Canada heads for Afghan exit after 9 years at war focus 07/07/2011

Canada heads for Afghan exit after 9 years at war

focus

07/07/2011
KANDAHAR — After nine years, 157 troop deaths and more than $11 billion spent, Canada’s combat mission in Afghanistan finally comes to an end this week.

With popular support for the war sapped at home, some of the nearly 3,000 Canadian troops, based mainly in the dangerous battleground of Kandahar, have already started returning from Afghanistan, and the rest will follow soon.

In recent days and weeks, they have been completing their final patrols, packing up dusty outposts and gathering at the giant Kandahar airfield military base to debrief before starting to catch their flights home.

The official end of Canada’s hard-fought mission, which began in early 2002 a few months after the US-led invasion of the country, comes Thursday, and as other countries also announce partial troop withdrawals from the Afghan theater as Western voters tire of nearly a decade of war..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune
 
URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110707com3.html

Margie’s war: For all it’s worth (2) INSIDE CONGRESS Charlie Manalo 07/07/2011

Margie’s war: For all it’s worth (2)

INSIDE CONGRESS

Charlie Manalo

07/07/2011
Margie’s all-out offensive against the previous administration, particularly targeting her predecessor at the PCSO may be a two-pronged attack anchored on one thing: Greed.

Firstly, it is said that she wants to transform the PSCO into a family enterprise and milk the charity institution dry of its resources. And second, with the first phase now in full swing, Margie may be ensuring that she remains at the helm of the PCSO even as her mandated term had already expired.

Building her business empire out of the PCSO, Margie appointed her sons to sensitive positions in the charity institution and entrusted to herself the sole responsibility of the PCSO checks and entering into contracts with suppliers..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110707com5.html

Japanese say ‘I do not’ with divorce ceremonies FEATURE 07/07/2011

Japanese say ‘I do not’ with divorce ceremonies

FEATURE

07/07/2011
TOKYO — The smartly-dressed Japanese husband and wife stand side-by-side, surrounded by close friends, in front of a clergyman-like figure. He asks them to smash their wedding rings with a hammer.

Hiroki Terai is a self-styled “divorce planner” who conducts solemn ceremonies during which he invites couples to show their disaffection for one another before they — in most cases — walk away smiling.

“I don’t think the concept of divorce is a negative thing,” said Terai. “Instead of spending a lifetime bickering, it is much better to wrap up the relationship and restart separately.”.... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110707com6.html

‘Same Sex Marriage’ VIEWPOINTS Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz 07/07/2011

‘Same Sex Marriage’

VIEWPOINTS

Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz

07/07/2011
Same sex understanding. Same sex friendship. Same sex collaboration. These and similar phenomena are not only logical but also acceptable, not only foreseeable but likewise comprehensible. Even same sex attraction is an on-the-ground reality. The fact alone that a man is said to be “gay” and a woman is qualified as a “lesbian” — does not necessarily diminish their human dignity, much less deny their human personhood.

In other words, in the light of reason and ethics, homosexuals remain integral members of society and wherefore remain entitled to respect and pursuant deference as human beings. In the sphere of faith and morals, homosexuals must be loved such as by pointing out and reminding them of the pertinent and existent realities and truths — such as about the inherent nature and intrinsic finalities of marriage..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110707com7.html

Activist solons slam, HLI welcomes SC Luisita ruling 07/07/2011

Activist solons slam, HLI welcomes SC Luisita ruling

07/07/2011
Militant lawmakers yesterday deplored as betrayal of the farmers’ cause the Supreme Court (SC) decision revoking the 1989 Stock Distribution Plan (SDP) in Hacienda Luisita and instructing the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to hold a new referendum among concerned farmers.

Anakpawis Rep. Rafael Mariano noted that there is still no closure to the Luisita land dispute as the SC decision failed to address the land problem in Hacienda Luisita spanning for more than five decades and failed to give justice to the demand of farmers to own the lands they till.

“The SC decision legitimized the persisting landlessness and social inequality in Hacienda Luisita. Farmer-beneficiaries and farm workers in Luisita are demanding for land, not referendum or shares of stocks,” Mariano said, adding he supports the Luisita farmer-beneficiaries’ position to reject the SC decision,
boycott the referendum and continue fighting for their right to land..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110707hed2.html

Piatco asks $10-M judge to inhibit EXCLUSIVE By Ninez Cacho-Olivares Editor-in-Chief 07/07/2011

WITNESS’ DEPOSITION, TAPE ON MAGISTRATE’S EXTORT TRY READIED

Piatco asks $10-M judge to inhibit

EXCLUSIVE

By Ninez Cacho-Olivares Editor-in-Chief 07/07/2011

Following The Daily Tribune’s exposé on the alleged $10 million for just compensation to the Philippine International Airport Terminal Co. (Piatco) on the government’s expropriation issue, the consortium yesterday filed an addendum on its motion for Judge Eugenio de la Cruz to inhibit himself from the case, citing the newspaper’s report on the extortion attempt, stating that the “revelation, whether true or not, cast aspersions on the integrity of the Decision and serious doubts on the ability of his Honor to act on the issues pending with the court with the cold neutrality of an impartial, disinterested and unaffected judge.”

A source close to Piatco told the Tribune that it is mulling a move to have the Integrated Bar of the Philippines disbar the judge on account of the extortion attempt as well as the consortium’s move for administrative sanctions meted to the same judge before the Supreme Court..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110707hed1.html

DoJ should indict Rabusa, says retired gov’t auditor By Benjamin B. Pulta 07/07/2011

DoJ should indict Rabusa, says retired gov’t auditor

By Benjamin B. Pulta 07/07/2011

A retired government auditor wanted the Department of Justice (DoJ) to reconsider its decision placing whistleblower Col. George Rabusa under the state witness protection program (WPP) and said the former military budget officer should himself be indicted.

In an open memorandum, retired former state auditor Arturo Besana said the government should consider “that the cloak of witness protection Rabusa be removed and that he (Rabusa) himself be placed under the bar of justice just like the rest whom he unjustly accused.”

“Why Rabusa placed under the witness protection program? Rabusa was involved in schemes aimed at looting the military’s coffers.He admitted having P200 million deposit in a private bank,pocketed P500,000 as private allowance, amassed illegally an additional P17 million and was charged by the Ombudsman for lying, for dishonesty, for grave misconduct, for conduct unbecoming of a public officer and for violation of the anti-graft and corrupt practices act,” Besana said..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20110707nat1.html

Villar urges gov’t to prepare for ‘Saudization’ 07/07/2011

Villar urges gov’t to prepare for ‘Saudization’

07/07/2011
Sen. Manny Villar yesterday urged government to prepare for the effects of the Saudization program, including a plan of action to assist workers who may be displaced as companies in Saudi Arabia prioritize hiring of their own people.

“There is a need to adopt a comprehensive and responsive legislation and plan of action that can support and assist migrant workers who may be displaced,” Villar said.

The Nitaqat system took effect last month to fully implement the Saudization program, which refers to the national policy of Saudi Arabia to encourage employment of Saudians in the private sector and reduce unemployment which currently stands at 10.5 percent.

“While the new system does not cover household service workers, the fact that about 90,000 OFWs working in small establishments could be affected, is a cause for concern. Workers may be displaced as companies only have until September to comply with the policy,” he said..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20110707nat6.html

Two witnesses positively identify one of suspects who killed yoga teacher By Gina Peralta-Elorde 07/07/2011

Two witnesses positively identify one of suspects who killed yoga teacher

By Gina Peralta-Elorde 07/07/2011

The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) yesterday disclosed that two witnesses had positively identified one of the suspects, said to be a member of the notorious Dominguez car theft group, who shot dead a female yoga teacher then ran her over with her own car on Kamuning Road last month.

QCPD director Supt. George Regis said the two witnesses — who did not know each other — positively identified Rolando Tablan alias Eduardo Fernandez in a picture shown them.

Tablan, according to the two witnesses, was the one who shot dead Maria Teresita Teaño, a yoga teacher, in front of the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University, a meditation center on Kamuning Road corner T. Gener Street in Quezon City on broad day light last June 15..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20110707met5.html

Arroyos deserve life term for various crimes they committed — ‘JV’ Ejercito By Gerry Baldo 07/07/2011

Arroyos deserve life term for various crimes they committed — ‘JV’ Ejercito

By Gerry Baldo 07/07/2011

If the camp of former President Joseph Estrada would act as judge in the numerous crimes allegedly committed by the Arroyos, it would penalize them with life imprisonment.

According to San Juan Rep. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, the Filipino people have suffered much under the Arroyos and that it is but proper that they be held accountable for their actions.

“For the reason that they have taken advantage of the Filipino people, they should be sentenced with life imprisonment,” Ejercito said yesterday.

Among the cases that are pending against the Arroyos are two plunder cases in connection with their alleged misuse of over half a billion pesos in funds from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Fertlizer fund scam..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20110707met1.html

Losing proposition FRONTLINE Ninez Cacho-Olivares 07/06/2011

Losing proposition

FRONTLINE

Ninez Cacho-Olivares

07/06/2011
The Supreme Court (SC) ruling that upheld the revocation of the Stock Distribution Option (SDO) plan that gave Hacienda Luisita farmers shares of stock in Hacienda Luisita Inc. (HLI) in lieu of land ownership in the Aquino-Cojuangco sugar estate merely brought the farmers’ decades-old fight for what they believe to be theirs -- by virtue of the sale contract between the Cojuangcos and Tabacalera decades ago stipulating that the farmers would be granted land --- is back to where it was during Corazon Aquino’s time as president of the republic.

Ironically, this SDO issue crops up again, at a time when Cory’s son is now in Malacañang and once again, the farmers are going to be shortchanged — the third time over.

The first time was when the Cojuangco family reneged on the condition of the sugarland sale. The second time was during Cory’s time, when she circumvented the CARP law by coming with that SDO scheme with an election where it was reported, had the military looking over the farmer-electorate voting ways.

The third time is the SC’s decision in having yet another polling exercise for farmers to again go into the SDO scheme..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110706com2.html

‘Mining’ for dirt vs GMA EDITORIAL Click to enlarge 07/06/2011

‘Mining’ for dirt vs GMA

EDITORIAL

Click to enlarge

07/06/2011
From all indications, it certainly seems that Noynoy’s sole mission in his presidential life is to “develop” cases against his predecessor, with the “success” of this mission as his “greatest achievement,” while the more important aspects of the presidency and governance are being brushed aside.

And he seems so proud of the fact that it is on his orders that cases against Gloria Arroyo are now being “developed” by the executive branch.

Noynoy’s term of “developed” in the context of cases of graft and possibly plunder against Gloria is interesting, because it indicates that he and his aides are scrounging around to dig up more dirt left by his predecessor. This in turn translates to his not having at this time, the goods with which to make a case against her but that he will do everything to ensure that Gloria gets charged, which could also mean coming with cases that may have no solid evidence to back them..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110706com1.html

Thailand’s fate rests on how Thaksin wields new power ANALYSIS 07/06/2011

Thailand’s fate rests on how Thaksin wields new power

ANALYSIS

07/06/2011
BANGKOK — Thailand’s hopes of emerging from years of political turmoil hinge on how a victorious opposition wields its new-found power, including a possible amnesty for its fugitive leader, experts say.

After overseeing a landslide victory by his Puea Thai party from self-imposed exile, Thailand’s controversial former leader Thaksin Shinawatra is widely expected to pull the strings in the new government.

It marks a dazzling comeback for the Thaksin camp five years after the nemesis of the Thai establishment was ousted by the army, with his sister Yingluck now set to become the nation’s first female prime minister.

Yet hasty attempts to bring him back as a free man would likely rattle his powerful enemies and threaten his sister’s tenure, as well as the stability of the kingdom, which is deeply split between his supporters and enemies..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110706com3.html

Governance C.R.O.S.S.R.O.A.D.S Jonathan De la Cruz 07/06/2011

Governance

C.R.O.S.S.R.O.A.D.S

Jonathan De la Cruz

07/06/2011
Let’s be very clear about things. It is not true that Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio did not even feel sorry for losing her temper and castigated then punched court sheriff Abe Andres in full view of the cameras for not giving in to her request to stay the court ordered demolition. She said she blew her top as she was already neck deep in responding to the needs of the flood victims in another part of the city and she just could not understand why the sheriff had to proceed with the demolition when all she asked was two hours to ensure that no violence erupted when the crews moved in. She did not object to the demolition; she was trying to ease things knowing as she did that there was resistance to it which if not properly handled could erupt into violence. Which it did before she got into the scene. And, then, after saying all those things about the courts, i.e., the withdrawal of assistance, allowances, and the like, in the heat of the moment, she got back and said she offered to take care of Andres’ hospitalization and advised one and all that she was ready to face the consequences of her actions..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110706com4.html

Walk the talk, solon dares Aquino on Arroyo exposés By Angie M. Rosales and Virgilio J. Bugaoisan 07/06/2011

.Walk the talk, solon dares Aquino on Arroyo exposés
By Angie M. Rosales and Virgilio J. Bugaoisan 07/06/2011

Despite the frequent breast-beating of President Aquino about what he claimed as numerous anomalies that took place during the term of his predecessor President Arroyo, a senator noticed yesterday the slow pace that his administration is taking to do something about such allegations or to “walk the talk” so to speak.

Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano scored what he noted as slow pace of Palace action on alleged irregularities committed by the previous administration.

But even as he aired his displeasure on the Aquino administration, Cayetano is urging Malacañang to conduct a parallel probe into the alleged misuse of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) funds which the two Houses of Congress are now poised to investigate.... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110706hed3.html

Noy: RP-China conflict Gloria’s fault By Virgilio J. Bugaoisan and Michaela P. del Callar 07/06/2011

AQUINO’S BLAME GAME ESCALATES

Noy: RP-China conflict Gloria’s fault

By Virgilio J. Bugaoisan and Michaela P. del Callar 07/06/2011

The blame Gloria game has become much too ridiculous.

Except perhaps for the devastation caused by typhoons that regularly visit the Philippines, especially at this time of the year, the rest of the country’s problems — past and present — are all caused by former President Arroyo in the eyes of President Aquino as he blamed her again, this time for causing the diplomatic row between the Philippines and China.

In his speech during the 113th Anniversary of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Aquino singled out the Arroyo administration as being responsible for aggravating the disagreement between China and the
Philippines in relation to each country’s claims in the Spratlys group of Islands.

Aquino accused Arroyo of approving the inclusion of Manila-claimed territories, such as the Reed Bank near Palawan, in a joint oil exploration in 2005 between the Philippines and rival claimants China and Vietnam..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110706hed1.html

Davao mayor accountable for beating Sheriff By Gerry Baldo 07/06/2011

Davao mayor accountable for beating Sheriff

By Gerry Baldo 07/06/2011
The Department of Interior and Local Governments (DILG) should act on the beating incident involving Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

House Deputy Minority Leader and Zambales Rep. Ma. Milagros “Mitos” Magsaysay said sanctions should be meted to Duterte-Carpio even if court Sheriff Abe Andres decided not to press for charges because it will set a precedent.

“Dapat parusahan siya (Duterte-Carpio), inaantay ko kung ano ang magiging desisyon ng DILG dito because this will be a precedent,” Magsaysay said yesterday.

Diwa party-list Rep. Emmeline Aglipay agreed with Magsaysay, saying the DILG should at least investigate Duterte-Carpio administratively..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20110706nat3.html

Death toll from landslides in Bukidnon reaches 7 By Mario J. Mallari 07/06/2011

Death toll from landslides in Bukidnon reaches 7

By Mario J. Mallari 07/06/2011

Two more children have died after a third landslide hit in Valencia City, Bukidnon, bringing to seven the death toll from the disaster spawned by continuous heavy rains in the province for several days now.

National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) executive director Undersecretary Benito Ramos confirmed that the third landslide that struck in Barangay Tongan Tongan buried two children, whose identities were not immediately available.

Last Monday, two landslides hit Barangay Lumbayao also in Valencia City killing at least five people while several others remained missing..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20110706nat1.html

BI men at NAIA tightly screen Pinoy tourists bound for Bahrain 07/06/2011

BI men at NAIA tightly screen Pinoy tourists bound for Bahrain

07/06/2011
Immigration officers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport have been ordered to tightly screen Filipino tourists bound for Bahrain following reports that many of them ended up becoming undocumented contract workers in the Middle East country.

Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. issued the order after the Philippine Embassy in Bahrain alerted the bureau about the practice of many overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who travel to the kingdom on visitor’s visas but later convert them to work visas once they find an employer.

At the same time, David assured Ma. Corazon Yap-Bahjin, Philippine ambassador to Bahrain, that airport immigration officers are continuously exercising vigilance and thoroughly screening Filipino tourists bound for Bahrain and other countries known to be favored destination of OFWs..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20110706met3.html

2 nursing board execs fired for exam leakage By Arlie O. Calalo 07/06/2011

2 nursing board execs fired for exam leakage

By Arlie O. Calalo 07/06/2011

Two members of the Board of Nursing of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) were found guilty of leaking the questionnaires for the board exams in 2006, the Office of the Ombudsman said yesterday.
Ordered dismissed from the service were Anesia Buenafe-Dionisio and Virginia Diolola-Madeja, acting Ombudsman Orlando Casimiro said. Dionisio was assigned to Psychiatric Nursing while Madeja was examiner in Medical Surgery Nursing.

In the 32-page decision, the anti-graft office established that majority of Dionisio’s test questions had reached the reviewees of the RA Gapuz Review Center in Baguio City and Institute for Review and Special Studies in Manila..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20110706met1.html