MANILA, Philippines – A traffic rerouting in Quiapo, Manila will be implemented during the 404th celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene this Sunday, the Manila Police District (MPD) reported today.
The Manila District Traffic Enforcement Unit of the MPD released a traffic advisory detailing the traffic scheme that will be implemented on January 9.
The MPD said the following routes will be closed to traffic: Quirino Grandstand going to Katigbak Drive, P. Burgos, MacArthur Bridge; right Palanca thru under Quezon Bridge; left Quezon Boulevard; Arlegui; right Fraternal; right Vergara; left Duque de Alba; left Castillejos; left Farnecio; right Arlegui; left Nepomuceno; left Aguila; right Carcer; right Hidalgo through Plaza Del Carmen; left Bilibid Viejo thru Puyat; left Guzman; right Hidalgo; left Barbosa; right Globo de Oro through Quezon Bridge; right Palanca; right Villalobos through Plaza Miranda going to Quiapo Church.
The MPD advised the motorists to expect heavy traffic in areas during the procession of the Black Nazarene.
These include the stretch of Roxas Blvd., Bonifacio Drive, Anda Circle, T.M. Kalaw, Quezon Blvd., Recto, Palanca, Taft Ave. westbound lane, Lagusnilad, P. Burgos, Villegas, N.A. Lopez, and 25th Street at Port Area.
The MPD said closure of roads to traffic will take effect prior to the approach of the procession to the areas.
From 5 a.m. onwards, the southbound of Quezon Blvd. from Andalucia, Fugoso to Plaza Miranda and the stretch of Lerma from P. Campa to Quezon Blvd. will be closed to traffic to all types of vehicles.
The rerouting plan directs all vehicles from Quezon City using España to turn right to P. Campa, left to Andalucia, right to Fugoso, and left to Mapua.
All public utility jeepneys and light vehicles coming from España bound for the Port Area are to turn left at Nicanor Reyes, right to Rector, straight to JAS, left to Reina Regente, take Jones Bridge, and right to Magallanes Drive.
Vehicles from northern Manila intending to use the southbound stretch of Bonifacio Drive shall turn right to Roberto Oca St., left to Delgado, left to Bonifacio Drive or turn right to A. Soriano, to Magallanes Drive, right to P. Burgos, straight to Lagusnilad and to Taft Ave.
All vehicles coming from southern Manila intending to use the northbound stretch of Roxas Blvd. from P. Ocampo to P. Burgos are to turn right at T.M. Kalaw and left to Taft Ave while vehicles from south intending to use P. Burgos should take T.M. Kalaw and left to Taft Ave. then turn right to A. Villegas, then right to Quezon Bridge.
Public utility jeepneys (PUJs) plying Monumento-Gasak-Recto intending to use Andalucia through Recto are to turn right Fugoso then right to Oroquieta while PUJs coming from Legarda shall turn right to Recto or left Mendiola to point of destination.
Those using northbound stretch of Taft Ave. are to turn right at A. Villegas and right to Quezon Bridge.
Heavy vehicles such as cargo trucks coming from the south shall take Pres. Osmena, right Pres. Quirino to Nagtahan via A.H. Lacson to Capulong.
Motorists intending to proceed to northern and southern Manila are advised to use the stretch of Lacson to Nagtahan and vice-versa or utilize the stretch of Road 10 to Roxas Blvd.
Buses coming from southern Manila using Taft Avenue will be denied entry from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., and they may only go as far as President Quirino and Remedios Street.
Eastern-bound buses, on the other hand, using Legarda after Ayala Bridge shall turn right N.A. Lopez, left San Marcelino, left Ayala Boulevard.
Buses going to fairview shall turn right to UN Avenue up to Otis then may turn left to Nagtahan going straight to Lacson then turn right to Espana.MPD head Chief Superintendent Roberto Rongavilla said his men will be on alert at the two sites as well as on key points of the procession on Saturday night. (report from Sandy Araneta, Philstar.com)
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Task group formed to probe Masbate vice mayor's slay
MANILA, Philippines – The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) has formed a special task group that will probe into the killing of Masbate vice mayor Arturo Vicente Maristela in the city.
QCPD director Benjardi Mantele has designated Superintendent Antonio Yarra, QCPD-Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit chief, to lead the task group Maristela.
Mantele ordered Task Group Maristela to conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation and to consider all possible motives in the shooting to death of the Aroroy, Masbate vice mayor.
The task group is now interviewing witnesses who were at the crime scene that could give vital information leading to the identity of the suspects.
Initial report showed that around 2:40 p.m. yesterday, Maristela and wife Digna were on board a black Chevrolet Trailblazer (ZAE-708) cruising along Francisco St., near Mary Homes Subdivison, Brgy. Sauyo, Novaliches, when two motorcycle-riding suspects blocked their path then fired shots at the public official.
Maristela succumbed to three gunshots wounds to the body. (report from Dennis Carcamo, Philstar.com)
QCPD director Benjardi Mantele has designated Superintendent Antonio Yarra, QCPD-Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit chief, to lead the task group Maristela.
Mantele ordered Task Group Maristela to conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation and to consider all possible motives in the shooting to death of the Aroroy, Masbate vice mayor.
The task group is now interviewing witnesses who were at the crime scene that could give vital information leading to the identity of the suspects.
Initial report showed that around 2:40 p.m. yesterday, Maristela and wife Digna were on board a black Chevrolet Trailblazer (ZAE-708) cruising along Francisco St., near Mary Homes Subdivison, Brgy. Sauyo, Novaliches, when two motorcycle-riding suspects blocked their path then fired shots at the public official.
Maristela succumbed to three gunshots wounds to the body. (report from Dennis Carcamo, Philstar.com)
Gov't questions Garcia plea bargain
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippine government's chief lawyer filed an urgent motion today with an anti-graft court asking it to void a plea bargain agreement between state prosecutors and a former senior general accused of plunder.
Under the deal, former Maj. Gen. Carlos Garcia, who was accused of amassing P303 million while serving as armed forces comptroller, pleaded guilty to a lesser offense. Plunder is punishable by up to 40 years, while the lesser offense has a minimum of six years.
He was freed by the court on Dec. 16 after he posted bail, pending sentencing. Officials say that the time Garcia served while awaiting trial will likely cover any sentence.
Solicitor General Joel Cadiz said the anti-graft court ignored strong evidence against the ex-military officer when it approved the deal in May.
Corruption is an explosive issue in the 120,000-strong military and has sparked several rebellions by disgruntled troops in recent years. Soldiers have been struggling with a dearth of weapons and equipment while dealing with communist and Muslim insurgencies and terror threats.
As the gatekeeper of the military's funds, Garcia handled the military budget and procurement as well as funds from the United Nations for Filipino troops serving as peacekeepers in troubled areas and money for joint exercises with US troops, said President Aquino spokeswoman Abigail Valte.
Cadiz said his office normally is not involved in trials before the anti-graft court, so he filed a motion asking the court "to allow us to come in and stop the plea bargaining agreement."
He noted that it was irregular for the agreement to be approved without notice to the offended party — the military.
Allegations of Garcia's illicit assets became known in 2003 after US Customs informed the Philippines that his sons had been caught trying to enter the United States with $100,000 in undeclared funds. (report from Philstar.com)
Under the deal, former Maj. Gen. Carlos Garcia, who was accused of amassing P303 million while serving as armed forces comptroller, pleaded guilty to a lesser offense. Plunder is punishable by up to 40 years, while the lesser offense has a minimum of six years.
He was freed by the court on Dec. 16 after he posted bail, pending sentencing. Officials say that the time Garcia served while awaiting trial will likely cover any sentence.
Solicitor General Joel Cadiz said the anti-graft court ignored strong evidence against the ex-military officer when it approved the deal in May.
Corruption is an explosive issue in the 120,000-strong military and has sparked several rebellions by disgruntled troops in recent years. Soldiers have been struggling with a dearth of weapons and equipment while dealing with communist and Muslim insurgencies and terror threats.
As the gatekeeper of the military's funds, Garcia handled the military budget and procurement as well as funds from the United Nations for Filipino troops serving as peacekeepers in troubled areas and money for joint exercises with US troops, said President Aquino spokeswoman Abigail Valte.
Cadiz said his office normally is not involved in trials before the anti-graft court, so he filed a motion asking the court "to allow us to come in and stop the plea bargaining agreement."
He noted that it was irregular for the agreement to be approved without notice to the offended party — the military.
Allegations of Garcia's illicit assets became known in 2003 after US Customs informed the Philippines that his sons had been caught trying to enter the United States with $100,000 in undeclared funds. (report from Philstar.com)
Measles outbreak hit flooded Davao towns
DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Xinhua) -- At least three children have died in a measles outbreak that hit two towns in southern Philippines, local authorities today said.
The measles epidemic that hit Talaingod and Kapalong towns in Mindanao's Davao del Norte province came as the region is still reeling from rain-induced flooding and landslides that have already killed at least 15 people.
Over thirty people are also hospitalized due to the viral disease, and eight of them were confirmed to have contracted the disease, according to Basilio Libayao, mayor of the upland Talaingod town.
"What alarmed us was that even our town physician was not spared from the disease although he was lucky to have recovered from it," Libayao said.
The continuous rains and landslides hampered medical teams from reaching far-flung communities of this landlocked town, where most of the 20,000 inhabitants belonging to the Ata-Manobo tribe rely on crude farming and occasional hunting for subsistence, according to municipal health officer James Ian dela Cruz.
"We are expecting this number to increase as our medical teams reach other far-flung affected areas," Doctor Dela Cruz told Xinhua.
Libayao said he has declared the town under state of calamity so funds from the local and provincial government could be used to buy more vaccines and other medical supplies for the victims.
A similar outbreak of the disease was also reported in nearby Kapalong town, but according to Kapalong Mayor Edgardo Timbol, only about five patients are still undergoing treatment at the local hospital. (report from Philstar.com)
The measles epidemic that hit Talaingod and Kapalong towns in Mindanao's Davao del Norte province came as the region is still reeling from rain-induced flooding and landslides that have already killed at least 15 people.
Over thirty people are also hospitalized due to the viral disease, and eight of them were confirmed to have contracted the disease, according to Basilio Libayao, mayor of the upland Talaingod town.
"What alarmed us was that even our town physician was not spared from the disease although he was lucky to have recovered from it," Libayao said.
The continuous rains and landslides hampered medical teams from reaching far-flung communities of this landlocked town, where most of the 20,000 inhabitants belonging to the Ata-Manobo tribe rely on crude farming and occasional hunting for subsistence, according to municipal health officer James Ian dela Cruz.
"We are expecting this number to increase as our medical teams reach other far-flung affected areas," Doctor Dela Cruz told Xinhua.
Libayao said he has declared the town under state of calamity so funds from the local and provincial government could be used to buy more vaccines and other medical supplies for the victims.
A similar outbreak of the disease was also reported in nearby Kapalong town, but according to Kapalong Mayor Edgardo Timbol, only about five patients are still undergoing treatment at the local hospital. (report from Philstar.com)
1 in Idaho, 1 in Washington state win $355M jackpot
PHOENIX (AP) – At least two people are waking up to find themselves millions of dollars richer.
The holders of a ticket sold in Idaho and another in Washington state will be sharing Mega Millions' $355 million jackpot from Tuesday night's drawing, lottery officials said Wednesday.
The prize is the fourth-largest in US history and the second-largest in Mega Millions' history, said Arizona Lottery spokeswoman Cindy Esquer. The lottery's prize of $390 million in March 2007 remains the nation's richest on record.
The two winners from Tuesday will each get $177.5 million. Besides the jackpot, prizes range from $2 to $250,000.
The princely sum drew huge interest across the country as thousands of people lined up to buy tickets in 41 states and Washington, DC, where the game is available.
Hundreds of people poured into the tiny Arizona towns of Littlefield and Beaver Dam, crossing into the state from Nevada and Utah, where Mega Millions tickets are not sold.
At Rosie's Cafe on US 93 north of Kingman near the Nevada line, hundreds drove in over the weekend to buy tickets for the game.
"The line was going out the door," with 500 or more in line at times on Saturday and Sunday, said waitress and cashier Christine Millim.
Jackpot winners for the Mega Millions game have to match five regular numbers plus the "Mega ball." The winning numbers were 4, 8, 15, 25 and 47, with 42 being the "Mega ball" number.
One dollar was all it took to buy a chance at millions of dollars — and a lofty dream.
"I'm going to take care of my family — buy them new houses, new cars and travel a little bit," said Larry White, who bought a ticket in Atlanta.
Others said they would use the money to start foundations, retire or take vacations.
Sheila Twine, in Atlanta, said she would pay off her and her daughter's bills and help people in need.
"With all this money, I could help a lot of people," she said. (report from Philstar.com)
The holders of a ticket sold in Idaho and another in Washington state will be sharing Mega Millions' $355 million jackpot from Tuesday night's drawing, lottery officials said Wednesday.
The prize is the fourth-largest in US history and the second-largest in Mega Millions' history, said Arizona Lottery spokeswoman Cindy Esquer. The lottery's prize of $390 million in March 2007 remains the nation's richest on record.
The two winners from Tuesday will each get $177.5 million. Besides the jackpot, prizes range from $2 to $250,000.
The princely sum drew huge interest across the country as thousands of people lined up to buy tickets in 41 states and Washington, DC, where the game is available.
Hundreds of people poured into the tiny Arizona towns of Littlefield and Beaver Dam, crossing into the state from Nevada and Utah, where Mega Millions tickets are not sold.
At Rosie's Cafe on US 93 north of Kingman near the Nevada line, hundreds drove in over the weekend to buy tickets for the game.
"The line was going out the door," with 500 or more in line at times on Saturday and Sunday, said waitress and cashier Christine Millim.
Jackpot winners for the Mega Millions game have to match five regular numbers plus the "Mega ball." The winning numbers were 4, 8, 15, 25 and 47, with 42 being the "Mega ball" number.
One dollar was all it took to buy a chance at millions of dollars — and a lofty dream.
"I'm going to take care of my family — buy them new houses, new cars and travel a little bit," said Larry White, who bought a ticket in Atlanta.
Others said they would use the money to start foundations, retire or take vacations.
Sheila Twine, in Atlanta, said she would pay off her and her daughter's bills and help people in need.
"With all this money, I could help a lot of people," she said. (report from Philstar.com)
Pagasa: Brace for more intense typhoons this year due to La Nina
MANILA, Philippines – Government meteorologists advised today the public to brace for more intense typhoons this year due to the La Nina phenomenon.
“It is possible we will have extreme weather. But since we are in the midst of La Niña, we can expect typhoons to be more intense,” Science Undersecretary Graciano Yumul said in an interview.
Yumul, also the officer-in-charge of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), said they expect more storms this year than last year.
“We really expect the frequency of the storms to be higher this year and they might have an increase in intensity,” Yumul said.
A total of 11 cyclones entered the country in 2010, lower than the historical average of 20 per year.
Yumul also warned that more areas in the country will experience La Nina rains in the first quarter of 2011 which may trigger flashfloods and landslides.
“The months of January, February and March would be extremely wet,” said Yumul.
La Nina, which started in July last year, refers to the abnormal cooling of sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific and is characterized by too much rainfall.
Pagasa weather branch chief Robert Sawi earlier said the La Nina event and the active easterly wind had prevented the formation of typhoons in the country last year.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said as of yesterday morning, a total of 18 people have died due to landslides and flooding that hit several areas around the country.
The NDRRMC also said some 85, 795 families were affected in 19 provinces in Regions IV-B, V, VII, X, XI, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and Caraga region. (report from Helen Flores, Philstar.com)
“It is possible we will have extreme weather. But since we are in the midst of La Niña, we can expect typhoons to be more intense,” Science Undersecretary Graciano Yumul said in an interview.
Yumul, also the officer-in-charge of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), said they expect more storms this year than last year.
“We really expect the frequency of the storms to be higher this year and they might have an increase in intensity,” Yumul said.
A total of 11 cyclones entered the country in 2010, lower than the historical average of 20 per year.
Yumul also warned that more areas in the country will experience La Nina rains in the first quarter of 2011 which may trigger flashfloods and landslides.
“The months of January, February and March would be extremely wet,” said Yumul.
La Nina, which started in July last year, refers to the abnormal cooling of sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific and is characterized by too much rainfall.
Pagasa weather branch chief Robert Sawi earlier said the La Nina event and the active easterly wind had prevented the formation of typhoons in the country last year.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said as of yesterday morning, a total of 18 people have died due to landslides and flooding that hit several areas around the country.
The NDRRMC also said some 85, 795 families were affected in 19 provinces in Regions IV-B, V, VII, X, XI, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and Caraga region. (report from Helen Flores, Philstar.com)
Escudero seeks stiffer penalty vs reckless drivers
MANILA, Philippines—From four years, a senator wants to raise to 20 years of imprisonment the maximum penalty against erring drivers of public transportations.
The proposal was contained in Senate Bill No. 2095 filed by Senator Francis Escudero, which increases the current criminal liability of negligent drivers under Article 365 of the Revised Penal Code.
Escudero said the penalties provided under Article 365 might no longer work with the way public transports, especially buses, have lightly treated their obligation under existing laws.
From the existing penalty of arresto mayor to prision correcional in its medium period, or from one month to four years and two months, the bill proposes to penalize criminal negligence by common carriers with imprisonment ranging from four months and one day to six months to 12 years, in case of injury and depending on the extent of the offense.
In case of death, Escudero said the penalty should range from 12 years to 20 years of imprisonment.
“Recent road tragedies show how drivers have become reckless and irresponsible in the conduct of their duties. They seem to disregard the statutory policy to bring their passengers safely as far as human care and foresight can provide, using utmost diligence and caution,” the senator said in a statement.
The passage of the bill, Esudero said, would provide a “preventive policy” to address recklessness and impudence which have been one of the leading causes of deaths among Filipinos. (report from Maila Ager, Inquirer.net)
The proposal was contained in Senate Bill No. 2095 filed by Senator Francis Escudero, which increases the current criminal liability of negligent drivers under Article 365 of the Revised Penal Code.
Escudero said the penalties provided under Article 365 might no longer work with the way public transports, especially buses, have lightly treated their obligation under existing laws.
From the existing penalty of arresto mayor to prision correcional in its medium period, or from one month to four years and two months, the bill proposes to penalize criminal negligence by common carriers with imprisonment ranging from four months and one day to six months to 12 years, in case of injury and depending on the extent of the offense.
In case of death, Escudero said the penalty should range from 12 years to 20 years of imprisonment.
“Recent road tragedies show how drivers have become reckless and irresponsible in the conduct of their duties. They seem to disregard the statutory policy to bring their passengers safely as far as human care and foresight can provide, using utmost diligence and caution,” the senator said in a statement.
The passage of the bill, Esudero said, would provide a “preventive policy” to address recklessness and impudence which have been one of the leading causes of deaths among Filipinos. (report from Maila Ager, Inquirer.net)
Man saved after jumping into MRT track
MANILA, Philippines – A man believed to be mentally ill jumped into the tracks of the Metro Rail Transit while a train was approaching Ortigas Station past noon Wednesday in Mandaluyong City.
Correspondent Jon Ibanez of radio dzMM reported that the quick reaction of the train’s driver and employees of MRT Ortigas Station saved the man from the suicide attempt.
The man, who sustained minor injuries from the jump, was immediately brought to the MRT’s security office for investigation.
Prior to the incident, the man who is in his 50s or 60s was seen walking around the platform.
Security guards and fellow passengers were shocked to see him jump from the platform into the railway track while the train was entering the station. (report from ABS-CBN News)
GASAT Express blackmailing Star Toll accident victims?
MANILA, Philippines (ABS-CBN News) - Police said on Wednesday that relatives of the 7 people killed in the Star Tollway accident refused to press charges because the bus firm, GASAT Express, has threatened to hold their financial assistance.
This was revealed by Senior Police Officer 4 Nelio Lopez, deputy chief of Ibaan police in Batangas, when asked during an interview on radio dzMM why they released GASAT Express driver Aurelio Doctora.
"Ang pamilya ay walang pera at kung ihahabla daw ay titigil sa pagtulong ang may-ari ng bus," Lopez said, quoting a lawyer representing the relatives of the victims.
He said that due to family's failure to file charges, they were forced to release Doctora. The bus driver was released at around 6 p.m. on Tuesday.
Lopez said that the victims' lawyer also urged the police not to file charges against the bus driver and the bus firm.
"Iyon ang sabi ng abogado ng pamilya. Nakiusap na 'wag nang ihabla dahil 'pag hinabla, titigil ang pagsuporta at walang pagkukunan ng pampalibing at pangpagamot pa," the local police official said.
He, however, said that they will still push through with the filing of charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide against the driver.
GASAT's franchise likely to be revoked
Meanwhile, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Nelson Laluces told radio dzMM in a separate interview that the bus firm's franchise is likely to be revoked due to initial findings that the unit involved was out of line.
Laluces added that if the bus firm dodges the franchise revocation, it may still face up to one year suspension because of the accident.
He said GASAT Express, owned by Rose Valisno, has at least 50 units, and only 17 of its units were covered by the initial suspension order issued by the LTFRB.
He added that Valisno holds 5 bus franchises involving more than 100 units.
He said the LTFRB is currently studying the records of GASAT Express and other bus lines owned by Valisno. He said that depending on the results of the review, they may suspend the whole fleet of buses owned by Valisno.
Laluces, meanwhile, said the LTFRB will conduct its first franchise hearing regarding the Star Tollway accident on January 11. It may be able to come up with a decision after 60 days. (report from ABS-CBN News)
Baguio temperature falls to 9.6; Metro Manila hits 18.5
MANILA, Philippines - The temperature in Baguio City has dropped further to 9.6 degrees Celsius, the local branch of weather bureau PAGASA said on Wednesday.
The new reading erased Tuesday's 9.8 degrees Celsius as the lowest recorded since the beginning of the cold season in 2010, based on PAGASA's records.
The coldest temperature in the city was recorded at 6.3 degrees Celsius on January 18, 1961.
Because of the dropping temperature in the country's summer capital, even local residents who are used to Baguio City's cold weather have put on heavy jackets and ski masks.
More residents have also fallen ill with cold, cough and fever because of the weather.
Officials at the Baguio City General Hospital said 10 to 15 people visit the hospital daily due to cold, cough and fever.
They said majority of the patients are children. Hospital staff said at least 50 children have been diagnosed with upper respiratory infection, and 21 children are down with pneumonia.
Metro Manila temperature
PAGASA, meanwhile, said the coldest temperature recorded in Metro Manila was last Wednesday at 18.5 degrees Celsius.
It said cold weather also prevails in most of Northern Luzon areas, including Batanes and Tuguegarao.
PAGASA's chief weather forecaster Robert Sawi said the cold weather may continue until the second week of February.
"Tatatagal pa ang taglamig hanggang kalagitnaan ng Pebrero kaya kailangan ingatan ang kalusugan," Sawi said. – Reports from Butch Mendizabal, ABS-CBN Baguio and Sol Aragones, ABS-CBN
The new reading erased Tuesday's 9.8 degrees Celsius as the lowest recorded since the beginning of the cold season in 2010, based on PAGASA's records.
The coldest temperature in the city was recorded at 6.3 degrees Celsius on January 18, 1961.
Because of the dropping temperature in the country's summer capital, even local residents who are used to Baguio City's cold weather have put on heavy jackets and ski masks.
More residents have also fallen ill with cold, cough and fever because of the weather.
Officials at the Baguio City General Hospital said 10 to 15 people visit the hospital daily due to cold, cough and fever.
They said majority of the patients are children. Hospital staff said at least 50 children have been diagnosed with upper respiratory infection, and 21 children are down with pneumonia.
Metro Manila temperature
PAGASA, meanwhile, said the coldest temperature recorded in Metro Manila was last Wednesday at 18.5 degrees Celsius.
It said cold weather also prevails in most of Northern Luzon areas, including Batanes and Tuguegarao.
PAGASA's chief weather forecaster Robert Sawi said the cold weather may continue until the second week of February.
"Tatatagal pa ang taglamig hanggang kalagitnaan ng Pebrero kaya kailangan ingatan ang kalusugan," Sawi said. – Reports from Butch Mendizabal, ABS-CBN Baguio and Sol Aragones, ABS-CBN
Lacson not off the hook yet, says Cayetano
MANILA, Philippines - Despite Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile's statement that there was no need for any disciplinary action against Sen. Panfilo Lacson, Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano said the fugitive lawmaker is not off the hook yet in light of the pending ethics complaint filed against him.
Cayetano, who chairs the Senate ethics and privileges committee, said that although he cannot predict whether the panel will rule against Lacson, he also cannot assure the public that they won't.
"We should send a clear message that senators are not above the law," he said at a press briefing on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, Enrile said there was no need yet to initiate any disciplinary action against Lacson because there is still a pending case against him in the court.
Lacson is facing double murder charges before the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 18 for his alleged involvement in the November 2000 twin killings of publicist Salvador "Bubby" Dacer and his driver Emmanuel Corbito.
An arrest warrant has been issued against him but Lacson, who has been in hiding for almost a year now, has repeatedly maintained his innocence.
The Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) has likewise filed an ethics complaint against Lacson for his failure to surrender himself to proper authorities; fleeing the country to evade arrest; and his continued absence from the Senate sessions.
Rules of the Senate
Under its rules, the Senate may punish any of its members for disorderly behavior and with the concurrence of the chamber's membership, suspend or expel any of its members upon the recommendation of the ethics committee.
Cayetano, for his part, said there is no problem if they will hear the complaint while the court also decides on the case against Lacson because they are different issues.
He said the ethics committee will hold an organizational meeting either on January 18 or 19, when Congress has already resumed session.
He said they still have to determine the rules on how to tackle the complaint, specifically what actually constitutes disorderly behavior that damages the integrity of the Senate and whether they will consider offenses that were committed when the accused was not yet in position.
Cayetano noted, however, that since he is part of the minority, he will only play the role of a convenor who will entertain motions and one who stirs the committee in the right direction.
"Kung wala silang faith sa akin (If they don't have faith in me), they can remove me or I can resign," he said.
The other members of the Senate ethics committee are Senators Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Loren Legarda, Lito Lapid, Joker Arroyo, and ex-officio members Enrile and Senate Pro Tempore Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada.
Suspension of Lacson's salary
Last year, the Senate suspended Lacson's salary amounting to P36,000 a month and office budget amounting P2 million a month.
His employees have likewise been trasnferred to different departments in the Senate, mostly to the Office of the Senate Secretary.
Despite this, Enrile had said that Lacson is still recognized as a senator of the republic and that his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) remains intact. — (report from Kimberly Jane T. Tan with RSJ, GMANews.TV)
Cayetano, who chairs the Senate ethics and privileges committee, said that although he cannot predict whether the panel will rule against Lacson, he also cannot assure the public that they won't.
"We should send a clear message that senators are not above the law," he said at a press briefing on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, Enrile said there was no need yet to initiate any disciplinary action against Lacson because there is still a pending case against him in the court.
Lacson is facing double murder charges before the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 18 for his alleged involvement in the November 2000 twin killings of publicist Salvador "Bubby" Dacer and his driver Emmanuel Corbito.
An arrest warrant has been issued against him but Lacson, who has been in hiding for almost a year now, has repeatedly maintained his innocence.
The Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) has likewise filed an ethics complaint against Lacson for his failure to surrender himself to proper authorities; fleeing the country to evade arrest; and his continued absence from the Senate sessions.
Rules of the Senate
Under its rules, the Senate may punish any of its members for disorderly behavior and with the concurrence of the chamber's membership, suspend or expel any of its members upon the recommendation of the ethics committee.
Cayetano, for his part, said there is no problem if they will hear the complaint while the court also decides on the case against Lacson because they are different issues.
He said the ethics committee will hold an organizational meeting either on January 18 or 19, when Congress has already resumed session.
He said they still have to determine the rules on how to tackle the complaint, specifically what actually constitutes disorderly behavior that damages the integrity of the Senate and whether they will consider offenses that were committed when the accused was not yet in position.
Cayetano noted, however, that since he is part of the minority, he will only play the role of a convenor who will entertain motions and one who stirs the committee in the right direction.
"Kung wala silang faith sa akin (If they don't have faith in me), they can remove me or I can resign," he said.
The other members of the Senate ethics committee are Senators Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Loren Legarda, Lito Lapid, Joker Arroyo, and ex-officio members Enrile and Senate Pro Tempore Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada.
Suspension of Lacson's salary
Last year, the Senate suspended Lacson's salary amounting to P36,000 a month and office budget amounting P2 million a month.
His employees have likewise been trasnferred to different departments in the Senate, mostly to the Office of the Senate Secretary.
Despite this, Enrile had said that Lacson is still recognized as a senator of the republic and that his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) remains intact. — (report from Kimberly Jane T. Tan with RSJ, GMANews.TV)
695 cases vs cops remain pending
MANILA, Philippines—A total of 695 administrative cases against policemen have remained pending, prompting the chief of the Philippine National Police to issue an ultimatum to resolve all cases by the end of the month.
To fast-track the resolution of these cases, PNP chief Director General Raul Bacalzo ordered the relief of all summary hearing officers from their other posts to focus on solving the pending cases.
Summary hearing officers are serving dual positions such as chiefs of police, provincial directors and other key positions.
"Effective yesterday (Tuesday), all summary hearing officers have been relieved and assigned to the office of the deputy regional director for administration to complete and finish all hearings," Bacalzo told a news conference.
Key posts that will be left vacant will temporarily be occupied by the deputy chief.
A total of 2,165 administrative cases were filed against policemen, of which 1,470 have already been solved.
Of the solved cases, 235 policemen were dismissed from the service, 79 were demoted while 725 were suspended, among others. (report from Abigail Kwok, Inquirer.net)
To fast-track the resolution of these cases, PNP chief Director General Raul Bacalzo ordered the relief of all summary hearing officers from their other posts to focus on solving the pending cases.
Summary hearing officers are serving dual positions such as chiefs of police, provincial directors and other key positions.
"Effective yesterday (Tuesday), all summary hearing officers have been relieved and assigned to the office of the deputy regional director for administration to complete and finish all hearings," Bacalzo told a news conference.
Key posts that will be left vacant will temporarily be occupied by the deputy chief.
A total of 2,165 administrative cases were filed against policemen, of which 1,470 have already been solved.
Of the solved cases, 235 policemen were dismissed from the service, 79 were demoted while 725 were suspended, among others. (report from Abigail Kwok, Inquirer.net)
US Mega Millions jackpot payoff reaches $355 million
PHOENIX (AP) – Thousands of people lined up in 41 states and in Washington, D.C., ahead of the Mega Millions drawing on Tuesday in hopes of buying the winning ticket for the lottery game's $355 million jackpot.
The prize is the fourth largest in US history and the second largest in Mega Millions history, said Arizona Lottery spokeswoman Cindy Esquer. The lottery's prize of $390 million in March 2007 remains the richest on record in the US.
Hundreds of people poured into the tiny Arizona towns of Littlefield and Beaver Dam, crossing into the state from Nevada and Utah, where Mega Millions tickets are not sold.
At Rosie's Cafe on US 93 north of Kingman near the Nevada line, hundreds drove in over the weekend to buy tickets for the Mega Millions game.
"The line was going out the door," with 500 or more in line at times on Saturday and Sunday, said waitress and cashier Christine Millim.
In the Mega Millions game, players try to win by matching five regular numbers plus the "Mega ball." Tickets cost $1.
The jackpot's cash option works out to about $224 million. Besides the jackpot, prizes range from $2 to $250,000.
The game expanded last year under a cross-selling agreement with the multi-state Powerball lottery to become available in 41 states and Washington, D.C.
The game's website was down momentarily Tuesday night, around the time that the winning numbers would be posted. Officials stripped the site down to a simple Web page with the logo and the jackpot amount, to help speed connections because of "unprecedented traffic."
The winning numbers were 4, 8, 15, 25, 47, with 42 being the Mega Ball number. (report from Philstar.com)
The prize is the fourth largest in US history and the second largest in Mega Millions history, said Arizona Lottery spokeswoman Cindy Esquer. The lottery's prize of $390 million in March 2007 remains the richest on record in the US.
Hundreds of people poured into the tiny Arizona towns of Littlefield and Beaver Dam, crossing into the state from Nevada and Utah, where Mega Millions tickets are not sold.
At Rosie's Cafe on US 93 north of Kingman near the Nevada line, hundreds drove in over the weekend to buy tickets for the Mega Millions game.
"The line was going out the door," with 500 or more in line at times on Saturday and Sunday, said waitress and cashier Christine Millim.
In the Mega Millions game, players try to win by matching five regular numbers plus the "Mega ball." Tickets cost $1.
The jackpot's cash option works out to about $224 million. Besides the jackpot, prizes range from $2 to $250,000.
The game expanded last year under a cross-selling agreement with the multi-state Powerball lottery to become available in 41 states and Washington, D.C.
The game's website was down momentarily Tuesday night, around the time that the winning numbers would be posted. Officials stripped the site down to a simple Web page with the logo and the jackpot amount, to help speed connections because of "unprecedented traffic."
The winning numbers were 4, 8, 15, 25, 47, with 42 being the Mega Ball number. (report from Philstar.com)
Pacquiao, Donaire sit atop The Ring's elite list
MANILA, Philippines — If there’s one thing that 2010 have shaped up for boxing, that certainly would be the thrill and explosion that the Philippines’ “lethal duo” of Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire, Jr. brought in each of their respective bouts last year.Pacquiao dominated the headlines late last year when he scored a unanimous decision victory over the comebacking Antonio Margarito in a brutal contest at the Cowboys Stadium last November, en route to notching a historic feat by being the first fighter ever to win eight world titles in as many divisions.
Donaire, on the other hand, capped his brilliant season with a masterful demolition of Wladimir Sidorenko early last December, paving the way to what boxing experts note could be 2011’s biggest smash down: a much anticipated February 19 showdown with unified bantamweight titlist Fernando Montiel.
With these things being said of what these two gentleman have done in the last year that passed, they were earlier named into the Top 5 of The Ring Blog’s (of The Ring Magazine website) 100 finest boxers of 2010, with Pacquiao comfortably ranked at No. 1 and Donaire finding his place at No. 5.
Pacquiao actually maintained his spot on the top of the list, which he also lorded in 2009. Donaire, meanwhile, advanced a spot higher after finishing at No.6 in the previous list.
“As most of us expected, Pacquiao made mincemeat out of Antonio Margarito, who not so long ago everyone was calling the most feared fighter in the world,” wrote the Ring Blog’s William Dettloff. “It wasn’t Pacquiao’s most impressive achievement of the past year; the bludgeoning of Miguel Cotto (KO 12) in November of 2009 gets the nod there, and getting points too is the shutout he pitched against the highly competent if reluctant Joshua Clottey (W 12).”
The pound-for-pound king, who also plays a dual role as congressman of the Sarangani province in Mindanao, is scheduled to return to the ring on May 7 in Las Vegas against Shane Mosley — a fight which gained the disapproval of boxing fans and critics alike.
“Along with everyone else we would have preferred the year ended with a superfight against the next guy on this list (Floyd Mayweather, Jr.), but you can’t have everything,” Dettloff noted.
The unbeatean Floyd Mayweather, Jr., surprisingly, finished at No. 2 despite only fighting once last year against Mosley. Hobbled by legal charges left and right, Mayweather decided to “hibernate” for the rest of the year after allegedly nudging offers by Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank to figure in a megabuck bout with Pacquiao.
“It’s hard to maintain a ranking as high as this fighting just once in all of 2010, but Mayweather did it. How? By completely out-classing Shane Mosley,” Dettloff writes. “And he did it by standing right in Mosley’s grill, more or less, and out-fighting him. That Mayweather was rocked in the second round and came back to dominate every second of every round thereafter — as easily as he did against Juan Manuel Marquez — is proof enough that Mayweather remains at worst the second best fighter on the planet.”
Donaire, for his part, is beginning to relish the recognition and respect that have been coming his way right after his victory against the Ukranian Sidorenko. Recognized as the next biggest name in boxing after Pacquiao, Donaire have waited too long to get a big break despite emerging with a bang after knocking out Armenian-born brawler Vic Darchinyan more than three years ago.The spotlight on Donaire came about after his fifth round demolition of Armenian-born brawler Vic Darchinyan in July 2007, earning for himself the “Knockout of the Year” and the “Upset of the Year” distinction from The Ring Magazine, considered as the Bible of Boxing.
“I’m really flattered by THE RING’s ranking,” Donaire said, referring to him being recognized as the world's fifth top pound-for-pound boxer, as quoted in an earlier interview with The Ring’s Doug Fishcher. “I’m honored by it and by any other website or magazine that ranks me with the best in the sport, but I don’t think I deserve it yet. I have to fight more elite fighters to deserve it.”
“So far, I’ve got one guy (Darchinyan) on my record. I need more. In my opinion, I have the ability and the skills to be ranked that high, but I want to prove it to fans, and I want to see it for myself. I have to show my potential in fights against the best,” said the 28-year-old Donaire.
“I want to be more entertaining,” he said. “I need to be a busier fighter. I enjoy a strategic fight, but I’ve begun to realize that boxing is not just an art, it’s entertainment,” Donaire reveals. “I’ve got to go out and entertain fans the way Marquez and (Michael) Katsidis did...”
His next big test comes next month when he squares off against Montiel, arguably the best bantamweight fighter in the world today who ranks No. 7 in The Ring’s list.
“Montiel probably qualifies as the best fighter Donaire has ever faced and what happens when they meet will go a long way toward determining where Donaire appears on this list next year,” Dettloff concludes. (report from Erickson Beco, Manila Bulletin)
Gov't launches tourism campaign for tarnished Manila
MANILA, Philippines - Philippine authorities have launched a fresh campaign to lure tourists to Manila after a deadly hostage fiasco and terror attack warnings further tarnished the national capital's already shady image.
Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim said the many festivals in Manila and its suburbs would be promoted as tourist attractions in 2011, in a bid to emulate the way similar celebrations in regional areas already attract tourists.
"Soon, both foreigners and locals will know the metropolis beyond being the premier gateway and capital city of the Philippines. There are special events in Metro Manila worth witnessing," he said in a statement on Tuesday.
The campaign comes after a tragedy in August last year when a disgraced ex-policeman took a busload of Hong Kong tourists hostage in Manila, leading to the deaths of eight of them in a botched rescue operation.
The city's image was further hurt when Australia, Britain, Canada, France, New Zealand and the United States issued advisories in November warning of an imminent terror attack in the capital.
Some of the countries downgraded their warnings after the Philippines complained, and no such attack has occurred.
Even before last year's events, foreign tourists often bypassed or spent little time in Manila as they made their way to the idyllic beaches outside the capital.
Poor infrastructure, rundown tourist attractions, confronting poverty, corrupt police and nightmarish traffic are the some of the factors that have long contributed to foreign visitors skipping Manila.
But Lim said his department and local governments were developing the capital as a vibrant tourist destination, showcasing the various religious and arts festivals that are celebrated in the city of about 12 million people.
Such annual festivals in Manila include processions for fertility rites and infant Jesus statues, a river parade, an arts festival and a mardi gras-style celebration before Lent. (report from Agence France-Presse)
Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim said the many festivals in Manila and its suburbs would be promoted as tourist attractions in 2011, in a bid to emulate the way similar celebrations in regional areas already attract tourists.
"Soon, both foreigners and locals will know the metropolis beyond being the premier gateway and capital city of the Philippines. There are special events in Metro Manila worth witnessing," he said in a statement on Tuesday.
The campaign comes after a tragedy in August last year when a disgraced ex-policeman took a busload of Hong Kong tourists hostage in Manila, leading to the deaths of eight of them in a botched rescue operation.
The city's image was further hurt when Australia, Britain, Canada, France, New Zealand and the United States issued advisories in November warning of an imminent terror attack in the capital.
Some of the countries downgraded their warnings after the Philippines complained, and no such attack has occurred.
Even before last year's events, foreign tourists often bypassed or spent little time in Manila as they made their way to the idyllic beaches outside the capital.
Poor infrastructure, rundown tourist attractions, confronting poverty, corrupt police and nightmarish traffic are the some of the factors that have long contributed to foreign visitors skipping Manila.
But Lim said his department and local governments were developing the capital as a vibrant tourist destination, showcasing the various religious and arts festivals that are celebrated in the city of about 12 million people.
Such annual festivals in Manila include processions for fertility rites and infant Jesus statues, a river parade, an arts festival and a mardi gras-style celebration before Lent. (report from Agence France-Presse)
Mayor Lim calls for rapist cop's head
MANILA, Philippines – Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim has called for the arrest and dismissal of a policeman who allegedly raped a woman at the Manila Police District headquarters last December 31.
“We have to make this a policy against erring members of the police. We cannot tolerate the ‘bantay-salakay’ [preying] syndrome within the force. The police is supposed to be the protector of the masses, not their abusers,” the mayor said in a statement.
On Tuesday, rape and robbery charges were filed with the city prosecutor’s office against Police Officer 3 Antonio Bautista of the MPD District Intelligence Division.
A female vendor, identified only as “Aniceta,” had complained to the MPD Women’s and Children’s Desk that she was waiting for her common-law husband in Carriedo, Sta. Cruz district, on their way to hear Mass when Bautista and a man wearing a “Press” T-shirt arrested her for vagrancy.
They then took her to the MPD headquarters on UN Avenue where she claimed Bautista confiscated her wallet containing P4,000 in cash, and raped her at the Integrity Task Force office.
Before “Aniceta” was released, Bautista allegedly also threatened to put her in jail unless she coughed up more money before January 3.
Police are now hunting for Bautista, who has gone absent without official leave, MPD director Chief Supt. Roberto Rongavilla said.
Bautista will also face administrative charges of grave misconduct. His gun has already been confiscated from his wife.
“What happened is inadmissible. We cannot close our eyes on these kinds of abuse of authority. Those who are at fault should take responsibility,” said Lim, himself a former policeman for 38 years. (report from Jaymee T. Gamil, Philippine Daily Inquirer)
“We have to make this a policy against erring members of the police. We cannot tolerate the ‘bantay-salakay’ [preying] syndrome within the force. The police is supposed to be the protector of the masses, not their abusers,” the mayor said in a statement.
On Tuesday, rape and robbery charges were filed with the city prosecutor’s office against Police Officer 3 Antonio Bautista of the MPD District Intelligence Division.
A female vendor, identified only as “Aniceta,” had complained to the MPD Women’s and Children’s Desk that she was waiting for her common-law husband in Carriedo, Sta. Cruz district, on their way to hear Mass when Bautista and a man wearing a “Press” T-shirt arrested her for vagrancy.
They then took her to the MPD headquarters on UN Avenue where she claimed Bautista confiscated her wallet containing P4,000 in cash, and raped her at the Integrity Task Force office.
Before “Aniceta” was released, Bautista allegedly also threatened to put her in jail unless she coughed up more money before January 3.
Police are now hunting for Bautista, who has gone absent without official leave, MPD director Chief Supt. Roberto Rongavilla said.
Bautista will also face administrative charges of grave misconduct. His gun has already been confiscated from his wife.
“What happened is inadmissible. We cannot close our eyes on these kinds of abuse of authority. Those who are at fault should take responsibility,” said Lim, himself a former policeman for 38 years. (report from Jaymee T. Gamil, Philippine Daily Inquirer)
Rains kill 25, displace 400,000 in 7 regions—disaster agency
MANILA, Philippines – (UPDATE) The number of affected families due to continuous heavy rains in various regions have climbed to 85,795 families, or 443,911 persons and the death toll to 25, officials said Wednesday.
In its latest situation report, the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that the displaced families came from 486 villages in 19 provinces of Regions 5 (Bicol), 7 (Central Visayas), 8 (Eastern Visayas), 10 (Northern Mindanao), 11 (Davao), the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao and the Caraga region.
A majority of the dead had drowned, with at least five others killed in landslides, the NDRRMC said.
Some of the victims were identified as: Antonio Dapdap, Lolita Dapdap both from Manito, Albay and Maricris Abrigo from Legaspi City; Fatima Discaryal, Rodel Discaryal, Jordan Lakipin who all died in a landslide in St. Bernard, Southern Leyte; Recabel Montederamos and Patrick Pelaez died due to drowning in separate incidents also in Southern Leyte.
In Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, a landslide killed Dioscoro Albiro and Shiela Carrido. Three were killed in Agusan del Sur namely Rogello Madelo, Dondie Carl Bolante and Micheal Rodrigo Otero. In Lanao del Norte, a victim identified as Christine Relostina died due to drowning.
In Compostela Valley, one victim identified as Apolinaria Porras reportedly died due to drowning while another from Davao del Sur, identified as Jonas Caa, also reportedly drowned.
Meanwhile, as of posting time, residents in 11 villages in Albay are being evacuated in anticipation of the rains, according to a report on Radyo Inquirer.
The pre-emptive evacuation in landslide and flood-prone areas began at about 1 p.m., the report said.
Albay Governor Joey Salceda ordered the suspension of classes as he and other officials from the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical, Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) and the province were meeting.
The NDRRMC also estimated that the rains have damaged 627.5 hectares of crops in Albay with partial estimated damages reaching P1.36 million. Likewise, 10 villages in Tubod, Lanao del Norte have reported P3.627 million worth of damages on crops, livestock and fisheries, while four hectares of cornfields were also reported to be damaged in Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte due to flooding.
Meanwhile, the NDRRMC reported that 38 houses were totally damaged while 59 others were partially damaged in the affected areas.
"About 70 percent of our region is still flooded," regional civil defense chief Blanche Gobenciong told Agence France-Presse by telephone from Butuan city.
Moderate to heavy rains due to the tail-end of a cold front and the northeast monsoon have continuously pounded the affected provinces since Dec. 29, 2010.
No tropical cyclones have been monitored to be within the Philippine Area of Responsibility, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said in its latest weather report. However, Pagasa said that the northeast monsoon would continue to prevail over Luzon while the tail-end of a cold front would still affect Visayas and Mindanao.
Luzon will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies and will expect light rains. Meanwhile, Visayas and Mindanao will have cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms which will become widespread rains over the eastern sections which may trigger flashfloods and landslides, Pagasa warned. (report from Katherine Evangelista, Inquirer.net and Radyo Inquirer with Agence France-Presse)
In its latest situation report, the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that the displaced families came from 486 villages in 19 provinces of Regions 5 (Bicol), 7 (Central Visayas), 8 (Eastern Visayas), 10 (Northern Mindanao), 11 (Davao), the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao and the Caraga region.
A majority of the dead had drowned, with at least five others killed in landslides, the NDRRMC said.
Some of the victims were identified as: Antonio Dapdap, Lolita Dapdap both from Manito, Albay and Maricris Abrigo from Legaspi City; Fatima Discaryal, Rodel Discaryal, Jordan Lakipin who all died in a landslide in St. Bernard, Southern Leyte; Recabel Montederamos and Patrick Pelaez died due to drowning in separate incidents also in Southern Leyte.
In Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, a landslide killed Dioscoro Albiro and Shiela Carrido. Three were killed in Agusan del Sur namely Rogello Madelo, Dondie Carl Bolante and Micheal Rodrigo Otero. In Lanao del Norte, a victim identified as Christine Relostina died due to drowning.
In Compostela Valley, one victim identified as Apolinaria Porras reportedly died due to drowning while another from Davao del Sur, identified as Jonas Caa, also reportedly drowned.
Meanwhile, as of posting time, residents in 11 villages in Albay are being evacuated in anticipation of the rains, according to a report on Radyo Inquirer.
The pre-emptive evacuation in landslide and flood-prone areas began at about 1 p.m., the report said.
Albay Governor Joey Salceda ordered the suspension of classes as he and other officials from the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical, Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) and the province were meeting.
The NDRRMC also estimated that the rains have damaged 627.5 hectares of crops in Albay with partial estimated damages reaching P1.36 million. Likewise, 10 villages in Tubod, Lanao del Norte have reported P3.627 million worth of damages on crops, livestock and fisheries, while four hectares of cornfields were also reported to be damaged in Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte due to flooding.
Meanwhile, the NDRRMC reported that 38 houses were totally damaged while 59 others were partially damaged in the affected areas.
"About 70 percent of our region is still flooded," regional civil defense chief Blanche Gobenciong told Agence France-Presse by telephone from Butuan city.
Moderate to heavy rains due to the tail-end of a cold front and the northeast monsoon have continuously pounded the affected provinces since Dec. 29, 2010.
No tropical cyclones have been monitored to be within the Philippine Area of Responsibility, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said in its latest weather report. However, Pagasa said that the northeast monsoon would continue to prevail over Luzon while the tail-end of a cold front would still affect Visayas and Mindanao.
Luzon will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies and will expect light rains. Meanwhile, Visayas and Mindanao will have cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms which will become widespread rains over the eastern sections which may trigger flashfloods and landslides, Pagasa warned. (report from Katherine Evangelista, Inquirer.net and Radyo Inquirer with Agence France-Presse)
Magdalo soldier: We're seeking amnesty for family's sake
For rebel soldiers, there was no need to avail of government offer of amnesty because their acts against the previous administration had already been justified. But they had to seek state forgiveness for the sake of their families.
A batch of "mutinous" soldiers who trooped to Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City said their families were the only reason why they took the trouble of applying for amnesty.
Speaking on conditions of anonymity, the highest ranking among those who applied last Wednesday told GMANews.TV that he considered their application for amnesty as "cutting edge."
"We are doing this for our family. Wala nang iba. Iyon lang ang pinakamahalaga sa amin [That's the most important thing for us]," the official said, as the other applicant soldiers surrounded him.
Asked if he regretted “taking up arms" against the government in the so-called "Oakwood mutiny" in 2003, the official said: "Basta ang sa amin, our acts and grievances had already been justified."
In the 2003 uprising, more than 300 servicemen led by then Navy Lt. Senior Grade and incumbent Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV took over the Oakwood Hotel (now as Ascott Hotel) in Makati City to air their grievances over supposed corruption under the Arroyo administration.
The officer who spoke with GMANews.TV, along with another officer and 16 enlisted personnel, who all participated in the Oakwood mutiny, took turns in accomplishing their amnesty application forms inside the Aguinaldo Room of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Commissioned Officers Club House before lunch.
The officer refused to give details on what he wrote on his application form, saying "I would rather that it remains confidential."
"Gusto lang namin na ma-regain ng tropa ang ranks nila at kami namang mga officers ay ma-clear man lang ang pangalan namin," he said.
Based on the Implementing Rules and Regulations prepared by the Department of National Defense and approved by the President, applicants will have to admit guilt in violating the Constitution and Articles of War before they are given amnesty.
Catching up
The batch of soldiers that applied for amnesty last Tuesday said it was the first time they saw seen each other again after a long time, as most of them either had taken up other jobs or had gone back to their provinces.
"We are elated to see each other again," the official said, as he confessed he was eager to have lunch with the group and do some "catching up."
He also said they have fellow "Magdalo soldiers" who had gone abroad, but might be coming back just to apply for amnesty.
"Still, it's a case to case basis. Others might want to get their names cleared, while others might just avail of optional retirement," he said.
The acceptance of amnesty application will run until March. — (report from Mark D. Merueñas with LBG, GMANews.TV)
A batch of "mutinous" soldiers who trooped to Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City said their families were the only reason why they took the trouble of applying for amnesty.
Speaking on conditions of anonymity, the highest ranking among those who applied last Wednesday told GMANews.TV that he considered their application for amnesty as "cutting edge."
"We are doing this for our family. Wala nang iba. Iyon lang ang pinakamahalaga sa amin [That's the most important thing for us]," the official said, as the other applicant soldiers surrounded him.
Asked if he regretted “taking up arms" against the government in the so-called "Oakwood mutiny" in 2003, the official said: "Basta ang sa amin, our acts and grievances had already been justified."
In the 2003 uprising, more than 300 servicemen led by then Navy Lt. Senior Grade and incumbent Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV took over the Oakwood Hotel (now as Ascott Hotel) in Makati City to air their grievances over supposed corruption under the Arroyo administration.
The officer who spoke with GMANews.TV, along with another officer and 16 enlisted personnel, who all participated in the Oakwood mutiny, took turns in accomplishing their amnesty application forms inside the Aguinaldo Room of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Commissioned Officers Club House before lunch.
The officer refused to give details on what he wrote on his application form, saying "I would rather that it remains confidential."
"Gusto lang namin na ma-regain ng tropa ang ranks nila at kami namang mga officers ay ma-clear man lang ang pangalan namin," he said.
Based on the Implementing Rules and Regulations prepared by the Department of National Defense and approved by the President, applicants will have to admit guilt in violating the Constitution and Articles of War before they are given amnesty.
Catching up
The batch of soldiers that applied for amnesty last Tuesday said it was the first time they saw seen each other again after a long time, as most of them either had taken up other jobs or had gone back to their provinces.
"We are elated to see each other again," the official said, as he confessed he was eager to have lunch with the group and do some "catching up."
He also said they have fellow "Magdalo soldiers" who had gone abroad, but might be coming back just to apply for amnesty.
"Still, it's a case to case basis. Others might want to get their names cleared, while others might just avail of optional retirement," he said.
The acceptance of amnesty application will run until March. — (report from Mark D. Merueñas with LBG, GMANews.TV)
Meralco says January electric bills to go down
MANILA, Philippines -- Electric bills will go down this month with lower generation, transmission, and distribution charges, power distributor Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said Wednesday.
“We will be implementing changes in the generation, transmission, and distribution charges. For our consumers, this will mean a net reduction of around P0.27 per kWh [kilowatt hour] in their electric rates," Meralco spokesperson Joe Zaldarriaga said in a statement.
Meralco said it will reduce P0.20 per kWh for the generation charge — or what Meralco pays its power suppliers such as National Power Corp. (Napocor), independent power producers (IPPs), and wholesale electricity spot market (WESM).
Power from Napocor and IPPs dropped P0.30 and P0.24 per kWh, respectively, the power distributor said.
“These more than offset higher rates from WESM," Meralco added.
Meralco said it sources around 41 percent of its supply from Napocor, 35 percent from First Gas Power Corp., and 12 percent from Quezon Power Phils. Ltd., with the balance from the spot market.
Meanwhile, Meralco said transmission charges passed on to consumers will drop P0.23 per kWh after its “underrecovered" collections are completed.
These are costs that Meralco incurred and paid for in prior months but was only allowed to collect from consumers on a deferred basis, Zaldarriaga explained.
Moreover, Meralco will implement this January the new distribution, supply, and metering charges that the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) recently approved, the company said.
The new charges represent rates for regulatory year 2011 ending in June, Meralco said.
The ERC approved a maximum average price (MAP) of P1.65 per kWh for 2011 to spare consumers from price shocks. Meralco previously asked for a MAP of P2.65 per kWh. (report from JE/VS, GMANews.TV)
“We will be implementing changes in the generation, transmission, and distribution charges. For our consumers, this will mean a net reduction of around P0.27 per kWh [kilowatt hour] in their electric rates," Meralco spokesperson Joe Zaldarriaga said in a statement.
Meralco said it will reduce P0.20 per kWh for the generation charge — or what Meralco pays its power suppliers such as National Power Corp. (Napocor), independent power producers (IPPs), and wholesale electricity spot market (WESM).
Power from Napocor and IPPs dropped P0.30 and P0.24 per kWh, respectively, the power distributor said.
“These more than offset higher rates from WESM," Meralco added.
Meralco said it sources around 41 percent of its supply from Napocor, 35 percent from First Gas Power Corp., and 12 percent from Quezon Power Phils. Ltd., with the balance from the spot market.
Meanwhile, Meralco said transmission charges passed on to consumers will drop P0.23 per kWh after its “underrecovered" collections are completed.
These are costs that Meralco incurred and paid for in prior months but was only allowed to collect from consumers on a deferred basis, Zaldarriaga explained.
Moreover, Meralco will implement this January the new distribution, supply, and metering charges that the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) recently approved, the company said.
The new charges represent rates for regulatory year 2011 ending in June, Meralco said.
The ERC approved a maximum average price (MAP) of P1.65 per kWh for 2011 to spare consumers from price shocks. Meralco previously asked for a MAP of P2.65 per kWh. (report from JE/VS, GMANews.TV)
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
3 dead, 15 injured as jeep falls off cliff in La Union
CAMP DIEGO SILANG, Philippines (The Philippine Star) – Three men were killed and 16 passengers were seriously injured when the passenger jeep they were riding plunged into a 30-meter deep ravine in the mountainous village of Ramot in Santol, La Union this morning.
Senior Superintendent Ramon Purugganan, La Union police director, identified the fatalities as Anthony Bagawe Jr.; Luciano Dangla, 42, both residents of Barangay Sasaba of the same town; and Lorenzo Ancheta, 25, of Barangay Ramot.
Bagawe and Ancheta were separately brought to the Balaoan District Hospital and Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center but were both declared dead on arrival while Dangla expired while undergoing treatment.
The injured were identified as Bernie Capcapen, 19; Jonathan Comay-ao, 19; Gawili Asislo, 57; Allan Astudillo, 18; Pacita Colas, 40; Jovita Esteban, 47; Feliza Bagawe, 60; Clemente Damaso, 72; Rosemarie Uya, 42; Johnson Alfonso, 23; Ben Ligo, 43; Olivia Ligo; Gloria Jose, 13; Mike Jose, 9; and the driver Domingo Dangla, 30.
Purugganan said that the accident happened at around 9:00 a.m. when the passenger jeep, with plate No. AVU-896, just came from the remote area of Sasaba near the boundary of La Union and Benguet.
He said that the jeep allegedly lost its break while traveling down the road. The driver tried to prevent the accident by crashing it into the road side, but the vehicle fell down and turned-turtle until it plunged into the ravine, Purugganan added. (report from Jun Elias, Philstar.com)
Senior Superintendent Ramon Purugganan, La Union police director, identified the fatalities as Anthony Bagawe Jr.; Luciano Dangla, 42, both residents of Barangay Sasaba of the same town; and Lorenzo Ancheta, 25, of Barangay Ramot.
Bagawe and Ancheta were separately brought to the Balaoan District Hospital and Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center but were both declared dead on arrival while Dangla expired while undergoing treatment.
The injured were identified as Bernie Capcapen, 19; Jonathan Comay-ao, 19; Gawili Asislo, 57; Allan Astudillo, 18; Pacita Colas, 40; Jovita Esteban, 47; Feliza Bagawe, 60; Clemente Damaso, 72; Rosemarie Uya, 42; Johnson Alfonso, 23; Ben Ligo, 43; Olivia Ligo; Gloria Jose, 13; Mike Jose, 9; and the driver Domingo Dangla, 30.
Purugganan said that the accident happened at around 9:00 a.m. when the passenger jeep, with plate No. AVU-896, just came from the remote area of Sasaba near the boundary of La Union and Benguet.
He said that the jeep allegedly lost its break while traveling down the road. The driver tried to prevent the accident by crashing it into the road side, but the vehicle fell down and turned-turtle until it plunged into the ravine, Purugganan added. (report from Jun Elias, Philstar.com)
Cop nabbed after shooting spree in Bulacan
MANILA, Philippines (ABS-CBN News) - A policeman landed in jail after a shooting spree that left one person dead and 2 more injured in Marilao, Bulacan, before dawn Tuesday.
Senior Superintendent Fernando Villanueva, Bulacan provincial police director, identified the suspect as Police Officer 1 Armand Canilang, assigned to the San Jose Del Monte City police station.
Villanueva said that Canilang shot dead a civilian identified as Arnel Dulsura and wounded another civilian and a barangay watchman in Barangay Ibayo.
He said that Canilang threatened to kill Dulsura and his friends as he and his 2 brothers were walking to their home. The policeman was drunk at the time after a drinking session with his 2 brothers.
Villanueva said Dulsura's group immediately filed a complaint at the nearby barangay outpost. As barangay officials were approaching Canilang and his 2 brothers, the policeman opened fire at them.
The provincial police chief said that Canilang has been arrested. Seized from him was his 9mm pistol service firearm. – (Report from Ramon Lazaro, DZMM Radyo Patrol)
Senior Superintendent Fernando Villanueva, Bulacan provincial police director, identified the suspect as Police Officer 1 Armand Canilang, assigned to the San Jose Del Monte City police station.
Villanueva said that Canilang shot dead a civilian identified as Arnel Dulsura and wounded another civilian and a barangay watchman in Barangay Ibayo.
He said that Canilang threatened to kill Dulsura and his friends as he and his 2 brothers were walking to their home. The policeman was drunk at the time after a drinking session with his 2 brothers.
Villanueva said Dulsura's group immediately filed a complaint at the nearby barangay outpost. As barangay officials were approaching Canilang and his 2 brothers, the policeman opened fire at them.
The provincial police chief said that Canilang has been arrested. Seized from him was his 9mm pistol service firearm. – (Report from Ramon Lazaro, DZMM Radyo Patrol)
Butuan City placed under state of calamity
BUTUAN CITY – The Butuan City government has placed all of its 86 barangays under a state of calamity due to flashfloods and landslides brought by heavy rains, an official of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said today.
Dr. Blanche Gobenciong, OCD-Caraga regional director, said that with the number of barangays and population of Butuan City affected by flooding and landslides, a state of calamity can be declared in the city based on the criteria set by the National Disaster Coordinating Council.
With this, Gobenciong said the concerned local government unit can release 30 percent of its calamity funds, called “Disaster Risk Reduction Management Fund,” to help deal with the disaster’s aftermath.
According to initial reports from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council claimed, at least 1,690 families in 13 barangays in Butuan have already been evacuated. (report from Ben Serrano, Philstar.com)
Dr. Blanche Gobenciong, OCD-Caraga regional director, said that with the number of barangays and population of Butuan City affected by flooding and landslides, a state of calamity can be declared in the city based on the criteria set by the National Disaster Coordinating Council.
With this, Gobenciong said the concerned local government unit can release 30 percent of its calamity funds, called “Disaster Risk Reduction Management Fund,” to help deal with the disaster’s aftermath.
According to initial reports from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council claimed, at least 1,690 families in 13 barangays in Butuan have already been evacuated. (report from Ben Serrano, Philstar.com)
15 alien fugitives deported from PHL in July-Dec. 2010
Fifteen foreigners wanted in their respective homelands for various crimes — from military desertion to murder — were arrested in the Philippines and subsequently deported in the last half of 2010, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported Tuesday.
The figure is almost double the eight alien fugitives deported in the first half of 2010, according to Immigration officer-in-charge Ronaldo Ledesma, saying the arrests were due to the bureau’s stepped up campaign against foreign fugitives in the country.
Eleven Americans topped the list of deported fugitives from July to December, followed by two Koreans, a Swede, and a Japanese.
The crimes committed by the fugitives in their country of origin include child molestation, incest, sexual battery, embezzlement, fraud, murder, aggravated robbery, and military desertion.
Ledesma, who was appointed to his post in July last year by Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, said the fugitives are now either undergoing trial or serving sentence in their countries of origin.
The BI is an attached agency of the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Ledesma said the wanted aliens, hiding in the Philippines for years to evade prosecution, were arrested by the BI-Interpol unit. They were blacklisted as undesirable aliens and banned from re-entering the country.
“Our country should not be used as a sanctuary for wanted criminals," Ledesma said as he vowed to pursue without letup the campaign against foreign fugitives.
He said the bureau will continue working with the Interpol and other foreign missions in Manila to track down alien fugitives believed to be hiding in the country.
BI Intelligence chief Faisal Hussin attributed the successful drive against fugitives to Ledesma’s move of beefing up the manpower and resources of the bureau’s Interpol unit by adding at least six intelligence operatives.
The unit was also placed under his direct supervision. It was previously under the office of the commissioner.
An team led by BI intelligence officer Jerome Gabionza was also created within the unit for case buildup, surveillance, and arrest of fugitives. – (report from KBK/VS, GMANews.TV)
The figure is almost double the eight alien fugitives deported in the first half of 2010, according to Immigration officer-in-charge Ronaldo Ledesma, saying the arrests were due to the bureau’s stepped up campaign against foreign fugitives in the country.
Eleven Americans topped the list of deported fugitives from July to December, followed by two Koreans, a Swede, and a Japanese.
The crimes committed by the fugitives in their country of origin include child molestation, incest, sexual battery, embezzlement, fraud, murder, aggravated robbery, and military desertion.
Ledesma, who was appointed to his post in July last year by Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, said the fugitives are now either undergoing trial or serving sentence in their countries of origin.
The BI is an attached agency of the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Ledesma said the wanted aliens, hiding in the Philippines for years to evade prosecution, were arrested by the BI-Interpol unit. They were blacklisted as undesirable aliens and banned from re-entering the country.
“Our country should not be used as a sanctuary for wanted criminals," Ledesma said as he vowed to pursue without letup the campaign against foreign fugitives.
He said the bureau will continue working with the Interpol and other foreign missions in Manila to track down alien fugitives believed to be hiding in the country.
BI Intelligence chief Faisal Hussin attributed the successful drive against fugitives to Ledesma’s move of beefing up the manpower and resources of the bureau’s Interpol unit by adding at least six intelligence operatives.
The unit was also placed under his direct supervision. It was previously under the office of the commissioner.
An team led by BI intelligence officer Jerome Gabionza was also created within the unit for case buildup, surveillance, and arrest of fugitives. – (report from KBK/VS, GMANews.TV)
Missing Vizconde accused not fictional, says De Lima
MANILA, Philippines—One of the two missing accused in the Vizconde massacre case is not fictional after all.
Justice Secretary Leila De Lima confirmed that they already received information that Joey Filart is in the United States.
“I have ordered the NBI to verify his whereabouts. We are studying his possible extradition,” De Lima said.
Lawyer Jose Flaminiano said that they have made several verifications on the identity of Filart and they have concluded that he does not exist.
“Now we know that he is a real person, it means there are still supposed participants in the crime,” De Lima said.
While the NBI still has no information on the other missing accused Artemio “Dong” Ventura, De Lima said “we want to know why these two had to flee and why were there no efforts to track them down.”
She said the Supreme Court’s decision of acquittal only applies to Hubert Webb, Antonio Lejano II, Michael Gatchalian, Miguel Rodriguez, Peter Estrada, Hospicio “Pyke” Fernandez and Gerardo Biong. (report from Tetch Torres, Inquirer.net)
Justice Secretary Leila De Lima confirmed that they already received information that Joey Filart is in the United States.
“I have ordered the NBI to verify his whereabouts. We are studying his possible extradition,” De Lima said.
Lawyer Jose Flaminiano said that they have made several verifications on the identity of Filart and they have concluded that he does not exist.
“Now we know that he is a real person, it means there are still supposed participants in the crime,” De Lima said.
While the NBI still has no information on the other missing accused Artemio “Dong” Ventura, De Lima said “we want to know why these two had to flee and why were there no efforts to track them down.”
She said the Supreme Court’s decision of acquittal only applies to Hubert Webb, Antonio Lejano II, Michael Gatchalian, Miguel Rodriguez, Peter Estrada, Hospicio “Pyke” Fernandez and Gerardo Biong. (report from Tetch Torres, Inquirer.net)
Says House Leader Gonzales: Congress will punish lawmaker Singson over HK drug case
MANILA, Philippines—The House of Representatives will punish Ilocos Sur Representative Ronald Singson whether he pleads guilty to drug trafficking or to a lesser offense of drug possession, a leader of the chamber said Tuesday.
“Under the Constitution, disorderly behavior by a member of Congress is a ground for either suspension or expulsion, and in the case of Congressman Singson, if he pleads guilty to either trafficking or drug possession, it is still disorderly behavior and we will act accordingly,” Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II said in a phone interview.
In a Radyo Inquirer interview Tuesday, Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson, the lawmaker’s father, said that his son might plead guilty to the lesser offense of drug possession although elder Singson maintained that the lawmaker was innocent.
Gonzales said that the guilty plea to drug possession might be a way to reduce Singson’s sentence and pave the way for his eventual deportation to the country, but this would not absolve him from undergoing proceedings by the ethics committee for disorderly behavior.
The 1987 Constitution empowers the Senate and the House to each “determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its members for disorderly behavior, and with the concurrence of two-thirds of all its members, suspend or expel a member. A penalty of suspension, when imposed, shall not exceed 60 days.”
The House itself considers disorderly behavior to be any of the following: a violation of a law; a violation of any rule or regulation of the House relating to the conduct of any individual in the performance of his or her duty as a member of the House; or improper conduct engaged in by a member that may reflect upon the House from the moment he or she takes his or her oath.
Singson, 42, was arrested at the Hong Kong airport last July after he was found to be allegedly carrying 26 grams of cocaine in his luggage. He is out on bail but cannot leave the Chinese territory.
Singson’s trial in Hong Kong will resume on January 26.
Gonzales said the action of the chamber on Singson’s case would depend on the outcome of the hearing, and if he would plead guilty or not.
“It’s better if this case will be decided immediately because the longer the case drags, the House as an institution will be the loser in the eyes of the public,” he said. (report from Lira Dalangin-Fernandez, Inquirer.net)
“Under the Constitution, disorderly behavior by a member of Congress is a ground for either suspension or expulsion, and in the case of Congressman Singson, if he pleads guilty to either trafficking or drug possession, it is still disorderly behavior and we will act accordingly,” Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II said in a phone interview.
In a Radyo Inquirer interview Tuesday, Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson, the lawmaker’s father, said that his son might plead guilty to the lesser offense of drug possession although elder Singson maintained that the lawmaker was innocent.
Gonzales said that the guilty plea to drug possession might be a way to reduce Singson’s sentence and pave the way for his eventual deportation to the country, but this would not absolve him from undergoing proceedings by the ethics committee for disorderly behavior.
The 1987 Constitution empowers the Senate and the House to each “determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its members for disorderly behavior, and with the concurrence of two-thirds of all its members, suspend or expel a member. A penalty of suspension, when imposed, shall not exceed 60 days.”
The House itself considers disorderly behavior to be any of the following: a violation of a law; a violation of any rule or regulation of the House relating to the conduct of any individual in the performance of his or her duty as a member of the House; or improper conduct engaged in by a member that may reflect upon the House from the moment he or she takes his or her oath.
Singson, 42, was arrested at the Hong Kong airport last July after he was found to be allegedly carrying 26 grams of cocaine in his luggage. He is out on bail but cannot leave the Chinese territory.
Singson’s trial in Hong Kong will resume on January 26.
Gonzales said the action of the chamber on Singson’s case would depend on the outcome of the hearing, and if he would plead guilty or not.
“It’s better if this case will be decided immediately because the longer the case drags, the House as an institution will be the loser in the eyes of the public,” he said. (report from Lira Dalangin-Fernandez, Inquirer.net)
Death toll from Butuan rains rises to 12
MANILA, Philippines (AFP) – The death toll from landslides and floods in the Philippines rose to 12 on Tuesday as more areas were inundated, officials said.
The southern city of Butuan was swamped and thousands of residents of nearby areas fled to evacuation centres, said regional civil defence chief Blanche Gobenciong.
"This is the worst flooding in 10 years. Butuan City usually does not get flooded because it is protected by a viaduct but this time, it really got hit. The whole of Butuan City is flooded," she told AFP.
"Even the areas previously not touched by floods were affected," she said of the city of 270,000 people.
Rescuers have retrieved the bodies of two gold panners who were caught in a landslide on the outskirts of Butuan, said Gobenciong.
About 4,400 people in Butuan and nearby areas were evacuated, she added.
Ten other people have drowned or been killed by landslides elsewhere since heavy rains began on December 29, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said in its latest bulletin.
Almost 8,000 people remained in government evacuation centres across the country, it added.
At least two other people are also reported missing due to landslides, said the government and the Philippine Red Cross.
Cold air from northeast Asia coming into contact with warmer air in the tropical country have helped cause the heavy rains.
The storms have eased slightly, allowing government agencies to dispatch heavy equipment to clear roads that have been blocked by landslides, said Gobenciong. (report from Manila Bulletin)
The southern city of Butuan was swamped and thousands of residents of nearby areas fled to evacuation centres, said regional civil defence chief Blanche Gobenciong.
"This is the worst flooding in 10 years. Butuan City usually does not get flooded because it is protected by a viaduct but this time, it really got hit. The whole of Butuan City is flooded," she told AFP.
"Even the areas previously not touched by floods were affected," she said of the city of 270,000 people.
Rescuers have retrieved the bodies of two gold panners who were caught in a landslide on the outskirts of Butuan, said Gobenciong.
About 4,400 people in Butuan and nearby areas were evacuated, she added.
Ten other people have drowned or been killed by landslides elsewhere since heavy rains began on December 29, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said in its latest bulletin.
Almost 8,000 people remained in government evacuation centres across the country, it added.
At least two other people are also reported missing due to landslides, said the government and the Philippine Red Cross.
Cold air from northeast Asia coming into contact with warmer air in the tropical country have helped cause the heavy rains.
The storms have eased slightly, allowing government agencies to dispatch heavy equipment to clear roads that have been blocked by landslides, said Gobenciong. (report from Manila Bulletin)
Trillanes to apply for amnesty Wednesday — Aquino
MANILA, Philippines (GMANews.tv) - Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, one of the leaders in a number of military uprisings against the Arroyo administration, will apply for amnesty on Wednesday, President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III said Tuesday.
At a press briefing at the Navy headquarters in Manila, Aquino said Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin informed him of Trillanes' intention to file on Wednesday his application for amnesty.
"The SND (Secretary of National Defense) just informed me that Senator Trillanes will be applying tomorrow (Wednesday)," Aquino said.
In a text message to GMANews.TV, Trillanes' lawyer Rey Robles confirmed that the former Navy officer indeed plans to apply for amnesty this week but he refused to specify what day.
"All I can tell you now is that he plans to apply for amnesty during the next few days," Robles said.
He added that he will just inform the media once their camp formally files the senator's application.
Trillanes will apply for amnesty even though the amnesty's implementing rules and regulations (IRR) requires applicants to admit that they violated the 1987 Constitution, criminal laws and the Articles of War.
Aquino’s Proclamation 75, which Congress approved, provides for the granting of amnesty to active and former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel and their supporters who figured in the July 2003 Oakwood mutiny, the February 2006 Marines standoff, and the November 2007 Manila Peninsula Hotel siege.
The IRR requires applicants to personally file their application forms with the DND amnesty committee through its secretary within 90 days upon the publication of Proclamation 75 and its IRR.
Oakwood mutiny
While he was a Navy officer, Trillanes was one of those who led the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny. He was detained after joining more than 300 soldiers in seizing the Oakwood Premiere Hotel (now Ascott) in Makati City demanding the resignation of, among others, then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, whom they accused of corruption.
In the May 2007 elections, Trillanes was elected to the Senate as guest candidate for the opposition. He became the first Philippine senator to be elected while in detention.
Aquino was also elected senator that year, after spending nine years as member of the House of Representatives.
On Nov. 29, 2007, Trillanes, Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, Capt. Nicanor Faeldon and other Magdalo officials walked out of their trial and marched through the streets of Makati City, calling for the ouster of Mrs. Arroyo. They then headed to The Peninsula Manila Hotel at corner Ayala Avenue and Makati Avenue in Makati and seized its second floor.
The siege ended when government troops forced their way into the hotel and arrested Trillanes and Lim – Faeldon evaded arrest, but he eventually yielded to authorities in July last year.
The Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 148 under Judge Oscar Pimentel granted Trillanes temporary release primarily because of Aquino's amnesty proclamation.
He is currently under the custody of the Senate. — (report from Jam Sisante with Kim Tan/RSJ/KBK, GMANews.TV)
At a press briefing at the Navy headquarters in Manila, Aquino said Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin informed him of Trillanes' intention to file on Wednesday his application for amnesty.
"The SND (Secretary of National Defense) just informed me that Senator Trillanes will be applying tomorrow (Wednesday)," Aquino said.
In a text message to GMANews.TV, Trillanes' lawyer Rey Robles confirmed that the former Navy officer indeed plans to apply for amnesty this week but he refused to specify what day.
"All I can tell you now is that he plans to apply for amnesty during the next few days," Robles said.
He added that he will just inform the media once their camp formally files the senator's application.
Trillanes will apply for amnesty even though the amnesty's implementing rules and regulations (IRR) requires applicants to admit that they violated the 1987 Constitution, criminal laws and the Articles of War.
Aquino’s Proclamation 75, which Congress approved, provides for the granting of amnesty to active and former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel and their supporters who figured in the July 2003 Oakwood mutiny, the February 2006 Marines standoff, and the November 2007 Manila Peninsula Hotel siege.
The IRR requires applicants to personally file their application forms with the DND amnesty committee through its secretary within 90 days upon the publication of Proclamation 75 and its IRR.
Oakwood mutiny
While he was a Navy officer, Trillanes was one of those who led the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny. He was detained after joining more than 300 soldiers in seizing the Oakwood Premiere Hotel (now Ascott) in Makati City demanding the resignation of, among others, then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, whom they accused of corruption.
In the May 2007 elections, Trillanes was elected to the Senate as guest candidate for the opposition. He became the first Philippine senator to be elected while in detention.
Aquino was also elected senator that year, after spending nine years as member of the House of Representatives.
On Nov. 29, 2007, Trillanes, Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, Capt. Nicanor Faeldon and other Magdalo officials walked out of their trial and marched through the streets of Makati City, calling for the ouster of Mrs. Arroyo. They then headed to The Peninsula Manila Hotel at corner Ayala Avenue and Makati Avenue in Makati and seized its second floor.
The siege ended when government troops forced their way into the hotel and arrested Trillanes and Lim – Faeldon evaded arrest, but he eventually yielded to authorities in July last year.
The Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 148 under Judge Oscar Pimentel granted Trillanes temporary release primarily because of Aquino's amnesty proclamation.
He is currently under the custody of the Senate. — (report from Jam Sisante with Kim Tan/RSJ/KBK, GMANews.TV)
Caloocan councilman catches his killer on camera
MANILA, Philippines (AP) – Police in the Philippines investigating a shooting death of a barangay councilman in Caloocan on New Year's Day did not have to look further than the last photograph the victim took.
The picture taken outside the councilman's house in metropolitan Manila clearly shows a man aiming his gun from behind the victim's smiling three-member family.
Police say Councilman Reynaldo Dagsa was shot seconds later and died of wounds. His family gave police the photo, which ran on the Philippine Daily Inquirer's front page Tuesday.
Caloocan city police chief Jude Santos says a man identified in the picture was arrested Monday. Police say he is a suspected car thief who was out on bail and likely sought revenge against Dagsa for ordering his arrest last year. (report from Philstar.com)
The picture taken outside the councilman's house in metropolitan Manila clearly shows a man aiming his gun from behind the victim's smiling three-member family.
Police say Councilman Reynaldo Dagsa was shot seconds later and died of wounds. His family gave police the photo, which ran on the Philippine Daily Inquirer's front page Tuesday.
Caloocan city police chief Jude Santos says a man identified in the picture was arrested Monday. Police say he is a suspected car thief who was out on bail and likely sought revenge against Dagsa for ordering his arrest last year. (report from Philstar.com)
Armed men rob EastWest branch in Iloilo City
MANILA, Philippines (ABS-CBN News) - Armed men carted away an undetermined amount of cash from a bank in Iloilo City, Monday night.
Police said that the robbery gang breached the EastWest Bank branch at the corner of Fuentes and Ledesma streets around 6 p.m..
Investigators said that the robbers gained access to the bank by using a woman.
Police said that while the woman was acting as an innocent ATM user asking a security guard how to use the machine, a balaclava-wearing gunman forcibly entered the bank.
Other members of the gang entered the bank and took money from the tellers in just 5 minutes. The robbers shot and wounded a female bank teller while collecting the money.
Police said that the suspects are professional robbers.
Bank authorities have yet to declare how much money was taken by the robbers.
Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said he has given the police a 48-hour deadline to identify and arrest the bank robbers. -- Report from John Fernandez, ABS-CBN Iloilo
Police said that the robbery gang breached the EastWest Bank branch at the corner of Fuentes and Ledesma streets around 6 p.m..
Investigators said that the robbers gained access to the bank by using a woman.
Police said that while the woman was acting as an innocent ATM user asking a security guard how to use the machine, a balaclava-wearing gunman forcibly entered the bank.
Other members of the gang entered the bank and took money from the tellers in just 5 minutes. The robbers shot and wounded a female bank teller while collecting the money.
Police said that the suspects are professional robbers.
Bank authorities have yet to declare how much money was taken by the robbers.
Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said he has given the police a 48-hour deadline to identify and arrest the bank robbers. -- Report from John Fernandez, ABS-CBN Iloilo
MMDA resumes sidewalk clearing operations after holidays lull
MANILA, Philippines (Philstar.com) – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) resumed today its sidewalk clearing operations in the metropolis, driving away more than 750 vendors that have been obstructing traffic flow.
After the holidays, MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino directed Undersecretary Alex Cabanilla to lead a contingent of anti-illegal vendor unit in clearing the sidewalks of Balintawak Market in Edsa, Quezon City, and the Edsa-Taft area in Pasay City during simultaneous operations that started at dawn.
“We have given the sidewalk vendors until January 2, and this not extendable. They now have to go,” Tolentino said.
He said the vendors and the local government units (LGUs) were given prior notice, true to the agency’s advocacy of “discipline with compassion” in dealing with the sidewalk vendors.
“We are grateful to the LGUs for supporting us in this campaign. This only goes to show that violence and untoward incidents can be prevented if all the concerned sectors are working together,” Tolentino said.
The agency also targeted Baclaran but the city government of Parañaque asked the MMDA to postpone the clearing operation in the area until Jan. 7.
Tolentino said he hopes to delegate the sidewalk clearing operations to the concerned LGUs, instead of the MMDA.
This week, the MMDA will be conducting similar clearing operations along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City, particularly in pedestrian footbridges that have been occupied by illegal vendors.
Tolentino said all these operations will be coordinated with and will have the active participation of the LGUs.
MMDA suspended sidewalk clearing operations last month to give vendors the opportunity to earn a living during the Christmas. The reprieve, however, was only for those who do not obstruct vehicular and pedestrian traffic. (report from Dennis Carcamo, Philstar.com)
After the holidays, MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino directed Undersecretary Alex Cabanilla to lead a contingent of anti-illegal vendor unit in clearing the sidewalks of Balintawak Market in Edsa, Quezon City, and the Edsa-Taft area in Pasay City during simultaneous operations that started at dawn.
“We have given the sidewalk vendors until January 2, and this not extendable. They now have to go,” Tolentino said.
He said the vendors and the local government units (LGUs) were given prior notice, true to the agency’s advocacy of “discipline with compassion” in dealing with the sidewalk vendors.
“We are grateful to the LGUs for supporting us in this campaign. This only goes to show that violence and untoward incidents can be prevented if all the concerned sectors are working together,” Tolentino said.
The agency also targeted Baclaran but the city government of Parañaque asked the MMDA to postpone the clearing operation in the area until Jan. 7.
Tolentino said he hopes to delegate the sidewalk clearing operations to the concerned LGUs, instead of the MMDA.
This week, the MMDA will be conducting similar clearing operations along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City, particularly in pedestrian footbridges that have been occupied by illegal vendors.
Tolentino said all these operations will be coordinated with and will have the active participation of the LGUs.
MMDA suspended sidewalk clearing operations last month to give vendors the opportunity to earn a living during the Christmas. The reprieve, however, was only for those who do not obstruct vehicular and pedestrian traffic. (report from Dennis Carcamo, Philstar.com)
Monday, January 3, 2011
6,000 families in Maguindanao hit by flashfloods
MANILA, Philippines (ABS-CBN News) – An estimated 6,000 households from 2 towns of Maguindanao province were affected by flashfloods Sunday evening after heavy rains.
Residents of 8 barangays in Talayan town and 2 barangays in Datu Anggal Midtimbang town were affected.
Villages hit by floodwaters in Talayan are Lantog, Tamar, Pukol, Marader, Tambunan One, North and South Binangga, Katibpuan, Dama Black, and Liraminan.
The 2 barangays affected by the floodwaters in Datu Anggal Midtimbang are Nanangan and Tugal.
Residents were evacuated to Tambunan Central School and Talayan National High School. They returned to their homes when the water level receded.
Alimama Nhor, secretary to the mayor of Talayan, said floodwaters rose around 10 p.m. after a heavy rainfall around 3 p.m..
Talayan officials have yet to determine the total worth of damaged properties.
Residents of 8 barangays in Talayan town and 2 barangays in Datu Anggal Midtimbang town were affected.
Villages hit by floodwaters in Talayan are Lantog, Tamar, Pukol, Marader, Tambunan One, North and South Binangga, Katibpuan, Dama Black, and Liraminan.
The 2 barangays affected by the floodwaters in Datu Anggal Midtimbang are Nanangan and Tugal.
Residents were evacuated to Tambunan Central School and Talayan National High School. They returned to their homes when the water level receded.
Alimama Nhor, secretary to the mayor of Talayan, said floodwaters rose around 10 p.m. after a heavy rainfall around 3 p.m..
Talayan officials have yet to determine the total worth of damaged properties.
Mosley seen as underdog despite reach, height advantage over Pacquiao
MANILA, Philippines -- Will Shane Mosley be the next member of Manny Pacquiao’s lucky loser club?
The answer will be known on May 7 when they tangle at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.
A former three-division world champion, Mosley has been tagged a huge 1-9 underdog despite his reach, height and weight advantage over the eight-division champion and pound-for-pound king Pacquiao.
At 39, Mosley said he still had the tools to snap Pacquiao’s string of 12 victories since 2006 and avoid joining Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto, Joshua Clottey and Antonio Margarito in the lengthening row of the Filipino’s famous victims.
Although both were already well-off when they fought Pacquiao, De La Hoya and Hatton ended up with substantial retirement pays after their knockout defeats.
Cotto suffered the same fate, but lasted up to the 12th round, when the referee stopped the lopsided bout.
Clottey and Margarito drew the biggest paycheck of their ring careers for going the distance with Pacquiao.
The 5-foot-9 Mosley, who lost to Floyd Mayweather Jr. and drew with Sergio Mora in his last two fights, will be the rangiest fighter Pacquiao will face. The American’s 74-inch reach is nearly seven inches longer than the 66 1/2 of the 5-6 Pacquiao.
Mosley has also fought five times at 154 pounds, while Pacquiao has never climbed the ring heavier than 149.
Mosley is guaranteed $5 million plus a share of the pay-per-view revenues. Pacquiao is assured of at least $15 million. (report from Roy Luarca, Inquirer Sports)
The answer will be known on May 7 when they tangle at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.
A former three-division world champion, Mosley has been tagged a huge 1-9 underdog despite his reach, height and weight advantage over the eight-division champion and pound-for-pound king Pacquiao.
At 39, Mosley said he still had the tools to snap Pacquiao’s string of 12 victories since 2006 and avoid joining Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto, Joshua Clottey and Antonio Margarito in the lengthening row of the Filipino’s famous victims.
Although both were already well-off when they fought Pacquiao, De La Hoya and Hatton ended up with substantial retirement pays after their knockout defeats.
Cotto suffered the same fate, but lasted up to the 12th round, when the referee stopped the lopsided bout.
Clottey and Margarito drew the biggest paycheck of their ring careers for going the distance with Pacquiao.
The 5-foot-9 Mosley, who lost to Floyd Mayweather Jr. and drew with Sergio Mora in his last two fights, will be the rangiest fighter Pacquiao will face. The American’s 74-inch reach is nearly seven inches longer than the 66 1/2 of the 5-6 Pacquiao.
Mosley has also fought five times at 154 pounds, while Pacquiao has never climbed the ring heavier than 149.
Mosley is guaranteed $5 million plus a share of the pay-per-view revenues. Pacquiao is assured of at least $15 million. (report from Roy Luarca, Inquirer Sports)
Drug test on all public officials being pushed
MANILA, Philippines – The drug case in Hong Kong involving Ilocos Sur Representative Ronald Singson has prompted his colleagues to call for a drug test on all public officials, saying they should be at the forefront of the campaign against illegal drugs.
Iloilo Representative Niel Tupas Jr. and Marikina Representative Romero Federico Quimbo urged the leadership of the chamber to use “moral suasion” in asking the House members to submit themselves to drug test.
“I favor drug test for lawmakers and all public officers. Government should be role models and should be in the forefront in the campaign against illegal drugs,” Tupas, chairman of the justice committee and vice chairman of the ethics committee said.
Quimbo added that while a mandatory test may be argued as contrary to the Constitution, “the House leadership can exercise moral suasion for all members to voluntarily submit to a drug test. Our people expect its congressmen to be sober and drug-free.”
In November during the celebration of the Drug Abuse Prevention week, only 18 out of the 283 House members submitted themselves to the voluntary drug test organized by the committee on dangerous drugs.
Singson, 42, was arrested at the Hong Kong airport last July after he was found to be allegedly carrying 26 grams of cocaine in his luggage. He is free on bail but cannot leave the Chinese territory.
Singson’s father, Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson, had said that his son would plead guilty to the lesser offense of cocaine possession when his trial resumes in Hong Kong on January 26.
This was contrary to a statement by the congressman’s lawyer, John Reading, who was quoted to have said that his client may plead guilty to trafficking charges, after prosecutors refused a plea bargain offer to plead guilty to the lesser charge of drug possession. The prosecution maintained that Ronald Singson was importing the drug into Hong Kong.
Trafficking a dangerous drug carries the maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a fine of HK$5 million ($643,000). Lawmakers said Singson should voluntary resign his post if found guilty by the Hong Kong court, but they added that any such move should come after the court conviction.
“Before the House can take such a serious move of expelling a member of Congress, there should be first a basis for the expulsion and that is the conviction by the court,” Muntinlupa Representative Rodolfo Biazon, member of the ethics committee, said.
Biazon said he is considering filing a resolution to amend the House rules so that there will be no more need for deliberation and voting on a member convicted for a criminal offense.
“He should be expelled automatically,” he added.
Zambales Representative Ma. Milagros Magsaysay said the House is on a wait-and-see attitude on Singson’s case.
“The verdict will determine whether we still need a hearing or not. A guilty verdict will seal Congressman Singson’s fate in the lower House,” she said in a text message.
Quezon City Representative Winston Castelo said Congress should not encourage violation of laws. However, he added that the issue of resignation before the outcome of the trial should be done on a personal basis.
Quimbo said that if found guilty, Singson immediately resign and “spare the rest of the institution from being dragged down for something it has no involvement in.” (report from Lira Dalangin-Fernandez, Inquirer.net)
Iloilo Representative Niel Tupas Jr. and Marikina Representative Romero Federico Quimbo urged the leadership of the chamber to use “moral suasion” in asking the House members to submit themselves to drug test.
“I favor drug test for lawmakers and all public officers. Government should be role models and should be in the forefront in the campaign against illegal drugs,” Tupas, chairman of the justice committee and vice chairman of the ethics committee said.
Quimbo added that while a mandatory test may be argued as contrary to the Constitution, “the House leadership can exercise moral suasion for all members to voluntarily submit to a drug test. Our people expect its congressmen to be sober and drug-free.”
In November during the celebration of the Drug Abuse Prevention week, only 18 out of the 283 House members submitted themselves to the voluntary drug test organized by the committee on dangerous drugs.
Singson, 42, was arrested at the Hong Kong airport last July after he was found to be allegedly carrying 26 grams of cocaine in his luggage. He is free on bail but cannot leave the Chinese territory.
Singson’s father, Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson, had said that his son would plead guilty to the lesser offense of cocaine possession when his trial resumes in Hong Kong on January 26.
This was contrary to a statement by the congressman’s lawyer, John Reading, who was quoted to have said that his client may plead guilty to trafficking charges, after prosecutors refused a plea bargain offer to plead guilty to the lesser charge of drug possession. The prosecution maintained that Ronald Singson was importing the drug into Hong Kong.
Trafficking a dangerous drug carries the maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a fine of HK$5 million ($643,000). Lawmakers said Singson should voluntary resign his post if found guilty by the Hong Kong court, but they added that any such move should come after the court conviction.
“Before the House can take such a serious move of expelling a member of Congress, there should be first a basis for the expulsion and that is the conviction by the court,” Muntinlupa Representative Rodolfo Biazon, member of the ethics committee, said.
Biazon said he is considering filing a resolution to amend the House rules so that there will be no more need for deliberation and voting on a member convicted for a criminal offense.
“He should be expelled automatically,” he added.
Zambales Representative Ma. Milagros Magsaysay said the House is on a wait-and-see attitude on Singson’s case.
“The verdict will determine whether we still need a hearing or not. A guilty verdict will seal Congressman Singson’s fate in the lower House,” she said in a text message.
Quezon City Representative Winston Castelo said Congress should not encourage violation of laws. However, he added that the issue of resignation before the outcome of the trial should be done on a personal basis.
Quimbo said that if found guilty, Singson immediately resign and “spare the rest of the institution from being dragged down for something it has no involvement in.” (report from Lira Dalangin-Fernandez, Inquirer.net)
Senate bill seeks to declare Chinese New Year a holiday
MANILA, Philippines—A senator is seeking the immediate passage of a bill declaring Chinese New Year a special working holiday as a sign of “goodwill and amity” to China. Chinese New Year falls on February 3 this year.
Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada filed Senate Bill No. 550 in recognition of the “immeasurable contribution” of the Chinese-Filipino community in the country and to further strengthen Philippine-Chinese relations.
“The Chinese-Filipino community has always been one of the largest ethnic Filipino groups in the country comprising an estimated 22 percent of total population. They have made significant contributions in the form of investments, employment generation, community service, trade, volunteerism and socio-economic programs,” Estrada said in his explanatory note in the bill.
The Chinese-Filipino presence in the country, he said, has not only contributed to economic and trade relations between the Philippines and China but also with other Asian neighbors, bringing about an influx of investments and tourists into the country.
Estrada also pointed out that the various Chinese-Filipino businesses have been providing employment to the country's booming labor force.
“Their economic contribution, thus, cannot be quantified in terms of monetary benefits alone,” said the senator.
By declaring the day when Chinese New Year falls as a special working holiday, Estrada said the Philippines would be enhancing “the mutually beneficial relations between us and furthering the amity between our two nations.”
“In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought,” he added. (report by Maila Ager, Inquirer.net)
Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada filed Senate Bill No. 550 in recognition of the “immeasurable contribution” of the Chinese-Filipino community in the country and to further strengthen Philippine-Chinese relations.
“The Chinese-Filipino community has always been one of the largest ethnic Filipino groups in the country comprising an estimated 22 percent of total population. They have made significant contributions in the form of investments, employment generation, community service, trade, volunteerism and socio-economic programs,” Estrada said in his explanatory note in the bill.
The Chinese-Filipino presence in the country, he said, has not only contributed to economic and trade relations between the Philippines and China but also with other Asian neighbors, bringing about an influx of investments and tourists into the country.
Estrada also pointed out that the various Chinese-Filipino businesses have been providing employment to the country's booming labor force.
“Their economic contribution, thus, cannot be quantified in terms of monetary benefits alone,” said the senator.
By declaring the day when Chinese New Year falls as a special working holiday, Estrada said the Philippines would be enhancing “the mutually beneficial relations between us and furthering the amity between our two nations.”
“In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought,” he added. (report by Maila Ager, Inquirer.net)
Visayas, parts of Mindanao told to brace for floods, slides ‘til Thursday
MANILA, Philippines—The weather bureau has warned local government units (LGUs) in the Visayas and northeast and central Mindanao to brace for floods and landslides until Thursday due to abnormally heavy rainfall in these areas.
Graciano Yumul Jr., officer in charge of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said they had alerted the LGUs in concerned provinces against flash floods and landslides because of the heavy rains produced by the tail end of the cold front.
“The rain band stretches from Southern Leyte to Misamis Oriental. The tailend of the cold front is expected to move up to Bicol on Thursday,” he said.
Based on the agency's hydrometeorology department advisory issued on Monday morning, the Bicol and central and western Visayas regions will experience light to moderate rains in the next 24 hours.
On the other hand, moderate to occasionally heavy rains will be dumped in Caraga and eastern Visayas, the report said.
The weather bureau said it has zeroed in on the Caraga region, which has been experiencing the heaviest downpour compared with Bicol and the Visayas. Caraga is composed of Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte and Dinagat Island.
“We are guarding the whole Caraga region and we are extending it to Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon,” Yumul said. He added that the Agusan River, a major tributary in the area, has become “extremely swollen” and has “overflowed” in some places.
According to Pagasa's advisory, the rivers and streams that will be affected by the rains in the Caraga regions are Cantillan, Tandag, Tago, Hinatuan, Actul, Caraga, Bislig, Gaas Lulet, and Surigao River.
In the Agusan provinces, Pagasa said it has been keeping watch over the Agusan River and its tributaries like Ojot, Wawa, Andanan, Libang, Maosam, Gibong. Adgaoan and Simulao.
Residents near these areas and on mountain slopes have been ordered to evacuate to secure places, Yumul said.
The government of Surigao del Sur has put some towns on Alert 1, which means that the residents have been notified to prepare for evacuation. In Agusan del Sur, some villages near the river have been evacuated.
While these regions usually got rains during this time of the year, the present rain band that hovers above it contains much more water than usual, Yumul said. “I will not be surprised if the rainfall is twice than normal,” he noted.
Yumul said the abnormal rainfall could have been aggravated by the La Niña phenomenon, which the Philippines will experience until May. Pagasa has warned that the peak of the La Niña episode in the country will be felt during the months of January and February.
The La Niña phenomenon refers to the abnormal cooling of ocean surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific. In the Philippines, the La Niña season is characterized by heavier rains than usual.
The Philippines, he said, has not been the only country experiencing heavy rains. The current atmosphere contains much more water than usual, Yumul said, pointing out the heavy snows in the northern hemisphere and the rains that caused floods in Australia. (report by Kristine Alave, Philippine Daily Inquirer)
Graciano Yumul Jr., officer in charge of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said they had alerted the LGUs in concerned provinces against flash floods and landslides because of the heavy rains produced by the tail end of the cold front.
“The rain band stretches from Southern Leyte to Misamis Oriental. The tailend of the cold front is expected to move up to Bicol on Thursday,” he said.
Based on the agency's hydrometeorology department advisory issued on Monday morning, the Bicol and central and western Visayas regions will experience light to moderate rains in the next 24 hours.
On the other hand, moderate to occasionally heavy rains will be dumped in Caraga and eastern Visayas, the report said.
The weather bureau said it has zeroed in on the Caraga region, which has been experiencing the heaviest downpour compared with Bicol and the Visayas. Caraga is composed of Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte and Dinagat Island.
“We are guarding the whole Caraga region and we are extending it to Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon,” Yumul said. He added that the Agusan River, a major tributary in the area, has become “extremely swollen” and has “overflowed” in some places.
According to Pagasa's advisory, the rivers and streams that will be affected by the rains in the Caraga regions are Cantillan, Tandag, Tago, Hinatuan, Actul, Caraga, Bislig, Gaas Lulet, and Surigao River.
In the Agusan provinces, Pagasa said it has been keeping watch over the Agusan River and its tributaries like Ojot, Wawa, Andanan, Libang, Maosam, Gibong. Adgaoan and Simulao.
Residents near these areas and on mountain slopes have been ordered to evacuate to secure places, Yumul said.
The government of Surigao del Sur has put some towns on Alert 1, which means that the residents have been notified to prepare for evacuation. In Agusan del Sur, some villages near the river have been evacuated.
While these regions usually got rains during this time of the year, the present rain band that hovers above it contains much more water than usual, Yumul said. “I will not be surprised if the rainfall is twice than normal,” he noted.
Yumul said the abnormal rainfall could have been aggravated by the La Niña phenomenon, which the Philippines will experience until May. Pagasa has warned that the peak of the La Niña episode in the country will be felt during the months of January and February.
The La Niña phenomenon refers to the abnormal cooling of ocean surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific. In the Philippines, the La Niña season is characterized by heavier rains than usual.
The Philippines, he said, has not been the only country experiencing heavy rains. The current atmosphere contains much more water than usual, Yumul said, pointing out the heavy snows in the northern hemisphere and the rains that caused floods in Australia. (report by Kristine Alave, Philippine Daily Inquirer)
Woman killed, 3 kids missing in Compostela Valley rains
TAGUM CITY, Philippines—A woman was killed and three children were missing when a landslide and flashfloods wrought by torrential rains hit Compostela Valley, police and local officials said on Monday.
About 58 families were also evacuated to safer ground as the Agusan river burst its banks, inundating rice lands and banana plantations in Monkayo and Compostela towns, according to Senior Superintendent Aaron Aquino, provincial police, chief.
Aquino told the Philippine Daily Inquirer by phone that a landslide occurred in the gold-rich Mt. Diwalwal village in Monkayo town Sunday night, burying a house and its occupant, Apolinaria Poras, 60.
Her body was retrieved by rescuers several hours later.
Aquino said search operations were continuing to locate three girls who went missing while playing along the swollen banks of a stream in Purok (zone) 1-A, also in Mt. Diwalwal.
Aquino identified the missing children as Lyn-lyn Arado, 8; and Angel Lague, 8 and her younger sister Rowena, 6.
The affected families in Compostela and Monkayo were temporarily housed at the towns’ respective gymnasiums while local authorities have already provided assistance to the victims, Aquino said. (report from Frinston Lim)
About 58 families were also evacuated to safer ground as the Agusan river burst its banks, inundating rice lands and banana plantations in Monkayo and Compostela towns, according to Senior Superintendent Aaron Aquino, provincial police, chief.
Aquino told the Philippine Daily Inquirer by phone that a landslide occurred in the gold-rich Mt. Diwalwal village in Monkayo town Sunday night, burying a house and its occupant, Apolinaria Poras, 60.
Her body was retrieved by rescuers several hours later.
Aquino said search operations were continuing to locate three girls who went missing while playing along the swollen banks of a stream in Purok (zone) 1-A, also in Mt. Diwalwal.
Aquino identified the missing children as Lyn-lyn Arado, 8; and Angel Lague, 8 and her younger sister Rowena, 6.
The affected families in Compostela and Monkayo were temporarily housed at the towns’ respective gymnasiums while local authorities have already provided assistance to the victims, Aquino said. (report from Frinston Lim)
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