PANGASINAN, Philippines - Triplets born to a former overseas Filipino worker (OFW) received an overwhelming welcome at a hospital in Alaminos City.
Marie Catherine Casino said her daughters Baby Cayllie Alessandra, Catelyn Adrielle and Claire Adellaine caught the attention of hospital staff at the Western Pangasinan District Hospital.
Casino said the babies were monozygotic or grew inside one placenta. Two out of 7,000 births have this kind of condition.
The babies were born premature through caesarean section last February 9.
While they consider the birth of their triplets as triple blessings, Casino and her husband could not help but worry about their future after they were both laid off from work in Dubai.
The City Government of Alaminos immediately extended assistance to the couple by shouldering their hospital expenses. (report from Cris Zuñiga, ABS-CBN Central Luzon)
Friday, February 18, 2011
MMDA OKs transformed metro by 2016
MANILA, Philippines - Metro Manila is up for a major transformation as proposed by mayors and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in a meeting at Malacañang on Thursday.
The MMDA said that the agency and the 17 mayors agreed to "an extensive physical redevelopment" through an urban renewal program that will run until 2016.
A committee headed by the MMDA was initially formed during the meeting. The committee will formulate a 6-year master plan for the renewal program.
"We want to create a world-class, vibrant, safe and healthy metropolis by 2016 by implementing short- and medium-term programs. This we will do with the mayors as our active partners," MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said.
Tolentino said that the program aims to turn Metro Manila in to “world-class economic hub” similar to metropolitan areas in its neighboring countries in Asia.
"We have to revitalize our central business districts, create better, safer roads, a land-and-rail mass transportation system, and other major face-lifting endeavors to address Metro Manila's rapid urban decay," he said.
Tolentino said that the MMDA presented during the meeting its proposed short- and medium-term urban renewal projects, which has been proposed to be funded by the Office of the President and joint funds from the 17 local governments of the capital region.
Part of the short-term projects are the installation of modern traffic signal lights, additional closed-circuit television cameras, "safer" roads, walkways and parks.
The MMDA said that the short-term projects should be finished in 2 years.
Also part of the short-term goal is the improvement of airports' facade and development of tourism corridors and sites in the metropolis.
Under the medium-term project, which should be completed in 2 to 5 years, is the improvement of the light rail systems and the Philippine National Railways lines and construction of elevated roadways along C-5 Raod.
The MMDA also proposed to install a tramway along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue for a more improved traffic situation along the main road of the metropolis. (report from abs-cbnNEWS.com)
The MMDA said that the agency and the 17 mayors agreed to "an extensive physical redevelopment" through an urban renewal program that will run until 2016.
A committee headed by the MMDA was initially formed during the meeting. The committee will formulate a 6-year master plan for the renewal program.
"We want to create a world-class, vibrant, safe and healthy metropolis by 2016 by implementing short- and medium-term programs. This we will do with the mayors as our active partners," MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said.
Tolentino said that the program aims to turn Metro Manila in to “world-class economic hub” similar to metropolitan areas in its neighboring countries in Asia.
"We have to revitalize our central business districts, create better, safer roads, a land-and-rail mass transportation system, and other major face-lifting endeavors to address Metro Manila's rapid urban decay," he said.
Tolentino said that the MMDA presented during the meeting its proposed short- and medium-term urban renewal projects, which has been proposed to be funded by the Office of the President and joint funds from the 17 local governments of the capital region.
Part of the short-term projects are the installation of modern traffic signal lights, additional closed-circuit television cameras, "safer" roads, walkways and parks.
The MMDA said that the short-term projects should be finished in 2 years.
Also part of the short-term goal is the improvement of airports' facade and development of tourism corridors and sites in the metropolis.
Under the medium-term project, which should be completed in 2 to 5 years, is the improvement of the light rail systems and the Philippine National Railways lines and construction of elevated roadways along C-5 Raod.
The MMDA also proposed to install a tramway along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue for a more improved traffic situation along the main road of the metropolis. (report from abs-cbnNEWS.com)
Dacers ask CA to reverse pro-Lacson ruling
MANILA, Philippines - The family of slain publicist Salvador “Bubby” Dacer is seeking to reverse the decision of the Court of Appeals (CA) which junked the warrant of arrest against fugitive Senator Panfilo Lacson and dismissed the murder charges filed against him.
The Dacers filed with the CA a motion for reconsideration (MR) of its February 3 ruling dismissing the 2 murder complaints filed against Lacson in connection with the murders of the publicist and his driver Emmanuel Corbito last November 2000.
Last February 3, a special division of the CA granted the petition for certiorari (review) and prohibition filed by Lacson to annul and set aside the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 18's orders dated February 4, 2010 and July 23, 2010 finding probable for the issuance of warrants of arrest against Lacson.
The CA decision said former police officer Cezar Mancao "is not a credible and trustworthy witness."
Mancao had tagged Lacson in the double murder.
The MR of the Dacers said Lacson was "deliberately forum-shopping" after it asked the CA and the Manila RTC to rule on the same or related causes.
The MR also said that the CA "stepped out of bounds" when it overrode the justice department’s finding of probable cause and dismissed the case against Lacson on the ground of insufficient evidence.
It said the facts and circumstances of the case against the fugitive senator when taken together establish probable cause.
The Dacer's MR also said that Mancao is a credible witness in establishing Lacson's participation as a principal in the murders.
A joint case conference was held at the Department of Justice (DOJ) last week with public prosecutors handling the Dacer-Corbito double murder case, representatives of the Office of the Solicitor-General (OSG), lawyers of the Dacer family and the lawyer of Mancao.
Mancao also filed last week a motion for leave to intervene before the CA in an effort to reverse the ruling.
The OSG, representing public respondents, is likewise expected to file a separate motion for reconsideration. (report from Ina Reformina, ABS-CBN News)
The Dacers filed with the CA a motion for reconsideration (MR) of its February 3 ruling dismissing the 2 murder complaints filed against Lacson in connection with the murders of the publicist and his driver Emmanuel Corbito last November 2000.
Last February 3, a special division of the CA granted the petition for certiorari (review) and prohibition filed by Lacson to annul and set aside the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 18's orders dated February 4, 2010 and July 23, 2010 finding probable for the issuance of warrants of arrest against Lacson.
The CA decision said former police officer Cezar Mancao "is not a credible and trustworthy witness."
Mancao had tagged Lacson in the double murder.
The MR of the Dacers said Lacson was "deliberately forum-shopping" after it asked the CA and the Manila RTC to rule on the same or related causes.
The MR also said that the CA "stepped out of bounds" when it overrode the justice department’s finding of probable cause and dismissed the case against Lacson on the ground of insufficient evidence.
It said the facts and circumstances of the case against the fugitive senator when taken together establish probable cause.
The Dacer's MR also said that Mancao is a credible witness in establishing Lacson's participation as a principal in the murders.
A joint case conference was held at the Department of Justice (DOJ) last week with public prosecutors handling the Dacer-Corbito double murder case, representatives of the Office of the Solicitor-General (OSG), lawyers of the Dacer family and the lawyer of Mancao.
Mancao also filed last week a motion for leave to intervene before the CA in an effort to reverse the ruling.
The OSG, representing public respondents, is likewise expected to file a separate motion for reconsideration. (report from Ina Reformina, ABS-CBN News)
2 CA justices urged to inhibit from Ampatuan petition
MANILA, Philippines – Two judges of the Court of Appeals (CA) were asked to inhibit themselves from the deliberations of Zaldy Ampatuan, one of the accused in the Maguindanao Massacre, the Philippines' worst election-related violence where at least 57 people were killed.
Atty. Harry Roque, who represents some of the relatives of the victims, filed the motion to inhibit against Associate Justices Danton Bueser and Marlene Gonzales-Sison, both regular members of the CA’s 11th Division.
In their motion, the private respondents said they recently found out that the 2 judges have inhibited themselves from participating in the deliberations of an earlier case of Andal Ampatuan, Sr..
“The voluntary recusal of Associate Justices Bueser and Gonzales-Sison from the first case and their active participation in the present case is, at the very least, highly unusual, considering that both cases deal with the same incident, the same facts, and the same legal controversy,” they said.
Andal Sr. and his son are co-accused in the single deadliest attack on journalists on November 29, 2009 in Maguindanao.
“It is therefore a wonder for Private Respondents to see that the same Honorable Associate Justices – Bueser and Gonzales-Sison - have not done the same in this instant case that essentially involves the same facts and the same legal controversy, with the only difference that the Petitioner in this second case is the son of the Petitioner in the first case,” the respondents said.
They questioned why Bueser did not see the same impropriety that he found when he inhibited himself from being part of the panel hearing the petition of Andal Sr.
“What, for the good Justices, differentiates this case from the former, so that they chose to take part here and not there?” they asked.
They added, “But where the same Justices did a 180-degree turn in a case that is intimately related to the first and also lodged in the very same division – that is indeed a serious cause of concern for Private Respondents; after all, the second case is inextricably connected to the first case by an alleged conspiracy, and especially so where the Petitioners in both cases are father and son to each other."
In their prayer, they also proposed new panel of justices to resolve the petition. (report from abs-cbnNEWS.com)
Atty. Harry Roque, who represents some of the relatives of the victims, filed the motion to inhibit against Associate Justices Danton Bueser and Marlene Gonzales-Sison, both regular members of the CA’s 11th Division.
In their motion, the private respondents said they recently found out that the 2 judges have inhibited themselves from participating in the deliberations of an earlier case of Andal Ampatuan, Sr..
“The voluntary recusal of Associate Justices Bueser and Gonzales-Sison from the first case and their active participation in the present case is, at the very least, highly unusual, considering that both cases deal with the same incident, the same facts, and the same legal controversy,” they said.
Andal Sr. and his son are co-accused in the single deadliest attack on journalists on November 29, 2009 in Maguindanao.
“It is therefore a wonder for Private Respondents to see that the same Honorable Associate Justices – Bueser and Gonzales-Sison - have not done the same in this instant case that essentially involves the same facts and the same legal controversy, with the only difference that the Petitioner in this second case is the son of the Petitioner in the first case,” the respondents said.
They questioned why Bueser did not see the same impropriety that he found when he inhibited himself from being part of the panel hearing the petition of Andal Sr.
“What, for the good Justices, differentiates this case from the former, so that they chose to take part here and not there?” they asked.
They added, “But where the same Justices did a 180-degree turn in a case that is intimately related to the first and also lodged in the very same division – that is indeed a serious cause of concern for Private Respondents; after all, the second case is inextricably connected to the first case by an alleged conspiracy, and especially so where the Petitioners in both cases are father and son to each other."
In their prayer, they also proposed new panel of justices to resolve the petition. (report from abs-cbnNEWS.com)
Globe Asiatique head faces new syndicated estafa raps
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Friday filed with the Department of Justice (DOJ) its third syndicated estafa complaint against Globe Asiatique owner and real estate developer Delfin Lee and eight others.
In a letter addressed to Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, NBI Director Magtanggol Gatdula said there was basis to prosecute Lee and the eight others over the supposed double sale of properties in Xevera Homes in Mabalacat town, Pampanga.
The latest syndicated estafa charges were based on separate complaints filed by Jennifer Gloria, Ferdinand de Guzman, Gina Babula, Fatima Kanoya, Arlene Arca, and the Pag-IBIG (Home Mutual Development) Fund represented by Emma Linda Faria.
The private complainants were supposedly duped into buying the properties from Lee's Globe Asiatique Realty Holdings. They said the properties they bought were in fact already sold to other Pag-IBIG borrowers.
Lee had repeatedly denied committing any anomalous transactions.
The DOJ has been conducting a preliminary investigation of two syndicated estafa charges filed against Lee and several others.
The preliminary probe aims to determine whether there is probable cause to file charges against the suspects. Once probable cause is established, the DOJ then files the case before the appropriate court.
Syndicated estafa is a non-bailable offense.
Aside from Lee, those named on the charge sheet in the latest complaint were Globe Asiatique employees Jacqueline Magsumbol, Christina Sagun, Jacqueline Gamboa, Helen Dizon, Elmer Nunag, Desiree Joy David, Nanette Rose Haguiling, and Atty. Alex Alvarez, manager of Pag-IBIG's foreclosure department.
String of syndicated estafa raps
The first syndicated estafa complaint was filed in October 2010 by the NBI, the Pag-IBIG Fund, and the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC).
They accused Lee and 16 others of allegedly taking out at least P6.6 billion in housing loan proceeds for clients of its housing projects in Pampanga.
Of 9,951 alleged Pag-IBIG borrowers in the Globe Asiatique deals, 1,000 could not be located, 400 were denied applying for housing loans, and 200 had incomplete documents for the transaction, according to the NBI.
The second complaint, filed in December 2010, delved into the alleged double sale of properties in Xevera Homes.
Third complaint
In the third and latest complaint, the NBI said Globe Asiatique client Jennifer Gloria reserved a unit in Xevera Homes in September 2009, with a P10,000 reservation fee. Gloria was allowed to occupy her unit in February 2010 and was told that her loan application with Pag-IBIG will be processed within three to six months.
The NBI quoted her as saying that she submitted the pertinent documents to Xevera employees.
However, "it came to her knowledge that her documents were never forwarded to Pag-IBIG with no explanation from Xevera or Globe Asiatique, thus, the loan application was not processed," the NBI said.
She continued paying P5,721 a month “until she learned that the unit she purchased... was named under a certain Mayormita, Sheryl Ramos and Araneta, Yvone Marie Ferrera."
Another buyer, Ferdinand de Guzman, paid Xevera a P20,000 reservation fee in June 2009 and an equity of P63,000 five months later. After the payment, de Guzman paid his monthly amortization of P36,220.
“It was in September when he discovered about the anomaly in Xevera project through his neighbors. He inquired... with Xevera and was able to talk to Ms. Helen Dizon who told him that his unit was clean and there was no other buyer for the said unit," the NBI said.
Despite this assurance, De Guzman consulted with Pag-IBIG in Pampanga, where he learned that the Xevera Homes unit he purchased “was already in the name of a certain Alvarado, Martie Samson David."
Other buyers, Gina Babula, Fatima Kanoya, Arlene Arca, were also victims of the alleged "double sale" scheme. (report from Sophia Dedace with JE/OMG, GMA News)
In a letter addressed to Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, NBI Director Magtanggol Gatdula said there was basis to prosecute Lee and the eight others over the supposed double sale of properties in Xevera Homes in Mabalacat town, Pampanga.
The latest syndicated estafa charges were based on separate complaints filed by Jennifer Gloria, Ferdinand de Guzman, Gina Babula, Fatima Kanoya, Arlene Arca, and the Pag-IBIG (Home Mutual Development) Fund represented by Emma Linda Faria.
The private complainants were supposedly duped into buying the properties from Lee's Globe Asiatique Realty Holdings. They said the properties they bought were in fact already sold to other Pag-IBIG borrowers.
Lee had repeatedly denied committing any anomalous transactions.
The DOJ has been conducting a preliminary investigation of two syndicated estafa charges filed against Lee and several others.
The preliminary probe aims to determine whether there is probable cause to file charges against the suspects. Once probable cause is established, the DOJ then files the case before the appropriate court.
Syndicated estafa is a non-bailable offense.
Aside from Lee, those named on the charge sheet in the latest complaint were Globe Asiatique employees Jacqueline Magsumbol, Christina Sagun, Jacqueline Gamboa, Helen Dizon, Elmer Nunag, Desiree Joy David, Nanette Rose Haguiling, and Atty. Alex Alvarez, manager of Pag-IBIG's foreclosure department.
String of syndicated estafa raps
The first syndicated estafa complaint was filed in October 2010 by the NBI, the Pag-IBIG Fund, and the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC).
They accused Lee and 16 others of allegedly taking out at least P6.6 billion in housing loan proceeds for clients of its housing projects in Pampanga.
Of 9,951 alleged Pag-IBIG borrowers in the Globe Asiatique deals, 1,000 could not be located, 400 were denied applying for housing loans, and 200 had incomplete documents for the transaction, according to the NBI.
The second complaint, filed in December 2010, delved into the alleged double sale of properties in Xevera Homes.
Third complaint
In the third and latest complaint, the NBI said Globe Asiatique client Jennifer Gloria reserved a unit in Xevera Homes in September 2009, with a P10,000 reservation fee. Gloria was allowed to occupy her unit in February 2010 and was told that her loan application with Pag-IBIG will be processed within three to six months.
The NBI quoted her as saying that she submitted the pertinent documents to Xevera employees.
However, "it came to her knowledge that her documents were never forwarded to Pag-IBIG with no explanation from Xevera or Globe Asiatique, thus, the loan application was not processed," the NBI said.
She continued paying P5,721 a month “until she learned that the unit she purchased... was named under a certain Mayormita, Sheryl Ramos and Araneta, Yvone Marie Ferrera."
Another buyer, Ferdinand de Guzman, paid Xevera a P20,000 reservation fee in June 2009 and an equity of P63,000 five months later. After the payment, de Guzman paid his monthly amortization of P36,220.
“It was in September when he discovered about the anomaly in Xevera project through his neighbors. He inquired... with Xevera and was able to talk to Ms. Helen Dizon who told him that his unit was clean and there was no other buyer for the said unit," the NBI said.
Despite this assurance, De Guzman consulted with Pag-IBIG in Pampanga, where he learned that the Xevera Homes unit he purchased “was already in the name of a certain Alvarado, Martie Samson David."
Other buyers, Gina Babula, Fatima Kanoya, Arlene Arca, were also victims of the alleged "double sale" scheme. (report from Sophia Dedace with JE/OMG, GMA News)
Govt to launch 'Pilipinas, Tara Na' campaign by summertime
With the help of singing sensation Charice and boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, the government is reviving a campaign that will entice more locals to travel around the Philippines.
On the sidelines of the opening of the 18th Travel Tour Expo 2011 on Friday, Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim told reporters that the government will launch by summertime the "Pilipinas, Tara Na" campaign, which will replace the previous "Tara, Biyahe Tayo."
Lim said the Tourism Department intends to get Charice, Pacquiao, and other Filipino singers to participate in a music video that will be shown on television and social networking sites.
He said the private sector is urged to partly finance the government's campaign, in line with the Aquino administration's public-private partnership initiative.
The Tourism Department is expecting 25 million Filipinos to travel locally this year, up from 23 million last year, the department head said.
Lim said the department is looking at increasing this year's target number of foreign visitors.
The initial projection of 3.7 million tourist arrivals this year could be easily surpassed, given the 3.5 million foreign tourists who visited the Philippines last year, he said.
The campaign — which will promote Philippine regions and festivals — is still being developed, according to Lim.
The Tourism Department's "Pilipinas, Kay Ganda" slogan drew flak last year.
Lim said the Bicol Region, Palawan, Visayas islands such as Bohol and Boracay, and Northern Mindanao are being eyed as the tourist spots that would be given prominence in global promotion efforts. (report from JE/OMG, GMA News)
On the sidelines of the opening of the 18th Travel Tour Expo 2011 on Friday, Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim told reporters that the government will launch by summertime the "Pilipinas, Tara Na" campaign, which will replace the previous "Tara, Biyahe Tayo."
Lim said the Tourism Department intends to get Charice, Pacquiao, and other Filipino singers to participate in a music video that will be shown on television and social networking sites.
He said the private sector is urged to partly finance the government's campaign, in line with the Aquino administration's public-private partnership initiative.
The Tourism Department is expecting 25 million Filipinos to travel locally this year, up from 23 million last year, the department head said.
Lim said the department is looking at increasing this year's target number of foreign visitors.
The initial projection of 3.7 million tourist arrivals this year could be easily surpassed, given the 3.5 million foreign tourists who visited the Philippines last year, he said.
The campaign — which will promote Philippine regions and festivals — is still being developed, according to Lim.
The Tourism Department's "Pilipinas, Kay Ganda" slogan drew flak last year.
Lim said the Bicol Region, Palawan, Visayas islands such as Bohol and Boracay, and Northern Mindanao are being eyed as the tourist spots that would be given prominence in global promotion efforts. (report from JE/OMG, GMA News)
2 LRT trains collide, no injuries
MANILA, Philippines – (UPDATE) Two empty trains of the Light Rail Transit collided Friday following a mechanism failure on the track that caused the derailment of one of the trains, according to a report on Radyo Inquirer.
In a live interview, Attorney Hernando Cabrera of the LRT Management, said the accident occurred at the Roosevelt Station, its last terminal near SM North Edsa.
Cabrera cited a “technical problem” with the switch track that resulted in the collision and the derailment of a wheel of one of the trains.
Meanwhile, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Fernando Tolentino said that a taxi below the station was hit by steel debris that fell from the tracks following the accident.
Tolentino said the driver of the taxi with plate number TXA-446 was not injured. (report from Dennis Maliwanag and Karen Boncocan, Inquirer.net / DZIQ-Radyo Inquirer)
In a live interview, Attorney Hernando Cabrera of the LRT Management, said the accident occurred at the Roosevelt Station, its last terminal near SM North Edsa.
Cabrera cited a “technical problem” with the switch track that resulted in the collision and the derailment of a wheel of one of the trains.
Meanwhile, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Fernando Tolentino said that a taxi below the station was hit by steel debris that fell from the tracks following the accident.
Tolentino said the driver of the taxi with plate number TXA-446 was not injured. (report from Dennis Maliwanag and Karen Boncocan, Inquirer.net / DZIQ-Radyo Inquirer)
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Appointments body OKs 3 more Cabinet execs
The Commission on Appointments (CA) on Wednesday approved the appointments of three more Cabinet secretaries — Mario Montejo of Department of Science and Technology, Rosalinda Baldoz of Department of Labor and Employment, Enrique Ona of Department of Health.
Alagad party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta, Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Villafuerte, and Sen. Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. sponsored the confirmation of Montejo, Baldoz, and Ona, respectively, during Wednesday's plenary session.
Marcoleta said Montejo deserves to hold his post because of his experience in the sciences while Sen. Franklin Drilon called Baldoz a "rare breed" who remained "untarnished" during her 36 years in government service.
Revilla, for his part, called Ona a true leader who deserves a state appointment. "I trust that you will make our country proud," he told Ona during his sponsorship speech.
The Commission made the approval after three separate panels conducted hearings on the three Cabinet secretaries' nominations earlier in the day.
No formal oppositions were made against the appointments of Montejo and Baldoz during the hearings.
On the other hand, Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago withdrew her opposition to Ona's appointment after the secretary wrote her a letter addressing her concerns.
Other Cabinet executives
The CA had earlier confirmed the appointments of Luistro, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Budget Sec. Florencio "Butch" Abad, Trade Sec. Gregory Domingo, Energy Sec. Jose Rene Almendras, Tourism Sec. Alberto Lim, Agriculture Sec. Proceso Alcala, and Public Works Sec. Rogelio Singson.
On the other hand, the confirmation of Defense Sec. Voltaire Gazmin and Agrarian Reform Sec. Virgilio delos Reyes were earlier deferred pending questions regarding their appointment.
The CA is composed of the Senate president as its head and 12 senators and 12 congressmen as its members.
The commission’s duty as mandated by the Constitution is to confirm all appointments made by the President of the Philippines, except those of the Ombudsman and Supreme Court Justices.
The CA discusses and deliberates on nominations at the standing committee level and at the plenary session. Nominations or appointments may end up being confirmed, rejected or bypassed. (report from Kimberly Jane Tan/KBK, GMA News)
Alagad party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta, Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Villafuerte, and Sen. Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. sponsored the confirmation of Montejo, Baldoz, and Ona, respectively, during Wednesday's plenary session.
Marcoleta said Montejo deserves to hold his post because of his experience in the sciences while Sen. Franklin Drilon called Baldoz a "rare breed" who remained "untarnished" during her 36 years in government service.
Revilla, for his part, called Ona a true leader who deserves a state appointment. "I trust that you will make our country proud," he told Ona during his sponsorship speech.
The Commission made the approval after three separate panels conducted hearings on the three Cabinet secretaries' nominations earlier in the day.
No formal oppositions were made against the appointments of Montejo and Baldoz during the hearings.
On the other hand, Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago withdrew her opposition to Ona's appointment after the secretary wrote her a letter addressing her concerns.
Other Cabinet executives
The CA had earlier confirmed the appointments of Luistro, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Budget Sec. Florencio "Butch" Abad, Trade Sec. Gregory Domingo, Energy Sec. Jose Rene Almendras, Tourism Sec. Alberto Lim, Agriculture Sec. Proceso Alcala, and Public Works Sec. Rogelio Singson.
On the other hand, the confirmation of Defense Sec. Voltaire Gazmin and Agrarian Reform Sec. Virgilio delos Reyes were earlier deferred pending questions regarding their appointment.
The CA is composed of the Senate president as its head and 12 senators and 12 congressmen as its members.
The commission’s duty as mandated by the Constitution is to confirm all appointments made by the President of the Philippines, except those of the Ombudsman and Supreme Court Justices.
The CA discusses and deliberates on nominations at the standing committee level and at the plenary session. Nominations or appointments may end up being confirmed, rejected or bypassed. (report from Kimberly Jane Tan/KBK, GMA News)
Report: Cops, protesters clash near US Embassy in Manila
The police clashed with some 20 militant students who tried to stage a lightning rally in front of the United States (US) Embassy in Manila on Wednesday.
While no one was reported hurt, tension gripped the area near the corner of United Nations Avenue and Roxas Boulevard, radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported.
The traffic was also disrupted during the clash between the protesters and anti-riot police personnel.
Some 20 members of the League of Filipino Students had planned to picket the embassy and burn an effigy of the US flag, the report said.
The LFS members said they were protesting against the "uneven" relations between the Philippines and the US, especially with the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).
They called for the junking of the VFA, which they claimed reportedly allows the visiting US forces to commit abuses while they are in the Philippines. (report from VVP, GMA News)
While no one was reported hurt, tension gripped the area near the corner of United Nations Avenue and Roxas Boulevard, radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported.
The traffic was also disrupted during the clash between the protesters and anti-riot police personnel.
Some 20 members of the League of Filipino Students had planned to picket the embassy and burn an effigy of the US flag, the report said.
The LFS members said they were protesting against the "uneven" relations between the Philippines and the US, especially with the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).
They called for the junking of the VFA, which they claimed reportedly allows the visiting US forces to commit abuses while they are in the Philippines. (report from VVP, GMA News)
DOE exec: Int’l events, stronger peso may bring down oil prices next week
Recent international developments and the Philippine peso’s improving strength may help bring down prices of fuel products by next week, a Department of Energy official said Wednesday.
“We noticed that the tension in Egypt has eased. The increase in interest rates in China will surely bring down demand for oil there, even as the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries has increased oil production," DOE Undersecretary Jose Layug Jr. said in Filipino in an interview on dzBB radio.
He also said the improving exchange rate of the peso, which is nearing the $1:P40 mark, may also help bring down prices of fuel in the coming week.
“Let’s just hope nothing happens in the international scene that will cause world prices of fuel to go up again," he added.
Layug said fuel firms heeded the DOE’s request to give public transport operators a Valentine’s gift of sorts by not increasing the prices of their products this week.
As of Wednesday morning, he said, fuel firms have not advised his office of any plan to hike fuel prices.
He stressed that the DOE can only go as far as making appeals to the oil companies not to increase their prices, saying “Alam naman natin na ang oil industry ay deregulated."
“This week we do not see any movement in world prices of fuel. Perhaps there may be some adjustments in prices next week," he said.
Also, he thanked oil firms for heeding DOE’s request to defer any price adjustment for diesel fuel for the meantime. (report from LBG, GMA News)
“We noticed that the tension in Egypt has eased. The increase in interest rates in China will surely bring down demand for oil there, even as the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries has increased oil production," DOE Undersecretary Jose Layug Jr. said in Filipino in an interview on dzBB radio.
He also said the improving exchange rate of the peso, which is nearing the $1:P40 mark, may also help bring down prices of fuel in the coming week.
“Let’s just hope nothing happens in the international scene that will cause world prices of fuel to go up again," he added.
Layug said fuel firms heeded the DOE’s request to give public transport operators a Valentine’s gift of sorts by not increasing the prices of their products this week.
As of Wednesday morning, he said, fuel firms have not advised his office of any plan to hike fuel prices.
He stressed that the DOE can only go as far as making appeals to the oil companies not to increase their prices, saying “Alam naman natin na ang oil industry ay deregulated."
“This week we do not see any movement in world prices of fuel. Perhaps there may be some adjustments in prices next week," he said.
Also, he thanked oil firms for heeding DOE’s request to defer any price adjustment for diesel fuel for the meantime. (report from LBG, GMA News)
Aquino hints at Romulo’s departure from DFA
MANILA, Philippines – Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo is on the way out of his department, President Benigno Aquino III indicated on Wednesday.
Pressed for comment on Romulo reportedly having cleared his desk at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Aquino said he wanted to make the formal announcement regarding the secretary's fate later this week.
Asked if Romulo may serve in another capacity, President Aquino said, “Now that is very possible at this time.”
“Bert Romulo is not a stranger to me. He still has contributions that he can make. It’s always the details that tie us up. I want to make sure that if I make an announcement, it’s already perfect,” Aquino told reporters after a command conference in Camp Aguinaldo. (report from Norman Bordadora, Philippine Daily Inquirer)
US reporter was sexually assaulted in Egypt -- CBS
NEW YORK, United States - Top CBS foreign correspondent Lara Logan suffered a "brutal" sexual assault at the hands of a mob in Egypt while covering the downfall of president Hosni Mubarak, the network said Tuesday.
"She and her team and their security were surrounded by a dangerous element amidst the celebration. It was a mob of more than 200 people whipped into a frenzy," CBS said in a statement.
"In the crush of the mob, she was separated from her crew. She was surrounded and suffered a brutal and sustained sexual assault and beating before being saved by a group of women and an estimated 20 Egyptian soldiers."
The incident took place on Cairo's central Tahrir Square last Friday, the day Mubarak stepped down, CBS said.
Logan was flown to the United States the next day. "She is currently in the hospital recovering," the statement said.
South African-born Logan has covered the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, becoming one of the US media's most recognizable war correspondents. She became CBS News chief foreign correspondent in 2006. (report from Agence France-Presse)
"She and her team and their security were surrounded by a dangerous element amidst the celebration. It was a mob of more than 200 people whipped into a frenzy," CBS said in a statement.
"In the crush of the mob, she was separated from her crew. She was surrounded and suffered a brutal and sustained sexual assault and beating before being saved by a group of women and an estimated 20 Egyptian soldiers."
The incident took place on Cairo's central Tahrir Square last Friday, the day Mubarak stepped down, CBS said.
Logan was flown to the United States the next day. "She is currently in the hospital recovering," the statement said.
South African-born Logan has covered the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, becoming one of the US media's most recognizable war correspondents. She became CBS News chief foreign correspondent in 2006. (report from Agence France-Presse)
Pacquiao meets Obama
MANILA, Philippines – (UPDATE) Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao met with US President Barack Obama and US Senator Harry Reid during a White House at the White House Wednesday morning (Manila time), Radyo Inquirer reported.
Pacquiao, who won an election in his native Philippines and now represents Sarangani province, posed for pictures and exchanged gifts with Obama. Only Pacquiao and his wife, Jinkee, were allowed to meet with the US president while their entourage waited outside the office, it said.
Obama gave Pacquiao a bag full of M&M’s chocolate with the US seal and a watch with the presidential seal, the report said.
Pacquiao also invited Obama to watch his fight with Shane Mosley on May 7 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada but the US president declined, saying that he will be busy that day. Nevertheless, Obama promised to watch the bout on TV.
Nine months ago Pacquiao entered and won his riding in the Philippines national elections and is working on improving the infrastructure in the province by building hospitals and upgrading schools.
Last year, Pacquiao helped campaign for Reid, who did some boxing in his youth. (report from Inquirer.net / DZIQ-Radyo Inquirer)
Pacquiao, who won an election in his native Philippines and now represents Sarangani province, posed for pictures and exchanged gifts with Obama. Only Pacquiao and his wife, Jinkee, were allowed to meet with the US president while their entourage waited outside the office, it said.
Obama gave Pacquiao a bag full of M&M’s chocolate with the US seal and a watch with the presidential seal, the report said.
Pacquiao also invited Obama to watch his fight with Shane Mosley on May 7 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada but the US president declined, saying that he will be busy that day. Nevertheless, Obama promised to watch the bout on TV.
Nine months ago Pacquiao entered and won his riding in the Philippines national elections and is working on improving the infrastructure in the province by building hospitals and upgrading schools.
Last year, Pacquiao helped campaign for Reid, who did some boxing in his youth. (report from Inquirer.net / DZIQ-Radyo Inquirer)
Cainta massacre suspect nabbed in Marinduque
MANILA, Philippines – Police nabbed the principal suspect in the killing of four members of a household in Cainta, Rizal, last Monday.
Calabarzon police director Samuel Pagdilao Jr. said members of the Cainta and Marinduque provincial police apprehended Fortunato Azibar, 24, also known as Jun-jun, around 3 p.m. yesterday during a raid at a resort near Barangay Buliangin and Maligaya, Boac.
Pagdilao said Azibar was tagged by some witnesses as the primary suspect in last Monday's massacre in Westbank Floodway in Brgy. San Andres, Cainta, Rizal, that left four of his relatives dead.
The suspect is a nephew of Amado Azibar, 45, who was killed along with his wife Elizabeth, 40; and his two siblings Amado Jr.,14, and Fretchie, 10.
Investigation disclosed that the victim, Amado Sr., and the suspect were last seen together with other men in a drinking session around 7:00 p.m. last Sunday.
Later that evening, one of the neighbors, Adelaide Devocion, heard a commotion at the victim's residence with one of the Azibars begging for help.
Police found the bodies of the four victims bloodied on the floor the next day. (report from Dennis Carcamo, Philstar.com)
Calabarzon police director Samuel Pagdilao Jr. said members of the Cainta and Marinduque provincial police apprehended Fortunato Azibar, 24, also known as Jun-jun, around 3 p.m. yesterday during a raid at a resort near Barangay Buliangin and Maligaya, Boac.
Pagdilao said Azibar was tagged by some witnesses as the primary suspect in last Monday's massacre in Westbank Floodway in Brgy. San Andres, Cainta, Rizal, that left four of his relatives dead.
The suspect is a nephew of Amado Azibar, 45, who was killed along with his wife Elizabeth, 40; and his two siblings Amado Jr.,14, and Fretchie, 10.
Investigation disclosed that the victim, Amado Sr., and the suspect were last seen together with other men in a drinking session around 7:00 p.m. last Sunday.
Later that evening, one of the neighbors, Adelaide Devocion, heard a commotion at the victim's residence with one of the Azibars begging for help.
Police found the bodies of the four victims bloodied on the floor the next day. (report from Dennis Carcamo, Philstar.com)
Another Maguindanao massacre suspect falls
MANILA, Philippines – Another suspect of the November 2009 Maguindanao massacre was arrested before dawn today, a high ranking police official said.
Police spokesman Senior Superintendent Agrimero Cruz identified the suspect as Nasser Esmael (33), charged with 197 others for the murders of at least 57 people in the hinterlands of Ampatuan town.
Cruz said elements from Maguindanao Provincial Police Office nabbed Esmael in his house in Barangay Meta in Datu Unsay town around 1:00 a.m. today
The suspect, a driver of Andal Ampatuan Jr., was arrested through a warrant issued by Judge Jocelyn Solit-Reyes of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court branch 221. He was now in the custody of the ARMM police. (report from Philstar.com)
Police spokesman Senior Superintendent Agrimero Cruz identified the suspect as Nasser Esmael (33), charged with 197 others for the murders of at least 57 people in the hinterlands of Ampatuan town.
Cruz said elements from Maguindanao Provincial Police Office nabbed Esmael in his house in Barangay Meta in Datu Unsay town around 1:00 a.m. today
The suspect, a driver of Andal Ampatuan Jr., was arrested through a warrant issued by Judge Jocelyn Solit-Reyes of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court branch 221. He was now in the custody of the ARMM police. (report from Philstar.com)
Nokia shares tumble to lowest level since 1998
HELSINKI, Finland - Shares in the world's top mobile phone maker Nokia were at their lowest level in 12 years on Tuesday, shedding nearly 20 percent since it announced a strategic partnership with Microsoft last week.
At the open on the Helsinki stock exchange, Nokia shares were at €6.55, valuing the company at some €24.3 billion ($32.9 billion).
The share price edged up towards €6.60 in afternoon trade.
In an attempt to beat increasing competition from Apple and Google in the smartphone market, Nokia said last Friday it would begin phasing out its Symbian platform and shift to Microsoft's Windows Phone operating system.
The company's new chief executive, Stephen Elop, also said Nokia would see "substantial" layoffs in Finland and around the world.
Investors and many analysts were disappointed by the partnership and have criticised the lack of financial outlook provided by the company.
On Tuesday, nine self-proclaimed investors and former Nokia employees published an open letter titled "Nokia Plan B," saying they aimed to challenge the company's new strategy.
The small group, which did not disclose how many shares they held in the company, also called for the firing of Elop, who left an executive job at Microsoft to take over the helm of the Finnish company last September.
Following the announcement Friday, Nokia closed down 14.2 percent and the company shed an additional 5.56 percent Monday, as several banks downgraded their rating and outlook for the group.
Ahead of Friday's announcement, Elop had told staff in an internal memo the company was "standing on a burning platform" and needed radical action to reverse the decline in its fortunes.
Nokia, which has seen its global market share shrink from around 40 percent to 32 percent in just over two years, currently employs some 20,000 in Finland, with a worldwide workforce of 132,000. (report from Agence France-Presse)
At the open on the Helsinki stock exchange, Nokia shares were at €6.55, valuing the company at some €24.3 billion ($32.9 billion).
The share price edged up towards €6.60 in afternoon trade.
In an attempt to beat increasing competition from Apple and Google in the smartphone market, Nokia said last Friday it would begin phasing out its Symbian platform and shift to Microsoft's Windows Phone operating system.
The company's new chief executive, Stephen Elop, also said Nokia would see "substantial" layoffs in Finland and around the world.
Investors and many analysts were disappointed by the partnership and have criticised the lack of financial outlook provided by the company.
On Tuesday, nine self-proclaimed investors and former Nokia employees published an open letter titled "Nokia Plan B," saying they aimed to challenge the company's new strategy.
The small group, which did not disclose how many shares they held in the company, also called for the firing of Elop, who left an executive job at Microsoft to take over the helm of the Finnish company last September.
Following the announcement Friday, Nokia closed down 14.2 percent and the company shed an additional 5.56 percent Monday, as several banks downgraded their rating and outlook for the group.
Ahead of Friday's announcement, Elop had told staff in an internal memo the company was "standing on a burning platform" and needed radical action to reverse the decline in its fortunes.
Nokia, which has seen its global market share shrink from around 40 percent to 32 percent in just over two years, currently employs some 20,000 in Finland, with a worldwide workforce of 132,000. (report from Agence France-Presse)
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