon or evening."
For Wednesday,
PAGASA said Metro Manila may expect temperatures of 25 to 32 degrees
Celsius, while Tuguegarao City may expect temperatures of 25 to 36
degrees Celsius.
Angeles and Olongapo Cities may expect temperatures of 24 to 32 degrees Celsius.
Meanwhile, PAGASA said moderate to occasionally strong winds from the
southwest to west will prevail over Luzon and its coastal waters will be
moderate to opcassionally rough.
Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the southwest with slight to moderate seas, it said. — TJD, GMA News
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Philippines hopes to keep trade perks
The country also denied the rights of workers to organize because of the extra-judicial killings in free-trade zones, it added.
In a March 28 hearing in the USTR, Labor officials touted the progress the government has made in addressing these issues.
House Bill 1564 and Senate Bill 632, pending in the committee levels of Congress, seek to limit the assumption of jurisdiction by the Labor department in disputes to industries which provide essential services like hospitals and public utilities such as power and water.
"[The USTR] is expecting us to finish the issue of assumption of jurisdiction for essential services. It even noted that we are trying to explore a consensus in these kinds of labor disputes through department orders while a bill has not yet been passed, so there is protection for the workers," Ms. Baldoz said.
Meanwhile, the government has also set up new guidelines for the police and the army on how to handle labor disputes. It has also expanded the definition of extra-judicial killings to include not just political activists but any person affiliated with an organization.
The GSP covers 4,975 tariff lines, worth $18.5 billion, across 129 economies. For the Philippines, these include banana, sugar, edible oils, wood products, cotton fabrics, rattan products, footwear materials, ceramics and baskets, estimated to be worth $1.1 billion.
The current GSP program took effect on Nov. 5, 2011 and will end this July 31.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
voting procedures
MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) shares
some reminders on how to verify voter registration status and how to
vote during the country’s second automated polls tomorrow.
To check voter’s registration, visit the poll body’s Precinct Finder at www.comelec.gov.ph.
Voting starts at 7 a.m. and ends at 7 p.m. in all polling precincts.
The Comelec has listed the voting procedures in its Voter’s Information and Instruction Sheet, which is being used in the voter’s education campaign.
Here are the voting procedures:
• Bring valid identification cards and proceed to your designated polling/voting center.
• Upon arriving at the polling center, look for your precinct assignment.
• Look for your name and sequence number on the list of voters posted at the door of your assigned polling precinct.
• If there is a queue, fall in line. Otherwise go directly to the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs), state your name and sequence number.
• Give priority to pregnant women, the elderly, detainees and persons with disabilities. There must be an express lane for them.
• The BEI will verify your identity before you sign the Computerized Voter’s List.
• The BEI chairman will then give you a marking pen and a ballot placed in a ballot secrecy folder. Make sure that the ballot does not have any shaded ovals.
• Make sure that your hands are clean so that ballots will not be stained.
• Proceed to your voting area and start voting. Shade the ovals corresponding to the names of your candidates and party-list group.
• After voting, place the ballot inside the folder then feed the ballot into the PCOS machine. Wait for the words “Congratulations, your vote has been registered” to appear on the PCOS screen.
• Return the ballot secrecy folder and marking pen to the BEI.
• Have your finger stained with indelible ink before leaving the polling precinct.
The Comelec warned voters that vote selling is punishable with imprisonment of not less than one year.
To check voter’s registration, visit the poll body’s Precinct Finder at www.comelec.gov.ph.
Voting starts at 7 a.m. and ends at 7 p.m. in all polling precincts.
The Comelec has listed the voting procedures in its Voter’s Information and Instruction Sheet, which is being used in the voter’s education campaign.
Here are the voting procedures:
• Bring valid identification cards and proceed to your designated polling/voting center.
• Upon arriving at the polling center, look for your precinct assignment.
• Look for your name and sequence number on the list of voters posted at the door of your assigned polling precinct.
• If there is a queue, fall in line. Otherwise go directly to the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs), state your name and sequence number.
• Give priority to pregnant women, the elderly, detainees and persons with disabilities. There must be an express lane for them.
• The BEI will verify your identity before you sign the Computerized Voter’s List.
• The BEI chairman will then give you a marking pen and a ballot placed in a ballot secrecy folder. Make sure that the ballot does not have any shaded ovals.
• Make sure that your hands are clean so that ballots will not be stained.
• Proceed to your voting area and start voting. Shade the ovals corresponding to the names of your candidates and party-list group.
• After voting, place the ballot inside the folder then feed the ballot into the PCOS machine. Wait for the words “Congratulations, your vote has been registered” to appear on the PCOS screen.
• Return the ballot secrecy folder and marking pen to the BEI.
• Have your finger stained with indelible ink before leaving the polling precinct.
The Comelec warned voters that vote selling is punishable with imprisonment of not less than one year.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Comelec releases video on dos and don'ts during Election Day
The Commission on Elections released Wednesday its third voters’
education video – this time it is about what voters should do on
Election Day.
Tina Tama and Boy Bawal, the two main characters in the voters' eduction video, joined forces in informing the voters what they should and should not do before, during and after voting.
In the four-minute video, Tina Tama initially told a lady voter to check her name on the list of voters and locate her voting precinct. The voter was also told to bring a valid identification card but not cedula and barangay certificate.
The voter should then present herself to the board of election inspectors who will give her the ballot, marker and ballot secrecy folder.
The voter told to shade the name of 12 senatorial candidates and one party-list organization only because over-voting will invalidate the vote for that position.
Tina Tama said the voter should use the secrecy folder when bringing her ballot to the PCOS (precinct count optical scan) machine and while feeding it to prevent other people from peeking into her ballot.
When the voter successfully feeds her ballot to the machine, she will return to the BEIs who will put indelible ink on her finger.
Boy Bawal said it is prohibited to peek into the ballot of other voters.
He also reminded voters not to bring water or other materials that could smear the ballots.
He added that voters should not put drawings and other marks on their ballots.
Also, voters can bring their cellphone but will not be allowed to take a picture of their ballot.
Boy Bawal also asked the voters to leave the precinct after casting their votes.
In an interview, poll chairman Sixto Brillantes said only a limited number of people are allowed to stay inside the precincts and they are the BEIs, a technician and watchers.
“Very specific kung sino ang pwede pumasok sa presinto,” he said.
He also said media people are not allowed inside the precinct.
“Media, no way. Sa premises lang, hindi pwede sa loob ng presinto. Not inside the precinct, the room itself,” he said.
Brillantes said the video was the culmination of their voters’ education project.
“Ipinakikita lang natin what are the correct things to do and what you are not supposed to do on election day. These are just simple reminders on the voting process. Kailangan paulit ulit,” he said, even as he acknowledged media’s help in thepoll body's voter education project.
“Media has been very helpful, naririnig ko palagi 'yan, kung paano bumoto,” he said.
In the first video where Boy Bawal was introduced, he informed the public the prohibited acts and materials during the campaign period and on election day.
In the second video, Tina Tama taught the people the legal and proper way of campaigning. — LBG, GMA News
Tina Tama and Boy Bawal, the two main characters in the voters' eduction video, joined forces in informing the voters what they should and should not do before, during and after voting.
In the four-minute video, Tina Tama initially told a lady voter to check her name on the list of voters and locate her voting precinct. The voter was also told to bring a valid identification card but not cedula and barangay certificate.
The voter should then present herself to the board of election inspectors who will give her the ballot, marker and ballot secrecy folder.
The voter told to shade the name of 12 senatorial candidates and one party-list organization only because over-voting will invalidate the vote for that position.
Tina Tama said the voter should use the secrecy folder when bringing her ballot to the PCOS (precinct count optical scan) machine and while feeding it to prevent other people from peeking into her ballot.
When the voter successfully feeds her ballot to the machine, she will return to the BEIs who will put indelible ink on her finger.
Boy Bawal said it is prohibited to peek into the ballot of other voters.
He also reminded voters not to bring water or other materials that could smear the ballots.
He added that voters should not put drawings and other marks on their ballots.
Also, voters can bring their cellphone but will not be allowed to take a picture of their ballot.
Boy Bawal also asked the voters to leave the precinct after casting their votes.
In an interview, poll chairman Sixto Brillantes said only a limited number of people are allowed to stay inside the precincts and they are the BEIs, a technician and watchers.
“Very specific kung sino ang pwede pumasok sa presinto,” he said.
He also said media people are not allowed inside the precinct.
“Media, no way. Sa premises lang, hindi pwede sa loob ng presinto. Not inside the precinct, the room itself,” he said.
Brillantes said the video was the culmination of their voters’ education project.
“Ipinakikita lang natin what are the correct things to do and what you are not supposed to do on election day. These are just simple reminders on the voting process. Kailangan paulit ulit,” he said, even as he acknowledged media’s help in thepoll body's voter education project.
“Media has been very helpful, naririnig ko palagi 'yan, kung paano bumoto,” he said.
In the first video where Boy Bawal was introduced, he informed the public the prohibited acts and materials during the campaign period and on election day.
In the second video, Tina Tama taught the people the legal and proper way of campaigning. — LBG, GMA News
Monday, April 29, 2013
Velarde endorses 3 more candidates
The White Vote Movement led by the Catholic charismatic group El
Shaddai endorsed three more senatorial candidates on top of the six it
earlier named for the May 13 elections.
In an event held at the Velarde-owned Amvel City in Parañaque City on Saturday, El Shaddai leader and the movement’s spokesman Mike Velarde announced that they were also supporting United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) candidates Nancy Binay, Richard Gordon and Miguel Zubiri.
The three were in addition to the earlier endorsed candidates: UNA’s JV Ejercito, Gringo Honasan, Mitos Magsaysay and Team PNoy’s Koko Pimentel, Antonio Trillanes IV and Cynthia Villar.
In exchange for El Shaddai’s support, Velarde said that the candidates were made to sign a “pledge of commitment” to always fight for the Catholic Church’s stand once they get elected.
“They made a commitment that if they win, they will fight any proposed law that is against the family and anything that will lead to the annihilation of the Filipino race and things that are against the Word of God, against the commandments of God,” said Velarde.
He said the White Vote Movement will also monitor the candidates they endorsed “so we can also guide them.”
Earlier, Velarde explained that the movement was supporting these candidates because they stood with the Church in opposing the reproductive health (RH) law.
Other groups involved in the White Vote Movement include Couples for Christ-Foundation for Family and Life, Catholic Women’s League, Focolare Movement and Bukas Loob sa Diyos.
Velarde said previous experience showed that some candidates the El Shaddai had supported in last elections voted for the RH law.
“I pleaded with them to defer the bill for further deliberations so the people may know the truth and yet when the voting came, they were there. Anyway, there is always a day of reckoning. We won’t get back at them but we will act towards the right direction,” said Velarde in his speech.
The candidates the movement endorsed have also been dubbed “Team Buhay” by the Diocese of Bacolod because they voted against the family planning measure, except for Villar.
But Velarde noted that since Villar’s husband, Sen. Manuel Villar, voted against the RH bill, “his vote can be considered as the vote of the wife.”
In an event held at the Velarde-owned Amvel City in Parañaque City on Saturday, El Shaddai leader and the movement’s spokesman Mike Velarde announced that they were also supporting United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) candidates Nancy Binay, Richard Gordon and Miguel Zubiri.
The three were in addition to the earlier endorsed candidates: UNA’s JV Ejercito, Gringo Honasan, Mitos Magsaysay and Team PNoy’s Koko Pimentel, Antonio Trillanes IV and Cynthia Villar.
In exchange for El Shaddai’s support, Velarde said that the candidates were made to sign a “pledge of commitment” to always fight for the Catholic Church’s stand once they get elected.
“They made a commitment that if they win, they will fight any proposed law that is against the family and anything that will lead to the annihilation of the Filipino race and things that are against the Word of God, against the commandments of God,” said Velarde.
He said the White Vote Movement will also monitor the candidates they endorsed “so we can also guide them.”
Earlier, Velarde explained that the movement was supporting these candidates because they stood with the Church in opposing the reproductive health (RH) law.
Other groups involved in the White Vote Movement include Couples for Christ-Foundation for Family and Life, Catholic Women’s League, Focolare Movement and Bukas Loob sa Diyos.
Velarde said previous experience showed that some candidates the El Shaddai had supported in last elections voted for the RH law.
“I pleaded with them to defer the bill for further deliberations so the people may know the truth and yet when the voting came, they were there. Anyway, there is always a day of reckoning. We won’t get back at them but we will act towards the right direction,” said Velarde in his speech.
The candidates the movement endorsed have also been dubbed “Team Buhay” by the Diocese of Bacolod because they voted against the family planning measure, except for Villar.
But Velarde noted that since Villar’s husband, Sen. Manuel Villar, voted against the RH bill, “his vote can be considered as the vote of the wife.”
Troops told to pursue talks with communist rebels
MANILA, Philippines - Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin is
encouraging military field units to hold localized negotiations with
rebels as the peace talks between the national government and the
communists remain stalled.
Gazmin said such move could help the military officials attain peace in their respective areas.
“We encourage the military (to hold localized talks) so that there will be peace in their areas of responsibility,” the defense chief said in a press conference Monday.
“If you are going to wait (for the impasse in the national level to be resolved), it will take long before the instruction is relayed (to the ground),” he added.
Gazmin said the supposed differences between the communist leaders in Netherlands and local commanders also delay the relaying of policies in the field.
“If you are a commander and you want peace, you should talk to them (rebels),” he said.
“Some of them (rebels) are tired (of fighting) and they can see the benefits of peace,” he said.
The peace talks between the government and the communists hit an impasse due to differences over jailed insurgents facing criminal cases.
The National Democratic Front (NDF), which represents the rebels in the talks, insists that its jailed leaders be freed since they are covered by immunity guarantees.
The government, however, refused to do so, saying the NDF has no means to prove that the jailed rebels are indeed peace consultants who should be immune from arrests.
Last week, government chief negotiator Alexander Padilla said they are considering a “new approach” to peacefully resolve the conflict with the communists.
Some sectors believe Padilla practically gave up on the peace talks with the NDF when he made the statement.
“We cannot wait forever for the other side if they continually refuse to go back to the negotiating table without preconditions. The government will be taking a new approach to pursue peace,” Padilla said in a statement.
“We have always been open to resume formal negotiations with them, but they keep on insisting on preconditions, such as the release of their detained consultants,” he added.
Padilla said the communists had also demanded that the government abolish its peace and development programs like the conditional cash transfer and Pamana, which aims to promote prosperity in conflict areas.
“These demands are just preposterous. We don’t want to engage in a negotiation where the other party is clearly fooling us,” Padilla said.
Despite the impasse, Gazmin said they still prefer peaceful means to resolve the conflict with the communists.
“We are all Filipinos and it’s about time we sit down and talk so that we save more lives,” he said. – Alexis Romero with C. M.
Gazmin said such move could help the military officials attain peace in their respective areas.
“We encourage the military (to hold localized talks) so that there will be peace in their areas of responsibility,” the defense chief said in a press conference Monday.
“If you are going to wait (for the impasse in the national level to be resolved), it will take long before the instruction is relayed (to the ground),” he added.
Gazmin said the supposed differences between the communist leaders in Netherlands and local commanders also delay the relaying of policies in the field.
“If you are a commander and you want peace, you should talk to them (rebels),” he said.
Gazmin believes that the communist leaders negotiating with the
government do not feel the sentiments of those in the farms or those
struggling in the mountains.
The peace talks between the government and the communists hit an impasse due to differences over jailed insurgents facing criminal cases.
The National Democratic Front (NDF), which represents the rebels in the talks, insists that its jailed leaders be freed since they are covered by immunity guarantees.
The government, however, refused to do so, saying the NDF has no means to prove that the jailed rebels are indeed peace consultants who should be immune from arrests.
Last week, government chief negotiator Alexander Padilla said they are considering a “new approach” to peacefully resolve the conflict with the communists.
Some sectors believe Padilla practically gave up on the peace talks with the NDF when he made the statement.
“We cannot wait forever for the other side if they continually refuse to go back to the negotiating table without preconditions. The government will be taking a new approach to pursue peace,” Padilla said in a statement.
“We have always been open to resume formal negotiations with them, but they keep on insisting on preconditions, such as the release of their detained consultants,” he added.
Padilla said the communists had also demanded that the government abolish its peace and development programs like the conditional cash transfer and Pamana, which aims to promote prosperity in conflict areas.
“These demands are just preposterous. We don’t want to engage in a negotiation where the other party is clearly fooling us,” Padilla said.
Despite the impasse, Gazmin said they still prefer peaceful means to resolve the conflict with the communists.
“We are all Filipinos and it’s about time we sit down and talk so that we save more lives,” he said. – Alexis Romero with C. M.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
El Shaddai leader backed on electoral endorsement
Manila, Philippines --- Retired Novaliches Bishop Teodoro Bacani said
as a lay leader, El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde has the right to
endorse candidates in the May 13 polls.
Bacani, El Shaddai’s spiritual director, cited the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines which states that lay people in responsible position are urged to get elected those who are worthy candidates.
“That’s endorsement. They should work to get elected those candidates they deem worthy,” he said in an interview after presiding a Mass for El Shaddai and other members of the White Vote Movement in Parañaque, on Saturday.
In his homily, Bacani also stressed this point.
“Si Bro. Mike, pwedeng sumigaw. Karapatan niya yan. Karapatan yan ng mga laiko. Karapatan nila na hanapin ang tinig ni Kristo at maging mikropono sila at loud speaker ng kanilang naririnig,” he said.
During the said gathering, Velarde, the spokesman of the White Vote Movement, endorsed six senatorial candidates of Team Buhay, namely: Rep. JV Ejercito, Sen. Gringo Honasan, Rep. Mitos Magsaysay, Sen. Koko Pimentel, Sen. Antonio Trillanes, and Cynthia Villar, all of whom are against the reproductive health (RH) law.
The endorsement comes after Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas came out with a pastoral letter, wherein he said that bishops, priests, and lay people should not endorse candidates since they will just come out as losers even if their candidates win in the elections.
Instead, the Lingayen-Dagupan archbishop said the Catholic Church must be contented with playing its role as conscience, mother, and teacher of the faithful in going about the conduct of elections.
But Bacani said it’s possible that the prelate was just misquoted.
“Maybe Bishop Villegas was misinterpreted because the right of the lay people is very clear. That’s (endorsement) part of their freedom, that’s part of their right,” he said.
For his part, Velarde said he would want to personally explain to Villegas the rationale behind the movement’s endorsement of the candidates.
“I will be in Dagupan tomorrow (Sunday) evening. We have a big rally there… hopefully, (I can meet him) if he is available,” said the El Shaddai leader.
He also insisted that their endorsement is not to force their members to vote for the six candidates but just to serve as a guide in voting.
“After all, this is an answer to the bishops prodding to the lay that we should make the initiative,” said Velarde.
United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) Senate bets, Zambales Rep. Mitos Magsaysay and San Juan Rep. JV Ejercito welcomed El Shaddai’s endorsement, saying that this is “both an honor and a privilege.”
As she faced the multitude of members of the El Shaddai community Saturday, Magsaysay reaffirmed her commitment to protect the sanctity of life and the family.
According to Mitos, her decisions as a member of the Philippine Congress was fueled by her beliefs in life “because I believe that whatever I am today, whatever decisions I make is influenced by being Catholic and my faith in the Lord.”
She also maintained that she would willingly face criticisms and still remain steadfast in her convictions to object the passage of the Reproductive Health Law.
“It does not matter if I would be criticized 10 times or 1,000 times as long as I am doing the will of God,” she explained in a statement.
“For me it is simple. For as long as we follow in the footsteps of the Lord, it is impossible that we would commit a mistake,” she added.
On the other hand, Ejercito said the support of “one of the biggest Catholic organizations in the country” will be a big boost to his senatorial bid. (With a report from JC Bello Ruiz)
Bacani, El Shaddai’s spiritual director, cited the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines which states that lay people in responsible position are urged to get elected those who are worthy candidates.
“That’s endorsement. They should work to get elected those candidates they deem worthy,” he said in an interview after presiding a Mass for El Shaddai and other members of the White Vote Movement in Parañaque, on Saturday.
In his homily, Bacani also stressed this point.
“Si Bro. Mike, pwedeng sumigaw. Karapatan niya yan. Karapatan yan ng mga laiko. Karapatan nila na hanapin ang tinig ni Kristo at maging mikropono sila at loud speaker ng kanilang naririnig,” he said.
During the said gathering, Velarde, the spokesman of the White Vote Movement, endorsed six senatorial candidates of Team Buhay, namely: Rep. JV Ejercito, Sen. Gringo Honasan, Rep. Mitos Magsaysay, Sen. Koko Pimentel, Sen. Antonio Trillanes, and Cynthia Villar, all of whom are against the reproductive health (RH) law.
The endorsement comes after Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas came out with a pastoral letter, wherein he said that bishops, priests, and lay people should not endorse candidates since they will just come out as losers even if their candidates win in the elections.
Instead, the Lingayen-Dagupan archbishop said the Catholic Church must be contented with playing its role as conscience, mother, and teacher of the faithful in going about the conduct of elections.
But Bacani said it’s possible that the prelate was just misquoted.
“Maybe Bishop Villegas was misinterpreted because the right of the lay people is very clear. That’s (endorsement) part of their freedom, that’s part of their right,” he said.
For his part, Velarde said he would want to personally explain to Villegas the rationale behind the movement’s endorsement of the candidates.
“I will be in Dagupan tomorrow (Sunday) evening. We have a big rally there… hopefully, (I can meet him) if he is available,” said the El Shaddai leader.
He also insisted that their endorsement is not to force their members to vote for the six candidates but just to serve as a guide in voting.
“After all, this is an answer to the bishops prodding to the lay that we should make the initiative,” said Velarde.
United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) Senate bets, Zambales Rep. Mitos Magsaysay and San Juan Rep. JV Ejercito welcomed El Shaddai’s endorsement, saying that this is “both an honor and a privilege.”
As she faced the multitude of members of the El Shaddai community Saturday, Magsaysay reaffirmed her commitment to protect the sanctity of life and the family.
According to Mitos, her decisions as a member of the Philippine Congress was fueled by her beliefs in life “because I believe that whatever I am today, whatever decisions I make is influenced by being Catholic and my faith in the Lord.”
She also maintained that she would willingly face criticisms and still remain steadfast in her convictions to object the passage of the Reproductive Health Law.
“It does not matter if I would be criticized 10 times or 1,000 times as long as I am doing the will of God,” she explained in a statement.
“For me it is simple. For as long as we follow in the footsteps of the Lord, it is impossible that we would commit a mistake,” she added.
On the other hand, Ejercito said the support of “one of the biggest Catholic organizations in the country” will be a big boost to his senatorial bid. (With a report from JC Bello Ruiz)
Miss Universe Philippines 2013: ‘I’m prepared’
MANILA, Philippines - “I can handle it. I’m prepared,” said
Miss Universe Philippines 2013 Ariella Arida about the pressure that
comes with her new crown.
She spoke these confident words at a press conference last April 14 in Araneta Coliseum, Cubao minutes after she was crowned.
Also crowned Bb Pilipinas were Bea Rose Santiago, Binibining Pilipinas-International; Joanna Cindy Miranda, Binibining Pilipinas-Tourism, Mutya Datul, Binibining Pilipinas-Supranational and Pia Wurtzbach, the first runner-up.
The 5 lovely ladies shed their Binibini numbers as they posed for the media with their crowns and sashes.
"I'm really overwhelmed," a teary-eyed Ariella admitted to the press. "It hasn't sunk in that I've won the crown."
The 24-year-old Laguna native said that winning the crown heralds “a different style of life.”
“It’s really very different from going to a laboratory in your rubber shoes, lab gown and now here I am, with the crown,” added the new beauty queen with a Chemistry degree from the University of the Philippines.
The other winners of the night also shared their initial reactions the pageant results.
Still with tears in her eyes, Pia said, "I'm really happy to be here. This is my first pageant ever. I'm really happy to get this far."
Cindy, the newly-crowned Miss Tourism, admitted that though she was also overwhelmed with happiness, "I was losing hope just before the announcement."
Mutya, wearing her new Miss Supranational crown with regal cheerfulness, enthused, "Sobrang Masaya ako na nakakuha ako ng crown. Nasagot ang prayers ko. Parang panaginip lang lahat (I'm really happy that I got a crown. My prayers were answered. It's all like a dream)."
"I didn't expect to be called," admitted Binibining Pilipinas-International 2013 Bea Santiago.
"But you know that feeling that you're going to win? When I woke up this morning, I felt it," she added.
The road to Miss Universe
With 3 consecutive runner-up placements from Venus Raj (Miss Universe 2010 4th runner-up), Shamcey Supsup (Miss Universe 2011 3rd runner-up) and Janine Tugonon (Miss Universe 2012 first runner-up), Arielle has very large high-heels to fill.
But she assured everyone that her win has made her even more determined to succeed in the international pageant.
“I’ve never been this hardworking in my entire life because I used to be a just an average person. I don’t usually work hard because I feel more depressed if I know that I pay more attention to it and then I fail. But now, with this pageant, this is really the time when I really worked hard physically, emotionally.”
Ariella’s journey to the Miss Universe stage has just begun. After coronation night, she will undergo even more rigorous training to shape her body and personality into a Miss Universe candidate with solid-gold chances of winning the crown.
What points of improvement does she plan to work on in the months leading to the pageant?
“I have to improve more on communicating to people because I am here to be a spokesperson to everyone. I want everyone to get what I want to say more easily. And also, I can’t forget the walk and the personality because I think that’s also important.”
Pageant followers will be keeping a close eye on Ariella and the other new queens. She carries not only a crown on her head, but also the hopes of many who desire nothing more than to see a Filipina crowned as Miss Universe 2013. - Rappler.com
She spoke these confident words at a press conference last April 14 in Araneta Coliseum, Cubao minutes after she was crowned.
Also crowned Bb Pilipinas were Bea Rose Santiago, Binibining Pilipinas-International; Joanna Cindy Miranda, Binibining Pilipinas-Tourism, Mutya Datul, Binibining Pilipinas-Supranational and Pia Wurtzbach, the first runner-up.
The 5 lovely ladies shed their Binibini numbers as they posed for the media with their crowns and sashes.
"I'm really overwhelmed," a teary-eyed Ariella admitted to the press. "It hasn't sunk in that I've won the crown."
The 24-year-old Laguna native said that winning the crown heralds “a different style of life.”
“It’s really very different from going to a laboratory in your rubber shoes, lab gown and now here I am, with the crown,” added the new beauty queen with a Chemistry degree from the University of the Philippines.
The other winners of the night also shared their initial reactions the pageant results.
Still with tears in her eyes, Pia said, "I'm really happy to be here. This is my first pageant ever. I'm really happy to get this far."
Cindy, the newly-crowned Miss Tourism, admitted that though she was also overwhelmed with happiness, "I was losing hope just before the announcement."
Mutya, wearing her new Miss Supranational crown with regal cheerfulness, enthused, "Sobrang Masaya ako na nakakuha ako ng crown. Nasagot ang prayers ko. Parang panaginip lang lahat (I'm really happy that I got a crown. My prayers were answered. It's all like a dream)."
"I didn't expect to be called," admitted Binibining Pilipinas-International 2013 Bea Santiago.
"But you know that feeling that you're going to win? When I woke up this morning, I felt it," she added.
The road to Miss Universe
With 3 consecutive runner-up placements from Venus Raj (Miss Universe 2010 4th runner-up), Shamcey Supsup (Miss Universe 2011 3rd runner-up) and Janine Tugonon (Miss Universe 2012 first runner-up), Arielle has very large high-heels to fill.
But she assured everyone that her win has made her even more determined to succeed in the international pageant.
“I’ve never been this hardworking in my entire life because I used to be a just an average person. I don’t usually work hard because I feel more depressed if I know that I pay more attention to it and then I fail. But now, with this pageant, this is really the time when I really worked hard physically, emotionally.”
Ariella’s journey to the Miss Universe stage has just begun. After coronation night, she will undergo even more rigorous training to shape her body and personality into a Miss Universe candidate with solid-gold chances of winning the crown.
What points of improvement does she plan to work on in the months leading to the pageant?
“I have to improve more on communicating to people because I am here to be a spokesperson to everyone. I want everyone to get what I want to say more easily. And also, I can’t forget the walk and the personality because I think that’s also important.”
Pageant followers will be keeping a close eye on Ariella and the other new queens. She carries not only a crown on her head, but also the hopes of many who desire nothing more than to see a Filipina crowned as Miss Universe 2013. - Rappler.com
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Philippines asks for $1.4M from US for Tubbataha damage
MANILA -- The Philippines will ask the United States to pay a fine of
$1.4 million for the damage caused by US Navy minesweeper USS Guardian
that ran aground in Tubbataha Reef in January 17.
Under Republic Act 10067, or the “Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park Act of 2009,” a fine of about $600 or P24,000 per square meter of damaged reef is mandatory.
“Further park rule violations boosted the final total to slightly less than P60 million or roughly $1.4 million,” the Tubbataha Management Office (TMO) said.
Reports said a letter requesting compensation would be sent to the US embassy next week.
“1.4 million US dollar is but a slap on the wrist as the salvage operation has been estimated to cost close to $45 million," said Tubbataha Reef park superintendent Angelique Songco.
"However, we respect the rule of law and these are the fines stipulated. TMO will not ask for anything more,” Songco added.
The reef experts, who are from TMO, University of the Philippines-Marine Science Institute, National Institute of Physics, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), De La Salle University (DLSU), the US Navy, and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), have finished assessing the damage.
According to the assessment, the fine was based on the damaged area that spans about 2,345.67 square meters -- smaller than the 4,000 square meters originally estimated by an American team.
“Swift resolution of this matter will allow TMO to build a significant endowment fund to sustain its operations through the years," said World Wide Fund for Nature-Philippines vice chairperson and CEO Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan.
"The basic issue here is not tourism. It is food security. This fresh infusion of funds will allow TMO to concentrate on putting the money to good use – from building a better Ranger Station to upgrading their capacity to manage the country’s most productive coral reef. Let us settle what must be settled, learn what must be learned and move forward,” Tan said.
The US embassy has expressed regret about the incident and has reiterated that Washington was prepared to pay for the damage. (PNA/Sunnex)
Under Republic Act 10067, or the “Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park Act of 2009,” a fine of about $600 or P24,000 per square meter of damaged reef is mandatory.
“Further park rule violations boosted the final total to slightly less than P60 million or roughly $1.4 million,” the Tubbataha Management Office (TMO) said.
Reports said a letter requesting compensation would be sent to the US embassy next week.
“1.4 million US dollar is but a slap on the wrist as the salvage operation has been estimated to cost close to $45 million," said Tubbataha Reef park superintendent Angelique Songco.
"However, we respect the rule of law and these are the fines stipulated. TMO will not ask for anything more,” Songco added.
The reef experts, who are from TMO, University of the Philippines-Marine Science Institute, National Institute of Physics, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), De La Salle University (DLSU), the US Navy, and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), have finished assessing the damage.
According to the assessment, the fine was based on the damaged area that spans about 2,345.67 square meters -- smaller than the 4,000 square meters originally estimated by an American team.
“Swift resolution of this matter will allow TMO to build a significant endowment fund to sustain its operations through the years," said World Wide Fund for Nature-Philippines vice chairperson and CEO Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan.
"The basic issue here is not tourism. It is food security. This fresh infusion of funds will allow TMO to concentrate on putting the money to good use – from building a better Ranger Station to upgrading their capacity to manage the country’s most productive coral reef. Let us settle what must be settled, learn what must be learned and move forward,” Tan said.
The US embassy has expressed regret about the incident and has reiterated that Washington was prepared to pay for the damage. (PNA/Sunnex)
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Filipinos in Korea get evacuation alert..Embassy in Seoul is coordinating with members of the Filipino community
Manila: Filipinos in South Korea had been alerted to the possibility of evacuation in the event that tensions on the Korean Peninsula take a turn for the worse.
Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez in his Twitter account @dfaspokesperson, issued a heads-up notice for Filipinos in South Korea on the developing situation on the peninsula.
“A state of heightened awareness remains in force for Filipinos in Korea,” Hernandez said.
The official also noted that the Philippine Embassy in Seoul is coordinating with members of the Filipino community (FilCom) on the steps being taken — including possible evacuation — in light of the fast developing situation
Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez in his Twitter account @dfaspokesperson, issued a heads-up notice for Filipinos in South Korea on the developing situation on the peninsula.
“A state of heightened awareness remains in force for Filipinos in Korea,” Hernandez said.
The official also noted that the Philippine Embassy in Seoul is coordinating with members of the Filipino community (FilCom) on the steps being taken — including possible evacuation — in light of the fast developing situation
Monday, March 18, 2013
2014 AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers - What are the Philippines’ chances?
The last time around, the Philippines made waves in the Asian Football Confederation, coming just a win shy of going the distance, to the 2012 Challenge Cup Finals. The Azkals went through the qualifying playoff round, the qualifying group stage, and then emerged from the group of death before falling 2-1 to Turkmenistan in the semifinals, though they did earn third place with a 4-3 victory over Palestine.
A year later, two-time champions North Korea have effectively graduated, with the AFC making the wise decision of finally saying that the ‘developed’ football nation shouldn’t compete in a tournament designed for ‘emerging’ countries, leaving the 2014 Challenge Cup up for grabs.
Two-time finalists Turkmenistan, 2010 winners Tajikistan, the Philippines and already-qualified Palestine are among the frontrunners to win the competition, but if the Azkals are to win a major trophy, they must first navigate qualification.
Here we take a look at the Philippines’ opponents in qualifying, as well as the new system of qualification:
Brunei
FIFA Ranking: 186
Form: W2 D0 L3
Last Match against Philippines: Brunei 1-1 Philippines (2008)
Brunei are perennial bottom-dwellers in South East Asia football, let alone the world. That said, the country has a history of punching above its weight, case in point, their latest two wins came in the Suzuki Cup qualifying, against Cambodia, 3-2, and Timor-Leste, 2-1, with narrow losses against Myanmar and Laos.
With that said, changes in the qualifying format for the Challenge Cup make every game more important, if they weren't already. In the five groups, each leader will advance to the next round, with the best two runners-up also qualifying, with goal difference being the second criteria, after number of points obtained.
That changes how the Philippines should see Brunei - as a chance to score a lot of goals and boost that stat. Now the Azkals haven't played against Brunei since 2008, but both teams are entirely different now, with the Philippines looking far superior. Anything less than a win would be unacceptable.
Prediction: Philippines 5-0 Brunei
Cambodia
FIFA Ranking: 185
Form: W0 D0 L5
Last Match against Philippines: Cambodia 0-0 Philippines (2012)
[Related: Azkals settle for a draw in a frustrating night in Phnom Penh]
Cambodia has fallen apart recently. A terrible showing in the Suzuki Cup qualifiers left them at the bottom of the heap and they’ve dropped to 184 in the rankings. After their stubborn draw against the Azkals in September last year, they lost their next five games and come in hoping just to reassert they are a better side than Brunei.
The Philippines should be hoping for a much better showing against Cambodia. With goal difference all important, following up a good win against Brunei with another solid victory will put the team in a more comfortable position come the final group game against Turkmenistan. With Group B in progress and scheduled to be completed before the Philippines’ group, the Azkals know six points and a goal difference of more than India’s plus-five will guarantee they go through to the next round. The Philippines will have to be wary of veteran of 46 caps Teab Vathanak and top-scorer Khim Borey, who has ten goals in 24 appearances.
The Philippines should be much more concerned however, with asserting their own game and breaking down the Cambodian defense to rack up the goals here.
Prediction: Philippines 3-0 Cambodia
Turkmenistan
FIFA Ranking: 140
Form: W4 D0 L1
Last Match against Philippines: Turkmenistan 2-1 Philippines (2012)
[Related: Azkals suffer 2nd-half collapse against Turkmenistan]
The Turkmen are worlds above the other two Azkals’ opponents and are probably the best team in the competition. Having reached the Final in the last two editions of the competition, knocking out the Azkals in the semifinal last year, only North Korea have stopped them in the Challenge Cup – and now that country is not in it.
Having played friendlies against Laos and Vietnam at the end of 2012, winning both, they’re preparing for South East Asian competition. They’ve fallen 19 places in the FIFA rankings in the last month but simply, put that’s just the natural swing of the rankings at different times of the year, and they’re well worth a place higher up. They just haven’t played a game so far in 2013.
A mix of new recruits and veterans gives them a balanced team, with Berdimyrat ?amyradow leading the squad up front with nine goals in twenty appearances for the national side, including the goal which put them 1-0 up against North Korean in the 2012 final, though they went on to lose.
All but three of their players play in the domestic leagues, the other three still playing within the region, and so they should know each other well. Turkmenistan will be a difficult team to break down and this is the game all eyes will be on as whoever triumphs here may well inherit the top seed status for the final stage of the tournament.
Prediction: Philippines 1-1 Turkmenistan
Philippines
FIFA Ranking: 145
Form: W3 D1 L1
[Related: Azkals rise two spots to 145 in FIFA Rankings]
The Philippines have risen two places in the FIFA rankings, just two more places behind their all-time high of 143. A good showing here and the Azkals will no doubt break that ceiling and reach their highest ranking again. Still third in South East Asia, the Philippines is looking to close the distance on Thailand and, surprisingly, Vietnam, which is still at the top of the region despite a lot of poor performances recently.
For this competition, the Philippines will have all their Europe-based players: Neil Etheridge, Roland Muller, Stephan Schrock, Paul Mulders, and Jerry Lucena to name a few. The debut of Javier Patino is also widely anticipated as he was based in the second-tier of Spanish football but recently signed for Thai Premier League club Buriram United. Rufo Sanchez, the UFL’s current top scorer, was even reported as saying that Patino was leagues above him. Patino could very well take the pressure off Phil Younghusband to grab the goals and given Younghusband’s current form and fitness, the 25-year-old may well take over the more established Younghusband as the squad's number one striker.
How quickly the team can adapt to each other though, will be crucial, as the Philippines needs to score a lot to ensure qualification. With potentially a starting eleven coming from abroad to reinforce the Azkals’ line-up, they have the most of any of their opponents coming in at short notice.
Azkals out for revenge against the Turkmen
The Philippines also have a score to settle with Turkmenistan, which turned around a 1-0 Philippine lead in the last ten minutes of the Challenge Cup semis in 2012. Coach Michael Weiss has often been conservative in the past and may well look to play for the draw, assuming Philippine wins against Cambodia and Brunei, to guarantee the Azkals make it through and not run the risk of elimination this early.
Playing at home will be a good advantage for the Azkals, who sported a record of twelve wins, six draws, and six losses in 2012. Winning exactly half their games, the Philippines will be looking to build on a fantastic 2012 after a rather fortunate victory against Myanmar last month.
Unbeaten so far in 2013, Turkmenistan will be their biggest threat to that record and to Challenge Cup Qualification. The games will be played on March 22, 24, and 26, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, with the Philippines having a very realistic chance of qualification. - AMD, GMA News
A year later, two-time champions North Korea have effectively graduated, with the AFC making the wise decision of finally saying that the ‘developed’ football nation shouldn’t compete in a tournament designed for ‘emerging’ countries, leaving the 2014 Challenge Cup up for grabs.
Two-time finalists Turkmenistan, 2010 winners Tajikistan, the Philippines and already-qualified Palestine are among the frontrunners to win the competition, but if the Azkals are to win a major trophy, they must first navigate qualification.
Here we take a look at the Philippines’ opponents in qualifying, as well as the new system of qualification:
Brunei
FIFA Ranking: 186
Form: W2 D0 L3
Last Match against Philippines: Brunei 1-1 Philippines (2008)
Brunei are perennial bottom-dwellers in South East Asia football, let alone the world. That said, the country has a history of punching above its weight, case in point, their latest two wins came in the Suzuki Cup qualifying, against Cambodia, 3-2, and Timor-Leste, 2-1, with narrow losses against Myanmar and Laos.
With that said, changes in the qualifying format for the Challenge Cup make every game more important, if they weren't already. In the five groups, each leader will advance to the next round, with the best two runners-up also qualifying, with goal difference being the second criteria, after number of points obtained.
That changes how the Philippines should see Brunei - as a chance to score a lot of goals and boost that stat. Now the Azkals haven't played against Brunei since 2008, but both teams are entirely different now, with the Philippines looking far superior. Anything less than a win would be unacceptable.
Prediction: Philippines 5-0 Brunei
Cambodia
FIFA Ranking: 185
Form: W0 D0 L5
Last Match against Philippines: Cambodia 0-0 Philippines (2012)
[Related: Azkals settle for a draw in a frustrating night in Phnom Penh]
Cambodia has fallen apart recently. A terrible showing in the Suzuki Cup qualifiers left them at the bottom of the heap and they’ve dropped to 184 in the rankings. After their stubborn draw against the Azkals in September last year, they lost their next five games and come in hoping just to reassert they are a better side than Brunei.
The Philippines should be hoping for a much better showing against Cambodia. With goal difference all important, following up a good win against Brunei with another solid victory will put the team in a more comfortable position come the final group game against Turkmenistan. With Group B in progress and scheduled to be completed before the Philippines’ group, the Azkals know six points and a goal difference of more than India’s plus-five will guarantee they go through to the next round. The Philippines will have to be wary of veteran of 46 caps Teab Vathanak and top-scorer Khim Borey, who has ten goals in 24 appearances.
The Philippines should be much more concerned however, with asserting their own game and breaking down the Cambodian defense to rack up the goals here.
Prediction: Philippines 3-0 Cambodia
Turkmenistan
FIFA Ranking: 140
Form: W4 D0 L1
Last Match against Philippines: Turkmenistan 2-1 Philippines (2012)
[Related: Azkals suffer 2nd-half collapse against Turkmenistan]
The Turkmen are worlds above the other two Azkals’ opponents and are probably the best team in the competition. Having reached the Final in the last two editions of the competition, knocking out the Azkals in the semifinal last year, only North Korea have stopped them in the Challenge Cup – and now that country is not in it.
Having played friendlies against Laos and Vietnam at the end of 2012, winning both, they’re preparing for South East Asian competition. They’ve fallen 19 places in the FIFA rankings in the last month but simply, put that’s just the natural swing of the rankings at different times of the year, and they’re well worth a place higher up. They just haven’t played a game so far in 2013.
A mix of new recruits and veterans gives them a balanced team, with Berdimyrat ?amyradow leading the squad up front with nine goals in twenty appearances for the national side, including the goal which put them 1-0 up against North Korean in the 2012 final, though they went on to lose.
All but three of their players play in the domestic leagues, the other three still playing within the region, and so they should know each other well. Turkmenistan will be a difficult team to break down and this is the game all eyes will be on as whoever triumphs here may well inherit the top seed status for the final stage of the tournament.
Prediction: Philippines 1-1 Turkmenistan
Philippines
FIFA Ranking: 145
Form: W3 D1 L1
[Related: Azkals rise two spots to 145 in FIFA Rankings]
The Philippines have risen two places in the FIFA rankings, just two more places behind their all-time high of 143. A good showing here and the Azkals will no doubt break that ceiling and reach their highest ranking again. Still third in South East Asia, the Philippines is looking to close the distance on Thailand and, surprisingly, Vietnam, which is still at the top of the region despite a lot of poor performances recently.
For this competition, the Philippines will have all their Europe-based players: Neil Etheridge, Roland Muller, Stephan Schrock, Paul Mulders, and Jerry Lucena to name a few. The debut of Javier Patino is also widely anticipated as he was based in the second-tier of Spanish football but recently signed for Thai Premier League club Buriram United. Rufo Sanchez, the UFL’s current top scorer, was even reported as saying that Patino was leagues above him. Patino could very well take the pressure off Phil Younghusband to grab the goals and given Younghusband’s current form and fitness, the 25-year-old may well take over the more established Younghusband as the squad's number one striker.
How quickly the team can adapt to each other though, will be crucial, as the Philippines needs to score a lot to ensure qualification. With potentially a starting eleven coming from abroad to reinforce the Azkals’ line-up, they have the most of any of their opponents coming in at short notice.
Azkals out for revenge against the Turkmen
The Philippines also have a score to settle with Turkmenistan, which turned around a 1-0 Philippine lead in the last ten minutes of the Challenge Cup semis in 2012. Coach Michael Weiss has often been conservative in the past and may well look to play for the draw, assuming Philippine wins against Cambodia and Brunei, to guarantee the Azkals make it through and not run the risk of elimination this early.
Playing at home will be a good advantage for the Azkals, who sported a record of twelve wins, six draws, and six losses in 2012. Winning exactly half their games, the Philippines will be looking to build on a fantastic 2012 after a rather fortunate victory against Myanmar last month.
Unbeaten so far in 2013, Turkmenistan will be their biggest threat to that record and to Challenge Cup Qualification. The games will be played on March 22, 24, and 26, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, with the Philippines having a very realistic chance of qualification. - AMD, GMA News
It was a great start for 2013 Jr. NBA Philippines presented by Alaska with Rexona and Master supporting the much anticipated basketball clinic. Held at the British School Manila, local coaches and basketball enthusiasts gathered to jumpstart the program’s sixth consecutive year.
?Jr. NBA provides aspiring Filipino athletes a venue to hone and develop their basketball skills and learn sportsmanship. The most prestigious youth program prepares exciting activities and clinics that will test their talents, increase their knowledge about the sport and prepare them for the real hard court.
The ?highlight of the program is the selection of the 10 best campers who will form the 2013 Jr. NBA Philippine All-Star Team. These young outstanding players get the bragging rights of surpassing the challenges of the national training camp plus have a chance to live the NBA experience as they will go to watch an actual NBA Game in November.
?Welcoming guests and participants at the launch were NBA Asia vice president forbusiness development and marketing partnership Francesco Suarez and director of basketballoperations Sefu Bernard. Joining them were NBA country manager Carlo Singson, Master brand manager Jonathan Pua, and British School Manila headmaster Simon Mann.
?Gracing the event were PBA legend and coach Jojo Lastimosa, 2012 Coach of the Year Alan Ayo, and previous Jr. NBA All-Stars Ichie Altamirano, Carlo Escalambre, Patrick Go, Lorenzo Navarro, Kobe Paras, Tsaddy Rangel and Thirdy Ravena.
?During the opening event, eager coaches learned from the experts the methods and right attitude to train young players. Master and Rexona organized a short talk on efficient coaching and the importance of grooming as basketball athletes, hosted by coach Franz Pumaren. Franz shared tips on how to develop raw talent and inspire future basketball athletes. He also told coaches that they need to educate their students to take care of themselves by following basic and proper hygiene after a game. They can do this by using a deodorant after every bath, before a game and by washing their face with a facial wash right after a challenging basketball game.
Rexona and Master also set up the Master Rexona Challenge booth to test participants if they have what it takes to be a “winner” in the basketball arena. Participants had to put their game face on as they had to wash their face with Master facial care products, put on Rexona Mendeodorant and shoot the ball in the basket after completing the two tasks. A special raffle was then conducted for all those who participated in the Master Rexona Challenge.
?As major sponsors of this prestigious annual event, Rexona and Master will promote proper grooming and hygiene among all the participants. The two brands aim to provide the players with a program that not only focuses on skills and discipline, but also on having the confidence and winning look before and after each game which are equally relevant in their journey to becoming great athletes.
?Jr. NBA provides aspiring Filipino athletes a venue to hone and develop their basketball skills and learn sportsmanship. The most prestigious youth program prepares exciting activities and clinics that will test their talents, increase their knowledge about the sport and prepare them for the real hard court.
The ?highlight of the program is the selection of the 10 best campers who will form the 2013 Jr. NBA Philippine All-Star Team. These young outstanding players get the bragging rights of surpassing the challenges of the national training camp plus have a chance to live the NBA experience as they will go to watch an actual NBA Game in November.
?Welcoming guests and participants at the launch were NBA Asia vice president forbusiness development and marketing partnership Francesco Suarez and director of basketballoperations Sefu Bernard. Joining them were NBA country manager Carlo Singson, Master brand manager Jonathan Pua, and British School Manila headmaster Simon Mann.
?Gracing the event were PBA legend and coach Jojo Lastimosa, 2012 Coach of the Year Alan Ayo, and previous Jr. NBA All-Stars Ichie Altamirano, Carlo Escalambre, Patrick Go, Lorenzo Navarro, Kobe Paras, Tsaddy Rangel and Thirdy Ravena.
?During the opening event, eager coaches learned from the experts the methods and right attitude to train young players. Master and Rexona organized a short talk on efficient coaching and the importance of grooming as basketball athletes, hosted by coach Franz Pumaren. Franz shared tips on how to develop raw talent and inspire future basketball athletes. He also told coaches that they need to educate their students to take care of themselves by following basic and proper hygiene after a game. They can do this by using a deodorant after every bath, before a game and by washing their face with a facial wash right after a challenging basketball game.
Rexona and Master also set up the Master Rexona Challenge booth to test participants if they have what it takes to be a “winner” in the basketball arena. Participants had to put their game face on as they had to wash their face with Master facial care products, put on Rexona Mendeodorant and shoot the ball in the basket after completing the two tasks. A special raffle was then conducted for all those who participated in the Master Rexona Challenge.
?As major sponsors of this prestigious annual event, Rexona and Master will promote proper grooming and hygiene among all the participants. The two brands aim to provide the players with a program that not only focuses on skills and discipline, but also on having the confidence and winning look before and after each game which are equally relevant in their journey to becoming great athletes.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
New Pope Announced as Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina
VATICAN CITY) — Argentine Jorge Bergoglio has been elected pope, the first ever from the Americas and the first from outside Europe in more than a millennium. He chose the name Pope Francis.
After announcing “Habemus Papum” — “We have a pope!” — a cardinal standing on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday revealed the identity of the new pontiff, using his Latin name. Bergoglio had reportedly finished second in the 2005 conclave that produced Benedict XVI — who last month became the first pope to resign in 600 years.The 76-year-old archbishop of Buenos Aires has spent nearly his entire career at home in Argentina, overseeing churches and shoe-leather priests.
(PHOTOS: Pope and Circumstance: the Road to the Papacy)
Chants of “Long live the pope!” arose from the throngs of faithful, many with tears in their eyes. Crowds went wild as the Vatican and Italian military bands marched through the square and up the steps of the basilica, followed by Swiss Guards in silver helmets and full regalia.
They played the introduction to the Vatican and Italian anthems and the crowd, which numbered at least 50,000, joined in, waving flags from countries around the world.
“I can’t explain how happy I am right down,” said Ben Canete, a 32-year-old Filipino, jumping up and down in excitement.
Elected on the fifth ballot, the pope was chosen in one of the fastest conclaves in years, remarkable given there was no clear front-runner going into the vote and that the church had been in turmoil following the upheaval unleashed by Pope Benedict XVI’s surprise resignation.
A winner must receive 77 votes, or two-thirds of the 115, to be named pope.
For comparison’s sake, Benedict was elected on the fourth ballot in 2005 — but he was the clear front-runner going into the vote. Pope John Paul II was elected on the eighth ballot in 1978 to become the first non-Italian pope in 455 years.
(WATCH: Popeology 101: How to Interpret the Sistine Chapel Results)
Patrizia Rizzo ran down the main boulevard to the piazza with her two children as soon as she heard the news on the car radio. “I parked the car … and dashed to the square, she said. “It’s so exciting, as Romans we had to come.”
The conclave played out against the backdrop of the first papal resignation in 600 years and revelations of mismanagement, petty bickering, infighting and corruption in the Holy See bureaucracy. Those revelations, exposed by the leaks of papal documents last year, had divided the College of Cardinals into camps seeking a radical reform of the Holy See’s governance and those defending the status quo.
The names mentioned most often as “papabile” — a cardinal who has the stuff of a pope — included Cardinal Angelo Scola, the archbishop of Milan, an intellect in the vein of Benedict but with a more outgoing personality, and Cardinal Marc Ouellet, the Canadian head of the Vatican’s important bishops’ office who is also scholarly but reserved like Benedict.
Brazilian Cardinal Odilo Scherer is liked by the Vatican bureaucracy but not by all of his countrymen. And Cardinal Peter Erdo of Hungary has the backing of European cardinals who have twice elected him as head of the European bishops’ conference.
On the more pastoral side is Cardinal Sean O’Malley of Boston, the favorite of the Italian press, and Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the back-slapping, outgoing archbishop of New York who has admitted himself that his Italian is pretty bad — a drawback for a job that is conducted almost exclusively in the language.
The Vatican spokesman, the Rev. Federico Lombardi said it was a “good hypothesis” that the pope would be installed next Tuesday, on the feast of St. Joseph, patron saint of the universal church. The installation Mass is attended by heads of state from around the world, requiring at least a few days’ notice.
(LIST: Pope Watch: 5 Ways to Follow the Conclave)
Benedict would not attend, he said.
Thousands of people braved a chilly rain on Wednesday morning to watch the 6-foot- (2-meter-) high copper chimney on the chapel roof for the smoke signals telling them whether the cardinals had settled on a choice. Nuns recited the rosary, while children splashed in puddles.
Unlike the confusion that reigned during the 2005 conclave, the smoke this time around was clear: black during the first two sets of smoke signals, and then clearly white on Wednesday night — thanks to special smoke flares akin to those used in soccer matches or protests that were lit in the chapel ovens to accompany the smoke from the burned ballot papers.
The Vatican on Wednesday divulged the secret recipe used: potassium perchlorate, anthracene, which is a derivative of coal tar, and sulfur for the black smoke; potassium chlorate, lactose and a pine resin for the white smoke.
The chemicals were contained in five units of a cartridge that is placed inside the stove of the Sistine Chapel. When activated, the five blocks ignite one after another for about a minute apiece, creating the steady stream of smoke that accompanies the natural smoke from the burned ballot papers.
Despite the great plumes of smoke that poured out of the chimney, neither the Sistine frescoes nor the cardinals inside the chapel suffered any smoke damage, Lombardi said
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Philippines to continue UN help despite abductions
MANILA, Philippines (AP) —
The Philippines remains committed to deploying troops in U.N.
peacekeeping hotspots despite the brief hostage-taking of 21 Filipino
soldiers, who were welcomed back to freedom in Jordan with a traditional
military feast, military officials said Sunday. The unarmed Filipino
peacekeepers, who were riding in trucks, were abducted after providing
water and food to other troops on Wednesday in southern Syria near the
Israeli-occupied Golan Heights by one of the rebel groups fighting
Syrian President Bashar Assad's regime. After negotiations, they were
freed on Saturday on Jordan's border and taken to a hotel in Amman,
Philippine officials said.
At the Amman hotel, the peacekeepers, who were treated well by the rebels, were welcomed with a "boodle fight" — a Philippine military mess-hall style of eating, where food is laid usually on banana leaves atop a long table and soldiers eat with their hands, said army Col. Roberto Arcan, who heads the military's peacekeeping operations center in Manila.
Arcan said he talked on the phone with one of the freed peacekeepers, army Maj. Dominador Valerio, who remained in high spirits despite the four-day ordeal. "Please tell my wife I'm OK," Arcan quoted Valerio as saying, adding he relayed the good news to the army officer's wife in the Philippines.
Prior to last week's hostage-taking, a Filipino army major and his driver was briefly held at a checkpoint in the Golan Heights by anti-Assad forces last January but were released after about four hours, Arcan told The Associated Press.
The freed peacekeepers from a 326-member Filipino contingent in the Golan Heights are part of a U.N. mission known as UNDOF that was set up to monitor a cease-fire in 1974, seven years after Israel captured the plateau and a year after it pushed back Syrian troops trying to recapture the territory.
The truce's stability has been shaken in recent months, as Syrian mortar shells have hit the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, sparking worries among Israeli officials that the violence may prompt UNDOF to end its mission.
On Friday, U.N. spokesman Martin Nesirky said "the mission in the Golan needs to review its security arrangements and it has been doing that."
Asked if the incident would prompt the Philippines to withdraw its peacekeeping personnel, military spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos said the Filipino deployments would continue although assessments would be made to better safeguard the peacekeepers in increasingly-hostile areas.
"This is a global commitment," Burgos said in a news conference in Manila.
More than 600 Philippine security personnel are deployed in nine U.N. peacekeeping areas worldwide, Arcan said.
President Benigno Aquino III said last week he has asked the military to assess whether large numbers of Filipino peacekeepers should be reduced to help address the country's growing security needs.
"There is a delicate balance," Aquino said. "All of these deployments have a vital function. We are part of a global community. If there's peace in the Middle East, it also helps us."
But he asked: "Can we afford to send this number of people?"
At the Amman hotel, the peacekeepers, who were treated well by the rebels, were welcomed with a "boodle fight" — a Philippine military mess-hall style of eating, where food is laid usually on banana leaves atop a long table and soldiers eat with their hands, said army Col. Roberto Arcan, who heads the military's peacekeeping operations center in Manila.
Arcan said he talked on the phone with one of the freed peacekeepers, army Maj. Dominador Valerio, who remained in high spirits despite the four-day ordeal. "Please tell my wife I'm OK," Arcan quoted Valerio as saying, adding he relayed the good news to the army officer's wife in the Philippines.
Prior to last week's hostage-taking, a Filipino army major and his driver was briefly held at a checkpoint in the Golan Heights by anti-Assad forces last January but were released after about four hours, Arcan told The Associated Press.
The freed peacekeepers from a 326-member Filipino contingent in the Golan Heights are part of a U.N. mission known as UNDOF that was set up to monitor a cease-fire in 1974, seven years after Israel captured the plateau and a year after it pushed back Syrian troops trying to recapture the territory.
The truce's stability has been shaken in recent months, as Syrian mortar shells have hit the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, sparking worries among Israeli officials that the violence may prompt UNDOF to end its mission.
On Friday, U.N. spokesman Martin Nesirky said "the mission in the Golan needs to review its security arrangements and it has been doing that."
Asked if the incident would prompt the Philippines to withdraw its peacekeeping personnel, military spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos said the Filipino deployments would continue although assessments would be made to better safeguard the peacekeepers in increasingly-hostile areas.
"This is a global commitment," Burgos said in a news conference in Manila.
More than 600 Philippine security personnel are deployed in nine U.N. peacekeeping areas worldwide, Arcan said.
President Benigno Aquino III said last week he has asked the military to assess whether large numbers of Filipino peacekeepers should be reduced to help address the country's growing security needs.
"There is a delicate balance," Aquino said. "All of these deployments have a vital function. We are part of a global community. If there's peace in the Middle East, it also helps us."
But he asked: "Can we afford to send this number of people?"
Vatican conclave: Cardinals pray for spiritual guidance before choosing new pope
VATICAN CITY—Roman
Catholic Cardinals prayed on Sunday for spiritual guidance ahead of a
closed-door conclave to choose a new pope to lead the Church at one of
the most difficult periods in its history.
Cardinals will hold a final pre-conclave meeting on Monday to discuss the state of their Church, left reeling by the abdication last month of Pope Benedict and struggling to deal with a string of sexual abuse and corruption scandals.
The 115 cardinals who will take part in the secret ballots,
which start on March 12, fanned out around Rome on Sunday to hold
myriad Masses, either in the quiet of private chapels or in the grandeur
of Rome’s great cathedrals and basilicas.
Each cardinal is
traditionally assigned to a church in the Italian capital and
congregations swelled in parishes visited by those considered the most
likely papal contenders—such as Cardinal Odilo Pedro Scherer of Sao
Paulo, Brazil.
“We’re all preparing
for the conclave because we need to make the right decision to decide
who is going to be the new pope,” Scherer told a small Baroque church in
the heart of Rome, crammed with well-wishers.
He was later driven
away in a minivan with darkened windows, declining to speak to the
waiting hoards of reporters—a taste of the pressures to come if he
should become the first non-European to be elected pope in some 1,300
years.
Just up the road,
another non-European touted as a possible candidate, U.S. Cardinal Sean
O’Malley, also received star treatment as he arrived for Mass in ornate
vestments.
“I say sincerely that
we hope this is your last visit as cardinal,” said parish priest father
Rocco Visca, prompting loud applause and cheers from the well-heeled
congregation.
A coach load of
faithful from northern Italy travelled down to Rome to hear Milan’s
cardinal, Angelo Scola, give a sermon at the monumental Santi Apostoli
church.
“Let us pray that the
Holy Spirit gives the Church a man who can lead her in the footsteps of
the great pontiffs of the past 150 years,” said Scola, seen as the
leading Italian candidate.
Like fellow cardinals, he appeared eager not to draw too much attention to himself and exited quietly via a back door.
Some cardinals, such
as Manila’s Luis Antonio Tagle, who is considered a long-shot because of
his relatively young age, 55, kept an even lower profile, mostly
staying inside the walls of seminaries or other religious institutions.
Open canvassing is
frowned upon in the run-up to the conclave, with prelates aware of the
Rome saying “he who enters the conclave a pope comes out a cardinal”.
Vatican spokesman
Father Federico Lombardi said the so-called princes of the church had
been in constant contact in recent days and had reached initial
conclusions.
“They therefore feel ready to confront the decisive step of electing a new pope,” he told Vatican Radio.
The 115 cardinal
electors under the age of 80 will enter the Sistine Chapel on Tuesday
afternoon and hold one vote that evening. They will vote up to four
times day thereafter until one of their number receives a two-thirds
majority, or 77 votes.
If a pope is not
elected in two or three days it means that cardinals are probably
severely divided and might have to turn to a dark horse candidate to
find consensus.
No conclave has lasted
than more than five days in the past century. Pope Benedict was elected
within barely 24 hours in 2005 after just four rounds of voting. But
this time, no clear favourites have emerged to take the helm of the
troubled Church.
Apart from Scola,
Scherer and O’Malley, other potential candidates most mentioned are
Canada’s Marc Ouellet, U.S. cardinal Timothy Dolan and Argentina’s
Leonardo Sandri.
It was unclear how
much the geographical distribution of the cardinals would weigh. Sixty
cardinals come from Europe, including 28 Italians, while there are 19
from Latin America, 14 North Americans, 11 Africans, 10 Asians and one
from Oceania.
The Italians held the papacy for 455 years before the 1978 election of Polish-born Pope John Paul.
Many of the Italian
cardinals work within the Vatican bureaucracy, which has come under
heavy criticism in recent years because of infighting and perceived
incompetence.
Some Italian
newspapers said many of the Italian prelates were rallying around
Scherer, while many outsiders favoured Scola, believing he had the clout
and knowledge needed to revitalise and reform the creaking Vatican
government.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Hugo Chavez dies
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has died of cancer aged 58, his vice-president Nicolas Maduro has announced.
'We have received the hardest and most tragic news that... comandante President Hugo Chavez died today at 4.25pm,' Maduro said on state television.
The once omnipresent face of the Latin American had been breathing with the aid of a tracheal tube, and had not been seen in public in almost three months.
The government had announced late on Monday (Venezuelan time) Chavez had a 'new and severe infection' and a 'worsening of respiratory function.'
Hours after the sombre medical bulletin, Maduro held a meeting with the cabinet, military officers and state governors at the presidential palace to 'define strategies regarding various projects for the development of our country,' according to state-run television.
Chavez's prolonged absence - which prevented him from being sworn in to a new six-year term earlier this year - had angered the opposition, which accused the government of lying about his condition.
Vice President Nicolas Maduro earlier warned that Venezuela was living its 'most difficult hours' since Chavez underwent cancer surgery on December 11.
'The enemies of his nation looked for how to harm the health of our commander,' he told a news conference on Tuesday.
The government then announced it was expelling two US Air Force attaches, accusing them of contacting Venezuelan military official to get information about the armed forces and to foment 'destabilisation projects'.
A US military spokesman said it was aware of the allegations and that the air attache, Colonel David Delmonico, was 'en route back to the United States'.
At a military hospital in Caracas, dozens of supporters prayed, held photos of Chavez and wept in a chapel that was built for the 58-year-old leader
DFA denies del Rosario labeled Kiram's followers 'terrorists'
The Department of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday denied DFA Secretary
Albert del Rosario joined with the Malaysian government in labeling the
followers of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III terrorists.
In a statement, the DFA contested a report by Malaysia's state-run Bernama news agency claiming del Rosario agreed to the terrorist label. “According to (Philippine ambassador to Malaysia Jose Eduardo III) Malaya who was present during the meeting, the report is out of context and the Secretary did not label the Filipino group as ‘terrorists,’" it said.
The DFA said Bernama may have misquoted the secretary over an alleged “terroristic act” in Semporna, where an ambush took place last Saturday. Citing a report by the Malaysian Foreign Minister, the DFA said police units were allegedly lured to the ambush and killed, with their bodies were brutally mutilated and desecrated.
"If indeed the atrocities were committed as reported to him, the Secretary and the Foreign minister both agreed that these were, at the very least, terroristic acts,” the DFA said.
Also, the DFA posted a "Q and A" on its website, saying the Bernama report was "out of context," and that del Rosario did not label Kiram's followers terrorists.
Instead, it said del Rosario was referring to "alleged acts of terrorism" in Semporna.
Shared position
A post on Malaysia's Bernama news agency's Twitter account Tuesday night had said del Rosario "shared" the position of Malaysia that the group should be considered terrorists.
"Malaysia considers the armed Sulu intruders as terrorists, and this was shared by Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario," it said.
In a later tweet, Bernama quoted Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman as saying del Rosario had agreed to such a position.
Kiram's followers had engaged Malaysian authorities in a three-week standoff before bloody clashes broke out on March 1 and 2.
Last Tuesday, Malaysian security forces assaulted the area where Kiram's followers were believed to have holed up.
Meanwhile, del Rosario met Monday midnight with two Malaysian ministers to discuss “peaceful” solutions to the situation.
A news release from the Department of Foreign Affairs said del Rosario met with ministers Dato Sri’ Anifah Aman (Foreign Minister) and Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zamid Hamidi (Defense Minister).
The meeting took place midnight Monday.
Close cooperation
The DFA reiterated that Kiram's followers who may be charged with murder will be provided the "necessary assistance" by the Philippine government.
For now, the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur appealed to Filipinos in Sabah to remain calm and abide by the guidelines issued by local authorities.
It also reiterated the relationship between the Philippines and Malaysia remains strong and both countries continue to exert efforts to enhance their bilateral relations.
"The Secretary believes that close cooperation between the two countries is necessary for dealing with the challenges presented by the current issue," it said.
The DFA also said Tuesday's assault will not affect the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. — DVM, GMA News
In a statement, the DFA contested a report by Malaysia's state-run Bernama news agency claiming del Rosario agreed to the terrorist label. “According to (Philippine ambassador to Malaysia Jose Eduardo III) Malaya who was present during the meeting, the report is out of context and the Secretary did not label the Filipino group as ‘terrorists,’" it said.
The DFA said Bernama may have misquoted the secretary over an alleged “terroristic act” in Semporna, where an ambush took place last Saturday. Citing a report by the Malaysian Foreign Minister, the DFA said police units were allegedly lured to the ambush and killed, with their bodies were brutally mutilated and desecrated.
"If indeed the atrocities were committed as reported to him, the Secretary and the Foreign minister both agreed that these were, at the very least, terroristic acts,” the DFA said.
Also, the DFA posted a "Q and A" on its website, saying the Bernama report was "out of context," and that del Rosario did not label Kiram's followers terrorists.
Instead, it said del Rosario was referring to "alleged acts of terrorism" in Semporna.
Shared position
A post on Malaysia's Bernama news agency's Twitter account Tuesday night had said del Rosario "shared" the position of Malaysia that the group should be considered terrorists.
"Malaysia considers the armed Sulu intruders as terrorists, and this was shared by Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario," it said.
In a later tweet, Bernama quoted Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman as saying del Rosario had agreed to such a position.
Kiram's followers had engaged Malaysian authorities in a three-week standoff before bloody clashes broke out on March 1 and 2.
Last Tuesday, Malaysian security forces assaulted the area where Kiram's followers were believed to have holed up.
Meanwhile, del Rosario met Monday midnight with two Malaysian ministers to discuss “peaceful” solutions to the situation.
A news release from the Department of Foreign Affairs said del Rosario met with ministers Dato Sri’ Anifah Aman (Foreign Minister) and Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zamid Hamidi (Defense Minister).
The meeting took place midnight Monday.
Close cooperation
The DFA reiterated that Kiram's followers who may be charged with murder will be provided the "necessary assistance" by the Philippine government.
For now, the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur appealed to Filipinos in Sabah to remain calm and abide by the guidelines issued by local authorities.
It also reiterated the relationship between the Philippines and Malaysia remains strong and both countries continue to exert efforts to enhance their bilateral relations.
"The Secretary believes that close cooperation between the two countries is necessary for dealing with the challenges presented by the current issue," it said.
The DFA also said Tuesday's assault will not affect the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. — DVM, GMA News
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Only Vatican can order removal of RH posters, says Bacolod diocese
BACOLOD CITY , Philippines РOnly the Vatican can order the Diocese of Bacolod to remove its controversial tarpaulin on the fa̤ade of San Sebastian Cathedral with the list of senatorial candidates dubbed as Team Buhay (Life) and Team Patay (Patay).
The lawyer of the diocese told The STAR yesterday that “since the tarpaulin is on Church grounds, only the bishop will say when they shall be removed.”
Ralph Sarmiento, one of three legal counsels of Bishop Vicente Navarra and the Diocese of Bacolod, in a text message explained that “since the tarpaulin is connected to the Church’s moral teachings touching on social issues, the Bishop will only receive orders from the Vatican, not from the Comelec (Commission on Elections).”
Sarmiento’s statement was a reply to a report that the Comelec is filing charges against Bishop Navarra and the diocese this week for the church’s refusal to take down the oversized tarpaulin on the Reproductive Health (RH) Law posted on the façade of San Sebastian Cathedral.
“We will commence the proceedings next week for the filing of election offense cases to whoever is behind this, unless restrained by the Supreme Court (SC),” Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. posted on his Twitter account Saturday.
Sarmiento said that the Diocese has no intention to comply with a Comelec rule that infringes on its constitutional rights.
Headlines ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1
“Constitutional rights take precedence and prevail over mere Comelec resolution,” he said.
The Diocese of Bacolod has sought a temporary restraining order (TRO) from the SC to stop the Comelec from implementing its order to remove the controversial billboard for being “unconstitutional and void.”
Navarra filed last Friday an “urgent petition for certiorari and prohibition with application for preliminary injunction and TRO” against the Comelec and Bacolod election registrar Mavil Majarucon-Sia.
“If the SC does not issue a TRO, the diocese and the bishop are ready to face whatever cases the Comelec intends to file because we believe that it actually has no legal basis for any of its threat,” Sarmiento said.
Brillantes said the Comelec welcomes the petition but maintained “the tarpaulin is an election propaganda and thus covered by the size restriction imposed by law.”
He said that contrary to earlier reports, the estimated size of the tarpaulin is 10 feet by 20 feet, not 6 feet by 10 feet (as reported by Comelec-Bacolod), thus even if it is cut in half, it would still be oversized.
Comelec Resolution 9615 specifies that campaign posters should not exceed 2 x 3 feet.
Brillantes also posted on his Twitter account a photo of the tarpaulin in question, with a comment: I want you to judge. Tell me if this is not oversized? If this is not meant to influence voters?
Mitchelle Abella, another legal counsel of the diocese, earlier explained that the “6 feet by 10 feet size” of the tarpaulin reflects the message that the diocese wanted to convey to its flock: “six feet below the ground” as a symbol of death, and “ten feet standing tall” as the symbol of life.
“The election period is only incidental to this fight. With or without national or local elections, the diocese will oppose the RH law until it is repealed or adequately amended or modified,” Abella said.
The tarpaulin listed the lawmakers who voted in favor of the RH bill as “Team Patay,” and those who voted against the law as “Team Buhay.”
The Catholic Church has opposed the enactment of the RH Law on the ground that it would promote abortion, hence those who voted in favor of it are called Team Patay, while those who voted against it are Team Buhay.
Brillantes said last week that the Diocese “should take down the posters or they will be charged.”
“The Comelec order is unconstitutional, a violation of the principle of separation of Church and State, and a violation of the freedom of expression of the Church,” Navarra said in his petition with the SC.
Navarra argued that the billboard is covered by the broader constitutional guaranty of freedom of expression, not by election laws or rules and regulations.
He said the Comelec has no jurisdiction over the Church, aside from the fact that the tarpaulin is inside church premises.
Brillantes recognized that the Church is privately owned but maintained that the tarpaulin is still covered by the size restriction under Comelec rules.
“I maintain that election laws including those governing campaign apply to all citizens regardless of faith or persuasion, even the Church,” Brillantes tweeted.
“Freedom of speech and expression must be exercised within the bounds of law. Existing laws set the maximum size allowed for posters,” he added.
Navarra said the billboard would remain in the façade of the cathedral until election day. He said more Church leaders across the country are set to follow his example and will put up similar billboards.
“I’m saddened by the defiance of the local diocese as the Catholic Church is a trusted and long-time partner in securing orderly elections,” Brillantes said.
“We are not being unreasonable - we quietly met and pleaded with the Diocese for its removal, sent them two notices which were both disregarded,” he added.
A question of jurisdiction
Meanwhile, election lawyer Romulo Macalintal said the Church could seek other legal measures other than directly seeking the High Court’s intervention.
“The Diocese should first exhaust all available legal remedies before it could go to the Supreme Court like filing with the Comelec Law Department,” he explained, noting that the High Court may not take action on the petition of the Bacolod diocese for lack of jurisdiction.
Under the Constitution and existing jurisprudence, Macalintal said, the Supreme Court’s power to review Comelec cases is limited to decisions or orders or ruling of the full commission.
“The court does not even have power to review decisions of a division of the Comelec, more so, any order of a mere department of the poll body,” he pointed out.
However, Macalintal said, the diocese may insist on not removing the controversial tarpaulin since the Comelec resolution does not contain provision prohibiting any private person from posting election propaganda materials of whatever size on his own private property.
“For sure there is no issue that the church property is a private property,” Macalintal said, noting that the size requirement for propaganda only applies to materials displayed in public places by “political parties and candidates.”
He explained that “prohibited forms of election propaganda” refer only to propaganda that does not bear the information on the person who paid for the ad.
He said the Comelec resolution does not define “unlawful propaganda materials” insofar as private persons are concerned precisely because they have the right to use or abuse their own properties.
“The petition cannot be filed by the Law Department of the Comelec as it cannot be the complainant, prosecutor or judge rolled into one. It appears that there is no such petition filed against the Diocese of Bacolod,” Macalintal explained.
According to Macalintal, the tarpaulin cannot be considered as election propaganda but merely an expression of the Church’s continuing position against the RH Law.
– Mayen Jaymalin
The lawyer of the diocese told The STAR yesterday that “since the tarpaulin is on Church grounds, only the bishop will say when they shall be removed.”
Ralph Sarmiento, one of three legal counsels of Bishop Vicente Navarra and the Diocese of Bacolod, in a text message explained that “since the tarpaulin is connected to the Church’s moral teachings touching on social issues, the Bishop will only receive orders from the Vatican, not from the Comelec (Commission on Elections).”
Sarmiento’s statement was a reply to a report that the Comelec is filing charges against Bishop Navarra and the diocese this week for the church’s refusal to take down the oversized tarpaulin on the Reproductive Health (RH) Law posted on the façade of San Sebastian Cathedral.
“We will commence the proceedings next week for the filing of election offense cases to whoever is behind this, unless restrained by the Supreme Court (SC),” Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. posted on his Twitter account Saturday.
Sarmiento said that the Diocese has no intention to comply with a Comelec rule that infringes on its constitutional rights.
Headlines ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1
“Constitutional rights take precedence and prevail over mere Comelec resolution,” he said.
The Diocese of Bacolod has sought a temporary restraining order (TRO) from the SC to stop the Comelec from implementing its order to remove the controversial billboard for being “unconstitutional and void.”
Navarra filed last Friday an “urgent petition for certiorari and prohibition with application for preliminary injunction and TRO” against the Comelec and Bacolod election registrar Mavil Majarucon-Sia.
“If the SC does not issue a TRO, the diocese and the bishop are ready to face whatever cases the Comelec intends to file because we believe that it actually has no legal basis for any of its threat,” Sarmiento said.
Brillantes said the Comelec welcomes the petition but maintained “the tarpaulin is an election propaganda and thus covered by the size restriction imposed by law.”
He said that contrary to earlier reports, the estimated size of the tarpaulin is 10 feet by 20 feet, not 6 feet by 10 feet (as reported by Comelec-Bacolod), thus even if it is cut in half, it would still be oversized.
Comelec Resolution 9615 specifies that campaign posters should not exceed 2 x 3 feet.
Brillantes also posted on his Twitter account a photo of the tarpaulin in question, with a comment: I want you to judge. Tell me if this is not oversized? If this is not meant to influence voters?
Mitchelle Abella, another legal counsel of the diocese, earlier explained that the “6 feet by 10 feet size” of the tarpaulin reflects the message that the diocese wanted to convey to its flock: “six feet below the ground” as a symbol of death, and “ten feet standing tall” as the symbol of life.
“The election period is only incidental to this fight. With or without national or local elections, the diocese will oppose the RH law until it is repealed or adequately amended or modified,” Abella said.
The tarpaulin listed the lawmakers who voted in favor of the RH bill as “Team Patay,” and those who voted against the law as “Team Buhay.”
The Catholic Church has opposed the enactment of the RH Law on the ground that it would promote abortion, hence those who voted in favor of it are called Team Patay, while those who voted against it are Team Buhay.
Brillantes said last week that the Diocese “should take down the posters or they will be charged.”
“The Comelec order is unconstitutional, a violation of the principle of separation of Church and State, and a violation of the freedom of expression of the Church,” Navarra said in his petition with the SC.
Navarra argued that the billboard is covered by the broader constitutional guaranty of freedom of expression, not by election laws or rules and regulations.
He said the Comelec has no jurisdiction over the Church, aside from the fact that the tarpaulin is inside church premises.
Brillantes recognized that the Church is privately owned but maintained that the tarpaulin is still covered by the size restriction under Comelec rules.
“I maintain that election laws including those governing campaign apply to all citizens regardless of faith or persuasion, even the Church,” Brillantes tweeted.
“Freedom of speech and expression must be exercised within the bounds of law. Existing laws set the maximum size allowed for posters,” he added.
Navarra said the billboard would remain in the façade of the cathedral until election day. He said more Church leaders across the country are set to follow his example and will put up similar billboards.
“I’m saddened by the defiance of the local diocese as the Catholic Church is a trusted and long-time partner in securing orderly elections,” Brillantes said.
“We are not being unreasonable - we quietly met and pleaded with the Diocese for its removal, sent them two notices which were both disregarded,” he added.
A question of jurisdiction
Meanwhile, election lawyer Romulo Macalintal said the Church could seek other legal measures other than directly seeking the High Court’s intervention.
“The Diocese should first exhaust all available legal remedies before it could go to the Supreme Court like filing with the Comelec Law Department,” he explained, noting that the High Court may not take action on the petition of the Bacolod diocese for lack of jurisdiction.
Under the Constitution and existing jurisprudence, Macalintal said, the Supreme Court’s power to review Comelec cases is limited to decisions or orders or ruling of the full commission.
“The court does not even have power to review decisions of a division of the Comelec, more so, any order of a mere department of the poll body,” he pointed out.
However, Macalintal said, the diocese may insist on not removing the controversial tarpaulin since the Comelec resolution does not contain provision prohibiting any private person from posting election propaganda materials of whatever size on his own private property.
“For sure there is no issue that the church property is a private property,” Macalintal said, noting that the size requirement for propaganda only applies to materials displayed in public places by “political parties and candidates.”
He explained that “prohibited forms of election propaganda” refer only to propaganda that does not bear the information on the person who paid for the ad.
He said the Comelec resolution does not define “unlawful propaganda materials” insofar as private persons are concerned precisely because they have the right to use or abuse their own properties.
“The petition cannot be filed by the Law Department of the Comelec as it cannot be the complainant, prosecutor or judge rolled into one. It appears that there is no such petition filed against the Diocese of Bacolod,” Macalintal explained.
According to Macalintal, the tarpaulin cannot be considered as election propaganda but merely an expression of the Church’s continuing position against the RH Law.
– Mayen Jaymalin
MNLF urges OIC, UN to intervene in Sabah
MANILA, Philippines - As violence spread in Sabah, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the United Nations were urged yesterday to intervene and initiate negotiations between Malaysia and the Sultanate of Sulu.
The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), which issued the call, however, said the Philippine government should be excluded from the negotiations.
MNLF chieftain Nur Misuari also urged Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak to stop sending more troops to Sabah and “tone down your voice.”
Misuari said he and his clan are the true owners of Sabah and the Malaysian state of Sarawak. He said history would bear out that Sabah and Sarawak were the original properties of his great, great grandfather.
Habib Mujahab Hashim, chairman of the MNLF’S Islamic Command Council, said their group could serve as mediator between the Sulu sultanate’s army and Malaysian forces.
Hashim said OIC members Brunei or Indonesia could mediate in behalf of the organization of Islamic states.
Headlines ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1
He urged the UN, through its committee on human rights and the International Committee of the Red Cross, to send representatives to Sabah to see the measures being carried out by Malaysian forces against Filipinos.
The sultanate of Sulu claims much of Sabah, once called North Borneo, as ancestral land, and receives an annual payment of about P70,000 from Malaysia. The sultanate wants the payment increased.
President Aquino has described the Philippine claim over Sabah, which is based on the Sulu sultanate’s claim, as “dormant.”
Misuari arrived in Davao City Saturday night with his wife Tarhata for a meeting with Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.
“The blood of our brothers in Sabah is sacred,” Misuari said. “I hope Najib will not persecute our civilians in Sabah as it will trigger bigger trouble and it will drag us into war, and I don’t like that. I am calling on Najib to please tone down your voice. All of us want peace. We do not want war.”
He said the Sabah conflict could be resolved in a “brotherly way... to the best interest of everybody.”
Misuari said his grandnephew is a relative of the Malaysian prime minister, whom he considered a friend.
The MNLF chief, who celebrated his birthday yesterday, admitted that some of the people who went to Lahad Datu were his relatives and members of his group. But he denied instigating the trip to Sabah.
“How can that be? I was in Africa for more than a month with my wife and I have nothing to do with the move of the sultan,” Misuari said.
He emphasized that sending “only 200” men to Sabah “is not my style.”
President Aquino was reportedly furious and suspected that certain quarters instigated the Lahad Datu incident to sabotage the peace process with the MNLF’s breakaway group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
“I pity the President. He does not know what he is talking about,” Misuari said. “He will become a laughingstock in the whole world.”
Misuari noted reports that he would be arrested for the Sabah incident.
“They blame me for it. Why am I being blamed for this? They said I financed it. But where would I get the money to finance a takeover?” he said.
Duterte said there was no evidence linking Misuari to the incident in Sabah.
“I’m very sure that Nur Misuari would not do that,” Duterte said.
The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), which issued the call, however, said the Philippine government should be excluded from the negotiations.
MNLF chieftain Nur Misuari also urged Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak to stop sending more troops to Sabah and “tone down your voice.”
Misuari said he and his clan are the true owners of Sabah and the Malaysian state of Sarawak. He said history would bear out that Sabah and Sarawak were the original properties of his great, great grandfather.
Habib Mujahab Hashim, chairman of the MNLF’S Islamic Command Council, said their group could serve as mediator between the Sulu sultanate’s army and Malaysian forces.
Hashim said OIC members Brunei or Indonesia could mediate in behalf of the organization of Islamic states.
Headlines ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1
He urged the UN, through its committee on human rights and the International Committee of the Red Cross, to send representatives to Sabah to see the measures being carried out by Malaysian forces against Filipinos.
The sultanate of Sulu claims much of Sabah, once called North Borneo, as ancestral land, and receives an annual payment of about P70,000 from Malaysia. The sultanate wants the payment increased.
President Aquino has described the Philippine claim over Sabah, which is based on the Sulu sultanate’s claim, as “dormant.”
Misuari arrived in Davao City Saturday night with his wife Tarhata for a meeting with Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.
“The blood of our brothers in Sabah is sacred,” Misuari said. “I hope Najib will not persecute our civilians in Sabah as it will trigger bigger trouble and it will drag us into war, and I don’t like that. I am calling on Najib to please tone down your voice. All of us want peace. We do not want war.”
He said the Sabah conflict could be resolved in a “brotherly way... to the best interest of everybody.”
Misuari said his grandnephew is a relative of the Malaysian prime minister, whom he considered a friend.
The MNLF chief, who celebrated his birthday yesterday, admitted that some of the people who went to Lahad Datu were his relatives and members of his group. But he denied instigating the trip to Sabah.
“How can that be? I was in Africa for more than a month with my wife and I have nothing to do with the move of the sultan,” Misuari said.
He emphasized that sending “only 200” men to Sabah “is not my style.”
President Aquino was reportedly furious and suspected that certain quarters instigated the Lahad Datu incident to sabotage the peace process with the MNLF’s breakaway group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
“I pity the President. He does not know what he is talking about,” Misuari said. “He will become a laughingstock in the whole world.”
Misuari noted reports that he would be arrested for the Sabah incident.
“They blame me for it. Why am I being blamed for this? They said I financed it. But where would I get the money to finance a takeover?” he said.
Duterte said there was no evidence linking Misuari to the incident in Sabah.
“I’m very sure that Nur Misuari would not do that,” Duterte said.
MANILA,
Philippines - As violence spread in Sabah, the Organization of Islamic
Cooperation (OIC) and the United Nations were urged yesterday to
intervene and initiate negotiations between Malaysia and the Sultanate
of Sulu.
The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), which issued the call, however, said the Philippine government should be excluded from the negotiations.
MNLF chieftain Nur Misuari also urged Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak to stop sending more troops to Sabah and “tone down your voice.”
Misuari said he and his clan are the true owners of Sabah and the Malaysian state of Sarawak. He said history would bear out that Sabah and Sarawak were the original properties of his great, great grandfather.
Habib Mujahab Hashim, chairman of the MNLF’S Islamic Command Council, said their group could serve as mediator between the Sulu sultanate’s army and Malaysian forces.
Hashim said OIC members Brunei or Indonesia could mediate in behalf of the organization of Islamic states.
- See more at: http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/03/04/915534/mnlf-urges-oic-un-intervene-sabah#sthash.rvxfoXjX.dpuf
The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), which issued the call, however, said the Philippine government should be excluded from the negotiations.
MNLF chieftain Nur Misuari also urged Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak to stop sending more troops to Sabah and “tone down your voice.”
Misuari said he and his clan are the true owners of Sabah and the Malaysian state of Sarawak. He said history would bear out that Sabah and Sarawak were the original properties of his great, great grandfather.
Habib Mujahab Hashim, chairman of the MNLF’S Islamic Command Council, said their group could serve as mediator between the Sulu sultanate’s army and Malaysian forces.
Hashim said OIC members Brunei or Indonesia could mediate in behalf of the organization of Islamic states.
- See more at: http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/03/04/915534/mnlf-urges-oic-un-intervene-sabah#sthash.rvxfoXjX.dpuf
Monday, February 25, 2013
Sulu Sultan's cousin arrested in Sabah
MANILA (1st UPDATE) - A cousin of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram has
reportedly been arrested by Malaysian police in the island of Sabah,
Malaysia.
Salib Asaral, the sultan's cousin, is currently detained in the town of Lahad Datu, where over a hundred of the sultan's followers arrived by sea last February 9 to claim the island.
The Philippines has sent a mercy ship to pick up scores of followers of Kiram who entered the Malaysian state of Sabah to press his territorial claims.
The "humanitarian ship" departed the southern-most Philippine island province of Tawi-Tawi before midnight and headed to Lahad Datu on Borneo island, where dozens of followers of Kiram have been locked in a tense stand-off with Malaysian authorities for two weeks.
The Filipinos have been holed up in a small coastal area of Lahad Datu town, where they have remained surrounded by security forces since February 12 as they pursue their claim to settle in the state, which used to be a part of the Sultanate of Sulu.
"As we have stated on countless occasions previously, we call on the entire group to go back to their homes and families, even at the same time, we are addressing the core issues they have raised," Philippines Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said in a statement on Sunday.
"Please do so for your own safety," he added.
Aboard the mercy ship were Filipino Muslim leaders, social workers and medical personnel, del Rosario's statement said, stressing that the government "was deeply concerned" about the presence of women among the group.
The Philippines informed Malaysia through its embassy in Manila of the move on Saturday, it added.
Del Rosario's statement said the group numbered some 180, with 30 armed escorts, although the sultan's spokesman, Abraham Idjirani, last week put the figure at 400, including 20 bearing arms.
Idjirani said the sultan had given the Filipinos his blessing to reside in Sabah and they were determined to resist efforts to expel them.
The Islamic Sultanate of Sulu once controlled parts of Borneo, including the site of the stand-off, as well as southern Philippine islands.
The sultanate leased northern Borneo to Europeans in the 1870s. While the sultanate's authority gradually faded as Western colonial powers exerted their influence over the region, it continued to receive lease payments for Sabah.
Heirs to the sultanate still receive nominal annual compensation from Malaysia under a long-standing agreement. One of the demands from the sultan's followers is an increase in the amount of compensation paid.
Deadline extension
On Monday, del Rosario urged Malaysia to extend the Tuesday deadline for the Sultan's followers to leave Sabah.
He met with Malaysian Ambassador to Manila Dato' Mohd Zamri Bin Mohd Kassim to renew Manila's request.
The DFA said the deadline extension is needed to convince the sultan's followers to leave the island voluntarily.
"We had a meeting this morning and we want to know some details regarding what is happening as far as the Filipinos in Sabah are concerned. We are still hoping they will come back to us with official confirmation," DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez said.
Del Rosario also urged Kuala Lumpur to allow the Philippine ship to dock at Lahad Datu to bring food to the Filipinos and fetch those who want to go home.
"The current plan is for that ship to be at the border. The Malaysian government will bring the Filipinos to Lahad Datu to our ship which will be anchored off the border," Hernandez said.
"We sent the ship to Lahad Datu on a humanitarian mission. We are deeply concerned about the presence of five women and other civilians in the group, and we urge them to board the ship without delay and return home," del Rosario said.
"We are getting mixed signals so we asked that Tuesday midnight deadline be officially confirmed," del Rosario said in a text message.
The meeting also tackled the situation of Filipinos in Sabah.
"We were trying to see how we could end this peacefully and expeditiously so we want also to be able to bring our ship close to Lahad Datu for the movement of the people there and to bring them back home and other civilians there. We are trying to convince them to board the ship and go home as soon as possible," Hernandez said. -- with reports from Ron Gagalac, ABS-CBN News; Agence France-Presse
Salib Asaral, the sultan's cousin, is currently detained in the town of Lahad Datu, where over a hundred of the sultan's followers arrived by sea last February 9 to claim the island.
The Philippines has sent a mercy ship to pick up scores of followers of Kiram who entered the Malaysian state of Sabah to press his territorial claims.
The "humanitarian ship" departed the southern-most Philippine island province of Tawi-Tawi before midnight and headed to Lahad Datu on Borneo island, where dozens of followers of Kiram have been locked in a tense stand-off with Malaysian authorities for two weeks.
The Filipinos have been holed up in a small coastal area of Lahad Datu town, where they have remained surrounded by security forces since February 12 as they pursue their claim to settle in the state, which used to be a part of the Sultanate of Sulu.
"As we have stated on countless occasions previously, we call on the entire group to go back to their homes and families, even at the same time, we are addressing the core issues they have raised," Philippines Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said in a statement on Sunday.
"Please do so for your own safety," he added.
Aboard the mercy ship were Filipino Muslim leaders, social workers and medical personnel, del Rosario's statement said, stressing that the government "was deeply concerned" about the presence of women among the group.
The Philippines informed Malaysia through its embassy in Manila of the move on Saturday, it added.
Del Rosario's statement said the group numbered some 180, with 30 armed escorts, although the sultan's spokesman, Abraham Idjirani, last week put the figure at 400, including 20 bearing arms.
Idjirani said the sultan had given the Filipinos his blessing to reside in Sabah and they were determined to resist efforts to expel them.
The Islamic Sultanate of Sulu once controlled parts of Borneo, including the site of the stand-off, as well as southern Philippine islands.
The sultanate leased northern Borneo to Europeans in the 1870s. While the sultanate's authority gradually faded as Western colonial powers exerted their influence over the region, it continued to receive lease payments for Sabah.
Heirs to the sultanate still receive nominal annual compensation from Malaysia under a long-standing agreement. One of the demands from the sultan's followers is an increase in the amount of compensation paid.
Deadline extension
On Monday, del Rosario urged Malaysia to extend the Tuesday deadline for the Sultan's followers to leave Sabah.
He met with Malaysian Ambassador to Manila Dato' Mohd Zamri Bin Mohd Kassim to renew Manila's request.
The DFA said the deadline extension is needed to convince the sultan's followers to leave the island voluntarily.
"We had a meeting this morning and we want to know some details regarding what is happening as far as the Filipinos in Sabah are concerned. We are still hoping they will come back to us with official confirmation," DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez said.
Del Rosario also urged Kuala Lumpur to allow the Philippine ship to dock at Lahad Datu to bring food to the Filipinos and fetch those who want to go home.
"The current plan is for that ship to be at the border. The Malaysian government will bring the Filipinos to Lahad Datu to our ship which will be anchored off the border," Hernandez said.
"We sent the ship to Lahad Datu on a humanitarian mission. We are deeply concerned about the presence of five women and other civilians in the group, and we urge them to board the ship without delay and return home," del Rosario said.
"We are getting mixed signals so we asked that Tuesday midnight deadline be officially confirmed," del Rosario said in a text message.
The meeting also tackled the situation of Filipinos in Sabah.
"We were trying to see how we could end this peacefully and expeditiously so we want also to be able to bring our ship close to Lahad Datu for the movement of the people there and to bring them back home and other civilians there. We are trying to convince them to board the ship and go home as soon as possible," Hernandez said. -- with reports from Ron Gagalac, ABS-CBN News; Agence France-Presse
Martial Law Victims to Receive Reparations
MANILA — Philippine President Benigno Aquino signed into law Monday legislation that would recognize and compensate victims of human rights abuses during martial law under former President Ferdinand Marcos.
Lawmakers spent 14 years trying to pass various forms of a proposal that would make the government recognize human rights victims of injustices under the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos in the 1970’s and 1980’s.
Congressman Walden Bello says it passed this year because many legislators realized the victims were aging, if not dying, and had grown sickly.
“It’s great that we were finally able to muster the forces to get it through both Houses of Congress," Bello said. "Also, I think it’s very significant because the Philippines is one of the few if not the only government that has in fact designated reparations payments for human rights violations that have been admitted by its agencies.”
The new law sets aside $250 million to compensate victims or families of victims, determined by an independent panel, to have been murdered, tortured or suffered other injustices at the hands of law enforcement and the military of the Marcos administration.
The Marcos family continues to deny any human rights violations took place under Ferdinand Marcos’s rule.
Marie Hilao-Enriquez is chairperson of SELDA, a victims’ advocacy group that lobbied hard for the law. She was an activist during the martial law years and was thrown in jail where she gave birth to her first child. She escaped, but her sister was later detained and killed.
Hilao-Enriquez says the group is happy to finally be recognized by the government. But she says the fight is not over.
“This is a small portion of justice," she said, "the reparations and recognition because to us complete justice means the perpetrators should acknowledge the sins they have committed. They should issue an apology. They should be prosecuted for their sins.”
Money for the fund comes from part of the Marcos estate which allegedly came from ill-gotten wealth that was frozen by the Swiss government and returned to Philippine authorities.
President Aquino signed the Human Rights Victims Recognition and Reparation Act into law on the 27th anniversary of the bloodless revolution that catapulted his mother to the presidency and restored democracy. Aquino’s father, a vocal opponent of Marcos, was killed by unknown assassins during those years.
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February 25, 2013
Monday, February 18, 2013
US Ready To Disassemble Warship Stranded At Reef
With the Jascon 25 pipelay crane vessel now at the Tubbataha reef, a
spokesman of the United States Navy (USN) said yesterday salvage
personnel will begin disassembling and removing the stricken Guardian
minesweeper as soon as possible.
Lt. Frederick Martin, the USN Combined Task Unit (CTU) Guardian public affairs officer, gave the Manila Bulletin a summary of their salvage plan.
He stressed though that "individual steps, such as when to begin disassembling portions of the Guardian, are decisions made by the on-scene salvage experts based on weather and conditions at the site."
According to the USN officer, "Jascon 25, a dynamic positioning crane, has arrived in the area. This crane does not need to anchor, so it is expected to be able to operate where the other crane, Smit Borneo, could not. It also has a higher lifting capacity, needed to remove some sections of Guardian."
"Once the Jascon completes the Philippine Customs process and aligns and tests its dynamic positioning system, weather permitting, Smit salvage personnel will begin disassembling and removing the Guardian with the crane," he said.
In an email to the Manila Bulletin, Martin also provided a rough outline of the current salvage plan, but made it clear that "it will probably change as it is executed."
"It is important to understand that the plan is constantly changing and being refined as the operation continues. The salvage of USS Guardian is extremely complex, and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including weather and the continued structural degradation of Guardian itself," Martin explained.
Marine salvage is a dynamic operation and operational plans will need to be adjusted as circumstances change," he added.
When the dismantling of the Guardian begins, Martin said topside equipment will be removed first, followed by masts, funnel and other accessible equipment and portions of the ship.
"Throughout the process, protection of the environment and mitigation of environmental risk will be a significant consideration, alongside safety of personnel," he said.
"Next, once loose material has been removed, we expect to begin removing the ship's superstructure - the part of the ship above the main deck. Sections will be cut free and lifted with the Jascon crane, again with consideration of protecting the marine environment," Martin said.
Once the superstructure is removed, heavy machinery and equipment will be removed from inside the ship.
The USN spokesman said they have already removed the fuel and most of the other hazardous materials from the ship, and will monitor the removal of this equipment to ensure any remaining material is appropriately contained.
"Once the hull is mostly empty, we expect to begin to cut it into sections that can be secured and lifted. Our current estimate is that we will remove the hull in three sections. The bow and stern will be removed as intact pieces; however, the middle section will need to be removed in a piecemeal fashion as the structure lacks the strength to lift intact," he said.
The ship will be disassembled using a combination of hydraulic and pneumatic saws, grinders, cutters, and other equipment.
As equipment and sections of the ship are removed, they will be transferred to a barge or deck of the crane for further work.
The spokesman said, however, that they have not yet determined the final disposition of Guardian.
"Again, this entire plan is provisional, and based on what we know of the current conditions. As we conduct the operation, we may find we need to alter the plan, possibly significantly. We are working to remove the Guardian safely, while minimizing risk to the environment, and as quickly as those other considerations allow," said Martin.
He also reiterated that the salvage plan continues to emphasize safety and protection of the environment.
"Throughout the operation the salvage experts will alter procedures as necessary to protect personnel and the Tubbataha Reef ecosystem," stated USN spokesman.
Lt. Frederick Martin, the USN Combined Task Unit (CTU) Guardian public affairs officer, gave the Manila Bulletin a summary of their salvage plan.
He stressed though that "individual steps, such as when to begin disassembling portions of the Guardian, are decisions made by the on-scene salvage experts based on weather and conditions at the site."
According to the USN officer, "Jascon 25, a dynamic positioning crane, has arrived in the area. This crane does not need to anchor, so it is expected to be able to operate where the other crane, Smit Borneo, could not. It also has a higher lifting capacity, needed to remove some sections of Guardian."
"Once the Jascon completes the Philippine Customs process and aligns and tests its dynamic positioning system, weather permitting, Smit salvage personnel will begin disassembling and removing the Guardian with the crane," he said.
In an email to the Manila Bulletin, Martin also provided a rough outline of the current salvage plan, but made it clear that "it will probably change as it is executed."
"It is important to understand that the plan is constantly changing and being refined as the operation continues. The salvage of USS Guardian is extremely complex, and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including weather and the continued structural degradation of Guardian itself," Martin explained.
Marine salvage is a dynamic operation and operational plans will need to be adjusted as circumstances change," he added.
When the dismantling of the Guardian begins, Martin said topside equipment will be removed first, followed by masts, funnel and other accessible equipment and portions of the ship.
"Throughout the process, protection of the environment and mitigation of environmental risk will be a significant consideration, alongside safety of personnel," he said.
"Next, once loose material has been removed, we expect to begin removing the ship's superstructure - the part of the ship above the main deck. Sections will be cut free and lifted with the Jascon crane, again with consideration of protecting the marine environment," Martin said.
Once the superstructure is removed, heavy machinery and equipment will be removed from inside the ship.
The USN spokesman said they have already removed the fuel and most of the other hazardous materials from the ship, and will monitor the removal of this equipment to ensure any remaining material is appropriately contained.
"Once the hull is mostly empty, we expect to begin to cut it into sections that can be secured and lifted. Our current estimate is that we will remove the hull in three sections. The bow and stern will be removed as intact pieces; however, the middle section will need to be removed in a piecemeal fashion as the structure lacks the strength to lift intact," he said.
The ship will be disassembled using a combination of hydraulic and pneumatic saws, grinders, cutters, and other equipment.
As equipment and sections of the ship are removed, they will be transferred to a barge or deck of the crane for further work.
The spokesman said, however, that they have not yet determined the final disposition of Guardian.
"Again, this entire plan is provisional, and based on what we know of the current conditions. As we conduct the operation, we may find we need to alter the plan, possibly significantly. We are working to remove the Guardian safely, while minimizing risk to the environment, and as quickly as those other considerations allow," said Martin.
He also reiterated that the salvage plan continues to emphasize safety and protection of the environment.
"Throughout the operation the salvage experts will alter procedures as necessary to protect personnel and the Tubbataha Reef ecosystem," stated USN spokesman.
Stand-off between Philippine government and followers of Sultan of Sulu
Manila: A stand-off has occurred between
Philippine government officials and followers of Sultan of Sulu who
raided Sabah last week to pursue a Filipino-Muslim family’s claims over
the territory which dates back to the 17th century.
“We are endeavouring to have
the group [of Sultan Jamalul Kiram] leave Lahad Datu [in Sabah]
peacefully and this remains to be a work in progress in coordination
with the Malaysian government. We want this issue to be settled in a
peaceful manner,” said Raul Hernandez, assistant secretary and spokesman
of Manila’s foreign affairs department.
“What is important for now is
for them to leave that area because this could affect existing issues
we have including peace talks [between the Philippine government and the
Moro Islamic Liberation front or MILF which is brokered by Malaysia]
and possible bilateral relations [between the Philippines and Malaysia,
which are both members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations or
Asean],” said Hernandez.
Earlier, Kiram confirmed that
he approved the sending of 400 (not 300) Filipino-Muslims, including 20
armed men, to Lahad Datu district last week, to enforce his family’s
ancestral ownership over the area.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Top 10 highest-paying jobs in PH bared
The top 10 jobs, the statement said, are determined through the median monthly basic pay and allowances of time-rate full-time workers in non-agricultural firms with at least 20 employees.
1. Art director: P69,286
2. Geologist: P64,889
3. Aircraft pilot/navigator/flight engineer: P57,789
4. Mining/metallurgical engineer: P55,638
5. Computer programmer: P43,573
6. Systems analyst/designer: P42,112
7. Production supervisor/general foreman: P36,133
8. Actuarian: P35,480
8. Call center representative/customer service associate: P35,424
10. Statistician: P35,010
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Chinese New Year 2013 rings in Year of the Snake
Over 1.3 billion people in China and millions of Chinese around the world celebrate the first day of the Chinese New Year – February 10, 2013 – today. It’s the most important of Chinese holidays, kicking off a celebration that lasts for 15 days and culminates with the Lantern Festival. Each year is associated with one of 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac. For 2013, it’s the Year of the Snake. The celebration began yesterday in China (current time in Bejing here), but don’t let that stop you from celebrating. Gong Xi Fa Ca! That’s the traditional Chinese New Year greeting that means “wishing you prosperity” in Mandarin.
There are several variations on the mythology behind Chinese New Year celebrations. Most are based on a ugly bloodthirsty monster named Nian that would emerge on the last night of each year to destroy villages and eat people. A wise elder advised villagers to scare the monster away with loud noises. That night, they set fire to bamboo, lit fireworks, and banged their drums. The monster, afraid of the loud noises and lights, ran away to hide in its cave. In another version of the myth, an old man persuaded Nian to turn its wrath on other monsters, not the villagers. Before he was seen riding away on Nian, the old man, actually a god, advised the people to hang red paper decorations in their homes and set off firecrackers on the last night of the year to keep Nian away. On the first day of the new year, the villagers celebrated, greeting each other with the words “Guo Nian” which means “survive the Nian”, a tradition that has continued to this day to mean “celebrate the new year.”
World's largest croc 'Lolong' dies
MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) - The world's largest crocodile in captivity died on Sunday, February 10, in Agusan del Sur province, reports said.
The reptile, known as Lolong, passed away at 8.05 pm, according to Bunawan mayor Edwin Elorde.
A municipal official told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that Lolong was found dead inside his pen by Dr. Alexander Collantes, a veterinarian at Davao Crocodile Park.
The reptile had not been eating his usual meal late last month, and its left stomach "ballooned" but the cause of death has not yet been determined.
Captured in September 2011, the saltwater crocodile measured 20.24 feet and weighed approximately 2,370 pounds.
Lolong was caught after a 3-week hunt involving around 100 people.
The croc, believed to be about 50 years old, was suspected of eating a farmer who went missing in Bunawan, and a 12-year-old girl whose head was discovered in 2009.
Lolong was confirmed by Guinness World Records as the largest crocodile in captivity in June 2012.
The record was expected to boost the town's tourism.
Here's what people on Twitter had to say about Lolong's demise:
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Philippines the 'Most Romantic Destination
The award was received by Department of Foreign Affairs officials on January 15, 2013, in ceremonies at Shanghai Peninsula Hotel, attended by officials of the Philippine Consulate General in Shanghai, editors of the Shanghai Morning Post, and members of media in the People’s Republic of China. Other country-winners were Australia as “Best Tour Destination for Discovery,” Switzerland as “Best Shopping Paradise,” Korea as “Best Skiing Destination,” and Germany as “Best Destination for Art Appreciation.”
The recognition boosts the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) just-launched international 30-second TV commercial titled “Lovers,” featuring popular Boracay Island, to show the “momentous activities one can have in any of the Philippine shores.” It was a spin-off from “It’s More Fun in the Philippines.”
More and more Chinese are traveling to the Philippines this winter season and they are expected to celebrate with Filipinos Chinese New Year’s Day on February 10, 2013, and Valentine’s Day on February 14, 2013. China is the fourth largest tourism market for the Philippines, next to South Korea, United States of America, and Japan. There were 233,174 tourist arrivals from January to November, 2012, a 5.36 percent increase from last year. The DOT is participating in major travel fairs in China and offering familiarization tours for travel agents and the media. The Philippine government maintains its strong presence in the Chinese market through promotion and strategic partnership with the local media.
We congratulate the Department of Tourism headed by Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez Jr., the Department of Foreign Affairs led by Secretary Albert F. del Rosario, and the Philippine Consulate General in Shanghai, led by Consul General Charles C. Jose and Tourism Attaché Gerard O. Panga, and Philippine Tourism in Shanghai Attaché Niel P. Ballesteros, all the best and success in all their endeavors on the Chinese tourists visiting the Philippines. CONGRATULATIONS AND MABUHAY!
Friday, February 1, 2013
Philippines to buy 12 South Korean fighter jets
MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Air Force on Thursday expressed enthusiasm for the 12 South Korean-made supersonic fighter jets that the PAF will acquire, saying it will boost the country’s external defense.
“(These aircraft) will allow us to protect our territories from intruders and their commissioning in Philippines service will greatly boosts our external defense capabilities,” PAF spokesman Colonel Miguerl Ernesto Okol told reporters.
On Wednesday, the Department of National Defense said negotiations with Korean Aerospace Industries were approved last December, and the contract may be completed by the end of February.
At least P18 billion has been allotted by the government for the acquisition of the fighter jets.
“This is good news and we at the PAF is very excited at this development considering our preponderance for internal defense for the past 11 years,” Okol said.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Intl investors keen on PHL, says President
BACK from the cool
climes of Davos, Switzerland, President Aquino confirmed on Sunday the
increasing interest of investors to do business and expand investments
in the Philippines, prompting him to accept an offer for the country to
host the next World Economic Forum (WEF) in East Asia in 2014.
In Davos, he said upon
his arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, European and
other foreign leaders and businessmen had been eager to meet with him
on how they can do business with the Philippines.
According to the
President, it was clear from talks he had with heads of state and chief
executives officers attending the WEF in Davos that the international
business community has taken notice that the Philippines is no longer
the “Sick Man in Asia” as it was once known.
“Nakarating na po sa
kanila ang magagandang balita ukol sa Pilipinas, nakikita na nila ang
mga naisasakaturapan nating reporma, ang paglago ng ating ekonomiya,
pati na rin ang makatuwiran nating paninindigan sa ugnayang panlabas
[The good news has reached them, they see the reforms we have
implemented, the growth of the economy and our clear-cut foreign
policy],” Mr. Aquino said.
He added that his
attendance at the WEF gave him the chance to personally assure
international investors of the reforms that have been instituted under
his watch.
The President admitted
that he had initial hesitation about his going to Davos. But, he said,
in the end he decided to fly to Switzerland because he thought he was
the best person to answer questions from the international community.
Among the leaders he met was WEF Founder and Prof. Klaus Schwab who,
Mr. Aquino said, praised the reforms that the government pursued when he took over the presidency in 2010.
Mr. Aquino said, praised the reforms that the government pursued when he took over the presidency in 2010.
He added that he also
sat down with Managing Director Christine Lagarde of the International
Monetary Fund and personally appraised Lagarde of the new way of doing
things in the Philippines under the Aquino administration. The President
recalled sitting in a jam-packed meeting with top business leaders from
all over the world organized by the Ayala Corp. and where he saw
leaders and businessmen who wanted to “cash in” on the Philippines’s
economic achievements.
by: Butch Fernandez / Reporter (business mirror)
What Makes Philippines the Heart of Asia
A few years ago, the country was re-launched as a medical tourism destination under the brand “Philippines: The Heart of Asia” and the tag remains as true today as it was before. The Philippines really is The Heart of Asia in more ways than one.
As the Department of Tourism meets with success in presenting the country as one of the most desirable destinations in the region, especially through its “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” campaign—it will be recalled that the Philippines was included in several international “best destinations” lists in 2012—it can be reasonably expected that this will also help highlight the Philippines’ strong points as a medical tourism, healthcare, and wellness destination.
Hearts in the right place
Various research studies show that patients’ recover faster and feel happier when they receive compassionate care. Compassionate care, unfortunately, is often overlooked as more and more hospitals overseas struggle to save on costs and increase efficiency—this is the reason why Filipino nurses are in such demand the world over: Filipino nurses are not simply competent but also friendly, cheerful, caring, and compassionate.
Friendliness, compassion, caring, and cheerfulness are aspects of Filipino culture that every Filipino grows up with and imbibes. He or she learns it from parents, siblings, relatives and friends. This is because most Filipinos value relationships more than material possessions. Whether rich or poor, strong family bonds and smooth, mutually beneficial relationships among relatives and friends define the Filipino way of life.
Foreigners who visit the country as tourists, work here as expats, or choose it as their second home after retirement, all discover the warmth and hospitality that are unique to the Filipinos. These are attributes that medical tourism travelers discover when they receive treatment in the country’s hospitals and clinics.
English fluency
English is widely spoken in the Philippines as one of its official languages. English is the language used in education and business, and Filipinos in government agencies and the service industry are fluent in it. There are many English-language publications in the Philippines, including the major newspapers and magazines. There are also many English-language programs on television and Hollywood movies are regularly shown in theaters. Foreigners who speak English will have no difficulty relating to and transacting with Filipinos.
Top-notch healthcare facilities
Filipino doctors are expertly trained in the Western medical tradition and are up-to-date with the latest advances in medical science. Many of them have trained overseas, including the United States and Europe, and are affiliated with medical organizations in those countries.
The country’s top public and private hospitals are equipped with the latest in medical tools, machines, and technologies—the same equipment, if not better, as those found in the U.S. and Europe. The high standards of their facilities assure medical tourists that they are getting the same quality care, or better, as they would receive from their home countries.
This same high quality of care is found in the Philippines’ top specialty clinics that offer dental and aesthetic procedures.
Tropical paradise
With more than 7,000 islands in its archipelago, the Philippines is home to beaches and seaside resorts that provide relaxing, refreshing tropical paradise settings. There are natural landscapes of breathtaking beauty in the highland regions. Medical travelers will discover many picturesque places where they can enjoy their recovery.
Together with these various natural settings, the Philippines also offers all the modern conveniences needed for 21st century living. From high-tech telecoms networks to cable TV, to Internet service, and highly urbanized, cosmopolitan areas with malls retail complexes offering local products and international brands.
World cuisine
Filipino food is a blend of Western and Eastern influences that include Spanish, American, Chinese, and Indian cuisines. With such a sophisticated palate, Filipinos easily welcomed the entry of Japanese, Korean, Thai, Italian and Continental food in the culinary scene. As a result, there are now so many different dining establishments that offer a gamut of authentic, gourmet fare.
More work ahead
As more of the country’s top hospitals make considerable investments in their personnel and facilities, the benefits to Filipino and foreign patients will also increase. There really is no other way to help the Philippines become a regional medical tourism hub except to make sure that its healthcare facilities are world-class.
One very important area that more Philippine hospitals need to get into is international accreditation. This accreditation is the most credible certification of a hospital’s, clinic’s, or wellness facility’s world-class quality standards.
When we talk about world-class healthcare certification or accreditation for hospitals and other healthcare facilities, we usually refer to accrediting bodies like JCI, NABH International, Accreditation Canada and others that are affiliated with the International Society for Quality in Healthcare (ISQua). The ISQua is the world body that accredits these accrediting bodies.
One ISQua-accredited body that has been giving generous support to Philippine hospitals is NABH International. Through its local affiliate, HealthCORE, the NABH International has been giving workshops to Filipino hospital administrators to help them learn how to meet ISQua standards, and assist them in the actual process of accreditation.
The success of the Department of Tourism’s campaign plus the increasing number of foreign patients being treated in the Philippines top hospitals prove that the country still has a bright future and great potential to be a medical, health, and wellness hub in the region.
To fulfill that potential, all stakeholders in the healthcare and travel sectors must get their acts together. Only then will the world truly realize that the Philippines is the Heart of Asia—a heart that gives care, compassion, life, love, and healing to those in need. – Ramil Digal Gulle, contributor
