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K+12, worsening shortages to greet school opening

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

K+12, worsening shortages to greet school opening


“The Aquino government has yet to present a convincing program to remedy the existing shortages in the education sector. How can basic education qualitatively function amid these dire shortages?” – Rep. Raymond Palatino

By ANNE MARXZE D. UMIL
Bulatlat.com
Other stories: Two years is an added burden – parents
Rushed trainings, lack of materials mar implementation of K to 12
Lawmakers expect problems on June 4 school opening

MANILA – School opening is just a week from now, the Department of Education (DepEd) has started its “Brigada Eskwela” where teachers, as well as parents and students, are mobilized to clean their respective schools in preparation for the coming school year. The DepEd had also announced their preparations on the implementation of the K to 12 program for grade one and grade seven students. However, perennial problems in the basic education system remain.

The K to 12 program is a flagship program of President Benigno “Noynoy” S. Aquino III. With the implementation of the said program, the government aims to improve the quality of basic education in the country.

“We have this new curriculum to be implemented, but shortages are not being addressed so the same problems would just occur this school year,” said France Castro, secretary general of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) told Bulatlat.com.

Data from DepEd still shows huge shortages in classrooms, text books, chairs and teachers. According to the latest figures of DepEd, the country still needs an additional 50,921 classrooms, 74,178 teachers, 123,196 toilets, 62.4 million textbooks and about 1.3 million classroom chairs.

On the other hand, Anakbayan lamented, the “Brigada Eskwela” only underscores the government’s neglect of the education sector. “We see parents, teachers, and volunteers helping out to prepare the schools for the class opening. Most of the materials were donated by private institutions and individuals, yet, DepEd is admitting that a lot is still needed. This clearly manifests that the government does not prioritize the education sector,” said Cherry Orendain, spokeswoman of Anakbayan-Davao..... MORE

SourceBulatlat.com

URL: http://bulatlat.com/main/2012/05/30/k12-worsening-shortages-to-greet-school-opening/

Climate of conflict remains EDITORIAL 05/30/2012

Climate of conflict remains

EDITORIAL
Click to enlarge
05/30/2012
The jury is out but the atmosphere remains that of uncertainty where one doesn’t feel certain over what had transpired. It seemed as if one is being suddenly roused from a bad dream.

That bad dream was the painful impeachment process in which a top official of the land was again accused by a group with the same yellow tint that had assumed for itself and its usual members the role of being guardians of morality and virtues, characteristics that can hardly been found in their nature.

Most Filipinos have formed an opinion on Chief Justice Renato Corona but only few can confidently say that their views which were formed over the almost five months of the impeachment trial have been well-founded.

The campaign to oust Corona started even before Noynoy assumed office or during the campaign period when Noynoy said he would not recognize Corona as head of the Supreme Court (SC) and classified him among the midnight appointees of Gloria..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20120530com1.html

The folly of impeachment FRONTLINE Ninez Cacho-Olivares 05/30/2012

The folly of impeachment

FRONTLINE
Ninez Cacho-Olivares
05/30/2012
Many may not realize it as yet, but whatever the verdict, what will become evident is that the independence of the Supreme Court and the entire judiciary will have been damaged — especially if conviction sets in.

If an acquittal verdict is handed down, the vindictive Noynoy will not stop hounding the Chief Justice — as he would have already planned yet another impeachment complaint — as he himself had admitted.

Such threats and acts in themselves already provide the chill factor in the judiciary, enough for this branch of government to start pleasing the executive by ruling favorably on whatever and however his administration wants it to rule.... MORE
SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20120530com2.html

Russia will veto military intervention in Syria at UNSC - Foreign Ministry

Russia will veto military intervention in Syria at UNSC - Foreign Ministry


Russia is firmly dedicated not to let pass an initiative of foreign military intervention into Syria in the UN Security Council.

­“We always said we’re strongly against any kind of external interference into the Syrian conflict, because it would only worsen the situation and bring unpredictable consequences for Syria and the whole region,” Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov told Interfax.

He also said that Russia is opposing the convention of a new UN Security Council meeting on Syria in the near future.... MORE
SourceRT.com

URL: http://rt.com/politics/russia-veto-initiative-foreign-560/

Pentagon: US should enhance Asia-Pacific military role

Pentagon: US should enhance Asia-Pacific military role


US defense secretary Leon Panetta said America needs to increase its military role in the Asian Pacific, restating Washington's concern over the reality of China’s rapidly developing military influence.

"That reality is inescapable for our country and for our military, which has already begun broadening and deepening our engagement throughout the Asia-Pacific," Panetta said.

On the eve of an international peace summit scheduled to kick off in Singapore on June 1, Panetta addressed graduates of the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. The defense secretary called the Asia-Pacific one of the “key projects” for future American mariners. .... MORE

SourceRT.com

URL: http://www.rt.com/news/us-military-pacific-panetta-570/

Assange loses extradition court battle, 14 days to apply to reopen case (VIDEO)



Assange loses extradition court battle, 14 days to apply to reopen case (VIDEO)


Defense lawyer Dinah Rose stood up after the ruling to highlight the fact that the judgment was made based on legal precedents not argued in the appeal.

“It would appear that a majority of the members of this court have decided the point on the basis of the interpretation of the Vienna Convention. A point that was not argued in the appeal and which we have had no opportunity to address,” said Dinah Rose.

Under UK law an EAW can only be issued by a judge and therefore Assange’s lawyers had argued the extradition order against him was invalid as it was made by a Swedish prosecutor..... MORE

SourceRT.com

URL: http://www.rt.com/news/assange-extradition-sweden-uk-538/

Palparan battalion turns Davao communities into ghost towns

Palparan battalion turns Davao communities into ghost towns
 
“Some are very afraid to leave their houses and go to their farms. Residents sleep under their beds. Many community leaders were forced to leave because of the soldiers of the 28th and 67th IB who harass household members and subject them to interrogation.”

By INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO
Bulatlat.com

An independent solidarity and fact finding mission Duyog sa Panaw said farmers’ communities in Lupon, Davao Oriental have been turned into ghost towns because of the intense military operations. The 701st Brigade, notoriously known as the “Palparan Battalion,” because it was once headed by retired major general Jovito Palparan who is now the subject of a widespread manhunt for countless human rights violations.

Duyog sa Panaw conducted a fact-finding mission in Sitio Kalasagan and Logdeck from May 24 to 25. When the members of the mission arrived, military forces were highly visible in the communities. Currently deployed in the areas are the 28th IB under Lt Col Leopolde Imbang, Jr.; and the 67th IB under Lt. Col. Ruben Basio. The soldiers have established camp right in the heart of the communities, with some taking temporary residence in the barangay halls, while others right in the houses of some residents..... MORE

SourceBulatlat.com

URL: http://bulatlat.com/main/2012/05/30/palparan-battalion-turns-davao-communities-into-ghost-towns/

Sign a waiver call; Robredo stalls CROSSROADS Jonathan De la Cruz 05/30/2012

Sign a waiver call; Robredo stalls

CROSSROADS
Jonathan De la Cruz
05/30/2012
By the time this piece sees print we will already know whether Chief Justice (CJ) Renato Corona stays in his post or gets the boot. Judging from the public reaction immediately after the oral arguments and Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile’s questioning last Monday it is clear that the nation is almost evenly divided on the court’s possible verdict.

This five month old trial with all the side issues and 24/7 commentaries, in and out of the court, has become such a divisive issue that healing the wounds will definitely be a priority concern whatever the result will be.

Which is why we reiterate the almost unanimous call of an exasperated nation for all our public officials, especially those who skewered Corona no end to face up to his challenge: Sign a waiver to open their Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALns) to full scrutiny to include, among others, a clear listing of all their real property assets and their bank accounts. As Corona himself advised, this unconditional signing of the waiver initially by the parties in this impeachment trial and, later, by all other public servants should culminate in a revision of the SALn rules to clearly state what the requirements of disclosure and accountability will go a long way in bringing our people together into the light of transparency and accountability. By this effort, such will no longer just empty slogans and political gestures but real and responsible performance of their oaths as public servants..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20120530com4.html

Impeach court voting 20-3 convicts Corona By Angie M. Rosales and Gerry Baldo 05/30/2012

JUDGES SAY CJ’S OWN TESTIMONY LED TO GUILTY VERDICT

Impeach court voting 20-3 convicts Corona

By Angie M. Rosales and Gerry Baldo 05/30/2012

The Senate impeachment court, in a vote of 20-3, convicted Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona of culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust owing to his failure to disclose all properties and other possessions in his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALn) to end four months of a politically-charged process.

An overwhelming majority of senator-judges, including the presiding officer, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, delivered the guilty verdict that automatically stripped Corona of his position as chief magistrate.

The prosecution panel, however, cannot lay claim to have convincingly won its case as it was Corona’s testimony that led most of the senator-judges to rule in favor of conviction and not the pieces of evidence presented by the prosecution panel that is led by allies of President Aquino in the House of Representatives..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20120530hea1.html

Akbayan is civilian arm of AFP — CPP By Mario J. Mallari 05/30/2012

Akbayan is civilian arm of AFP — CPP

By Mario J. Mallari 05/30/2012
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) yesterday scored pro-Aquino Akbayan Party for its alleged role in massive military abuses and human rights violations in the Bondoc Peninsula and in southern Quezon Province during the past months.

In a statement, the CPP blamed Akbayan, which is a close ally of President Aquino, for allegedly acting as the civilian arm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in its anti-insurgency campaign in the Southern Luzon areas.

“The peasant masses and people of South Quezon and in the Bondoc Peninsula are suffering from grave military abuses as a result of the intensified military operations of the AFP,” the CPP said..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20120530nat1.html

Senator-judges call on Noynoy, Cabinet men to sign ‘waivers’ By Angie M. Rosales 05/30/2012

Senator-judges call on Noynoy, Cabinet men to sign ‘waivers’

By Angie M. Rosales 05/30/2012
By Fernan J. Angeles 05/30/2012
President Aquino saw a conviction coming but backed out from addressing the nation at the last minute after the Senate impeachment court handed a guilty verdict on Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona.

Corona in a statement, however, said his conviction was the result of vindictive politics and accused Aquino of using government resources and machineries to launch a campaign to demonize him.

Corona maintained that he has a clear conscience and that he was innocent of the allegations contained in the articles of impeachment filed against him.

He was convicted on Article 2 of the complaint stating that he did not sufficiently disclosed assets in his statement of assets, liabilities and networth (SALn)..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20120530hea4.html

CJ no hand in dismissal of court worker who failed to disclose business in SALn By Benjamin B. Pulta 05/30/2012

CJ no hand in dismissal of court worker who failed to disclose business in SALn

By Benjamin B. Pulta 05/30/2012

Proponents of Chief Justice Renato Corona’s conviction yesterday before the Senate impeachment court repeatedly bandied about a ruling by the high court which ordered the dismissal from service of a lower court employee found guilty of failing to disclose her ownership of a market stall in her statement of assets.

The prosecutors and senator-judges alike cited the supposed disparity in the dispensation of justice for “lowly” persons and senior government officials.

Online observers commented that the dismissed clerk probably was elated by her revenge on Corona for having ordered her dismissal as suggested by the senator-judges citing the SC ruling..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20120530hea3.html

Malaysia supports RP call for Unclos resolution to Panatag standoff 05/30/2012

Malaysia supports RP call for Unclos resolution to Panatag standoff

05/30/2012
Malaysia has voiced out support for the Philippine position that the resolution of the Panatag Shoal dispute with China should be based on the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Vice President Jejomar Binay revealed yesterday.

In a related development, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Voltaire Gazmin held a bilateral talk with his Chinese counterpart — Defense Minister Liang Guanglie — in Cambodia where they agreed to keep the communication lines open amid the continuing standoff at the disputed Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal.

In Binay’s meeting at the Malaysian Prime Minister’s office, Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Sri Najib Tun Razak had favored the participation of member-countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) who were also claimants to the Spratlys in talks to resolve the Panatag dispute..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20120530hea6.html

Garbage trucks with onboard compactor pushed 05/30/2012

Garbage trucks with onboard compactor pushed

05/30/2012
Lawmakers have filed a bill requiring Local Government Units (LGUs) to use garbage trucks with onboard compactor for the collection and transportation of solid wastes.

Buhay Reps. Irwin Tieng and Mariano Michael Velarde said House Bill 6117 aims to address the increasing volume of garbage in every household or community and the need to advance the country’s system of collection and disposal.

The bill seeks to require the use by garbage trucks of onboard compactor that compacts solid wastes while in transit. It is also in keeping with the goal of Republic Act 9003, otherwise known as “Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000,” to reduce solid wastes volume and adopt waste minimization measures..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20120530met4.html

3 Pinay teachers perish in Doha fire 05/30/2012

3 Pinay teachers perish in Doha fire

05/30/2012
Three Filipina teachers were among 19 people confirmed to have died at a shopping mall fire in Qatar, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.

The three women all worked at the Gympanzee Nursery School inside the Doha mall and died of smoke inhalation, DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez told AFP..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20120530met5.html

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